Hikers rescued on Kalalau Trail Friday
KALALAU – Two hikers were rescued on the Kalalau Trail on Friday.
7 Comments
KALALAU – Two hikers were rescued on the Kalalau Trail on Friday.
This is getting crazy. Sending expensive rescue helicopters in to pick up hikers who obviously bite off more than they can chew. Taxpayers are being reamed for the foolishness of inexperienced, out-of-shape hikers who get air-lifted out and then decline medical treatment.
You need a permit to hike the Kalalau trail. We need two things:
1. a clause in the permit application whereby permitted hikers agree to pay $2500 if they sustain an injury that requires evacuation, with their credit card information on record.
2. a law which declares a $2500 fine for anyone caught hiking there without a permit.
I would be willing to bet that calls for a rescue copter would be seriously reduced.
A wrist injury? A “possible” knee injury? Are these children? Elderly? No, 100% these are visitors – probably out of shape too. You don’t call for a helicopter just because you hurt your wrist – you’re endangering others just because of your own laziness and stupidity. Hike out with a little pain! Or sit by the pool and stay out of the jungle. This newest batch of tourists is THE WORST by far I have ever seen. So much entitlement and zero clue of how to behave on a small island. Please all you – go to Maui! That’s a great place – they got malls and Coach stores and all that.
We just paid for another Free Ride out of the Far Lands, while taxpayers can’t afford the time and money to go.
There is another way. Kokee. Road. But this takes you 3-4 days under the stars. 15 miles about. Many people have done it. Harder. Lots of food and water to bring. Waimea side.
Facebook has pictures. They went Kokee way in. Kalalau lookout. So they climbed down to the beach. I think that is a club. But only the strong excel. Really.
Enough of this type of laziness and abuse of hospitality!
Hiked the Kalalau Trail on my 70th birthday. in one day and out the next. One of the most spectacular places on the planet! In 35 years of hiking the trail I have never seen a ranger enforcing any rules. We need to step up enforcement and protect this special place. Its not only tourist but many locals back there without permits. Ive seen trash piled up at Hanakoa for years. Lets clean it up and enforce the rules. I love Kauai but tourists are not the only problem. Lets use some of the taxes generated by tourists and clean up and maintain the Kalalau Trail for future generations.