Kaua‘i Fire Department 35th Recruit Class Rescues Injured Hiker at Secret Falls

Kaua‘i Fire Department recruits training on the Uluwehi Trail, also known as Secret Falls, located and evacuated a 64-year-old visitor from Illinois after a call shortly after 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 27. The 35th Recruit Class secured the injured hiker in a rescue litter, transported her by canoe to shore, and turned her over to Kapa‘a Fire Station personnel who then transferred her to American Medical Response for further care; the scene was cleared shortly after 12:05 p.m.

The recruits were conducting scheduled training focused on rescue techniques and equipment use when the dispatch reported a hiker had fallen and struck her head and that she might be transported downriver by kayak to Kamokila Village. Training Bureau Captain Micah Mokuahi and Training Officer Firefighter I Levi Miyashiro supervised the operation on the trail as recruits moved to locate the patient.

Kaua‘i Fire Department posted a short account on its Facebook page noting, "A group of Kauai Fire Department recruits jumped into action to rescue a nearby hiker while they were in the area training." Members of the 35th Recruit Class identified in media reports include Jason Kuwada, Elliott Leon, Clifton Oliver, Eric Oroc, Kyle Oswalt, Makana Shamblin, Ikaika Vidinha and Canaan Washburn.

Initial information to dispatch suggested the hiker would be brought downriver by kayak, and Kapa‘a personnel searched for a safe docking point after kayakers on the river reported not seeing anyone injured. Instead, the recruits located the woman on the Uluwehi/Secret Falls trail, packaged her in a rescue litter and conveyed her by canoe to shore where Kapa‘a crews assumed care and arranged transport to AMR.

Kaua‘i Fire Department Chief Gibson praised the recruits’ response, saying, "We are fortunate that our 35th Recruit Class was in the right place at the right time." Chief Gibson added, "I’m very proud of them and their training, quick thinking, and teamwork that ensured the hiker’s safety. Their actions reflect the dedication and spirit of service that define our department."

Kauai Now and KITV noted that video of the rescue was posted to KFD’s Facebook and Instagram accounts. Media accounts and the department’s posts did not release the hiker’s name, and no additional medical condition or hospital destination was provided beyond the transfer to American Medical Response. Training Bureau Captain Micah Mokuahi and Training Officer Levi Miyashiro are listed by Island News as the supervising officers for the recruit-led rescue.