O'ahu briefs
Advertiser Staff and News Services
Hiker rescues keep firefighters busy
Firefighters were busy rescuing hikers yesterday as on-and-off rain and one burst of unjustified self-confidence left three people stranded on O'ahu trails and cliff sides. None of the hikers was seriously injured.
The first call came just before 2 p.m., when a 19-year-old woman sprained her ankle while hiking 'Aiea Loop trail. The woman and her party left the trail and the woman slipped on the rocks, said Capt. Richard Soo of the Honolulu Fire Department. Firefighters lowered a basket from a helicopter and lifted her out.
The second call came from the Manoa Falls trail around 2:50 p.m., after a 14-year-old boy slipped and injured his knee. Firefighters carried the boy out.
Firefighters rescued a man from the rocks above Makapu'u beach, near the lighthouse. Soo said a visiting 41-year-old man climbed the rocks, but got onto a small, high ledge and was unable to climb out. Firefighters lowered him from the ledge by helicopter.
Accident victim in fair condition
A 34-year-old Honolulu woman was in fair condition yesterday after the car she was driving crashed into a rock wall along Punahou Street.
The woman and a 31-year-old male passenger were in a 1998 Nissan Maxima heading south on Punahou Street around 4:32 a.m., when the car crossed the center line south of Nehoa Street and spun before striking a raised curb and rock wall.
The woman was taken to the Queen's Medical Center with internal injuries. The passenger also was hurt, but his injuries were not considered life-threatening.
Small plane crashes at airport
A small plane crashed nose-first into the ground Friday while attempting to land at Honolulu International Airport.
The plane, a consolidated Vultee L-13, similar to a Cessna, was piloted by its owner, who was uninjured, said state Department of Transportation officials.
His passenger suffered a 4-inch cut to his right shin but refused treatment.
The plane flew into a crosswind that caused it to dive, officials said of the 11:30 a.m. accident.
Hale'iwa raising money for sign
A community fund has been set up to help replace a Hale'iwa road sign stolen last month.
Donations can be sent to Hale'iwa Main Street, P.O. Box 878, Hale'iwa, HI 96712. Checks can be made to "Haleiwa Main Street," the organization that paid for the original $5,000 sign.
Mayor Jeremy Harris on Friday said he will lead a drive to raise money to replace the stolen hand-carved sign that directed visitors and residents to the Hale'iwa business community.
The sign was reported stolen March 18. Anyone with information should call the police.
