EDITORIAL
More warnings needed by Halona Blowhole

Most people watch the ominous Halona Blowhole blast ocean water and vapor high into the air from the highway lookout above. That's where a yellow sign warns visitors, "Hazardous Conditions, Do Not Go Beyond This Point."

But 18-year-old Daniel Dick of California approached the natural water spout over the rocks from Sandy Beach. As he leaned over the blowhole, a powerful spout thrust him into the air, and he plunged head-first into the mouth.

The next morning, rescue crews found his drowned body a short distance out to sea.

Common sense would keep most adults a safe distance from the spout. But teenagers are often drawn to danger, so there's no telling how close to the edge they might venture.

That doesn't mean we want to cordon off the Halona Blowhole. If we did that every time someone was killed by natural forces in Hawai'i, the Na Pali Coast trail and any number of outdoor attractions would be off-limits.

What we propose is that the county or state post one warning sign at the end of Sandy Beach where a rock shelf ascends to the blowhole and another on the other side at Halona Cove.

Meanwhile, we'd like to see a series of informational placards at the highway lookout area, similar to those at Haunama Bay and the Makapu'u Lookout, that explain the history and geography of the area. One sign could explain how a blowhole works, along with diagrams.

Another plaque could focus on the people who have died after falling into the blowhole. Those would include Tracy Rodrigues, 18, of Honolulu, who was squatting next to the hole trying to see inside when he was struck by the spout on April 13, 1986.

It might also pay tribute to Robert Barry Lee, 26, of Portlock, who was swept into the hole as he was trying to warn a young woman not to get too close to the opening.

And finally, we'd like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Daniel Dick and hope he is the last to fall victim to Halona's mighty power.