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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Tuesday, January 7, 2003

Experts advise hikers to leave itineraries, stay on marked trails

 •  Hiker, 58, rescued after night in Wai'anae Valley

By Scott Ishikawa
Advertiser Staff Writer

After the death of hiker George Morishima in Nu'uanu Valley last week, hiking safety experts are advising hikers not to venture off marked state trail routes and to provide an itinerary to family and friends.

The body of Morishima, found Saturday, was in a steep ravine well off the Judd Trail above Nu'uanu Pali Road. He was reported missing Dec. 29 after he had gone there to look for bamboo shoots and pepeiao, or black tree fungus, for traditional Japanese New Year's food dishes.

The city medical examiner's office was expected to release the cause of Morishima's death today.

Mabel Kekina of the Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club said Morishima was an athletic outdoorsman and avid hiker who frequented the Nu'uanu trails.

Kekina, who assisted the Morishima family in searching for the 78-year-old man, said hikers of all levels need to follow certain rules.

"This wasn't the case of a novice or first-time hiker getting overwhelmed," Kekina said last week. "I guess the best advice for any hiker would be to pace yourself and know your limits."

Curt Cottrell, state trails manager for the Department of Land and Natural Resources, said staying on the marked trail routes and letting loved ones know where you are headed could make it easier for rescue crews during an emergency.

"If you are a tourist, let the hotel concierge know where you are going," Cottrell said.

Cottrell said DLNR officials have set up a Web site at www.hawaiitrails.org providing a description of each state trail, distance and the difficulty level. He advised not taking unmarked trails used by expert hikers and hunters.

"The state tries to keep most of its trails clear by a three-foot width," he said. "If you see a smaller trail detouring off, I would recommend not taking it."

Kekina and Cottrell had these hiking safety tips:

  • Never hike alone.
  • Bring along sufficient sun block and drinking water. Also take a bright handkerchief and/or mirror to signal rescuers in the event of an emergency.
  • Wear/take proper hiking attire, including footwear with treads to prevent slipping and appropriate rain gear or a windbreaker. A garbage bag can be converted into a homemade windbreaker.
  • Avoid starting hikes after lunchtime, especially during the wintertime when the sun goes down earlier. If lost at night, wait for daylight.
  • Join a hiking club that can give you experience on exploring the various trails.
  • Take along a cellular phone. Honolulu Fire Department Capt. Richard Soo said a cell phone saved the life of a 58-year-old man Monday after he fell 200 feet from a Wai'anae Valley trail.

"Taking along a cell phone can make it that less difficult for rescue crews to find you," Soo said.

The Fire Department responded to 55 land search calls last year, and 51 in 2001.

In addition to a cellular phone, Kekina carries a two-way walkie-talkie set that she uses to communicate with other club members on organized hikes.

"Sometimes the cell phone reception doesn't reach all areas, so we (trail club) members take along the two-way radios," she said. "You can buy a pair at an electronics store, and they usually have a range of about two miles. There is no such thing as being too safe."

Reach Scott Ishikawa at sishikawa@honoluluadvertiser.com or at 535-8110.