Fire crews have successfully resecued three hikers early this morning.
The boys went hiking with a group of people on Tuesday and ventured a little too far off the Kuliouou Ridge Trail.
At 6:30 p.m. Tuesday night, HFD units responded to a hikers in distress call on the Kuliouou Ridge Trail. Q-34, Rescue 1, Air-1 and Battalion 2 responded to this incident involving three young males in their teens, one of them who has a history of diabetes.
Parents of the young man initiated the call. HFD units attempted to reach the three hikers but due to the location of the three young men, the terrain involved and ultimately the loss of daylight, the search was prolonged into the early morning hours of July 1, 2009.
With the aid of a helicopter from HPD which is outfitted with night vision capabilities, HFD was able to come within 25 feet of the three hikers and drop a bag containing much need medication for the young man with diabetes and some fluids for rehydration.
After further discussions addressing safety issues, an HFD rescue specialist was taken up by HPD' s helicopter and he rappelled down to join up with the three young men.
He brought more supplies including warm clothing and additional lighting with him.
He linked up with the three young males shortly after 1:00 a.m.
The search was suspended at this point but HFD units remained at the scene for the rest of the morning until daylight broke and the rescue could resume.
HFD units resumed their rescue efforts at 5:41 a.m. and had the three hikers safely on the ground at 6:21 a.m. without any further challenges.
Although none of the three had suffered any injuries during the ordeal, EMS was called to the scene to conduct a precautionary assessment of the hikers.
