UPDATE: Lost Pig Hunters Rescued After Night in Makawao Forest
By Wendy Osher
(Update: Monday, Jan. 6, 2014)
A second pig hunter that was missing since Sunday night was located at around 11 a.m. today, according to Maui Fire Captain Jeff Kihune.
Authorities say the hunter found his way to Piʻiholo Ranch where he was located by ranch personnel.
According to department reports, the hunter was in good condition besides being thirsty and tired, and did not require medical attention.
The hunter told rescue personnel that he got separated from his hunting partner when it got dark, and he decided to hunker down until daylight, then work his way out.
The first hunter was located at around 7:30 this morning by a rescue helicopter.
Both hunters spent the night in the mountainous terrain, with the search initiated at 7 p.m. on Sunday night, Jan. 5, 2014.
(Posted: Monday, Jan. 6, 2014)
A pig-hunter lost overnight in the Makawao Forest Reserve was airlifted to safety this morning, with the search for a second hunter in progress, according to fire officials.
The two were reported missing on Sunday night, Jan. 5, at around 7 p.m. when they failed to return as planned.
One of the hunters was spotted at around 7:30 this morning by a rescue helicopter, according to the Maui Fire Department’s Captain Bram DenHaan.
The hunter was airlifted out of the reserve to a landing zone near one of the reserve’s parking lots, according to fire department reports.
The individual did not require any medical attention and reportedly told rescue workers that he became separated from the other hunter at around 4:45 p.m. on Sunday.
The search for the second hunter is in progress in the area above where the first hunter was found today.
***File cover photo courtesy: Forest & Kim Starr