Students Safe after Flash Flood Rescue at Waihee River

Waihe’e Valley, file photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Several kids are safe after a flash flood swept through the Waihe’e River this morning.

Crews were called to the scene at 9:29 a.m. to respond to a group of students that were caught in the flash flood about 100-feet upstream of the river mouth.

Authorities say two people from the group became separated on the north side of the stream.

Fire units responded, and upon their arrival, all students made it out to the banks of the stream, with five sustaining some bumps and bruises, according to Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga.

Authorities say the students were evaluated by Medics and did not require ambulance transport.

There were a total of 36 students and 10 adults in the group.  Sources say they were on an excursion with the Kamehameha Schools summer program.

Authorities with the Department of Land and Natural Resources were on scene to investigate at last report.

Responding crews included E-1,HM-10,R-10, and Air-1.

Officials with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources were also on scene conducting the investigation.