9 Rescued from Waiheʻe, Trapped by Rising Stream

Nine people were airlifted to safety after becoming stranded due to a quickly rising stream in Waiheʻe Valley on Sunday afternoon.

Maui Fire Captain Paul Haake said the bridge was washed out and residents were unable to cross back to the other side of heavily flowing stream.

The incident was reported at 12:51 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018 in the area known as the “Swinging Bridges.”

Personnel from Engine 1 out of Wailuku hiked to the area and located the individuals. Crews from Rescue 10 out of Kahului used the department’s Air 1 helicopter to airlift the stranded hikers to safety.

No injuries were reported.

The incident was one of three rescues conducted by the department on Sunday afternoon. The others included the rescue of 16 people at the Wailuku River in ʻĪao Valley; and the rescue of an injured hiker at Nākālele in West Maui.