HomeMy WebLinkAbout20230113KFD.pdfDEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: January 13, 2023
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
KAUA‘I FIRE DEPARTMENT
MICHAEL GIBSON, CHIEF
(808) 241-4980
Surfer assisted in waters off Hanalei Beach Wednesday during High Surf Warning
HANALEI – On Wednesday, a 24-year-old Kapa‘a man was assisted by first responders in waters
off Hanalei Beach during a High Surf Warning.
No injuries were reported.
Personnel with the Kaua‘i Fire Department’s Hanalei fire station and the Ocean Safety Bureau’s
North Roving Ski Patrol responded to the incident.
According to a preliminary report, shortly after 7:40 a.m. on Wednesday, first responders
received a call of a watercraft rescue near the Hanalei Pier.
Upon arrival, first responders observed giant surf with hazardous ocean conditions. First
responders on jet skis quickly located the surfer and assisted him to shore.
The scene was cleared at 8 a.m.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a High Surf Advisory for north- and west-facing
shores of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau in effect through Jan. 15 at 6 p.m. The advisory may be extended, dropped,
or modified as conditions develop.
Due to life-threatening ocean conditions, beachgoers are urged to stay well away from the
water and visit other lifeguarded beaches such as Kealia Beach, Lydgate Beach Park, Poipu Beach Park,
and Salt Pond Beach Park. Signs have been posted throughout the weekend.
For updated information on ocean and weather alerts, visit the NWS website,
www.weather.gov/hfo.
For up-to-date information about Kaua‘i ocean conditions and ocean safety, please speak to a
county lifeguard at any lifeguard station, visit www.hawaiibeachsafety.com, or call the Ocean Safety
Bureau at 808-241-4984.
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