HONOLULU (KHON2) — Firefighters on Kauai say they’re responding to more calls for non-emergencies, which puts both the public and rescue crews at risk. They’re hoping people can be more vigilant before going adventuring, or you could pay for it.
Firefighters on Kauai rescued a 59-year-old woman from Texas on Monday morning from the popular Kalalau Trail. It’s an 11-mile hike along cliffs and through valleys along the Na Pali coast. Officials say she called 911 because she wasn’t sure if she could make it back over the ridge.
“Exhaustion or fatigue or being tired, which were some of the terms used on this call, are not life emergencies,” said Chief Michael Gibson, Kauai Fire Department. “They’re not a life, a valid life rescue.”
Officials say calls like these are happening more often – a couple times a month now. They want to make sure 911 is used only for emergencies.
“Not only is there a life waiting to be saved, we’re putting at risk the life of the pilot, the firefighters, and the people on the ground every time we launch that helicopter,” said Gibson.
“It is a necessary function of county,” said Mel Rapozo, Kauai Council Chair. “And yeah, I wish I wish we could get it done cheaper.”
Officials say it costs $1,500 an hour just to fly the helicopter. A local law passed in 2015 allows Kauai County to get reimbursed if there was “intentional disregard” by the person. However, because the fire helicopter is classified as a public aircraft by the FAA, the county isn’t allowed to collect for flying – only for labor, equipment and fuel.
“No matter where you are in the United States of America, if you get if you get an accident and your ambulance takes you to the hospital, you get a bill,” said Rapozo. “I thought that would be the same for an air rescue.”
Officials say in the last five years, the county has collected just four times. And it’s only a few hundred bucks each.
Right now, there are at least six other states that have laws that allow them to be reimbursed for search and rescue operations under certain circumstances. However, there are a lot of groups that are against them, including the Honolulu Fire Department.
These groups say that these laws could deter people from calling those who actually need help, and it could make the situation worse by people calling later, so the search operations start later, or they could start later in the day, meaning they have to fight darkness.
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“We’re thankful that that person is okay and that ended without any serious injury,” said Gibson. “We’re here to help. We’re always going to be able to respond when life safety is at risk.”