HONOLULU (KHON2) — After spending 2024 hiking all the hikes on Oʻahu, KHON2.com’s Unfit Adventurer had the opportunity to see first-hand how Honolulu Fire Department personnel are trained for rescues.
There are usually quite a few rescues. From tourists who don’t know their own limitations to keiki who get caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, HFD is no stranger to the call for help.
But with so many rescues, folks across the island have been wondering why arene’t we charging for rescues. Because, surely this will deter so many calls, right? The question comes up again and again for HFD.
And with some counties in Hawaiʻi charging for certain emergency responses and Honolulu not charging, we asked HFD, should people pay for rescues when they call for help on trails or at the beach?”
Focus on safety
HFD officials emphasized that their stance on charging for rescues is firm and unwavering. Jaimie Song, the department’s public information officer, explained that the policy is rooted in both principle and practicality.
“So, each of these standpoints is against charging hikers or anybody that might be in need of rescue. And, so, we do not charge; and we do not seek any reimbursement for that,” Song said.
The department’s concern goes beyond money. It’s about saving time when time matters most and preventing worse injuries and more dangerous situations for HFD personnel because people are afraid how much it may cost.
“The reason that we don’t want to charge folks, we don’t want to delay any 911 care,” Song said. “So, if they’re going to hesitate in calling 911 because they’re worried about a charge until they get into an even worse situation.”
Delays, she added, can increase the danger for everyone involved.
“We want people to call 911 as soon as possible and not wait until maybe it’s darker and it presents more of a safety concern for us,” Song said.
What rescues cost
The department does not ignore the expense. “The cost per hour is about $2,700,” Song said of the department’s new Bell 429 helicopter.
That figure includes staff and equipment but much of it is already built into the operating budget.
“Personnel are going to be on duty 24/7 365 no matter what,” Song explained.
Song also said that in less than two months, the 429 helicopter was dispatched nearly 70 times that led to 30 people being rescued.
What the department wants
Song indicated that the department encourages residents to take advantage of outdoor spaces but also urges them to do so responsibly.
“We want people to enjoy the outdoors and to be outside, but to do it safely,” Song said.
That safety message is especially important for those planning activities like hiking or spending long days at the beach. Officials caution that preparation and self-awareness are key.
“Make sure you’re not getting into something you don’t have the fitness or experience for,” Song said.