Hawaii Island police announced that a 70‑year‑old hiker, David Arai, was safely rescued after a 24‑hour search in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The missing‑person report was filed around 12:16 p.m. on Oct. 19 after Arai’s son said his father, an experienced solo hiker, had not returned from a familiar trail in the Big Island’s Volcano region.
Search effort mobilizes local resources
Police quickly deployed a multi‑agency response. Officers on the ground combed the terrain while a Hawaii Fire Department helicopter provided aerial surveillance. The most decisive asset was K‑9 Trina, a three‑year‑old Labrador retriever trained to track people by scent. Trina, originally from Sweden, works with Officer Christopher Ross and has previously helped locate missing children and vulnerable adults throughout the islands.
At approximately 7:30 p.m., Trina picked up Arai’s scent and led officers to a trail about two miles from the spot where his rental car was found. Arai was lying on his back in a brushy area just off the trail. Ross reported that Trina gently licked the man’s hand, confirming his identity.
Rescue and medical care
First responders carefully lifted Arai and carried him back to the trailhead. He was then transported by ambulance to Hilo Benioff Medical Center, where doctors treated him for dehydration and exposure. Hospital staff said his condition was stable after receiving fluids and monitoring.
The swift coordination between police, fire, and the K‑9 unit underscores the importance of trained search‑and‑rescue teams in Hawaii’s rugged wilderness. The department’s press release highlighted that this marks the second successful location of a missing person by Trina in just two months, following a recent rescue of an endangered teenager in Waikoloa.
Community impact
Local residents expressed relief and gratitude for the rapid response, noting the dangers that age and isolation can pose on Hawaii’s challenging trails. The incident serves as a reminder for hikers, especially seniors, to inform family members of their routes and consider traveling with companions when venturing into remote areas.
Authorities continue to advise the public to stay prepared, carry sufficient water, and be aware of weather conditions that can quickly turn hazardous in volcanic terrain. The Hawaii Police Department encourages anyone planning hikes to review safety guidelines posted on their website.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
