Firefighters rescue woman on Pali Trail
Firefighters went by helicopter to rescue a 65-year-old Lahaina woman who became stranded Thursday while hiking on the Lahaina side of the Lahaina Pali Trail, a fire official said.
A Wailuku engine company and Kahului rescue crew were dispatched at noon, with the engine company making contact with the hiker and deciding that using the Fire Department's Air One helicopter was the best option to rescue the hiker, said Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga.
A rescue firefighter was dropped off to stay with the hiker while a rescue basket was rigged for the helicopter at a landing zone, Mainaga said. He said the hiker was then airlifted to the landing zone and turned over to Lahaina medics.
The woman was dehydrated and lethargic but had no injuries, Mainaga said.
She reported starting her hike in Maalaea and making it to the one-mile marker before feeling faint.
Police closed the Wailuku-bound lane of Honoapiilani Highway during part of the rescue operation.
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Maui, Molokai will see more high surf
A high-surf warning for north-facing shores of Maui and Molokai has been extended to 6 p.m. today by the National Weather Service.
Surf is expected to build to 20 to 25 feet.
A high-surf advisory for west-facing shores of Molokai is in effect until 6 p.m. today. Surf is expected to build to 14 to 18 feet.
A large northwest swell was expected to build and peak Thursday night and diminish today. The lull will be temporary as a larger northwest swell is expected to build Saturday and Saturday evening, peaking above warning level on Sunday.
A high-surf warning indicates that dangerous waves will pound the shoreline and create dangerous swimming conditions and rip currents.
A high-surf advisory means that waves along shorelines will be higher than normal. Beachgoers are urged to stay out of the water and away from the hazardous shore break.
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Attorney from isle receives reprimand
Maui attorney Graham D. Mottola has been publicly reprimanded by the Disciplinary Board of the Hawaii Supreme Court.
The public reprimand arose from the commingling and mishandling of his clients' funds and for failing to return client funds upon termination of representation, a news release Thursday from the state Office of Disciplinary Counsel said.
A public reprimand does not prevent Mottola from practicing law, but it may cause the sanction for any future violations to be more serious than would otherwise be the case, the news release said.
Mottola, 53, is a graduate of California Western School of Law.
Mottola did not wish to comment on the board's action when reached by phone Thursday.
