DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM Sudden heavy rains yesterday on the windward side caused pooling of water on the roadways in Kailua. All islands except for Kauai can expect showers on the north-facing slopes today.

12 rescued from
flood on Kauai

2 groups of hikers were trapped
by water on the Na Pali Coast

---

Star-Bulletin staff

The Kauai Fire Department airlifted 12 people to safety who were trapped by a flooded stream on a Na Pali Coast trail, in what appears to be the most significant weather-related incident in the islands yesterday.

A cold front moving through the islands from the northwest to southeast yesterday dumped heavy showers and a few thunderstorms in Kauai and triggered a minor "flood statement" for the island of Oahu from 8 to 10:30 p.m. yesterday, said Roy Matsuda, lead forecaster with the National Weather Service.

At 8 p.m. last night, Matsuda said the front appeared to be weakening and said Maui County and the Big Island might not get large amounts of rainfall overnight. All islands but Kauai can expect some showers on north-facing slopes today, with Monday expected to be sunny and cool.

On Kauai, one of a party of seven members crossed a flooded stream about two miles up the Hanakapiai Trail, hiked to the trailhead at Kee Beach and called police about 5:30 p.m. yesterday. Another five hikers were also trapped on the trail. A Kauai Fire Department dispatcher said none of the hikers were prepared for overnight hiking and the rescue team wanted to get them out before dark.

All 12 people were taken by rescue helicopter to a hill about one-quarter mile out from the flooding. They then hiked the remaining 1-34 miles out, escorted by Hanalei rescue workers with flashlights.