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4 teens caught in rising Kalihi Stream suffer minor injuries


CTY WEATHER KALIHI - 28 MAY 2013- Water gushed past the Nalanieha St. Bridge in Kalihi Valley on Tuesday afternoon. Honolulu Star-Advertiser photo by Cindy Ellen Russell

Four teen-agers were treated at a hospital Tuesday after being caught in rising stream waters caused by a heavy downpour in Kalihi Valley in the area known as “Ice Ponds.”

Capt. Terry Seelig, Fire Department spokesman, said seven teen-agers from Pearl City went to Naohia Falls this morning to swim. Seelig said the group was heading back at about 11 a.m. when four of them were caught crossing Kalihi Stream.

Emergency Medical Services said three girls — two of them 17 years old and the third 16 years old —  and a 16-year-old boy were caught in the rising waters.

“The water started rising,” Seelig said, “and the four were caught, swept down stream until they managed to catch themselves on some rocks.”

All four teen-agers were taken in stable condition to a hospital. They were treated for minor scrapes and bruises, authorities said.

“They were very, very fortunate, Seelig said.

The National Weather Service has posted a flash flood warning for Oahu until 3:15 p.m. Tuesday.

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