Injured hiker is airlifted

Honolulu rescue personnel used a helicopter to help an injured hiker off a Lanikai hiking trail around noon Wednesday.

Firefighters got a call for an injured hiker near the top of Ka Iwa Ridge at 11:38 a.m. along the Pillboxes hiking trail in Lanikai, said Capt. Terry Seelig, Honolulu Fire Department spokesman.

Rescuers found a man and a woman who appeared to be in their mid- to late 60s and not from Hawaii, Seelig said. The woman, who had a leg injury, was flown to Lanikai Park.

A Department of Emergency Services spokesman said the woman, approximately 60, was taken in stable condition, with no life-threatening injuries, to a hospital.

Death ruled as drowning

The Medical Examiner’s Office says a 41-year-old Mililani man who was pulled out of the waters at Mokuleia Beach Park Monday morning died because of drowning.

Police, firefighters and city lifeguards arrived at Mokuleia Beach at 10:20 a.m. to find people trying to revive Vernon Roy Alameda.

Officials believe Alameda was either surfing or paddleboarding.

Workers flee ammonia leak

Seventeen workers at Coca-Cola Bottling Co.’s Mapunapuna’s facility evacuated their building early Tuesday morning following the accidental release of ammonia from the plant’s refrigeration unit.

The alarm was called in at 12:30 a.m. by someone riding a bike near the plant at 949 Mapunapuna St.

Two plant employees suffered minor respiratory and eye irritation, fire officials said, but were treated at the scene and released.

NEIGHBOR ISLAND

Group sues over access to crater trail

WAILUKU » A hikers group is suing Haleakala Ranch and the state to gain access to a historic horse trail that was used to reach Haleakala Crater until 75 years ago.

The Haleakala Bridle Trail fell into disuse when Haleakala Highway was paved and the way to the summit was opened to autos in 1935.

The Maui News reported Tuesday that the suit, filed by Public Access Trails Hawaii-Maui, says the trail is one of the most culturally and historically important on Maui. The lower reaches of the trail are now Piiholo and Olinda roads. From the top of Olinda Road, the trail passes onto Haleakala Ranch land.

The suit seeks public access to 3.3 miles of the trail up to the lower boundary of Haleakala National Park.

2 accused of illegal hunt and toting pot

Two North Kohala men killed a boar while illegally hunting at night and carrying marijuana earlier this month, Hawaii County police said.

Responding to a report of gunshots from possible illegal hunters near Cannery Road at about 9 p.m. Feb. 13, officers found a 30-year-old man and a 28-year-old man in a pickup leaving the area.

While checking the truck, the officers found hunting dogs and a wild boar carcass in the truck bed, police said. Officers also allegedly recovered marijuana and a rifle.

Both men were arrested for night hunting and third-degree promotion of a detrimental drug. They were released pending further investigation.

Capt. Richard Miyamoto of the North Kohala District said illegal hunting, which includes hunting at night, is a problem all over Hawaii island.