A search team found a missing 72-year-old Hanalei, Kauai, woman in good condition Monday after she spent two nights — and Mother’s Day — in the woods near Kokee.
Pam Wilcox Dohrman was found at about 11:30 a.m. off Kaluapuhi Trail. She was dehydrated but otherwise in good condition, a county news release said.
Dohrman was reported missing late Saturday night after failing to return from a hike from her Kokee cabin.
Dohrman set out at about 2:30 p.m. on Berry Flat Trail, but she took a side trail and got lost in thick vegetation, the county said.
Dohrman had a cellphone but there was no signal. She decided to stay put so she wouldn’t further stray off course, the county said.
Wearing a light hooded jacket, Dohrman was equipped with a backpack of snacks and some water that she rationed, according to the news release.
On Sunday more than three dozen searchers, a Fire Department helicopter and a canine search team combed the area around Waininiua Trail, Berry Flat, Kumuwela Road and Kumuwela Trail. About 80 volunteers from the community, including Dohrman’s family members, also participated in the search, which resumed Monday.
Inclement weather kept the county helicopter grounded Monday. Rescuers and volunteers formed groups and covered the trails on foot.
Four men that made up one of the search groups called out Dohrman’s name while they were on Kaluapuhi Trail. Less than a mile from the trail head, Dohrman answered their calls.
Rescuers said they found her a quarter-mile off the trail, in a densely vegetated area beside a 100-foot cliff. They reported that she was coherent and in good spirits and health.
The four men took turns carrying her back up to the trail, where they were met by Dohrman’s family members, rescuers and volunteers. From there, rescuers used a board to carry her to the trail head.
Paramedics transported Dohrman to Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital, where she was treated and released.
"We are all so relieved that Pam has been found safe and healthy," said Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho. "Many prayers were answered today, and our entire community is rejoicing at the news of her return to her family and friends. Mahalo to the dozens and dozens of rescue workers and volunteers who kept the faith and searched tirelessly for the past two days."
