Missing hiker found alive

A missing hiker was found Friday morning after a two-day search of the forest reserve near Naalehu.

The person was reported missing at 1:50 p.m. Thursday.

At 2:36 first responders were on-scene, where they met the person who reported the missing hiker. A search began and continued until dark without finding the man. Chopper one assisted in the search, but was unable to locate the hiker.

The forest reserve was described as “dense forest with thick canopy, severe landscape with high embankment rivers and waterfalls. Poor visibility from air and ground” by searchers.

They resumed the search about 6 a.m. and found the hiker “halfway down the waterfall” at 8:20 p.m.

The person was taken to the Ka’u emergency room, the department wrote.

Friday’s search involved 20 people, including 17 firefighters.