The Hawaii County Fire Department rescued two kayakers on Sunday after they apparently went into distress off the North Kohala Coast.
Responding to the 12:27 p.m. alarm, fire rescue personnel arrived at the scene, located near mile marker 9 on Akoni Pule Highway, where they met with the father of the kayakers. The department noted strong offshore winds, around 20 mph to 30 mph, white caps and strong currents.
The kayakers were then located by Chopper 2. One Hawaii County rescue swimmer was deployed from the helicopter to assist with a Billy Pugh net rescue. However, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Kiska, which was training in the area, arrived on the scene and rescued the two kayakers.
The kayakers were brought by the Coast Guard to Kawaihae Pier, where they declined medical attention.