KAILUA-KONA — The family of a hiker missing since Friday continue to search for the 27-year-old although police and fire suspended their efforts on Wednesday.
Kyle Brittain headed out alone on Friday to hike the “Z” trail in Waipio Valley. He was last seen at the lookout around 6:30 a.m. that morning
Police and Fire Rescue conducted a search, before suspending it without encountering any sightings.
But family and friends are intensifying their efforts to find Brittain, putting the call out to any experienced hikers to volunteer their time.
They have set up a check-in tent at the Waipio Valley Lookout where volunteers can check in every day at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., or noon.
They are requesting fit adult hikers who can handle off-camber terrain for “six to 10 hours” at a time. Experienced SAR techs and rappelers with their own equipment are also needed, as well as FAA drone pilots who can hike about “four to six hours” with their equipment.
Organizers are also trying to get a crew of four or more strong hikers who can stay out overnight in Waimanu Valley.
Maui hiker Amanda Eller was found alive after being missing for 17 days in the Makawao Forest Reserve.
In a social media post Thursday, Kyle’s father Steve posted:
“It’s day six of the search for Kyle. Kyle’s brother Cade and his cousin Scott arrived last night to help in the search efforts. Additional family members are coming in tonight and tomorrow. The love and support for Kyle is phenomenal.
County search and rescue crew is finished with their role in this ordeal for the present time. We are currently searching phone records and if we receive any kind of information about the last known point Fire Rescue will jump in and go do additional searching. I can’t begin to express the gratitude I have for all the support that is coming out. Bring Kyle Home.”
Steve said that about 10 hikers, mostly family and friends, along with a private helicopter assisted in Thursday’s search.
Hikers will continue the search today.
A Facebook page, Find Kyle Brittain, has been set up to keep the community updated.
