State to increase visitor education about ocean safety ADVERTISING State to increase visitor education about ocean safety HONOLULU (AP) — The state is working to increase ocean safety education for visitors in the wake of recent tourist drownings. Drownings are
State to increase visitor education about ocean safety
HONOLULU (AP) — The state is working to increase ocean safety education for visitors in the wake of recent tourist drownings.
Drownings are the leading cause of fatal injuries among nonresidents in Hawaii.
State Department of Health EMS and Injury Prevention Systems Branch spokesman Bridget Velasco said from 1995-2015, more than half of the ocean drownings in the state were nonresidents. Snorkeling and swimming were the top activities linked with visitor drownings.
Velasco, who is the state’s drowning prevention coordinator, is leading an advisory committee to help establish visitor education.
Authorities aim to cut crime against Japanese tourists
HONOLULU (AP) — Honolulu and Japanese authorities are teaming up with businesses in an effort to reduce crimes against Japanese visitors to the city.
“We’ve noticed that Japanese visitors are vulnerable targets. They’re targets of opportunity,” said Honolulu police Maj. Ryan Borges. “They drive around on these bikes with a basket on the front with their property inside.”
A Tokyo police detective met Friday with the Honolulu Police Department to discuss recent crimes targeting Japanese visitors.
The latest attacks include a woman who had her purse snatched last week and a tourist whose backpack was stolen while he was riding a bicycle two weeks ago.
Another Japanese visitor was injured last month in a drive-by-purse snatching near Lanikai Beach.
The police department is working to coordinate efforts with Kailua businesses to help keep customers from becoming victims. The department also is planning another meeting next month at the Japanese consulate with businesses and tour groups to discuss more ways to keep visitors safe.
Woman rescued from Pipiwai Trail
HONOLULU (AP) — Maui firefighters rescued a Pennsylvania woman who became injured while hiking in the Haleakala National Park with her husband.
Rescue personnel responded Sunday afternoon to an emergency call in the Kipahulu area of the park.
The 58-year-old woman, who injured both ankles, was found at the top of Pipiwai Trail near Waimoku Falls.
She was carried off by firefighters and transported to a Maui hospital for treatment.
