KAILUA-KONA — The family of a hiker who has been missing since Friday continues to search for the 27-year-old.
Kyle Brittain headed out alone Friday to hike the “Z” trail in Waipio Valley. He was last seen about 6:30 a.m. that day at the lookout.
Police and Fire Rescue suspended their search efforts Wednesday. But family and friends are intensifying their efforts to find Brittain.
They 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 adult hikers who can handle off-camber terrain for 6-10 hours at a time. Experienced SAR techs and those with experience rappelling who have their own equipment also are needed, as well as FAA drone pilots who can hike about 4-6 hours with their equipment.
Organizers also are trying to get a crew of four or more strong hikers who can stay overnight in Waimanu Valley.
Brittain’s father, Steve, posted Thursday on social media:
“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. …
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. …”
Steve Brittain said about 10 hikers, mostly family and friends, along with a private helicopter assisted in Thursday’s search. The search will continue today.
A Facebook page, Find Kyle Brittain, was set up to keep the community updated.
Email Laura Ruminski at lruminski@westhawaiitoday.com.