Woman swept over Piihonua Falls rescued

A Hawaii Fire Department rescue swimmer and county helicopter rescued a woman in her 30s who was swept over Piihonua Falls above Hilo town early this afternoon.

According to a written statement, seven units, including a county helicopter, responded to the 1:06 p.m. alarm. The woman was found below the 30-foot-high waterfall, clinging to the bank of the Wailuku River, which was swollen by recent heavy rains.

The helicopter lifted the rescue swimmer and the woman to safety.

The woman, who was described as being “in stable condition” was taken by ambulance to the Hilo Medical Center emergency room.