A visiting California woman and her husband were recently rescued from Sacred Falls State Park on Oʻahu after the man fell off the trail and was seriously injured.

The woman told DOCARE officers she was staying at a property close to the park and decided to follow a streambed to explore the Sacred Falls area, which led them to trail.

The 67 year-old woman was issued a Civil Resources Violation System (CRVS) citation for a violation of HAR 13-146-4 (a) Closing of Areas under DLNR Division of State Parks Administrative Rules. This carries an administrative, non-criminal penalty of $1000.

In a press release, DOCARE Chief Jason Redulla commented, “It’s unfortunate this man was hurt so badly, though the incident could have been avoided had the couple known about the dangers of Sacred Falls and the reason it was closed more than 25 years ago. In addition to rock falls and eroding trails, first responders like the Honolulu Fire Department and Emergency Services put their lives at risk when they have to rescue people from the closed park.”

Sacred Falls State Park was closed  after a 1999 rockfall that killed eight people and injured 30 others.

DLNR Photo