A 70-year-old man has been reunited safely with his family after a remarkable search operation involving a specially trained K9 dog in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. David Arai, who is an experienced hiker, was reported missing after he was last spotted over 24 hours earlier in the popular national park, prompting urgent action from local authorities.
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Arai’s son, Kaohe, informed local media that his father often hiked alone and was well-acquainted with the trails in the area. The alarm was raised just after noon on 19 October, when it became evident that Arai had not returned from his hike. In response to his disappearance and given his age, the police classed him as “endangered,” which escalated the urgency of the search efforts.
Initial efforts involved locating Arai’s rental vehicle within the park, but unfortunately, there was no sign of him in the vicinity. The Hawai’i Fire Department deployed a helicopter to conduct an aerial search but, like the ground search, this also proved fruitless.
Realising the gravity of the situation, law enforcement officials decided to enlist the help of Trina, a three-year-old Labrador retriever who is trained for live-find human tracking. Trina is a well-regarded member of the Hawai’i Island police K9 unit and has previously assisted in locating both missing adults and children.
Accompanied by Officer Christopher Ross, Trina began her search of the challenging terrain. The pair combed the area steadily for over seven arduous hours. Their efforts bore fruit when Trina located Arai approximately two miles from his vehicle. The sight was emotional, as Officer Ross recounted seeing Arai lying amidst the bushes, barely off the trail.
“The conditions were pretty bad going down that trail,” Ross described, explaining how Trina quickly settled beside Arai and licked his hand to signal that he had been found and was safe. The two were swiftly assisted by police officers who ensured Arai’s safe transport back along the trail.
Following the successful rescue, Arai was taken to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center for evaluation and treatment. He experienced dehydration and exposure but, thanks to the diligent work of the emergency responders and Trina, his life was saved.
Kaohe expressed profound gratitude for the efforts of all those involved, particularly highlighting the contributions of the K9 unit and Trina. “My father is extremely grateful,” he mentioned, adding that he had developed a fondness for the dog after seeing how she aided in the rescue. “If she ever retires and is looking for adoption, he’s open,” Kaohe remarked, showcasing his admiration for Trina’s skills.
Officer Ross echoed this sentiment, reflecting on the invaluable role Trina played in the search. “I don’t think there are any words to describe it. It’s a blessing just having this dog,” he stated, visibly moved by the successful outcome of the mission. “My last thought before I fell asleep was that we truly have an angel on our hands.”
This incident serves as a testament to the invaluable role that specially trained K9 units play in search and rescue operations, demonstrating not only the importance of training and preparation but also showcasing the bond between humans and their canine counterparts. As communities rally around the success of this operation, the story of Trina and Arai stands as a heartwarming reminder of hope in moments of uncertainty.