The Honolulu Fire Department is urging hikers to stop putting up slacklines on the mountains around Oahu as they create a significant danger to rescue helicopters.
HFD warned slacklines may collide with the aircraft or the rescuers, victims, or water buckets being hauled by the aircraft, according to a release.
Fire personnel have seen an increase in slacklines being rigged to mountainous areas, forcing aircraft to change course, and potentially jeopardizing life-saving efforts during rescue and fire incidents.
“Due to the location of rescue and wildland fire emergencies, the HFD’s flight operations are primarily at a low-altitude in valleys or on ridgelines. Unmarked wires or lines in the path of our aircraft are nearly impossible to spot while the aircraft is moving and present a very serious hazard to our personnel that can result in injury or worse, death,” said Senior Helicopter Pilot Joshua Yeager in a statement.
Yeager asked the public to keep HFD personnel and those they serve safe by not putting up wires in areas that can impact rescue and fire-fighting operations.
HFD also asked the public to report the locations of slacklines by calling 808-723-3473.