Hawaii Police Department
Hilo Patrol Section
Lieutenant Gregory Esteban
Phone: 961-2213
June 30, 2008
Report No. C08020058

Media Release

Big Island police are investigating a paragliding crash Sunday (June 29) in South Kohala that injured a 43-year-old Kailua-Kona man.

Around 12:22 p.m., South Hilo Patrol officers and Hawaii Fire Department rescue personnel received a report of a paraglider on Mana Road in an area known as Puuloa. Rescue personnel arrived on scene and located the conscious victim, who apparently suffered leg and back injuries after the paraglider he was operating crashed while descending. The victim fell from a height of approximately 100 feet.

A witness reported that the paraglider fell out of a "thermal draft" while descending and was unable to maintain his altitude.

A rescue helicopter responded to the area and took the victim to Hilo Medical Center for initial treatment.  He was later transferred to The Queens Medical Center on Oahu. He is listed in serious but stable condition.          

Police have classified the case as a public accident.