Families identify Marines missing after helicopters crash off Haleiwa

KHON: Families on the mainland are coming forward, saying their loved ones are among the missing Marines….

read … Families 

HNN: Windward Oahu residents, businesses rally around Marines

SA: High seas hamper search effort  

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Our hopes are for a safe rescue

News Release from House Republican Caucus, January 15, 2016

Honolulu - "My thoughts and prayers are with the 12 Marines and their families during this devastating time. I continue to remain hopeful for the swift location and safe return of our brave service members," said the Minority Caucus Leader Representative Beth Fukumoto Chang.

As the search efforts continue, our staff's and Representatives' hopes are for a safe rescue of all service members involved. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. We extend our deepest respect, admiration, and appreciation for our brave men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line every day in defense of freedom and liberty both at home and abroad.

From his office at the State Capitol, Minority Floor Leader Representative Feki Pouha told his staff, “Regarding the crash of two Marine helicopters off the shore of Haleiwa last night, on behalf of the Haleiwa community and the rest of District 47, we express our support for the rescue effort currently being carried out by the U.S. Coast Guard, Honolulu Fire Department, as well as other agencies involved. Best wishes and prayers go out to the families of the 12 missing crewmen involved in last night’s incident, in hopes of a successful rescue operation. In addition, I want to encourage residents to please stay away from the area so as to not hamper the ongoing rescue efforts of the Coast Guard and other agencies.”

“My husband Scott, who is a firefighter with the Honolulu Fire Department, responded to the call for last night’s helicopter crash in the Waialua area. Our hearts and prayers are with the families of the 12 service members who are missing,” concluded Representative Lauren Kealohilani Matsumoto.

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BOATER ACCESS TO HALEIWA SMALL BOAT HARBOR IS LIMITED DURING EMERGENCY RESCUE EFFORTS FOR DOWNED HELICOPTER CREWS

News Release from DLNR January 15, 2016

HONOLULU --  Portions of the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Haleiwa small boat harbor are being used as an emergency command center authorized by the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, and set up by the Honolulu Police Department during multi-agency rescue efforts today for the missing crews of two Marine Corps helicopters which collided last night off Haleiwa. Officers from DLNR’s Division of  Conservation and Resources Enforcement are assisting by checking the shoreline from  Waialua to Kaena Point for any debris.

Entry roads to the harbor, one boat launch ramp and a trailer parking area are blocked as emergency vehicles and search helicopters are using the harbor premises.

High surf conditions, including 30 foot waves over the harbor breakwater, are expected to peak this afternoon and evening.  Although boaters may still use one launch ramp closest to Haleiwa Joe’s, they are advised to check marine advisory warnings calling for very high surf. Forecasters are predicting a large and dangerous swell that could bring waves as high as 40 feet to the north-facing shores today.

The Coast Guard is urging people to stay out of North Shore waters, citing a debris field from the collision of the helicopters that stretches for miles.

The adjacent Haleiwa Alii Beach Park will be closed to the public on Friday as crews use the beach as a recovery area in an ongoing military rescue operation, according to the Department of Parks and Recreation.

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