HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 646 Draft 01 1976-1980RESOLUTION NO. 646
EN
WHEREAS, on March 27, 1980, surfer Greg Saunder, 20, of
Captain Cook, Kona, was body surfing at Punaluu Beach Park and
got caught in the receding torrential tide which took him
outward from the rocky shores without any floatation devices or
fins, and thus he panicked and became exhausted; and
WHEREAS, surfer and would-be rescuer Patrick Galapir, 20,
of Pahala, Ka'u, dove into the chilly rough water without any
life support equipment - fins, floatation devices or diving
equipment, thus risking his own safety, swam to Greg Saunder and
reassured him by remaining calm and managing to keep Greg afloat
on top of the receding tide instead of fighting against the
current; and
WHEREAS, many witnesses who viewed the two floating toward
South Point from Punaluu summoned the Hawaii County Firemen for
assistance; and
WHEREAS, even with the high risk of causing possible damage
to his boatdby rough waters near the rocky coastline, Arnold L.
Howard, 56, of Punaluu, Ka'u, volunteered to use his boat for
the rescue; and
WHEREAS, Fireman Harding Fragas riding on the boat with
Howard plucked the would-be victims from their watery grave
with assistance from Fireman Alvin Enos who was waiting on the
rocky shores of Punaluu Bay; and
WHEREAS, the Fire Department helicopter from the Waiakea
Rescue Station was dispatched to give the location of the victims.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY
OF HAWAII that it recognizes and congratulates Patrick Galapir
for his courage by keeping the panic stricken victim calm, reassur-
ingghim that they will be rescued if they will float with the
current instead of attempting to fight against said current.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that it extend commendation and
gratitude to boat owner Arnold L. Howard for operating and
volunteering the use of his boat 'even with the high risk of his
boat being damaged by the rough seas; and also fo Firemen Harding
Fragas and Alvin Enos who participated in this heroic rescue.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the County of
Hawaii send true copies of this resolution to Patrick Galapir,
Arnold L. Howard and to Firemen Harding Fragas and Alvin Enos.
Dated at Hilo, Hawaii, this 9th day of July , 1980.
INTRODUCED BY:
CON L MEMBER, COUNTY OF HAWAII
&A�rd-414-
/1 : _ -1 ,
Res. No....__._.�O_ �?
File No. --------
M. B. No. - -
Date: ----- _4U L_0 9 1981