A Hawaii visitor is counting his blessings today. Harvey Miller, an attorney from Ohio, was snorkeling about 150 feet off shore when he felt something grab his leg.

He did the only thing you can do, when a shark’s got your leg. He punched it twice to the body, hoping it would let go. He was right, the shark released him. But as the shark swam away but he soon realized he did not have the use of his lower body. “I remember saying, ‘Oh God, not like this” he recounted, to an AP reporter.

He began calling for help and his pleas were answered by a man named “Ray“. “Ray” immediately swam out and assisted Miler to shore. “Ray” risked his own life to save someone else.

“He’s my hero.  I would not have made it out of the water without his assistance,” Harvey said.  “I owe my life to that man.”

Miler will recover, but it will be a long process. The shark bite ripped muscle tissue as well as nerve from his leg. The bite narrowly missed his femoral attery which could have been fatal.

 Miller may not walk for 2-3 months as he will require time to heal and rehabilitate.

While they occasionally happen, shark attacks are rare in Hawaii. Some ways to avoid sharks is to not swim at dusk, or murky water, and don’t wear bright sparking jewelry.

You can read more news stories about sharks in Hawaii, at this link: Click me.

If you interested in sharks, please check out the book, Sharks:

Aloha,
Albert Grande

http://bimwah.net
http://pizzatherapy.com
http://grandepublishing.com
http://pastatherapy.com

Go to:http://hawaiisecret.com

She came to Hawaii to get married. Her friends and family had given her money to make her dream of a Hawaii Wedding a reality. She decided to go to the beach for a swim. She left her bag with camera, identification, and money on the beach. She could keep an eye on it as she was in the water, she thought. Big mistake.

“I was coming out of the water, when he grabbed my bag” she explained. “I started srcreaming…and he ran right by the police staion and nobody did anything,”The Honolulu Star-Bulletin reported on 7/14/07.

In the bag was her identification, clothing, her cell phone and $350 in cash. The money was to pay for a surprise outer Island trip to Kauai.

This cockroach crook, took everything.

Luckily the aloha spirit is alive and well. She was referred to the Visitor Society of Hawaii, who will help out with some of her hotel expenses. Someone else gave the couple a $20.00 donation. She was indeed touched by the outpouring of help. Hopefully her wedding will not be ruined.

The police call it a “crime of opportunity.” If a would be thief sees an unattended item on the beach, he will strike.

The lesson here is clear: never, ever leave anything of value on the beach, unattended. Even for a minute. This victim was less than 20 feet from her belongings. It made no difference.  

You need to be careful. Do not ever take anything of value to the beach Never,  leave your valuables unattended. We need to let everyone we know, to take care.  Be aware and watch your back.

Leave your stuff in a hotel safe. Tell your hotel clerk to keep it for you. Don’t be another victim. Let’s take care of each other. 

 I’m tired of hearing about tourists getting ripped off. We need to let them know about the people out there who will steal from them if given the opportunity. So if you know someone who is coming to Hawaii, please give them a heads up. Don’t give these cockroaches of Hawaii (theives) another opportunity. Let’s not let a couple of crooks taint the good positive image of the Aloha state.

Be careful out there…

Aloha,

Albert Grande

http://bimwah.net
http://pizzatherapy.com
http://grandepublishing.com
http://pastatherapy.com

Go to:http://hawaiisecret.com

It happened again.  According to The Honolulu Advertiser (7/10/07) a hiker fell off a cliff while hiking, here in Hawaii. The headline says it all: Fall Victim Wasn’t On Designated Trail. 

Here is what happened. A sixteen year old, was hiking with some friends when he decided to waunder off the trail. He ended up falling off a cliff. He fell 25 feet and landed on some rocks. Luckily, a doctor who had been hiking nearby, was able to assist him until help arrived.

I have hiked dozens of trails on Oahu. I am not an expert by any meands, but I do know the trails. Here are two bits of advice for anyone hiking in Hawaii: 1) Make sure you bring plenty of water and 2) Stay on the trail. This is essential advice if you are going to hike in Hawaii.

I can’t emphasize  enough the importance of staying on the trail while you hike in the islands. For one, the foliage can make it seem you can safely step off the trial, but do not be fooled. You could be stepping into outer space. Be careful.

The victim in the story was hiking at the Makapuu Lighthouse. This hike is very atypical from most Hawaiian hikes. Most Oahu trails, are on dirt. The Makapuu trail is on rocky cliffs. The trail may be marked by guides painted on the rock. This is one hike where you do not want to take chances. The cliffs are high and steep.

The lighthouse itsef is worth a look. You will see sweeping visitas of the entire windward coast. You can also get a clean view of Rabbit Island off the caost of Waimanalo. On a clear day you can see Molokai and Maui. If you hapen to be hiking between November and April, you may be lucky enough to see Whales blowing and breaching right off the coast.   

 NPS photo by James P. Delgado, 1989

 Past the lighthouse you will find an access road. Follow this road and look for a hidden fishing spot below you on the ocean. Follow the trail down to the ocean and you will be rewarded by an amazing sight. In addition to the views, you will be able to experience what few tourists ever experience. You will be able to see an incredible lava tube which forms a blow hole. Be careful and don’t get to close. Remember to be careful as you hike.

If you hike on Hawaii, always remember: take plenty of water, stay on the trail and always have fun! Happy, trails!

Aloha,
Albert Grande

http://bimwah.net
http://pizzatherapy.com
http://grandepublishing.com
http://pastatherapy.com

Go to:http://hawaiisecret.com