NORTH KOHALA, Hawaii: Hawaii County Fire crews rescued two female kayakers who were apparently blown three miles out to sea off the 9 mile marker on the Akoni Pule Highway, near Kaiholena, on the North Kohala coast on Saturday.

Chopper One airlifted the kayakers to safety shortly after noon, as described in this fire department news dispatch:

Started search with C-2 doing search up to 10 miles off shore of last known location. C-1 arrived on scene and located missing kayak near wind line approx. three miles offshore, just south of last known position. Fire Rescue Specialist entered water, placed two females ages 8 and 29 years old into billy pugh net and flown to shore by C-1. Where both females reported no injuries just relieved to be found in extreme wind conditions.

The Fire Department says winds were coming from a northeast direction approx. 20-35 mph with gusts over 45 and, heavy white caps on the turbulent water.