Photography by Baron Sekiya | Hawaii 24/7

The letter of recognition below of an ocean rescue performed by Kekoa Namohala and Waylen Carenio to Mayor Billy Kenoi by Fire Department Captain Ty Mederios of the Waikoloa Fire Station. Carenio was not able to attend the ceremony. Harlen Fragas taught the volunteer lifeguards ocean safety.

On Friday, May 21, 2010, Hilo Intermediate School held its 8th grade end of school activity at Coconut Island. Myself, along with two young men from Lanakila Learning Center volunteered as Lifeguards for the activity. Their names are Kekoa Namohala and Waylen Carenio. There were approximately 200 students attending.

Both of these young men were positioned at the concrete tower on Coconut Island where many of the students were jumping into the ocean. I was positioned on the opposite side of the beach where other students were swimming. I glanced across to the tower and noticed both Kekoa and Waylen getting ready to jump into the ocean. Both young men grabbed their buoys and jumped into the water, dove to the bottom, bringing up an unconscious male student and brought him to shore where they assessed the student for any post drowning injuries. The student regained consciousness and did not require any medical treatment.

I am requesting that these two young men Kekoa Namohala and Waylen Carenio be recognized for their service to the community by volunteering as Lifeguards for this event and also for their quick action that day that lead to the recovery of the student from the bottom of the ocean preventing any long term injuries and even his possible death.

As a Firefighter for more than 22 years and a member of the community, it is good to know that young men such as Kekoa and Waylen are part of our community and are examples to those around them.

Submitted by:

Captain Ty Medeiros
Waikoloa Fire Station