Police Labrador Trina Finds Missing 70-Year-Old Hiker in Hawaii Volcanoes Park

Police Labrador Trina located 70‑year‑old David Arai, missing for 24 hours, in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Monday after a seven‑hour search. Arai, found two miles from his rental vehicle, was dehydrated and exposed, and was taken to Hilo Benioff Medical Center for treatment.

The search began at 12:16 p.m. after Puna patrol officers received a report that Arai had not been seen since the previous day. Officers, park rangers and the Hawaii Fire Department deployed a helicopter to cover the surrounding terrain, while police traced the trail with Trina.

Trina, a three‑year‑old Labrador Retriever originally from Sweden, is trained as a live‑find canine. Officer Christopher Ross said he saw Arai lying on his back in the bushes, slightly off the trail, and that Trina licked his hand to reassure him. "We led up to him, just wanted to make sure he was okay, and Trina, when she got next to him, she licked his hand basically to let him know that we found him and that he’s safe," Ross told KHON2.

Arai’s son, Kaohe, told KHON2 that his father is grateful to the police and park rangers, and that he has fallen in love with Trina. He said he would be willing to adopt the dog when she retires from active duty.

Authorities are now considering Trina’s future and will decide whether to adopt her after her retirement. Meanwhile, Arai will receive ongoing medical care and his family will be monitored for any lingering effects.