Would-be jumper, fallen tree closes Rainbow Falls

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Police responded to two separate incidents Thursday that prompted the closure of Rainbow Falls State Park.

In the first incident, a 35-year-old man threatened to jump from the edge of the cliff. After a 40-minute standoff, officers talked the man out of jumping, police said.

The man was taken to Hilo Medical Center for evaluation.

“I want to thank the patrol officers for the quick response and taking the time to talk to the man, and not rushing to quell the incident. Their calm response resulted in a peaceful resolution to an otherwise volatile event that could have had tragic consequences,” said Sgt. Norbert Serrao of South Hilo Patrol Division.

In the second incident, a fallen tree blocked access to the area while state road crews worked to remove the debris.