The Kaua‘i Fire Department held a blessing ceremony on Monday fronting the Historic County Building in Līhu‘e for its new Engine 3 fire apparatus. In attendance were approximately 45 KFD personnel and family, members of the Kaua‘i Fire Commission, government officials including Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami and Councilmember Mason Chock, private industry representatives, and community partners. Photo courtesy of KFD
The Kaua‘i Fire Department held a blessing ceremony Monday fronting the Historic County Building in Līhu‘e for its new Engine 3 fire apparatus, according to a news release from the County of Kaua‘i.
“Mahalo to our entire team for their commitment to provide this needed apparatus that will provide coverage throughout Līhu‘e and beyond,” Deputy Fire Chief Kilipaki Vaughan said.
Engine 3 is a 2019 Rosenbauer Triple Combination Custom Chassis Pumper designed for the Līhu‘e district, which covers the areas between Halfway Bridge and Kaua‘i Beach Resort. Līhu‘e’s district also extends further out in both directions, responding to fires as far as Hanapēpē, Kōloa, and Kaiākea districts. The new engine replaces a 17-year-old Pierce engine. It is customized to suit Līhu‘e’s ever growing needs with additional storage space for equipment and personnel.
The purchase of Engine 3 was approximately $630,000.
Battalion Chief Solomon Kanoho during the hands-on blessing of Engine 3 on Monday. Photo courtesy of KFD
“The design and purchase of Engine 3 was a partnered effort among our Līhu‘e station personnel, KFD’s Apparatus Committee led by Battalion Chief Solomon Kanoho and chaired by Firefighter Nohili Vierra, partners with Rosenbauer and Burton’s Fire Inc., county departments, and the Kaua‘i County Council,” Vaughan said. “Our former Engine 3 will continue to be maintained as a spare engine should there be a need for additional service support in the future.”
Mayor Derek Kawakami attended the blessing ceremony and welcomed the crowd of approximately 45 KFD personnel and family, government officials, private industry representatives and community partners.
“Congratulations to the Kaua‘i Fire Department and our valued partners for working diligently to acquire this beautiful new and upgraded engine which will ensure the safety of all citizens and visitors alike,” Kawakami said. “Being a first responder is something that we do not take lightly. So thank you for your continued dedication and service, and let this new engine serve its purpose to further protect the health, wellness, and safety of our community now and for many more years to come.”
Kahu Lady Ipo Kahauna‘ele-Ferreira concluded the ceremony and officiated the hands-on blessing of Engine 3, the Līhu‘e fire station, and its crew.
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