County Planning New Fire Station on Haihai Street

The county is seeking two acres of state land located near the Hilo Municipal Golf Course to build a second fire station in the Waiakea Uka area of Hilo.

The land, located across Haihai Street from the driving range, is currently part of a 35.6-acre lease being used for pasture.

At a meeting Friday in Honolulu, the state Board of Land and Natural Resources will take up the county’s request to remove the acreage from the lease.

According to a report from Department of Land and Natural Resources staff, the county would be responsible for the costs of surveying and subdividing the property, as well as constructing cattle fencing at the lease’s new boundaries.

The county will also be required to prepare an environmental assessment for the project.

The county is seeking to acquire the Haihai Street parcel because its location will allow for increased service to the Waiakea Uka area, the report said.

It said the county is seeking to build a new fire station because it has “outgrown” the existing station on Kawailani Street, located at the far side of the golf course.

That station has expanded its paramedic services but does not have space for the associated personnel, vehicles and equipment, the report said.

A project to widen Ponahawai Street has also left the fire station there with less room to park vehicles.

Fire department officials could not be reached for comment on the project.