Hawaiʻi County welcomes 5 new ambulances to fleet

Hawai’i County officials, for the second time this year, gathered to not only bless several new emergency vehicles but also show their continued commitment to first responders and the important work they do.

Five new ambulances were welcomed to the County’s fleet during a ceremony Thursday morning at the County Building in Hilo. The ambulances will go into service immediately to replace older vehicles around the island and are equipped with additional safety features. They cost about $250,000 each.

“Hawaiʻi County has the most qualified and highly-skilled first responders in the state, and as administrators, it’s our job to ensure that we provide them with the tools necessary to perform their duties and save resident lives,” said Mayor Mitch Roth.

A total of seven new ambulances have been added to the fleet this year. The County has 16 ambulance stations around the island, with the oldest active ambulance having served for about 12 years. Roth is proposing an additional $1.2 million in the fiscal year 2023-24 budget to bolster Hawaiʻi County’s ambulance replacement program.

“We will continue to invest in the health and safety of our community and are committed to the maintenance and upkeep of our emergency service vehicles, programs, equipment and personnel,” Roth said.

Later this year, the Hawaiʻi Fire Department will replace Chopper 2, an emergency rescue helicopter that has been in service for more than 30 years. The County also secured $200,000 from the state to replace much-needed life safety equipment for the Water Safety Division.