Hawaiʻi Fire Department welcomes 4 new ambulances to its fleet

Hawaiʻi Fire Department earlier this week welcomed four new ambulances to its fleet during a special blessing ceremony in Hilo.

Hawaiʻi Council Chairman Holeka Inaba officiated the blessing.

“These new ambulances will strengthen emergency response in our communities and make sure our families, friends and neighbors get the help they need when it matters most,” said Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda in a release about the new emergency vehicles.

The $1.4 million in total state-funded ambulances are being assigned to the Keaʻau, Pāhoa, Hawaiian Paradise Park and Kailua-Kona fire stations.

Each will replace an existing emergency vehicle that reached the end of their lives.

“We are grateful to the state for this investment in protecting the health and safety of our residents,” Alameda said.

Fire Chief Kazuo Todd said these four new ambulances are more than just emergency vehicles.

“They represent our ongoing commitment to the health and safety of Hawai‘i Island residents,” he said in the county’s announcement. “By replacing aging units, we’re ensuring that our paramedics have the tools they need to respond quickly, effectively and safely in times of critical need.”