Three new Hawaiʻi Fire Department brush trucks to service rural areas in East Hawaiʻi

Three new Hawaiʻi Fire Department brush trucks were blessed last week before going into service in more remote areas.

The Ford F-450 brush trucks were funded by the Community Development Block Grant program and have been assigned to volunteer fire stations in Hawaiian Acres, Nāʻālehu, and Discovery Harbour.

The brush trucks replace aging vehicles that have been in service for up to 45 years and are critical for responding to brush, residential, and vehicle fires in remote and rural areas of Upper Puna and Kaʻū.

“These vehicles will allow our volunteer firefighters to meet national safety standards, respond faster, and operate more safely in rugged and remote terrain,” said Fire Chief Kazuo Todd.

The Office of Housing and Community Development administers the county’s Community Development Block Grant program and worked closely with the Fire Department to make this purchase possible. In total, the three brush trucks cost approximately $625,693.

“These new brush trucks are made possible through thoughtful investment and partnerships across our county,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “By leveraging these funds, we’re able to strengthen community safety and ensure that our volunteer firefighters have the resources they need to protect our island.”

The Community Development Block Grant program is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and supports a wide range of community development activities, with a focus on improving housing, public facilities, and public services for low- and moderate-income persons.