Central Fire Station personnel, equipment to temporarily relocate

Hawaiʻi Fire Department personnel and equipment will temporarily relocate from an East Hawaiʻi fire station that Fire Chief Kazuo Todd said has served as a cornerstone of the Big Island’s emergency response for nearly 90 years.

Hilo’s Central Fire Station, located at 466 Kinoʻole St., was built in 1939. It is the county’s oldest fire station and is in need of significant repair.

Hawaiʻi County signed a 5-year lease for space on the YWCA of Hawaiʻi Island campus, located at 1382 Kīlauea Ave. in Hilo, about 1.3 miles away, where station operations, personnel and equipment will be housed while repairs are made at the Kinoʻole Street facility.

Eight Hawaiʻi Fire Department personnel occupy the station per shift. It houses 5 vehicles, including a fire engine and an advanced life support ambulance.

“The Central Fire Station is one of our island’s busiest, and our firefighters deserve facilities that are safe and meet their needs,” said Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda. “During this transition period, our administration will explore long-term options for the future of the station as we seek to improve emergency services.”

Hawaiʻi County Department of Public Works Building Division crews will conduct repairs — to preserve the integrity of the building’s exterior — after fire department personnel relocate.

This will include replacing the building’s existing roof, repairing the plaster coating on the exterior walls, structural repairs on the hose tower and removing most of the plaster from the ceiling.

“While these repairs are necessary to preserve its legacy, our focus remains on ensuring uninterrupted, high-quality service to the community,” said Todd. “This temporary relocation allows our dedicated personnel to operate safely and effectively as we prepare the station for future use.”

The chief added that the move will not impact emergency services or response times.

Improvements — such as adding showers and a dorm area, among others — will be made at the temporary location prior to the move.

No emergency services will be available at the Central Fire Station following the relocation.

The lease for the temporary location will be effective April 1 or upon occupancy, whichever is later, and the county has an option for two 5-year extensions.