Hilo, Hawai’i – The County of Hawai’i marked a significant step in ensuring the safety of its firefighters and the continuity of emergency services with a blessing ceremony Wednesday for its new interim fire station. The temporary facility, located at 1382 Kīlauea Ave., will house personnel and equipment currently based at the Central Fire Station in downtown Hilo, which is slated for extensive repairs.
The move, scheduled to take place in early May, is necessitated by the aging condition of the Central Fire Station, located at 466 Kinoʻole St. Built in 1939, the building is the County’s oldest fire station and is in urgent need of substantial renovations.
“This interim fire station represents our commitment to both public safety and the wellbeing of our firefighters,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “Through this transition, we’re ensuring that our first responders have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively, while we plan for a long-term solution that serves the community for generations to come.”
Following the relocation, a year-long maintenance project will commence in August to preserve the integrity of the Central Fire Station’s exterior. This will involve replacing the roof, repairing the plaster coating on the exterior walls, structural repairs to the hose tower, and removing most of the plaster from the ceiling.
Fire Chief Kazuo Todd emphasized the importance of the move. “Relocating to this interim station allows us to address critical safety concerns at Central Fire Station while continuing to serve the community without interruption,” he said. “Mahalo to everyone who helped make this transition possible — it’s a vital step toward ensuring the safety of our personnel and the continuity of emergency services.”
The County has leased the Kīlauea Ave. facility for an initial five-year term, with options to extend the lease twice for additional five-year periods. Prior to the move, improvements were made to the temporary location, including the addition of showers, a dorm area, and other upgrades to better accommodate the firefighters.
During the transition and the subsequent renovation period, no emergency services will be available at the Central Fire Station. The County will continue to assess long-term plans for the Central Fire Station, including the need for additional safety improvements and renovations, throughout this period.