HONOLULU — The Honolulu Fire Department welcomed nine new apparatuses to its firefighting fleet Tuesday at a blessing and naming ceremony at Iolani Palace.

What You Need To Know

  • The city purchased the nine new apparatuses for $8.5 million

  • The blessing and naming ceremony was attended by Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, Honolulu City Council members Esther Kiaaina, Brandon Elefante and Augie Tulba; and staff from the Department of Budget Fiscal Services

  • HFD was established in 1850 by Kamehameha III, one of two alii to serve in its ranks

  • The names were selected by a committee that considered oral and written history, research, and prayer

The apparatuses, purchased by the city for $8.5 million, were each given a Hawaiian name to honor the department’s royal origins and in recognition of communities they will serve.

The ceremony was presided over by kahu Kordell Kekoa and attended by Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, Honolulu City Council members Esther Kiaaina, Brandon Elefante and Augie Tulba; and staff from the Department of Budget Fiscal Services.

“Today’s impressive ceremony emphasized the uniqueness of the HFD that no other fire department in our nation can claim,” Blangiardi said. “Our city’s fire department is the only one in the entire United States that was established by a king. We should all celebrate its rich history and legacy.”

Kamehameha III issued the ordinance establishing the department in 1850 and both he and, later, King David Kalakaua served in its ranks.

“The men and women of the HFD are extremely proud of its unique heritage with Hawaii’s alii, Kauikeaouli and Kalakaua,” said HFD chief Sheldon Hao. “With today’s grand display at Iolani Palace, we are honoring our royal founder and acknowledging our Hawaiian culture by thoughtfully naming our newest vehicles.”

The new apparatuses include:

  • Manaiakalani (Rescue 2) at Kalihi Kai
  • Kaiwa (Ladder 18) at Kailua
  • Kaleiaalaopapa (Engine 1) at Central
  • Kahakuohawaii (Engine 4) at Kuakini
  • Kaakaukukui (Engine 9) at Kakaako
  • Waiolaa (Engine 10) at Aiea
  • Keolaonalani (Engine 16) at Wahiawa
  • Waiola (Engine 30) at Moanalua
  • Kauapoaihale (Engine 37) at Kahaluu

The names were selected by a committee that considered oral and written history, research and prayer. Each apparatus was given a name to identify it as part of its community and station and as part of HFD.

Hao said the acquisitions are part on an overall effort to progressively improve the department’s training, equipment, and use of technology.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii.