Ask the Mayor: Can More Fire Stations be Built in Central Maui?

Photo by Wendy Osher.

Mayor Alan Arakawa answers some of the most-asked questions submitted to his office staff.

Dear Mayor Arakawa,

Q: Are there any plans to build additional fire stations in the Central Valley? I read that it took the engine from Wailuku 12 minutes to respond to the brush fire in Mā‘alaea last week. One can assume that it took other responding engines even longer to arrive given the distances involved. Granted, it was just a brush fire this time, but 12 minutes is an eternity when someone’s life or property are in danger.

There are several newer housing developments all around old Maui Lani, where I live. I think the amount of fire protection provided is inadequate.

A: I disagree. The existing fire stations in Kahului and Wailuku have managed excellent response times, despite many instances where multiple calls come in at once. Recorded response times can vary depending on whether dispatchers are busy talking with other 911 callers, on the medicom talking to medics, or busy with other communications when fire crews radio in to inform dispatch that they are responding or on-scene.

Want to Ask the Mayor?

Submit your questions about County of Maui programs, services, operations or policies to Mayor Alan Arakawa via email, by phone at 270-7855 or by mail to 200 S. High St., 9th Floor, Wailuku, HI 96793. Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the Ask the Mayor column.