New Water Tanker Truck for East Maui put into service at Hana Fire Station

The Hana community has a new water tanker truck that will serve the East Maui area.  The $527,597 Tanker 7 was purchased with federal funds through the County’s Community Development Block Grant program.  Fire Chief Jeff murray said the tanker’s ability to handle the area’s narrow, winding roads and rugged terrain will help provide a greater level of fire protection to the area.

A blessing for the new Tanker 7 was conducted by Juanita Aluanu “Auntie Carol” Kapu-Kawaiaea.

Tanker 7, which will serve the East Maui community, is designed to navigate the area’s narrow roads and rough terrain.

Tanker 7 demonstrates its top-mounted spray.

“This 4×4 tanker has been on our department’s wish-list for a long time,” said Fire Chief Murray.  “Our department appreciates receiving much-needed and valuable funding to bring this important fire-fighting equipment to East Maui,” said Murray

A blessing was held last month at the Hana Fire Station.  The blessing was conducted by Juanita Aluanu “Auntie Carol” Kapu-Kawaiaea, assisted by Senator Kalani English.

The truck’s name, Kawaiola, means “waters of life.”  The truck, built by E-One in Ocala Florida, utilizes an International 7600 4X4 chassis with a Cummins diesel engine, 1800-gallon water tank and 30-gallon foam tank. Other features include a 500 gallons-per-minute (GPM) pump, a 500 GPM remote-controlled and cab-controlled top-mount monitor, a 150 GPM cab-controlled front bumper monitor, 500 GPM cab-controlled side sprays, a 2000-gallon portable side-mounted water tank and various portable power and hand tools.

*** If you liked this post, you may also find our June 10, 2010 story on the containment of a fire at Maalaea interesting too.