PHOTOS: New Kaunakakai Fire Station Dedicated

By Wendy Osher

New Kaunakakai Fire Station. Photo Courtesy, County of Maui.

(Update: 10/28/11)

A 15,524 square foot fire station was dedicated in Kaunakakai on Molokai this week.

The new fire station replaces an old station that suffered from flooding during heavy rains, and was not expected to meet the needs of the growing community.

The new facility, located on five acres of land on Alanui Ka `Imi `Ike Street has expanded capacity, with three double bays able to accommodate six fire apparatus.

County officials say the new facility incorporates state-of-the-art functional and technological elements as well.

(L-R) Molokai Fire Commissioner Ella Alcon, Fire Chief Jeff Murray, Mayor Alan Arakawa, Council Chair Danny Mateo uncoupling a firehouse to officially dedicate the new fire station. Photo courtesy, County of Maui.

“This is a great asset for the people of Moloka`i,” said Fire Chief Jeff Murray. “It’s been long over due and I’m happy to see a safe place for our firefighters to work out of,” said Murray in a county press release.

The dedication ceremony was held on Tuesday morning, October 25, 2011.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were: Mayor Alan Arakawa; Council Chair Danny Mateo; Vice Chair Joe Pontanilla; and Council Members Gladys Baisa, Mike Victorino, and Riki Hokama.

(Posted: 10/26/11)

A blessing and dedication ceremony was held yesterday at the new Kauanakakai Fire station on Molokai—two and a half years after crews broke ground on the project.

Kaunakakai Fire Station, schematic design (Feb.28, 2005). Courtesy MFD, Mitsunaga & Associates, and Cole & Russell Architects.

The new station is located on five acres of land on Alanui Ka `Imi `Ike Street above the UHMC-Molokai Center.

The facility replaces the old station (built in 1978) located a half-mile to the west, that suffered from flooding during heavy rains and was not expected to meet the needs of the growing community.

Initial plans called for a new station consisting of six-vehicle bays, capacity to accommodate additional personnel, an emergency helipad and room for emergency medical service units.

*** Check back for more details and photos, pending release.