County of Maui Fire Department celebrates 100 years of service with event Saturday, Sept. 14

The County of Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety invites the community to celebrate its 100 years of fire service, with an event Saturday, Sept. 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club of Maui, located at 100 Kanaloa Ave. in Kahului. The event will include displays, fire trucks and helicopters, keiki activities, food and entertainment by firefighters.

The celebration marks the centennial of the Maui Fire Department, which was established in 1924 by the then-County Board of Supervisors, starting with a fire station in Wailuku. In the century since then, the Department has grown to include 10 fire stations on Maui, two fire stations and a satellite station on Molokaʻi and one fire station on Lānaʻi, as well as the Ocean Safety section. The Department has 472 employees, including 12 grant-funded positions for ocean safety officers at Mākena State Beach Park.

“We welcome the community to join us in celebrating this milestone,” said Fire Chief Brad Ventura. “We have become the organization we are today because of the dedication and sacrifices of our firefighters and employees, both current and past. We want to acknowledge all of their contributions to the department.”

The event Saturday will include displays and equipment showcasing the Fire Department’s history, fire trucks and helicopters, fire extinguisher training, appearances by Fire Prevention mascots, a keiki zone and keiki identification services, and a silent auction. Food prepared by firefighters and entertainment by firefighters also will be part of the event.An opening ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. with remarks from Fire Chief Ventura, Assistant Chief Hanale Lindo and Maui Emergency Management Agency Administrator and retired Fire Battalion Chief Amos Lonokailua-Hewett.

Those attending can bring a new unwrapped toy to be entered in a raffle to win prizes. The grand prize is a one-night stay in an ocean view room at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. The toys will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club.

Event sponsors include Pukalani Superette, Sysco, Alpha Construction,Dowling Company, Inc., Hughes Fire Equipment, Hawaiʻi State Federal Credit Union, Marco’s Grill and Deli, Karey Kapoi, Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui, Kāʻanapali Golf Courses, Vares Contracting, Tin Roof, Honuaʻula, Kalei’s Lunchbox,Nāpili Kai Beach Resort, Mala Ocean Tavern, Tiffany’s, Da Bounce Party Rentals, Wailea Beach Resort, Maui Brewing Co., The Mauian on Nāpili Bay, Double Portion Supply, Wailea Golf Club, Polli’s Mexican Cantina and Uptown Kitchen.