Hawaiʻi County has taken a significant step toward enhancing public safety with the blessing of an interim fire station, located at 1382 Kīlauea Avenue in Hilo. This new facility will house fire department personnel and equipment from the Central Fire Station while extensive repairs are made to the nearly 90-year-old building.
The interim station is set to begin operations in early May, allowing the fire department to maintain uninterrupted service to the community during the renovation period. "This interim fire station represents our commitment to both public safety and the wellbeing of our firefighters," said Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda during the blessing ceremony held on April 23, 2025. "Through this transition, we’re ensuring that our first responders have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively while we plan for a long-term solution that serves the community for generations to come."
Built in 1939, the Central Fire Station, located at 466 Kinoʻole St., is the oldest fire station in the county and is in dire need of significant repairs. The upcoming project will focus on preserving the integrity of the building’s exterior, which includes replacing the roof, repairing the plaster coating on the exterior walls, conducting structural repairs to the hose tower, and removing most of the plaster from the ceiling. This work is anticipated to begin in August and take approximately one year to complete.
During this transition, the county will continue to assess plans for the Central Fire Station’s future, including the need for additional safety improvements and renovations. Fire Chief Kazuo Todd emphasized the importance of the interim station, stating, "Relocating to this interim station allows us to address critical safety concerns at Central Fire Station while continuing to serve the community without interruption. Mahalo to everyone who helped make this transition possible — it’s a vital step toward ensuring the safety of our personnel and the continuity of emergency services."
Prior to the move, several improvements were made to the temporary facility, including the addition of showers, a dorm area, and other upgrades to enhance the living and working conditions for the firefighters. The county has secured a lease for the interim fire station for five years, with options to extend the lease twice by five-year terms.
It is important to note that no emergency services will be available at the Central Fire Station once the relocation takes place. This decision underscores the county's commitment to ensuring that its fire department operates under safe and effective conditions while addressing the aging infrastructure of its facilities.
The transition to an interim fire station is a part of a broader strategy by Hawaiʻi County to invest in its public safety infrastructure, ensuring that firefighters have the necessary tools and environment to perform their duties effectively. As the repairs to the Central Fire Station progress, officials remain focused on maintaining high standards of service for the community.
The blessing ceremony for the interim fire station marks a pivotal moment for the county, as it signifies a proactive approach to addressing safety concerns and improving emergency response capabilities. With the new station set to open soon, the community can look forward to enhanced fire services while the historical Central Fire Station undergoes much-needed renovations.
As the county embarks on this journey, residents are encouraged to stay informed about the developments and changes in their local fire services. The improvements at the interim station and the planned renovations for the Central Fire Station reflect the county's dedication to public safety and the welfare of its firefighters.
