Yesterday morning, Hawaiʻi County officials gathered at the County Building  to bless five new ambulances that will be immediately added online to replace older vehicles across the island.

Hawaiʻi County has 16 ambulance stations across the island, with the oldest active ambulance having been online for approximately 12 years. The new ambulances come equipped with additional safety features and cost roughly $250,000 each.

Mayor Roth is proposing an additional $1.2 million in the FY2023-24 budget to increase the County’s ambulance replacement program. Later this year, the Hawaiʻi County Fire Department will replace chopper 2, an emergency rescue helicopter that has been in service for over 30 years. The County has also secured an additional $200,000 from the State to replace and procure much-needed life safety equipment for the Water Safety Division.