The Hawaiʻi County Fire Department recently celebrated the naming of its newest fire engine – ʻAuwaiakeakua – at Station 14 in South Kohala.

The name was provided by Kōmike Hawaiʻi, HFD’s new cultural resource committee.

ʻAuwaiakeakua refers to a waterway that is located north of the fire station and originates on the slopes of Mauna Kea. From its source, it flows makai through Waimea and Waikoloa where it should eventually reach the ocean at the shores of Puakō.

In a press release Mayor Kimo Alameda said, “The name ‘Auwaiakeakua honors the ʻāina on which we live and reminds us of our responsibility to take care of our land and the waters that sustain our communities. In addition to protecting the public, this fire engine will serve as a powerful symbol of Hawaiʻi’s culture and heritage.”

The fire engine, the first to be named by Kōmike Hawaiʻi, was donated by the Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation.

Kōmike Hawaiʻi includes current and retired fire personnel and community members with deep cultural knowledge. Funding to support this committee was provided by the office of Hawaiʻi County Council Chair Dr. Holeka Goro Inaba.

Photo credit: Office of Mayor Kimo Alameda