Yesterday, the Hawaiʻi County Fire Department announced that the Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) 911 system will be combined with the Police Dispatch system effective immediately. The change in the County’s emergency services dispatch system comes as Fire officials grapple with ongoing staffing challenges. The temporary move is designed to ensure the most effective and efficient service possible for Hawaiʻi County Residents.

In a written statement to residents, Hawaiʻi County Fire Chief Kazuo Todd said, “We understand that you may have concerns regarding this change, but rest assured that we are taking this matter very seriously. We are actively working on long-term solutions to address staffing challenges and are committed to returning to separate dispatch systems as soon as it becomes feasible.”

The temporary merger could minimally disrupt regular services, though significant interruptions are not expected. Fire officials will continue to monitor the temporary merger and will make adjustments as necessary to ensure the health and safety of the public.