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County of Kaua'i, State of Hawaii

*DEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, *MAYOR
**REIKO MATSUYAMA**, MANAGING DIRECTOR






*News Release*

For Immediate Release: November 20, 2024






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RISE Logo (transparent background)

COUNTY OF KAUA‘I

KAUA‘I FIRE DEPARTMENT

MICHAEL GIBSON - CHIEF

(808) 241-4980



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*Public Works, Gay & Robinson honored for Wildfire response at Fire Commission Tuesday*

LĪHU‘E — At Tuesday’s Fire Commission meeting, the Kaua‘i Fire Department honored crews with the Department of Public Works and Gay & Robinson, Inc., for their response to the Hanapēpē-Kaumakani and Kōke‘e wildfires this summer.

KFD honored staff from the Department of Public Works Roads and Solid Waste divisions, including crews from the Kapa‘a, Hanalei, and Hanapēpē base yards, refuse transfer stations, and the Kekaha Landfill. Gay & Robinson’s staff included those from security, maintenance and utilities, ranch, administration, and Kawailana Inc.

“It is both an honor and a privilege to be here today to recognize the incredible efforts of our County of Kaua'i Public Works employees and the dedicated individuals of Gay & Robinson,” said Kaua‘i Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson. “Their courage, collaboration, and unwavering commitment were instrumental in combating the devastating Hanapēpē and Kaumakani fires on July 15, 2024, and, most importantly, saving lives.  We are also recognizing them for their work in the following days at the Kōke‘e fires.”

Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami also acknowledged gratitude on Tuesday.

“Chair, Commissioners, and to all our brave men and women who make up our first responder community, from the bottom of our hearts, we just want to thank you for recognizing the boots on the ground,” said Mayor Kawakami. “If you could just see the sense of purpose that our men and women get by stepping out of their normal day-to-day to do something meaningful, like being a part of protecting this community, it would make your heart smile because it surely made my heart smile to see just how eager they were to just be a part of [the wildfire response].”

Kaua‘i Fire Commission Chair Rodney Yama emphasized pride in the crews.

“I am very proud of all of you for stepping up, going above and beyond, and helping with this dangerous wildfire from consuming residences,” said Chair Yama. “You went above and beyond, and we’re noticing.”

Puni Waialeale, the Housing Coordinator for Gay & Robinson, said her coworkers expressed humility in their appreciation of the recognition.

“Caring for the place where we get to live and where we get to work is truly an honor and our kuleana,” said Waialeale.

She thanked the Kaua‘i Fire Department, Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency, and Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, who deployed the National Guard during the response.

“Our community is generous and brave and prayerful,” said Waialeale. “Hundreds of prayers were being sent up that day, and they were heard. And so now we can sit here with gratitude.” 

The Fire Department also recognized the countless others who played essential roles in the response. Agencies like KEMA, KPD, the State of Hawai‘i Department of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), and many others contributed their expertise and resources to this tremendous effort. Their collaboration underscores the principle that no single agency or entity can stand alone in times of disaster.

“We have true superheroes with the County of Kaua‘i,” said KPD Deputy Chief Mark Ozaki. “The bravery and fortitude of moving forward and fighting this fire was humbling. It’s an honor to be here. On behalf of the Kaua‘i Police Department, thank you to our partners, Gay & Robinson, and the Robinson family.”

FC

From left to right: Fire Commission member Gary Pacheco, Fire Commission Chair Rodney Yama, and Deputy County Attorney Jenna Tatsey.

Gay & Robinson

Staff from Gay & Robinson were honored at the Fire Commission meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 18, for their response to the wildfires this past summer.

PW

Crews with the Department of Public Works were honored at the Fire Commission meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 18, for their response to the wildfires this past summer.

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*Media Contact:
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