WAILUKU >> Maui County’s 20-year-old emergency services radio system needs to be replaced and the initial cost of the overhaul is more than $16 million.

The Maui News reported today Mayor Alan Arakawa and the Maui County Council are supporting the Police Department’s request for the money to begin to replace the system.

Maui police Capt. Jeffrey Amaral says the existing system’s technology is outdated and the lone vendor capable of servicing the system has told the county it will no longer be able to provide technical support after 2013. 

Police officials say an additional $17 million is needed to complete the project over the next five years.

The department proposes replacing the analog system with a more modern digital-radio system.

Police, fire, emergency-medical services and 25 other agencies use the system.