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BRUCE ASATO / MARCH 5
The Honolulu Fire Department’s two helicopters are being serviced due to extensive wear. Much of the work is being done on the mainland.
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The Honolulu Fire Department is using one of two Honolulu Police Department helicopters while its own two helicopters are being serviced for extensive wear and tear.
According to an HFD release, the two helicopters the department uses for firefighting, rescue and other duties underwent regularly scheduled inspection by Phoenix Heliparts in April. The newly contracted service provider discovered more extensive wear than anticipated, prompting HFD to ask for and receive permission from the City Council to shift funds within its budget to allow for necessary service and maintenance.
One HFD helicopter is expected to be back in service within a month; the second will be ready for use two months after that, according to HFD.
Much of the work is being done on the mainland, according to HFD.
The more seriously worn of the two helicopters will undergo a yearlong refurbishment that is not expected to result in its being out of service for extended periods.
HFD emphasized that the police helicopter on loan is identical to the two out-of-commission HFD aircraft and is capable of performing the same operations.
HFD officials are meeting with city administrators to discuss the possibility of purchasing a new helicopter, which could cost $3 million to $6 million and take several years from design to delivery.
In the meantime, HFD has ordered spare parts for its existing helicopters so that future maintenance can be performed without such lengthy waiting times.
