New ‘quint’ truck will help in battling fires in high-rises

The Kauai Fire Department has acquired its first quintuple combination pumper truck, thanks in large part to a $719,000 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

About 75 firefighters attended a blessing ceremony Friday for the vehicle, called a “quint.” They were joined by government officials and representatives of private industry.

The new truck, called Ladder 4, has a pump, water tank, fire hose, ground ladders and an attached ladder that reaches a height of 78 feet. The truck will be based at the Koloa fire station to assist with high-rise fires, such as at hotels and other commercial properties.

The FEMA grant covered 90 percent of the cost of the truck. The rest came from Kauai County.

MAUI

Comments sought on future of Haleakala park district

The National Park Service is seeking public comments on the future of the Kipahulu district of Haleakala National Park.

The agency wants to accommodate tourism while preserving the park’s natural and cultural resources.

The park held a series of public meetings and focus group sessions in August to learn about key concerns.

Comments can be emailed by Dec. 15 to HALE_Superintendent@nps.gov with the subject line “KIPA Comprehensive Site Plan Comments,” or sent by regular mail to: National Park Service, Planning Division, ATTN: HALE Kipahulu Comprehensive Plan Team, P.O. Box 25287, Denver, CO 80225-0287.

A copy of the Kipahulu newsletter may be viewed online at 808ne.ws/2fzyQNJ.