Study finds that Honolulu needs a fireboat

An independent study has found that the Port of Honolulu needs a fireboat. It’s a conclusion which I support, and a discussion that needs to happen. The state has been without a fireboat since 2014.

The 60-page “Fireboat Needs Assessment” found that: “The risk [marine fires] represent for the Hawaiian Islands is great … and a closure of the ports could have a serious impact on life of all of the Hawaiian Islands.” The study further concluded that the fireboat should be operated by the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD), and that a dedicated shore-based maintenance crew should maintain the vessel.

Under the state’s hub-and-spoke model, more than 90 percent of imports arrive in Honolulu before shipment to neighbor islands. A vessel, burned to the waterline or sunk while firefighting, could close the state’s principal port for weeks or months until salvage is mobilized.

Recent experience with the 79-foot grounded vessel, Pacific Princess, off the shore of Waikiki underscores the complexities and untimeliness of vessel salvage. It is considerably more complex when the vessel is completely submerged, and larger.

In addition to cruise ships, cargo ships and excursion boats, Honolulu Harbor is home to more than 100 fishing boats. Any of those could catch fire. Such was the case earlier this year when a long-liner caught fire at Pier 38. However, many other fishing vessels operate closer to town near the financial district at Piers 16-18.

The effects of a vessel fire near downtown or off Waikiki could be significant, endangering population and commerce centers around the port and near tourist sites. Shipboard fires release harmful toxins, which threaten maritime workers, close businesses, shut down roads and jeopardize the health of residents, schools and cruise ship passengers (who number in the thousands). An incident could also send reverberations throughout Hawaii’s tourism industry.

By way of background: In 2014 the state’s former fireboat, the Moku Ahi, was taken out of service due to wastage in a small section of the hull plating. That same year, then-Deputy Director of Harbors Randy Grune wisely reported the agency would “work on a replacement as soon as possible.”

A fireboat task force, comprised of representatives from the private and public sector, recommended a fire needs study. The study interviewed local stakeholders, agencies, responders, users, insurers and maritime interests. Based on findings, a replacement fireboat was recommended “to ensure the smooth flow of cargo and safety of life.” The report found that only a vessel could provide the “critical role” in firefighting. Earlier this year, HFD said its personnel “do not have specialized training to perform pier-side or land-based marine firefighting.”

In response to a query for this commentary, the state Department of Transportation said that a final decision on a fireboat has not been made, but that its Harbors Division will incorporate the fireboat study in its decision-making process.

Ironically, the fireboat study was completed on April 1, 2016, more than 18 months ago, on April Fools Day. Webster’s dictionary defines a fool as “one who acts unwisely or imprudently.” Let us hope this was just a coincidence and not an omen of things to come.

Todd Offutt is a retired Coast Guard officer and former Hawaii DOT Harbors Commercial Harbors Manager for the state’s two busiest harbors.