New ambulance station in Hanalei will increase calls, response times for the secluded east side of the island

After three months of meticulous planning, American Medical Response opened its newest ambulance station in Hanalei.

The new station is staffed 24/7 every day of the year and will enhance emergency coverage and response times for the more secluded area of the island.

“This remote area needs its own station, and that has already been proved,” said Tiffany Lightfoot Allen, regional director for American Medical Response and Hawaiʻi Life Flight. “We opened the station a little before noon on May 20, and in less than 24 hours, we saved a life.”

Before it officially opened on June 3, the closest ambulance to Hanalei was in Kīlauea, about 9 miles and 20 minutes away. Now, this station includes a state-of-the-art ambulance, Medic 25.

The new station is located within the Hale Halawai complex of buildings, close to Waiʻoli Park, which, in the past, served as an emergency helicopter drop site. The facility is near the heart of downtown Hanalei.

The addition of the Hanalei station brings the total number of ambulance stations on Kauaʻi to six, completing the network of service for the entire island.

“This station doesn’t just cover Hanalei,” said Tito Villanueva, the American Medical Response Kauaʻi operations manager. “The range for this station is from Moloaʻa to Hā‘ena and completes coverage on the East side.”

The opening of the Hanalei station is part of American Medical Response’s broader efforts to improve emergency medical services in Hawaiʻi.

Kauaʻi County hosted a dedication for the station on June 3, which was attended by community leaders and resident.

Kahu Clyde Fujikawa of the Church of the Pacific officiated the blessing of the station, ambulance, and the associated personnel. A Hawaii Life Flight jet helicopter was also present during the dedication, available for tours. 

The opening of the Hanalei station is part of American Medical Response’s broader efforts to improve emergency medical services in Hawaiʻi. American Medical Response has been providing services in Hawaiʻi for more than 30 years and offers a range of services, including emergency and non-emergency medical transportation.