‘True superheroes’: Crews from Kaua‘i County Public Works, Gay & Robinson honored for wildfire response

The Kaua‘i Fire Department on Tuesday during a meeting of the Kaua‘i County Fire Commission honored the men and women of two crews who this summer put themselves between the raging flames of the Hanapēpē-Kaumakani and Kōke‘e wildfires and their community to protect the lives of their neighbors.

The department saluted staff from the Kaua‘i County Department of Public Works Roads and Solid Waste divisions, including from the Kapa‘a, Hanalei and Hanapēpē base yards, transfer stations and the Kekaha Landfill.

Security, maintenance and utilities, ranch and administration as well as Kawailana staff from agricultural operations and land management firm Gay & Robinson were also honored.

“It is both an honor and a privilege to be here today to recognize the incredible efforts of our County of Kaua’i Public Works employees and the dedicated individuals of Gay & Robinson,” said Kaua‘i Fire Chief Michael Gibson. “Their courage, collaboration and unwavering commitment were instrumental in combating the devastating Hanapēpē and Kaumakani fires … and, most importantly, saving lives. We are also recognizing them for their work in the following days at the Kōke‘e fires.”

The Hanapēpē-Kaumakani Fire started sometime about midday July 15. A report of a brush fire west of Moi Road was reported to Kaua‘i police shortly before noon that day.

The blaze was 100% contained shortly before midnight July 16, about 36 hours after it was first reported, after scorching an estimated 1,000 acres between Hanapēpē and Kaumakani.

The fire destroyed one structure in Kaumakani Camp, caused Kaumakani to be evacuated, forced emergency shelters to be opened, led to power outages and caused road closures.

About 1,100 firefighters and other fire suppression personnel worked to contol and extinguish the wildfire throughout the day and a half it burned.

The Kōke‘e fires began July 18 off Kōke‘e Road and burned about 1,600 acres by the time final mop up efforts were underway the morning of July 22.

“Chair, commissioners and to all our brave men and women who make up our first responder community, from the bottom of our hearts, we just want to thank you for recognizing the boots on the ground,” said Kaua‘i County Mayor Derek Kawakami during Tuesday’s meeting, sharing his own gratitude for the crews being honored. “If you could just see the sense of purpose that our men and women get by stepping out of their normal day-to-day to do something meaningful, like being a part of protecting this community, it would make your heart smile because it surely made my heart smile to see just how eager they were to just be a part of [the wildfire response].”

Kaua‘i Fire Commission Chairman Rodney Yama emphasized pride in the crews for stepping up and helping respond to the dangerous wildfires.

“You went above and beyond, and we’re noticing,” said Yama.

Gay & Robinson Housing Coordinator Puni Waialeale said her coworkers expressed humility in their appreciation of the recognition. Caring for the place where they live and work is an honor of its own — and their kuleana, their responsibility.

She thanked the Kaua‘i Fire Department, Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency and Hawai‘i Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, who deployed the Hawai‘i Army National Guard during the wildfire response.

“Our community is generous and brave and prayerful,” said Waialeale. “Hundreds of prayers were being sent up that day, and they were heard. And so now we can sit here with gratitude.”

The Kaua‘i Fire Department also celebrated the countless others who played essential roles in the response.

Agencies such as Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency, Kaua‘i Police Department, Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources and its Division of Forestry and Wildlife and many others that contributed their expertise and resources to this tremendous effort.

Their collaboration underscores the principle that no single agency or entity can stand alone in times of disaster.

“We have true superheroes with the County of Kaua‘i,” said Kaua‘i Deputy Police Chief Mark Ozaki. “The bravery and fortitude of moving forward and fighting this fire was humbling. It’s an honor to be here. On behalf of the Kaua‘i Police Department, thank you to our partners, Gay & Robinson, and the Robinson family.”