The Hawaii Fire Department said it is receiving numerous public complaints about solicitation for inspection and/or installation of smoke detectors.
The Hawaii Fire Department said it is receiving numerous public complaints about solicitation for inspection and/or installation of smoke detectors.
The resident would be offered a free smoke detector inspection and battery replacement. Subsequent solicitation for the purchase of new systems would then take place.
Residents reported the solicitors said they visited the prospective customer with the approval of the Fire Department.
The Hawaii Fire Department stressed it doesn’t provide any individual or company with any support or approval for smoke detector inspections on behalf of the fire department.
The department advises community members to have the solicitor provide identification. If there is any doubt in the validity of the solicitor’s identity and/or representations, call the Fire Department at 932-2900 from 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or 961-8336 after hours or on weekends.
If it is safe to do so, document the solicitor’s vehicle license plate number and identification if they are not Fire Department personnel.
The Hawaii Fire Department does have a smoke detector installation program for select population demographics. Hawaii Fire Department personnel will always be in uniform and arrive in an official Hawaii Fire Department vehicle.
The Fire Department will forward any concerns to the proper authorities.