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The Hawaii Fire Department on Feb. 7 celebrated the naming of its newest fire engine – ‘Auwaiakeakua – at Station 14 in South Kohala.

The name carries both literal and metaphorical significance and was provided by Komike Hawaii, HFD’s new cultural resource committee.

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‘Auwaiakeakua refers to a waterway that is located north of the fire station and originates on the slopes of Maunakea. From its source, it flows makai through Waimea and Waikoloa where it should eventually reach the ocean at the shores of Puako.

“The name ‘Auwaiakeakua honors the ‘aina on which we live and reminds us of our responsibility to take care of our land and the waters that sustain our communities,” Mayor Kimo Alameda said in a press release. “In addition to protecting the public, this fire engine will serve as a powerful symbol of Hawaii’s culture and heritage.”

The fire engine, the first to be named by Komike Hawaii, was generously donated by the Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation.

“The name ‘Auwaiakeakua carries a deep meaning, reflecting the lifeblood that connects our landscapes, communities, and history,” Fire Chief Kazuo Todd said in the press release. “As firefighters, we serve as stewards — not only of public safety but also of the land and people we protect. Mahalo to Komike Hawaii for ensuring that our fire apparatus are more than just tools, but symbols of our kuleana to Hawaii and its future.”

Komike Hawaii includes current and retired fire personnel and community members with deep cultural knowledge. Funding to support this committee was provided by the office of County Council Chairman Holeka Inaba.

“I am grateful to the members of Komike Hawaii for their commitment to setting intention and mana into the apparatuses that serve our community,” Inaba said.

In addition to ‘Auwaiakeakua, the committee plans to continue its work and name other fire equipment in the Hawaiian language.