LIHUE — Various community members and agencies were honored at an awards ceremony Tuesday for their heroic efforts during mid-July wildfires.
During November’s Fire Commission meeting, Chief Michael Gibson with the Kauai Fire Department recognized and expressed his gratitude and admiration for all community members, agencies and various staff from the Department of Public Works Roads and Solid Waste divisions, crews from the Kapaa, Hanalei and Hanapepe base yards, along with workers from the refuse transfer stations and the Kekaha Landfill.
Also credited were the Gay & Robinson, Inc. staff including those from security, maintenance and utilities, ranch and administration departments and Kawailana Inc., all of whom jumped into action during the Hanapepe-Kaumakani and Kokee wildfire on July 15.
“It is both an honor and a privilege to be here today to recognize the incredible efforts of our County of Kauai Public Works employees and the dedicated individuals of Gay & Robinson,” said Gibson. “Their courage, collaboration and unwavering commitment were instrumental in combating the devastating Hanapepe and Kaumakani fires on July 15, 2024, and, most importantly, saving lives. We also recognize them for their work in the following days at the Kokee fires.”
KFD also recognized the countless other government agencies that assisted in the response.
Agencies such as the Kauai Emergency Management Agency, the Kauai Police Department, the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, along with many others that contributed their expertise and resources to the effort.
“We have true superheroes with the County of Kauai,” said KPD Deputy Chief Mark Ozaki.
“The bravery and fortitude of moving forward and fighting this fire was humbling,” Ozaki said. “It’s an honor to be here. On behalf of the Kauai Police Department, thank you to our partners, Gay & Robinson, and the Robinson family.”
Gay & Robinson Housing Coordinator Puni Waialeale said her coworkers expressed humility in their appreciation of the recognition. She also presented a commemorative jersey that represented all agencies as a gift to members of the Kauai Fire Commission.
“Caring for the place where we get to live and where we get to work is truly an honor and our kuleana,” said Waialeale.
“Our community is generous and brave and prayerful,” she added. “Hundreds of prayers were being sent up that day, and they were heard. And so now we can sit here with gratitude.”
Waialeale concluded with the Pule Ola Loihi prayer.
The Fire Commission presented all of the honorees with a lei, along with a certificate, to commemorate their efforts.
