The cost and delivery time for fire trucks in Hawaii have surged in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, creating significant challenges for local fire departments.
The Honolulu Fire Department reported that prior to the pandemic, a big pumper truck cost approximately $720,000.
Today, that price has skyrocketed to $1,700,000, reflecting a staggering increase of 136%.
Maui County has seen a 20% rise in fire truck costs, while Hawaii County has faced an increase of over 50%.
In Kauai County, Fire Chief Mike Gibson revealed that the cost of a standard pumper engine, which used to be about $800,000, is now estimated at $1.5 million for the upcoming budget cycle.
Fire trucks are critical for ensuring swift responses in emergencies, but acquiring these essential vehicles has become a long and costly process.
Local fire chiefs have reported that the delivery timeframe has expanded dramatically.
While it previously took between 12 to 18 months to receive a truck after placing an order, fire departments across the state are now experiencing approximately a four-year wait for new vehicles.
Hawaii County Fire Chief Kazuo Todd noted that this extensive delay applies to all counties in the region.
Several factors have contributed to these rising costs and extended delivery times.
Chief Todd explained that the COVID-19 pandemic was a catalyst for the current situation, as many fire truck manufacturers temporarily shut down during the crisis.
As production delays mounted, fire departments nationwide began to increase their orders—often doubling or tripling them—which has further strained production capacities and exacerbated waiting periods.
Market consolidation in the fire truck industry is also a significant factor, with three companies reportedly holding over 70% of the market share.
In response to the current challenges, two U.S. senators have indicated they are investigating the situation.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, fire trucks are expected to provide service for about 15 years.
Currently, Kauai’s fire trucks average around ten years of age, with some vehicles even older, including a front-line pumper that is 17 years old.
To mitigate risks, fire departments are ramping up maintenance efforts on their existing fleets to ensure operational readiness.
In Kauai, the usual reserve fleet includes three reserve engines, but the department is facing setbacks, with one engine out for repairs and the other two aging at 18 and 21 years, respectively.
Chief Gibson voiced his concerns about potential shortages, stating, “My worry is that I’m going to wake up one day or get a call that another engine has broke down and we’re short of fire engines at a station.”
Similar concerns have manifested on Hawaii Island, where operational challenges led to a situation where fire trucks had to be borrowed from volunteer departments to support the career staff.
Looking ahead, fire departments throughout Hawaii are not only preparing for firefighting duties but are also closely monitoring the maintenance and repair status of their existing vehicle fleets.
This vigilance is crucial for formulating long-term strategies for replacing aging apparatus and ensuring that departmental capabilities are not compromised.
As Chief Todd explained, “I have about six fire trucks, and while they may not be the best or most beautiful, they remain functional.
If necessary, we can bring them online as we manage repairs or maintenance on our current operational rigs.
That said, I wouldn’t mind having a few more.”
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