The Kauai County Council has given the go-ahead to the Kauai County Fire Department to apply for a grant to acquire eight all-terrain vehicles that officials contend will help prevent drownings off Kauai beaches. The council action this month authorized
The Kauai County Council has given the go-ahead to the Kauai County Fire Department to apply for a grant to acquire eight all-terrain vehicles that officials contend will help prevent drownings off Kauai beaches.
The council action this month authorized the fire department to apply for and receive a grant from the American Honda Motor Company’s Motorcycle Division that would cover the cost of the vehicles.
Councilwoman JoAnn Yukimura urged the council to use caution in the matter because of questions about maintenance cost and because the fire department had yet to develop a detailed and “clear” plan on the use of the vehicles.
She said county officials should apply for the grant, but withhold receiving the vehicles until the information is available.
Council chairman Kaipo Asing said he understood Yukimura’s concerns, but said the Honda grant was too good a deal to pass up.
“I will just vote for it. No good solid reason to my mind (as to why there should be a delay in filing for the grant and accepting the vehicles ),” Asing said.
Asing said he has sat through budget meetings during his 20 years on the council, and that there have been many times when the county has balked at buying new vehicles or equipment because of other funding priorities or lack of funds.
Fire chief Charles Harimoto urged the council not to mull over the offer too long because Honda had set a two-week deadline for receiving the application.
Councilman Joe Munechika said the vehicles will help lifeguards with their work and help prevent drownings.
Councilman Mel Rapozo said the vehicles will help with water rescues to areas that are not easily accessible by water-powered craft or four-wheel drive vehicles.
The all terrain vehicles will add to the county’s ability to respond to emergencies, said councilman Daryl Kaneshiro.
Saying he owns one, Kaneshiro noted, “I can attest to the machines reliability Come to response time, these vehicles can do it.”
Councilman Jay Furfaro said he had concerns about maintenance and the eventual fleet size of the all terrain vehicles operated by the county. The fire department currently operates three such vehicles.
Hiramoto said tentative plans call for putting the all terrain vehicles by lifeguard towers at seven beaches. When emergencies arise, the vehicles will haul small trailers holding rescue equipment, possibly oxygen tanks and resuscitation equipment, he said, and storage areas for the vehicles would be in Hanalei and Poipu.
Staff writer Lester Chang can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 225) and lchang@pulitzer.net
