The Kaua‘i Fire Department is seeking permits to build a new fire station north of Kapa‘a and plans to relocate an existing station in Waipouli to Wailua Homesteads to better serve the Kawaihau District. If the county Planning Commission approves,
The Kaua‘i Fire Department is seeking permits to build a new fire station north of Kapa‘a and plans to relocate an existing station in Waipouli to Wailua Homesteads to better serve the Kawaihau District.
If the county Planning Commission approves, the second fire station will extend the ability of the fire department to fight fires and emergency services in the region n the largest population area on Kaua‘i.
The commission will begin weighing the merit of the proposal during a public hearing at the Lihu‘e Civic Center today.
Fire stations are located in Hanalei, Hanapepe, Kalaheo, Kapa‘a, Koloa, Lihu‘e and Waimea.
The last new fire station to be built was in Koloa.
The Koloa fire station was previously located on Maluhia Road, but was closed and replaced by one built on Po‘ipu Road.
In county documents, fire department officials said the department’s long-range plans call for a second fire station to support the existing station.
In seeking a use permit and a Class IV zoning permit for its latest fire station, the county is proposing to place it on a lot that is about 50,000 square feet and is located about 1,400 feet north of the Kapa‘a Jehovah Witness Facility mauka, or on the mountain side of Kuhio Highway.
The new station will be placed on a site that was used for a wastewater treatment plant that once served Mahelona Medical Center, Kapa‘a Elementary, Middle and High schools and a project for low-income and elderly residents.
The one-story station will be deigned to handle structure fires and wildland fires and respond to emergency medical calls and requests for rescues.
The new facility will be home for 15 firefighters, and three to five firefighters will man the station at any one time through rotating shifts.
The building will feature three bays for fire trucks, a kitchen and lounge, sleeping areas, an office, locker room, exercise room, a compartment for a generator, a laundry and storage room and additional spaces.
The proposed, single-story 6,600-square-foot fire station will be constructed with concrete masonry units with a stucco-like exterior finish and will feature an asphalt shingle roof.
The architectural design of the building is similar to that of the Koloa fire station.
County officials state in documents an environmental assessment was prepared for the new station and the proposed site. Last April, the county Department of Public Works determined the project will pose no significant environmental impacts.
The planning department seems to like the project as well.
Officials said the height of the station, the lot coverage of the project, setbacks, utilities, access and other matters generally conform to the county’s comprehensive zoning ordinance requirements.
The CZO lays out standards for land development and the construction of buildings and structures on Kaua‘i.
• Lester Chang, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 225) or lchang@kauaipubco.com.
