Maui is installing a 30,000-gallon water storage tank and a 10,000-gallon helicopter dip tank at Mฤสปalaea this week to provide water near likely fire areas.
The effort is part of a plan to pre-position supplies in remote, drought-prone locations so air crews can respond to fires faster.
Lance DeSilva, the Department of Land and Natural Resourcesโ forest management supervisor on Maui, said Mฤสปalaea was chosen because, โWe have fought fires there many times over the years.โ
County data shows the Maui Fire Department responded to 555 blazes, including more than 200 forest and brush fires, between January 1 and September 30.
Assistant Chief Alexander Parker said pre-positioned water can reduce helicopter turnaround time, noting that โa lot of times, the success or failure of an operation โ when it comes to helicopters โ is turnaround time,โ according to Honolulu Civil Beat.
Funding for fire safety has increased since the August 8, 2023 wildfires, with the Department of Fire and Public Safetyโs budget rising by over $25 million and $9.8 million planned in 2026 to buy equipment including tanks.
