2017-07-14 Waimea Fire Fighting Effort -- press release

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Wil Okabe Managing Director Harry Kim Mayor Barbara J. Kossow Deputy Managing Director County of Hawai‘i Office of the Mayor 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603  Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720  (808) 961-8211  Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg. C  Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740 (808) 323-4444  Fax (808) 323-4440 July 14, 2017 NEWS RELEASE Mayor Recognizes Numerous Agencies, Private Entities for Fighting Waimea Fire Mayor Harry Kim on Friday expressed his appreciation to Federal, State, County agencies and private entities for their response to the recent Waimea fire, which burned some 2,200 acres of pasture last week. The effort to put out the July 7 brush fire involved the County of Hawai'i Fire Department; Hawai'i Police Department; and the County of Hawai'i Department of Public Works; the State Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Fisheries and Wildlife; State Highways Division; the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands; the Pōhakuloa Training Area’s Fire Department. Waimea residents swung into action, too. Parker Ranch mobilized a water tanker to help fight the blaze. Glenn Bertlemann and Kamuela Bertlemann brought in D-8 and D-6 bulldozers, and Rocket Fergerstrom brought in a D-9 bulldozer. “This was a tremendous cooperative effort, where everybody came together to control, contain and put out the fire,” Mayor Kim said. “I cannot find words to express how much I appreciate everyone’s hard work, quick action and the tremendous team system of responding to this fire.” The fire, whose cause is under investigation, destroyed one home and a vehicle. Some farm animals were also lost in the blaze. County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.