Ma ¯lama Mauna ‘Ala Project Restoring Sacred Site Pa g e 6
KUPULAU (SPRING) 2012
PUBLISHED FOR THE KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS ‘OHANA
Burning Commitment
Led by fire chief Kenneth Silva KSK’78, a host of Kamehameha Schools alumni are serving in leadership roles with the Honolulu Fire Department
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n 1831, when Hawaiian high chiefs Abner Päkï and Laura Konia gave birth to their only child, they named her Pauahi, which means “the fire is out.” The baby princess was named after Konia’s sister who narrowly escaped from fire (ahi) as a child. Given the origin of the name Pauahi, and the princess’ commitment to her people, it is interesting that so many of her children serve Hawai‘i’s people by becoming professional firefighters. The Kamehameha alumni include the department’s leader – fire chief Kenneth Silva KSK’78 and its first female firefighter and female captain – Debbi Akiona Eleneki KSK’85 (see story on page 15). The HFD was established in 1851 by Kamehameha III. Silva says the department takes great pride in its royal roots. “We are the oldest fire department west of the Rockies, and we were organized under a monarchy,” he said. “No other fire department in our nation can lay claim to
those kinds of roots.” In the days of the Hawaiian monarchy, flames were fought by bucket brigades – volunteer firefighters and citizens lined up to pass water-filled buckets to and from the blaze. Even the king himself is said to have rolled up his sleeves to help douse a fire. Today, buckets have given way to engine and ladder companies, water tankers, rescue water crafts and helicopters. And rather than depending on volunteers, the HFD employs a team of over 1,120 highly trained firefighters who care for and protect O‘ahu’s nearly one million residents. The department also employs about 65 civilian staffers who perform essential support services. Leading the charge along with chief Silva are deputy chief Emmit Kane KSK’83 and assistant chiefs Rolland Harvest KSK’72 and Thomas Perkins KSK’74 (now retired). In addition to the top brass, six Kamehameha alumni are currently serving as battalion chiefs: Edward Simeona KSK’74,
“If you’re built for the job, you won’t find a more rewarding career than this.” – Kenneth Silva KSK’78 Fire Chief, Honolulu Fire Department
Hiram Keliipio KSK’76, James “Kimo” Perkins KSK’77, Lionel Camara KSK’84, Albert Mahoe KSK’84 and Nathan Ramos KSK’85. Many other KS alumni have served their communities as battalion chiefs and are now retired.
“We’re an all-hazard fire department,” Silva said. “We handle everything from dumpster fires to tactical rescues. We also respond to medical calls. In fact more than 70 percent of what we do is medically related.” According to Silva, new firefighters must earn national emergency medical technician (EMT) certification which qualifies them to perform emergency ambulance services. With additional training, veteran firefighters also earn EMT certification. “Because we have 43 fire stations and the island only has 19 full-time ambulances, we are able to arrive at the scene a lot sooner and begin medical intervention. Timeliness is critical in an emergency situation,” he said. Silva believes that his ability to be an effective leader stemmed from his years at Kamehameha Schools, beginning in kindergarten. “A Kamehameha education not only set me up for success in the fire department, but for success in life,” he said. “We had very committed teachers and were given every opportunity to be successful. I never really challenged myself in school, but I had caring teachers – like our physical education teacher Don Metzger – who encouraged me to push myself. continued on page 14
From left, assistant fire chief Rolland Harvest KSK’72, fire chief Kenneth Silva KSK’78, deputy fire chief Emmit Kane KSK’83 and assistant chief Thomas Perkins KSK’74 (now retired) of the Honolulu Fire Department.
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