Hoses drawn, Honolulu firefighters battled simulated fires at two buildings at ʻŌlauniu at Kapālama Kai along Dillingham Blvd. The scenarios were designed to mirror real-life emergencies and pushed firefighters to think fast, communicate, move with purpose, and work as one.
“That’s one of our main goals – putting out fires and saving lives,” said firefighter Nick Miyasato, a Kamehameha Schools alumnus stationed in Waimānalo. Having the [fire] department set us up to try and practice these different scenarios… it’s going to be better for us and just prepare us better for when we face these situations.”
“Being able to be hands on it itself is just a huge, huge plus for us,” said firefighter Kalā Burnett, a Kamehameha Schools alumnus stationed in McCully-Mōʻiliʻili. “You can talk about things. You can have the mental capacity to go through. But being hands on and being in the face of what you need to do and making sure your skills of doing it are efficient and the right way.”
Each fire company was tasked with quickly locating and extinguishing a fire and rescuing mannequin victims. The exercise, coordinated by the Honolulu Fire Department and KS, demonstrates a shared commitment to serving our community.
“This partnership shows how reimagining our spaces can help us make a lasting, positive impact on our community,” said Christine Sanpei, Project Manager with Kamehameha Schools ʻĀina Pauahi Group. “By transforming these buildings into a temporary training ground for our emergency responders, we’re strengthening community resilience and breathing new life into Kapālama Kai in a way that honors our mission and uplifts those we serve.”
Firefighters are also conducting inter-agency training with other federal, state, and city first responders at ʻŌlauniu, formerly the Burger King and Popeyes locations on Dillingham Blvd. In total, an estimated 940 emergency personnel are participating throughout the exercise period. Training will continue through the end of 2025.
Once training is complete, construction will begin to prepare ʻŌlauniu for potential businesses. The project is envisioned as a gathering place for the kaiāulu, offering retail, dining, and experiences that foster community, culture, and collaboration.