Since 2023, Mayor Bissen has put real money and real reform into the Maui Fire Department, and he stood with us at the bargaining table. This is his record with our department, top to bottom.
His proposed budget put roughly 95% of the increase into wildfire recovery and prevention, funding the rebuild of the department.
Stations & CrewsIndependent police, fire, and emergency-management reviews mapped every fix the department needed. The fire review came from the Western Fire Chiefs Association.
ReadinessThe County paid Maui firefighters for staffing through the pandemic.
Pay & BenefitsTwenty-one operations posts and eight support roles: battalion-chief drivers, tanker drivers for Kula and Hāna, day-staffing at Pūkoʻo, and more crew for Wailuku. Structured as expansion and promotional positions that open advancement across the ranks, with the fire budget up about $10 million.
Stations & CrewsA new Haʻikū station and pumper, a dedicated Napili water tanker, off-road mini-pumpers for Kīhei, Makawao, and Wailea, multiple water tenders, two full-size engines, a hazmat truck, a rescue truck, and seven donated wildland fire trucks.
Stations & CrewsBuilt straight from the after-action findings so warnings reach people sooner.
ReadinessStandardized the department's fleet and tightened the fire code to help prevent another tragedy.
ReadinessAfter our BU-11 contract went to arbitration, Mayor Bissen reviewed the panel's decision and returned to the bargaining table, willing to pay more than the award required to reach a fair agreement.
Pay & BenefitsThe County pays toward medical premiums for firefighters and their dependents.
Pay & BenefitsThe West Maui Improvement Foundation raised the money for the new station, on donated land. Mayor Bissen spoke at the groundbreaking and proclaimed Olowalu Fire Station Groundbreaking Day. Chief Ventura says crews will reach emergencies there at least 15 minutes faster than from Lahaina.
Stations & CrewsThe Maui Planning Commission approved the special use permit for the new West Maui station. A private foundation is paying for it on donated land, the finished station goes to the County, and it can house up to five firefighters.
Stations & CrewsThe County’s agreement with Maui Land & Pineapple includes land in Hāliʻimaile for a fire station and a police substation. The agreement is a first step, and the Council must still approve it.
Stations & Crews“Nothing else we do in the county moves without the water,” Mayor Bissen told the Hawaiʻi Journalism Initiative on May 18, the day the County signed its agreement with Maui Land & Pineapple. “It’s just a historic opportunity.”
ReadinessThe backbone of a rebuilt disaster-response system, so Maui is never caught flat again.
ReadinessThe Council voted 8-1 to buy two West Maui water systems for up to $6 million. A deal with Maui Land & Pineapple would raise public ownership of West Maui drinking water from 45% to 93% and set aside land in Hāliʻimaile for a fire station.
ReadinessFirefighters and neighbors out on the sign line for Mayor Bissen.
Maui firefighters are standing with Mayor Bissen because he funds our crews and backed our contract at the table. If his record holds up, so should your vote.