The Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) commemorated its 175th anniversary on January 11, 2026, honoring a legacy that began in 1851 when King Kamehameha III established the Department. As the oldest fire department west of the Mississippi, the HFD served generations of City and County of Honolulu residents with a steadfast commitment to public safety.

Fire Chief Sheldon K. Hao reflected on the Department’s rich history and responsibility to carry the legacy forward.

“Our success as a modern, accredited agency rests on the foundation built by our kūpuna and retirees,” said Chief Hao. “Guided by the proverb, ‘I ulu nō ka lālā i ke kumu,’ the branches grow because of the roots. We honor our history and values, leading with aloha and striving to leave the Department better than we found it.” The theme reflects how the Department’s strength is built upon the service, sacrifice, and values passed down through generations of fire fighters and support personnel.

The anniversary ceremony recognizes past and present members of the Department, while reaffirming the HFD’s mission to protect life, property, and the environment through prevention, preparedness, and effective emergency response.

As the HFD looks ahead, the Department remains committed to serving the community with professionalism, integrity, and aloha while rooted in its history and focused on the future.

For more information about the HFD’s 175th anniversary, follow the HFD’s official social media platforms.