The Honolulu Fire Department has an agreement with the City and County of Honolulu, Honolulu Emergency Services Department’s Emergency Medical Services Division to dispatch an apparatus to life-threatening calls, such as heart attacks, difficulty breathing, possible strokes, vehicle crashes, significant trauma, etc. The Honolulu Fire Department will dispatch its closest apparatus, which may be a rapid response vehicle, an engine, a ladder, or a rescue or hazardous materials company. With fire stations located strategically throughout Oahu and ambulances often busy with other medical calls, Honolulu Fire Department apparatuses often arrive prior to ambulances; fire fighters then begin life-saving techniques. Since we are unable to predict when or where the next fire call will be, the Honolulu Fire Department believes it is prudent to dispatch a ladder company if it is equally close and available.

The Honolulu Fire Department treats every call for assistance as an emergency call and dispatches its apparatus as an emergency vehicle. The Honolulu Fire Department is required by the City and County of Honolulu and the State of Hawaii traffic codes to use emergency warning devices while responding as an emergency vehicle. The use of lights and sirens allows fire fighters to respond safely, efficiently, and expeditiously to each emergency. People who call for help expect a quick, professional, and effective response. Those not involved in the emergency might understandably be surprised, annoyed, and angry at the sound of sirens. The Honolulu Fire Department takes both perspectives into consideration and recognizes that the most important expectation is that we respond as safely and expeditiously as possible. The Honolulu Fire Department meets this expectation through professional call-taking and effective emergency vehicle response.

Access boxes are small, wall-mounted safes that secure keys to access points, such as a building or gated community. Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) personnel use a universal key to access the box, which enables entry for emergencies and minimizes forcible entry tools use. The HFD prefers a Knox Box. Visit https://www.knoxbox.com/ for information.

• Property owners must use zip code 96813 when purchasing the product, as Oahu-based products are keyed similarly.
• An authorized signature is not required if the 96813 zip code is referenced.
• Property owners are responsible for the box installation. If requested, Honolulu Fire Department personnel may suggest a proper location for the box.
• Once installation is complete, the property owner must call the HFD’s Fire Operations division at 808-723-7113 to schedule the administrative area’s fire station to lock the box.

To schedule a station visit, call 808-723-7184.