Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 30, Number 6, 1 June 2013 — Kaulana ē ka hui kaʻawai ē ... ʻo ka helu ʻekahi [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Kaulana ē ka hui kaʻawai ē ... ʻo ka helu ʻekahi

Eō e nā 'ōiwi olino, na pulapula a Haloa, mai Hawai'i a Ni'ihau, puni ke ao mālamalama. Mahalo a nui to Dr. Jonathan Likeke Scheuer for his three-part contribution to my KWO eolumn reminding us all to never waver in advocating water rights, but rather to "mālama i ka wai" with humble recognition of this life's precious gift. Another precious gift, he hulu kupuna, honored in fond remembrance for his contributions to public service is Honolulu Fire

Chief Boniface Stephen Kauweokaohelani Aiu Sr., Native Hawaiian born in Kailua,

Kona, on Sept. 2, 1923, who passed on Feb. 27 at 89 years of age. He graduated from Konawaena High School and continued his education at the University of Hawai'i on O'ahu. When he first entered into college, his intent was to study political science and join the Honolulu Poliee Department. But when World War II began he opted for service in the Honolulu Fire Department. He began as a "hoseman" at the fire department on Dec. 22, 1942, and over the next 30 years served his community eapping his public service career when Mayor

Frank Fasi named him Honolulu Fire Chief on Feb. 5, 1973. He retired as fire chief on Dec. 31, 1980. Chief Aiu introduced innovation while at the department, beginning with what is now known as First Responders, allowing fire fighters to participate in the 91 1 emergency response process for the first time, explaining his thoughts and decision in this way: "There were more fire stations around the island and not enough amhulanee locations, therefore, training the fireman

to provide emergency medical measures while awaiting the amhulanee would help

to save many lives." Additionally, Chief Aiu implemented the change from red to yellow fire trucks. "Red is not that easy to see; fire trucks were getting into too many accidents. Yellow is easier to see - better distinction," Chief Aiu would say when asked. Before retirement he laid the groundwork for the fire helicopter initiative and the introduction of female firefighters to the department. Karen Aiu, the chief's daughter, shared the following about her father: "My dad was a forwardthinker, progressive with foresight. He was strict and rightfully so because his intent was to ensure the safety of the community at large. Henee, his first-responder program helped to save thousands of lives then, now and into the future. I am very proud to say that Chief Aiu was my father." Honolulu Fire Chief Manuel Neves recalls the chief this way:

"Shortly after my appointment as a fire fighter recruit with the Honolulu Fire Department in 1979, 1 had an opportunity to meet with Chief Aiu and was truly touched by the friendliness and sincerity he displayed toward me. After all, he was the fire chief and I was only a recruit. He has always been a role model to me. As the current fire chief, I only hope to be as compassionate and caring to my fellow fire fighters as he was." Mahalo nui la 'oe, e Kauweokaohelani i kou hana nui. "Kaulana ē, ka hui ka'awai ē, 'o ka helu 'ekahi me ka miki'oi ē . . . " 6/48 ■

LEO 'ELELE k www.oha.org/kwo | kwo@OHA.org TRUSTEE MESSSAGES f NATIVE HAWAIIAN » NEWS | FEATURES | EVENTS

Haunani Apnlinna, MSW

TrustEE, At-largE

Boniface Stephen Kauweokaohelani Aiu Sr. - Courtesy: Honolulu Fire Department