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HONOLULU — The city of Honolulu has suspended routine flight operations for police and fire helicopters after learning that the company maintaining the aircraft is filing for bankruptcy and is no longer insured.
The helicopters were grounded Monday for routine operations.
KHON-TV reports that Rotor Wing Hawaii has had the contract to maintain and insure the helicopter since 2001, as well as provide hangar and crew space.
The owner recently died. City officials say the company will be in Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings by the end of the week and its basic insurance expired Sunday.
Officials say federal firefighters or the Coast Guard would step in to help if needed during emergency responses while the helicopters are out of service.