KAILUA-KONA — With the county budget tightening due to recent natural disasters, the Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation once again came to the rescue with a $45,233.74 donation to refurbish Radon Rescue Boat for Rescue 7 at the Kailua-Kona Fire Station.
The boat was last refurbished around 2008, but with consistent use it was long overdue for an overhaul.
Steve Riddle of Riddle Boatworks custom-made vital additions to the boat, including a fiberglass cab and seats, new electronics, radar, depth sounder, radios, swimstep and a heavy duty wrap-around railing with tow bits.
Fire rescue specialist Dusty Frechette said the boat previously had a soft canopy, causing equipment and personnel to get soaked in rough seas. The fiberglass cab will protect the new electronics and stowed equipment as well as provide shelter for rescue personnel. A water-level swimstep the length of the stern will make boarding from the water easier for rescuers and those being rescued.
“We are the first responders for aquatic emergencies. There’s little Coast Guard presence here,” said Frechette.
Big Island Fire battalion chief Gerald Kosaki expressed his gratitude to the foundation at Saturday’s gifting ceremony. He said the refurbished boat will make it much safer for rescue personnel on long days, going long distances.
That includes distressed swimmers and disabled boats in West Hawaii waters from Pololu Valley to Punaluu.
“We couldn’t do what we do without the equipment. We couldn’t have done it the last 21 years without the Sayres donating over $3 million. All the equipment is keeping us safe and allowing us to do our job,” said Kosaki.
Laura Mallery-Sayre emphasized community support for firefighters.
“They realize what you do and are grateful you are here,” she said, citing recent fires and rescues that have pushed the department to the limits.
She thanked donors Dr. Carter Yokoyama, Dr. Dan Walker, Dr. Rich McDowel, Eric Von Platen Luder, Scott Dodd, Roberta Chu, Cindy Evans, Tom Leeper, Mary Love, Alice and Jack Lunsford, George Maragos, Jimmy Perry, Marnie and Kerry Humble and Gerry Rott for their generosity in turning the wish for the boat re-do into a reality.
Two years ago, county council members Karen Eoff, Valerie Poindexter, Maile David, Dru Kanuha, Aaron Chung and Danny Paleka used their contingency funds to make up the $18,000 shortfall for boat repairs.
As for future items on the department’s wish list, Kosaki expressed the need for more personal watercraft used in ocean rescues, specifically for Kahaluu and Punaluu Beaches.
“They have really made a difference at Hapuna and Richardson,” said Kosaki, referring to the watercraft purchased by the county in 2015. He went on to say they fill the gap between ocean safety and rescue, providing faster response, which translates to better outcomes.
With the 21st annual Daniel R. Sayre Foundation fundraiser and awards dinner coming up Saturday at the Fairmont Orchid, community generosity could make that dream come true.
“The foundation is the community,” said co-founder Dr. Frank Sayre.