While plans for ʻŌlauniu in Kapālama Kai continue to take shape, the property is serving the community in a new way as a full-scale training ground for the Honolulu Fire Department.

Over the next month, battalions from across Oʻahu are rotating through the site for simulated fire drills designed to test their technical skills, coordination, communication and teamwork. The former Popeye’s and Burger King buildings have been temporarily refurbished into mock homes and apartments, complete with built-in furniture, smoke machines and fire panels that glow and react to water streams.

“We don’t often get to do this full-scale scenario where we can train,” said Battalion Chief Joseph Condlin, “At the station, we can drill a couple skills at a time, but this is where we get to put it all together — command and coordination, ventilation and fire attack.”

The exercises bring together firefighters from various parts of the island who may never respond to the same call until they actually do. Training alongside new teams helps build confidence long before a crisis breaks out.

“We have companies from all over the island that aren’t used to working together…so it’s about building that coordination,” said recent academy graduate Kalā Burnett KSK’19. 

Between drills, captains and battalion chiefs lead quick debriefs to review what worked and what could improve. From hose deployment to victim search, every drill builds rhythm and trust that keeps the crew moving as one. For firefighters like Nick Miyasato KSH’09, that synergy feels familiar.

“I see the fire department kind of like playing sports — that bond…in doing something you’re proud of,” Miyasato said.

His colleague Austin Lee-Mahiʻai KSK’13 carries that same pride, shaped by both family and heritage.

“My grandfather was a firefighter, and I wanted to carry on that legacy of public servants,” Lee-Mahiʻai said. “Knowing the Honolulu Fire Department was established by the Hawaiian Kingdom — I feel like it’s something to be proud of: my heritage, being Hawaiian and being in the fire department.”

The transformation of ʻŌlauniu reflects how ‘Āina Pauahi continues to serve the community in impactful ways.

“This partnership shows how reimagining our spaces can help us make a lasting, positive impact on our community,” said Christine Sanpei, a project manager with Kamehameha Schools’ ʻĀina Pauahi Group. “By transforming these buildings into a temporary training ground for our emergency responders, we’re strengthening community resilience and breathing new life into Kapālama Kai in a way that honors our mission and uplifts those we serve.”

The partnership brings to life the mission of Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha to uplift leaders who serve with compassion and courage. For now, it’s readying the next generation of first responders for our shared kuleana to protect and sustain a thriving Hawaiʻi.

---

TAGS
ʻāina pauahi, ks hawaii, keaau campus, kapalama campus, ʻōiwi leaders, kapalama kai, community engagement, ʻāina resiliency, ks kapalama

CATEGORIES
Kaipuolono Article, Regions, Kona, O’ahu, Themes, Culture, Community, KS Announcements, Newsroom, Community Education, Community Events, Alumni, Hawai’i, Kapalama, Oahu, Oiwi Leaders

Print with photos Print text only