Hawaii

Kauaʻi Fire Department proposes contracted emergency helicopter pilots become county employees

Kauai Now·Oct 29, 2026 · 10:00 AM CT
Read the original at Kauai Now
Readthrough summary

Kauai's Fire Department wants to bring its rescue helicopter pilots in-house. Fire Chief Michael Gibson's proposal, advanced by the County Council, would create three permanent pilot positions to replace contracted pilot services.

The department has relied on Airborne Aviation since the county bought its first fire helicopter in 2010, but that contract ended in September when the company decided to stop operating. Gibson thanked the company and said the county had been weighing this change for several years.

The ordinance would amend the fiscal 2027 budget to appropriate $383,398 from the General Fund, covering roughly seven months of salaries and benefits through June 30, 2027. "This isn't simply about replacing the contractor," Gibson said, stressing the value of pilots who know the island's terrain.

Key points

  • 3 county pilot positions proposed
  • $383,398 for about seven months
  • Airborne Aviation contract ended in September

Summary written by Readthrough from the original article. The full story, with photos and any updates, is at Kauai Now.

Read the original at Kauai Now

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