Truck named for paniolo

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Maui Fire Department training Capt. Amos Lonokailua-Hewett conducts Thursday morning's Hawaiian blessing of the department's three newest firetrucks. The truck in the foreground is the Ikua, named in honor of legendary Maui paniolo Ikua Purdy. Appropriately, the truck will be stationed at the Kula Fire Station. The other two vehicles are destined for Paia Fire Station.

Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares said the trucks that take more than a year to build are a worthwhile investment. "With the right tools, the community is safer," Tavares said. "It's a great investment to see that the Fire Department is able to maintain the level of service that we are accustomed to."