Law enforcement pursuits and emergency responses will be easier for Maui police, with the addition of a new helicopter capable of flying day or night. The helicopter was blessed by Timothy Bailey (right) at the Central Maui Regional Sports Complex Thursday. Courtesy photo

Trying to elude Maui police just got a bit more difficult, but those who need to be rescued in Maui County might get help more quickly.

On Thursday, the Maui Police Department welcomed its first helicopter for rapid public safety response and law enforcement purposes. The helicopter is equipped so that it can fly at night, scan the landscape for body heat, pinpoint fires’ hotspots and hoist people to safety.

“We can and will use this air unit to save lives, to fight fires, to capture violent criminals and to find and locate missing persons,” Police Chief John Pelletier said. “We are safer and more prepared than ever.”

During a blessing of the helicopter named “Hekili,” Pelletier said police will be working in search and rescue and in support of fire officials.

“It’s a force multiplier,” Pelletier said.

The helicopter flown by the Maui Fire Department has similar equipment and that will enable its personnel to use Hekili if necessary, according to the fire department.

Pelletier credited Deputy Police Chief Wade Maede with coming up with the idea and said he was grateful to Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen’s administration and Maui County Council, including council member Tom Cook, for supporting the idea.

Pelletier said that following the August 2023 wildfires, it was clear Maui County had to enhance and expand its air unit capabilities.

“Today, we have the most competent, capable, complete air unit in the state of Hawaii for first responders,” he said.

Police Chief John Pelletier (right) credited Deputy Chief Wade Maeda, standing next to him, with the idea of adding a specially outfitted helicopter to assist in law enforcement and emergencies. Maui News photo/Gary Kubota

The new helicopter will allow police to also respond to emergencies on Lanai and Molokai at night and to rural areas on Maui. Previously, police have had to wait for daylight to respond to outer areas in the county.

Police noted that there’s also an onboard camera system to help in search and rescues and with surveillance, as the cameras allow law enforcement to read a license plate from more than a half mile away.

The county will be paying $2.5 million a year for leasing the helicopter and pilots’ services from Windward Helicopters.

Pelletier said the cost of the helicopter has expanded his department’s ability to save lives and rescue people.

“Now we can do it day or night,” he said.