The recent storms across Hawaiʻi were a stark reminder of how quickly emergencies can escalate and who we rely on when they do.

In a matter of hours, floodwaters overtook communities, and first responders were called into dangerous conditions to save lives.

It has been just over three years since my son, Maui firefighter Tre’ Evans-Dumaran, lost his life responding to floodwaters in Kīhei, an area we know will continue to flood.

Since then, rescues haven’t slowed. They’ve increased. And so has the risk.

But support for our firefighters has not kept pace.

At a time when extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and dangerous, Maui firefighters were recently offered just an 11 percent increase over four years. As the danger of this job grows, why doesn’t the support grow with it?

Under consideration this year is HB2387, which enhances care protections for Hawaiʻi firefighters seeking workers compensation benefits for occupational hazards. This legislation recognizes the long-term risks of these roles and helps remove barriers to critical benefits.

But policy alone is not enough.

Firefighters are being asked to step into increasingly hazardous situations. Some don’t make it home.

Through the Live Like Tre’ Foundation, we are advocating for stronger safety standards, accountability, and a system that truly protects those on the front lines.

Because this is not just about one loss.

It is about whether we value our firefighters in action, not just in words, and whether we show them the aloha they deserve.

Chelsie Evans Enos
Honolulu