LT. GOVERNOR SUPPORTS BIG ISLAND FIRE DEPARTMENT

September 1 - On the Big Island, Lt. Governor Aiona expressed support for a Kona-based charitable organization that is making a positive impact on the Hawai`i County Fire Department.

The Lt. Governor was a featured speaker at an awards dinner organized by the Daniel Robert Sayre Memorial Foundation, which has raised more than $300,000 to help provide safety equipment for the Big Island's fire department.

Funds raised this year will pay for an array of safety equipment, ranging from cold-weather gear for rescue workers to three new helicopters.

In his remarks, the Lt. Governor credited the organization's civic generosity for helping the fire department to save more lives.

"In addition to sometimes long and unpredictable hours - a burden shared by their families - firefighters are frequently called to put themselves in harm's way in order to protect the lives of others," Lt. Governor Aiona said.

On behalf of the Administration, the Lt. Governor commended the organization's 2007 award winners: firefighter Laka H. Burgess; fire rescue specialist Marc S. Farinas; and the 22-member Hawai`i Fire Department Rescue Team.

In addition, the Lt. Governor presented the organization's co-founders, Frank and Laura Sayre, with a commendation he co-signed with Governor Linda Lingle.

The Daniel Robert Sayre Memorial Foundation was founded in 1998 to honor the life of Daniel Sayre, who fell to his death while hiking at Kapaloa falls in Pololu Valley on the Big Island. The fire department tried to rescue him during a 10-hour attempt, but lacked proper emergency and rescue equipment.

"We are grateful you have turned the tragic loss of your son ten years ago into a positive initiative that significantly assists these heroes," Lt. Governor Aiona said.