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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted at 8:49 a.m., Monday, September 10, 2007

Maui Fire chief retiring at end of year

Associated Press

WAILUKU, Hawai'i — Maui Fire Chief Carl Kaupalolo, the first leader appointed by the county's Fire and Public Safety Commission, has announced his retirement.

Kaupalolo said he will retire at the end of the year to spend more time with his family. He has been with the Maui County Fire Department for 32 years, including the last four as chief.

"Retirement will give me a chance to spend time with my grandchildren before I miss much of their growing up," he said.

Kaupalolo was the first appointment the commission made under a county charter revision that gave them the authority in 2003.

"The commission certainly appreciates his four years of service as chief," said Butch Soares, chairman of the commission. "He has been innovative in getting the department current on equipment and vehicles, something that we were behind on compared to the rest of the state."

Mayor Charmaine Tavares also thanked Kaupalolo for his service.

The Fire Department has 315 firefighters and serves Maui, Lana'i and Moloka'i.