HONOLULU CITY LIGHTS
COURTESY FIRE TRUCK HAWAII
Children from Punana O Leo Kawaiaha'o enjoy a cruise aboard Engine 50, a 1936 Ford Flathead fire engine. Fire Truck Hawaii is offering Honolulu City Lights tours on Engine 50, Saturday through Jan. 3.
|
|
Antique truck fires up for yuletide tours
Kendall Ching has been driving emergency vehicles since 1993. But during the annual City Lights parade, he will be behind the wheel of a lit-up Engine 50, an antique fire truck that will be adorned with presents, wreaths and candy canes.
"We will be all dressed up and carrying the parade sponsors," said Ching, co-owner of Fire Truck Hawaii.
"About four years ago, I was coming back from an emergency call and thought it was so cool to ride on a fire truck. The excitement and feeling of doing good was overwhelming," Ching said.
Fire Truck Rides
A portion of the proceeds benefit Mission Houses Museum
When: City Lights Tours depart every 15 minutes, nightly from 6:30 to 11 p.m., Saturday through Jan. 3 (No tour on Dec. 24)
Cost: $7 per person
Note: Seating is limited; the Engine can accommodate 12 riders per tour
|
Ching is a firefighter, hazardous materials technician and an emergency medical technician and instructor.
Together with recruit classmate Edward Call, who is a firefighter and certified mechanic, Fire Truck Hawaii was established a few months ago. "We loved being firefighters and wanted to share the same excitement with others."
Folks can climb aboard Engine 50, a 1936 Ford Flathead fire engine, and enjoy Honolulu City Lights tours from Dec. 2 to Jan. 3. The 10- to 15-minute tours begin at Mission Lane and Kawaiahao Street, near the Mission Houses Museum. Tours depart every 15 minutes and cost $7 per person. "The open cab should be perfect for viewing the lights," said Ching.
The fire truck was found in Texas and shipped to Honolulu. "We call it 'Engine 50' for our 50th state," said Ching. Engine 50 is also available for fairs, birthday parties, parades, private tours and special events.
"Normally kids love being on the truck, taking a ride and pretending to be a fireman," said Ching. "And it is not everyday that you can ride on an antique fire truck," he added. "It is older than a lot of the parents and grandparents."
While the youngsters may appreciate the truck's siren and bells, older folk should enjoy learning more about the history and fire fighting education.
During tours, plastic souvenir fire helmets will also be available for purchase for $1. Guests can also try on an authentic fire fighting coat and helmet.
Ching said that the next venture for Fire Truck Hawaii is to establish a Waikiki tour service.
Rates for private tours vary. Call 590-2100 or e-mail firetruckhawaii@yahoo.com for more information.