Community Service Combining Training and Aloha ‘Āina
The HFD Explorers Program provides young individuals with unparalleled opportunities to serve their communities. This program allows participants to engage in various community service activities, gain valuable experience in public safety, and develop leadership skills. Through hands-on training and real-world experiences, the HFD Explorers enhances participantsʻ personal growth, strengthens community bonds, and fosters a culture of service and dedication. Engagment in community service programs is designed to provide HFD Explorers with hands-on experience in environmental stewardship, cultural education, and community service, all while developing essential skills for future careers in firefighting and emergency response.
Learn About Our Community Service Programs
E Ulu—To Grow
Participating in HFD Explorers offers a wide range of benefits that extend beyond traditional firefighting and medical training. HFD Explorers gain valuable knowledge, practical skills, and personal growth opportunities through their involvement in these unique and impactful activities. Here are some of the key benefits participants can expect:
Enhanced Knowledge: Gain a comprehensive understanding of environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and community engagement.
Practical skills: Develop hands-on skills with modern tools, traditional practices, and other management techniques.
Cultural Connection: Strengthen a deeper connection to Hawai‘i, the Hawaiian culture, and our ‘ohana.
Community impact: Leave this place better than the way we found it. Ensuring that our contributions will enable future generations to experience these places and things.
Personal growth: Improve leadership, teamwork, and physical fitness through challenging and rewarding activities.
Academic Scholarships
An academic scholarship for HFD Explorers enrolled in college is designed to support individuals who are part of the HFD Explorers Program and are pursuing higher education.
The HFD Scholarship, sponsored by The Deputies, aims to ease the financial burden of college tuition, books, and other educational expenses. It recognizes the commitment and dedication of HFD Explorers who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership skills, and a strong desire to serve their community. Receiving an academic scholarship can significantly impact an explorer's educational journey by providing the financial support needed to focus on their studies and career preparation. It also serves as recognition of their hard work and dedication, encouraging them to continue striving for excellence in their academic and professional endeavors.
The Explorers on Kaho‘olawe: Committed to Restoration and Cultural Preservation
Kanaloa Kaho‘olawe
The HFD Explorers partners with the Protect Kaho‘olawe ‘Ohana (PKO) to offer a unique and enriching opportunity for participants to engage in restoration and preservation efforts on Kaho‘olawe. This special partnership is designed to provide the HFD Explorers with hands-on experience in aloha ʻāina, environmental stewardship, cultural education, and community service, all while developing essential skills for future careers in firefighting and emergency response.
Kako‘o ‘Ōiwi
The HFD Explorers Program has a partnership with Kāko‘o ‘Ōiwi, a community based nonprofit organization located in He‘eia, ‘Oahu. Kāko‘o ‘Ōiwiʻs goal is to restore nearly 405 acres of wetlands in He‘eia, enhancing both ecological and agricultural productivity of the area by engaging volunteers in activities such as taro farming, wetland restoration, and removal of invasive species. HFD Explorers supports these initiatives by participating in community workdays and helping to foster a deeper connection between the people and the land. This partnership also aligns with HFD’s commitment to community services and environmental stewardship, reflecting a broader effort to contribute to the well-being and resilience of the local ecosystem and cultural heritage.
Explorers in Action: Filling the Boot to Serve Our Community!
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Fill the Boot
HFD Explorers partners with MDA Hawai‘i and the Hawai‘i Fire Fighters Association 1463 (HFFA 1463) to raise funds to support individuals affected by muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related diseases. The campaign includes firefighters, Explorers, and our ‘ohana collecting donations at various locations, engaging with the community to garner support for MDA’s research, care programs, and advocacy efforts.
Become an Explorer Today!
Through community service activities, the HFD Explorers Programs engages with the public, assist in various community events, and promote fire safety education. This involvement not only supports the community but also helps the HFD Explorers develop leadership skills, teamwork, and a strong sense of civic duty. The program ultimately strives to create well-rounded individuals who are prepared for potential careers in fire fighting and other public service roles.