© 2024 Hawaiʻi Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
HPR's spring membership campaign is underway! Support the reporting, storytelling and music you depend on. Donate now

Marco Polo, 6 Months Later

Catherine Cruz

Credit Wikimedia Commons

What Happened to Mandatory Sprinkler Systems After Marco Polo Fire?

6 months after a seven-alarm fire at the Marco Polo condo building, the Honolulu City Council appears no closer to mandating sprinkler systems in residential high rises. A fire chief,city councilmember, and condo board representative discuss issues of fire safety, how to pay for sprinkler systems, and what role local government should play

Credit Pixabay

Firefighter Stories from Marco Polo

Honolulu Fire Department released internal audio communication tapes that document how firefighters approached a seven-alarm fire last summer and the challenges they faced.

CC_SS011218.mp3
Scott Seguirant, Honolulu Fire Department

Credit Wayne Yoshioka
No cause was ever determined for the seven-alarm fire that broke out on the 26th floor of the Marco Polo residential high rise.

6 Months Later, Marco Polo Residents are Still Displaced

Just last month crews cleaned soot off the stained facade of the Marco Polo building. But, what is life like now for the still displaced victims of the seven-alarm fire?

Cruz_TomSchmidt010818.mp3
Tom Schmidt, Brigida Schmidt

Credit Catherine Cruz
A burned corridor on the 26th floor of the Marco Polo building.

Marco Polo Owners Vote on Sprinklers

The Marco Polo Association is telling property owners that it now has 67 percent of its members in support of installing a sprinkler system in the building. It needs a two-thirds majority to move ahead and the association said is extending the deadline for residents to vote until February 28th.

CC_NA011118.mp3
Brigida and Tom Schmidt, Nezia Azmi

Credit Wikimedia Commons

Close the Door Fire Safety Campaign

One of the most effective fire safety techniques is also one of the most simple: closing your bedroom door.

cruz_steve_woynerowsk011018.mp3
Steve Woynerowsk, Underwriters Laboratories

HFD Marco Polo Fire Investigation by HPR News on Scribd

Stay Connected
Catherine Cruz is the host of The Conversation. Originally from Guam, she spent more than 30 years at KITV, covering beats from government to education. Contact her at ccruz@hawaiipublicradio.org.
More Episodes