HONOLULU (KHON2) -- The Honolulu Fire Department has expanded its fleet with the addition of a new twin-engine Bell 429 helicopter to enhance its wildfire response and rescue operations. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You The state-of-the-art aircraft features a larger water bucket, a 600-pound hoist, and improved stability in windy conditions. This upgrade is expected to bolster the department’s emergency response capabilities while ensuring the safety of both personnel and the public. DOE reports progress on fire alarm systems Dustin Harris, a senior helicopter pilot with HFD, emphasized the importance of the new helicopter, stating, “This helicopter has the tools on board to ensure that we get home safely as a flight crew. We can all go home to our families, and any community member relying on us for rescue will be safely brought on board and returned to their loved ones.” Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Training for pilots and tender drivers on the new helicopter will commence next week and is anticipated to last six months.