The city Emergency Services Department's seven new ambulances received a Hawaiian blessing today at City Hall by Kahu Kordell Kekoa of The Kamehameha Schools.

The vehicles, which cost about $160,000 apiece, are made by Ford and powered by fuel-efficient V-8 diesel engines.
They will go to Emergency Medical Services units in Kalihi, Kailua, Kahuku, Makakilo, Makiki, Nanakuli and Waianae.
The new ambulances boast:
• External LED flashing lights that are brighter than normal lights but use less energy.
• New safety features including rear-view cameras and “catch nets” to protect paramedics in the event of sudden stops.
• GPS capabilities on Mobile Data Terminals.
• Computerized patient charting.
The city, which operates 19 EMS units on Oahu, says it replaces ambulances every three to four years because of high mileage and usage.
The city says paramedics received more than 80,000 calls last year and responded by ambulance more than 70,000 times.
The city says ambulances normally accumulate 40,000 to 50,000 miles of use per year.