Maui County Fire Chief Carl Kaupalolo will retire at the end of the year after 32 years of service.

Kaupalolo joined the Fire Department in 1975 and was appointed to the top post in 2003 by the county Fire and Public Safety Commission. He was the panel's first appointment after a charter amendment gave the commission authority to hire the fire chief.

Commission Chairman Butch Soares credited Kaupalolo with making sure firefighters had up-to-date vehicles and equipment.

Kaupalolo said he is retiring to spend more time with his family.

The Maui County Fire Department has 315 members on three islands.