RES 333 Draft 01 2022-2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Facilities HFD facilities vary widely in terms of condition and functional efficiency. To ensure the effective delivery of emergency services delivery to the public, major repairs and additional new facilities are needed. Deficiencies range from career stations with condemned areas due to falling building materials, leaking roofs, mold infestation, exposed wiring, aging plumbing, out -of -service diesel exhaust removal systems, inoperable emergency generators, broken air conditioning systems, to inoperable apparatus bay doors. Volunteer stations often lack electricity, plumbing, or internet connectivity, and both career and volunteer apparatus are frequently stored outside in the elements under makeshift tent covers due to inadequate facility space. All stations and apparatus face considerable security risks when unable to be secured. Staffing The HFD currently does not meet national consensus standards according to NFPA 1710. Emergency Operations is notably short a battalion (50-60 personnel), with two personnel short at nearly every station. Achieving ideal staffing levels would require adding a battalion per shift, necessitating the hiring of 150-180 personnel. To meet the minimum recommended staffing, an additional 28 personnel per day are needed, totaling 88 personnel to meet the requirement. The HFD lacks a policy for stations to be reassigned to another district to provide coverage during large emergencies. The addition of six additional Battalion Chiefs for Emergency Operations is necessary to enhance the span of control for emergency incidents and allow for the designation of four battalions within the County. A staffing deficiency exists for supplementing crews at major scenes during emergency operations, specifically for Rapid Intervention or command/logistical support functions. Staffing to support work -rest cycles at major or prolonged incidents is inadequate or significantly delayed. Regarding medic units, these should be used as supplementary staff rather than dedicated front-line fire response staffing, as they should remain intact and available for delivering EMS services to Department members and the public. Establishing two additional rescue companies in the Kohala and Ka`u districts is also deemed essential to address the current staffing gaps and better serve these areas.