REP GOEAC 010 2025-01-07 2024-2026

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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS DATE: January 7, 2025 Re: Comm. No. 41/Res. No. 33-25 PLACE: Council Chambers Hilo, Hawaii TIME: 9:01 a.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred Resolution No. 33-25, reports as follows: Resolution No. 33-25, transmitted by Finance Director Diane Nakagawa via Communication No. 41, dated November 29, 2024, authorizes the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the United States Army Garrison (USAG) P6hakuloa Training Area (PTA) Fire and Emergency Services, pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 46-7, to support firefighting efforts. Resolution No. 33-25 seeks to establish a framework for shared resources, response capabilities, and training opportunities to enhance public safety and mitigate risks across military and civilian jurisdictions. Hawaii County Deputy Fire Chief Daniel Volpe and USAG Fire Chief for PTA Mike Diehl were present in the Council Chambers and via Zoom, respectively, to provide comments on and answer questions regarding the resolution. Chief Volpe explained that this agreement extends the agreement already in existence between the Hawaii Fire Department and the PTA Fire Department. Recognizing that time is of the essence in emergency and fire situations, PTA is able to address issues that happen within their area. PTA has a fully functioning Fire Department within PTA and there are times when they are first on the scene, even when those areas are the primary responsibility of the Hawaii Fire Department. Specifically, areas between the 17 to 40-mile markers along Daniel K. Inouye Highway, PTA is able to address those issues faster and will be supplementing the County's response. For areas beyond that, this resolution allows PTA to help upon request. Additionally, Chief Volpe explained that this agreement allows them to access some of their training resources. PTA has one of the best structural fire training facilities, and by allowing fire fighters to utilize these resources, it allows them invaluable training opportunities. Committee Member Ashley Kierkiewicz stated that this document feels like it is formalizing the informal partnership that has already existed during emergencies and disasters. Chief Volpe agreed and explained that when there were long-term, extended incidents in the past, that PTA's help has been crucial. GOEAC Report No. 10