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<br /> Application Number; EMW-2007-FO-07310
<br /> As our population continues to grow, HFD's budgetary needs simultaneously increase to attempt meeting the
<br /> County of Hawaii's needs, Population growth is straining the island's infrastructun:, causing the County of
<br /> Hawaii's revenues to be spread thin across its departments. Reallocating monies within HFD's budget is not an
<br /> option for a department that is committed to meeting the service demands of its growing communities.
<br /> As a young and progressive department, training is essential, valued, and appreciated by HFD's 571 firefighters.
<br /> The department will continue its efforts to educate the County of Hawaii budget administrators to align
<br /> themselves with those same values instilled in HFD through strategic planning and pertormanced based
<br /> budgeting. However, at the present time, there is a definite and immediate need for HFD to seek alternative
<br /> funding to meet its training needs.
<br /> Cost -Benefit:
<br /> Hawaii County's extensive geographical size poses an obstacle to HFD in providing measurable training to its
<br /> firefighters. It is common for HFD personnel to complete afour-hour roundtrip drive to attend an eight hour class.
<br /> HFD would be able to decrease travel time and related expenses, such as gas, mileage, overtime, and per diem,
<br /> if a VTS was available.
<br /> In 2006, overtime expenses incurred for training totaled $270,422.51. Per Diem expenses totaled $29,282.35.
<br /> Total additional training expenses equal $299,704.86. The estimated total cost of a VTS is $327,600. The cost
<br /> for LCD monitors per station (15) is $7,850 and dispatch center is $7,850. The administration office and training
<br /> center will have split screen capabilities that cost $11,500 apiece. LCD monitors will cost a total of $45,000
<br /> (includes shipping costs). One mobile VTS unit will cost $21,900. Networking charges (bridge) cost $100,000
<br /> (includes shipping costs). Shipping charges for the conference room and mobile VTS equipment is
<br /> approximately $2,100, and installation charges will cost approximately $10,000. (Taxis included in the
<br /> aforementioned costs.) Factoring in the average life span of the VTS equipment at six years, the cost breakdown
<br /> per firefighter (paid/volunteer) is $96.62. The monies saved in transporting firefighters to training sites would
<br /> enable HFD to establish further training opportunities to meet National Standards.
<br /> Statement of Effect:
<br /> The VTS will enable the Hawaii Fire Department to reach the goal of National Fire Protection Association
<br /> Firefighter I/II certifications for all of its Firefighters. Once this goal is met, HFD can set new goals to meet
<br /> National Standards.
<br /> The VTS is a progressive tool that will have long-term effects on training and networking for HFD. There is a
<br /> potential that exists to network with other agencies. Presently, there are six departments within the County of
<br /> Hawaii that have a VTS: Police, Prosecuting Attorney, County Council, Civil Defense, Housing, and Parks &
<br /> Recreation. Partnerships with other agencies, such as Hawaii Community College, Honolulu Community
<br /> College, Kapiolani Community College, State Airports (Aircraft Rescue Firefighters), County Police, County and
<br /> State Civil Defense agencies, State Emergency Medical Services, Department of Forestry and Wildlife, and
<br /> Honolulu, Maui and Kauai County Fire Departments, are all potential beneficiaries of a VTS for HFD.
<br /> Unity and effective communications between HFD and its network of agencies will further enhance HFD's
<br /> commitment to service.
<br /> HFD is committed to a long range partnership with the Hawaii Community College to establish a fire science
<br /> curriculum to support firefighter career development and education, as well as to provide the public with a formal
<br /> education process in preparation for a career in the fire service.
<br /> In 2005, HFD began its pilot Fire Science program at the Hawaii Community College and has since been
<br /> successful in coordinating the delivery of 15 instructor led training which resulted in the course completion and
<br /> credit by 166 active firefighters. HFD recognizes the benefit that VTS would have in enhancing fire science
<br /> enrollment islandwide, as well as supporting and sustaining a comprehensive professional certification program.
<br /> It is through HFD's commitment to training that it promotes a standard of professionalism to stimulate an attitude
<br /> and desire for advancement.
<br /> HFD is acutely aware of the challenges in addressing its diverse missions and unique island needs. In 2003,
<br /> HFD adopted a Strategic Plan that has served as its foundation from which service excellence is achieved.
<br /> Through this process, standards of care and service for every Hawaii County resident and visitor has been
<br /> established with the highest regard for quality and equity. Further, HFD has identified training and education as
<br /> a key strategic focus to providing quality service.
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