2020-12-09 Fire Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Minutes December 9, 2020 Page 2 ➢ State Funded Budget Items: They are looking at a 2.5% reduction in the EMS budget which amounts to $565,000. They are covering this shortfall with CARES Act Funding. Mayor Kim gave approval to continue providing services for Hapuna without funding from the State. They spent $1.3 million for services at Hapuna and Kua Bay using Cares Act funding. ✓ FY 21/22 ➢ County Funded Budget: They submitted a status quo budget. They submitted supplemental budgets which included a Business Manager who will oversee the administrative staff and report directly to the Chief and Deputy. The Finance Director suggested this and supports it. Right now, the Chief and Deputy do all the duties of the Business Manager. Chair Yamada asked for their proposal for the position. ➢ State Funded Budget: The EMS budget has been set at $17,177,792 which includes funding for Medic 18, Paradise Park. The legislature needs to approve DLNR funding for Water Safety Officers at Hapuna and Kua Bay. Currently, Hapuna is being funded by the County, and the Kua Bay contract funding will end on June 2021.They will have to work hard with the legislature and DLNR for funding. Commissioner Paleka stated that it's bad for the County not having the State provide funding for Hapuna and Kua Bay (State beach parks). Chief Perreira stated that they see the need for Water Safety Officers at those very dangerous beaches and asked the commissioners for their help in reaching out to the legislatures to push for funding. • Alternative Funding and Grants: Chief Perreira reported that the department has a few members who are good at writing grants. He used to head the grant committee and will be turning it over to AC Smith. AC Smith works with grants and AC Okinaka works with the Sayre Foundation on their grants. ✓ Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation Funding Assistance: They are awaiting two new off-road tankers which expects to be completed in January 2021. Laura Mallery-Sayre informed them that they received enough donations to purchase their highest priority items. ✓ USFA FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant for Covid-19: They received an award of $380,000 for Covid-19 PPE and disinfecting equipment. ✓ USDA Grant: They are working on grant funding for PPE for rural areas. • Human Resources Division: For recruitments, they have openings for Fire/HazMat Specialist and 3 BC openings due to retirement. They received the referred list for Fire Fighter Recruits. Officer development training is scheduled for December 14-18.