2023-05-25 Fire Commission Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes May 25, 2023 Page 4 ➢ Battalion 2 (West Hawaii): There was a propane leak at Kawaihae Harbor. 6,000-gallon propane tank vented for 15 minutes, it did not ignite, it vented the whole tank. • Special Operations: ➢ HazMat: Working on replacing Supplied Air system. They don't have a Special OPS BC, it was requested in their supplemental budget but hasn't been approved yet. He just sent out a memo tasking the station commanders to set up meetings on a regular basis to discuss any orders that need to happen and what's going on. There was a discussion between Chair Kosaki and the Chief about the Rescue Training schedule and Swiftwater Certification. Chief Todd noted they are walking into a great fiscal year next year, the budget is up to 70 million, which is almost 40% higher than what it used to be. ➢ Ocean Safety: They're still moving forward with the WSO V and Clerk III positions which will go out for hiring. The junior lifeguard program is now funded, moving forward, HFD will receive $30,000 a year to run the junior lifeguard program. ➢ Rescue: They are in the process of putting in for Ports Security to get a new boat. The Force that was Rescue Boat 7 will now be based out of Hilo as a backup for Rescue Boat 2. The Radon is still being repaired, it just went in for engine work this week. When that goes out, it will be their primary boat. In the meantime, they're trying to purchase a Hoku to replace it. Chief Todd explained there are two ways to acquire this boat; through Port Security or the Sayre Foundation. As of right now, the Sayre Foundation raised $170,000 and Port Security would pay for 75%. The boat is expected to cost approximately $342,000 with the trailer and everything else. Chair Kosaki wanted to know if there was a timeline for Rescue Boat 7. Chief Todd stated it just went into the shop for repairs, the timeline is unknown, but he's hoping within the next month, it's been out of commission for two years now. His goal is to have at least two boats on either side of the island. Chair Kosaki asked if the Whaler at Rescue 2 was sold, and Chief Todd stated it yes, it was sold. Commissioner Mattos asked if the Radon was at a regular boat shop. Chief Todd stated it was at the boat house. He further stated that the mechanic position for their warehouse will be opening and, in the future, they could possibly do more work on their own. Currently, the mechanics are so backed up, it becomes hard for them to do specialty work. Chair Kosaki asked if the mechanics are still taking care of the jet skis, and Chief Todd stated yes.