2023-05-25 Fire Commission Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes May 25, 2023 Page 6 AC Bertsch advised if people in the community reach out to the commission, asking how they can help, direct them to the volunteer program. They're working hard to build their numbers and provide a pathway to the career side. Through the volunteer program, they could expedite people to get them hands-on training and introduce them to firefighting. Chair Kosaki asked AC Bertsch if he sees an increase in younger people interested in volunteering, hoping they can gain experience, and take the fire test. When they go in for the interview, that's a big plus. AC Bertsch stated yes, and explained that on the west side of the island (where he has more knowledge), many people who started in the program are now exemplary firefighters on the career side. Their goal is to help anyone in any way that they can to achieve their career goals. Recess was called at 10:17 a.m. The meeting reconvened at 10:28 a.m. • Fire Prevention: The Fire Prevention Branch investigated two structure fires in April. One public education presentation was conducted, and they've also posted public education information on their Instagram page regarding wildfire and home preparedness. On June 8th they'll be launching a big public education event. They participated (standby) in the Merrie Monarch Festival. Approximately 270 inspections/testing were completed for the month of April and 63 plans were reviewed. • Fire Communications Dispatch Center: Chief Todd reported they have a total of seven people in training, seven existing positions, and two vacancies. Out of those seven existing positions, one is out on long-term medical, one submitted their intent to leave service, this leaves them with five people actively working right now. This doesn't allow them to maintain their own dispatch center which is why they had to combine with police. • Information Technology: They're continuing with getting all the MDTs installed. They've been running into some issues, but it's been moving along. Their current eCommerce vendor is ending service and they're moving to another vendor for the warehouse's stocking and tracking. • Other Department Activities: Chief Todd reported that this week is EMS week. A Coin of Life presentation will be tomorrow morning at 8:30 a.m., at Station 5 to recognize a police officer who assisted with CPR and helped save a patient. He's been meeting with the new Police Chief, Benjamin Moszkowicz on a regular basis. Chief Todd expressed that his long-term goal is to bridge the gaps and tie them in with police as much as possible with joint training etc. They are looking to build a new Fire Station in Keaau. His goal is to have a combined training center with police and fire. This could be at the location in Keaau or on Railroad, behind the transfer station area. They're still trying to move personnel out of Central Fire Station to start work on the building. It's currently being reviewed by their attorney, DPW, the Mayor,