2023-09-28 Fire Commission Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes September 28, 2023 Page 2 same issues, mainly due to its relatively greater resource availability. During the same timeframe, seven fires ignited, with four erupting in the Waikoloa region and three in Kau. The three fires in Kau were swiftly contained and didn't escalate into major concerns. The four fires in the Waikoloa area experienced significant growth. Their proximity allowed for the efficient allocation of resources and personnel, facilitating quick resource shifts between areas. In contrast, Maui's unique geographical layout, with its disparate locations and the challenge of navigating traffic, presented a different set of hurdles. This collaborative effort involved numerous organizations, including HFD, the Division of Forestry and Wildlife, US Fish and Wildlife, National Park Service, PTA, and dedicated volunteers. • Budget: Chief Todd reported that the budget is closely aligned with their intended financial goals. They're spending within limits and are on track with where they want to be currently. • Alternative Funding & Grants: HFD has been approved for CDBG this year to obtain more brush trucks and possibly a building in the Paradise Park area for vehicle storage. • Personnel Report: Internal recruitments are underway for Fire Rescue Specialist, Fire/EMS Specialist I and 11. Regarding open recruitments, interviews are scheduled for three Fire Safety Specialist candidates on October 2, 2023. Recruitment efforts for Fire Communication Officer I are ongoing, with one candidate recently dropping out of the current class due to curriculum challenges, but the remaining four candidates are making substantial progress. Chief Todd noted that since 2012, retention rates have been subpar, but they are now showing improvement, and it seems likely that four out of the five candidates will be retained. A new class of Fire Fighter Recruits has commenced, advancing to the next recruitment phase. HFD has applied for a SAFER grant, and if approved, they will gain authorization for an additional 12 firefighter positions. While HFD currently has a relatively low number of vacancies, approximately 3-6 at the year's end, depending on eligible retirements. If the SAFER grant is granted, they may have enough positions to initiate a recruit class in February; if not, the next recruit class will begin in August, making use of the applicant list. Additionally, the Fire/EMS Recruit program is now integrated with the Fire Fighter Recruit program. Applicants holding EMT or paramedic licenses can apply through this alternative process and go through the same recruit class. Makena Ahuna has been hired as a Professional Trainee 1, while Lene Labrador has been promoted to Senior Account Clerk. Kelly Lee has joined as an Account Clerk. A total of nine candidates were interviewed for Water Safety Officer I positions. In terms of expansion, positions for WSO 11, WSO 111, WSO V, and a Clerk for Water Safety are currently in the process of being established.