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Prevention Bureau <br /> Fireworks: The Fire Department will again propose changing the fireworks <br />ordinance at the next Legislation session. It is necessary to allow the <br />County to enforce stricter ordinances. The current HRS statute does not <br />allow the County to do so. Representative Hanohano will support and <br />draft the proposed bill. Met with Big Island delegates to discuss the home <br />rule for fireworks Legislation proposal, land use issues, and EMS contract. <br /> Fireworks permits: Sold 1,437 permits this year as compared to 1,797 last <br />year. <br /> Fireworks imported to Big Island (cases): <br />Novelties: 18,842 this year vs. 23,367 last year. (20% decrease) <br />Firecrackers: 365 this year vs. 729 last year (50% decrease) <br />Chief Oliveira stated that incidents directly attributed to fireworks have no <br />correlation to the permitted fireworks. It is the novelties and unpermitted <br />fireworks that are causing fires/injuries. <br />Commissioner Bertsch inquired on number of emergency responses. <br />Chief Oliveira reported that there was a decrease from 274 calls last year <br />to 205 this year. Also, there was a decrease in the purchase of fireworks. <br />There is a possibility that people are becoming more aware of the hazards <br />with fireworks. <br />Commissioner Bertsch praised the Fire Department for promoting public <br />awareness and educating the community on fire prevention. <br />Chief Oliveira stated that the Fire Department is reaching out to the public <br />and the business community in order to improve fire prevention. <br />New Projects/Business <br /> 2009 State Legislature: Meeting with Representatives and Senators <br />regarding home rule for fireworks, land use, etc. <br /> Warehouse/dispatch visit: Following the meeting, the Fire Commission <br />will visit the Fire Department’s Warehouse Section to observe operations. <br />Employee/Public Relations <br /> Station Decorating Contest: Several stations participated and since they <br />all did a great job they all received a cash prize award. <br />th <br /> 12 Annual American Heart Association Heart Walk: Scheduled for <br />Saturday, February 14, 2009, at 8 a.m., at Liliuokalani Gardens. <br /> Firefighter Keoni Reich participated and set a new world record in the <br />law/fire division at the World Association of Benchers and Deadlifters in <br />Las Vegas in November 2008. Firefighter Reich deadlifted 722 lbs. <br />7 <br /> <br />