2007-02-14 Fire Commission Minutes

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and agencies want. The CWPP is crucial in receiving grant funding. There were over 12 groups that applied to the State and Federal agencies this year. None was funded because they did not have CWPPs. A priority list was established through the Firewise community meetings. Some concerns for Volcano are a lack of water, fuel load in common areas, public awareness, etc. The recommended action for Volcano was the creation of secondary emergency access roads, the reduction of fuel loads along the roadside, need for additional prestaged water tanks, etc. On the other hand, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates had slightly different concerns because its location is directly beneath the slope of Mauna Loa. Some of their biggest concerns are having prestaged water tanks, increase communication to residents regarding evacuation, the reduction of fuel load, strengthening of Hawaii County ordinances, etc. The report has been submitted to the Planning Department, Fire Chief Oliveira submitted it into the general plan. A disaster preparedness committee has been formed in HawaiianOceanViewEstatesandwillbegoingaftergrantfundingforthe emergency access road and the prestaged water tanks. In March, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will apply for funding for the emergency access road. Commissioner Bertsch questioned how it was determined which areas are prime targets for receiving these types of programs. Ms. Laitinen replied that Hawaii Volcanoes National Park determined that it would need a CWPP in place and took it upon itself to get a plan developed because both HOVE and Volcano communities could impact the park. Budget FY 2007/08 Budget: Meeting held on January 12, 2007, with the · Department of Finance to present the program and supplemental budgets. The Ocean Safety Account Clerk position was approved. The rest of the budget is still being reviewed and considered. Alternative Funding and Grants FEMA FY 2005 Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant: (Plymo-Vent) The · permits have been approved and completed. The Contractor will begin installation at Central Fire Station in March. FEMA FY 2004 Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant: (Burn Trailer) Warranty · issues have been addressed. The trailer is being prepped to begin training. The Fire Department initiated a request from the State Department of Transportations Airport Division to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to allow the Fire Department use of its training facility at Hilo Airport. The unused parcel is approximately 2-3 acres large and secured. If approved, the MOU will provide the Fire Department the opportunity to have a dedicated training area. The Burn Trailer will be parked there until a support staff is established. Once the training program is established, the next step will involve taking the 3