2024-04-30 Fire Commission Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes April 30, 2024 Page 4 Further, Commissioner Mattos asked about the procurement of equipment for volunteers through grants, to which Chief Todd responded that it's usually sourced through hand-me-downs. Commissioner Mattos recalled discussions from the previous meeting regarding fitting volunteers with SCBAs. There were also rumors about providing uniforms, both of which incur costs. Chief Todd clarified that his objective does not include equipping volunteers with SCBAs. He spoke about partnerships with Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA), Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), the National Park, the airport, and volunteers allowing them to deploy 58 units in the Kohala region. He emphasized the importance of expanding volunteer participation island-wide to bolster emergency response capabilities and prevent dissolution due to lack of funding and support. Chief Todd highlighted the decline in volunteer numbers from 350 to 150 over the past few years, with a reduction in volunteer stations from 25 to 18. He expressed concern over the neglect of volunteer support, stressing the necessity of strengthening both the career and volunteer sides to enhance island-wide emergency response capabilities. He dispelled misconceptions regarding budgetary allocations for training positions, clarifying that no additional funding was secured; rather, existing overtime funds were reallocated to create these positions without increasing the budget. Chair Kosaki expressed his understanding that SCBA equipment wasn't planned for volunteers. Chief Todd confirmed there is presently no intention to equip them with SCBAs or similar gear. He emphasized the need for compliance with NFPA standards, Firefighter One certification, formal training protocols, and other prerequisites before considering that. Presently, there is insufficient training, systematic procedures, and funding to support such a system. Chad Kosaki stated he doesn't have anything against volunteers, but raised concerns about the inconsistency of their response due to a lack of standardized procedures. He expressed favor to increasing the paid staff. Chief Todd elaborated that ideally, a team of HFFA employees would manage volunteers, ensuring a standardized certification process. He emphasized the importance of strengthening both career and volunteer sides while maintaining strong partnerships with the National Park Service, DOFAW, and PTA. • Total Calls for Service: Chief Todd reported during the first three months of the year, HFD has observed a decrease in call volume compared to the same period last year. Should this trend persist, it is anticipated that there will be a decrease in overall call volumes or stay around the same for the year. • Fire Impacts: In March, a 15-acre brush fire occurred at the 8-mile marker on Akoni Pule Highway. As we transition into May, this marks the onset of the fire season, which typically peaks in August and tapers off by October. Between November and April, the wet season promotes grass growth, followed by its subsequent dry-out,