2024-04-30 Fire Commission Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes April 30, 2024 Page 5 setting the stage for heightened fire risk by August, which is the pattern on the island, exacerbated during El Nino years. Conversely, El Nina years often witness milder weather conducive to vegetation growth. There was further discussion regarding the utilization of dozers, funding implications, and associated costs. Commissioner Perrin proposed the possibility of Chief Todd negotiating with the operators' union, rather than directly with companies, to secure volunteer dozer operators during peak seasons. This collaborative approach could potentially reduce costs. Chief Todd expressed interest in exploring this idea further. • Special Operations: o HazMat: The CST training for hazmat took place from April 15t" to 19tn Additionally, the bid for replacing the Hazmat x-vehicle was awarded, and they are currently conducting its Annual Hazmat Refresher Training. o Ocean Safety: The department has filled the position of an additional WSO I, closing the previous recruitment cycle, and currently has one candidate on the current list along with 15 new applicants. Interviews for WSO III recruitment were scheduled for April 23-24. While the application period for WSO V has ended, Chief Todd noted that he doesn't think interviews for this position have been scheduled yet. This year, the Junior Lifeguard Program's State Championship will take place on Hawai'i island. Chief Todd highlighted the excellence of the Junior Lifeguard Program, emphasizing its value. Furthermore, the department is in the process of finalizing equipment purchases for Kohanaiki. o Rescue: The contract for the Radon has been awarded to Riddle Marine for several months now, with the department awaiting confirmation from them to start repairs on the fuel tank. The new rescue boat arrived, with its blessing ceremony held last Saturday. However, there are ongoing issues with the electrical systems communicating effectively, they're working to resolve this issue. Chief Todd is also working to determine the arrival date of the new truck purchased months ago. Training has been authorized for eight hours per shift on the boat. • Other Apparatus Procurement Updates: Finance approval is pending to proceed with the procurement of two Type I pumpers and replacement for Hazmat 4. The quarterly chiefs meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, during which they will discuss and identify the next three firetrucks for purchase. Chief Todd aims to finalize specifications for these trucks within the next three months and submit them to finance for further processing. • Sayre Foundation Donation Updates: A blessing ceremony marked the recent receipt of donated four new brush trucks. Two from BME and two from Rebel Brush Trucks. Four additional tankers were also funded through donations, three off-road