2024-05-23 Fire Commission Minutes

Home

Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes May 23, 2024 Page 2 Chair Kosaki asked about fuel reduction efforts. Chief Todd explained they currently lack the staffing and manpower for direct action. They applied for a CWDG grant to create a prevention wing, but it wasn't approved. Discussion included the approval of grants for Hilo and Puna to complete their community wildfire protection plans, while grants for a prevention system and a chipper program were not approved. Post- disaster mitigation grants are being pursued with HWMO to recertify projects, and about $3 million may become available from the August 8t" fires on Hawai'i Island and Maui, but it will take time. Chair Kosaki inquired about the chipper program. Chief Todd clarified that the CWDG grant would have allowed them to own chippers for their programs, but it was not approved. Chair Kosaki emphasized the importance of vigilance with green waste distribution due to the emerging presence of the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle on the island. Commissioner Hirakami joined the meeting at 9:20 a.m. • Fiscal Branch Report: Chief Todd reported that the goal for salaries and wages is 87.5%, and they are currently at 83.75%, indicating a good position. He mentioned that grant numbers are down because some projects won't be completed until later in the fiscal year, and funds for purchases are already secured. The total budget is on target at approximately 83%. • Alternative Funding & Grants: The bid for three brush trucks, totaling $625,693, was awarded to Orchid Isle Ford, with delivery pending. For the AFG Fire Base Station Refresh Project, 94% of the funds have been obligated, with four months remaining. The bid for one brush truck under the 2022 USDA Capacity Project is still awaiting arrival through Orchid Isle. The 2023 USDA Capacity Project bid was also awarded to Orchid Isle. The Kohanaiki lifeguard tower is expected to be delivered by the end of the year, and the requisition with specifications for the Leleiwi lifeguard tower has been submitted to Purchasing. Commissioner Mattos inquired about the dedication of the new brush trucks. Chief Todd responded that they might be assigned to 5A, 5D, or 10A. He confirmed that the new trucks are for the volunteers, noting that CBDG funds are limited to income- limited locations and come with low-income requirements, noting that CBDG-funded vehicles must remain in their original jurisdictions. Commissioner Mattos asked if all volunteer trucks were from CBDG. Chief Todd said some were excess career vehicles, donations, or bought through fundraisers and CBDG grants. Commissioner Mattos mentioned complaints from Station 12 about old trucks. Chief Todd explained that Station 12 isn't eligible for CBDG funding but highlighted the vehicle replacement plan. He noted an increase in the vehicle replacement budget from $1 million to $2.2 million, with new vehicles for Engines 10, 19, and Hazmat 4 in procurement, and future replacements for Engines 3, 4, and possibly 12. Commissioner Mattos clarified that new vehicles will go to the volunteer station in