2024-06-25 Fire Commission Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes June 25, 2024 Page 5 many personnel become eligible for retirement within the next two years. Additionally, a two-day live fire training program took place in Honolulu. o Volunteer Training: The volunteer program has seen strong engagement, with approximately 165 volunteers actively participating. There was a noticeable decline in volunteer numbers over the past year and a half, but in the last six months, the decrease has stabilized, and some stations have experienced a resurgence. Recently, the department bid farewell to long-time volunteer Kenneth Shisler from Station 11 C, who relocated to the mainland. Volunteers from Pu'uanahulu were involved in the Rubicon exercise in Waikoloa, where they received three-day training sessions on establishing and maintaining firebreaks, along with discussions on fire management plans. o Fire Prevention: For May, the Fire Prevention Branch investigated two structure fires: one was a laundromat, and the other was a residence. The cause of one fire remains undetermined, while the other is still under review. Additionally, they participated in the DARE Program organized by the Hawai'i Police Department. • Logistics, Emergency Communications, and Vehicle Maintenance Section: May and June were dedicated to their annual inventory, which is a significant task due to the large amount of equipment at various stations. Deputy Chief Moller reported that they have a better handle on their equipment this year compared to previous years. At the Pahoa Fire Station, the kitchen AC has been repaired. He noted, more importantly, that the notice to proceed for the contractor on the roof project has just been issued. Deputy Chief Moller reported that in May, a total of 187 repairs and services were conducted on apparatus and equipment and 32 service or trouble calls that required addressing issues on the side of the road. • Emergency Communications: On May 1, 2024, Stacy Domingo began her role as the new Battalion Chief of Emergency Communications. She is currently developing a program to onboard new dispatchers and prepare for the upcoming move to the new dispatch center. The close collaboration with the Police Department's dispatch has proven highly beneficial. While there was previously a division between the two, dispatchers now express a preference for a collocated facility to enhance communication. Initially, there were plans to separate the two, but now they favor staying together. He is optimistic about the future of this collaboration. Additionally, all five current Fire Communications Officer I personnel have completed their EMD certification. HFD has eight candidates lined up for interviews in June, intending to train them over the next six to nine months and achieve full staffing in dispatch. • Information Technology Highlights: There is a lot of ongoing work with their MDTs to get everything up and running. They have transitioned to a new reporting system,