2024-07-25 Fire Commission Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes July 25, 2024 Page 5 similar staffing, the island's large and dispersed nature would still result in low response times. Chief Todd envisions using volunteers for major incidents and support roles, such as fighting wildfires and assisting at the scene. While he doesn't plan to train them for direct entry into structure fires, they are trained to drive trucks, supply water, and assist with various tasks. With only two personnel managing volunteers, it's a challenging situation. He's proposed new ideas to the Mayor and hopes for future improvements. The department lacks the funding and staffing to handle major disasters like Lahaina. Chief Todd aims to build both a strong career and volunteer side so that, in a major disaster, he can deploy every available resource. He strives to ensure that both career firefighters and volunteers are satisfied, balancing their needs, maintaining morale, and balancing that fine line between the two. Chair Kosaki noted that there are pros and cons to using volunteers. The union opposes expanding the volunteer program for several reasons, including safety concerns about the unknown capabilities of volunteers and the potential reduction in the demand for more professional firefighters, which impacts their push for increased staffing. Chair Kosaki acknowledged the benefits of volunteers and stated that he understands both sides. There was further discussion regarding fire insurance, training, fuel reduction projects, and grants. • Logistics, Emergency Communications, and Vehicle Maintenance Section: Annual inventory is nearing completion. In June, Logistics had 319 customers, completed 74 orders, and moved approximately $19,000 worth of product from the warehouse to the stations. They installed radios in brush trucks 15 and 9, and new ice machines have been ordered for Stations 6, 8, and 9. The mechanic shop handled 154 repairs, 18 service calls, and 12 contracted out. A new Mechanic II position will be added for West Hawaii. Chief Todd reported ongoing discussions with PTA about an agreement where PTA would fund HFD for repairs. PTA has two firetrucks, three brush trucks, and two ATVs, and HFD would handle their repairs in exchange for funding two mechanic positions. As HFD establishes a West Hawai'i mechanic shop, one position is already funded, with the potential for two more positions. Commissioner Mattos inquired about the mechanic shop's location. Chief Todd responded probably out of Makalei with a truck to go out and do repairs. Long-term plans include exploring two potential locations behind Stations 7 and 14, in collaboration with Sayres to design and develop two hanger/mechanic locations. The details are still being finalized. • Emergency Communications: A new clerk will be added to the dispatch to handle all Fire Department records for legal cases, public information requests, etc. Under the Uniformed Information Practices Act (UIPA), managing information requests involves