2024-07-25 Fire Commission Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes July 25, 2024 Page 6 significant paperwork, so having someone dedicated to searching, compiling, and redacting documents will be beneficial. Two Fire Communication Officers attended the NENA Conference in Orlando FL. The Joint Communication Center is in progress, and once the building is handed over to the County, vendors will start installing their equipment. • Information Technology Highlights: Chief Todd reported on multiple projects Chris in IT is currently working on. Chief Todd reported on his year-and-a-half effort to enhance situational awareness through camera deployment. Following the August 8t" incident, he met with HELCO, which has partnered with Alert West to install cameras across the island. These cameras will provide various angles to monitor fires and other incidents. Additionally, the Prevention Bureau has initiated a drone system. In the event of a fire, drone operators could create and send a GPS layer of the fire to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and dispatch every hour. This will provide real-time visuals and GPS data, some of which may be publicly accessible. The goal is to provide more data and information to the EOC to ensure timely and accurate public messaging. Commissioner Cushnie expressed concerns about the safety of operating drones and helicopters simultaneously. He noted potential hazards. Chief Todd explained that the key is managing altitude and deconflicting airspace. As long as both are aware of each other's presence and airspace is coordinated, it should be safe. If they need to operate at the same altitude, they would time drone operations for when the helicopter is refueling or is grounded. It's still experimental, and they're working with their helicopter pilots to ensure safety. • Safety Specialist Report: Efforts are ongoing to finalize a Mold Awareness Abatement Training/Procedure. The Safety Culture Survey results were published and a GAP analysis of water rescue was conducted. • Other Updates: Chief Todd shared that he was a speaker at the Hawaii Energy Conference on May 22-23, 2024, at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. He was invited to discuss battery-based fires, including their causes, the challenges they pose, and how the Fire Department is addressing these issues. He also covered regulations related to energy storage facilities and developments in battery technology. Commissioner Magsalin inquired if Chief Todd's speech was available on YouTube. Chief Todd replied that they would contact the conference organizers to check if it was posted and would follow up with them.