2025-05-29 Fire Commission Minutes

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Regular Session Minutes May 29, 2025 Page 3 qualifications for the Special Ops position; Chief Todd clarified that it aligns with operational chief requirements. Internal recruitment is underway for Battalion Chief (FASO), with interviews and assessments planned forJune. Recent selections include Fire Equipment Operator (effective 5/1/25) and Fire Prevention Inspector II (effective 5/16/25). There are two Fire Prevention I vacancies, with assessments scheduled for June,and seven applicants. Assessments for Fire Rescue Specialist are planned this week, and interviews for Water Safety Officer V are being scheduled for four candidates. Open-competitive recruitments include a Program Support Technician (warehouse) who started 5/16/25, conditional offers for Firefighterand Fire EMS recruits aiming for an August start class of about 20 personnel, Automotive Storekeeper selection made, ongoing recruitment for Fire Communication Officer I classes, and hiring of two Senior Account Clerks. Physical agility testing is plannedfor 44 Water Safety Officer candidates. Total Calls for Service: Chief Todd reported the total calls for calendar year 2025 is 10,340. They expect the annual total to be similar to 2024, with approximately 31,000 calls. The call breakdown is 70% rescue/EMS, 4% fire, and the remainder categorized as service calls, good intent, and false alarms. Response Times: Average turnout times are currently below expectations, though they have improved from around three minutes to about two minutes over the past year. Chief Todd hopes this positive trend continues as they work with personnel to maintain progress. However, he noted that response times from station to scene are largely influenced by the island’s size. Fire Impacts: Year-to-date wildland calls total 90,with 222 acres burned. The department is entering its peak fire season, with July through September being the most active months. Chief Todd noted this period also coincides with hurricane season and explained the connection between the two. The discussion then continued regarding the Firewise program. Emergency OperationsHighlights:Battalion 1 (East Hawaii):Abrush fire occurred in Honokaa, with follow-ups and inspections ongoing. Inspectors are workingwith the councilmember, and community meetings are being organized to address the situation. The fire may have been linked to issues with homeless encampments. Additionally, there was another brush fire in District 5, whichwas caused by someone burning trash. A golf cart fire occurred in a garage in District 14. Additionally, there were two major search operations,one for a missing boater and another for a missing kayaker.