Board Packet for FC Meeting 8-28-25

Home

Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes July 24, 2025 Page 3 Deputy Volpe reported that a major fire in District 14 was investigated and contained with no injuries. Residents were alerted by smoke detectors, underscoring the importance of electrical safety and maintaining working smoke detectors. Chief Todd provided updates on the Auxiliary Section. Highlights included a FASO promotion on June 16, reported Shopify sales, and completion of the department's annual fixed asset inventory. There were 20 work order requests for various repairs and installations for fire facilities. The maintenance shop had a total of 260 repairs in June, 68 call outs, 12 contracted out, and tows. A total of 134 annual DOT inspections were performed island-wide. Additionally, the department received two 2025 Toyota Tacomas, one assigned to Ocean Safety and the other to Auxiliary Services. • Emergency Communications: HFD received its first Subaru, which will be assigned to the Emergency Communications Section. Chief Todd reported call data for June: 2,448 emergency (911) calls and 2,130 administrative calls, for a total of 4,578 calls. • Information Technology: Chief Todd reported on the CradlePoint VPN system and GPS-based traffic light integration to improve response times. He also noted trials with satellite connectivity to maintain communications in areas without cellular or radio coverage. iPads and cases have been received, and IT will work on setting them up. Each station will receive two iPads for inventory and vehicle maintenance checks in EPR Fireworks. • Safety Specialist: Chief Todd reported progress on the Respiratory Protection Program, with compressor inspections and fit testing underway. FireGrid is on hold as IT reviews FireWorks for PPE tracking. Class B foam was fully disposed of. They continue with air sampling to monitor mold levels. A survey for ANSI-compliant first- aid kits identified a need for 45 new Class A kits throughout all facilities. Planning also continues for the COOP exercise and the Admin Active Threat Plan. • Snapshots & Stories: Chief Todd reported partnering with Civil Defense to host a pilot ICS 100 course and holding blessing ceremonies for two new brush trucks and the new lifeguard tower at Kohanaiki. He hosted a Coffee with the Chief session to discuss the department's mission and vision, and noted that volunteer Bob Becker was featured in Firehouse Magazine. Personnel also attended the ICS 305 course on Oahu in June. He added that HFD maintains a robust social media presence on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, with QR codes available in the Chief's Report. Commissioner Cushnie asked about the aviation program, leading to further discussion on its structure, pilot retention, policies, and compliance with FAR 135 for medical transport. It was noted that when not in compliance, patient transport can occur under public use exceptions, but cannot be billed. Chief Todd added that HFD must formally register the helicopter call signs with the FAA. Since "Chopper One"