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Hawaii Fire Commission <br /> Regular Session Minutes <br /> August 28, 2025 <br /> Page 3 <br /> Response Times: Average response times were 9 minutes and 12 seconds for EMS <br /> and 12 minutes and 58 seconds for Fire. <br /> Wildland Calls: In July, there were 18 wildland calls, with an equally high number <br /> anticipated in August due to increased brush fire activity. <br /> • Special Operations: Chief Todd reported that a separate budget is being established <br /> for Special Operations to ensure funding for equipment and other operational needs. <br /> A battalion chief will oversee tracking expenditures for items such as ropes, scuba <br /> gear, hazmat suits, detectors, and related equipment. Program objectives for July <br /> reported aircraft operational uptime at 99.3%. Chief Todd noted a recent dive <br /> incident with no injuries and stated plans to arrange training in the third quarter to <br /> qualify rescue personnel as public safety diver instructors and to implement the <br /> public safety diver program. <br /> Chair Kosaki asked for clarification on the dive incident. Deputy Volpe explained that <br /> during training, an FRS ran out of air at about 90 feet and was able to buddy <br /> breathe. The incident is being treated as a near miss. As they investigate, they will <br /> identify missed steps at various levels. He emphasized the need for accountability <br /> and compliance with existing policies, noting a broader issue of noncompliance <br /> culture. Chief Todd added that they are evaluating minimum proficiency training <br /> hours and plan to transition to the Public Safety Diver Program, with instructor <br /> certifications expected next year. Vice Chair Hirakami called a point of order to <br /> return the discussion to the chief's report. <br /> • Ocean Safety: Chief Todd reported Ocean Safety expenditures at 11% for salaries <br /> and wages and 12.5% for OCE. Program objectives include maintaining more than <br /> nine watercraft operators, providing 80% tower staffing during daylight hours, and <br /> keeping policies and procedures updated. <br /> Emergency Medical Services Branch: Salaries and wages are at 10.86%, OCE at <br /> 2.6%, and equipment at 0%. Program objectives reported a ROSC rate of 16.7% for <br /> the month. AILS transport volume was 1,290 calls, and BLS 121 calls. Objectives <br /> include maintaining a paramedic vacancy rate below 10% (currently six vacancies), <br /> completing quality reviews of critical calls, and maintaining a fleet of at least eight <br /> spare medics (currently 11). Four new ambulances arrived and are undergoing radio <br /> installation and detailing. EMS personnel assisted Training and HPD with three-day <br /> ALERRT Active Shooter Training, met with the 53rd firefighter recruit class to review <br /> EMS operations, and conducted Hands-Only CPR/AED training for the State <br /> Department of Health. The EMS store processed 62 orders totaling approximately <br /> $41,000. The community paramedicine program had five engagements in July. <br /> • Training Services: The Training Services Branch is currently at 14.96% of salaries <br /> and wages and 28% of OCE. The 53rd Recruit Class graduated on July 11, 2025, <br /> and the 54th Recruit Class began on August 1, 2025, with 22 HFD and 3 ARFF <br />