Board Packet for FC Meeting 1-15-26

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes November 20, 2025 Page 7 over the past few years. Previously, vehicle shortages and aging equipment left the island with only one spare ambulance, but now the department has seven spare engines and ambulances. His team consists of five mechanics and one storekeeper responsible for maintaining vehicles across the entire island. This year, 23 new vehicles were added, and efforts continue to maintain the fleet in line with Chief Todd's vehicle replacement plan. BC Buyuan reported that the budget is approximately 45- 46.5% expended, though the figures may be inaccurate. He is implementing a work order system using Fireworks/EPR to track repairs, service calls, and contracted work, which will help assess whether older apparatus should be replaced. Discussion also included plans to establish a remote mechanic presence on the West side of the island, potentially in collaboration with Mass Transit, to improve repair coverage. • Communications: Battalion Chief Stacy Domingo reported on the Communications section, noting that hazard pay payouts to HGEA members are included in the percent used, though overall spending is lower due to vacancies. She explained that four new Fire Captain positions were recently filled: Captain Kevin Kaneshiro, Chaz Taketa, and Nathan Wilson, with the goal of establishing an accredited dispatch center, providing leadership, operational support, and reducing decision-making fatigue for field personnel. BC Domingo described enhancements to the dispatcher training program, including hands-on mentorship, classroom instruction, EMIR and EMD certification preparation, operational speakers, and Hawaiian language training to improve street name recognition. She clarified that firefighters in dispatch supplement, not replace, HGEA members. • Technical Services: Chief Todd provided a recap and summary of each section in the Fire Chief's Report. He reported that the new Neris system will improve data access within six months, with ongoing national adoption. He noted technical upgrades, including Windows 10 updates, email migration to the cloud, and pilot projects such as MioVision (GPS-based traffic light control) and Starlink connectivity for Medic 10. Chief Todd also introduced Chris Cerrone, Fire Technical Services Analyst. • Safety Program: Fire Safety Specialist Chris Sloman reported on the respiratory protection program. Testing confirmed no contamination or particulates; the only issue was slightly elevated moisture levels. Moisture measured 71 parts per million, marginally above the OSHA compliance standard of 67 parts per million.