Board Packet for FC Meeting 1-15-26

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes November 20, 2025 Page 5 BC Young also reported that Captain Kodani was hired as the new East Hawaii Ocean Safety Captain, effective October 16. He noted that WSO Daniel Coakley was inducted into the Hawaii Swimming Hall of Fame. BC Young attended the United States Lifesaving Association Board of Directors meeting. He further noted that for the first time, Hawaii has four Ocean Safety Chiefs, one from each county, resulting in four delegate votes. • Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Branch: Battalion Chief Kili Kanae reported on EMS operations, noting that equipment shows 100% expended due to prior-year state funding for ambulance purchases. He reviewed ROSC (return of spontaneous circulation) rates, explaining their significance in critical calls and noting improved outcomes despite rural response and transport challenges, as well as reporting on ALS and BLS transports. He discussed ongoing staffing shortages reflected in overtime costs and described initiatives and training efforts to improve staffing, emphasizing that critical call reviews remain the branch's highest priority. He reported that ambulance funding and fleet readiness are stable, with vehicles well maintained. Program highlights included state funding approval for Makalei Ambulance service, which will proceed to County Council for a budget amendment before positions can be established and service initiated. He also reported that all EMT-P and EMT-A personnel completed ACLS and PALS recertifications, EMS provided medical standby for Ironman, Pulsara's "Band and Scan" system was used for event triage, and the EMS Shopify store recorded 63 orders totaling approximately $35,000 in October. He confirmed that district boundary adjustments for Makalei are under review, with meetings held and call data analyzed. • Training Service Branch: Assistant Chief Ian Chadwick reported on behalf of Chief Springer, who was attending officer development training on Maui and sent his regrets. He stated that current objectives are focused on recruit and incumbent training, including maintaining certifications, driver training, and other required qualifications, as well as new initiatives such as the grant-funded "Calm the Chaos" program and engine company operations. He reported that the current recruit class is anticipated to graduate in spring 2026. Program highlights included the 54th recruit class completing training in vehicle extrication, rope rescue, engine and truck company operations, and hazardous materials. He reported on the "Calm the Chaos" train-the-trainer program, fire dynamics training, and other firefighting techniques. • Volunteer Training Section: Chief Todd reported that salaries and wages appear to be below the target, though he is unsure whether the data is accurate. There were no new volunteer additions and no grant applications submitted in October. The department continues to expend funds under the VFA Grant, with