2026-01-15 Fire Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes January 15, 2026 Page 4 training and refreshers were completed, and two Hazmat Technician-level courses are being coordinated with DOH for April and July. Ocean Safety: Salaries and wages are at 64%, which includes Temporary Hazard Pay. Volpe noted interest in tracking seasonal beach visitation trends. Three Rescue Watercraft Operators are currently qualified, with a goal of nine. Tower staffing is at 80%. Chief Young is reviewing and updating policies and procedures. The second round of recruitment for Rescue Watercraft Operators resulted in 15 qualified applicants. The written exam was rescheduled to January 20. During the first round, all candidates passed the written exam, but none passed the physical assessment. Assistant Chief Carvalho added that the rescue ski program remains operational on the east side despite occasional staffing shortages. He mentioned a recent successful rescue at Pohoiki, where operators responded within minutes, safely brought two individuals to shore, and assisted another vessel. EMS Branch: Salaries and wages are on track, including THP and overtime. The goal remains to maintain less than a 10% paramedic vacancy rate. December's ROSC rate was 0%. LUCAS devices were recently purchased. Quality review of critical calls is at 5% for December and 15% year-to-date, reflecting efforts to strengthen quality assurance. Volpe reported the passing of Dr. Judith Fitzgerald on Christmas Eve, recognizing her as a longtime Medical Director and significant contributor to emergency medicine and EMS training in Hawaii County. A new Medical Director has since been secured. Annual inspections of primary and backup ambulances have been completed. Funding for the Makalei ambulance project advanced through County Council's second reading, pending the release of$1.75 million in state funds. The goal is to launch the ambulance in a limited capacity by late spring and fully by July, increasing the fleet to 17 ALS ambulances (18 including Chopper 2). EMS personnel assisted with active shooter training. The fall paramedic class completed the didactic portion and will begin clinical internships in January 2026 (five students). Recruitment is underway for the next year- long MICT paramedic class, anticipated to begin in August. Training Section: Salaries and wages are at 58%, reflecting a few vacancies in Fire Training Specialist positions. The current recruit class, which began in late July/August, is progressing and has entered the EMT phase of training. Due to vacant training specialist positions, firefighters were temporarily assigned to assist, impacting salary allocations. Graduation is anticipated in June/July. Recruitment for the next class has closed, with approximately 115 applicants advancing to the written exam. The department aims to begin a new class in August and potentially a second class in February. The department's first Fire EMS recruit has completed fire training and will begin ambulance evaluations. Already licensed as an MICT, once cleared, this individual can temporarily fill an FMS I position to address staffing needs.