2026-02-26 Fire Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes February 26, 2026 Page 5 Volunteer Services Section: Chief Volpe noted that Hawaii County is the only county in the state that retains an extensive volunteer fire program, operating about 17 volunteer stations with 113 volunteers. The county primarily funds two career training captains (East and West) and limited equipment; major apparatus and PPE for volunteers are largely funded via federal grants with county matching funds. The Chief described ongoing efforts to modernize the volunteer fleet, phasing out very old apparatus and replacing them with new brush trucks and tankers. He also discussed the challenge of access for volunteers to online training and the department's attempts to bring laptops and mobile hotspots to quarterly volunteer meetings to facilitate required training. A key objective is to ensure at least one spare qualified driver per volunteer company. Fire Prevention Section: Chief Volpe reported that Fire Prevention oversees commercial inspections, plan reviews, fire investigations, public education, and now drone operations and wildland fuel mitigation projects. The section has eight personnel, including three inspectors. He clarified that inspections focus on fire code compliance, not zoning or building code issues, and that complaints are coordinated with other agencies as needed. In January, Fire Prevention conducted 63 inspections, held four public education events, investigated four significant fires, reviewed 37 plans, and handled 16 complaints, with an average plan review time of 10.5 days, meeting the less than 14-day goal. Auxiliary Services Section: S&W and OCE are at 68%, equipment at 25%, with 90% of 400 plus supply variants in stock and an average fulfillment time under 10 days. Fire Maintenance is repairing and replacing small engine equipment with a one-week target turnaround. Extractors are installed at multiple stations. Vehicle Maintenance Section: Vehicle Maintenance handled 177 repair orders and 24 service calls in January, maintaining approximately 270 vehicles. The Chief noted the ongoing need for a new maintenance facility. Emergency Communication Branch: S&W is low due to vacancies; OCE and equipment are near target. In January, they received 2,660 911 calls, 84% answered within 10 seconds, and 2,254 non-emergency calls. Compliance with Emergency Medical Dispatch protocols is at 63% (goal 70% or higher), and plans are underway to implement Emergency Fire Dispatch protocols. Deputy Chief Volpe referred to the Chief's Report and highlighted updates from Operations, Fire Prevention, Ocean Safety, and Volunteer Training sections.