2015-07-15 Fire Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii County Fire Commission Minutes of July 15, 2015 Page 2 and one in Kona. They received approval for two new vehicles for the battalion chiefs, a new tanker, and a Class A pumper. • ALTERNATIVE FUNDING AND GRANTS: The Sayer Foundation donated equipment that will go to Waimea. The status of grants was briefly summarized. • HUMAN RESOURCES DIVISION: Recruitments: Five temporary Water Safety Officers were hired for the summer. They are on track to hire 25 Fire Fighter Recruits in September. A Battalion Chief position was filled in June with a transfer. They are working on forecasting retirements. However, County employees are only required to give them one month's notice retirement. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS DIVISION ➢ Special Operations ✓ Hazmat: Specific locations near PGV were identified to deploy the Area Rae monitors in the event of an incident at PGV. LEPC will fund three HFD personnel to attend this year's Hazmat Challenge in September. ✓ Rescue: Funding was received from Ironman via the Sayre Foundation to train 15 rescue personnel to be instructors. ✓ Ocean Safety: The Jr. Lifeguard Program started in June in Hilo, Puna, Punalu'u, Kahalu`u, and Hapuna. The Island Championships will be held on July 18 and the State Championships on August 1, both at Hapuna. The Drowning Prevention Ocean Safety Conference will be held on July 30 and 31 at the Hapuna Beach Prince in conjunction with the State Jr. Lifeguard Championships. (Deputy Corporation Counsel Ng left the meeting at 10:45 a.m.) SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION ➢ Volunteer Training: Volunteer Commander Paul Lakin reported that they continue to get volunteers. They helped with a wildfire incident in Ka'u. They will be recognizing their volunteers, some of whom have been volunteering for 20-25 years. Chief Rosario has been very supportive of the volunteers. The next volunteer captains' meeting will be on August 15. Chair De Luz suggested inviting County Council members to their meetings. Chief Rosario stated that volunteer stations were started when community members brought their concern about high fire insurance rates to their council members. They have had inquiries about additional stations, but cost is a factor, and they need to take care of their existing stations. ➢ EMS Bureau: Chief Rosario recognized FMS Shane Paulos who recently passed away. NEW PROJECTS/BUSINESS They supported the 2nd Annual Hilo Triathlon with Ocean Safety and EMS on June 12. They are in consultation with HFFA and the Mayor's office regarding minimum manning requirements. They are on track for the new Haihai Fire Station and anticipate an opening date of October 2016. Renovation of the Central Fire Station has been authorized, and bidding will go out next month.