HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0456.002 2022-2024 'oF'''•'•''+' Phone: (808)961-8828
HEATHER L. KIMBALL :�
COUNCIL CHAIR " �y�k' '• (808) 961-8912
Council District 1 (North Hilo, i�� Email:heather.kimballna,hawaiicounty.gov
Hamakua, and portion of Waimea) ==
• •
• ,TE•oF•MA''
HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL c�t
r
COUNTY OF HAWAI`IEE.
25 Aupuni Street, Ste. 1402, Hilo, Hawai`i 96720
DATE: October 3, 2023 •• }`
-4
TO: Hawai`i County Council Members
FROM: Heather Kimball, Council Chair a
Council District 1, County of Hawai`i
SUBJECT: Presentation material from the Fire Department relating to wildfire
emergency preparedness.
With apologies, the attached content is material received from the Fire Department to be used
during the October 3, 2023 presentation before the Communications, Reports, and Council
Oversight Committee on wildfire emergency preparedness.
Should you have any questions relating to this content, please do not hesitate to contact my
office. Thank you.
Comm. No. 2-
Ref. To: P CgCOv
Ref. Date OCT - 3 2023
Hawai'i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
Presentation on : wildfire emergency preparedness
protocols and processes, emergency
communications, and potential needs or
opportunities to improve community wildfire
preparedness and response for Hawaii Island .
By: Fire Chief Kazuo Todd of the Hawaii Fire Department
Are we prepared ?
■
ill
Normal brushfires: Red Flag High Wind Fires:
Generally, Yes. Arguably, No.
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What does it h �� Safe,
take to be SCIENCE Effective,
Risk-based
Landscapes,regardless ' Wildfire Response
prepared of jurisdictional boundaries
are resilient to fire,insect,
e disease.invasive species aria i°making and
climate change disturbances. 1 sate,effective,
m xcordance with - 1 risk-based wddfire
management obi .,
,s management decisions
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CON
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Fire Adapted Communities
• Wildfire-safe subdivision designs
• Construction design and building materials that can resist
ignition
• Structure density, location, setbacks designed in consideration
of wildfire risk
• Defensible space around homes and communities
• Adequate emergency access, fire roads, and water infrastructure
• Native Plants: Fire-resistant and natural
fire breaks.
• Strategic Landscaping: Zones to slow fire
spread.
Resilient • Soil Management: Reduces surface fires.
Landscapes • Water & Lava Features: Natural fire
barriers.
• Regular Maintenance: Removes fire
hazards.
Safe and Effective Risk Based Fire Response
• Rapid Deployment: Quick action minimizes spread.
• Resource Allocation : Efficient use of manpower and equipment.
• Communication: Real-time updates for teams.
• Containment Strategies: Use of firebreaks and controlled burns.
• Evacuation Plans: Safe and timely public exit.
• To achieve: Fire Adapted Communities
• Risk Assessments: Identify community vulnerabilities
and strengths.
Specific • Public Education: Promote fire safety and
•
preparedness.
Suggestions • Building Codes: Advocate fire-resistant materials and
designs.
for the Count\/
r • Collaborative Planning: Engage local stakeholders,
Council encourage Firewise.
• Emergency Plans: Develop community-specific
evacuation guidelines.
• Regular Drills: Test and update emergency plans,
systems, alerts.
• Financial Incentives/Penalties: Reward homeowner fire
mitigation, penalize unmanaged land?
• Real-time Monitoring: Invest in advanced systems.
Specific for the
• To achieve : Resilient Landscapes
• Native Plants/Invasive Species: Promote fire-resistant vegetation.
• Planning/Zoning: Designate low-risk areas for development.
• Maintenance: Regular clearing of dead vegetation. Legal Authority?
• Controlled Burns: Manage excess fuel loads.
• Sustainability: Encourage eco-friendly land management.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate for land management.
• To achieve: Safe and Effective Wildfire Risk
Based Response
Specific • Resource Allocation: Optimize manpower and
equipment with community needs. CRA/SOC. CRR.
Suggestions Staffing.
• Communication & Technology: Ensure real-time Field
for the County to EOC updates. IT support. GIS.
• Response Apparatus: Fund Vehicle Replacements.
Co u n C I l Supplement Mechanics in the present.
• Public Alerts and Information: Timely and accurate
information. PIO/JIC.
• Consider Mandating: Organizational and/or personal
Accreditation.
• Staffing: Career Stations NFPA 1710, Volunteers
Stations with Support Personnel.