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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 333 Draft 01 2022-2024COUNTY OF HAWAII RESOLUTION NO. STATE OF HAWAII 333 23 A RESOLUTION STRONGLY URGING THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR TO INCREASE CAPACITY AND FUNDING FOR THE HAWAII FIRE DEPARTMENT TO PROACTIVELY MITIGATE THE POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF WILDFIRES. WHEREAS, the Hawaii Fire Department (hereinafter referred to as "HFD") plays a crucial role in protecting the lives and property of our residents and visitors; and WHEREAS, HFD's mission encompasses preventing, mitigating, and responding to fires, as well as addressing other emergencies such as medical incidents, hazardous materials situations, and natural disasters; and WHEREAS, the County of Hawaii has experienced an alarming increase in the number of wildfires in recent history, and these wildfires have exhibited greater size, intensity, duration, and destruction, largely attributed to changes in our climate, including prolonged periods of drought, extreme weather conditions, and accumulation of hazardous fuel sources (see "Exhibit A" attached hereto); and WHEREAS, these evolving wildfire patterns pose a significant threat to the health, safety, and well-being of our community, environment, and economy; and WHEREAS, "fire seasons" have transformed into entire "fire years" where a year-round workforce is required for suppression, recovery, and planning for future wildfires; and WHEREAS, a proactive and comprehensive strategy is essential to preventing wildfires, including investment in fire prevention measures such as creating firebreaks, conducting controlled burns, and promoting public awareness and education (see "Exhibit B" attached hereto); and WHEREAS, in addition to fire prevention, investments must be made in firefighter training, apparatus, equipment, and facilities maintenance to ensure that HFD personnel have the necessary resources to safely and effectively combat fires and respond to emergencies (see "Exhibit C" attached hereto); and WHEREAS, the successful recruitment and retention of our HFD career firefighters is of paramount importance to maintain the highest level of fire protection and emergency response services for the people of our community, ensuring their continued safety and well-being; and WHEREAS, a volunteer firefighter program complements our dedicated career firefighters during emergency situations and must operate in strict adherence to the established policies, rules, and regulations formulated by HFD to ensure a volunteer's safety as well as effective and coordinated emergency response services (see "Exhibit D" attached hereto); now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII that it strongly urges the Office of the Mayor to increase capacity and funding for the Hawaii Fire Department, in order to enhance its ability to prevent, mitigate, and respond to wildfires and other emergencies. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Office of the Mayor allocate funding and assist with securing grants for wildfire prevention, to support the development of comprehensive mitigation strategies such as improving forest and watershed health, and enhancing community preparedness. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that adequate funding for firefighter training, apparatus, equipment and facilities maintenance be provided in Hawaii County's annual budgets to ensure that HFD is equipped to carry out its mission effectively. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that an assessment of the volunteer fire department's effectiveness and sustainability be completed, with a subsequent recommendation regarding the program's feasibility and future. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the County Clerk shall transmit copies of this resolution to the Honorable Mayor Mitchell D. Roth, the Managing Director, the Director of the Department of Finance, the Chief of the Hawaii Fire Department, the Director of the Department of Research and Development, members of the Hawaii County Fire Commission, and the President of the Hawaii Fire Fighters Association. Dated at Hawaii, this day of , 20 INTRODUCED BY: COUNCIL MEMBER, COUNTY OF HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL County of Hawaii Hilo, Hawaii I hereby certify that the foregoing RESOLUTION was by the vote indicated to the right hereof adopted by the COUNCIL of the County of Hawaii on ATTEST: COUNTY CLERK CHAIRPERSON & PRESIDING OFFICER 2 ROLL CALL VOTE AYES NOES ABS EX EVANS GALIMBA INABA KAGIWADA KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER KIERKIEWICZ KIMBALL LEE LOY VILLEGAS Reference: C-565/GOEAC RESOLUTION NO. 333 23 EXHIBIT A: INCREASE IN DISASTERS X WILDFIRE RISK The Hawaii Fire Department (HFD) requires steadfast support in the implementation of a comprehensive strategy that includes an in -progress Community Risk Assessment and Standards of Cover, and a Master and Strategic Plan. This critical endeavor was recommended in the March 2022 HFD Audit Report, along with a call to work towards achieving CFAI Accreditation. The Audit states that, "while the department generally delivers an adequate "all -hazards " response to fires, medical emergencies, rescues, hazardous material incidents, natural and manmade disasters, it is subjecting itself and by extension the public, to undue risk, because it lacks the fundamental building blocks necessary to support best practices. " The demand for HFD's services has risen significantly, with a notable increase from 24,954 in 2020 to 29,598 in 2022, marking an 18.6% increase. Recent events include the Kilauea volcanic eruption and Hurricane Lane in 2018, and the Mana Road Brushfire in 2021 underscore the department's critical role in responding to disasters. Hawaii County has had six Presidential Disaster Declarations in the last decade, encompassing two tropical storms, two hurricanes, and two volcanic eruptions. The wildfire threat hazard risk is substantial, affecting 62,065 people, equivalent to 24.4% of the island's population, and property replacement values totaling $18.5 billion. In addition, there are 11,500 identified archeological sites (with only 5% of island surveyed), 131 federally listed threatened or endangered species, 1.3 million acres of designated conservation lands, and 1 million acres of agricultural lands, all of which must be protected. Wildfires are increasing in frequency, size, and severity across the Hawaiian Islands, posing threats to communities, agricultural lands, and natural resources. Annually, the area burned by wildfires is on the rise while activities for prevention, mitigation, and suppression have not kept pace with the escalating fire hazard, exponentially increasing fire's negative impacts. The surge in wildfires is endangering human safety, infrastructure, agricultural production, cultural resources, native ecosystems, watershed functioning, and coastal resources throughout the state. Many neighborhoods in Hawaii face extreme fire hazard challenges, including ingress and egress routes, narrow streets, few fire truck turnaround options, unmanaged and untended fire fuels in developed areas, and constrained firefighting access and water resources. These hazards hinder fire suppression efforts and promote the rapid spread of fires, endangering our communities. Resources for wildfire firefighting are extremely limited, with budgets barely covering annual firefighting costs, leaving minimal capacity for proactive measures like prevention, mitigation, public outreach, fuels management, and enhancing firefighting access and water infrastructure. As we witness and live through fires of unprecedented scale, not only in Hawaii but worldwide, it is evident that no city, community, or wildland area is immune from the threat of fire. Factors such as climate change, declining forest health, and the expanding Wildland-Urban Interface continue top fuel wildland-urban disasters. What was once a seasonal occurrence has become a year-round challenge, with megablazes now more common than ever. These blazes are a wake-up call to the new, pervasive danger wildfires present. In many communities, they pose the most significant threat to the quality of life, affecting and degrading the air we breathe, harming the environment, impairing the economy, destroying neighborhoods, and in some cases, taking the lives of the citizens we are sworn to protect and serve. Wildfire Incidents for the 6 Main Hawaiian Islands ----------- Hawaii *'bat 0 Maui 00 % 0 0 W.- % 0- 0 00 CS 0 p Mal., Road, Molok.', Kaua Map SC�110: Wo Id W. 0 .1% 1:160.000 EXHIBIT B: PROACTIVE & COMPREHENSIVE PREVENTION STRATEGY Preparation, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, involves "a continuous cycle of planning, organizing, training, equipping, exercising, evaluating, and taking corrective action." This aim is to ensure seamless coordination during incident responses. The National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy, often referred to as the Cohesive Strategy, advocates for communities to adopt a dynamic approach to planning, responding to, and recovering from wildland fires. It provides a structured framework for discussions, efforts, and goals related to wildfires. The strategy is organized into three key categories, aligning with national priorities and funding opportunities: 1. Fire -Adapted Communities 2. Resilient Landscapes Safe and Effective Wildfire Response It is strongly recommended that vulnerable, at -risk communities take proactive steps, such as developing a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) and obtaining Firewise Community certification, in collaboration with organizations like the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization and the Big Island Wildfire Coordinating Group. A comprehensive CWPP should encompass a well-defined evacuation plan, involving all stakeholders and transparently communicated to the public. The 2020 County of Hawaii Multi -Hazard Mitigation Plan has identified several key issues pertaining to wildfire: • WUI Public Information — Effective public education and outreach in wildfire -prone areas must include information and support for mitigation activities like creating defensible space. Additionally, advance identification of evacuation routes and safe zones is essential. • Management of Development — Future expansion into Wildland-Urban Interface areas should continue to be guided by special development considerations to manage wildfire risks. • Vegetation Management Activities - These activities, including expanding target areas and allocating additional resources, are vital. Monitoring and controlled burns in sugarcane fields are crucial to mitigate potential major uncontrolled conflagrations. Currently, most established firebreaks are maintained by the State Department of Forestry & Wildlife (DOFAW) and community efforts on varying schedules. Unfortunately, there is no County -backed mandate or incentive for at -risk communities to actively participate in such initiatives. To address risk management and reduction, the HFD Prevention Branch has been actively collaborating with the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization to enhance wildfire awareness in wildland-urban interface areas. Regular meetings are held to reinforce previous learnings and promote educational for homeowners. Wildland-Urban Interface areas are particularly vulnerable to property loss, threats to life, and ecological function disruptions caused by wildfires. A significant proportion of wildfires in Hawaii is attributed to human error or arson, often in proximity to developments, power line rights-of-way, and roadsides. Furthermore, many communities are surrounded by unmanaged, dry, nonnative grasslands that serve as highly flammable fuel sources. Ignited near residential areas, wildfires can rapidly encroach upon homes and lives. It is important to note that the HFD does not currently conduct controlled burns due to staffing limitations and a lack of certified personnel for fuel removal. Engaging property owners is critical for the effective implementation of this preventative strategy. Extensive public awareness and education efforts are essential. However, the HFD Prevention Branch faces challenges in terms of insufficient personnel and resources to provide comprehensive education to communities across the entire island. ate HAWA161 ISLAND "«VA-st At -Risk Communities, Hawai'i Island. Source: Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization MOM MW EXHIBIT C: NECESSARY INVESTMENTS IN HFD Training The 2022 HFD Audit underscored the necessity of earmarking a specific number of annual training hours annually for each employee based on their position and to maintain proficiency. Additionally, the report recommends the development of a tracking mechanism to measure participation, held certifications, and renewal dates. The 2020 County Multi -Hazard Mitigation Plan highlights the ongoing need for responder training, especially in the context of wildfire mitigation. It advocates for the expansion of qualifications and certifications for fire department personnel. The plan further emphasizes the importance of training all firefighters in basic wildfire behavior and fire weather, with a focus on ensuring that company officers and chief -level officers receive training at the wildland command and strike team leader levels. Addressing these training deficiencies is estimated to require more than $4 million in various all -hazard categories over the next few years. This funding encompasses nearly 38 critical training programs, compensation for trainees as required by the CBA, instructor costs, equipment procurement, and facility needs. It should be noted that training has been underfunded for the past two decades, resulting in poor retention. The range of necessary training programs includes, but is not limited to, structural firefighting, wildland firefighting, firefighter survival, high-rise operations, vehicle extrication, driver/operator training, incident command training, and specialized training for rescue, hazardous materials (HAZMAT), instructor training, and information technology. This comprises 38 programs that need to be created or maintained across these categories. The effective delivery, management, and administration of these programs would necessitate the creation of seven new positions, including a Training Captain, Fire Equipment Operator, four Fire Training Specialists, and one clerk, along with dedicated primary training facilities for East and West Hawaii, mobile training props for in -station on -duty training, and two support SUVs for transporting personnel and hauling equipment. These vehicles currently in use are more than 20 years old. Furthermore, it is vital to provide appropriate compensation packages to recruit and retain staff within the Training Bureau and across all Support Services personnel. Apparatus and Vehicles In regards to apparatus and vehicles, the 2022 HFD Audit recommends the development and implementation of a comprehensive vehicle profile for each apparatus, including the establishment of a maintenance and replacement plan. This plan would incorporate a comprehensive vehicle list, tracking age, mileage, and condition; determining the suitability of vehicles for specific terrains; setting replacement targets (based on age, mileage, lifetime maintenance costs, vehicle class); regular inspection of high-risk vehicles; and the assignment of apparatus from high volume stations to low volume stations to maximize their useable life. Facilities HFD facilities vary widely in terms of condition and functional efficiency. To ensure the effective delivery of emergency services delivery to the public, major repairs and additional new facilities are needed. Deficiencies range from career stations with condemned areas due to falling building materials, leaking roofs, mold infestation, exposed wiring, aging plumbing, out -of -service diesel exhaust removal systems, inoperable emergency generators, broken air conditioning systems, to inoperable apparatus bay doors. Volunteer stations often lack electricity, plumbing, or internet connectivity, and both career and volunteer apparatus are frequently stored outside in the elements under makeshift tent covers due to inadequate facility space. All stations and apparatus face considerable security risks when unable to be secured. Staffing The HFD currently does not meet national consensus standards according to NFPA 1710. Emergency Operations is notably short a battalion (50-60 personnel), with two personnel short at nearly every station. Achieving ideal staffing levels would require adding a battalion per shift, necessitating the hiring of 150-180 personnel. To meet the minimum recommended staffing, an additional 28 personnel per day are needed, totaling 88 personnel to meet the requirement. The HFD lacks a policy for stations to be reassigned to another district to provide coverage during large emergencies. The addition of six additional Battalion Chiefs for Emergency Operations is necessary to enhance the span of control for emergency incidents and allow for the designation of four battalions within the County. A staffing deficiency exists for supplementing crews at major scenes during emergency operations, specifically for Rapid Intervention or command/logistical support functions. Staffing to support work -rest cycles at major or prolonged incidents is inadequate or significantly delayed. Regarding medic units, these should be used as supplementary staff rather than dedicated front-line fire response staffing, as they should remain intact and available for delivering EMS services to Department members and the public. Establishing two additional rescue companies in the Kohala and Ka`u districts is also deemed essential to address the current staffing gaps and better serve these areas. EXHIBIT D: VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER PROGRAM A volunteer firefighter program complements our career firefighters during emergency situations. They must adhere to established policies, rules, and regulations to ensure the safety of volunteers, HFD personnel, and the efficient coordination of emergency response services the public expects. To achieve this, the HFD must: • Enhance the incentive for volunteer participation. • Develop a well-defined organizational structure and establish support roles. • Clearly define the mission of Volunteer Fire Companies, as identified in a Community Risk Assessment. • Invest in volunteer infrastructure and training, with particular focus on those serving the Wildland- Urban Interface and rural communities, as volunteers often serve as the first line of defense. In alignment with the in -progress Community Risk Assessment and Standards of Cover, consider the establishment of career fire stations in communities where justified, either in combination with or in lieu of volunteer emergency services. Unfortunately, the volunteer program faces severe funding shortages, which encompasses the operation of 18 volunteer fire stations and associated apparatus. To address this shortfall, an infusion of $1,655,000 is necessary to cover support positions ($455,000) and essential operating capital expenditures ($1,200,000).