HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GOEAC 010 2025-01-07 2024-2026REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
DATE: January 7, 2025 Re: Comm. No. 41/Res. No. 33-25
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawaii
TIME: 9:01 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred
Resolution No. 33-25, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 33-25, transmitted by Finance Director Diane Nakagawa via Communication
No. 41, dated November 29, 2024, authorizes the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the
United States Army Garrison (USAG) P6hakuloa Training Area (PTA) Fire and Emergency
Services, pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 46-7, to support firefighting efforts.
Resolution No. 33-25 seeks to establish a framework for shared resources, response capabilities,
and training opportunities to enhance public safety and mitigate risks across military and civilian
jurisdictions.
Hawaii County Deputy Fire Chief Daniel Volpe and USAG Fire Chief for PTA Mike Diehl
were present in the Council Chambers and via Zoom, respectively, to provide comments on and
answer questions regarding the resolution.
Chief Volpe explained that this agreement extends the agreement already in existence between
the Hawaii Fire Department and the PTA Fire Department. Recognizing that time is of the
essence in emergency and fire situations, PTA is able to address issues that happen within their
area. PTA has a fully functioning Fire Department within PTA and there are times when they are
first on the scene, even when those areas are the primary responsibility of the Hawaii Fire
Department. Specifically, areas between the 17 to 40-mile markers along Daniel K. Inouye
Highway, PTA is able to address those issues faster and will be supplementing the County's
response. For areas beyond that, this resolution allows PTA to help upon request.
Additionally, Chief Volpe explained that this agreement allows them to access some of their
training resources. PTA has one of the best structural fire training facilities, and by allowing fire
fighters to utilize these resources, it allows them invaluable training opportunities.
Committee Member Ashley Kierkiewicz stated that this document feels like it is formalizing the
informal partnership that has already existed during emergencies and disasters. Chief Volpe
agreed and explained that when there were long-term, extended incidents in the past, that PTA's
help has been crucial.
GOEAC Report No. 10
GOEAC-10 Page 2 January 7, 2025
Member Kierkiewicz asked what the duration of the agreement covers. Chief Volpe stated that it
is in effect upon agreement and then remains in full force until there's a mutual agreement to
dissolve or amend. USAG Fire Chief Diehl clarified that in the mutual aid agreement, it will be
re -signed with updated signatures every two years, but it will stay in effect unless canceled and
proper notice is provided.
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs is in accord with the purpose
and intent of Resolution No. 33-25, and recommends its adoption.
sIm
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL
OPERATIONS AND