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C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D. <br />Mayor <br />William V. Brilhante, Jr. <br />Managing Director <br />(County of �aWat`t <br />HAWAVI FIRE DEPARTMENT <br />25 Aupuni Street • Suite 2501 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br />(808) 932-2900 • Fax (808) 932-2928 <br />February 12, 2026 <br />Dr. Holeka Goro Inaba, Council Chair and <br />Members of the Hawai'i County Council <br />Hawaii County Council <br />25 Aupuni Street <br />Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br />Daniel J. Volpe <br />Temporary Fire Chief <br />CC"i <br />r�7 Z O <br />t� �Z <br />N O C <br />?1c: <br />M. <br />L.� <br />t <br />o - <br />RE: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT OF FUNDS OF LATER FISCAL <br />YEARS AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL <br />AGREEMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT <br />AGENCY TO RECEIVE GRANT FUNDS FOR TWELVE FIREFIGHTER POSITIONS. <br />Please find attached the measure, including the accompanying budget amendment bill and,County match <br />requirement, for the Council's consideration. We respectfully request that this matter be referred to the <br />appropriate committee. <br />The purpose of this request is to secure funding from the United States Department of Homeland <br />Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency ("FEMA"), through the Staffing for Adequate Fire <br />and Emergency Response ("SAFER") grant program. FEMA has authorized $2,678,274.60 through the <br />SAFER grant program to be provided to the County. <br />The Hawaii Fire Department intends to enter into a multi -year agreement with FEMA to receive these <br />grant funds. Per the conditions outlined in the award letter, FEMA requires a County match of <br />$1,664,873.40 to receive the SAFER grant. <br />Funds provided jointly by the SAFER grant and the County will be used to fund twelve temporary, full- <br />time firefighter positions from March 23, 2026, through March 22, 2029. <br />This increase in staffing will enable the Department to meet industry minimum standards, maintain 24- <br />hour staffing, provide adequate protection from fire and fire -related hazards, and fulfill the traditional <br />missions of a fire department. <br />Please reach out to Nikol K Lonokapu at (808) 932-2921 if you have any additional questions or <br />concerns. <br />Sincerely, <br />DANIEL J. PE <br />Temporary Fire Chief <br />Hawai'i Fire Department <br />Ref. Date FEB 1 7 <br />L ?es, 1%00- 2C0= <br />Hawaii County is as Equal Opporhmihf Provider and Ernplmfer. <br />