HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0158.009 2002-2004
Harry Kim ~ Darryl J. Oliveira
Mayar Fire Chic/
n,R,o.,~~•yv Desmond K. Wery
Depury Fire Chief
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FIRE DEPARTMENT
25 Aupuni Street • Suite 103 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720
(808)961-8297 • Fax (808)961-8296
Apri129, 2003
Mr. Joel E. Gimpel, Chair
Cost of Government Commission
County of Hawaii
101 Aupuni Street, Suite 325
Hilo, HI 96720-4262
Dear Mr. Gimpel:
I would like to first express my appreciation for your comprehensive review and report
on our department's operations and consideration of possible cost-saving measures. Secondly I
would like to apologize for the delay in my response, which is due to my preparation of a more
thorough evaluation of your recommendations.
As you pointed out in your cover letter, since our presentation to your commission, we
have already initiated action to address many of the issues. The following are individual
responses to the specific items detailed in your report.
Item 1. Every effort has been made to fill all vacancies within the Fire Department to not only
reduce the associated overtime costs but more importantly, to maximize our operational
effectiveness and better serve our community. To date, we have filled 30 promotion vacancies
and have hired new personnel for 17 positions. We are anticipating and have begun the process
to hire I S more new employees in various capacities by the end of the calendar year. We will
explore every opportunity to streamline our hiring and promotional process without
compromising the delivery of
public quality service. Furthermore, through our development of a
comprehensive strategic plan, we will be prepared to identify future resource needs and plan
accordingly.
Item 2. Through the coordinated lobbying efforts of the State Fire Council, more effective
permitting processes are being developed to include fees. In addition, all avenues for
establishing appropriate non-emergency service fees are being explored as possible subsidy for
existing programs. However, I must emphasize that the position of the Fire Department is one of
customer service and the consideration of any service fee will include ethical pepprspectives.
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Mr. Joel E. Gimpel, Chair
Page 2
Apri129, 2003
Item 3. With regard to the issue of dispatching an assortment of apparatus and resources to all
motor vehicle accidents, after careful review and consultation with the staff and personnel of our
dispatching center, it was evident that our current practice is justified. Given the uncertainty of
information provided by persons reporting incidents, until such time that we can assure accurate
communication from persons placing the call to the 911 system, every benefit to the possible
victim(s) must be given. Public education is the key to this issue and is an area of high priority
for us. Priority triage dispatching is a very useful and viable concept, however it does possess
inherent limitations and deficiencies.
Item 4. This process is currently ongoing. There are many beneftts to equipment
standardization in addition to the ftnancial advantages. Having uniformity of apparatus and
other equipment will promote more effective and safer operations. To date, we have
standardized two critical pieces of equipment that included our breathing apparatus and air
refilling systems. When we evaluate all equipment purchases and replacements, standardization
will be considered.
Item 5. A formal and dedicated problem-solving team consisting ofpersonnel from a variety of
ranks and positions have been volunteering numerous hours and energy towards developing
effective proposals to address the issue of a courier service. Presently, we have implemented
interim measures to aid in the routing of supplies and department correspondence.
The janitorial services provided at each of our 19 fire stations are performed by on-duty fire
personnel. This procedure has been in place for decades and has proven to be a very
cost-effective measure with assuring clean and sanitary facilities as well as promoting facility
maintenance. The only janitorial services not provided by our own staff are for our
administration office at the County Building and the staff offices at the Central Warehouse and
Training Complex.
Item 6. Our computer system and Records Management System (RMS) are currently being
upgraded and improved to support and facilitate more efficient operations. Unfortunately, these
items require substantial financial support and funding, and given the County's limited budget
and revenues, projects require prioritization. Although in the overall scheme of things this issue
may not rank as high as other issues or concerns, it will be continuously evaluated and
developed to better support our data and information collection needs.
Item 7. Mechanisms are in place to expedite and better manage material and equipment
requisitions. This particular issue is directly related to Item 6, in that once our computer and
RMS program is fully operational, a more effective and streamline process will be developed
utilizing an electronic format. This will also promote and support better inventory control and
tracking.
Mr. Joel E. Gimpel, Chair
Page 3
April 29, 2003
I hope that this information provides some insight into our efforts to be more financially
prudent and efficient while striving to achieve our primary goal and mission to serve and protect
our community. I would like to also emphasize that we have and will continue to explore every
avenue for alternative funding sources, such as grants, to support our resource needs. We have
been very successful over the past year and acquired over $250,000.00 in grant monies for a
variety of programs.
In closing, I would again like to express my appreciation for your commission's review
and suggestions for consideration regarding our financial effectiveness. Should you have any
questions or require further clarification of any of these items, please feel free to contact me at
your convenience.
Sincerely,
Ti~~RRYL OLNEIItA
Fire Chief
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cc: Legislative Assistant Susan Caseria
Managing Director Dixie Kaetsu