HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 555 Draft 01 2006-2008 Mtv of q
COUNTY OF HAWAII STATE OF HAWAII
RESOLUTION NO. 5S5 OS
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, PURSUANT TO HRS
46-7, FOR THE FY 2007 ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT FOR THE
HAWAII FIRE DEPARTMENT
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, through its FY 2007 Assistance to
Firefighters Grant program, has authorized funding to the Hawaii Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, along with the County's share, the funds will be used to acquire video
conferencing equipment for eighteen (18) different locations around the island; and
WHEREAS, the video conferencing capabilities will markedly enhance intra-department
communications and interaction, and enable the department to reach the goal of National Fire
Protection Association Firefighter Illl certifications for all of its Firefighters; and
WHEREAS, one of the benefits of the installation of a video conferencing system within the
department is being able to conduct real time instructor-led classes in all areas of Hawaii County,
encompassing rural, suburban, and urban areas; and
WHEREAS, another benefit is allowing the Training Bureau and Battalion Commanders to
conduct safety meetings and messages, and post incident analysis or after action reviews which
would benefit firefighters outside of the initial response district; and
WHEREAS, Hawaii Revised Statutes, Section 46-7, requires that county departments obtain
the consent of the council to enter into agreements with the federal or state governments respecting
action to be taken pursuant to any of the powers granted by law to furnish, expend, and receive any
funds or other assistance in connection with projects being or to be undertaken pursuant to those
powers.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII,
in accordance with section 46-7, Hawaii Revised Statutes, that the Mayor of the County of Hawaii is
authorized to execute, on behalf of the County, an agreement and related documents, to enable the
County to use the Assistance to Firefighters grant funds to acquire video conferencing equipment for
the Hawaii Fire Department as mentioned in its narrative statement of its application, attached hereto
and incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit "A".
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County Clerk of the County of Hawaii shall transmit
copies of this resolution to the Office of the Mayor, the Finance and Fire Departments.
Dated at xilo ,Hawaii, this 25th day of March , 2008.
INTROD CED BY:
(N~--~
COUNCIL MEMBER, C N O AWAIT
COUNTY COUNCIL ROLL CALL VOTE
County of Hawaii
Hilo, Hawaii AYES NOES ABS F.X
FORD
[hereby certify that the foregoing RESOLUTION was by the HiGA g
vote indicated to the right hereof adopted by the COUNCIL of HOFFMANN
the County of Hawaii on March 25, 2008 [KEDA
JACOBSON g
ATTEST
NAEOLF, X
PILAGO g
YAGONG X
YOSHIMOTO
9 0 0 0
Reference C-1066/FC_25'7
~T CLERK CHAIRM P SI ING OFFICE RESOLUTION NO. 5SS OS
Application Number: EMW-2007-FO-07310
Narrative Statement
Project Description
"Please indicate which of these Target Capabilities your request outlined in this application will satisfy. Check all
that apply:
Responder Safety and Health
Firefighting Operations/Support
Hazardous Materials Response
Search and Rescue
Emergency Medical Services
Communications
• Please provide your narrative statement in the space provided below. Include in your narrative, details
regarding (1) your project's description and budget, (2) your organizaton's financial need, (3) the benefit to be
derived from the cost of your project, and (4) how the activities requested in your application will help your
organization's daily operations and how this grant will protect life and property.
Project bescription:
The County of Hawaii (island of Hawaii) has an area of 4,028 square miles, covered by snow capped mountains,
acid lava fields, tropigl rainforests, dry grasslands, and 266 miles of rugged coastline. This diverse land mass
has 11 of the Earth's 13 climatic zones.
Natural disasters are a common occurrence on the island of Hawaii. The most recent natural disaster occurced
on October 15, 2006, when a 6.7 earthquake on the island of Hawaii made national headlines. Damages to
infrastructure, commercial buildings, and homes were extensive.
The Hawaii Fire Department (HFD) responds to various emergencies for the Couniy of Hawaii. HFD's mission is
to provide Hawaii County with the highest level of services in relation to life safety, incident stabilization, and
property conservation. HFD's services include Fire Suppression, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Search
and Rescue, Hazardous Materials Response, and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Response.
HFD is seeking to procure a Video Teleconferencing System (VTS). Acquisition of a VTS would enable
personnel to benefit from real time instructor-led classes in all areas of Hawaii County, encompassing rural,
suburban, and urban areas. Real-time instruction increases teaming capacity, by providing immediate student-
instructorfeedback. Continuous standardized training for 361 "Paid Firefighters" and 210 'Volunteer Firefighters'
would establish concise and up-to-date training across the department,
In 2003, HFD adopted National Fire Protection Association Firefighter I standards and integrated it into the
recruit training curriculum. In 2005, the course was expanded to all paid firefighters, resulting in standardized
company drills. Currently, the paid firefighters are 85% complete with the Firefighter I Program, The goal is to
complete the Firefighter I Program for the paid firefighters, then begin training volunteer firefighters. Once this
section is complete, paid firefighters will begin the Firefighter II Program. A VTS would assist HFD in meeting
this goal.
Additionally, because of the distances and nature of Hawaii County, a VTS could be utilized by the Training
Bureau and Battalion Commanders to conduct safety meetings and messages, such as Fire Fighter and EMS
Safety Stand Down, and post incident analysis or after action reviews which would benefit firefighters outside of
the initial response district. This will not only allow the firefighters to remain at their stations and available to
respond to emergencies in their district, but also reduce overtime and travel time expenses.
A VTS for HFD would be installed at 18 different locations around the island. Fifteen of the 20 fire stations would
have a monitor installed. (Five fire stations do not have the basic technical capability to accommodate a VTS.)
Monitors would also be installed at HFD's administration office, dispatch center, and training center.
Financial Need:
HFD currently operates on an annual budget of $29,796,070. Eighty-two percent of the budget is allogted to
salaries. Equipment, supplies, and maintenance encompasses 17.3°k of the budget. One hundred and eight
thousand dollars (.36%) is allotted for the department's training section.
EXHIBIT "A"
Application Number; EMW-2007-FO-07310
As our population continues to grow, HFD's budgetary needs simultaneously increase to attempt meeting the
County of Hawaii's needs, Population growth is straining the island's infrastructun:, causing the County of
Hawaii's revenues to be spread thin across its departments. Reallocating monies within HFD's budget is not an
option for a department that is committed to meeting the service demands of its growing communities.
As a young and progressive department, training is essential, valued, and appreciated by HFD's 571 firefighters.
The department will continue its efforts to educate the County of Hawaii budget administrators to align
themselves with those same values instilled in HFD through strategic planning and pertormanced based
budgeting. However, at the present time, there is a definite and immediate need for HFD to seek alternative
funding to meet its training needs.
Cost -Benefit:
Hawaii County's extensive geographical size poses an obstacle to HFD in providing measurable training to its
firefighters. It is common for HFD personnel to complete afour-hour roundtrip drive to attend an eight hour class.
HFD would be able to decrease travel time and related expenses, such as gas, mileage, overtime, and per diem,
if a VTS was available.
In 2006, overtime expenses incurred for training totaled $270,422.51. Per Diem expenses totaled $29,282.35.
Total additional training expenses equal $299,704.86. The estimated total cost of a VTS is $327,600. The cost
for LCD monitors per station (15) is $7,850 and dispatch center is $7,850. The administration office and training
center will have split screen capabilities that cost $11,500 apiece. LCD monitors will cost a total of $45,000
(includes shipping costs). One mobile VTS unit will cost $21,900. Networking charges (bridge) cost $100,000
(includes shipping costs). Shipping charges for the conference room and mobile VTS equipment is
approximately $2,100, and installation charges will cost approximately $10,000. (Taxis included in the
aforementioned costs.) Factoring in the average life span of the VTS equipment at six years, the cost breakdown
per firefighter (paid/volunteer) is $96.62. The monies saved in transporting firefighters to training sites would
enable HFD to establish further training opportunities to meet National Standards.
Statement of Effect:
The VTS will enable the Hawaii Fire Department to reach the goal of National Fire Protection Association
Firefighter I/II certifications for all of its Firefighters. Once this goal is met, HFD can set new goals to meet
National Standards.
The VTS is a progressive tool that will have long-term effects on training and networking for HFD. There is a
potential that exists to network with other agencies. Presently, there are six departments within the County of
Hawaii that have a VTS: Police, Prosecuting Attorney, County Council, Civil Defense, Housing, and Parks &
Recreation. Partnerships with other agencies, such as Hawaii Community College, Honolulu Community
College, Kapiolani Community College, State Airports (Aircraft Rescue Firefighters), County Police, County and
State Civil Defense agencies, State Emergency Medical Services, Department of Forestry and Wildlife, and
Honolulu, Maui and Kauai County Fire Departments, are all potential beneficiaries of a VTS for HFD.
Unity and effective communications between HFD and its network of agencies will further enhance HFD's
commitment to service.
HFD is committed to a long range partnership with the Hawaii Community College to establish a fire science
curriculum to support firefighter career development and education, as well as to provide the public with a formal
education process in preparation for a career in the fire service.
In 2005, HFD began its pilot Fire Science program at the Hawaii Community College and has since been
successful in coordinating the delivery of 15 instructor led training which resulted in the course completion and
credit by 166 active firefighters. HFD recognizes the benefit that VTS would have in enhancing fire science
enrollment islandwide, as well as supporting and sustaining a comprehensive professional certification program.
It is through HFD's commitment to training that it promotes a standard of professionalism to stimulate an attitude
and desire for advancement.
HFD is acutely aware of the challenges in addressing its diverse missions and unique island needs. In 2003,
HFD adopted a Strategic Plan that has served as its foundation from which service excellence is achieved.
Through this process, standards of care and service for every Hawaii County resident and visitor has been
established with the highest regard for quality and equity. Further, HFD has identified training and education as
a key strategic focus to providing quality service.
Application Number: EMW-2007-FO-07310
The ability to enhance its training program through VTS will play a major role in HFD's ability to strive toward its
vision statement: We are a team of highly skilled and motivated men and women committed to providing the
highest quality of protection to life and property. Through dedicated teamwork, we have achieved unequalled
excellence."
* Please describe all grants that you have received from DHS including any AFG grants received from DHS or
FEMA, for example, 2002 AFG grant for vehice or 2003 ODP grant for exercises. (Enter "N/A" if Not Applicable)
2002 AFG grant for various fire training materials/curricula; 2004 AFG grant for mobile live burn trailer; 2005
AFG grant for vehicle emissions system; 2002 ODP grant for HazMat equipment; 2003 ODP grant for HazMat
equipment and truck; 2004 ODP grant for rescue boat and vehicles; 2005 ODP grant for communications and
HazMat Equipment