HomeMy WebLinkAbout06 FIRE CHIEFS REPORT FY21-22 DECEMBERHawai’i Fire Department
kazuo.todd@hawaiicounty.gov 808-932-2900
25 Aupuni St, Hilo, HI, 96720
FIRE CHIEFS REPORT
There are far better
things ahead
Than any we leave
behind.
C.S. Lewis
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TO THE FIRE COMMISSION ______________________________________ 3
What’s In the Numbers _____________________________________________________ 3
Highlights _______________________________________________________________ 6
Community Outreach ______________________________________________________ 7
BUDGET ______________________________________________________ 8
FY 2021-2022 ___________________________________________________________ 8
Alternative Funding and Grants ______________________________________________ 8
HUMAN RESOURCES ___________________________________________ 9
Internal Recruitment within Department: _______________________________________ 9
Open-Competitive Recruitment: _____________________________________________ 9
Classification: ____________________________________________________________ 9
Labor Relations: __________________________________________________________ 9
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS DIVISION ____________________________ 10
Battalion 1, East Hawai i __________________________________________________ 10
Battalion 2 West Hawai i __________________________________________________ 11
Special Operations: ______________________________________________________ 11
SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION __________________________________ 13
Emergency Medical Services Bureau: ________________________________________ 13
Training Bureau: _________________________________________________________ 14
Volunteer Training: _______________________________________________________ 14
Fire Prevention Bureau: ___________________________________________________ 14
Capital Improvement Projects: ______________________________________________ 16
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TO THE FIRE COMMISSION
What’s In the Numbers
2021 Run Down
What a year. What an understatement. A new Mayor, a new Fire Chief, a new
administration, and many new issues that required unique out-of-the-box solutions. The
Hawai’i Fire Department has shown over the last year, its resiliency and ability to roll with the
punches. These challenges have highlighted shortfalls in staffing and equipment and have
resulted in a top to bottom review on how we conduct business. Under the leadership of
Chief Todd, the budget and justification for a deep dive into the books has resulted in the
development of a line item budget aligned with program objectives. With this fresh
perspective on finance management, it is anticipated that there will be a more efficient means
of tracking expenditures and identifying shortfalls. This past year has been challenging to say
the least, but it has prepared the Department for a more robust and solid direction as we
move into 2022.
Response by the Numbers
As mentioned earlier, 2021 was a busy year. The side by side comparison is below, but
doesn’t adequately capture the human component of the responses. With COVID affecting
so many within the Community and the shut downs and other preventive actions, additional
stressors were placed on the minimal staffing and resulted in greater fatigue. This was
observed in the decrease of participation of personnel working as Paramedics and the cross-
staffing of the ambulances. The trends analysis included below is skewed due to the
pandemic, but still highlights issues to reflect on.
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The So What?
So why are these numbers important and what do they tell us? The total responses for 2021
was 27,401. On average, that is 75 calls a day and is up 2,386 calls from 2020. At a glance,
it is easy to see that the mission is growing and the dependency of the community on high
quality response is not abating. The increase demands on the minimal staffing is pushing the
2017
20182019
20202021
0500100015002000250030003500400045005000
Side by Side Excluding EMS/Rescue
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
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limits on response and the ability to perform at the expected level. As we delve deeper into
the statistics, we start to see the negative impact of reduced training, outdated equipment and
non-compliant protective gear. The model that is being utilized was developed over 20 years
ago and was minimally sufficient then. The other issue that takes a little bit more nuance in
interpretation is what we are measuring. The Fire Industry has made a radical shift in the
measurement of services over the last 10 years. The Accreditation Process has become a
mainstay within the industry and the use of a comprehensive Fire and Emergency Services
Self-Assessment Manual (FESAM) is a good approach to identifying strengths and weakness
within the program.
Putting it Together
In the close out of 2021, a needs analysis will be performed to capture the Department’s
successes as anticipated in the Program Goals and Objectives. A close look in how we are
evaluating and grading our successes will be incorporated into the 2022 Program Objectives
and Performance Measures. We will also highlight those objectives where we missed the
mark and evaluate how to obtain resolution. In building momentum to resolve identified
issues, it is envisioned that each years report will feed into the next years reporting cycle. In
this perspective, the annual report will be a living document that adapts to the ever-changing
challenges that arise.
A Vision to the Future
For us to have a solid grasp on where we are navigating the Department, we need to reflect
on the successes and failures of the past. Only with eyes wide open will we be able to
establish a vision to the future. This year there have been 11 Goals developed to serve as
the overarching guidance for the development of objective. Those include;
1. Ensure that the Hawaii Fire Department Strategic Plan is relevant, and is being utilized as
a guiding document.
2. Develop a health and wellness program that considers holistically the wellbeing of the
Department Employees.
3. Codify fiscal requirements through a robust needs analysis and develop an itemized
budget to account for requirements, identify potential funding sources and cost sharing
opportunities.
4. Conduct a Community Risk Assessment to determine the stakeholders and County
Governments expectations of the Department.
5. Develop a Standards of Cover to codify staffing and equipment needs for the Departments
area of responsibility and develop a cost analysis for program coverage.
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6. Publish an updated and consolidated policy and procedures manual.
7. Update and establish as needed, all MOU’s and MOA’s.
8. Conduct a thorough Overtime analysis to identify areas where greater efficiency can be
applied with the goal of reducing overall costs.
9. Develop a process to capture and justify future plans and expenditures in relation to CIP,
Repairs, Equipment Replacement, etc.
10. Create a workforce focused on trends and statistical analysis of performance with the goal
of identifying inefficiencies and comparing budgetary expenditures with like sized
departments and jurisdictions.
11. Provide for the effective management of fire and emergency services, encompassing all
related activities to include fire prevention, special services and ocean safety.
There are many opportunities we are looking forward in the up-coming year. Many of the
challenges we are facing now will be behind us as staffing levels increase and specialty
positions are filled. We additionally look forward to a revamped budget that allows the more
efficient tracking and expenditure of funds. If we had to sum up our perspective for 2022 in
one word, it would be Excitement.
Highlights
The following are the highlights from December 2021.
The complete list of responses will be provided in the
Emergency Operations Division Update.
Hawaii Island and HFD will be hosting the next
Hawaii Fire Chiefs Association Conference. The
dates are December 15-18 at the Fairmont Orchid
in Waikoloa. A kick-off meeting is scheduled for
January 24th at the Aupuni Center.
The funding for Chopper 2 has been secured and
the helicopter (Airbus H-125) has been put in que
for manufacture. We anticipate delivery in late
2022.
The Fire Chief held his first live-stream meeting
(Coffee with the Chief) in which he took questions
from the Department and answered them in a live
video format.
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Community Outreach
December 1st Attended the Big Island Wildfire Coordinating Group Meeting to discuss
wildland fire trends and response statistics.
December 8th Attended the Mana Road fire After Action Review.
December 8th Attended the County Council in reference the funding of Chopper 2.
December 13th The Deputy attended the Leadership
Follow-up Meeting.
December 17th Met with the Hawaii Wildfire
Management Office in reference to post-fire
restoration.
December 18th Attended the Quarterly Volunteer Fire
Department Captains Meeting.
December 21st The Deputy attended Company 11A
Monthly Training and visit Honu‘apo.
December 22nd Hilo Christmas Parade.
December 25th Chief Todd to the mainland for a
National Fire Academy class.
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BUDGET
FY 2021-2022
FY 2021-2022 - County Budget:
Total spending through December 31st is at 58.47% with 50% of the fiscal year
completed.
Salaries and Wages
Closed at 59% Fire and 52.50% EMS.
OCE expenditures closed at 88.92% in Fire (Mana Road expenditures skew percent, this
will probably be adjusted in future reports), and 54.05% in EMS.
State Funded Budget Items:
EMS reimbursements for FY 20-21 have been completed. Authorization for this year’s
reimbursements have not been given, but paperwork is being completed.
FY 2022-2023
Deanna Sako has given approval to a rebuild of the entire HFD budget. This will result in a
renumbering of line items from 5228 to 6228 and a realignment of line items under
program categories to better track and account for expenditures versus outcomes.
Alternative Funding and Grants
SAFER Grant – Grant for six (6) Captain Positions and three (3) FF positions will be
starting on February 1st.
National Forest Service Grant (50/50 matching for $50,000).
Submitted for reimbursement for FY 19-20 (10/28/21).
Submitted for reimbursement for FY 20-21 (10/28/21).
FY 21-22 (approved and being expended).
o We will be pursuing the purchase of a brush truck and fire shelters
o Awarded $197,637 for FY 2022
FEMA AFG for Covid-19 – grant period extended through August 2022.
-Grant expected to be drawn down by June 2022.
FEMA AFG for 2022 has opened, was submitted 12/17/21 for extractors for all of our fire
stations.
Grant from State of Hawai’i, Department of Health, Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Division. Training completed. OT Reimbursement: O/S $4,932.12, Fire $7,354.73, and
EMS $15,381.42.
CDBG-MIT: HFD has been allocated 1.8 million and will be pursuing the purchase of an
incident command vehicle, brush trucks, and a trailer.
HMGP – Post Fire Grant. FM-5404-HI is set at $584,083.00 for post fire recovery.
Currently looking at applicable uses of this grant.
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HUMAN RESOURCES
Internal Recruitment within Department:
Fire Equipment Operator – Fire Rescue Specialist Dustin Frechette and Fire Rescue
Specialist Helaku Hedlund promoted effective January 1, 2022. Fire/EMS Specialist II
Ivan Higashi voluntary demotion to Fire Equipment Operator effective January 1, 2022.
Fire Rescue Specialist – 16 candidates referred to participate in the Physical
Assessment Exercise. PAE to be announced.
Internal Recruitment within the County:
Information Systems Analyst IV – Interview for three applicants held on December 23,
2021. Targeted hire date is February 1, 2022.
Open-Competitive Recruitment:
Fire Fighter Recruit – 15 FFR candidates completed medical appointments, hearing
exam and back x-ray. Formal offers to be sent out in early January 2022. Targeted
hire date is February 1, 2022.
Classification:
Fire Radio Dispatcher I approved for new class Fire Communications Officer I effective
December 20, 2021.
Fire Radio Dispatcher II approved for new class Fire Communications Officer II
effective December 20, 2021.
Fire Radio Dispatcher III approved for new class Fire Communications III effective
December 20, 2021.
Fire Communications Supervisor approved for new class Supervising Fire
Communications Officer effective December 20, 2021.
Labor Relations:
Verbal Reprimand – Nine (9) verbal reprimands for noncompliance with COVID-19
testing requirements.
Written Reprimand – Three (3) written reprimands for noncompliance with COVID-19
testing requirements.
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EMERGENCY OPERATIONS DIVISION
Total Calls for CY 2021
Type December YTD
Fire 59 1029
Overpressure, Rupture, Explosion- no fire 1 1
Rescue and EMS 1,753 19,762
Hazardous Cond. (no fire) 115 312
Service Call 196 2,096
Good Intent calls 331 3,820
Fire Alarm / False calls 39 356
Severe Weather 2 14
Special Incident Type 0 5
Other 4 6
Totals 2,373 27,401
Updates:
PGV fund SCBA compressor procurement: no changes.
Bid awarded for internal SCBA compressor purchase. Timeline for delivery is
anticipated in Jan-Feb 2022.
Post-Incident Analysis for the Mana Road Brush Fire completed on December 8.
CDBG-MIT grant funding update: Status Quo, awaiting final go ahead from grant
managers to begin procurement of requested items. Brush Trucks, Command Vehicle,
Mobile Service trailer, and possibly community support mitigation projects (dip tanks)
for Ka‘.
Apparatus updates
a) Rosenbauer build (BT), all work has been completed, and awaiting vehicle
registration scheduled for first week of January 2022 then will be placed in service.
b) Bid Dog Wildland Tanker assigned to Volunteer 9B
Ongoing mitigation planning for Honu‘apo Brush Fire scene. Awaiting scheduling of
fence install with DPW.
Battalion 1, East Hawai i
Incidents:
December 4, Inc#25377; Fire: Kamehameha Ave./District 01, Structure Fire in two (2)
commercial units, no injuries or fatalities reported.
December 5 & 6; Multiple Storm Related incidents from Kona Low weather event.
Mainly in Puna.
December 10, Inc#25983; Rescue/EMS: Mauna Kea Summit/District 04, Person fell
down slope and brought up 550ft., one (1) person with minor injuries who refused care,
no fatalities reported.
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December 19, Inc#26585; Fire: Peck Rd./District 05,
Structure Fire, no injuries or fatalities reported.
December 25, Inc#27007; Rescue: Kalapana/District 10,
Drowning, one (1) fatality reported.
December 29, Inc#27306; Fire: Kauhale Olu Apts./District
01, Structure fire, two (2) injuries reported, no fatalities
reported.
Battalion 2 West Hawai i
Incidents:
December 5, Inc#025437, Paddler in Distress: Keauhou Pier, District 12. One (1)
party brought in by kayaker, C-2 and Sealegs to assist. Very rough seas, 50mph SW
winds, no injuries.
December 5, Severe Weather: Multiple weather related incidents from Kona Low.
Various calls for downed power lines, fallen trees, and blown transformers.
December 10, Inc# 025924: Brush
Fire: Hual lai Elderly, District 07. Brush fire
contained to one (1) acre. No deaths or
injuries. Fire prevented from reaching
Elderly care facility. No evacuations
needed.
December 18, Inc# 26501: Search and
Rescue: Missing Opihi Picker, Honok hau
Small boat harbor. Unable to locate missing
party after three (3) days of search efforts
with HFD and Coast Guard resources.
December 19, Inc#26573; Search and Rescue: Missing Hiker Kilohana District 09. 47
Male with dog, lost in hunting area, located and extricated by C-1, brought to hunter
checking station. No injuries.
December 24, Inc # 26882; Structure Fire: Lau‘eki Pl., Four Seasons. One (1)
Firefighter injured at scene due to fall. Transported to North Hawaii in stable for
evaluation.
Special Operations:
Hazmat:
CAMEO training for Hazmat personnel scheduled. January 18-21, 2022. Funding
requested through the LEPC to cover costs of instructor and personnel.
Ocean Safety:
Street LG program has gone live on Dec 1. Although a new program for Water Safety
Officers, the overall feedback has been promising as we transition to electronic
documentation.
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Continuing to Plan for RWC Operator Training for Water Safety Officers. We are
currently working on program development.
Rescue:
Rescue Boat 2 (Force) engine replacement. No new updates, awaiting processing of
requisition.
Communications headsets (2) repaired for Kailua.
RB7-7 repairs: Status Quo, Vendor still have not received the new fuel tanks.
RB7 (Radon) O/C due to oil leak, parts are on order.
Fire Rescue Specialist Assessment scheduled for January 19 & 20.
Sayre Foundation:
Funding of additional Apparatus.
a) Discussions ongoing for a new Engine at South Kohala. Specifications have
been completed. Vendor working with the Sayre Foundation for purchasing
processing prior to build meetings at manufacturer.
b) New Big Dog Tanker has been registered and placed into service as of Dec 30.
Assigned to Volunteer Company 9B in Kamuela-Kanehoa
c) Replacement for C-2 has been finalized, down payment made, and the order
has been placed in the build queue. Airbus is the selected aircraft.
New Rescue Watercrafts and Rescue Sleds have been purchased. Awaiting delivery
timeline. One (1) was funded through a County of Hawaii Non-profit grant, and the
second through Sayre foundations fundraising efforts.
Along with the new RWC, funding was also secured for RWC Operator training which
is scheduled for late April through iWaterman. This course will be used to build
knowledge and experience for our own RWC Operator program instructors.
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SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION
Emergency Medical Services Bureau:
Training and Education:
The EMS Bureau has been in discussion with Kapiolani Community College in regards
to challenges with the prerequisites required for paramedic school. After lengthy
discussions, Kapio‘lani Community College has agreed to amend the Math 103
prerequisite. They will now accept a minimum of Math 86 (basic college math
equivalent) or an Accuplacer math score of 250 or greater. With this change we hope
to increase the number of paramedic candidates.
The 50th fire recruit class begins EMT training on Monday, January 10, 2022. EMS
Bureau personnel assisted with the seven-step registration process which also
included screening of all vaccinations and titer requirements. EMT preparation classes
will be conducted prior to the start of EMT class.
Five (5) of our 2021 Spring semester paramedic students have successfully completed
their state and national testing requirements which will allow them to attain their State
of Hawaii Paramedic license. We have one (1) more paramedic student set to take the
national registry skills testing in early March.
Our current paramedic class will be going to Honolulu for clinical rotations at Kapiolani
Hospital and Queens Medical Center. Their clinical experience will include pediatric
assessment, advanced pediatric airway management and advanced cardiovascular
care. They will begin their clinical and field internship evaluations in February.
The EMS Bureau conducted a two-week long Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
training for our newly hired dispatchers and Ocean Safety personnel.
One (1) EMR refresher class was conducted on 12/15 for State Forestry and HFD
personnel. This refresher involved mental health first aid.
Operations:
With the execution of budget modification number six (6), we were able to secure funds
for a second ambulance purchase this fiscal year. This second ambulance is currently
out for bid and closes on December 29, 2021. This new ambulance will be a
replacement for Medic 5.
We have recertified all our FERNO technicians and will begin annual gurney
inspections in the first quarter of 2022.
All required ambulance state license documents and audits have been submitted for
our annual ambulance service contract renewal. When our updated licenses are
received, we will distribute the documents to all the medic stations for posting.
Our ESO implementation project is moving forward. We continue our weekly
implementation meetings and will be assisting with system updates on all EMS state
laptops in operations.
The EMS Bureau participated in multiple meetings throughout the month of December.
Meetings that we participated in included the steering committee for patient transfers,
Chopper 2 fabrication, Kona Hospital briefing, MICT retention / MICT recruitment with
representatives from The County Department of Human Resources, COVID trends and
potential operational impacts, and EMS budget and projections.
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The EMS Bureau Captains have been assisting with MICT vacancies in Operations.
The EMS Bureau continues to assist with State EMS license renewals and
reimbursements for our personnel. Currently, there are 11 personnel who are being
audited by the State. We have been working with these individuals to ensure that all
proper documents and forms are completed and submitted.
Community Education and Injury Prevention:
Our cardiac arrest community education programs continue to flourish. The high
schools that we are working with this quarter are Konawaena, Kea‘au and Hilo.
Our Community Paramedicine program has been busy addressing high utilizers of the
911 system. Many of the referrals have been from our Operations personnel leading to
a decrease in usage of the 911 system. This has also led to a better living situation for
these individuals.
Training Bureau:
50th Firefighter Recruits completed Rapid Intervention Team (downed firefighter
rescue) training at P hakuloa.
50th Firefighter Recruits have obtained their Pro-Board Firefighter II Certification,
completed Swim Week, and Rescue Systems 1.
HFD Driver Improvement Program Manual revisions are finalized and will be formally
adopted with the January 2022 roll-out of the Driver Improvement Program.
Formal offers of employment for the 51st Recruit Class were sent out to our new hires
by Human Resources.
Program Budget Objectives for the Training Bureau have been set for FY 22-23. The
top 3 priorities are to digitize all training and drill reports on Target Solutions, a full
implementation of the Driver Improvement Program, and a “Back-to-Basics” task level
training program based off of NFPA 1001, Standard for Firefighter Professional
Qualifications.
Volunteer Training:
Welcomed on board newly promoted Fire Captain Michael Jackson.
Added two new volunteers: one to Company 7B, Kalaoa; and one to Company 19A,
Volcano.
Attended a volunteer appreciation luncheon at Waiki’i Ranch on December 5th.
Attended the quarterly volunteer Captains’ meeting at Station 7B, Kalaoa, on
December 18th.
Responded with Company 1A to a structure fire in Pepe‘ekeo on December 29th.
Finalized and distributed the volunteers’ 2022 drill schedule.
Finalized lesson plan for upcoming January 2022 drills.
Fire Prevention Bureau:
The Fire Prevention Bureau investigated four (4) structure fires in the month of
December. One (1) fire was located in District 01 with an Undetermined cause. The
second fire was located in District 12 with an Undetermined cause. Two (2) of the other
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fires were located in District 14. One (1) fire has an Accidental cause while the other
fire has an Undetermined cause.
The Fire Prevention Bureau conducted one (1) Public Education Presentation and
reviewed 37 Plans.
Inspections are as follows:
Fireworks Site and Storage 12
Certificate of Occupancy 1
Commercial 21
Re-inspections: Commercial 41
Educational 7
Re-inspections: Educational 2
Fire Protection System Acceptance Testing 44
Request for Information 1
Site Inspection 3
Firework Shows – Private and New Year’s Eve 4
Tent Site Inspection 1
Total Inspections: 137
The Prevention Bureau staff met with Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization
Officers Nani Barreto and Elizabeth Pickett to form a partnership in the prevention of
wildfires on large acres of land. Barreto and Pickett informed us of the resources
available and the educational opportunities to form safe neighborhoods. Currently,
there is a project in the Kam ‘oa subdivision to reduce wildfires and to educate
homeowners in having their property become Firewise. Firewise is a nationwide
program to help homeowners with wildfire preparedness information and tips. Fire
Inspector Anthony Kim is working with Battalion Chief Michael Hayashida and Captain
Chris Carvalho in starting a Firewise program at Kam ‘oa.
Fire Chief Kazuo Todd met with BC Kurashige and Fire Inspectors Roque, Goo, and
Kim to go over the amendments to the Hawaii County Code. We were able to
complete the amendments and will meet with Corporation Counsel in January 2022 to
attempt to finalize the document for presentation to the Legislative Research Branch
for formatting.
Fire Inspectors Donovan Roque, Tyson Goo, and Anthony Kim have enrolled in the
Certified Fire Investigator Training online and have applied for further fire investigation
training at the National Fire Academy at Emmitsburg, Maryland in mid-2022.
Logistics, Emergency Communication and Vehicle
Maintenance Sections:
We are experiencing extreme shortages in the Fire Communication Center that are
compounded by a COVID positive case.
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The Laup hoehoe stove issue was resolved with the assistance of both Assistant
Chiefs. Through this, we were able to identify, and correct, issues in communication
and work flow.
The PPE decontamination project continues with some challenges. Overall, the quality
of the repairs and decon have been great.
Procurement of the P100 masks to be purchased with funds from the AFG-S grant is
moving forward.
We are still looking into alternatives for a replacement program for Tradegecko, our
current inventory system.
Capital Improvement Projects:
Hawai‘i County Emergency Communications Center
o Ground Preparation has commenced on this project
P hala Fire Station
o Engineering Partners is the architect/engineer.
o Contract and funding approved. Awaiting schedule by consultant.
Hawaiian Paradise Park Fire Station Dormitory Addition
o Department of Public Works (DPW) is the lead. EPI is the supporting the
engineering firm for mechanical and electrical.
o In receipt of civil and plumbing proposal. According to the Purchasing Division,
we have to go thru procurement again for the civil engineering portion.
Central Fire Station Rehabilitation Project
o Scott Fleming is the Architect.
o The design contract has been approved and funding for the design phase has been
allotted.
Kailua Fire Station
o Will be purchasing a new generator through emergency procurement.
o Civil Defense will loan us a generator. DPW to install temporary transfer switch.
Waikoloa Fire Station/ Civil Defense Antenna
o DPW is the architect/engineer.
o The design is complete. Drawings are in the pre-final stage and being reviewed by
project coordinator.
Kaumana Fire Station Improvements
o Scott Fleming is the Architect.
o The contract has been awarded.
o Awaiting funding.
Waiakea Fire Station Improvement
o Scott Fleming is the Architect.
o The contract has been awarded and we are waiting for funding for the design
phase.
End of Report