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Home My WebLink About07 FIRE CHIEFS REPORT FY21-22 JANUARYHawai’i Fire Department kazuo.todd@hawaiicounty.gov 808-932-2900 25 Aupuni St, Hilo, HI, 96720 FIRE CHIEFS REPORT It is a terrible thing to see and have no vision. Helen Keller P a g e | 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS TO THE FIRE COMMISSION ______________________________________ 3 Development ____________________________________________________________ 3 The Foundation __________________________________________________________ 3 Continual Personal Development ____________________________________________ 3 The Solution _____________________________________________________________ 3 Highlights ______________________________________________________ 4 Community Outreach ______________________________________________________ 4 BUDGET ______________________________________________________ 5 FY 2021-2022 ___________________________________________________________ 5 Alternative Funding and Grants ______________________________________________ 5 HUMAN RESOURCES ___________________________________________ 7 Internal Recruitment within Department _______________________________________ 7 Internal Recruitment within the County ________________________________________ 7 Open-Competitive Recruitment ______________________________________________ 7 Classification ____________________________________________________________ 7 Labor Relations __________________________________________________________ 7 EMERGENCY OPERATIONS DIVISION _____________________________ 8 Total Calls for CY 2021 ____________________________________________________ 8 Updates ________________________________________________________________ 8 Battalion 1 East Hawaiʻi ____________________________________________________ 8 Battalion 2 West Hawaiʻi ___________________________________________________ 9 Special Operations _______________________________________________________ 10 Sayre Foundation ________________________________________________________ 10 SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION __________________________________ 11 Emergency Medical Services Branch ________________________________________ 11 Training Branch _________________________________________________________ 12 Volunteer Training Section _________________________________________________ 12 Fire Prevention Branch ___________________________________________________ 13 Capital Improvement Projects ______________________________________________ 13 P a g e | 3 TO THE FIRE COMMISSION Development The Foundation If we desire to have a fulfilling and productive life, it is imperative that we set goals and objectives that continually require us to reach for success. This philosophy is dependent on self-motivation and the adoption of realistic, yet not easy, benchmarks throughout our life. If the bar is set too low, we drift into a haze of mediocrity and if it is set too high, we are faced with the depression of unattainable goals. The ability to achieve success, therefore, is tied-in with a stable set of core principles that help us realize our wants and needs. Continual Personal Development Most of us are the victim of our own success. We start with great ambitions and goals for ourselves. As we obtain success in our lives, we tend to rest on our laurels and grow complacent with the comfort low-level success brings. We appreciate the calm of a routine schedule and don’t want to cause a change which might make us uncomfortable. In short, we stop growing. So how do we avoid this pitfall of success? Simply, don’t become too comfortable. I know this sounds easy, but in practice, it can be quite difficult. Ask yourself, “When was the last time I read a book to make me a better firefighter, driver, rescue technician, emergency medical technician, officer, etc.?” When was the last time I registered for an on-line course or seminar? What was the last opportunity that I took that made me better? Just like a muscle, your mind needs to be exercised and challenged on a regular basis. It is okay to be outside of your comfort zone and feel the stress of ignorance. It is not okay to give into the ignorance as a way of life. The Solution So what is the solution? Simply, don’t accept mediocrity. Excel in what you do. Push forward to learn everything you can about your profession and trade. Take every opportunity to test yourself and your knowledge by stepping outside of your comfort zone. Attend training and scholastic opportunities which benefit your goals and objectives. This starts with an identification of where you are, where you want to go, and what is needed to get there. The following are great resources to help you on that journey. • National Fire Academy (NFA) • National Response Framework (FEMA) • FDIC • NWCG On-Line Courses • Fire Engineering Training • Collegiate Education These are just a few of the training opportunities out there. All that is required is for you to step up, step out, and learn. P a g e | 4 HIGHLIGHTS The following are the highlights from January 2022. 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 Waikōloa. A kick-off meeting is scheduled for January 24th at the Aupuni Center. • The replacement for Chopper has entered the assembly line and initial paint schemes and design has been worked on. • The Chief has conducted his Station Visitation of all districts. The information collected will be utilized to resolve issues and help steer policy in a more efficient manner. • The Department met with Finance to discuss the FY 23 Budget and Supplemental Requests. The redevelopment of the budget has allowed a more efficient way of capturing cost and shortfalls. Community Outreach • January 6th Attended the Hawai’i Opioid Hui. • January 7th Attended the Police/Fire Commission Secretary Meeting. • January 10th Attended the County Post Fire Mitigation Meeting. • January 14th Attended the After Action review for the January 8th MCI on Mauna Kea. • January 18th Attended the Pacific Fire Exchange. • January 20th Attended the CAMEO Suite Training • January 24th Held the kick off meeting for the HFCA Conference. • January 25th Attended the FY23 Budget Scrub with Finance. • January 27th Participated in the 51st Recruit Class Family Orientation. • January 28th Visit to PTA for potential equipment. P a g e | 5 BUDGET FY 2021-2022 FY 2021-2022 - County Budget:   Total spending through January 31, 2022 is at 70.89% with 58.33% of the fiscal year completed.   County funded budget Salaries & Wages closed at 68.23% Fire. OCE expenditures closed at 89.11% in Fire. Mana Road expenditures continue to skew OCE expenditures. FEMA approved costs for the period August 1 – 3, 2021 for potential reimbursement. As of 1/31/2022, the County transferred out $471,217 in dozer and helicopter expenses to the FEMA fund (this is an estimate of expected recovery funds). HFD submitted $1,275,921.75 of costs to HIEMA for submission to FEMA for Mana Road. Costs are summarized as follows: Labor* – Direct Administrative Costs $ 1,506.61 Labor* – Fire suppression $ 188,160.44 Labor – Volunteer firefighters $ 32,320.02 Equipment usage $ 121,165.90 Helicopter usage $ 16,847.50 Materials $ 7,077.10 Dozer and helicopter services $ 908,844.18 *includes fringes Direct costs to contain the Mana Road Fire (entire period) amount to $1,504,947.97. Labor (2,959 hours) $ 138,048.39 Dozer and helicopter services $1,355,599.47 Fuels & Lubricants $ 7,442.85 Meals $ 3,857.26 State Funded Budget Items:  1st Quarter FY 2022 will be billed to the State in February. Current projections estimate the expenditures at 60.8%. FY 2022-2023 The FY 2023 budget was submitted to Finance in January. The total budget is $55,824,453, of which $18,797,158 is grant funded. Our budget increased by $3.3 million from last year. The changes include a realignment and renumbering of all expenditure accounts and realignment of the personnel home departments to better track and account for expenditures by program. Alternative Funding and Grants Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant P a g e | 6 Federal Grant for six (6) Captain positions and three (3) Fire Fighter positions. The grant award is $3,511,641 for three years beginning February 1, 2022. No County match. USDA, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region, State & Private Forestry Federal grant award of $197,637 (with County match of $197,637) for FY 2022. Funds will be used to purchase a brush truck, fire shelters, and supplies. Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program FY 2020 (AFG-S) COVID-19 Supplemental Federal grant award in the amount of $379,910.66 for the period 8/6/2020 – 8/5/2022 ($345,373.33 Federal funds, $34,537.33 County match). We have spent 71.3% of the grant award and expect to expend all funds by the end of the current fiscal year. Hāpuna Beach State Park State grant award of $895,505 for lifeguard services for FY 2022. Total Personnel Costs at 53.82%. Kua Bay, Kekaha Kai State Park State grant award of $480,000 for lifeguard services for FY 2022. Total Personnel Costs at 36.22%. Grant application for the FY 2021 Assistance to Firefighters program was submitted 12/17/21 to FEMA to purchase extractors for all fire stations.  CDBG-MIT: HFD has been allocated $1.8 million and will be purchase 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. P a g e | 7 HUMAN RESOURCES Internal Recruitment within Department • Fire Rescue Specialist – PAE was scheduled for January 19 and got postponed. • Fire/Emergency Medical Services Specialist II – Recruitment will open on February 6, 2022 and close on February 15, 2022. Internal Recruitment within the County • Information Systems Analyst IV – Hired Christopher Cerrone effective February 1, 2022. Open-Competitive Recruitment • Fire Fighter Recruit – 51st Fire Fighter Recruit class started on February 1, 2022. • Fire Communications Officer I – Recruitment opened on December 26, 2021 and closed on January 4, 2022. • Water Safety Officer I – Recruitment opened on January 16, 2022 and closed on January 25, 2022. • Fire Fighter Recruit – Recruitment opened on January 30, 2022 and will close on February 8, 2022. Classification • One Fire Radio Dispatcher II position temporarily reallocated to Fire Radio Dispatcher I effective February 1, 2022. • Allocation of one Fire Captain position (Support Services Division) effective February 1, 2022. Labor Relations • Internal Investigations – Certified mail to Battalion Chief (2), Fire Captain (2), Fire Equipment Operator (3), and Fire Fighter (2). • Verbal Reprimand – Four (4) verbal reprimands for noncompliance with COVID-19 testing requirements. • Written Reprimand – One (1) written reprimand for noncompliance with COVID-19 testing requirements. P a g e | 8 EMERGENCY OPERATIONS DIVISION Total Calls for CY 2021 Type January YTD Fire 117 117 Overpressure, Rupture, Explosion- no fire - - Rescue and EMS 1,782 1,782 Hazardous Cond. (no fire) 10 10 Service Call 192 192 Good Intent calls 375 375 Fire Alarm / False calls 36 36 Severe Weather 1 1 Special Incident Type 2 2 Other 1 1 Totals 2,516 2,516 Updates: • PGV fund SCBA compressor procurement: per Council Member Kierkiewicz, the resolution to allocate the funds to HFD will be placed on the March County Council Agenda. • Bid awarded for internal SCBA compressor purchase. Just received certificate of origin, still awaiting the delivery of the unit. • CDBG-MIT grant funding update: Received an update from County R&D. Final application will be submitted to FEMA on or by April 30, 2022. Anticipating getting approval to proceed in the summer (June/July). Currently working on specifications for the apparatus and equipment that will be procured. • Apparatus updates a) Rosenbauer build (BT), Registration completed and has temporarily been assigned to the Keaau Fire Station. b) New Brush Truck received from the Sayre Foundation that will be assigned to Volunteer Company 9A (Waiki‘i Ranch) • Ongoing mitigation planning for Honu‘apo Brush Fire scene. DPW went out to survey the area and will be scheduling the fence work soon. UHH will be doing another drone survey of the area to compare the changes in heat signatures. • Working with HWMO and large land owners in the Waimea, Kawaihae, and South Kohala districts on Wildfire Mitigation planning. Part of the plan is also to capture GIS data for points of interest to build out a Fire Operations map to utilize in response efforts. Water sources, gates, archaeological or endangered sites to be protected etc. Battalion 1, East Hawaiʻi • January 1, 2022, Inc#00069, MCI, Mauna Kea Access Rd at about 8000” level, Motor vehicle collision, 1 fatality, 7 injured P a g e | 9 • January 1, 2022, Inc#00087, Structure Fire, Mohouli St/ District 1, Structure fire, no fatalities or injuries reported. • January 2, 2022, Inc#00143, Rescue: Wailuku River (KPUA)/District 4, teen female rescued with a Peterson buoy and a rope, transported to HMC. • January 2, 2022, Inc#00152, Rescue: South Oshiro Road/District 5, teen female, fell into a lava tube, extricated, and transported to HMC. • January 4, 2022, Inc#00298, Rescue: Hilo Bay/District 1, overturned boat, 2 occupants picked up by passing vessel and brought into dock, 1 injured, no fatalities. 1 patient transported to HMC. • January 9, 2022, Inc#00682, Rescue: ‘Āle‘ale‘a Point (north of Wainaku Executive Center)/District 1, male accidentally fell off the cliff, Ski-1 crew, Company 2 and Chopper-1 extracted the patient to the Landing Zone and M-1 treated and transported him to HMC. • January 9, 2022, Inc#00719, Structure Fire: 18th Ave/District 18, Structure fire, no fatalities or injuries reported. • January 14, 2022, Inc#01149, Structure Fire: Omeka Rd/District 19, Structure fire, no fatalities or injuries reported. • January 16, 2022, Inc#01318, Structure Fire: HAAS/District 10, Structure fire isolated to exterior of building, no fatalities or injuries noted. • January 18, 2022, Inc#01485, Search and Rescue: District 18, Boat in distress, boat successfully towed into Wailoa Boat Ramp, no fatalities or injuries reported. Battalion 2 West Hawaiʻi • January 1, 2022, Inc#00051; Structure Fire: off Mamalahoa Bypass rd. near intersection of HWY 11. Small structure and adjacent brush. No injuries. • January 6, 2022, Inc#00408; Rescue: Swimmer in Distress, Sealegs-7 responded for surfer in distress, and unable to make it to shore. Co-7 able to bring party to shore. No fatalities or injuries. • January 9, 2022, Inc#00668; Rescue: Surfer in Distress, 1 party made it in on their own. FRS able to swim out to 2nd party and assist to shore. No fatalities or serious injuries. • January 9, 2022, Inc#00673; Rescue: Male party Stuck on the Shore, units responded for male party in distress, unable to make it to safety, stuck on outcropping in heavy surf. C2 with FRS able to pick off party with Billy Pugh prior to very large set wave. Party brought safely to shore. No serious injuries or fatalities. • January 21, 2022, Inc#001709; Structure Fire: District 6, one-story single-family dwelling involved. No injuries reported • January 21, 2022, Inc#001713; Structure Fire District 7 Royal Poinciana Dr. One story single family dwelling fully involved. No injuries • January 22, 2022, Inc# 1765; Structure Fire: District 12, one story single family dwelling showing smoke exiting eves. All occupants were safely evacuated and fire extinguished. Fire confined to interior storage room. No injuries reported. P a g e | 10 • January 25, 2022, Inc#002320; Rescue: Boat on the rocks, Keāhole Pt. Occupants were able to make it to shore and was assisted by ARFF and Co.7 personnel. No injuries or additional assistance needed. Special Operations: Hazmat: • CAMEO training for Hazmat personnel has been completed. Personnel were very pleased with the training and content. • Working on upgrading Laptops for Hazmat units. • Two personnel, one from each Hazmat station is scheduled to attend a CBRNE Hazard Protection and Mitigation Training exercise on Maui with the 93rd WMD CST on February 16-18. Ocean Safety: • Continuing to work through the usage and familiarity of Street LG. It has been a big transition from hard copy to electronic reporting. But good progress is being made. • Continuing to Plan for RWC Operator Training for Water Safety Officers. We are currently working on program development. Status Quo Rescue: • Rescue Boat 2 (Force) engine replacement. Currently working on the Bid Specifications for procurement. • 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: Was cancelled due to the effects of COVID on personnel. We have rescheduled it for February 23-24. Sayre Foundation: • Funding of additional Apparatus. a) New Engine at South Kohala. All documents have been processed between the Sayre Foundation and the Manufacturer (Pierce). The purchase contract has been executed. b) Another Brush Truck has been purchased and donated through the Sayre Foundation that will be assigned to the Waiki‘i Ranch Volunteer Fire Company (9A). The apparatus is already been received and awaiting documents for registration and ownership. c) Replacement for C-2: Currently working on options for the aircraft (flooring, paint Scheme etc.) • New Rescue Watercrafts and Rescue Sleds have been purchased. Awaiting delivery timeline for RWC. Status Quo P a g e | 11 SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION Emergency Medical Services Branch: Training and Education: • EMT prep class was completed for the 50th fire recruit class. They will begin EMT training on February 7, 2022. • The EMS Branch has been assisting the 51st fire recruit class with vaccination and titer records that are required for EMT training with Kapi’olani Community College. • Our Fall 2021 paramedic class went to Honolulu for three (3) days in January for clinical training at Kapi’olani Medical Center. Advanced pediatric airway management was the primary focus of this training. These individuals will begin their clinical and internship portion of training at the beginning of February. • The EMS Branch facilitated a Coronavirus interactive Zoom conference presentation with our two medical directors. This presentation from Dr. Fitzgerald and Dr. Jones was made available to our personnel and also recorded. The recording has been stored on Target Solutions for everyone to review. • Our certified paramedic mentors completed a one day training on the latest grading system for the Kapi’olani Community College paramedic program. This in-service also covered the history of the paramedic training program and latest educational updates. Operations: • All EMS laptops have been updated with the latest version of ESO. With this update our patient charting system is now NEMSIS 3.4 compliant. We are anticipating our next update to be in July of this year. • Karlson Pung who was the Hawai‘i County AMR Manager has officially retired as of 12/31/2021. We would like to thank him for all that he has done for EMS here on Hawai‘i Island and wish him the very best in his retirement. Elijah Pung and Joshua Musick will be in charge of operations for AMR here on Hawai‘i Island moving forward. • The EMS Branch participated in our quarterly transfer meeting that focused on STEMI transfers to Hilo Medical Center from other medical facilities. • The 2022 Mitsubishi Electric Golf Championships took place on January 18th – 22nd at the Hualālai Resort. The EMS Branch assisted with coordination of this event. • The EMS Branch Captains have been assisting with MICT vacancies in operations. Community Education and Injury Prevention: • We are currently working with the advisory board at Kea‘au High School to assist with the implementation of their hands only CPR and automated external defibrillator program. • Our participation with the Community Action Network Committee has led to funding assistance for durable medical equipment that will be utilized for our fall prevention program in our community. P a g e | 12 Training Branch: ● Participated in informational planning meetings with State ARFF Chief Martinez Jacobs to examine how our current members can move toward Pro-Board certification for Fire Fighter I, II, Pumping Apparatus Operator, Fire Instructor I, and Fire Officer I. The Pro Board is the original fire service system for the accreditation of agencies that certify candidates to the various disciplines and levels identified in the NFPA Professional Qualification series of standards. ● Conducted an EMT prep class for the 50th Fire Fighter Recruits aimed at ensuring successful program completion. FMS Chad Wissing assisted the Training Branch covering medical terminology, pathophysiology, medical emergencies, and traumatic injuries. ● Provided training to fourteen (14) Driver Auditors tasked with the responsibility of providing education, skill development, and compliance with competencies and skills with the Driver Improvement Program. The class also reviewed the Driver Improvement Manual for final feedback prior to dissemination to all members. Twelve (12) more auditors will be on-boarded in February. ● Hosted a MSA G1 SCBA maintenance technician class. We now have eight (8) certified technicians in-house who will stand up an internal program to provide proper, reliable repairs to our units, and conduct mandatory annual testing for this mission critical safety equipment. ● Continued to support the Hilo High School Foundations of Fire and EMS class by providing guest speakers and hands-on learning opportunities. This month, FMS II Tekurio and Fire Apparatus Trainer Ivan Higashi provided training on basic firefighting physical fitness that translates to functional and effective job performance. Volunteer Training Section: • Trained all volunteer companies on “Introduction to the Fire Service and firefighter safety” and “Firefighter PPE”. • Assigned online course ICS 100 to all volunteers. • Fire Captains Nate Wilson and Mike Jackson will be returning to operations. • Newly promoted Fire Captains Matt Komata and Chas Taketa are shadowing Capt. Wilson and Jackson and will take over February 1st. • Volunteer company 9A Waiki’i received its new brush truck. P a g e | 13 Fire Prevention Branch: • The Fire Prevention Branch investigated five (5) structure fires during the month. One (1) fire was in District 1 with an Undetermined cause. The second fire was located in District 10 with an Undetermined cause. Three (3) of the other fires were located in District 12. One (1) fire has an Accidental cause while the other fires are Undetermined. • The Fire (5) Prevention Bureau conducted three (3) Public Education Presentations and reviewed twenty-six (26) plans. • The Fire Prevention Branch conducted one hundred forty-five (145) inspections to include commercial inspections, commercial reinspections, CO, Educational, Education Reinspections, Fire Protection System Acceptance, Site Inspections, Fireworks shows, and Tank inspections. • Mandatory driver training was completed for all personnel in the Fire Prevention Branch. Each personnel needed to complete twenty-four (24) hours on-the-road driving along with an additional eight (8) hours of classroom driver training. • The Prevention Branch also investigated five (5) complaints and completed twelve (12) Request-For-Information inquiries on properties requested by third parties. Capital Improvement Projects: • Hawai‘i County Emergency Communications Center o Ground Preparation has commenced on this project • Pāhala 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. P a g e | 14 End of Report