HomeMy WebLinkAbout08 FIRE CHIEFS REPORT FY21-22 FEBRUARYHawai’i Fire Department
kazuo.todd@hawaiicounty.gov 808-932-2900
25 Aupuni St, Hilo, HI, 96720
FIRE CHIEFS REPORT
A GOAL WITHOUT A
METHOD IS NONSENSE
W. Edward Deming
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TO THE FIRE COMMISSION ______________________________________ 3
Department Profile Highlight ________________________________________________ 3
Audit Readiness __________________________________________________________ 3
A Bittersweet Farewell _____________________________________________________ 3
Highlights ______________________________________________________ 4
Community Outreach ______________________________________________________ 4
BUDGET ______________________________________________________ 5
FY 2021-2022 ___________________________________________________________ 5
Alternative Funding and Grants ______________________________________________ 6
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 ___________________________________________________ 9
Battalion 2 West Hawaiʻi ___________________________________________________ 9
Special Operations: ______________________________________________________ 10
SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION __________________________________ 11
Emergency Medical Services Branch: ________________________________________ 11
Training Branch: _________________________________________________________ 11
Volunteer Training Section: ________________________________________________ 12
Fire Prevention Branch: ___________________________________________________ 12
Logistics, Emergency Communication, and Vehicle Maintenance Sections: __________ 13
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TO THE FIRE COMMISSION
Department Profile Highlight
The Fire Department welcomes Chris Cerrone as the new
Information Systems Analyst IV. This position has been
sought after for several years and will have an immediate
positive impact on operations and data collection. Chris is no
stranger to the County IT field, as he comes to us from the
County Department of Information Technology. His initial
duties has him bringing the Mobile Data Terminals (MDT’s) on
line and ensure that they are properly communicating. These MDT’s are located in all primary
response apparatus and will greatly enhance the responder’s capabilities in hazard
identification, pre-fire planning, in-field reference library, accountability and Incident
Command functions.
Audit Readiness
For the last several months, the County Audit Agency has been conducting an in-depth
review of the Fire Department and reviewing its policies and procedures. It additionally
reviewed how the budget was being managed, to include overtime expenditures. The initial
findings report has been pulled together and is being finalized. The full report should be
available for next month’s meeting.
A Bittersweet Farewell
Saying goodbye is never an easy endeavor, especially when
the one leaving has left such an indelible mark on the men and
women of the Hawaiˋi Fire Department. Lizzy Stabo has been
a symbol of courage and strength since her injury at the Honu
Apo fire last September 3rd. Her heroism resulted in her being
honored by the Sayre Foundation on 19 February. Her great
strength and good nature have been a role model for all.
Recovering from burns cannot be sufficiently explained. The
harsh treatments and hellish pain can break even the strongest
person. The mental and physical trauma takes a long time to
cope with. Lizzy has been a rock through it all. She has kept
the smile on her face and good attitude throughout. Not
because there was no pain, but because she is tough, and
determined to not let this set her back. Lizzy is returning to the Mainland on the 25th of this
month. To quote a wise poet, “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye
so hard.” Winnie-the-Pooh
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HIGHLIGHTS
The following are the highlights for the last 5-months. The complete list of responses will be
provided in the Emergency Operations Division Update.
The Budget reorganization was approved. This will be instrumental in better
expenditure tracking and distribution of funds.
The annual report was completed and submitted. This wrap up of the 2021
expectations has helped direct the Departments objectives for 2022.
The Chief has conducted his 3 Station Visitation of all districts. The information
collected will be utilized to resolve issues and help
steer policy in a more efficient manner.
Chopper 2 has been funded and is on the assembly
line. We expect to take delivery this year.
Land for the new Central Fire Station has been
identified and is being allocated.
The Hawaii Fire Chief’s Conference will be hosted
by the HFD in December 13-18, 2023.
Chief Todd has been accepted into the FSEDI.
Community Outreach
February 1st Attended the Hawai’i Wildfire Management Organization meeting.
February 3rd Attended the State Fire Council Meeting.
February 7th Alan Ah Heong Retirement Ceremony
February 8th Attended meeting with Representative Todd
February 11th HCFA Budget Meeting
February 14th Attended the County Emergency Communication Center meeting
February 16th Attended a Step 1 Grievance meeting (COVID Compensation)
February 16th Attended meeting
with HFD (Wildland).
February 18th Participated in the
Friends of First Responders
Breakfast
February 22nd S. Hayashida
Retirement.
February 22nd Haweo Award
WSO K. Ching
February 25th Meeting with
HGEA for Dispatchers
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BUDGET
FY 2021-2022
FY 2021-2022 - County Budget:
Total spending through February 28, 2022 is at 72.55% with 66% of the fiscal year
completed.
County funded budget
Salaries & Wages closed at 78.72% Fire.
OCE expenditures closed at 100.04% 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 63.19%.
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.
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Alternative Funding and Grants
Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant
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% as of January.
Kua Bay, Kekaha Kai State Park
State grant award of $480,000 for lifeguard services for FY 2022. Total Personnel Costs at
36.22% as of January.
FY 2021 Assistance to Firefighters: Grant application 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.
HIEMA HMGP Funding: Request submitted to HIEMA for excess Federal funding to cover
station hardening, generators, and a portable station. Ask is approximately $4,420,000.
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HUMAN RESOURCES
Internal Recruitment within Department
Fire Rescue Specialist – Fourteen candidates participated in the PAE on February 23,
2022. Interviews were held on February 24, 2022.
Fire/Emergency Medical Services Specialist II – Recruitment opened on February 6,
2022 and closed on February 15, 2022. Two candidates participated in the
interview/assessment on February 28, 2022.
Internal Recruitment within the County
Storekeeper – Recruitment opened on February 13, 2022 and closed on February 22,
2022. Pending referred names.
Open-Competitive Recruitment
Fire Communications Officer I – Seven names were referred. Five candidates will be
participating in the interview and practical assessment on March 2, 2022.
Water Safety Officer I – Recruitment opened on January 16, 2022 and closed on
January 25, 2022. Thirty-five names were referred to schedule the performance
assessment exercise.
Fire Fighter Recruit – Recruitment opened on January 30, 2022 and closed on
February 8, 2022. The candidate’s applications are being screened by the
Department of Human Resources.
Account Clerk – Recruitment opened on February 13, 2022 and closed on February
22, 2022. Pending referred names.
Classification
Transfer of three Fire Fighter positions from Laupahoehoe Fire Station to Pahoa Fire
Station effective February 16, 2022.
One Fire Fighter position reallocated to Fire/Emergency Medical Services Specialist I
effective March 1, 2022.
Labor Relations
Verbal Reprimand – One verbal reprimand for noncompliance with COVID-19 testing
requirements.
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EMERGENCY OPERATIONS DIVISION
Total Calls for CY 2021
Type February YTD
Fire 95 212
Overpressure, Rupture, Explosion- no fire 0 0
Rescue and EMS 1,616 3,397
Hazardous Cond. (no fire) 11 2
Service Call 144 336
Good Intent calls 324 701
Fire Alarm / False calls 23 59
Severe Weather 0 1
Special Incident Type 1 3
Other 7 7
Totals 2221 4718
Updates:
PGV fund SCBA compressor procurement: the resolution to allocate the funds to HFD
has been placed on the March County Council Agenda.
SCBA compressor procurement. Delivery scheduled for March 2. This unit will be
assigned to West Hawaii.
CDBG-MIT grant funding update: Status Quo building out specifications for the
apparatus and equipment that will be procured.
In discussions with County R&D grant specialist for an additional FEMA grant funding
opportunity through HIEMA to support HFD needs.
a) Submitted projects for Power Redundancy and hardening for our stations, and
temporary modular building units that can be stood up in the event of a catastrophic
incident where a temporary structure is needed. ($3 million)
Apparatus updates
a) New Brush Truck (Waikii Ranch) is scheduled for registration and radio install on
the week of March 23-25. Then will be placed in service.
b) Working on specifications for a new Brush Truck for Volunteer Company 20A
though
Honuapo Brush Fire scene update: The fence line has been
completed by DPW and new drone survey by UHH came
back with no current heat signatures. The area has been re-
opened to the general public and incident has been closed.
In discussions with DHHL regarding South Point Wildfire
mitigation efforts. Looking to identify the feasibility of
installing fire breaks and water supply sources in the area.
We were contacted by the Mauna Kea Beach/Hapuna Resorts with a potential offer to
donate equipment for Ocean Safety. Currently in discussions on items and connecting
with the Sayre Foundation for donation routing.
Assisting with the revisions of all Operations Positions duties and Responsibilities in
the Rules and Regs manual
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Battalion 1, East Hawaiʻi
February 5, 2022, Inc#002839, Rescue-Search & Recovery: Nanue Bridge Highway
19/District 17, MVA, one (1) fatality.
February 6, 2022, Inc#002923, Ocean Rescue: Highway 137, Kalapana, Swimmer in
distress, 1 rescued.
February 11, 2022, Inc #03123, Rescue-Medical: Narnia/District 4, Fall from waterfall
w/ arm injury, Chopper 1 extrication to Medic 1 for transport, 1 injury, no fatalities.
February 12, 2022, Inc #03378, Fire: Maui St/District 5, Structure Fire, no injuries or
fatalities.
February 13, 2022, Inc #3529, Fire: Rd 5 Eden Roc/District 5, Structure Fire, no
injuries or fatalities.
February 14, 2022, Inc #03549, Fire: 15th Ave/District 18, Structure Fire, no injuries or
fatalities.
February15, 2022, Inc #003711, Ocean Search & Rescue, Beach Rd, Hawaiian
Paradise Park, Swimmer in distress, no injuries or fatalities.
February 16, 2022, Inc #03755, Search & Rescue, Narnia/District 4, CODE 500, no
injuries or fatalities.
February 19, 2022, Inc #04024, Fire: E Rd & 5th Rd, Hawaiian Acres/District 5,
Structure Fire, no injuries or fatalities.
February 23, 2022, Inc #04279, Fire: Kaku
Street/District 10, Structure Fire, no injuries or
fatalities.
February 24, 2022, Inc #004401, Cliff Rescue:
Kamalii Gulch, Ookala, Tree trimmer stuck on
cliffside, 1 rescued.
February 24, 2022, INC #4414, Fire: Government
Rd, Papaikou, Structure Fire, no injuries or fatalities.
Battalion 2 West Hawaiʻi
February 8, 2022, Inc#3065, Brush Fire, Akoni Pule hwy., fronting Kohala Ranch
District 14. Approx. 4 acres contained and extinguished in a few hours.
February 8, 2022 Inc#3100; Brush Fire: Pottery Terrace
District 7, Multi-Day incident. Approx 50 acres burned with
evacuations on the initial day. All roads were reopend and
evacuations lifted by 1800hrs that evening. No injuries to the
public, but 2 Fire personnel received injuries.
February 22, 2022 Inc # 4238; Fire: Four Seasons Resort,
Maintenance shed structure fire. Units responded for possible
structure fire. Hualalai Volunteers at Four Seasons able to knock
down initial fire, additional companies there for containment and
overhaul. No deaths or injuries.
February 25, 2022 INC #4473; Brush Fire: Hwy 11 – 98MM
Units responded for approximate 2 acre brush fire in district 6. Highway shut down for
approximately 1 hour for extinguishment and mop up operations. No deaths or injuries.
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February 27, 2022 Inc #4628; Rescue: Kohala Mtn. Rd, Koaiʻa Tree Sanctuary – Lost
Hiker. Units responded for 29 y.o. female lost hiker. C2 able to locate party through
GPS and cell contact. C1 able to long line, Billy Pugh net, and extricate party to safety.
No injuries or EMS needed.
Special Operations:
Hazmat
Planning for annual 93rd CST drill exercises with Hazmat companies. Scheduled for
April 2022
Two personnel, attended a CBRNE Hazard Protection and Mitigation Training exercise
on Maui with the 93rd WMD CST on February 16-18. The feedback was positive, and it
was beneficial to see how other counties Hazmat teams operate.
Ocean Safety
Starting discussions for Jr. Lifeguard program for 2022.
Held a meeting with P&R for Waiakea Rec office space use by S. Hilo WSOʻs.
Beneficial to have a more centralized location for guards to muster and pick up
equipment.
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 back order.
Fire Rescue Specialist Assessment: Was completed on February 23-24. Looking to do
promotions by April 1.
Sayre Foundation
Funding of additional Apparatus.
o New Engine at South Kohala. Awaiting build.
o Volunteer Fire Company (9A) BT. Registration scheduled for March 23, then radio
install, and place in service.
o Replacement for C-2: being built
New Rescue Watercrafts and Rescue Sleds have been purchased. Awaiting delivery
timeline for RWC. Status Quo
The Sayre Foundation reached out to Ocean Safety to solicit additional needs. A list of
items were sent for consideration.
Private donors made specific donations to Honokaa fire stations, and S. Kohala,
Waikoloa, Makalei, Kailua and Keauhou fire stations for appreciation.
o Working with the stations on needs.
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SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION
Emergency Medical Services Branch:
The 50th fire recruit class is currently in their 4th week of EMT training.
Paramedic students have entered the internship portion of training. This phase of
training is four months long.
Our first base station meeting for 2022 was held on February 24th at Hilo Medical
Center. Educational topics focused on stroke, heart attack, and trauma cases. We
also included a Q&A session with our HEPA physicians and an EMS Branch update.
We are currently working on the renewal process for our mandatory National Registry
of Emergency Medical Technicians certified personnel.
A Fire Medical Specialist II assessment center was held on February 28th.
Preventive maintenance for our Lifepak 15 heart monitors and LUCAS compression
devices is currently ongoing and is projected to be completed by mid-March.
The EMS Branch participated in the first annual Fentanyl Summit in Kona on Tuesday
February 22nd. This summit was hosted by the West Hawai‘i Community Health
Center.
An educational ESO patient charting presentation was conducted for the current EMT
class by the EMS Branch personnel.
All personnel in the 50th recruit class have completed Mental Health First Aid training.
In the month of February, 150 students at Konawaena High School participated in our
Hands Only CPR and AED program.
EMS Branch personnel participated on a panel for a broadcast discussion for the
nonprofit “Friends of First Responders”. This discussion was brought forward to raise
awareness in the community for the work that the peer support team does.
Training Branch:
● The 51st Recruit Class has completed their initial Pro-Board Fire Fighter I classroom
and skills training with support from State ARFF and Pōhakuloa Fire and Emergency
Services. Recruits were instructed in the basics of personal protective equipment,
throwing ground ladders, forcible entry, structural search, rescue, and live fire training.
● The 50th Recruit Class successfully completed Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting training
and certification. The class has started the didactic portion of Emergency Medical
Technician training with Kapi’olani Community College.
● Conducted a second on-boarding training for an additional 14 Driver Auditors tasked
with providing education, skill development, and compliance with competencies and
skills for the Driver Improvement Program. The class also reviewed the Driver
Improvement Manual for final feedback prior to dissemination to all members. We now
have a team of thirty personnel to conduct annual audits. Final comments on the
Driver Improvement Manual were received, analyzed, and integrated. The manual
serves as a reference for all personnel, and includes information on training,
certification, safe driving practices, vehicle inspection, and maintenance. Four new
safe driving polices have been implemented and assigned for personnel to review.
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● Personnel were assigned Driver Improvement Program training modules to improve
responder and public safety during traffic incidents. Over the next two annual training
cycles, personnel will complete 10 virtual courses which will result in a Traffic Incident
Management certificate on completion.
● Approximately 20 additional volunteer members are scheduled to attend National
Wildfire Coordinating Group Basic Firefighter training hosted by Pōhakuloa Fire and
Emergency Services. This training will help to ensure the safety and uniformity of
wildland firefighting operations for our volunteers. The goal is to eventually train and
certify all career and volunteer operations personnel.
● Initiated a trial of Fire Dex Tec-Gen structural PPE. Due to global raw material
shortages and supply chain issues, this manufacturer is one of few which are able to
fulfill orders within reasonable time frames. We will be assessing and evaluating for fit,
performance, durability, heat dissipation, and other qualities
Volunteer Training Section:
Company 1A, Pepe‘ekeo responded to a structure fire in Papa'ikou in the early
morning hours of February 25th. They provided much needed support to Company 1
with fire suppression and overhaul operations.
Added 5 new volunteers to the East side and 3 to the West side of the island. Several
additional members are in different stages of the volunteer training process.
Obtained vehicle from the Highways Division of DPW for use as potential Volunteer
Brush Truck. The truck is a Ford F-350 and will be outfitted with a slip in pump. Once
completed it will be assigned to an east side company.
Preparing for an upcoming volunteer training opportunity for NWCG wildland classes at
PTA. Approximately 20 volunteers completed the online training (L180, S130, & S190)
required to attend the classroom portion and will achieve their Basic Wildland Fire
Fighting Certificate after completing the “in person” training next month.
Company 7B and 9B assisted with the Pottery Terrace Brush Fire. Both companies
performed fire suppression/extinguishment, exposure protection, and mop up
operations.
Volunteers island-wide continue to receive “UXO” – unexploded ordnance safety
education from Na Ali’i and the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Fire Prevention Branch:
The Fire Prevention Branch investigated four structure fires during the month in fire
districts 1, 7, 5, and 14. All fires have an undetermined cause.
The Fire Prevention Branch conducted nine public education presentations and
reviewed 42 plans in West Hawai‘i and 41 plans in East Hawai‘i for a total of 83 plans
reviewed. The plan reviewers have been doing a good job in reviewing plans within 7-
10 days, upon receipt.
Fire Prevention Branch personnel conducted 239 inspections to include commercial
inspections, commercial re-inspections, carbon monoxide, educational, education re-
inspections, fire protection system acceptance, site inspections, fireworks shows, tent,
and tank inspections.
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Fire Prevention Branch also investigated 12 complaints and completed 28 Request-
For-Information and/or comments on properties requested by third parties.
The Fire Prevention Branch has been assisting the Fire Auxiliary Services Branch with
requests for fire investigation records/reports. Seventeen fire investigation records
were researched and sent to the requesting party.
The final draft for the 2018 Hawai‘i County Fire Code Amendments Chapter 26 were
sent to the Legislative Research Board to prepare for submittal to Hawai‘i County
Council for review and adoption.
Currently working on reviewing the proposed NFPA 1 (2021 edition) Hawai‘i State Fire
Code Amendments.
Battalion Chief Palani Kurashige, Captains Clinton Baybayan and Kyle Vares, and
Lieutenants Royd Henderson and Ed Kawasaki completed the mandatory
Performance Appraisal Report (PAR) training. This training assists supervisors in
documenting the performance of employees during a probationary or annual period.
Fireworks permits that were sold in Hawaii County for 2021 are:
Consumer
Permits 2318
Display Permits 13
Cultural Permits 4
Logistics, Emergency Communication, and Vehicle
Maintenance Sections:
Reallocation of Fire radio dispatcher to Fire communication officer is complete and
start date is set for March 1st.
The assessment for the hiring of Fire Communication Officer I is set for March 2nd.
The Fire Control Communications Center was heavily impacted by COVID 19 again.
Three dispatchers were affected along with several other sick leaves. This made for a
very challenging month.
The Vehicle Maintenance Section is operating shorthanded due to an injury.
The in-house Information Systems Analyst IV started on February 1st. He has started
working on the mobile data terminal roll-out project and has been assisting AC2 with
getting our FireRMS data transferred over to a new, more reliable server and is taking
the initial steps involved with upgrading our FireRMS version. If all goes well, the new
version will be rolled out to all stations in March or April.
Due to supply chain issues, The Logistics Section is slowly receiving orders, but we
are still back logged.
The storekeeper position recruitment closed, and we are hopeful to hire a storekeeper
in March.
Apparatus and equipment repair:
o Fifty-seven (57) total repairs/service.
o Ten (10) service calls or trouble calls.
o Two (2) contracted out and tows.
End of Report