HomeMy WebLinkAbout10 FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT FY 22-23 APRIL
2023 | APRIL FISCAL YEAR 22-23
FIRE CHIEF’S
REPORT
V Hawai’i Fire Department
25 Aupuni St., Suite 2501
Hilo, Hawai’i 96720
fire@hawaiicounty.gov
Structure Fire, Hawaiian Paradise Park
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2023 | APRIL
This Month’s Highlights............................................................................................. 2
Budget .................................................................................................................. 3
Fiscal Year 2022-2023 ...................................................................................... 3
Alternative Funding and Grants ........................................................................... 3
Personnel Report ..................................................................................................... 4
Internal Recruitment within Department ................................................................ 4
Open-Competitive Recruitment ........................................................................... 4
Classification ................................................................................................... 5
Employee Development and Training .................................................................... 5
Operations ............................................................................................................ 5
Statistics and Analytics ......................................................................................... 5
Emergency Operations Highlights ............................................................................ 7
Battalion 1, East Hawaiʻi ..................................................................................... 7
Battalion 2, West Hawaiʻi ................................................................................... 7
Special Operations ............................................................................................... 7
Support Services ..................................................................................................... 8
Emergency Medical Services Branch ......................................................................... 8
Training Services Branch ....................................................................................... 9
Fire Prevention Branch .......................................................................................... 11
Logistics, Emergency Communications, and Vehicle Maintenance Section ....................... 12
Emergency Communications .............................................................................. 12
Vehicle Maintenance Shop ................................................................................. 13
Information Technology Highlights ...................................................................... 13
TABLE OF
CONTENTS:
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2023 | APRIL
THIS MONTH’S HIGHLIGHTS
Rescue Equipment
The Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation held a gifting and blessing ceremony for the new
rescue equipment that was donated to the Hawaiʿi Fire
Department on April 7, 2023. This equipment was purchased
for the Hawaiian Paradise Park Fire Company (Station 18) as a
continuing effort of the foundation to provide state-of-the-art
equipment to the HFD. Station 18 received a battery-operated
spreader, cutter, and set of rams to assist in the stabilization
and extrication efforts in motor vehicle accidents. These tools
from Holmatro, which include the most recent advances in
rescue tool technology, cost more than $44,000.00. Equipped
with these new tools, the community of Puna is much better
protected and the potential for a favorable outcome in the
event of an accident is greatly increased.
Anekona Estates Open House
The Volunteer Fire Station 9B at Anekona Estates held an open
house to the community on 22 April 2023. This open house was
a community event which welcomed the public to experience
what the Volunteer Company was and distribute fire
preventive material. The Hawaiʿi Wildfire Management
Organization additionally supported the efforts to get the word
out about the wildfire threat in the islands. There were plenty
of activities for the kids and an assortment of food and
desserts were served. It was a great success that will be
utilized as a model for future outreach opportunities.
National Public Safety Telecommunications Week
Every year, the telecommunications personnel in the public
safety community are honored for their hard work and
dedication. This year, a celebration was held from April 9-
15. Our dispatchers are responsible for taking calls,
gathering information, and sending us to incidents, keeping
our safety as the highest priority. Their job duties entail so
much more than we are aware, including fielding calls from
the community asking for information, coordinating and
communicating with outside agencies, such as Civil
Defense, Coast Guard, HPD, National Parks, and HELCO,
notifying Hawaiian Telcom and Motorola for our trouble tickets, tracking units out of
commission, communicating with hospitals and relaying information to responding units, and
keeping our chiefs up to date on ongoing incidents…and this is just the tip of the iceberg. The
men and women of this profession are often overlooked, but their efforts and professionalism
are what makes it possible for a successful response.
DiSC® Training
Administration staff participated in DiSC®
training hosted by Cindy Sakai on April 14.
DiSC® is a personal assessment tool used to
improve work productivity, teamwork,
leadership, and communication.
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2023 | APRIL
BUDGET
Fiscal Year 2022-2023
Statistics Percentage EOY
Projected
Percent expended OCE 82.4% 98.9%
Salaries 86.8% 104.2%
Equipment 48.3% 100%
Total 86% 103.2%
State-Funded Budget Items
The State was billed in March for the remaining $514,235.40 left on the contract. We are
waiting for final payment to close out the grant.
The FY 2023 budget for the State EMS grant is $23,184,337. The State has been billed for the
first three quarters ending March 31, 2023.
Alternative Funding and Grants
Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER)
Federal Grant of $3,511,641 for six (6) Captain positions and three (3) Fire Fighter positions for
36 months. As of 4/30/2023, we have expended 47.7% of the grant funds with 21 months
remaining.
USDA, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region, State & Private Forestry
Federal grant award of $197,637 (with County match of $197,637) for FY 2022, with extension
to February 28, 2023. The grant funds have been 100% expended. The December 2022
quarterly report and payment request were submitted, and we are waiting for reimbursement.
USDA, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region, State & Private Forestry
Federal grant award of $156,120 (with County match of $156,120) for FY 2023. This grant
includes funds for personal protective equipment, hoses and fittings, firefighting foam, a brush
truck for Volunteer Station 20A and training. We expended $14,955.49 in April for 200
portable radio batteries and chargers. The remaining budget for supplies is encumbered. The
requisition for a brush truck for Volunteer Station 20A is with Purchasing. The request to
extend the grant period and modify the budget was submitted in March. There is 14% of the
grant award remaining.
FY 2021 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG)
Federal grant award of $494,900 (with County match of $49,490) for the period August 29,
2022, through August 28, 2024. The bid for Washer/Extractors and Dryers is posted. We
expect the award to be made by June 30, 2023.
Hāpuna Beach State Park
State grant award of $895,505 for lifeguard services plus $100,000 for equipment for FY
2023. Personnel Costs at 89.45% expended as of 4/30/23.
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2023 | APRIL
Kua Bay, Kekaha Kai State Park
State grant award of $480,000 for lifeguard services plus $100,000 for equipment for FY
2023. Personnel Costs at 79.24% expended as of 4/30/23.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Internal Recruitment within Department
Fire Captain
Written exam scheduled for May 26, 2023 for 12 candidates in Hilo and Kona.
Fire Equipment Operator
DHR referred 16 candidates who passed the written exam. Interview/assessment center to be
scheduled in June.
Fire/Hazardous Materials Specialist
DHR referred four candidates who passed the written exam. Interview/assessment center to be
scheduled in June.
Fire/EMS Specialist II
Interview/assessment center was scheduled May 18, 2023 for two candidates.
Fire Rescue Specialist
Assessment center has not yet been scheduled.
Fire Training Specialist
MQ review completed for five candidates. The interview/assessment center was scheduled for
May 18, 2023 for three candidates at the State, DAGS district office conference room.
Fire Safety Specialist
Pending Skill Set prior to submitting Request to Fill form.
Fire/EMS Recruit
Recruitment opened on May 7, 2023 and closed on May 16, 2023. Pending referred names
from DHR. Performance Assessment Exercise scheduled for June 10, 2023 at Hilo High School.
Open-Competitive Recruitment
Fire Fighter Recruit
Mandatory orientation held on May 11, 2023. Hearing tests were scheduled for May 15-16,
2023 and medical exams scheduled for May 22-25, 2023 and May 30, 2023.
Fire Communications Officer I
Recruitment opened on May 7, 2023 and closed on May 16, 2023. Pending referred names
from DHR.
Accountant III
Interview held on April 27, 2023 for one candidate who was not selected. Submitted Request
to Fill form for Open Recruitment. Recruitment opened on May 14, 2023 and closed May 23,
2023. Pending referred names from DHR.
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2023 | APRIL
Human Resources Assistant
Susan Moore hired effective May 1, 2023.
Clerk III (Administration)
Letter of interest sent out to nine candidates with a response deadline of May 9, 2023.
Interview scheduled for May 25, 2023 for two candidates.
Water Safety Officer I
Keli’i Bibb and Seannacy McNeill hired effective May 16, 2023.
Classification
Two Water Safety Officer II (1/2T) temporarily reallocated to a Water Safety Officer I effective
May 16, 2023.
Employee Development and Training
Team Building Training held on April 14, 2023 – Administration staff participated in training.
OPERATIONS
Statistics and Analytics
Total Calls for Calendar Year 2023
Type April % YTD %
Fire 69 3% 358 43%
Overpressure, Rupture, Explosion- no fire 1 0% 1 0%
Rescue and EMS 1,847 74% 7,543 73%
Hazardous Cond. (no fire) 20 1% 134 1%
Service Call 145 6% 650 6%
Good Intent calls 373 15% 1,590 15%
False Alarm / False calls 26 1% 110 1%
Severe Weather 0 0% 4 0%
Special Incident Type 3 0% 8 0%
Other (not completed yet) 0 0% 1 0%
Totals 2,484 100% 10,397 100%
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Incidents by Month and Classification
Year 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Est. 2023
Total Calls 25,331 26,869 25,015 27,398 29,594 31,191
Response Times CY 2023
Statistic April % that meet.… YTD % that meet...
Avg. Turn out time (Fire) 1:34 (80 sec.)
27.60% 1:33 (80 sec.)
28.92%
Avg. Turn out time (EMS) 2:00 (60 sec.)
16.32% 1:59 (60 sec.)
18.48%
Statistic April % that meet 4
min. YTD % that meet 4 min
Avg. Response Time (Fire) 11:57 10.20% 11:20 7.78%
Avg. Response Time (EMS) 8:56 12.36% 9:03 12.52%
Fire Impacts CY 2023
Call Type April YTD
Wildland calls (140, 141, 142, 143) 10 60
Acres burned 2 2,013
Structure Fires (110 & 111) 4 29
Property and Contents - Loss $212,000.00 $2,743,880.00
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2023 | APRIL
Property and Contents - Save $0.00 $627,440.00
Other fires (all other 100 series) 55 269
Property and Contents - Loss $6,000.00 $66,500.00
Property and Contents - Save $00.00 $500.00
Emergency Operations Highlights
Battalion 1, East Hawaiʻi
04/15/23, Search
Inc. #009189, Paki Bay/District 18, lost hiker, found uninjured female that did not need
treatment or transport.
04/17/23, Structure Fire
Inc#009290, Kapehu St, Pepeekeo/District 1, Structure fire, single story residence, no injuries.
4/23/23, Brush Fire
Inc#009797, Muliwai trail, Waipio Valley/District 8, Brush fire on a trail in the back of the
valley, no structures, no injuries.
Battalion 2, West Hawaiʻi
4/12/23, Search and Rescue
Inc#008944, Missing fisherman offshore of the Kona Country Club. Search initiated by HPD,
Rescue7. Searched for three consecutive days with assistance from USCG with negative
findings. Search terminated after three full days.
4/21/23, HazMat
Inc#009663, Propane leak Kawaihae harbor evacuated as well as ½ mile radius from area.
Akoni Pule Hwy and KWHE Rd shut down due to 36,000lb / 6000 gal propane tank venting in
harbor for approximately 50 minutes. After venting of tank, Hazmat team made entry, gas
readings taken, within normal limits, harbor and roads opened. No deaths or injuries.
Special Operations
Haz-Mat
Working on replacing Supplied Air system used for Confined Space response.
Looking to send personnel to Continuing Challenge this year.
Working on New HazMat 4 apparatus Specs. IFB July 2023
Ocean Safety
Received tentative approval for additional positions. WSO V, Clerk 3, WSO III’s, and
additional tower for Kohanaiki with five positions.
Planning for Jr Lifeguard program ongoing. Received funding support from CM
Rebecca Villegas ($10K), also Alex and Duke De Rego Foundation (cost of travel to
States). Also purchasing new equipment for the program (boards, rescue tubes,
banners, tents, tables & chairs).
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2023 | APRIL
Rescue
RB2 engine covers purchased
RB7 repairs scheduled for May 25.
Replacing helmets for all Rescue personnel
Working on Specs for X-vehicle replacements for both stations
Incident heat map for April 2023
SUPPORT SERVICES
Emergency Medical Services Branch
Medic 7 Update
Two personnel from our ambulance fabrication committee went to the Braun Northwest
Ambulance Factory for the pre-delivery inspection of our Medic 7 remount. Everything went
well at the inspection and this ambulance is scheduled to arrive at the Hilo Pier on May 10,
2023. Once the radio installation and vehicle detail is done, this ambulance will be put into
service.
New Ambulances In Service
Our seven new ambulance units have been put into service and the new FERNO mounting floor
systems have been installed.
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2023 | APRIL
Third Rotation for MICT Students
Our five paramedic students have started their third internship rotation which is projected to
be completed at the end of May.
EMR Recertification Classes
The EMS Branch completed four Emergency Medical Responder recertification classes in the
month of April. Two classes were held in each battalion.
CPR Recertification
Our department-wide American Heart Association HeartCode blended learning CPR
recertification process has begun. Recertification keys have been assigned to all personnel.
Rx and Illicit Drug Summit
Capt. Lam attended the Rx and Illicit Drug Summit in Atlanta, GA. Funding for this conference
was provided by the Hawaii County Prosecutors Office.
CPR Recertification for HPD
The EMS Branch assisted with CPR instructor recertification for the Hawaii Police Department.
Hands-Only CPR
Our Hands Only CPR program has been very active in various elementary schools and high
schools island wide.
Four Seasons Health Fair
The EMS Branch assisted at the Four Seasons Resort Health Fair with blood pressure screening
and Fentanyl awareness.
Guest Presentation at HCC
The EMS Branch assisted the Hawaii Community College Fire Science Program with a guest
presentation on the fire/ems based response system.
Pulmodyne Meeting
The EMS Branch held a meeting with the Pulmodyne sales representative in regards to
upgrading our CPAP equipment and capabilities.
Training Services Branch
PPE Trial
Coordinated a PPE trial through the Swift Group for five personnel of EMS/Technical Rescue
jackets, Vanguard MK-1 structural firefighting gloves, and Squad 1 extrication gloves.
Preschool Visit to Station #5
Assisted in coordinating Keaau “B” Platoon to host a station visit for Hawaiian immersion
daycare keiki from Nā Liko Poli Makua. Recognition is due to Station 5 personnel, and
specifically Fire Captain Grant Baclig, who conducted the entire visit in 'Ōlelo Hawai’i.
Photo credit: Ipolei Lindsey-Asing
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2023 | APRIL
Smallify Web Training
BC Springer, Captain Domingo, and FMS III Kanae attended a Smallify web training for setting
goals, objectives, and key results in team-based project management.
Rapid Intervention Teams
Conducted a three-part assessment as part of a RIT Program Manager selection process. This
included an interview, written assessment, and a teaching evaluation. FMSII Jeremy Tekurio
was selected to attend Rapid Intervention Teams Train the Trainer in Fairland, Indiana this
June. The course is five days of live-fire training on firefighter survival and downed firefighter
rescue.
“Denver Drill”
Provided training on the “Denver Drill” to firefighters at Station 15,
C platoon which involves rescue of a downed firefighter trapped in a
narrow hallway, out a small window, and onto a ladder. Recently
graduated Firefighter Arcas Aikau and Dylan Navarro stepped into
the teaching role passing on one of the many “new” skills being
taught to our recruits to line personnel. The training prop was left at
Station 15 to give each shift an opportunity to train on this life
saving skill.
CPR Recertification
Assisted the EMS Branch with CPR recertification for Fire Administration and Fire Prevention
personnel.
Hilo ARFF Chief’s Retirement
Attended retirement ceremony and luncheon for Chief Denis Nagao
from Hilo ARFF. Chief Nagao has been instrumental in building a
strong partnership between the Hawai’i Fire Department and HI-
DOT Airports, including joint fire firefighter recruit classes, training
opportunities for incumbent personnel, emergency preparedness
drills, and Pro-Board certification. We would like to express our
gratitude for Chief Nagao’s service and wish him the very best in
the next chapter of life.
Volunteer Training Section
Training Classes
Volunteer Companies were trained in fire hoses, relay pumping operations, hose testing, and
County of Hawaii Policies.
Photo credit: Dori Sugihara
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2023 | APRIL
Company 1-A
Company 1-A (Pepeekeo) represented the HFD and Volunteers in the Merrie Monarch Parade in
Hilo and assisted in the extinguishing of a house fire on April 17 in Pepeekeo.
Company 5-C
Company 5-Charlie (Fern Forest) responded to and assisted with vehicle and brush fires in the
upper Puna area
Company 5-D
Company 5-Delta (Fern Acres) also responded to and assisted with multiple vehicle and brush
fires. Recently acquired brush truck unit X-5 Delta was loaned out to Hawaiian Acres Volunteer
Company 5-Bravo while one of their units is being repaired.
Company 10-D
Company 10-Delta (Ainaloa) recently added two more volunteers to their ranks. They also had
a busy month with seven total responses and supplementary drills.
Company 11-A
Company 11-Alpha (Naalehu) had a slow month with regards to fire incidents but was able to
hold their own supplementary meeting to go over response protocol and wildland fire
operations. Volunteer Firefighter Kehau Kalani took first place in the Pa’u Princess competition
in the Merrie Monarch Parade
Company 19-A
Company 19-Alpha (Volcano) had internet connectivity established via Cooper Council and
Kilauea PC Mobile Computer Services.
Station 9-B Meet and Greet
The non-profit, A.O.K. (founded by Guido Giacometti) held their first "Meet and Greet" on
April 22nd, at HFD Volunteer Station 9-Bravo (Kanehoa). The intent was to bring the
Volunteers and the surrounding neighbors together in an informal setting that would allow
them to get to know each other better to enhance community relations. The event was a
success as many new relationships were formed between the Volunteers and neighbors.
Volunteer Captain Mike Shattuck of 9-Bravo (Kanehoa) – sends “A Big Mahalo” to Chiefs
Moller and Okinaka who took the time out of their busy schedules to stop by with family
members to support the event! We were also honored to have Frank and Laura Sayre make an
appearance to give a talk about the Sayre Foundation and their efforts to support HFD.
Volunteer Captain Derek Domingo of Company 7-Bravo (Kalaoa) and Volunteer Captain Steve
Grasso of Company 9-Alpha (Waiki’i Ranch) were also in attendance.
Company 7-B
Volunteer Company 7-Bravo (Kalaoa) responded to multiple brush fires in Kailua-Kona’s Old
Industrial Area and Kona Palisade’s Ku’uleialoha Circle and also a mulch fire in Keahole Ag
Lots.
Fire Prevention Branch
Structure Fires
The Fire Prevention Branch investigated two structure fires during the month of April. The fires
were located in Districts 1 and 10.
Plans
Fire Inspector II Plans Examiner Ed Kawasaki has reported reviewing a total of 63 plans with a
turn-around time of 1-10 days. Captain Royd Henderson also completed 11 plans. Total plans
reviewed for this month are 74.
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2023 | APRIL
Public Education Presentations
The Fire Prevention Branch conducted one Public Education Presentation. We have also posted
public education information on our Instagram page for this month regarding Wildfire and
Home Preparedness.
Complaints
Fire Prevention Branch investigated three complaints.
Fire Investigation Reports
Twelve fire investigation reports and Request for Comments and Information were researched
and sent to the requested parties.
Merrie Monarch Participation
Four inspectors participated in the code enforcement of the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival for
four nights. No problems or concerns reported.
CPR Recertification
All Prevention Inspectors have completed the CPR recertification and annual Driver Training
program.
Fire Prevention Inspections, Acceptances, & Certificates, April 2023
Inspection Type April
Fire Protection System Acceptance Testing 81
Commercial Reinspections 58
Certificate of Occupancy 58
Commercial Inspections 31
Site Inspections 24
Tank Inspections 7
Tent Inspections 4
Fireworks Shows 3
Educational Inspections 2
Total 270
Logistics, Emergency Communications, and Vehicle
Maintenance Section
Emergency Communications
Fire Communications Control Center (Dispatch)
FCO I class has begun on 4/3 and all trainees are still in program.
Working to develop a strategic plan in anticipation of an impending collapse of our fire
communications center due to the lack of staffing.
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2023 | APRIL
Warehouse
The warehouse has implemented bimonthly shut down for maintenance. We are working to find
another vendor for the store site as the current one will shutdown this summer.
Records
Our clerk L. Labrador completed nine record requests for the month.
Vehicle Maintenance Shop
Apparatus and Equipment Repair Updates:
Type April
Repairs/Service Completed 71
Service/Trouble Calls 27
Contracted Out and Tows 14
Precon Visit to Braun
Precon for new Medic 7 April 17-19 at Braun
Information Technology Highlights
MDT installed for Brush Truck 10
Dispatch work around for network outage on 4/26/23. Network downtime 2000 –
2200.
Identified replacement eCommerce vendor for warehouse eCommerce website. Current
vendor is ending eCommerce service on 8/31/2023.
Work on setting up items in new eCommerce site.
Preliminary work on setting up fire dispatch at police dispatch.
Updates to Fire Department website for permits.
END REPORT
Councilmembers recognize EMS Week and Telecommunicators Week, April 5