HomeMy WebLinkAbout11 FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT FY 22-23 MAY
2023 | MAY 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
1
2023 | MAY
This Month’s Highlights............................................................................................. 2
Budget .................................................................................................................. 3
Fiscal Year 2022-2023 ...................................................................................... 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 ................................................................................... 8
Special Operations ............................................................................................... 8
Support Services ..................................................................................................... 9
Emergency Medical Services Branch ......................................................................... 9
Training Services Branch ...................................................................................... 10
Fire Prevention Branch ......................................................................................... 13
Logistics, Emergency Communications, and Vehicle Maintenance Section ....................... 14
Emergency Communications .............................................................................. 14
Vehicle Maintenance Shop ................................................................................. 14
Information Technology Highlights ...................................................................... 15
TABLE OF
CONTENTS:
2
2023 | MAY
THIS MONTH’S HIGHLIGHTS
Dispatch Consolidation
The fire department is facing a critical issue of not
having enough fire dispatchers to efficiently respond
to emergencies. The shortage of dispatchers has led
to issues with increased response times, delayed
emergency services, and increased risk of property
damage and loss of life. The inability to maintain at
least two personnel in dispatch has necessitated the
consolidation of the Fire Communications Control
Center (FCCC) into the Hawaii Police Department
(HPD) Dispatch. This has allowed for dispatchers from
the HPD to assist with call taking responsibilities while
HFD Fire Communication Officers (FCO’s) are working
with active dispatches. The HFD and HPD successfully negotiated with the HGEA to make this
consolidation a reality.
Tre Evans-Dumaran Memorial
The Fire Chief and his Deputy participated in the
Memorial Service for Tre Evans-Dumaran. The memorial
service held in honor of Tre Evans-Dumaran was a
bittersweet occasion, filled with both tears and laughter.
The 24-year-old firefighter was with the department for
more than three years when he was tragically killed in
the line of duty earlier this year while responding to a
flooding incident in Kīhei. The event served as a
platform for loved ones and the Maui Fire Department to
share their fondest memories of Tre and reflect on the
profound influence he had on their lives. Speakers took
turns recounting Tre's remarkable achievements and the
numerous lives he had touched. Fire Fighter Evans-
Dumaran’s ʻohana has set up a foundation to honor his
life and service. The Live Like Tre Day is planned for
June 10, 2023 at the University of Hawaii at Hilo campus.
Coin of Life
On May 26, 2023, six personnel, five with
the Hawaii Fire Department and one with
the Hawaii Police Department were honored
for their life-saving efforts. On 3/17/23,
Company 5 (Keaau) responded to a cardiac
arrest for a male party within their district.
Upon their arrival, HPD Officer Carveiro,
who arrived only minutes before them, was
on scene doing CPR. Company 5 initiated
ACLS protocols and applied the LUCAS
device before transporting the patient.
During the transport to Hilo Medical Center,
Return of Spontaneous Circulation was
achieved and maintained until transfer to
the Emergency Room. The patient was
successfully discharged at a later date with
no neurological deficits.
3
2023 | MAY
BUDGET
Fiscal Year 2022-2023
Statistics Percentage EOY
Projected
Percent expended OCE 87.43% 100%
Salaries 93.3% 100%
Equipment 53.00% 100%
Total 92.3% 100%
State-Funded Budget Items
We collected the remaining balance from the State for FY 2022. This grant is now closed.
We collected $23,184,337 from the State for FY 2023. An amendment is pending a contract
from the State to increase the award by $620,990 for FY 2023 to compensate for the BU11
increases implemented during the fiscal year.
The FY 2024 contract is not finalized, but we expect to see an increase from the FY 2023
contract.
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 5/31/2023, we have expended 50.94% of the grant funds with 20 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 $8,315.06 in May for Target
Solutions user licenses, and $10,502.25 for 20 Pro pak portable foam systems. 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 7.8% of the grant award remaining.
The federal grant application for FY 2024 was submitted in April. We expect to receive a grant
award of $278,590, with a county match of $278,590, for a total award of $557,180. We plan
to use the funds to purchase PPE and three brush trucks.
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.
4
2023 | MAY
Hāpuna Beach State Park
State grant award of $895,505 for lifeguard services plus $100,000 for equipment for FY
2023. Personnel Costs at 82.52% expended as of 5/31/23.
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 87.99% expended as of 5/31/23.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Internal Recruitment within Department
Fire Captain
Assessment center/interviews scheduled on June 26, 2023 for seven candidates.
Fire Equipment Operator
Practical assessments were held on June 7-8, 2023 and interviews were held on June 15, 2023
for 16 candidates.
Fire/Hazardous Materials Specialist
Assessment center/interviews scheduled on June 27, 2023 for four candidates.
Fire/EMS Specialist II
Chadwick Chun Fat, Jr. and Paris Kippen promoted effective June 16, 2023.
Fire Rescue Specialist
Assessment center has not been scheduled yet.
Fire Training Specialist
Monalisa Durkan, Paul Umemoto, and Adam Veloria promotion effective July 16, 2023.
Open-Competitive Recruitment
Fire Safety Specialist
Recruitment opened on June 4, 2023 and closed on June 13, 2023. Pending referred names
from DHR.
Fire/EMS Recruit
Recruitment opened on May 7, 2023 and closed on May 16, 2023. DHR referred 17 candidates.
Performance Assessment Exercise was held on June 10, 2023 at Hilo High School. Three
candidates passed the PAE. Interviews were held on June 15, 2023.
Fire Communications Officer I
Recruitment opened on May 7, 2023 and closed on May 16, 2023. Pending referred names
from DHR.
Fire Fighter Recruit
Formal offers to be sent out soon.
Accountant III
Requested new open recruitment. DHR referred nine candidates. Pending interviews.
5
2023 | MAY
Senior Account Clerk
Requested new open recruitment. DHR referred nine candidates. Pending interviews.
Account Clerk
Requested new open recruitment. DHR referred two candidates. Pending interviews.
Clerk III (Administration)
Requested a new list since candidates did not show up for interviews scheduled on May 25,
2023. DHR referred four names. Pending interviews.
Water Safety Officer I
Recruitment opened on May 28, 2023 and closed on June 6, 2023. Pending referred names
from DHR.
Classification
One Water Safety Officer I reinstated to Water Safety Officer II effective June 16, 2023.
Employee Development and Training
Mandatory Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Training held on June 8, 2023 – Five
employees attended the training.
OPERATIONS
Statistics and Analytics
Total Calls for Calendar Year 2023
Type May % YTD %
Fire 74 3% 432 3.5%
Overpressure, Rupture, Explosion- no fire 0 0% 1 0%
Rescue and EMS 1,805 73% 9,350 73%
Hazardous Cond. (no fire) 13 1% 147 1%
Service Call 177 7% 827 6.5%
Good Intent calls 366 15% 1,956 15%
False Alarm / False calls 31 1% 141 1%
Severe Weather 0 0% 4 0%
Special Incident Type 1 0% 9 0%
Other (not completed yet) 0 0% 0 0%
Totals 2,467 100% 12,867 100%
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2023 | MAY
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 31,331
Response Times CY 2023
Statistic May % that meet.… YTD % that meet...
Avg. Turn out time (Fire) 4:25 (80 sec.)
11.00% 3:27 (80 sec.) 11.00%
Avg. Turn out time (EMS) 2:31 (60 sec.)
12.65% 2:27 (60 sec.) 13.78%
Statistic May % that meet 4
min. YTD % that meet 4 min
Avg. Response Time (Fire) 8:49 20.27% 11:06 20.83%
Avg. Response Time (EMS) 9:29 29.38% 9:16 31.60%
7
2023 | MAY
Fire Impacts CY 2023
Call Type May YTD
Wildland calls (140, 141, 142, 143) 10 70
Acres burned 152 2,165
Structure Fires (110 & 111) 7 36
Property and Contents - Loss $750,975.00 $3,494,855.00
Property and Contents - Save $2,000.00 $629,440.00
Other fires (all other 100 series) 57 326
Property and Contents - Loss $24,000.00 $91,000.00
Property and Contents - Save $00.00 $500.00
Emergency Operations Highlights
Battalion 1, East Hawaiʻi
5/3/23, Brush Fire
Inc. #10624, Paauilo/District 8, brushfire, multi-day incident, approx. 150 acres no injuries or
fatalities.
5/3/23, Rescue
Inc. #10668, Wailuku River/District 1, 1-patient treated and transported to HMC.
5/7/23, Structure Fire
Inc. #10937, Naalehu/District 11, structure fire, 2-patients treated and transported to HMC.
5/13/23, Fire
Inc. #11412, 18th Ave./District 18, structure fire, no injuries or fatalities.
8
2023 | MAY
Battalion 2, West Hawaiʻi
5/4/23, Brush Fire
Inc. #10747, Akoni Pule Hwy. near 7mm. Approx. 20 acres in size, no infrastructure damaged
or threatened. Three-day incident.
5/16/23, Search and Rescue
Inc. #11677, Missing 2-year-old child was located without injuries after 1.5hrs of searching.
5/25/23, Rescue
Inc. #12462, Honokohau 35ft Dive vessel ran aground at night at high speed. 5 patients
extricated with Sealegs 7 and transported to KCH via 3 medics. Scene turned over to Coast
Guard.
Special Operations
Haz-Mat
Bi-annual Captain’s meeting approved as of July 2023, Spring / Fall
Training Announcement for Continuing Challenge went out.
Continuing to finalize Specs for New HazMat 4 apparatus.
Building out equipment needs lists, and budgetary needs for replacement for FY 24.
Ocean Safety
Final approval received for new positions. WSO V, Clerk 3, 4-WSO III’s, and additional
tower for Kohanaiki with five positions.
Jr Lifeguard program to begin on June 19. Four separate 1-week sessions. Big Island
Championships at Hapuna on Aug. 5, and States on Aug. 19 on Oahu.
Rescue
RB7 at Boat House for repairs. While there additional issues were identified, and will be
added to the overall repairs. Work has already been approved by Finance.
Biannual Captain’s meeting approved as of July 1.
TAs included in off duty SCUBA training, and Swift water training also approved to
start up again as of July 1.
Incident heat map for May 2023
9
2023 | MAY
SUPPORT SERVICES
Emergency Medical Services Branch
National EMS Week
National EMS Week 2023 was held May 21st – 27th. This marks our 49th year of this special
week set aside to celebrate the EMS profession and its dedicated providers. We would like to
thank all of our hard-working personnel for taking care of our community 24/7 with
outstanding care and compassion.
Medic 7 Remount
Our new M-7 remount was put into service on May 23, 2023. We would like to thank FMS II
Inaba for coordinating a beautiful blessing ceremony.
Fentanyl Summit
The EMS Branch participated in the 2nd Annual
Hawaii Fentanyl Summit held on May 9th in
Waimea at the Mana Christian Ohana Church.
This was a Fentanyl presentation focusing on
some of the challenges that we are faced with
here on Hawaii Island. This informational summit
involved participation from our partnering
agencies from the Federal, State, County and
private sectors.
10
2023 | MAY
Handtevy Train-the-Trainer Class
Eleven personnel participated in an eight hour Handtevy Train-the-
Trainer class on May 15, 2023. The Handtevy Pediatric Resuscitation
System is a platform that enables EMS and hospital systems to treat
and rapidly document the care for critically ill and injured patients
safely and effectively. These trainers will be used to in-service our
paramedics on this platform in the near future.
FMS II Assessment Center
A Fire Medical Specialist II assessment center was held on Thursday, May 18, 2023.
EMR Training
EMS Branch personnel assisted with Emergency Medical Responder training for our WSO I
personnel and newly hired dispatchers.
Paramedic Class
We have eight personnel that are interested in attending the next paramedic class that begins
in August 2023. Our paramedic prep course which took place on May 31st focused on proper
primary assessment skills.
Educational Video
Our Community Paramedicine personnel assisted the Office of Aging with production of a
public service educational video on fall prevention.
Training Services Branch
Forcible Entry Door
Hilo’s Aircraft Rescue Firefighting station
graciously allows Hawaii Fire Department
to “use” their Forcible Entry door to
provide Forcible Entry Training to our
Department. This Forcible Entry door was
transported from Hilo ARFF to North
Kohala Fire Station. Firefighters from the
51st recruit class, stationed at North
Kohala delivered Forcible Entry Training
to members of their shift utilizing the
metal Jamb/metal door. The Forcible
entry door was left at North Kohala 15
for 8 days to provide opportunities for
each shift to get “some reps in.” The
Forcible entry door was then transported
via the Training Branch to South Kohala
Fire Station where forcible entry training
was led by firefighters from the 50th
recruit class and the Training Branch.
Attendees included South Kohala Fire Station and Waikoloa Fire Station. The Forcible Entry
Door was left at South Kohala Fire Station to provide all shifts from Waikoloa and South Kohala
Fire Station.
11
2023 | MAY
52nd Recruit Class
Human Resources arranged an orientation for 24 Fire Recruits. HFD is planning on giving 18
formal offers for the 52nd recruit class. The other six candidates will serve as alternates.
During the HR orientation the Training Branch was able to fit test all candidates for SCBA Face
piece, duty uniforms and firefighter structural gear. This will greatly reduce the time spent
preparing prior to the August 1 start date.
High Rise Firefighting
The topic of High Rise Firefighting operations was discussed with Fire department personnel
from South Kohala and Waikoloa Fire Station “B” shift over two-day training opportunities.
The Training Branch facilitated a lesson based on the minimum equipment needed to facilitate
a fire attack at a high-rise incident with a high probability for success. The Training Branch
also stressed the importance of using a 2.5” Smooth Bore Nozzles vs a Combination Nozzle
when operating from a stand pipe connection. The second day’s training topic was to respond
to the Hilton Palace tower and review all strategy and tactics needed to initiate a High Rise Fire
Attack. We finished off the day with a HOT stair climb, PT and 2.5 inch line deployment.
12
2023 | MAY
Fire Training Specialist
The Training Branch Interviewed three personnel for the promotion to Fire Training Specialist.
The applicants all successfully passed an oral interview and skills station. The addition of the
three Fire Training Specialists will greatly help with the delivering of company level training,
recruit training, and consistency to the Training Branch.
Tanker 3 Audit
FF Shintani’s Tanker 3 audit for a type 2 DCC was conducted by FEO Keopuhiwa. This was
spread over 3 days to include a Pre-trip inspection, a drafting and pumping evolution which
included an actual response to a brush fire.
Volunteer Training Section
Quarterly Captains’ Meeting
The quarterly captains’ meeting was held on March 20th
at the Discovery Harbour Community Center. Chiefs
Todd, Moller, and Bertsch were in attendance to provide
information and answer questions from the volunteers.
Fire Shelter Deployment Training
Volunteer Companies across the island were trained on
fire shelter deployment. This was required prior to issuing fire shelters and fire shelter packs to
the volunteer firefighters.
Company 1-Alpha
Company 1-Alpha (Pepe’ekeo) had an attempted break in which resulted in upgraded security
and lighting.
Company 5-Bravo
Company 5-Bravo (Hawaiian Acres) With assistance from County Councilman Matt Kaneali’i-
Kleinfelder’s office, work has begun on the fire station building to include a new roof, paint job
and the replacement of the water tank.
Company 5-Charlie
Company 5-Charlie (Fern Forest) responded to and assisted with vehicle and brush fires in the
upper Puna area.
Company 5-Delta
Company 5-Delta (Fern Acres) also responded to and assisted with multiple vehicle and brush
fires in Eden Roc and Fern Acres.
13
2023 | MAY
Company 11-Charlie
Company 11-Charlie (Discovery Harbour) conducted hydrant
detail of the over 90 fire hydrants in their subdivision. This
includes flushing to ensure water flow and to remove debris,
greasing covers for smooth operation, trimming and removal of
grass and brush from around the area. They also provided BBQ
services for the annual Memorial Day Community Picnic.
Company 19-Alpha
Company 19-Alpha (Volcano) was dispatched to one alarm but only staged in quarters. Their
four active volunteers donated a total of 63.5 hours towards station cleaning, vehicle
maintenance, and other training.
Company 8-Alpha
Company 8-Alpha (Paauilo) responded to and assisted with operations at the Pa’auilo brush
fire.
Company 7-Bravo
Company 7-Bravo (Kalaoa) responded to a small brush fire at Honokohau.
Company 9-Bravo
Company 9-Bravo (Kanehoa) hosted a Firewise Community board meeting for the Kanehoa
subdivision.
Fire Prevention Branch
Highlights
Fire Investigation in District 18 was arson
related although the cause is undetermined.
Police and witnesses reported gunfire at this
property a few hours prior to the fire
starting. This case has been deferred to
Hawaii Police Dept for further investigation.
Another fire occurred in district 2. This fire
caused over a million dollars in losses. Per
fire insurance investigator, the fire
originated from a dumpster outside of this
business and travelled into the structure
probably due to discarded cigarettes.
Multiple companies responded to this
incident. The fire cause is most likely
accidental.
Inspector T. Goo at a fire scene
14
2023 | MAY
New Fireworks Auditor Shonne Sasaki has started his position as of May 1st and has
been attentive to his duties and weekly tasks.
The Fire Prevention branch investigated nine complaints.
Fire Prevention Inspections, Acceptances, & Certificates, May 2023
Inspection Type May
Commercial Inspections 82
Commercial Reinspections 66
Certificate of Occupancy 44
Fire Protection System Acceptance Testing 59
Educational Inspections 11
Tank Inspections 18
Firework Site and Storage Inspections 3
Tent Inspections 2
Educational Reinspections 0
Total 285
Logistics, Emergency Communications, and Vehicle
Maintenance Section
Emergency Communications
Fire Communications Officer I class still has six still in program
Captain Domingo organized a EMD training and 9 attended, scheduling another one
next month
The warehouse is finalizing work on changing over to a new vendor for our ordering
system as the current one will be shut down
Our clerk L. Labrador completed 9 record requests for the month.
Vehicle Maintenance Shop
Apparatus and Equipment Repair Updates:
Type May
Repairs/Service Completed 60
Service/Trouble Calls 15
Contracted Out and Tows 7
Received two new Ski Waverunners for Ocean Safety.
15
2023 | MAY
Information Technology Highlights
Set up fire dispatch console at police dispatch.
Set up computers at Haihai for EMD and ProQA training.
Site visit to HOVE Station 20 to meet contractor for fiber installation scope of work and
E20 MDT repair.
Site visits to Kaumana Station 4 to meet contractor for fiber installation scope of work
and installation which was completed on 5/22/23.
Finish building products in new eCommerce site.
Attended meeting regarding IT requirements at the new Joint Communications Center
Nearing completion of RFP process for new NFIRS Software vendor
END REPORT
A HFD wreath is displayed at the
County Building for EMS Week, May 21-27