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Home My WebLink About01 FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT FY 23-24 JULY0 FIRE CHIEF’S REPORT V Hawai’i Fire Department 25 Aupuni St., Suite 2501 Hilo, Hawai’i 96720 fire@hawaiicounty.gov 2023 | JULY FISCAL YEAR 23-24 Department Highlights .............................................................................................. 1 New Chopper 2 ................................................................................................. 1 Junior Lifeguard Program 2023 ............................................................................ 1 Budget .................................................................................................................. 2 Fiscal Year 2023-2024 ...................................................................................... 2 Deputy Fire Chief Initiatives ....................................................................................... 3 Personnel Report ..................................................................................................... 4 Internal Recruitment within Department ................................................................ 4 Open-Competitive Recruitment ........................................................................... 4 Classification ................................................................................................... 4 Employee Development and Training .................................................................... 4 Operations ............................................................................................................ 5 Statistics and Analytics ......................................................................................... 5 Emergency Operations Highlights ............................................................................ 6 Battalion 1, East Hawaiʻi ..................................................................................... 6 Battalion 2, West Hawaiʻi ................................................................................... 6 Special Operations ............................................................................................... 7 Support Services ..................................................................................................... 8 Emergency Medical Services Branch ......................................................................... 8 Training Services Branch ....................................................................................... 9 Volunteer Training Section ..................................................................................... 11 Fire Prevention Branch ......................................................................................... 12 Logistics, Emergency Communications, and Vehicle Maintenance Section ....................... 13 Emergency Communications .............................................................................. 13 Vehicle Maintenance Shop ................................................................................. 13 Information Technology Highlights ...................................................................... 14 TABLE OF CONTENTS: JULY | 2023 1 DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS New Chopper 2 Thanks to a donation from the Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation, through generous benefactors, the Hawai’i Fire Department received a brand new H125 Airbus helicopter. Councilmember Dr. Holeka Inaba led the blessing ceremony at Station #14 on July 29th with donors, dignitaries, community members, and HFD personnel in attendance. The $5.8 million aircraft, nicknamed Ka ‘Io, replaces the 32-year-old Chopper 2. Junior Lifeguard Program 2023 After a three-year hiatus, the Hawai’i Fire Department hosted the Junior Lifeguard Big Island Championships at Hapuna Beach State Park on July 29th. The championship followed week- long programs at various beaches islandwide with a focus on familiarizing participants with critical ocean safety and beach rescue skills. Mahalo to our Ocean Safety personnel as well as the Alex and Duke De Rego Foundation, the Daniel R. Sayre Foundation, Councilmember Rebecca Villegas, Olukai, and HLA (Hawaii Lifeguard Association) for their support in making this program a reality. JULY | 2023 2 BUDGET Fiscal Year 2023-2024 COUNTY Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal S&W ONLY $40,379,243.00 $4,778,266.20 11.83% 12.5% OCE $6,370,972.15 $1,078,243.68 16.92% 8.33% EQUIPMENT $1,773,034.89 $260,380.46 14.69% 16.67% TOTAL $48,523,250.04 $6,116,890.34 12.61% State-Funded Budget Items EMS State grant award pending for FY 2024. Hāpuna Beach State Park State grant award pending for FY 2024. Kua Bay, Kekaha Kai State Park State grant award pending for FY 2024. Federally-Funded Budget Items 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 7/31/2023, we have expended 57.58% of the grant funds with 18 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. As of 7/31/2023, we have received full 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. The bid for the brush truck for Volunteer Station 20A was awarded to Orchid Isle Auto Center for $177,674.27. The grant period is extended through March 31, 2024. There is 7.2% of the grant award remaining. USDA, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region, State & Private Forestry Federal grant award of $278,590 (with County match of $278,590) for FY 2024, 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 award for 17 30-pound Washer/Extractors and 21 Cabinet Air Dryers was awarded to Hawaii PPE Services, LLC in June. The grant is 71% expended as of 7/31/23. JULY | 2023 3 DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF INITIATIVES Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are crucial documents that outline step-by-step instructions to perform tasks or processes within an organization. The importance of regularly updating SOPs cannot be understated, as it directly impacts the efficiency, effectiveness, and safety of operations. To this end, a full rewrite of the Rules and Regulations, which dates to the 1980’s, has been undertaken. The following policies and procedures have been completed and put into effect: 1000.01 Rules and Regulations SOP 1000.02 General Rules SOP 1000.03 Code of Conduct SOP 1000.04 General Rules for Officers SOP 1000.05 Disciplinary Guide SOP 1000.06 Disciplinary Class Rules SOP 1000.07 Drug Free Workplace SOP 1000.08 Post Accident DA Testing SOP 1000.09 Pranks, Hazing, and bullying SOP 1000.10 Sexual Harassment and Discrimination SOP 1001.01 Duty Uniform SOP 2000.01 Interview and Selection Procedures 2009.01 Handling Correspondence SOP 6000.02 Emergency Medical Dispatch Rule 6000.03 Communications with the FCCC SOP 7004.01 Vehicle Backing SOP 7004.02 Walk Around Vehicle Inspection SOP 7004.03 Traffic Incident Management SOP 7004.04 Safe Driving SOP 7006.01 Tropical Cyclone SOP 8001.01 Response Guide to Electric and Hybrid Vehicles 8003.01 Response to Fire Alarm Activations 9000.02 BLS Ambulance SOP 9000.03 Oxygen Care and Use SOP 9000.04 Compressed Gas SOP 9000.05 Controlled Substance SOP 9001.01 NARCAN Guideline 12002.02 CISM SOP FCCC Manual The following SOPs are currently being worked on or are in for consultation: 1000.11 Tobacco Use SOP 1002.01 Chain of Command SOP 1002.02 Duties and Responsibilities SOP 1003.01 Care and Use of Apparatus SOP 1004.01 Station Operations SOP 1004.02 Facilities and Grounds SOP 1004.03 Station Non-Emergency Operations SOP 1004.04 Company Fire Inspection Program 1004.05 Physical Fitness program 2002.11 Mileage Reimbursement SOP 2006.01 Ranked Recall SOP 2008.01 Social Media Policy SOP 7002.01 Helicopter Operations SOP 7002.04 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle SOP 7003.02 NIMS and ICS SOP 7003.03 Significant Event Reporting 7006.02 Tsunami SOP 7006.03 Large Scale Wildland Fire SOP 7020.01 Volunteer Program SOP 7020.02 Training Rides SOP 8002.01 Response Criteria SOP HFD COOP The completion of the above SOPs and guides will be the first comprehensive update of the Department’s policies and procedures. This Update will allow for a standardized approach to create and monitor policies and procedures in a streamlined manner which will result in a more timely and efficient process. JULY | 2023 4 PERSONNEL REPORT Internal Recruitment within Department Fire Rescue Specialist Assessment center has not been scheduled yet. Open-Competitive Recruitment Fire Safety Specialist DHR referred five names. Pending interviews. Fire/EMS Recruit Hired Ryan Heiser effective August 1, 2023. Fire Communications Officer I Pending letter of interest and realistic job preview to be sent out. Fire Fighter Recruit Hired 18 candidates effective August 1, 2023 and one candidate effective August 7, 2023. Accountant I/Professional Trainee Open continuous recruitment. DHR referred two names for the Accountant I and ten names for the Professional Trainee I. Interviews were scheduled August 9-11, 2023. Senior Account Clerk The selected candidate declined the job offer. The second candidate did not respond to the formal offer. Submitted a request for a new Open Recruitment. Recruitment opened on August 6, 2023 and closed on August 15, 2023. Pending referred names from DHR. Account Clerk Kaila Kaaihue to be hired effective September 1, 2023. Water Safety Officer I PAE scheduled for August 21, 2023. Twenty-seven candidates responded interest in participating in the PAE. Classification Allocation of 10 Fire Communications Officer II positions and two Fire Communications Officer I positions effective July 16, 2023Two Fire/EMS Specialist I positions reinstated to Fire Fighter effective June 16, 2023. Employee Development and Training New Hire Orientation – 18 Fire Fighter Recruits attended on August 1, 2023. New Hire Orientation – One Fire/EMS Recruit attended on August 1, 2023. JULY | 2023 5 OPERATIONS Statistics and Analytics Total Calls for Calendar Year 2023 Type July % YTD % Fire 91 4% 630 4% Overpressure, Rupture, Explosion- no fire 0 0% 3 0% Rescue and EMS 1,833 72% 12,992 73% Hazardous Cond. (no fire) 12 0% 175 1% Service Call 175 7% 1,173 7% Good Intent calls 398 16% 2,701 15% False Alarm / False calls 26 1% 208 1% Severe Weather 1 0% 6 0% Special Incident Type 0 0% 10 0% Other (not completed yet) 4 0% 4 0% Totals 2,540 100% 17,902 100% 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 31,000 JULY | 2023 6 Response Times CY 2023 Statistic July % that meet.… YTD % that meet... Avg. Turn out time (Fire) 3:19 (80 sec.) 7.95% 3:23 (80 sec.) 7.95% Avg. Turn out time (EMS) 2:34 (60 sec.) 13.47% 2:28 (60 sec.) 13.69% Statistic July % that meet 4 min. YTD % that meet 4 min Avg. Response Time (Fire) 12:56 17.78% 11:37 20.35% Avg. Response Time (EMS) 9:19 27.98% 9:18 31.06% Fire Impacts CY 2023 Call Type July YTD Wildland calls (140, 141, 142, 143) 26 118 Acres burned 49 2,216 Structure Fires (110 & 111) 7 50 Property and Contents - Loss $1,750.00 $3,970,305.00 Property and Contents - Save $351,300.00 $980,740.00 Other fires (all other 100 series) 78 404 Property and Contents - Loss $44,500.00 $135,500.00 Property and Contents - Save $00.00 $500.00 Emergency Operations Highlights Battalion 1, East Hawaiʻi 7/10, Inc #16178; Brush Fire: Kamaoa Dr. / District 11. Multi-day incident, approximately 42-acres, no injuries or fatalities. 7/12, Inc #16379; Fire: Leilani Estates/ District 10, structure fire, no injuries or fatalities. Battalion 2, West Hawaiʻi 7/4, Inc #15715 Rescue: Boat in Distress off shore of Anaehoʻomalu Bay. Distressed vessel assisted by Good Samaritan tour vessel and brought to shore. No injuries 7/18, Inc # 16888 Structure Fire: 76-991 Kahako Pl. 3bedroom 2 bath house fully engulfed. No deaths or injuries. 7/26, Inc# 17525 Brush Fire: Puʻuanahulu, Hwy 190 near 20mm. Approx. 1 acre along the bank mauka of the roadway. Difficult area due to location and topography. Special Events: 7/29/23 Blessing and Gifting ceremony for new Airbus H125 helicopter at South Kohala Fire Station JULY | 2023 7 Special Operations Haz-Mat Planning for Chemical Safety Days tabletop exercise and functional training for Chlorine response. Scheduled for September 13-14. 3 personnel attending the Hazmat Continuing Challenge in Sacramento. Ocean Safety WSO I Recruitment PAE scheduled for August 21, with interviews to follow. Jr Lifeguard program completed with Big Island Championships at Hapuna Beach on July 29. We are sending 16 participants and 3 Instructors to states on August 19 in Oahu. Rescue Watercraft Operator training recruitment continues and tentative schedule for training is Sept-Oct timeframe. Rescue RB7 (Radon) update. Transom and drive legs work has been completed. Currently awaiting the delivery of new controls and cables, then work will be complete. New Boat build for Kailua from Daniel R. Sayre Foundation is continuing. Looking at a possible completion timeframe of the ending of the year. Incident heat map for July 2023 JULY | 2023 8 SUPPORT SERVICES Emergency Medical Services Branch Wellness Program Participation Our EMS Branch personnel participated in a wellness program for our county employees at the West Hawaii Civic Center in Kona on July 6th and July 25th. This wellness screening event was in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office to promote healthy living. Pre-delivery Helicopter Inspection Fire Medical Specialist III K. Kanae assisted with our pre-delivery helicopter inspection in Carlsbad, CA. During this inspection, our team’s objectives were to review all mechanical systems, inspect our medical interior package, and review all required paperwork and other loose items prior to shipment from Carlsbad, CA to Kailua-Kona, HI. The blessing ceremony for this new helicopter was held on Saturday, July 29th, at our South Kohala Fire Station. Paramedic Graduation at KCC Our Fall 2022 paramedic class personnel participated in the Kapiolani Community College graduation ceremony held on Friday, June 30th, in Honolulu. EMS Branch personnel attended this event in support of our new graduates and FMS III A. Mitchell was featured as a keynote speaker at this ceremony. Paramedic Prep Course Our paramedic class preparation courses for the month of July included autopsies for our paramedic school candidates and certified operations personnel. Lucas Compression Devices We have received alternative funding assistance from our County Council for five new LUCAS compression devices. These devices have been ordered and once received will be assigned to the stations listed below along with proper in-service training. Haihai Fire Station Kailua-Kona Fire Station Keauhou Fire Station Waikoloa Fire Station Volcano Fire Station Software Exploration The EMS Branch has been in multiple meetings with various vendors focusing on integrated cloud-software narcotic security, storage and tracking systems designed specifically for the EMS and Fire industries. JULY | 2023 9 Training Services Branch Nozzle Forward Training The Nozzle Forward Training took place on the weekend of July 1-2. Firefighters from all over the State flocked to Pohakuloa Training Area to take part in one of the most influential training opportunities. Focused on the most important skill an Engine company performs, moving “the Nozzle Forward.” The Nozzle Forward program was created by subject matter expert Lt. Aaron Fields of the Seattle Fire Department. Mr. Fields worked at the same engine company his dad worked at. His desire to figure out a system to effectively deploy, advance and flow water effectively to extinguish fires came from the personal loss of a friend at a fire. Since the creation of the program over 70,000 FF at over 450 fire departments have implemented his strategy on hose movement. The Hawaii Fire Department was able to have him deliver a course at PTA. Over 60 FF’s From Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the Big Island (to include ARFF and PTA) attended the training. The last day of the training concluded at 2000, Firefighter were elated at the conclusion of the training. Addition of Fire Training Specialists Three firefighters applied, interviewed, and presented a lesson plan as part of a promotional assessment for the position of Fire Training Specialist. These candidates excelled in the process and were promoted into the position of Fire Training Specialist. We in the Training Branch are thankful for their selfless commitment to the department. Fire Training Specialist Monalisa Durkan, Paul Umemoto and Adam Veloria. They began temporary assignment to the position July 1st and their first training assignment was Nozzle Forward. Since then they have been working tirelessly to prepare for their inaugural recruit training class number 52. Working together with Training Officers from the Airport Rescue Fire Fighting Hina Cortez and Kaeo Ortiz. We look forward to developing the future of our department by giving the knowledge, skills and love for the job to the 52nd recruit class. Holmatro Training Bronson Pocock of No Ka Oi services traveled from Maui to deliver training on the Holmatro Pentheon line of extrication tools. Hawaii Fire Department has various models of Holmatro extrication tools with Volcano Fire Station receiving the newest, strongest cutters in the Holmatro line of vehicle extrication tools. Mr. Pocock conducted training in Hilo at the Abandon Vehicle Lot with Keaau, Haihai, Kaumana JULY | 2023 10 and Central Fire station attending the day-long training. He then traveled to the West side the next day delivering training to Waikoloa, Makalei, Kailua and Keauhou. The feedback was positive and a great time training for the community was had by all. The newly promoted Fire Training Specialist facilitated and ensured training was delivered safely and effectively. 52nd Recruit Class The 52nd Recruit class was issued gear for the start of class on August 1, 2023. This was conducted over three days. Recruits were issued firefighting PPE, wildland gear, foul weather gear and bags to hold them all. Twenty recruits are scheduled to be in the 52nd recruit class. 52nd Recruit orientation night was held on July 28th at the Haihai Fire Station. It was held at 1800 and is meant to give the family members an idea of what the year ahead will be like. It gave an opportunity for questions from loved ones. The night started with a speech from Fire Chief Kazuo Todd, followed by the Deputy, then the Chief of Operations, the Training Chief, The Chief of EMS, The Training Captain and the newly promoted Fire Training Specialists. A special guest Mykelah Kanani Buza presented a speech based on “The other half” she is the wife of recently graduated FF Corey Buza. The night concluded with 52 push ups, signaling the official start of recruit training. JULY | 2023 11 Volunteer Training Section Vector Solutions The Vector Solutions training platform was finally made available to all current volunteer personnel. The implementation of this will allow for easier access to information and training material, credential management, and aligns them with career personnel. 1 Alpha (Pepeekeo) Conducted their own monthly training to go over their extrication tools and pneumatic lifting devices. Volunteer FEO David Paopao will be resigning as a volunteer to join the next HFD recruit class 5 Bravo (Hawaiian Acres) FEO Abraham Antonio has been using his skills as a welder to repair vehicles with significant rust and body damage. He even found time to assist Kaukau4Keiki with food distribution at Station 5- Bravo. 5 Charlie (Fern Forest) Assisted with the Volcano brushfire on Nahelenani St. and various other nuisance fires in their response district which ranges from Mt. View to Volcano. 5 Delta (Fern Acres) Set up a recruitment booth at the annual association picnic with several residents showing interest. They also continue to assist with responding to and extinguishing vehicle and nuisance fires in their community. 6 Bravo (Kona Paradise) Volunteer Captain Dave Booth has resigned from the volunteer service. We are grateful for his commitment to his community and HFD and wish him the best. 7 Bravo (Kalaoa) Responded to and assisted with a brushfire on Hulikoa Drive and another brush fire next to Kona Target. Company 7-Bravo held its annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser on the 4th of July with a good show of support from the community. Monies raised will be donated to the Sayre Foundation. Company 7-Bravo also participated in the 4th of July Kona Parade. 9 Alpha (Waiki’i) Received their new Tanker 9A from the Sayre Foundation through money acquired from fundraisers and generous donators. The truck is a 2023 Freightliner, Model M2-106. Some of the features of this custom build are 4 wheel drive with super single rear tires, short wheelbase for better off-road performance,1200 gallon tank, front remote operated 1½” turret, two booster hose reels located on the back of the truck, two side spray outlets, and a foam pro system with a 20-gallon tank. The necessary paperwork is currently being worked on to get this apparatus to operational status. 10 Delta (Ainaloa) Volunteer firefighter Kendal Mateo resigned and will be part of the next HFD fire recruit class JULY | 2023 12 11 Alpha (Naalehu) Participated in the Ka’u Independence Day parade and assisted with the Kamaoa Road brushfire. After being on the inactive list for an extended period, Volunteer Captain Wade Baji has officially retired. 11 Charlie (Discovery Harbour) Participated in the Ka’u Independence Day parade and assisted with the Kamaoa Road brushfire. The brushfire consisted of three days totaling 90 man hours. 11 Delta (Pahala) Participated in the Ka’u Independence Day parade. 16 Bravo (Pu’uanahulu) Continues to meet for their Saturday wet drills and also did district familiarization east of Pu’ulani Ranch (Bow Hunting road). They also assisted in firefighting operations at the brush fire on HWY 190. 19 Alpha (Volcano Volunteers) A static display was provided to the public at the Independence Day festivities at Cooper Center. The four active personnel trained a total of 68 man hours. 20 Alpha (Hawaiian Ocean View Estates) Volunteer Fire Equipment Operator Kelly Halpin has resigned from the volunteer service and is currently in the 52nd HFD recruit class. We thank him for his service and wish him the best as a Firefighter recruit. Fire Prevention Branch Investigations The Fire Prevention Branch investigated two structure fires during the month of July. The fires were located in districts 7 and 10. Due to the complexity and high profile of the fire that occurred in district 7, it required the use of all Fire Inspectors on the west side and involved the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Plans Sixty-four (64) plans were completed in the month of July. Inspections Fire Prevention Branch personnel conducted a total of 113 inspections to include 29 new commercial inspections, 31 commercial reinspections, 4 Certificate of Occupancy, 1 Educational inspection, 16 Fire Protection System Acceptance Testing, 7 Site Inspections, 3 Tent inspections. No tank inspections were completed in July. JULY | 2023 13 Request for Comments Seven (7) Requests for Comments and Information were researched and sent to the requested parties. Public Education Fourteen (14) Public Education Presentations were conducted in July by Fire Inspector John Requelman who has taken on the lead for Public Education topics. Logistics, Emergency Communications, and Vehicle Maintenance Section Emergency Communications Fire Communications Officer I Class FCO I class of five are moving through training and have started working on the radio. Fire personnel have voluntarily signed up for EMD coursework. EMD Course for Fire Personnel EMD course has been scheduled for interested fire personnel Annual Inventory The annual inventory is almost done. Thank you to the stations for completing the check list and special thank you to Chris Cerrone and Lauren Sarme for compiling the data! Records Requests Our clerk Lene Labrador completed 31 record requests for the month. Thank you! Vehicle Maintenance Shop Apparatus and Equipment Repair Updates: Type July Repairs/Service Completed 77 Service/Trouble Calls 16 Contracted Out and Tows 5 JULY | 2023 14 Information Technology Highlights MDT install in Brush Truck 6 Transfer of outstanding orders and purchase orders to new Shopify eCommerce Fire Warehouse website. New Shopify eCommerce Fire Warehouse website went live on 7/31/23 Data wall outlet faceplate layout sent to DPW for Joint Communication Center (JCC) Finalize new CAD workstation specs for JCC Helped with inventory for finance Meeting with DIT about increasing Fire IT positions domain access rights Setup new shared email account for mechanic shop Check on Motorola Radio setup for Station 2 and add battery backup to handset power supply END REPORT JULY | 2023