HomeMy WebLinkAbout06 FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT FY 23-24 DECEMBER
2023 | DECEMBER FISCAL YEAR 23-24
FIRE CHIEF’S REPORT
Hawai’i Fire Department
25 Aupuni St., Suite 2501
Hilo, Hawai’i 96720
fire@hawaiicounty.gov
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2023 | DECEMBER
Hawai’i Wildfire Safety Symposium ............................................................................. 2
Admin Div: Fiscal Branch Report ................................................................................. 3
Program Budget Goals ....................................................................................... 3
Budget ........................................................................................................... 3
Grants ............................................................................................................ 3
Admin Div: HR Branch Report ..................................................................................... 4
Program Budget Goals ....................................................................................... 4
Internal Recruitment within Department ................................................................ 4
Open-Competitive Recruitment ........................................................................... 4
Classification ................................................................................................... 4
Operations ............................................................................................................ 5
Emergency Operations .......................................................................................... 5
Emergency Operations Highlights ............................................................................ 6
Battalion 1, East Hawaiʻi ..................................................................................... 6
Battalion 2, West Hawaiʻi ................................................................................... 6
Special Events .................................................................................................. 6
Special Operations ............................................................................................... 6
Support Services ..................................................................................................... 8
Emergency Medical Services Branch ......................................................................... 8
Training Services Branch ....................................................................................... 9
Volunteer Training Section .................................................................................... 10
Fire Prevention Branch .......................................................................................... 11
Logistics, Emergency Communications, and Vehicle Maintenance Section ....................... 13
Emergency Communications .............................................................................. 13
Vehicle Maintenance Shop ................................................................................. 13
Information Technology Highlights ...................................................................... 14
TABLE OF
CONTENTS:
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2023 | DECEMBER
HAWAI’I WILDFIRE SAFETY SYMPOSIUM
Hawai’i, known for its breathtaking
landscapes and idyllic scenery, is not immune
to the threat of wildfires. To address this
growing concern and foster a proactive
approach to wildfire management, the
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
organized the Hawaii Wildfire Safety
Symposium, held at the West Hawaii Civic
Center, December 6-8, 2023.
The symposium and training focused on
knowledge sharing and collaboration among
diverse groups, including firefighters, land managers, conservationists, government agencies,
and residents. It provided a forum for these stakeholders to exchange insights, best practices,
and lessons learned from past wildfire incidents. This collaborative approach helps create a
comprehensive strategy for wildfire prevention, response, and recovery.
Beyond sharing practical knowledge and
strategies, the NFPA Hawaii Wildfire
Symposium plays a crucial role in raising
awareness about the wildfire risk in Hawaii.
By engaging communities and promoting
resilience, the symposium empowers
individuals to take proactive steps in
safeguarding their homes and the
environment they cherish.
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2023 | DECEMBER
ADMIN DIV: FISCAL BRANCH REPORT
Program Budget Goals December YTD GOAL
Invoice Settlement within 30 days 93.1 90.99 90%
Pay-out of CILV’s within 90 days 100.0 87.5% 95%
Records Retention Schedule 0 0% Mid-Year
Transition to Electronic Records 50.0 50% 25% Qtr
Option Years for Contracts 100.0 100% 45-Days
Budget Category Adj
Appropriation
YTD
Expenditures % Used Goal
Fire S&W 36,921,218.00 19,613,703.11 53.12 54.17
6221-6225 OCE 5,966,067.32 3,381,735.83 56.68 50.00
Equipment 1,909,736.89 650,302.28 34.05 50.00
Grants & Misc S&W 1,408,679.03 498,443.34 35.38 54.17
6226 OCE 365,325.24 57623.63 15.77 50.00
Equipment 766,035.63 425,602.42 55.56 50.00
EMS S&W 14,799,686.00 6,985,953.26 47.20 54.17
6227 OCE 3,084,647.77 1,118,063.35 36.25 50.00
Equipment 1,510,417.50 1,397,433.61 92.52 50.00
Ocean Safety S&W 4,829,638.07 2,071,117.70 42.88 54.17
6228 OCE 307,762.83 206,347.58 67.05 50.00
Equipment 840,857.16 69,125.31 8.22 50.00
Total Budget 72,710,071.44 36,475,451.42 50.17
Grant Update
2023 CDBG
The bid for two brush trucks will open on December 4, 2023, and will
close on January 4, 2024. The brush trucks will be purchased for the
Ka‘ū and Puna volunteer fire stations.
CDBG- MIT Wildfire
Mitigation
This grant will be used to purchase a brush truck for Ka‘ū, Kea‘au,
and Laupahoehoe fire stations.
FY 2021 AFG We received our order of 17 extractors and 21 dryers. Installation
pending. The grant is 71% expended as of 12/31/23.
FY 22 USDA Volunteer
Fire Capacity Project
The bid for one brush truck for volunteer station 20A awarded,
pending delivery.
FY 23 USDA Volunteer
Fire Capacity Project
This grant will fund three brush trucks for our volunteer fire stations.
This will be rebid.
Kohanaiki Lifeguard
Tower (Fair Share
funds)
The bid for a lifeguard tower at Kohanaiki was awarded to Newport
Laminates, Inc. Pending delivery.
Leleiwi Lifeguard Tower
(Fair Share Funds)
Ordinance 23-86 was adopted on November 17,2023. We can now
purchase the tower for Leleiwi Beach Park.
Staffing for Adequate
Fire and Emergency
Response (SAFER)
This grant funds three Fire Captain and six Fire Fighter positions. As
of 12/31/2023, we have expended 74.59% of the grant funds with 13
months remaining.
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2023 | DECEMBER
ADMIN DIV: HR BRANCH REPORT
Program Budget Goals DECEMBER YTD GOAL
Process actions within 15 working days 37 156 100%
Recruitment Actions >30 days 2 13 90%
Promotion Actions >30 days 0 16 90%
Personnel Actions within 30 days, <10% error 22 150 10%
Internal Recruitment within Department
Position Status Report
Battalion Chief Interview/Assessment Center was held on December 19, 2023 for
three candidates.
Fire/EMS Specialist I Fire Fighter Caleb Manuel reallocation effective December 1, 2023.
Fire Rescue Specialist Pending Interview/Practical Assessment.
Fire Training Specialist Pending Interview/Assessment Center.
Chief Mechanic DHR referred two names. Interviews are scheduled on January 5,
2024 for two candidates.
Water Safety Officer II Water Safety Officer I Kalani Awo reallocation effective December
16, 2023.
Open-Competitive Recruitment
Position Status Report
Fire Communications Officer I Interview/Assessment Center was held December 11-15, 2023
for 19 candidates. Pending conditional offers.
Fire Equipment Mechanic DHR referred seven names. On continuous recruitment.
Pending Interview/Assessment Center.
Program Support Technician
(EMS Service Branch)
DHR referred eight names. Interviews were held on December
27, 2023 for six candidates. Hired Camie Takamune effective
January 16, 2024.
Program Support Technician
(Auxiliary Service Branc)
Recruitment opened on December 15, 2023 and is on
continuous recruitment. DHR referred eight names. Interviews
scheduled on January 4, 2024 for six candidates.
Fire Fighter Recruit (Temp) FFR Application for Employment due December 29, 2023.
Fire/EMS Recruit (Temp) Fire/EMS Recruit Application for Employment due December
29, 2023.
Water Safety Officer I Pending assignment to positions. PAE cancelled for one
candidate who withdrew from recruitment.
Clerk III (Auxiliary Service
Branch)
Interview held on December 8, 2023 for one candidate and
was not selected. Requested additional names. DHR referred
two names. Interviews were held on December 29, 2023 for
two candidates and they were not selected.
Clerk III (Auxiliary Service
Branch)
Interview held on December 1, 2023 for one candidate.
Pending reference checks.
Classification
One Water Safety Officer I position reinstated to Water Safety Officer II effective
December 16, 2023.
Three Water Safety Officer II positions temporarily reallocated to Water Safety Officer I
effective December 16, 2023.
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2023 | DECEMBER
OPERATIONS
Emergency Operations
Total Calls for Calendar Year 2023 Dec. % YTD %
Fire 65 3% 1085 4%
Overpressure, Rupture, Explosion- no fire 1 0% 4 0%
Rescue and EMS 1,804 72% 22,274 72%
Hazardous Cond. (no fire) 19 1% 267 1%
Service Call 142 6% 1,951 6%
Good Intent calls 385 15% 4,724 15%
False Alarm / False calls 41 2% 374 1%
Severe Weather 1 0% 12 0%
Special Incident Type 7 0% 23 0%
Other (not completed yet) 24 1% 24 0%
Totals 2,489 100% 30,738 100%
Response Times CY 2023
Statistic Dec. % that meet.… YTD % that meet...
Avg. Turn out time (Fire) 3:01 (80 sec.) 12.73% 3:27 (80 sec.) 28.57%
Avg. Turn out time (EMS) 2:19 (60 sec.) 14.40% 2:13 (60 sec.) 15.38%
Statistic Dec. % that meet 6 min. YTD % that meet 6 min
Avg. Response Time (Fire) 2:36 21.54% 2:31 13.75%
Avg. Response Time (EMS) 2:05 19.37% 2:13 20.70%
Fire Impacts CY 2023
Call Type December YTD
Wildland calls (140, 141, 142, 143) 6 205
Acres burned 51 3,473
Structure Fires (110 & 111) 2 81
Property and Contents - Loss $500.00 $6,370,530.00
Property and Contents - Save $00.00 $1,685,515.00
Other fires (all other 100 series) 57 799
Property and Contents - Loss $92,103.00 $285,403.00
Property and Contents - Save $1.00 $18,001.00
Year 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Total Calls 25,331 26,869 25,015 27,398 29,594 30,738
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2023 | DECEMBER
Emergency Operations Highlights
Battalion 1, East Hawaiʻi
12/14, Inc#29364, Fire: Kamaʻaina Motors Hilo, Hilo/District 2, multiple vehicles on lot
on fire, no injuries reported.
12/21, Inc#29945, Rescue: Kahaulea Rd/District 19, uninjured lost hiker, guided by siren
and horns to safety, no treatment or transport.
12/23, Inc#30118, Fire: Shipman St/District 1, Dumpster fire in alley, no spread to
exposures, no injuries reported.
Battalion 2, West Hawaiʻi
12/10, Inc. #29075; Brush Fire: Kawaihae Rd near 66MM. Upon arrival found numerous
spot fires along the roadway, suspicious in nature. 50 acres
12/14 Inc. #29421; Rescue: Missing Paddler – Honokohau. Male paddler failed to return
with 4 other paddlers. HFD and USCG response. Male party found swimming 2½ miles
out by Good Samaritan boat 3 hrs later. Transported to KNER.
12/27 INC# 30492; Vessel run aground: 35ft Sailboat beached at Fairmont Orchid. No
souls on board, DLNR advised, private company towed boat off reef and vessel sunk in
deeper waters.
Special Events
12/11, BC Barco attended the Kohala Coast Resort Association meeting, where they
donated $400k to the Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation.
Special Operations
Haz-Mat
Worked on identifying and acquiring PPE for Confined Space rescue operations
Researching potential CAMEO training for Hazmat personnel
Ocean Safety
Remaining WSO I candidate declined offer for PAR, moving forward with new hire
offers.
Received donation of Vertra sunscreen for all Ocean Safety personnel.
Rescue
REV-1 submitted for radon fuel tank replacement
Scheduled engine removal with Boat House Hawaii for RB2-2 Force January 24
FRS PAE and Interviews scheduled for January 18, 23, and 24.
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2023 | DECEMBER
Incident heat map and YTD stats for December 2023
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2023 | DECEMBER
SUPPORT SERVICES
Emergency Medical Services Branch
The EMS Branch would like to thank everyone for their service and dedication to the
community. As we welcome the new year, we would like to express gratitude for your hard
work and commitment to saving lives. Your bravery and selflessness are truly inspiring. We
hope this new year brings you joy, peace, and prosperity. Stay safe and take care.
Personnel Update
We would like to congratulate Tom Clark on his retirement from the EMS Warehouse! Tom will
be missed by our HFD Ohana and the community he served. We hope he enjoys his well-
deserved retirement and has many happy years ahead of him.
Warehouse Operations
We would like to send out a big MAHALO to those who have been assisting with the EMS
Warehouse operations. We would also like to thank everyone for their patience and
understanding during this time of transition.
MICT Class Update
The 2023 Fall MICT class has completed their MICT 190/191 portion of training. They will begin
their clinical and internship phase of training in January 2024.
EMT Prep Class
Through collaborative efforts of the Training and EMS Branches, a one-week comprehensive
EMT preparation class was held for the 52nd fire recruit class. This training prepared the
recruits with a sound foundation for success in their upcoming EMT training that begins in
January.
NREMT Testing
The EMS Branch has been in multiple meetings with providers across the state, as well as
Kapiolani Community College in regards to the upcoming changes with the NREMT
psychomotor testing.
EMS Standby
EMS Branch personnel assisted with an EMS standby at the West Hawaii Civic Center’s Magic
of the Season event held on December 15, 2023.
Sapphire Medication Pumps
We have updated all of our Sapphire medication pumps with the current pharmaceutical
dosages and concentrations to align with the state’s operational protocols. We would like to
thank Captain K. Kanae and FMS II C. Kawazoe for their hard work with this process.
Pulsara Pilot Project
Our Pulsara pilot project with Queen’s North Hawai`i Community Hospital catchment medics
continue. Pulsara is a telehealth communication platform that connects our EMS teams with
our base station hospitals. We are actively involved with weekly workflow meetings with the
Queen’s Medical Center. We are also currently working on expanding this project to include
Hilo Medical Center in the near future. In the month of December, we had a total of 4 Pulsara
stroke activations via EMS. We have had overwhelmingly positive feedback from both EMS
personnel and the Queen’s Medical Center’s Neurologists. Pulsara for EMS
Firefighter Recruit PAE
The EMS Branch assisted with the firefighter recruit agility testing on Sunday, December 10,
2023.
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2023 | DECEMBER
Recruitment
On Wednesday, December 27, 2023 the EMS Branch held an interview for 7 candidates to fill
our warehouse Program Support Technician position.
Training Services Branch
Recruit Class 52 Updates
Hawai’i Fire Department Recruit Class 52 reached several milestones in their training this
month as follows.
Completed Rapid Intervention Training (RIT)
under the instruction of FEO Jeremy Tekurio
with assistance from Operations personnel,
Pohakuloa Fire and Emergency Services, and
State ARFF. All recruits were successfully
trained in the rescue of a downed firefighter
through challenging scenarios and
evolutions.
Recruits completed their initial forty-hour Driver Training classroom and closed course training
in order to acquire their Driver Training Permit. A special thank you goes out to Captain Kyle
Toma for his assistance with instruction of the class.
All recruits passed their final Pro-Board examination and are certified to the level of Firefighter
II.
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2023 | DECEMBER
Volunteer Training Section
Driver Training Course
Six volunteers from various companies island wide attended the 40-hour driver training course
with the current HFD recruit class.
Quarterly Captains’ Meeting
The quarterly Captain’s meeting was held on December 2nd at the Kona Palisades Community
Pavilion. Many new volunteers took an oath of enlistment, some volunteers were promoted,
and there were a few service retirements. Many issues were discussed and the next Captain’s
meeting will be hosted by Company 10D – Ainaloa in March.
1-A (Pepeekeo)
Pepeekeo Volunteer Company had a busy month filled with public relations opportunities and
represented the Volunteers and the County in the annual Christmas parade, “Heroes and
Helpers” at Target, and the “Walk Through Christmas Town” at the Civic Auditorium grounds.
5-C (Fern Forest)
Actively engaged in 40 calls over 2023, up from 25 the previous year. They continue to
provide crucial response coverage in the Eden Roc/Fern Forest subdivisions.
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2023 | DECEMBER
7-B (Kalaoa)
Conducted four trainings which consisted of wildland fire training, fire shelter training, pump
operations, and reviewed various topics from IFSTA Essentials 7th edition. They also
participated in the Kona Christmas Parade and responded to one call out for a rubbish fire.
9-A (Waiki’i)
Responded to one call out for a brushfire on Highway 19 at the 66-mile marker.
9-B (Kanehoa)
Kanehoa participated in the Waimea Christmas Parade, conducted three trainings on hose
lays, turret operations, and drafting operations, and responded to the brushfire on Highway 19
at the 66-mile marker.
10-D (Ainaloa)
10-D did station cleaning and went through years of accumulated equipment and files.
11-A (Naalehu), 11-C (Discovery Harbor), 11-D Pahala
Participated in the Pahala Christmas Parade.
Volunteer personnel pose with Mayor Mitch Roth and wife Noriko at the Pahala Christmas Parade
14-A (Kohala)
Had 2 call outs, one rubbish fire in Kohala Ranch and they also responded to the brushfire on
Highway 19 at the 66-mile marker.
19-A (Volcano)
Volunteers contributed 23-man hours this month with response to two fire calls.
Fire Prevention Branch
Highlights
Investigations
The Fire Prevention Branch investigated two structure fires during December. The fires were
located in Districts 2 and 5. Both fires were deemed undetermined.
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2023 | DECEMBER
Magic of the Season
Fire Prevention personnel participated in the
Magic of the Season event on the east and west
side. It was a great week filled with decorations,
food, activities for the keikis and awesome holiday
spirit! As always, Captain Henderson and the east
side team did an outstanding job with the
construction of the activity board, tree, and
activities. Gina Fuhrer and BC Kurashige handled
the events at the West Hawaii Civic Center with a
good community turnout.
Community Outreach and Education
The “hfd_bigisland” Instagram account has posted a message from Mayor Roth and Division
Heads regarding Safety Tips, Lithium-Ion Batteries, Fireworks Permits information and
Fireworks Safety Tips.
New Year’s Eve Firework Shows
Six fireworks shows were permitted on New Year’s Eve at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Mauna Lani
Hotel, Hilton Waikoloa, Kona Village, Four Seasons Hualalai, and Kohanaiki. All were safe and
successful to ring in the New Year!
There were 13 fireworks related calls on the December 31, 2023 shift. No reports of anyone
sustaining injury from fireworks that needed transportation to a hospital by our medics.
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2023 | DECEMBER
Fire Prevention Inspections
Inspection Type December FYTD
Fireworks Site and Storage 8 13
Certificate of Occupancy 3 25
Commercial 9 168
Re-Inspections Commercial 0 96
Educational 2 22
Re-Inspections Educational 2 2
Fire Protection System Acceptance Testing 7 89
Complaint Investigation 12 114
DOH Ag Burn Site Inspection 0 0
AST/UST/LPG Site Inspection 2 24
Tent Site Inspection 5 10
Occupancy Load Enforcement 1 1
Total 51 615
Logistics, Emergency Communications, and Vehicle
Maintenance Section
Emergency Communications
Fire Communications Control Center Updates
The four FCO I continue to make progress with FCO mentors, they are currently working live
call taking and dispatching.
Purchasing Updates
Bids have gone out for various projects, extrication tools, ice machine, and replacement beds.
Clerk III Vacancy
We are actively working to fill the clerk position in auxiliary services.
Final Inspections
Extractors and dryers for the stations have come in. AC2 is actively working to get some
installation issues resolved.
Vehicle Maintenance Shop
Apparatus and Equipment Repair Updates:
Type December
Repairs/Service Completed 91
Service/Trouble Calls 17
Contracted Out and Tows 10
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2023 | DECEMBER
Information Technology Highlights
EPR FireWorks transition meetings.
Setup and break down for EPR in-person training at Department of Information
Technology Kinoole St. location.
EPR FireWorks in-person training.
Fiberoptic network connection for Kaumana Fire Station completed.
Joint Communication Center meeting.
County GIS planning meeting.
Chief Todd and Chief Moller pose with volunteer personnel at the Heroes and Helpers event
held at the Hilo Target store December 9, 2023.
END REPORT