HomeMy WebLinkAbout07 FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT FY 23-24 JANUARY
2024 | JANUARY FISCAL YEAR 23-24
FIRE CHIEF’S REPORT
Hawai’i Fire Department
25 Aupuni St., Suite 2501
Hilo, Hawai’i 96720
fire@hawaiicounty.gov
Policies and Procedures Update .................................................................................. 2
Admin Div: Fiscal Branch Report ................................................................................. 3
Program Budget Goals ....................................................................................... 3
Admin Div: HR Branch Report ..................................................................................... 4
Program Budget Goals ....................................................................................... 4
Internal Recruitment within Department ................................................................ 4
Open-Competitive Recruitment ........................................................................... 4
Classification ................................................................................................... 4
Employee Development and Training .................................................................... 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 ..................................................................................... 11
Fire Prevention Branch ......................................................................................... 13
Logistics, Emergency Communications, and Vehicle Maintenance Section ....................... 14
Emergency Communications .............................................................................. 14
Information Technology Highlights ...................................................................... 15
January Highlights ................................................................................................. 15
Safety Specialist Report ........................................................................................... 19
TABLE OF
CONTENTS:
2024 | JANUARY PAGE 2
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES UPDATE
In the dynamic landscape of organizational management, keeping rules and regulations up-to-
date is imperative for ensuring compliance, safety, and efficiency. In 2023, our organization
took a significant step forward by replacing outdated rules with a more structured and
comprehensive system of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). This overhaul is aimed not
only to streamline operations but also to enhance clarity and accessibility for all personnel.
The manual's transformation began with the replacement of the traditional Rules section with
a set of SOPs designed to address specific operational areas comprehensively. Here's an
overview of the new SOPs introduced:
The recent replacement of Article 1 marked another milestone in our manual's evolution. These
SOP’s include,
Currently, Article 2 is undergoing review by the Union, encompassing SOPs related to the care
and use of apparatus, helicopter operations, vehicle safety procedures, and safe driving
practices. As each article review is completed and approved, it will replace corresponding
sections of the rules and regulations manual. This iterative process ensures that our policies
remain relevant, effective, and compliant with industry standards and regulations.
In conclusion, the updating and
reformatting of our rules and regulations
manual represent a proactive approach
to organizational governance. By
transitioning to a system of SOPs and
conducting periodic reviews, we reinforce
our commitment to excellence, safety,
and accountability. As we continue this
journey of continuous improvement, we
invite feedback and collaboration from all
personnel to further refine and optimize
our operational framework. Together, we
strive to uphold the highest standards of
professionalism and integrity in all facets
of our organization's activities.
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
1004-01 Station Operations
1004-02 Facilities and Grounds
1004-03 Station Non-Emergency Activities
1004-04 Company Fire Inspections
1004-05 Physical Fitness
1004-06 Miscellaneous Services
1004-07 News Media Program
1004-08 Public Interaction
Access Policies and Procedures via our Internal HFD Website.
Find the link in the HFD Icons folder.
2024 | JANUARY PAGE 3
ADMIN DIV: FISCAL BRANCH REPORT
Program Budget Goals January YTD GOAL
Invoice Settlement within 30 days 89% 91% 90%
Pay-out of CILV’s within 90 days 100.0 92% 95%
Records Retention Schedule 0 0% Mid-Year
Transition to Electronic Records 75.0 75% 75% 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 23,453,143.09 63.52 62.50
6221-6225 OCE 5,966,067.32 3,915,344.74 65.63 58.33
Equipment 1,909,736.89 656,482.42 34.38 58.33
Grants & Misc S&W 1,408,679.03 575,969.68 40.89 62.50
6226 OCE 365,325.24 57,715.63 15.80 58.33
Equipment 766,035.63 425,602.42 55.56 58.33
EMS S&W 14,799,686.00 8,151,537.40 55.08 62.50
6227 OCE 2,886,647.77 1,345,659.86 46.62 58.33
Equipment 1,708,417.50 1,423,839.46 83.34 58.33
Ocean Safety S&W 4,829,638.07 2,398,358.52 49.66 62.50
6228 OCE 307,762.83 212,940.29 69.19 58.33
Equipment 840,857.16 69,125.31 8.22 58.33
Total Budget 72,710,071.44 42,685,718.82 58.71
Grant Update
2023 CDBG
The bid for two brush trucks closed on January 4, 2024, with no bid.
We are in process of rebidding. The brush trucks are 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 1/31/24.
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. Pending set
up of GL ledger fund by Finance Dept.
Staffing for Adequate
Fire and Emergency
Response (SAFER)
This grant funds three Fire Captain and six Fire Fighter positions. As
of 1/31/2024, we have expended 78.01% of the grant funds with 12
months remaining.
2024 | JANUARY PAGE 4
ADMIN DIV: HR BRANCH REPORT
Program Budget Goals January YTD GOAL
Process actions within 15 working days 24 180 100%
Recruitment Actions >30 days 4 17 90%
Promotion Actions >30 days 1 17 90%
Personnel Actions within 30 days, <10% error 20 170 10%
Internal Recruitment within Department
Position Status Report
Fire Equipment
Operator
Recruitment opened on January 7, 2024 and closed on January 16,
2024. DHR referred 46 candidates. MQ review completed. Missing
documents are due February 5, 2024. .
Fire Rescue Specialist 16 candidates participated in the interview/AC on January 23-24,
2024. Pending AC scores.
Fire Training Specialist No response to scheduled interview/AC.
Chief Mechanic Fire Equipment Mechanic Aaron Buyuan promotion effective
January 16, 2024.
Open-Competitive Recruitment
Position Status Report
Fire Communications Officer I Five candidates received conditional offers. Pending pre-entry
medical examinations.
Fire Equipment Mechanic
DHR referred eight names. On continuous recruitment. There
are two vacancies. Interviews scheduled on February 14-16,
2024.
Program Support Technician
(Auxiliary Services Branch)
Hired Kristy Fujii effective February 1, 2024.
Fire Fighter Recruit (Temp) Screened employment applications. Pending scheduling of
Accuplacer test.
Fire/EMS Recruit (Temp) Screened employment applications. Pending scheduling of
interviews.
Water Safety Officer I Pending assignment to positions.
Clerk III (Auxiliary Service
Branch)
Requested additional names. DHR referred seven names.
Pending interview schedule.
Clerk III (Ocean Safety
Branch)
Candidate was not selected. Requested additional names.
DHR referred ten names. Pending interview schedule.
Classification
Allocation of four Water Safety Officer III positions effective January 16, 2024.
Employee Development and Training
Conducting an Effective Job Interview – Two Fire Captains, Three Fire Equipment Operators,
One Information Systems Analyst IV and One Professional Trainee I participated on January
30, 2024.
2024 | JANUARY PAGE 5
OPERATIONS
Emergency Operations
Total Calls for Calendar Year 2024 Jan. % YTD %
Fire 114 4% 114 4%
Overpressure, Rupture, Explosion- no fire 0 0% 0 0%
Rescue and EMS 1,994 72% 1,994 72%
Hazardous Cond. (no fire) 27 1% 27 1%
Service Call 180 6% 180 6%
Good Intent calls 401 14% 401 14%
False Alarm / False calls 48 2% 48 2%
Severe Weather 0 0% 0 0%
Special Incident Type 5 0% 5 0%
Other (not completed yet) 3 1% 3 1%
Totals 2,772 100% 2,772 100%
Response Times CY 2024
Statistic Jan. % that meet.… YTD % that meet...
Avg. Turn out time (Fire) 2:44 (80 sec.) 12.50% 2:44 (80 sec.) 12.50%
Avg. Turn out time (EMS) 2:19 (60 sec.) 16.50% 2:19 (60 sec.) 16.50%
Statistic Jan. % that meet 6 min. YTD % that meet 6 min
Avg. Response Time (Fire) 2:43 9.65% 2:43 9.65%
Avg. Response Time (EMS) 2:18 20.32% 2:18 20.32%
Fire Impacts CY 2024
Call Type January YTD
Wildland calls (140, 141, 142, 143) 28 28
Acres burned 3 3
Structure Fires (110 & 111) 7 7
Property and Contents - Loss $533,000.00 $533,000.00
Property and Contents - Save $207,700.00 $207,700.00
Other fires (all other 100 series) 79 79
Property and Contents - Loss $1,592,700.00 $1,592,700.00
Property and Contents - Save $500.00 $500.00
Year 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 (est.)
Total Calls 26,869 25,015 27,398 29,594 30,738 33,264
2024 | JANUARY PAGE 6
Emergency Operations Highlights
Battalion 1, East Hawaiʻi
1/13, Inc# 24001131; Rescue: S Point/District 11, Swimmer in distress. Person seen going
underwater. Rescue company conducted search and able to locate victim. 1 fatality on
scene retrieved by rescue personnel.
1/21, Inc# 24001900; Brush Fire: Malia Aina/District 19, Fire in isolated area, limited
access. 4x4 vehicles able to access and extinguish. No injuries.
1/26, Inc# 24002310; Structure Fire: Kokea St/District 4, Structure Fire with 1 occupant
injured and transported with burn injuries. Fire extinguished and overhauled. (Mayor
Roth visited scene with Chief Chadwick.)
Battalion 2, West Hawaiʻi
1/6, Inc# 24003669; Structure Fire: Dist 20. One fatality
1/13, Inc# 24007851; Brush fire: Kawaihae rd. Multiple fires, suspicious in nature,
similar to previous month.
1/19, Inc# 24001733; Rescue: missing 11y.o. male hiker. Found with the assistance of
Co.6
Special Events
1/25, BC Barco, Insp. Requelman and AC Okinaka attended a post-fire meeting for the
Aug 8 Wildfires with the Kohala Ranch Community Association and adjoining
communities.
Special Operations
Haz-Mat
X-Vehicle Specifications submitted to Finance for replacement
Honolulu Fire hosting CAMEO training in Feb., we will be sending 6 Hazmat personnel
Ocean Safety
RNew WSO I candidates were offered conditional offers for hire.
One previous WSO II has been reemployed
Received donation of OluKai footwear for all Ocean Safety personnel.
Rescue
REV-1 approved for Radon fuel tank replacement, work is scheduled for Feb.
FRS PAE and Interviews have been completed.
X-Vehicles for Rescue stations were approved to be awarded to bidder.
2024 | JANUARY PAGE 7
Incident heat map and YTD stats for January 2024
2024 | JANUARY PAGE 8
SUPPORT SERVICES
Emergency Medical Services Branch
Paramedic Class Clinical Rotations
The Fall 2023 paramedic class completed two weeks of valuable clinical rotations in Honolulu.
During their two-week clinical rotations, personnel did ride alongs with the City and County of
Honolulu EMS and also did rotations at the Queen’s Medical Center and Kapiolani Medical
Center for Women and Children.
EMT Training
The 52nd fire recruit class has started EMT training through the Kapiolani Community College
EMS Training Program at Hawa`i Community College.
Hands-Only CPR and AED Training Sessions
EMS Branch personnel held two Hands-Only CPR and
AED training sessions during the month of January.
The first class was held on January 26, 2024 for the
Department of Education Kea‘au complex faculty. The
second class was held on January 30, 2024 for
personnel at the Hualalai Village Condos in Kona.
New Medics and Assignments
A pre-construction meeting was held on January 17,
2024 with the ambulance fabrication team and Braun
Northwest Inc. We will be purchasing four new medics
which will be assigned to the stations listed below. We
are expecting delivery of these new medics in January
of 2025.
Station 1 Central Fire Station
Station 12 Keauhou Fire Station
Station 16 Waikoloa Fire Station
Station 20 Ocean View Estates Fire Station
New Team Member
We would like to welcome Camie Takamune, Program Support Technician, to the team! She
will be replacing Tom Clark in the EMS Branch warehouse and we are thrilled to have her on
board.
Zoom Meeting on Operational Standing Orders
The EMS Branch along with our medical directors hosted a Zoom meeting with Hawai`i Fire
Department paramedics in regards to the new State of Hawai`i operational standing orders.
During this in-service meeting Dr. Jones also covered blood transfusions with patient transfers
and critical access hospital transports.
EMS Advisory Committee Meeting
EMS Branch personnel participated in the state’s quarterly Emergency Medical Services
Advisory Committee meeting held on January 25, 2024.
West Hawai`i Health Awareness Day
FMS III M. Lam and FMS III A. Mitchell assisted with the West Hawai`i Health Awareness Day
held on January 31, 2024 at the West Hawai`i Civic Center.
2024 | JANUARY PAGE 9
Training Services Branch
Recruit Class 52 Updates
Live fire training was held for the 52nd Recruit Class utilizing Pohakuloa Fire Department’s
Dräger live fire flashover trainer. The 52nd Recruit class attended three days of training that
reinforced fire behavior and suppression tactics. The first two days consisted of opportunities
to evaluate the stages of fire (growth, fully developed, vent limited decay, flashover, and fuel
limited decay. Recruits were exposed to the stages of fire development, thermal layering,
different temperatures of thermal via thermal imagers in the IDLH environment, how smoke is
fuel, rollover and flashovers in a controlled environment and flow paths. The third day
consisted of the “First 5 minutes of a structure fire”: deployment of handlines, forcible entry
into a structure, hose line advancement, search, deployment of ladders, and fire
extinguishment.
Blue Card Command Training and Incident Commander Certification
Blue Card Command Training and Incident Commander Certification was completed by
Captain Stacy Domingo, Captain Troy Gibson, and FEO Lyle Tamaribuchi.
2024 | JANUARY PAGE 10
New Equipment Acquisition and Training at
Station 21
Station 21 received a new 11c-RIT3 combi tool that
Captain Matt Ho acquired utilizing a contingency fund
by the County of Hawai‘i. Captain Jay Kauhane of
Honolulu Fire Department (Retired) delivered training
to all 3 shifts of the Makalei Fire Station,
demonstrating the cutting and spreading capabilities
of this versatile tool to include vehicle extrication and
forcible entry.
Inaugural Fire Instructor I Course
Hawai‘i Fire Department delivered our first Fire Instructor I course to personnel during the week
of January 22-26, 2024. 19 personnel attended the course based on NFPA 1041 “Standard for
Fire Service Instructor Professional Qualifications” designed to give personnel the information
needed to teach and deliver instruction utilizing instructional aids and evaluation instruments.
Chief Amos Lonokailua-Hewett (MFD retired) and Captain Peter Vanderpoel (MFD) spent the
week delivering the information to our department. Personnel who attended and passed all
evaluations and exams received a ProBoard Fire Instructor I certification.
CISM Training
HFD Chaplain Renee Godoy provided a one-day training course titled, “Overview of CISM for
Supervisory Personnel” on January 29, 2024, through January 31, 2024 at the Haihai Training
Room. This training provides frontline supervisors with knowledge and skills to identify critical
incidents and appropriately assist personnel. To include an overview of CISM, understanding of
the CISM model for one-on-one intervention, understanding Group Crisis Interventions, utilize
defusing as intervention, scenario-based defusing role-play sessions, the role of CISM
2024 | JANUARY PAGE 11
Team/Peer Unit and procedures to activate response for critical incidents. 59 Captains and
Fire Equipment Operators attended.
Volunteer Training Section
1-A (Pepeekeo)
Responded to 8 alarms. They also participated in a community service event on January 20
where they attended the Keiki Fun Day at the Puainako Center. They provided a static display
of E1A and its equipment, answered questions from the public, and passed out fire stickers,
tattoos, candy and pencils. The kids had a fun time along with the volunteers.
Members of Co.1-A at Puainako Center's Keiki Fun Day
2024 | JANUARY PAGE 12
5-B (Hawaiian Acres)
Responded to a brush fire in Fern
Forest as well as many other smells
of smoke and nuisance fire calls in
their community. They added the
former E-9A to their arsenal of
firefighting tools.
Engine 5B, formerly Engine 9A
5-D (Fern Acres)
Responded to 3 calls and participated in a community clean-up. Made a few connections for
future recruits as well. (photo)
Company 5-D Cleaning up their community
7-B (Kalaoa)
Volunteer Company 7B responded to a brush fire at Lokahi Apartments and another brush fire
on Uhiuhi in Hawaiian Homes. They also responded to a smoke visible call on Hina Lani street.
Co. 7B conducted trainings on Hydrants, water supply, and hose lay tactics.
8-A (Pa’auilo)
Volunteer Company 8A had one call out for a downed tree on the roadway and conducted
training on pre-trip inspections, pump operations, and Vector Solutions.
9-B (Kanehoa)
Volunteer Company 9B held a firewatch on New Years Eve that went into the early hours of
January 1st. Company 9-B wet down roadside areas that were fire prone due to dry fuel loads
and fireworks. 9-B also participated in two trainings, covering Firefighter PPE, Firefighter
safety, and Chain of Command; a second training on drafting with a frog pond.
2024 | JANUARY PAGE 13
16-B (Pu’uanahulu)
Volunteer Company 16-B conducted 40.5 man hours of training during January on the topics of
PPE, pump training, prechecks, and conducted wet drills.
19-A (Volcano)
Volunteered 65 hours in support of the county fire department. The station was called to one
small brush fire which was extinguished by the homeowner.
Fire Prevention Branch
EPR Fireworks System Property Lists Development
Fire Prevention personnel are continuing to develop the property lists and associated
information for the new EPR Fireworks systems. These lists will assist Operations in smoother
implementation of company level preplanning.
Collaboration with Nā Leo TV
The Fire Prevention Branch worked with Nā Leo TV to produce a short video on proper Fire
Extinguisher use.
New Year’s Eve
Total Firework permits issued to members of the public totaled 3076 for the New Year’s Eve
holiday. There were 19 total fireworks related calls between December 31, 2023 and January 1,
2024.
New Vehicles
The Fire Prevention Branch was issued three new vehicles to conduct Inspections and Fire
Investigations. Thank you to Chief Kurashige, Fiscal Admin staff, and the Mechanic’s shop for
all your efforts!
Charitable Donations
Donations were given to the UH Foundation ($3000) and The Kapiolani Medical Center for
Women and Children ($2000) with proceeds from the Smoke‘n Fire Run!
Fire Prevention Inspections
Inspection Type January FYTD
Fireworks Site and Storage 0 13
Certificate of Occupancy 0 25
Commercial 2 176
Re-Inspections Commercial 7 124
2024 | JANUARY PAGE 14
Educational 0 22
Re-Inspections Educational 0 2
Fire Protection System Acceptance Testing 4 105
Complaint Investigation 4 130
DOH Ag Burn Site Inspection 0 0
AST/UST/LPG Site Inspection 0 24
Tent Site Inspection 0 10
Occupancy Load Enforcement 0 1
Total 17 632
Logistics, Emergency Communications, and Vehicle
Maintenance Section
Emergency Communications
Fire Communications Control Center Updates
Five candidates accepted conditional offers for Fire Communications Officer I, start date of
3/16
Warehouse Updates
The Warehouse Program Support Technician position has been filled
Interview for the clerk III position at Auxiliary services are scheduled
Mechanic Shop Update
The mechanic shop has a new Chief Mechanic, congratulations Aaron Buyuan
Mechanic Rowland attended final inspection for Rebel Brush Trucks from Daniel Sayre
Foundation donation
New Vehicles
Received 2 BME Brush Trucks from Daniel R. Sayre Foundation donation
Received 1 Toyota Tacoma for Prevention
Received 2 Toyota Rav-4 for Prevention
Received Ocean Safety ATV trailer
Clean up is underway at the Mechanic Shop Some vehicles pictured are slated to go to auction
2024 | JANUARY PAGE 15
Information Technology Highlights
EPR FireWorks bug troubleshooting and fixes
EMS Shopify store meeting and transition plan
New CAD workstation order finalized, and demo returned
Joint Communication Center (JCC) meeting
JCC cabling revisions
Engine 14 MDT deployment
JANUARY HIGHLIGHTS
Hāweo Award
Inspector Tyson Goo was presented with the Hāweo award at County Council Chambers in Hilo
on January 10th, in recognition of his outstanding commitment to fire safety and community
outreach. In 2023, he took the initiative to establish The Smoke’N Fire Foundation, a 501(c)3
organization, through which he spearheaded the first annual Smoke N Fire Family Fun Run. His
innovative approach to community education extends to social media, where he collaborates
with local businesses to provide for meaningful and engaging content. Congratulations,
Inspector Goo!
Mayor Attends Fire
Chief Chadwick took Mayor Mitch
Roth out to a structure fire scene on
Kokea Street in Hilo on January 26 to
familiarize the him with our
operations.
Inspector Goo accepts the Hāweo award surrounded by family, colleagues, and County Council members
2024 | JANUARY PAGE 16
Fire Volleyball Tournament
The annual Fire Volleyball Tournament was held January 27 at the Spencer Schutte
recreational complex in Waimea. A total of ten teams comprised of HFD, ARFF, and family
members participated. Mahalo to the sponsors and the Volleyball Committee for making this
event a big success, and congratulations to teams Kohala 14C, Kea’au, and Waiakea 2B for
making it to the podium!
2024 | JANUARY PAGE 17
Politics
Chief Todd attended the state
legislature's opening week to
collaborate with the Hawaii Island
caucus and make sure that the
Hawaii Fire Department's concerns
and priorities were communicated.
He attended the state-of-the-state
address by the governor on January
22 and the after ceremony gathering
to work closely with policymakers to
address pressing issues, such as
securing funding for updated
equipment and advocating for
legislation aimed at enhancing
firefighting capabilities and
community safety. Chief is tracking 50
measures currently working their way
through the legislature.
Station Visitations
Chief Todd continued with career station visits in January for A Shift. Joining him was Fire
Safety Specialist Chris Sloman. On deck for May is B shift.
Tsunami Table Top
On January 26, Civil Defense hosted a Tsunami Table Top exercise attended by Chief Todd,
Chief Moller, and Chief Okinaka. After over a year of preparation, Civil Defense tested their
evacuation plan with department heads and partner agencies. Attendees were to strategize
and discuss their department’s response to a tsunami in a controlled scenario environment.
Budget Meeting with Department of Finance
Hawai’i Fire Department staff met with the Department of Finance for the January budget
meeting. Current forecast of tax revenues have placed planning on a status quo budget for
next fiscal year. As we progress toward the April to May timeframe we should have more
information on the supplementary budget requests and what will be approved for next fiscal
year.
Wildfire Sensors Collaboration with USFA
The Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell the USFA
Administrator is currently working with the four
counties to provide wildfire sensors to better
detect fire before it happens. Hawaii County will
be getting 20 sensors to deploy for testing at no
cost. Current plans are to deploy eight to Ka’u,
eight to Waikoloa, and four for mobile
deployment.
CDBG 24/25
HFD has been awarded two more brush trucks for Puna, and funding for a UTV and trailer for
Pahala Fire Station. Grant will go live in July and procurement will proceed at that time.
Estimated arrival of trucks at the latest would be December of 2026.
Chief Todd with Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, Hawai’i County
Council Chair Heather Kimball, Kauai Fire Department Chief Michael
Gibson, and State Representative Chris Todd
2024 | JANUARY PAGE 18
Firebreak Work in Kohala Region
HFD has partnered with DOT Director Ed Sniffen to re-establish fuel breaks in the Kohala
Region.
2024 | JANUARY PAGE 19
SAFETY SPECIALIST REPORT
In January, Fire Safety Specialist Chris Sloman highlighted Firefighter Cancer Awareness
Month in his Safety Standdown dispatches. Field decontamination kits are being assembled for
distribution by Logistics. Collaborating with Operations, a list was generated of response
scenarios necessitating risk analysis, with rescue operations assigned top priority for
completion. The department submitted the initial set of "ocean" rescue hazards and controls
through Operations for review. Additionally, the Fire Safety Specialist initiated one safety
inquiry and diligently reviewed all incident, accident, and damage reports. A anonymous form
was created to report safety hazards.
END REPORT