HomeMy WebLinkAbout08 FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT FY 23-24 FEBRUARY
2024 | FEBRUARY FISCAL YEAR 23-24
FIRE CHIEF’S REPORT
Hawai’i Fire Department
25 Aupuni St., Suite 2501
Hilo, Hawai’i 96720
fire@hawaiicounty.gov
Monthly Highlights .................................................................................................. 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
Operations ............................................................................................................ 5
Emergency Operations .......................................................................................... 5
Emergency Operations Highlights ............................................................................ 6
Battalion 1, East Hawaiʻi ..................................................................................... 6
Battalion 2, West Hawaiʻi ................................................................................... 6
Special Operations ............................................................................................... 6
Support Services ..................................................................................................... 9
Emergency Medical Services Branch ......................................................................... 9
Training Services Branch ...................................................................................... 10
Volunteer Training Section ..................................................................................... 11
Fire Prevention Branch ......................................................................................... 12
Logistics, Emergency Communications, and Vehicle Maintenance Section ....................... 14
Emergency Communications .............................................................................. 14
Information Technology Highlights ...................................................................... 14
Safety Specialist Report ........................................................................................... 15
TABLE OF
CONTENTS:
2024 | FEBRUARY PAGE 2
MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS
HFCA Meeting
The Hawaii Fire Chiefs Association (HFCA)
recently convened to address various critical
issues in the state's fire service, with Chief
Samala leading discussions on the 2024
Training and Business Conference. Attention
was given to updating the Hawaii Incident
Management Assistance System (IMAS) Plan
and migrating HFCA documents to the
Honolulu Fire Department for efficiency. Legislative initiatives were reviewed, and support
votes were conducted. Discussions also focused on allocating funds for mental health services
in the Maui Fire Department and selecting reviewers for Assistance to Firefighters Grant
applications. Overall, the meeting showcased HFCA's dedication to advancing firefighter
welfare and initiatives in Hawaii's fire service landscape continues to evolve, the HFCA remains
steadfast in its mission to ensure the safety and well-being of communities throughout Hawaii.
Quarterly Chiefs’/Leadership Meeting
During the Quarterly Chiefs’/Leadership Meeting held on February 9, 2024, at the Office of
Aging in Hilo, HI, Chief Todd discussed the implementation of Single Threaded Cadres with a
focused leadership and reporting structure, alongside the introduction of a new metrics system
for enhanced
department
accountability and
efficiency that is to
be built into
program budget
and monthly
reporting. The
session also covered the development of an updated mission, vision, and leadership principles,
marked by the unveiling of a new poster, and the transition to a unified internal website. Chief
Brown highlighted issues regarding dispatch staffing and concerns from line personnel.
Additionally, there were discussions by Chief Springer on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant
(AFG) grants, and Chief Barco brought up policy and procedures for extended leave and sick
leave management. Also discussed were issues of vehicles aging, mechanical issues, and the
department's general fleet replacement plan.
Book of Golden Deeds Award
The Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawaii
recognized Fire Captain Melanie Keolanui as
the recipient of the 2023 Book of Golden
Deeds Award. This prestigious
award is given to those who lend
their time and talents to make
their communities a better place
to live. Capt. Keolanui was
recognized for her achievements
as a member of HFD, as well as
for her involvement as a
volunteer in the community.
Congratulations, Capt. Keolanui!
2024 | FEBRUARY PAGE 3
ADMIN DIV: FISCAL BRANCH REPORT
Program Budget Goals February YTD GOAL
Invoice Settlement within 30 days 91% 91% 90%
Pay-out of CILV’s within 90 days 60% 78% 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 36,958,536 25,964,625.05 70.25 70.83
6221-6225 OCE 5,750,476.32 4,287,516.28 74.56 66.67
Equipment 2,156,787.89 1,324,684.70 61.42 66.67
Grants & Misc S&W 1,408,679.03 653,972.29 46.42 70.83
6226 OCE 365,325.24 57,874.43 15.84 66.67
Equipment 766,035.63 425,602.42 55.56 66.67
EMS S&W 14,799,686.00 9,802,904.98 66.24 70.83
6227 OCE 2,886,647.77 1,565,699.9 54.24 66.67
Equipment 1,708,417.50 1,423,839.46 83.34 66.67
Ocean Safety S&W 5,273,052.07 2,715,263.68 51.49 70.83
6228 OCE 307,762.83 221,464.84 71.96 66.67
Equipment 397,443.16 69,125.31 17.39 66.67
Total Budget 72,778,849.44 48,512,573.34 66.66
Grant Update
2023 CDBG
We received an additional award of two brush trucks, for a total of
four brush trucks. Purchasing reposted the bid and it will close on
March 28, 2024. Three brush trucks are for Puna volunteer fire
stations, and one is for the Ka‘ū volunteer fire station.
CDBG- MIT Wildfire
Mitigation
This grant will be used to purchase a brush truck for Ka‘ū , Kea‘au,
and Laupahoehoe fire stations, a mobile command vehicle, and a
fuel service/maintenance support trailer. The Planning Department
is tasked with acquiring this equipment.
FY 2021 AFG We received our order of 17 extractors and 21 dryers. Installation
pending. The grant is 71% expended as of 2/29/24.
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.
Purchasing reposted the bid and it will close on April 1, 2024.
Kohanaiki Lifeguard
Tower (Fair Share funds)
The bid for a lifeguard tower at Kohanaiki was awarded to Newport
Laminates, Inc. Delivery expected at the end of the year.
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 2/29/2024, we have expended 81.45% of the grant funds with 11
months remaining.
2024 | FEBRUARY PAGE 4
ADMIN DIV: HR BRANCH REPORT
Program Budget Goals February YTD GOAL
Process actions within 15 working days 73 253 100%
Recruitment Actions >30 days 3 20 90%
Promotion Actions >30 days 4 21 90%
Personnel Actions within 30 days, <10% error 50 220 10%
Internal Recruitment within Department
Position Status Report
Battalion Chief (Emergency
Operations Fire Captain Daniel Volpe promotion effective February 1, 2024.
Battalion Chief (Emergency
Communications)
Recruitment opened on February 4, 2024 and closed on
February 13, 2024. DHR referred two names. Pending
scheduling of interviews.
Fire Captain Fire Equipment Operator Sean I. Tamura promotion effective
February 1, 2024.
Fire Prevention Inspector II Fire Prevention Inspector I Tyson Goo reallocation effective
February 1, 2024.
Fire Equipment Operator Written exam was held on February 26, 2024 in Hilo and Kona
for 40 candidates. Pending referred names.
Fire Rescue Specialist Assessment Center scores were distributed.
Fire/Hazardous Materials
Specialist
Recruitment opened on February 11, 2024 and closed on
February 20, 2024. DHR referred 16 names. MQ review to be
completed prior to scheduling written exam.
Accountant I Professional Trainee I Nicole Konanui reallocation effective
February 1, 2024.
Water Safety Officer III
Recruitment opened on January 28, 2024 and closed on
February 6, 2024. DHR referred 12 names. Pending scheduling
of interviews.
Open-Competitive Recruitment
Position Status Report
Fire Communications
Officer I
Five candidates completed pre-entry medical examinations and
received formal offers. Targeted hire date is March 18, 2024.
Fire Equipment
Mechanic
Interviews held on February 14-16, 2024 for seven candidates for two
positions. Conditional offer provided to one candidate. Pending
results of medical screening process. The second candidate declined
a job offer. Second interview scheduled for March 1, 2024 for three
candidates for second position.
Water Safety Officer I Three candidates completed pre-entry medical examinations and
received formal offers. Hired Kainoa Behasa, Maxwell Ostrowski,
and Kua Yarush-Salinas effective March 1, 2024.
Fire Fighter Recruit
(Temp)
Accuplacer exam was held on February 21, 26, & 28, 2024 for 35
recruits. Pending scheduling of interviews.
Fire/EMS Recruit
(Temp) Pending scheduling of interviews.
Clerk III (Auxiliary
Service Branch)
Interviewed one candidate on February 7, 2024 and received a
formal offer. Hired Maria Angela Kreit-Henson effective March 4,
2024.
Clerk III (Ocean Safety
Branch)
Interviewed one candidate on February 16, 2024 and received a
formal offer. Hired Lei Anna Nakashima effective March 1, 2024.
2024 | FEBRUARY PAGE 5
OPERATIONS
Emergency Operations
Total Calls for Calendar Year 2024 Feb. % YTD %
Fire 65 3% 179 3%
Overpressure, Rupture, Explosion- no fire 3 0% 3 0%
Rescue and EMS 1783 74% 3777 73%
Hazardous Cond. (no fire) 16 1% 43 1%
Service Call 137 6% 317 6%
Good Intent calls 353 15% 754 15%
False Alarm / False calls 29 1% 77 1%
Severe Weather 1 0% 1 0%
Special Incident Type 3 0% 8 0%
Other (not completed yet) 11 0% 14 0%
Totals 2401 100% 5170 100%
Response Times CY 2024
Statistic Feb. % that meet.… YTD % that meet...
Avg. Turn out time (Fire) 2:46 (80 sec.) 15.63% 2:47 (80 sec.) 13.37%
Avg. Turn out time (EMS) 2:09 (60 sec.) 15.89% 2:13 (60 sec.) 16.90%
Statistic Feb. % that meet 6 min. YTD % that meet 6 min
Avg. Response Time (Fire) 2:46 11.58% 2:44 12.29%
Avg. Response Time (EMS) 2:12 19.10% 2:14 18.81%
Fire Impacts CY 2024
Call Type February YTD
Wildland calls (140, 141, 142, 143) 6 34
Acres burned 23 26
Structure Fires (110 & 111) 4 11
Property and Contents - Loss $620,000.00 $1,153,000.00
Property and Contents - Save $1,441,900.00 $1,649,600.00
Other fires (all other 100 series) 55 134
Property and Contents - Loss $35,900.00 $1,628,600.00
Property and Contents - Save $29,600.00 $30,100.00
Year 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 (est.)
Total Calls 26,869 25,015 27,398 29,594 30,738 31,020
2024 | FEBRUARY PAGE 6
Emergency Operations Highlights
Battalion 1, East Hawaiʻi
2/14, Inc #03872, Hazmat: Hilo Downtown Post Office/District 1, Call for hazardous
condition. Hazmat Company made entry and discovered chlorine tablets exposed to
water. Substance secured, building ventilated and turned over to occupants. No injuries
reported.
2/17, Inc #04208, Rescue: Paradise Dr & Beach Rd/District 18, Person fell off cliff into
water. Upon arrival of HFD personnel, female party was spotted to track her. Male
party on scene threw a raft which female party climbed into, however current then took
her out of sight prior to arrival of rescue boat. Boat searched area with no findings. At
daylight chopper launched and about 4 miles down coastline from original location was
able to locate female party who was deceased. 1 fatality. No other injuries.
2/24, Inc #04759, Rescue: South Point/District 11, Vehicle off cliff with one occupant.
Rescue Co. 2 rappelled down to extricate patient. Patient transported to Kona ER via
Chopper 2. 1 injury. No fatalities.
2/26, Inc #04901, MVC/Fire: Hwy 19 near Honomu/District 1, 2 vehicle accident. 1
person pinned and burned in vehicle prior to arrival of HFD units. 2 other persons
injured and transported to Hilo ER. 1 fatality, 2 injuries.
Battalion 2, West Hawaiʻi
2/4, Inc# 240003058; Structure Fire: Aalu Pl. Dist 16, 50% involved. Possible candle
ignition. No residents injured, one family pet lost.
2/19, Inc# 240004354; Structure Fire: Malina St. Dist 16, 50% involved. Possible
Lithium Ion ignition. No residents injured, one family pet saved.
2/25, Inc# 24004804; Brush Fire: Akoni Pule Hwy at Lapakahi State Park. 20 acres
involved, 3-day incident.
Special Operations
Haz-Mat
Specifications for replacement Hazmat 4 were submitted to Finance for procurement
Hazmat X-vehicle replacement ongoing, specifications submitted to purchasing for
procurement.
Five Hazmat Specialists attended CAMEO training on Oahu
Ocean Safety
3 WSO I candidates were hired on March 1.
2024 WSO I recruitment ongoing with PAE scheduled for March 21.
OluKai footwear donations distributed to all Ocean Safety personnel.
Clerk III recruitment completed and hire date effective March 1.
WSO III recruitment ongoing, scheduling of interviews is next
Long time WSO IV, East HI Captain John Baehr retired on February 29
Rescue
Radon repair pending schedule availability at Riddle Marine, has not started yet.
FRS promotion scheduled for April 1, 1 position being filled (Kailua)
Contract for Rescue X-Vehicles has been awarded to Orchid Isle Auto Center.
2024 | FEBRUARY PAGE 7
Other Apparatus procurement updates
Initiated the specification process for the next 2 Type I pumper replacements (Pahoa
and Volcano)
Specifications for CDBG-MIT grant vehicle purchases have been submitted to Planning
for procurement. Mobile Command Vehicle, 3 Brush Trucks, Mobile
fueling/maintenance trailer.
Brush Truck 20A (VFA grant funded), is currently in the build process.
Invitation for Bids (IFB) for 4 (CDBG funded) Brush Trucks has been posted. Deadline set
for end of March.
Specifications for 3 (VFA funded) Brush Trucks have been submitted to Purchasing for
procurement.
New SCBA Compressor for Pahoa Fire Station (PGV community fund funded) acquired
and set to be placed in service mid-March following training.
New X-Vehicle for Pahoa in procurement, contract has been awarded. Also PGV
community fund funded.
Sayre Foundation donation update
2 new Brush Trucks have been received, currently finalizing radio installations and
minor warranty work. These will go to North and South Kohala stations.
2 additional Brush Trucks have completed build, and are set to be shipped with an
anticipated arrival date of March 27. These will be assigned to Waimea and Waikoloa
stations.
New Rescue Boat for Kailua Fire
Station is nearly complete.
Tentative completion date is mid-
April.
4 additional Tanker apparatus has
also been funded by through
generous donors, which have yet
to be built. Locations have not
been designated yet.
2024 | FEBRUARY PAGE 8
Incident heat map and YTD stats for February 2024
Link for Station Call Volume Breakdown
2024 | FEBRUARY PAGE 9
SUPPORT SERVICES
Emergency Medical Services Branch
STARS Air Ambulance Site Visit
Captain K. Kanae participated in a site visit to STARS Air Ambulance in Canada. The objective
for this visit was to gain an overview and acquire some education on STARS aeromedical
program. This included gathering information on the Airbus H145 equipment and the aerolite
medical interior.
Pulsara Pilot Project Update
The Pulsara pilot project with the Queen’s North Hawai`i Community Hospital catchment
medics continues. We have been conducting weekly workflow meetings which have been very
productive. Queen’s Medical Center and Pulsara are looking to expand this project with Hilo
Medical Center. We have had a total of 22 Pulsara stroke activations by our paramedics with
overwhelmingly positive feedback from both our EMS personnel and the Queen’s Punchbowl
Neurologists.
Keynote Speaking Engagement
on Fentanyl Training
Captain A. Mitchell did an excellent
job as one of the keynote speakers
at this year’s statewide Coalition
Training on Fentanyl held at the
Grand Naniloa Hotel in Hilo on
February 22nd and 23rd. This
training was led by the Hawai`i
Island Fentanyl Task Force and
involved multiple agencies from
across the state.
Fall 2023 Paramedic Internship
Progress
The Fall 2023 paramedic students
have started their first month of
internship and are doing well. This
first rotation internship will end in
mid-March.
Pulmodyne Sales Meeting
EMS Branch personnel met with the sales representative from Pulmodyne. Pulmodyne is the
main vendor for the disposable CPAP products that our department uses.
Zoll Product Presentation
On February 5th, the EMS Branch participated in a product presentation by Zoll. At this
presentation we were introduced to their new ventilators and heart monitors.
Orchid Isle Ford Repower Project for Medic 12
Orchid Isle Ford has been awarded the repower project for Medic 12. We will be replacing the
motor and transmission on this 2017 F-350 ambulance. The cost of this repair is $42,000 and
the projected timeline for this project is 90 days.
2024 | FEBRUARY PAGE 10
ESO Controlled Medications Software Meetings
We have been involved in multiple meetings with ESO regarding our new controlled
medications software program. We hope to launch this new program in early April.
Hands-Only CPR and AED
Training
Hands-Only CPR and AED
training classes were held at
the State of Hawai`i Judiciary
Court Houses in Hilo and Kona.
70 individuals participated in
this training.
Hands-Only CPR and AED
training classes were held in
Kona and Hilo for the
Community Action Network
Committee and the Kona
Homeowners Association.
Approximately 30 people
participated in this training.
Training Services Branch
Driver Auditor Onboarding Training
Sixteen new Driver Auditors attended a 2-day on-boarding training for the Driver
Improvement Program. Topics included legal requirements, vehicle pre-trip inspections, safe
driving practices, audit procedures, and training documentation. Twenty-two veteran auditors
attended the second day as a refresher.
Basic CAMEO Training for HazMat Personnel
Five HAZMAT company personnel attended “Basic CAMEO for Hazmat Technicians and First
Responders” hosted by the Honolulu Fire Department. Members were trained to use this
software program to identify and analyze chemicals, plot safety control cones on a map,
evaluate facilities with chemicals, and create models for various chemical release scenarios.
2024 | FEBRUARY PAGE 11
Volunteer Training Section
1-A (Pepeekeo)
Responded to a total of 7 alarms and conducted a wet drill and hose evolutions at KMR.
7-B (Kalaoa)
Responded to smoke visible, rubbish fire, and a vehicle fire. Company 7B-Kalaoa focused
training on pump operations during the month of February.
8-A (Pa’auilo)
Responded to a brush fire on HWY 19 and also conducted driver training.
9-B (Kanehoa)
Responded to the Lapakahi brush fire with Big Dog 9B and Tanker 9B. Volunteer Company 9B
also conducted timed hose deployment trainings.
2024 | FEBRUARY PAGE 12
10-A (Ainaloa)
Focused on wet drills and hose handling skills in the month of February.
11-C (Discovery Harbour)
Responded to three alarms and performed driver training and annual maintenance on their
three vehicles.
14-A (Kohala)
Responded to the Lapakahi brush fire.
19-A (Volcano)
Volunteered 57 hours during the month of February and conducted wet drills to enhance their
hose handling and pumping skills.
Fire Prevention Branch
Structure Fire Investigations in February
The Fire Prevention Branch investigated 2 structure
fires during February. The fires were located in
Districts 1 and 8. The Fire in District 1 was determined
as Accidental as it appeared that a houseless person
was attempting to cook next to a structure. The
Structure Fire in District 8 was suspected to be Arson,
due to an incendiary device found on the lanai of an
apartment building.
EPR Fireworks Systems
Fire Prevention personnel are continuing to develop
the property lists and associated information for the
new EPR Fireworks systems. We are projecting a 2-3
year timeframe for the project. We are also assisting
the committee with the build out of the Pre-plan modules for Operations personnel.
DOT Harbors Partnership
The DOT Harbors Division is working with Fire Prevention Staff on consistent maintenance of all
Fire Protection fixtures of both the Hilo and Kawaihae Piers.
2024 | FEBRUARY PAGE 13
Wildland Risk Reduction Efforts
We continue to push forward with our Wildland risk reduction efforts. We have met with
HWMO and are forging forward to provide the community information with ways to protect
their property from the negative effects of Wildfire.
Promotion of Fire Inspector Tyson Goo
Fire Inspector Tyson Goo was Promoted from Inspector I
to Inspector II (Fire Plan Reviewer) on February 1, 2024.
We truly appreciate all his efforts and look forward to
what comes next in his career!
Wildfire Preparedness Meeting
Met with Kona Paradise Community Residents and
Holoholo Ku Residents regarding wildfire preparedness
such as defensible spaces, hardening their homes,
creating a safe home in the Wildland Urban Interface
area, Evacation Plans, Fire Department Resources, and
tour of the subdivisions to point out areas of concerns.
Fireworks Annual Report
Work on Fireworks Annual Report and later submitted to
Senate President Ronald Kouchi based on data and
permit sales for Hawaii Island.
Assistance with AFG Grant Letter
Assisted Training Bureau with AFG Grant letter concerning Fire Prevention data.
Deployment of New Vehicles
Received two 2024 Toyota Rav4 vehicles for Fire Prevention personnel to utilize for their daily
duties.
Fire Prevention Inspections and Plan Reviews
Inspection Type February
Fireworks Site and Storage 0
Certificate of Occupancy 2
Commercial 8
Re-Inspections Commercial 26
Educational 11
Re-Inspections Educational 4
Fire Protection System Acceptance Testing 29
Complaint Investigation 2
DOH Ag Burn Site Inspection 0
AST/UST/LPG Site Inspection 14
Tent Site Inspection 3
Occupancy Load Enforcement 0
Total 99
Plan Review 81
2024 | FEBRUARY PAGE 14
Logistics, Emergency Communications, and Vehicle
Maintenance Section
Emergency Communications
New FCO I Class
FCO I new class scheduled to start 3/16.
Radio Installation
BME Brush Trucks from Sayre donation have gotten radios installed and will be out online soon.
Fire Communications Control Center Updates
The new JCC building is coming along with AC and workstations installed.
Warehouse Updates
The Auxiliary Services clerk
III position has been filled.
Apparatus and
Equipment Repair
One-hundred
thirteen (113) total
repairs/service.
Twenty-seven (27)
service calls or
trouble calls.
Fourteen (14) contracted out and tows.
Information Technology Highlights
Joint Communication Center (JCC) meeting.
Site visit of JCC and CAD console furniture.
MDT Setup for HFD 624.
ProQA Quality Performance Review (QPR) setup and go live.
ProQA cutover to new server on 2/27/24.
2024 | FEBRUARY PAGE 15
FireWorks guides created for hydrants and vehicle maintenance.
FireWorks access rights changes for hydrant subcommittee members.
Department of Information Technology intern Skylar Soultz started working with HFD
under supervision of ISA IV Chris Cerrone.
SAFETY SPECIALIST REPORT
In February, the Fire Safety Specialist oversaw various safety initiatives and addressed
concerns within the Hawaii Fire Department. An inspection of the Administration Section
revealed multiple minor issues, most of which were promptly corrected. A work order was
submitted to abate a minor leak with mold in the ceiling, with repairs scheduled for March 15th.
The HFD/HFFA Safety Committee meeting is scheduled for March 13th. The agenda is posted
on the Safety page of the internal website, along with access to Incident/Accident forms and
other safety-related guides and references. Two incidents occurred in February, totaling eight
for the year. All necessary actions to address the HiOSH Notice of Citations for St. 18 were
completed, with the abatement certificate and penalties postmarked on February 22nd.
Awaiting scheduling for a facility inspection of the Central Fire Station with HiOSH. Received
one new safety inquiry, which is currently ongoing.
END REPORT