HomeMy WebLinkAbout09 FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT FY 23-24 MARCH2024 | MARCH FISCAL YEAR 23-24
FIRE CHIEF’S REPORT
Hawai’i Fire Department
25 Aupuni St., Suite 2501
Hilo, Hawai’i 96720
fire@hawaiicounty.gov
Women’s History Month | HFD's first female firefighter featured in the Hawai'i Tribune Herald (May 1988)
Recognizing Excellence ............................................................................................. 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
Operations ............................................................................................................ 5
Emergency Operations .......................................................................................... 5
Emergency Operations Highlights ............................................................................ 6
Battalion 1, East Hawaiʻi ..................................................................................... 6
Battalion 2, West Hawaiʻi ................................................................................... 6
Special Operations ............................................................................................... 6
Support Services ..................................................................................................... 8
Emergency Medical Services Branch ......................................................................... 8
Training Services Branch ...................................................................................... 10
Volunteer Training Section ..................................................................................... 11
Fire Prevention Branch ......................................................................................... 12
Logistics, Emergency Communications, and Vehicle Maintenance Section ....................... 13
Emergency Communications .............................................................................. 13
Information Technology Highlights ...................................................................... 14
Safety Specialist Report ........................................................................................... 14
TABLE OF
CONTENTS:
2024 | MARCH PAGE 2
RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE
Aloha Exchange of East Hawai’i Firefighter of the Year
In a heartfelt recognition of his
exceptional dedication and service,
Anson Arakaki earned the prestigious
Firefighter of the Year Award by the
Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawaii.
On March 17, 2023, while guiding a
reversing engine to set up fire
suppression efforts for a brush fire, he
was viciously attacked by five dogs.
With the help of another firefighter and
neighbors, the dogs were removed and
secured. Meanwhile, the fire was
spreading, posing a threat to nearby structures. Despite his injuries, Firefighter Arakaki
continued to pull hose and suppress a corner of the fire. In total, he worked for an impressive
six hours at full capacity, in difficult terrain, laying long hose lines and supporting an
understaffed Company 5. Only upon returning to quarters did Firefighter Arakaki seek
treatment for his injuries. According to his captain, “Firefighter Arakaki’s main concern was
incident stabilization and not leaving his brothers in the field shorthanded.”
Firefighter Arakaki's valor serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the firefighting
community. Congratulations, FF Arakaki!
Hāweo Award
The Hāweo Award shines a spotlight
on those who above and beyond the
call of duty. FMS II Ericksen
Kohatsu's commitment to his role as
a paramedic is nothing short of
commendable. In the face of
paramedic shortages, he consistently
chooses to extend his duty, ensuring
that Advanced Life Support is readily
available to patients in need, but
what truly sets Kohatsu apart is his exemplary bedside manner. Regardless of the
circumstances, he treats every patient with the utmost dignity, professionalism, kindness, and
even humor, bringing comfort and reassurance during times of distress. His ability to maintain
this compassionate approach, even during back-to-back calls, is a testament to his dedication
to providing quality care. Congratulations, FMS Kohatsu!
Certificate of Commendation
Fire Communications Officer II Allison Ford was
recognized by Mayor Mitch Roth for her proficiency
and remarkable handling of a critical call. Mayor
Mitch Roth said, “Today, we had the privilege of
honoring Allison for her outstanding work in
providing critical assistance to someone in need,
resulting in a saved life and a family at ease.” The
patient and her family were present to thank FCO
Ford for the compassionate and effective care she
provided. Congratulations, FCO Ford!
2024 | MARCH PAGE 3
ADMIN DIV: FISCAL BRANCH REPORT
Program Budget Goals March YTD GOAL
Invoice Settlement within 30 days 95% 93% 90%
Pay-out of CILV’s within 90 days 71% 84% 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 28,477,200.96 77.05 79.17
6221-6225 OCE 5,750,476.32 4,754,762.02 82.68 75.00
Equipment 2,156,787.89 1,336,690.07 61.98 75.00
Grants & Misc S&W 1,408,679.03 731,705.98 51.94 79.17
6226 OCE 365,325.24 57,874.43 15.84 75.00
Equipment 766,035.63 430,164.93 56.15 75.00
EMS S&W 14,799,686.00 11,409,903.56 77.10 79.17
6227 OCE 2,870,647.77 1,881,392.59 65.54 75.00
Equipment 1,724,417.50 1,423,839.46 82.57 75.00
Ocean Safety S&W 5,273,052.07 3,080,186.04 58.41 79.17
6228 OCE 307,762.83 224,646.18 72.99 75.00
Equipment 397,443.16 148,232.56 37.30 75.00
Total Budget 72,778,849.44 53,956,598.78 74.14
Grant Update
2023 CDBG The bid closed on March 28, 2024, bid results pending
CDBG- MIT Wildfire
Mitigation 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 3/31/24.
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 The bid closing date was extended to April 3, 2024.
Kohanaiki Lifeguard
Tower (Fair Share
funds)
Delivery expected at the end of the year.
Leleiwi Lifeguard
Tower (Fair Share
Funds)
Ordinance 23-86 was adopted on November 17,2023. Pending
specs.
Staffing for Adequate
Fire and Emergency
Response (SAFER)
This grant funds three Fire Captain and six Fire Fighter positions. As
of 3/3/2024, we have expended 84.88% of the grant funds with 10
months remaining. Funding expected to run out in August 2024.
2024 | MARCH PAGE 4
ADMIN DIV: HR BRANCH REPORT
Program Budget Goals March YTD GOAL
Process actions within 15 working days 34 287 100%
Recruitment Actions >30 days 2 22 90%
Promotion Actions >30 days 1 22 90%
Personnel Actions within 30 days, <10% error 14 234 10%
Internal Recruitment within Department
Position Status Report
Battalion Chief
(Emergency
Communications)
Letters sent out to two candidates for interviews scheduled on April
5, 2024.
Fire Captain Recruitment opened on March 3, 2024 and closed on March 12,
2024. DHR referred 24 names. Completed MQ review. Written
exam letters need to be sent out.
Fire Equipment Operator 21 candidates passed the written exam. Pending
interview/Assessment Center schedule.
Fire/Hazardous
Materials Specialist
Written exam was held on March 28, 2024 in Hilo and Kona.
Pending referred names.
Water Safety Officer V Recruitment opened on March 31, 2024 and closed on
April 9, 2024. Pending referred names.
Open-Competitive Recruitment
Classification
Allocation of one Water Safety Officer V effective March 1, 2024.
Position Status Report
Fire Communications
Officer I
Hired Nicole Albright, Jana Ancheta, Carlos Navor, Jr., Ciera
Pacheco, and Valerie Weaver effective March 18, 2024.
Recruitment is on continuous recruitment and closed on March 31,
2024.
Fire Equipment Mechanic Hired Rhemart Supnet effective March 20, 2024.
Water Safety Officer I New open recruitment opened on March 31, 2024 and closed on
April 9, 2024. Pending referred names.
Fire Fighter Recruit
(Temp)
Letters sent out to 36 candidates for interviews scheduled on April
1-3, 2024.
Fire/EMS Recruit (Temp) Letters sent out to two candidates for interviews scheduled on
March 25, 2024.
2024 | MARCH PAGE 5
OPERATIONS
Emergency Operations
Total Calls for Calendar Year 2024 March % YTD %
Fire 69 3% 248 3%
Overpressure, Rupture, Explosion- no fire 0 0% 3 0%
Rescue and EMS 1874 75% 5651 74%
Hazardous Cond. (no fire) 15 1% 58 1%
Service Call 153 6% 470 6%
Good Intent calls 341 14% 1095 14%
False Alarm / False calls 31 1% 108 1%
Severe Weather 0 0% 1 0%
Special Incident Type 0 0% 8 0%
Other (not completed yet) 4 0% 4 0%
Totals 2487 100% 7646 100%
Response Times CY 2024
Statistic March % that meet.… YTD % that meet...
Avg. Turn out time (Fire) 2:53 (80 sec.) 10.45% 2:47 (80 sec.) 12.76%
Avg. Turn out time (EMS) 2:17 (60 sec.) 15.58% 2:16 (60 sec.) 16.00%
Statistic March % that meet 6 min. YTD % that meet 6 min
Avg. Response Time (Fire) 2:48 13.04% 2:45 12.50%
Avg. Response Time (EMS) 2:16 19.27% 2:15 18.96%
Fire Impacts CY 2024
Call Type March YTD
Wildland calls (140, 141, 142, 143) 12 46
Acres burned 22 48
Structure Fires (110 & 111) 3 14
Property and Contents - Loss $1,412,000.00 $2,565,000.00
Property and Contents - Save $640,500.00 $2,290,100.00
Other fires (all other 100 series) 54 188
Property and Contents - Loss $22,101.00 $1,650,701.00
Property and Contents - Save $0.00 $30,100.00
Year 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 (est.)
Total Calls 26,869 25,015 27,398 29,594 30,738 30,584
2024 | MARCH PAGE 6
Emergency Operations Highlights
Battalion 1, East Hawaiʻi
3/2, Inc #24005322; Rescue: Opihikao/District 10, Call for missing hiker. Lost hiker
located 45min off trail and returned safely to vehicle. No injuries reported.
3/16, Inc #24006465; Hazmat: Safeway/District 2, Refrigerant leak. Hazmat personnel
entered to monitor air quality. Leak was sealed and structure ventilated using their
HVAC unit until safe to reoccupy facility. 1 person was injured and transported. No
other injuries reported.
3/19, Inc #24006722, Structure Fire: Pele’s Kitchen/District 10, fire in the rear kitchen
area after business hours. Fire was extinguished and overhauled. No injuries. Pet
tortoise was located during search and returned to owners appearing to be in good
condition.
Battalion 2, West Hawaiʻi
3/7, Inc#24005730; Brush Fire: 8mm Akoni pule Hwy. Approx. 15 acres. Companies 14,
15, 16, 8, Vol. 9B, 9A & BC2
3/15, Inc# 24006411; Structure Fire: 68-1714 Akaula St. Companies 14,16,9, & BC2. 50%
involved, no deaths or injuries. Suspected arson.
Special Operations
Haz-Mat
Final planning for CST training for Hazmat companies in April 15-19
Hazmat X-vehicle replacement bid awarded
Planning for Annual Hazmat Refresher trainings
Ocean Safety
1 additional WSO I candidate to be hired on April 16.
WSO I PAE completed with only 1 candidate passing. Recruitment was re-opened for
another round.
WSO III recruitment interviews scheduled for April 23-24.
WSO V application period closed, next step is to schedule the assessment
Received confirmation from Anetik clothing for a donation of three shirts per WSO.
Currently working on MOA.
Planning for Jr Lifeguard program, and State Championships to be held on Hawaiʻi
Island this year.
Finalizing annual equipment purchases, which includes the new Kohanaiki lifeguard
services.
Rescue
Radon repair status quo, awaiting Riddle Marine, has not started yet.
Planning for new Rescue boat acceptance (Sayre Donation)
Voluntary training with CERFP unit for all Rescue personnel if interested, Scheduled
for April 17-18 at KMR. Part of training cadre with the CST
Other Apparatus Procurement Updates
Awaiting approval from Finance to proceed with procurement for 2 Type I pumper
replacements (Pahoa and Volcano)
2024 | MARCH PAGE 7
Brush Truck 20A (VFA grant funded), is currently in the build process.
4 (CDBG funded) Brush Trucks IFB closed. Cost too high for 4 trucks, only able to
purchase 3. Contract has been awarded.
3 (VFA funded) Brush Trucks IFB also closed and cost was higher than expected, so just
2 will be purchased. Contract has been awarded.
New SCBA Compressor for Pahoa Fire Station (PGV community fund funded) has been
placed in service.
Working on Specification for a new West HI Ocean Safety Captain truck.
Sayre Foundation Donation Update
Gifting Ceremony held for the 4 new
Brush Trucks that were recently
received.
o 2 BME Brush Trucks: 1 ready for
service, the second still waiting
on warranty work.
o 2 Rebel Brush Trucks arrived on
March 29. Awaiting titles so
they can be registered and have
the radios installed.
New Rescue Boat for Kailua Fire Station gifting ceremony scheduled for April 29.
4 additional Tanker apparatus has also been funded through generous donors, which
have yet to be built. Locations have not been designated yet.
New Airbus H-145 aircraft planning in the works, funding for the aircraft secured,
working to draft operational plan and secure funding with State and County
stakeholders.
Incident heat map and YTD stats for March 2024
2024 | MARCH PAGE 8
Link for Station Call Volume Breakdown
SUPPORT SERVICES
Emergency Medical Services Branch
Paramedic Students Complete First Rotation
On March 22nd, the Fall 2023 paramedic students completed their first rotation of internship.
They will begin their second rotation during the last week of March.
EMT Clinical Rotations
The 52nd firefighter recruit class is currently doing their EMT clinical rotations in the 1st and
2nd battalion. As part of their clinical requirements, students are also participating in clinical
shifts at the Hilo Medical Center’s Labor and Delivery Unit and Emergency Room.
Rollout of New i-gel Supraglottic Airway Device to Medics
The new i-gel Supraglottic Airway device has been rolled out to the medics as a back-up
airway adjunct. A follow up email will be sent to our providers shortly. This will include
additional product information and solicitation of overview by the EMS Branch for personnel
who feel they need additional help or training.
Base Station Meeting Highlights
The first quarter base station meeting was held on March 11th at Hilo Medical Center. Listed
below are the guest speakers who presented at this base station. The next quarterly base
station meeting will be held at the Kona Community Hospital, and we are excited to have Dr.
Michael Brigoli from Stanford as one of our guest presenters. More details regarding this
upcoming base station meeting will be coming out soon.
2024 | MARCH PAGE 9
Hawaii Care Choices
Presenters: Helena Andrews and Qiana Foster
Handtevy for Emergency Providers
Presenter: Dr. Peter Antevy, Founder of the Handtevy System
Trauma Case Review
Presenter: Daniel Scott, HMC Trauma Program Manager
STEMI Case Review
Presenter: Rebecca Moore, HMC STEMI Coordinator
Stroke Case Study Review
Presenter: Caitlyn McAllister, HMC Stroke Coordinator
Pulsara Implementation Meeting
EMS Branch personnel participated in a Pulsara meeting with Dr. Koenig and Hilo Medical
Center personnel. This meeting was about the implementation and sustainability of Pulsara in
future operations within the Hilo Medical Center’s ambulance catchment area.
Ventilator Replacement Program
As part of the ventilator replacement program, EMS Branch personnel participated in two
prehospital portable ventilator presentations. The two vendors that presented were Airon and
Ventway Sparrow. Our goal is to move forward with this project this fiscal year.
Quarterly Fentanyl Task Force Meeting
EMS Branch personnel participated in the quarterly Fentanyl Task Force Meeting held on March
18th.
Fire/EMS Interviews
Fire/EMS recruitment interviews were held on March 25th
Hands-Only CPR/AED Training
The EMS Branch held a Hands-Only CPR/AED training on March 27th at the Mayor’s Cabinet
Meeting. Approximately 40 people participated.
2024 | MARCH PAGE 10
Training Services Branch
Fire Instructor II Certification Course
Seventeen personnel attended a forty-hour Fire Instructor II ProBoard certification course. The
course provides the skills and knowledge needed for the intermediate level professional
instructor to perform his or her duties safely, effectively, and competently. The curriculum is
based on NFPA 1041 “Standard for Fire Service Instructor Professional Qualifications.”
Candidates were taught to create lesson plans and evaluation instruments, teach and deliver
instruction, evaluate and coach other instructors, analyze resources, and formulate a program
budget. This training provides a method of approach for Department personnel to assist in the
creation of cadre-based in-house training programs.
Auto-Extrication Training Sessions at Honoka’a Fire Station
Captain Keone Roback, and Fire Training Specialist Adam Veloria provided two auto-
extrication training sessions to career personnel at Honoka’a Fire Station. Training provided a
general review of extrication principles and practice, along with demonstrating new rescue
methods and techniques.
CPR and Basic First Aid Instruction
FTS Adam Veloria
and Firefighter
Recruits Nicholas
Tran, Nainoa Bishaw-
Mokiao, and Peter
Matsuura assisted
Recreation Specialist
Kalani Kahalioumi
with CPR and basic
First Aid instruction at
the “Ike Kai” youth
spring break program
through Parks and
Recreation.
2024 | MARCH PAGE 11
Assistance to Firefighters Grant
Submitted Assistance to Firefighters Grant to FEMA to provide “Mastering Fire Ground
Command: Calm the Chaos” incident command training to supervisory personnel. We are
requesting $537,595 in funding to establish a Hazard Zone (IDLH) Incident Command and a
Control Training Program to provide safe, effective, and efficient HFD emergency response
operations. This project will align our hazard zone incident command practices with the OSHA
General Duty Clause and NFPA Training Standards 1021, 1026, and 1561 in support of our
mission, "To provide exceptional, all-hazards emergency services to the residents and visitors
of Hawai'i Island."
https://youtu.be/Hki1yPaaGTo?si=7N0pLLfmwZ6uVx_n
Volunteer Training Section
1-A (Pepeekeo)
Responded to one alarm. At a
supplemental training they worked
on ropes and knots and ladders.
10-A (Ainaloa)
Added one new volunteer and
completed painting the exterior of
their station.
7-B (Kalaoa)
Responded to two smoke visible
calls and one brushfire call.
Company 7B did four trainings
focusing on friction loss and hose
evolutions.
16-B (Pu’uanahulu)
Performed 20.5 hours of training
over the course of 3 training days.
2024 | MARCH PAGE 12
Fire Prevention Branch
Structure Fire Investigations in March
The Fire Prevention Branch investigated 3 structure fires during March. The fires were located
in Districts 10, 15 and 16. The Fire in District 10 was undetermined, as there were unpermitted
additions to the property. The fire in District 15 is also classified as Undetermined, as the
structure was not stable enough for Investigator entry. The fire in District 16 was
Undetermined, although evidence of squatters was present in a home that had been boarded
up.
Highlighting Women's History Month
Our social media team has been very active, also acknowledging Women’s History Month. The
goal was to highlight Women in our department including an interview with the first Female
Firefighter in HFD history, Joan Fagerness. See the interviews on our YouTube channel here:
https://www.youtube.com/@HawaiiFireDepartment
Community Collaboration for Wildfire Preparedness
Prevention personnel held a meeting with the Kawaihae Village Subdivision residents, HELCO
representative, and HWMO 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 point out areas of concerns within the subdivision.
IAFC Wildland Urban Interface Conference
BC Kurashige and Inspector I Requelman attended
the International Association of Fire Chief’s
Wildland Urban Interface Conference in Reno,
Nevada on March 26-28, 2024.
Educational Outreach
Inspectors Tyson Goo and Gary Ahu Jr. visit
Waiakea Elementary to educate Keiki on fire
safety.
2024 | MARCH PAGE 13
Fire Prevention Inspections and Plan Reviews
Monthly Totals (All Inspectors) March
Fireworks Site and Storage 0
Certificate of Occupancy 13
Commercial 13
Re-Inspections Commercial 24
Educational 12
Re-Inspections Educational 1
Fire Protection System Acceptance Testing 21
Complaint Investigation 6
DOH Ag Burn Site Inspection 4
AST/UST/LPG Site Inspection 14
Tent Site Inspection 6
Occupancy Load Enforcement 0
Total 114
Plan Review 71
Logistics, Emergency Communications, and Vehicle
Maintenance Section
Emergency Communications
FCO I Class
The new FCO class has started on 3/18 with five candidates.
PPE Decon Project
The annual PPE decon project is moving along, please email fire warehouse if you missed your
station/shift pick up.
Pacific Executive Leadership Program
Captain Domingo attended the Pacific Executive Leadership Program
New Fire Equipment Mechanic
Please welcome new Fire Equipment Mechanic Rhemart Supnet
Treadmills
All the treadmills have been received, assembled, tested and distributed. There was a minor
error code that was resolved by Capt. Namahoe Soo (he researched it and was able to resolve
the error code). The personnel have had very positive feedback ever since.
2024 | MARCH PAGE 14
Apparatus and Equipment Repair
Ninety-seven (97) total repairs/service.
Sixteen (16) service calls or trouble calls.
Thirty (30) contracted out and tows.
Information Technology Highlights
Joint Communication Center (JCC) meeting.
New CAD workstations and monitors received and moved to storage.
Required Microsoft.net installation and certificates for Spillman connections on MDTs
and Domain computers.
Work on process for vehicle swaps in FireWorks.
NetMotion (VPN) meeting.
SAFETY SPECIALIST REPORT
In March 2024, the Hawaii Fire Department experienced four Incidents/Accidents and two
Vehicle/Property damage instances. Significant updates included completing internal safety
inspections of the Admin Section, and Mechanic’s shop, with minor issues, addressed and a
leak with mold in the ceiling being addressed by the Department of Public Works. Meetings
such as the HFD/HFFA Safety Committee Meeting and discussions with Respiratory Protection
Plan stakeholders were held to improve safety protocols. Additionally, initiatives were
undertaken, including completing the Emergency Services Risk Reduction Program and drafting
an After-Action Review guide. Risk analyses were conducted for events like the Merrie Monarch
Festival and UH-Hilo Spring Commencement, while ongoing efforts included creating a Safety
or Health Notification system. Safety also progressed with the development of online reporting
tools and safety materials while addressing inquiries regarding staffing and environmental
evaluations.
END REPORT