HomeMy WebLinkAbout11 FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT FY 24-25 MAY Amended 6-25-2025
2025 | MAY FISCAL YEAR 24-25
FIRE CHIEF’S REPORT
HAWAI’I FIRE DEPARTMENT 25 AUPUNI ST., SUITE 2501 HILO, HAWAI’I 96720 FIRE@HAWAIICOUNTY.GOV
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
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 ........................................................................................................................ 9
Volunteer Training Section ................................................................................................................. 11
Fire Prevention Section ......................................................................................................................... 12
Auxiliary Services Section .................................................................................................................... 13
Emergency Communications ......................................................................................................... 13
Information Technology....................................................................................................................... 14
Safety Specialist Report ............................................................................................................................ 14
Snapshots and Stories ............................................................................................................................... 15
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2025 | MAY PAGE 3
ADMIN DIV: FISCAL BRANCH REPORT
Program Budget Goals May YTD Goal Invoice Settlement within 30 days 93% 93% 90% Pay-out of CILV’s within 90 days 99% 99% 95% Dollar value of grants applied for $5,372,585 $27,850,085 $5,000,000 Dollar value of grants received $ 0 $ 488,723 $5,000,000
Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal
Fire S&W 39,878,922.00 37,432,503.11 93.87 95.83
6221-6225 OCE 6,314,148.96 5,572,185.34 88.25 91.67
Equipment 3,891,219.61 3,408,547.17 87.60 91.67
Grants & Misc S&W 661,520.09 257,161.00 38.87% 95.83
6226 OCE 1,327,882.56 375,657.82 28.29 91.67
Equipment 697,875.20 388,294.05 55.64 91.67
EMS S&W 15,430,607.00 13,365,006.34 86.61 95.83
6227 OCE 3,056,425.33 1,941,118.95 63.51 91.67
Equipment 3,253,637.02 3,116,359.90 95.78 91.67
Ocean Safety S&W 5,483,856.34 4,094,349.21 74.66 95.83
6228 OCE 358,618.49 306,247.31 85.40 91.67
Equipment 518,905.32 338,173.39 65.17 91.67
Total Budget 80,873,617.92 70,595,603.59 87.29
Grants Update
2023 CDBG (3) Brush Trucks $625,693 furnished by Orchid Isle Ford. Delivery pending.
2024 CDBG
Received (1) 2025 Kawasaki Mule Pro-FXT UTV and trailer for the Pahala Fire Station. Delivery pending on a fire pump skid. Bid for a brush truck for the Puna Vol. Fire Station awarded to Rebel Strike.
CDBG- MIT Wildfire Mitigation
Bid for three brush trucks awarded to Rebel Strike LLC. A Mobile Service Trailer was awarded to Hawaii Specialty Vehicles. The Mobile Command Vehicle will go out for rebid.
FY 2023 AFG
Grant awarded establishing a Hazard Zone (IDLH) Incident Command and a Control Training Program to provide safe, effective, and efficient HFD emergency response Operations. Grant is 11.67% spent as of 5/31/25.
FY 23 USDA Vol. Fire Capacity Project The bid was awarded to Orchid Isle Ford for two (2) Brush Trucks $411,097. Delivery pending.
FY 24 USDA Vol. Fire Capacity Project Supplies and equipment continue to arrive for the Volunteer Operations section. Remaining grant balance of $27,796.12.
Kohanaiki Lifeguard Tower (Fair Share funds) (1) I.D.R. Surveyor Apex lifeguard tower furnished by Newport Laminates. Delivery expected in the second quarter of 2025.
Leleiwi Lifeguard Tower (Fair Share Funds) (1) Surveyor Junior lifeguard tower furnished by Newport Laminates. Delivery expected in early 2026.
2025 | MAY PAGE 4
ADMIN DIV: HR BRANCH REPORT
Program Budget Goals May YTD GOAL
Process actions within 15 working days 26 269 100%
Recruitment Actions < 30 days 31 86 100% Promotion Actions < 30 days 5 17 100%
Personnel Actions within 30 days, <10% error 53 248 100%
Internal Recruitment within Department
Position Status Report
Battalion Chief (EMS Bureau) Selection made. Effective date 05/01/25.
Battalion Chief (Special Operations) Pending selection effective 07/01/25.
Battalion Chief (FASO) Selection made. Effective 6/16/2025.
Fire Equipment Operator Selection made. Effective 05/01/25.
Fire Prevention Inspector II Selection made. Effective date 05/16/25.
Fire Prevention Inspector I Five applicants have been scheduled for interviews 6/23/2025.
Fire Rescue Specialist Interviews for twelve scheduled for 6/6/2025.
Water Safety Officer V Four names referred to interview/assessment stage.
Open-Competitive Recruitment
Position Status Report
Program Support Technician Selection made. Effective date 05/16/25.
Fire Fighter Recruit (Temp) Five alternates medical exams are scheduled for the end of May.
Fire/EMS Recruit Eighteen medical exams are scheduled for the end of May.
Automotive Storekeeper Selection made. Effective date 05/16/2025.
Fire Communications Officer I
Thirty-two candidates referred from DHR. Interviews in- process of being scheduled.
Fire Maintenance Worker Interviews scheduled for 05/06/25 yielded no candidates. Requisition cancelled.
Human Resources Program Specialist Selection made. Effective date 5/16/2025.
Senior Account Clerk Selection made. Effective date 6/2/2025.
Water Safety Officer I 12 candidates selected for interviews; interviews scheduled for 6/3/25 and 6/4/25.
2025 | MAY PAGE 5
OPERATIONS
Emergency Operations
Total Calls for Calendar Year 2025 May % YTD %
Fire 72 3% 471 4%
Overpressure, Rupture, Explosion- no fire 0 0% 0 0%
Rescue and EMS 1836 72% 9060 70%
Hazardous Cond. (no fire) 7 0% 78 1%
Service Call 184 7% 998 8%
Good Intent calls 397 16% 2103 16%
False Alarm / False calls 32 1% 141 1%
Severe Weather 0 0% 0 0%
Special Incident Type 8 0% 25 0%
Other (not completed yet) 8 0% 0 0%
Totals 2544 100% 12876 100%
Response Times CY 2025
Statistic May % that meet.… YTD % that meet...
Avg. Turn out time (Fire) 2:25 (80 sec.) 12.68% 2:19 (80 sec.) 18.80%
Avg. Turn out time
(EMS)
2:07 (60 sec.) 19.81% 2:04 (60 sec.) 18.74%
Statistic May % that meets 6 min. YTD % that meet 6 min
Avg. Response Time
(Fire)
11:24 12.50% 10:33 15.07%
Avg. Response Time
(EMS)
8:57 20.70% 8:56 21.26%
Fire Impacts CY 2025
Call Type May YTD
Wildland calls (140, 141, 142, 143) 23 113
Acres burned 23 245
Structure Fires (110 & 111) 4 29
Property and Contents - Loss $102,500.00 $2,209,550.00
Property and Contents - Save $145,000.00 $3,475,600.00
Other fires (all other 100 series) 45 329
Property and Contents - Loss $73,750.00 $139,950.00
Property and Contents - Save $- $4,500.00
Year 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 (est.)
Total Calls 25,015 27,398 29,594 30,738 31,143 30,902
2025 | MAY PAGE 6
Emergency Operations Highlights
Battalion 1, East Hawaiʻi
• 5/11 & 14, Inc# 11196 & 11419, Brush Fires: Lehua St/Dist. 8. 1st fire approx. 3
acres which threatened multiple structures, however no damage, injuries or
fatalities incurred. 2nd fire smaller and no threats to life or property. Both were
maliciously set. Possible homeless encampment.
• 5/13, Inc# 11337, Structure Fire: Nanawale Estates/Dist. 10, Structure fire. No
injuries or fatalities.
• 5/13, Inc# 11402; Brush Fire: Waipio valley/Dist. 8, brush fire approximately 1
acre which mostly inaccessible no damage incurred to structures. No injuries or
fatalities.
• 5/18, Inc# 11753, Rescue: Carlsmith Beach/Dist. 2, Swimmer in distress, Victim
recovered, one fatality reported.
Battalion 2, West Hawaiʻi
• 5/14, Inc# 11441; Brush Fire: Kawaihae Rd. 10’X200’ section of KWHE Rd with
suspicious burn pattern, probable arson. Fire extinguished by Company 9 &
company 14.
Special Events: • 5/12-16/2025; Calm the Chaos training at PTA
Special Operations
Haz-Mat
• Preparing for next FY equipment purchases with new budget allocations
• Tactical Chemistry class scheduled for July 9, 10, and 11.
• Solicitation for Hazmat Continuing Challenge has been posted, and the
deadline for submittals is June 30.
Ocean Safety
• WSO recruitment update:
o WSO V: Assessment scheduled for July 3.
o WSO I: PAE completed, and interviews scheduled for June 3 & 4.
o WSO III and IV: Recruitments initiated with DHR, posting scheduled for
June 22.
2025 | MAY PAGE 7
• Kohanaiki tower delivery scheduled for June 9, blessing and start of service
June 13.
• Pohoiki Tower 7 relocated to north side of beach to accommodate dredging
work. Services to continue throughout duration of work.
Rescue
• IFB for RB7-7 (Radon) repower to Outboards. Currently soliciting Bids.
• Finalizing Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation Equipment requests and award
nominations. New seamless requests and review processes created
• Warranty work completed for RB2 engines
Incident heat map and YTD stats for May 2025 Link for Station Call Volume Breakdown
2025 | MAY PAGE 8
SUPPORT SERVICES
Emergency Medical Services Branch Promotion to EMS Battalion Chief On May 1st, EMS Captain Kilipaki Kanae was promoted to the position of EMS Battalion Chief. Congratulations Battalion Chief Kanae on this well-earned achievement and new leadership role. Paramedic Class – Final Rotation The four personnel enrolled in paramedic class have started their 4th rotation. This is the final internship rotation before they move on to complete their state and national certification testing requirements. Kealakehe High School Outreach On May 16th, EMS Captains A. Mitchell and M. Lam attended Kealakehe High School’s Health Pathways Program as guest lecturers. Topics included cardiology, landscape of emergency medicine, and encouraging pursuit in the healthcare sector for graduating seniors. EMS Week Recognition May 18–24, 2025 marked the 51st Anniversary of EMS Week. This year’s theme, “We Care. For Everyone,” highlights the dedication of EMS providers. In recognition of EMS Week, the EMS Branch distributed Holy Bakery pies throughout our department to thank everyone for their hard work and dedication.
Interfacility Transfer Discussions The EMS Branch met with Kohala Hospital and Honokaʻa Hospital to discuss interfacility transfer guidelines and procedures. EMS Shopify Store – May Orders EMS Shopify Store supply data for May:
• 69 orders
• Approximately $43K in gross order sales
2025 | MAY PAGE 9
Ironman Honu Triathlon Standby Support On May 31st, EMS Branch personnel provided standby medical support at the Ironman Honu Triathlon.
Training Services Branch
Mastering Fireground Command Workshop Retired Chiefs Anthony , John Wegener, and John Wagner of the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District conducted a 5-day Train-the-Trainer workshop as part of our Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) award. This nationally recognized training focused on decentralized command to bridge the gap between strategic (e.g., Battalion Chief) and task-level operations, empowering first-due company officers to assume tactical command in the critical early phase of incidents. A major objective of the program is to proactively prevent alignment of the NIOSH Top 5 contributing factors to firefighter line-of-duty deaths, which are: 1. Lack of or inadequate risk assessment/size-up 2. Lack of incident command or inadequate command 3. Lack of accountability 4. Inadequate communications 5. Lack of or failure to follow standard operating procedures or guidelines (SOP/SOGs) The workshop began with a one-day awareness-level session open to all fire response agencies on Hawaiʻi Island. The remainder of the week included scenario-based command repetitions (“sets and reps”) designed to build muscle memory and fluency in a nimble, agile incident management system tailored for the initial operational period. Our new trainers are now working on internal delivery plans for department-wide supervisory training, practicing instruction, and are drafting standard operating guidelines (SOGs) adaptable to both urban and rural incident types and staffing models.
2025 | MAY PAGE 10
Engine Company Operations Following the April Engine Company Operations Train-the-Trainer workshop, cadre members conducted instructor teach-backs under the supervision of the Training Branch. These sessions ensured curriculum fidelity prior to delivering two, three-day workshops to Emergency Operations personnel. Personnel from the B and C Platoons, from the Hilo and Puna Districts, participated to begin gradually establishing geographically consistent tactical operations. Training for A Platoon is scheduled for June. All trained companies were also participants in the Keystone Evolutions, a structured needs assessment designed to identify strengths, gaps, and tactical opportunities in interior structural firefighting. These evolutions revealed key areas for improvement in hoseline management, water mapping, fire attack coordination, and command and control. Ongoing funding over the next several fiscal years will be essential to: 1. Reduce fire suppression times 2. Improve civilian rescue and survivability 3. Mitigate risk to firefighters through improved tactical decision-making ARFF ProBoard Certification for 53rd Recruit Class The 53rd Recruit Class began Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) ProBoard certification training in accordance with NFPA 1003 led by ARFF RTO Brandon Taniyama. This course prepares firefighters to respond to aircraft emergencies with specialized knowledge in fire suppression, rescue operations, and hazard mitigation unique to aviation environments. The training includes both classroom instruction and hands-on evolutions aligned with the Job Performance Requirements (JPRs) established by NFPA to ensure competency in aircraft firefighting tactics and safety protocols. Genesis Rescue Tool Technician Training Captain Keone Roback and Fire Mechanic Jason Rowland attended the Genesis Rescue Systems hydraulic extrication tool technician training on Kaua’i. The course covered routine inspection, maintenance, and repair of Genesis rescue tools, and allows HFD to perform preventative measures and minimize downtime by facilitating repairs locally. Gary Sinise Foundation Fire Conference Attendance Captain Roback led 54th Recruit Class RTOs and Assistant Trainers Branden Pascual, Jordan Victorine, and Colton Jones in attending the three-day Gary Sinise Foundation Fire Conference in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania. The subject matter included fire suppression, ground ladder tactical applications, thermal imaging, and use of water-based fire extinguishers. Attendees were also able to expand their network through relationship-building, and gain insight into training delivery and instruction from subject matter experts.
2025 | MAY PAGE 11
Volunteer Training Section
5-C (Fern Forest) Volunteer Company 5C – Fern Forest volunteers along with 19A, Volcano volunteers received a special training on CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management) from HFD’s Pastor Renee Godoy and Fire Communications Officer II Jacob Nixon. -photos- 5-D (Fern Acres) Volunteer Company 5D – due to a surge in volunteerism within the Fern Acres community following last month’s fire, a separate training day had to be established to maintain span of control parameters. Co. 5D now has their training on the second Tuesday of the month. 7-B (Kalaoa) Volunteer Company 7B was dispatched to one brush fire and focused their training on water supply and foam operations through various discharge platforms. 9-B (Kanehoa) Volunteer Company 9B had a new driver pass the driver training course; one team member assisted with the medical staff during the Ironman event; two more personnel attended the Vibrant Hawaii Emergency Preparedness Summit in Volcano; and the team practiced our WUI hose drills. 10-D (Ainaloa) Volunteer Company 10D – Had a change of command with volunteer FEO Sheldon Santiago unanimously voted to assume the role of volunteer Captain. Former Captain Elliott Idao continues to serve as a firefighter. 11-C (Discovery Harbour) Captain TJ James retired at the end of April after serving the Ka’u community for over 16 years. Over the years he held various positions including volunteer auxiliary captain, volunteer fire captain, and volunteer commander. He was instrumental in shaping the volunteer program for the island. 16-B (Puʻuanahulu) Volunteer Company 16B had17 man hours of driver training, maintenance and plumbing repairs on Engine 16B.
2025 | MAY PAGE 12
19-A (Volcano) Volunteer Company 19A (see 5C) 20-A (HOVE) Volunteer Company 20A was dispatched to multiple fires but stood down, during the month of May.
Fire Prevention Section
Fire Inspections Our current (1) fire inspector is conducting business inspections in designated Area 1. Inspectors will now be split into three designated area groupings assigned permanently that are evenly split between island-wide districts. Inspectors may reach out to identify if a high-hazard inspection is being completed in a fire district ahead of time if station personnel would want to participate. Community Outreach, Events & Social Media May 8: Captain Goo participated in CST with HPD and Hazmat Specialists with UAS Ops, Media as well as utilizing the Fire Prevention Command Center May 10: Prevention East along with the 53rd Fire Recruits participated in Hilo’s Trek The Trail event bringing Marshal from Paw Patrol and EMS Standby May 14: (Media) Captain Goo attended Calm the Chaos: Train the Trainer May 20: (Media) Captain Goo participated in the Area 1 DARE Hilo Scenario May 21: Chief Henderson and Captain Goo attended the Cross Country Wildfire Council Statewide meeting May 28: Captain Goo and Rescue Specialists Young and Yamashita participated in Waiakea Elementary’s Career Day May 30: Captain Goo is currently working with N5 Wildfire Detection Systems on the currently installed N5 Infrared Sensors installed around the island as well as (4) deployable sensors on activation and reporting of the 24/7 monitored sensors. There are currently (15) N5 Wildfire detection sensors installed around Hawai’i Island. May 27-30: Prevention East has moved locations to Fire Dispatch next to the Warehouse and will begin all East operations from that location beginning June 1st.
2025 | MAY PAGE 13
Plan Review / Active Construction All plans in the epic system and submitted shop drawings have been reviewed and completed within the allotted 14-day turnaround period for the month. Active construction currently: -Completion and final testing of fire alarm systems in Dist.1 Kaiko’o Building -Hydro Testing in Mauna Kea Beach Hotel in Dist.14 Fire Investigations/UAS Program Fire Investigations/UAS: May 6: Dist.20 Mobile Trailer Fire Captain Goo and Requelman -Single Fatality Fire May 18: Dist. 6 Single Family Residence Structure Fire BC Henderson May 20: Dist.1 Apartment Fire Inspectors Ahu and Requelman UAS Program: May 6-7: Captain Goo attended Uncrewed Aircraft Systems in Disaster Management Course by UH Manoa via zoom May 16: Captain Goo, Inspector Requelman, HFD retired Captain Wong, DLNR and a student from UH Hilo’s UAS Program tested some of the new technology with the program NOVA as well as some mapping capture and thermal imaging. Internal Recruitment: A written examination for the Fire Prevention Inspector I internal recruitment was held on May 27.
Auxiliary Services Section
● Shopify orders 70 customers/101 orders, total sales $28,704.28
● Program Support Technician (PST) Thal “Naomi” Uyemura started on 5/16 and made an immediate impact with daily warehouse duties. Her attention to detail, quick wit, and eagerness to learn and improve the ordering system will be an invaluable asset to the entire department. If you have a chance, please stop by and welcome Naomi! Emergency Communications
• FCO II Nixon attended the Motorola Summit in Grapevine, TX where he was able to network with other agencies and learn more about our Spillman CAD program, as well as bring back his experiences to share with co-workers. • Chief Domingo and Captain Kaneshiro have continued progress in moving towards Emergency Fire Dispatch implementation. • Hawaiian Tel returned to complete the cut over of our back up center at 349 Kapiolani.
2025 | MAY PAGE 14
• Chief Domingo and Captain Kaneshiro had a meeting with Eagleview to discuss how their mapping system could support our dispatchers and operations personnel.
Information Technology
• On 5/7 Central Fire Station relocated to 1382 Kilauea Ave. The county fiber internet connection, phone lines, computer and radio equipment installation and move were all completed by the end of the day. Station personnel stayed overnight on 5/7 after finishing their evening meal at the old station. The relocation of their oven and other items were completed the following day. Other Technical Services Highlights: • FireWorks support has uploaded the inventory list for all stations, administration, and support services. Inventory checks are now active in FireWorks. Communication on inventory check procedures will be sent out soon. • New printers were added to the ECC and configured. • Worked with Police IT on setting up on configuring CradlePoint VPN. • Attended Statewide Communications Interoperability Planning (SCIP) meeting in Oahu. • Need to have FirstNet Cellular on Wheels (COW) devices flight certification for military transport planes completed was brought up. • Maui Emergency Management Agency has changed from EverBridge to Genasys EVAC for evacuation notices. Genasys allows for evacuation notices to only be sent to preconfigured zones. When you signup for Genasys you can pick 5 zones to receive notifications from, if you have the app installed on a smart phone and locations services enabled you will all receive notifications for the zone you are currently in. • GIS best practices meeting • Setup and successful testing (live 911 calls, live CAD calls, and radio communications) of dispatch back up site at Public Safety Building for both fire and police • Meeting with Kauai Fire Department to demo FireWorks software and discuss technology used by Kauai Fire Department and Hawaii Fire Department (pictured).
SAFETY SPECIALIST REPORT
Several new incident/accident and vehicle/property damage reports were logged, and a near-miss from the April 27 Fern Acres wildfire response (volunteer injured escaping fire) was reviewed. The Respiratory Protection Program advanced with HIOSH permits secured for Waiakea, Pahoa, and Makalei compressors, with inspections set for June (west side) and July (east side), though Porta-Count machines remain out for calibration. A 5-6 gallon Class B foam spill at Kinoole Warehouse was mitigated, with disposal plans progressing despite the manufacturer’s refusal to recall/reimburse; efforts to secure AKW Environmental for disposal are ongoing. The COOP exercise is confirmed for
2025 | MAY PAGE 15
October 7, with planning underway for a two-phase drill. Thanks to Assistant Chief Chadwick of Support Services, the Central Fire Station relocated in the first week of May. The Deputy Chief, CISM Coordinator, and I met with the Governor’s Office of Wellness and Resilience to discuss first responder mental health support. Reviewed NIOSH’s report on Honolulu firefighter Jeff Fiala’s LODD to strengthen our safety practices (read it here: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/firefighters/programs/pdfs/face202502.pdf . I’m gearing up for the June 16-20 Firefighter Safety Stand Down on behavioral health. Mahalo for keeping safety first!
SNAPSHOTS AND STORIES
Spring 2025 Promotional Ceremonies HFD held two Spring 2025 Promotional Ceremonies in May—one in Kona and one in Hilo. Each event featured remarks from the Office of the Mayor, blessings offered by chaplains, and the formal oath-taking and pinning of new badges. Mahalo to the Friends of First Responders for generously providing refreshments, and congratulations to all the newly promoted personnel!
2025 | MAY PAGE 16
Federal Partnerships
On May 15, 2025, the U.S. Army recognized the partnership between the Hawaiʻi Fire Department and U.S. Army Garrison Pōhakuloa Training Area (PTA) with the 2024 Army Community Partnership Award, presented at the Pentagon. Fire Chief Kazuo Todd and PTA Commander Lt. Col. Timothy Alvarado accepted the award, which highlights years of joint training, mutual aid responses, and shared resources that have strengthened both military readiness and local emergency response. While in Washington, D.C. for the ceremony, Chief Todd also met with Congresswoman Jill Tokuda to discuss federal support for Hawaiʻi’s public safety initiatives. FF Wilson Receives Hāweo Award Firefighter Brian Wilson was honored with the Hāweo Award for May 2025 for his actions during a motor vehicle accident response. Faced with downed power lines and an unconscious driver trapped inside a vehicle, FF Wilson entered the vehicle through the windshield and safely extricated the patient. His response directly contributed to the patient’s survival and expected full recovery. Congratulations FF Wilson!
Service Retirements Three members of our department retired at the end of May—Captains Duane “Ipo” Thompson, Jr. and Palani Kurashige, and FMS II Troy Fernandez. We extend our heartfelt thanks to each of them for their years of service, dedication, and sacrifice. You will be deeply missed, and we wish you all the best in this next chapter!
END REPORT