HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-08-03County of Hawaii Fire Commission
Fire Chief’s Report
January 8, 2003
Budget
The budget review process is about to begin with a scheduled preliminary review with
the Finance Director on Friday January 10. As indicated in the last meeting, a very
comprehensive supplemental budget has been submitted to reflect the resource
requirements to support continued and improved service delivery.
Alternative Funding and Grants
Last month we received official notification of approval for our USFA Grant and have
initiated the necessary steps to acquire the funds and begin purchasing our specified
equipment.
All grant processes and programs are moving on schedule.
Promotions and Hiring
On December 16th, 22 new Fire Equipment Operators were promoted and took their
assignments. Although this promotion process has created a significant firefighter
shortage, it has opened the door to the hiring of new personnel and reduced the
shortage associated with rank vacancies.
Operations Division
We have closed out the 2002 calendar year with 14650 total incidents and expect to see
another increase in call volumes this next year. During the 48 hour period from 0800 on
December 31st through 0800 on Jan. 2nd, there were 51 fire incidents of which 15 were
confirmed fireworks related and a large portion of the remainder fireworks suspected.
Prevention Bureau
Battalion Chief Richard Kihara has retired as of December 31st, however remains on
temporary hire for another 89 day period during which time he will expedite the training
of the two new inspectors.
During this New Year holiday we saw an increase in fireworks permit sales, however,
elected to refund a portion of the permits as it became apparent that the supply of
firecrackers had been depleted. To date we issued 2284 permits island wide and have
refunded 134. We are exploring other possible permitting process and sales policies to
streamline and improve the distribution and accountability.
Training Division
Although the training division has been idol during the holiday month, it is gearing up for
the anticipated new recruit class. A team of instructors will be meeting on Jan. 15th to
review and develop a tentative training schedule.
Volunteer Division
The Volunteer Chiefs meeting is scheduled for Saturday Jan. 11, 10:00 at the
Laupahoehoe Fire Station.
EMS Division
MICT candidates are continuing with training on schedule and with positive reports.
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