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Home My WebLink About01-12-03COUNTY OF HAWAII FIRE COMMISSION FIRE CHIEF’S REPORT February 12, 2003 Introduction I would like to express my sincerest apologies for my failure to provide adequate information and a formal briefing for the Commission regarding the Sun Sun Lau proposal. I had personally made an assumption that it had been shared at a previous meeting, however, our records and notes revealed otherwise. I would also like to emphasize that this project proposal was submitted and supported after consultation with the County Engineer and with his recommendations and professional opinion as to cost effectiveness. Other factors that weighed heavily were the favorable location and property size. Budget • Copies of supplemental budget listing priorities & justification were provided to all Fire Commissioners. • Presentation of Strategic Plan. The submitted final draft of our Strategic Plan will reflect great similarity with our supplemental budget. This due primarily in part that our financial proposals represent a formal process following a developed plan consisting of goals and objectives. Request feedback from Commissioners at next meeting. Alternative Funding and Grants • Submittal of Community Development Block Grant – Design Pahoa fire station; $170,000. The lower Puna area of the island is one of the fastest growing and developing communities and consists of a population of about 18,000. The existing Pahoa Fire Station facility was constructed in 1969 and does not support current operational effectiveness. • Receipt of $600 grant from Wal-Mart for EMS Week. This grant will be utilized to develop public education and safety materials to be distributed during EMS Week. • Office of Justice Program (OJP) grant. The Office of Justice Program grants are designed to assist with agency preparedness regarding hazardous materials response. It is a multi-year program currently entering its fourth year of funding distribution. We will be sharing a $591,000 allotment with the Police and targeting equipment to support and sustain interagency communication and interoperability. Capital Improvement Projects • Kalaoa fire station status: A formal letter has been sent to Mr. Yuen, Planning Director to facilitate the establishment of formal agreements with the use of “fair share costs” and project development. Presently awaiting a meeting with the developers representative to further discuss site plans. • Fire Administration & Support facility (SunSunLau). Presently we are reviewing all options and suggestions made in light of the post bond hearings and approval. It was obvious that we have the support of the Mayor and the Council in providing for our needs. • Future Projects: Central, Pahoa, Keaau, Honokaa, Naalehu, Paauilo. We resubmitted our CIP proposals for future infrastructure and have identified these facilities based on replacement need and possible site availability. Promotions and Hiring • Appointment of Kirk Roark to Fire Equipment Mechanic effective 1-16-03. • Interview/hiring process of Firefighter Recruits. Plan to hire two classes of recruits this year, with the first class tentatively scheduled to begin in mid-March. • Beginning process for hiring of 2 Dispatchers. • New Internal Recruitment policies and procedures currently in draft and review stage. As required with the recent Civil Service Reform, each department shall be responsible for the coordination and management of its respective internal recruitment. Operations Division • Position descriptions for Assistant Fire Chiefs and Division Heads provided to Commissioners as requested. • Problem solving team first session on 1-28-03. Jane Larkin has been facilitating these meetings and had very promising reports on the progress and involvment of our personnel. Prevention Division • Prevention Inspectors attended Drager Gas Detector training on 2-4-03. Training Division • Preparation of recruit class • 2 personnel (Kaaihili/Young) attended one-week Inland Search & Rescue course on Oahu. • MICT-PHTLS recertification classes ongoing during February. • EMT retraining scheduled for March & April. • 2 personnel (Brennan/Kurokawa) attended 2-day Critical Incident Stress Management One-on-one Peer Counseling course on Oahu. Volunteer Division • Blessing ceremony of Big Island Country Club volunteer station on 2-4-03. EMS Division • Five MICT candidates have completed training and received interim licenses and are scheduled to take their National Registry Exam next month. Fire Auxiliary Services • Microwave blessing for public safety communications project held on 2-5-03. The police department is the lead agency in this project. New Projects/Business • Project Kumiai start up involving public safety agencies, targeting preparedness for emergencies. • Attended a presentation on SunPro by Chief Neves, Honolulu Fire Department, which is the records management system purchased by our department several years ago. • Submittal of support letters for: HOVE Ambulance Service, Civil Service Reform relating to drug testing procedures; Smoking ban on public school campuses by public employees. Copies made for all Fire Commissioners. • Attendance at two-week Fire Service Financial Management course at National Fire Academy. Public Relations • Hawaii Heart Walk in Hilo on 2-8-03. We had 25 participants and raised $525 dollars for American Heart Association. • Upcoming 1st annual Recognition and Awards Dinner on March 16, 2003. • EMS Week (tentatively June 1, 2003)