HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-14-03COUNTY OF HAWAII FIRE COMMISSION
FIRE CHIEF’S REPORT
May 14, 2003
Budget
• First reading of FY 2003-04 budget before Council on May 21, 2003 at 0900.
• Unit 11 Arbitration ruling—rank for rank proposal, before Finance committee on 5-6-03;
however, postponed.
• Unable to include in our budget the cost to standardize our present SCBA’s ($230,000).
Alternative Funding and Grants
• ODP (Office of Domestic Preparedness) grant update. County allotted $459,000; Fire
Department share is $160,000. Focusing on equipment for Urban Search & Rescue, HazMat,
and EMS.
• USFA grant application submitted on 4-11-03 in Fire Operations & Firefighter Safety
category for $424,600. Requests to purchase SCBAs, diesel emmision control units, and
portable radios.
Capital Improvement Projects
• Turned over revised plans (including police sub-station) to Bolton on 5-9-03. He is
researching exchanging of lots to ensure better approach/departure.
• Continuing to work with Public Works on Fire Administration & Support facility. Are
presently identifying work area requirements.
Promotions and Hiring
• Interviews held to fill two vacancies for Fire Radio Dispatcher I positions on 4-14-03. Two
dispatchers selected from 11 interviewed. Hired effective 5-16-03.
• Retirement of FRD II Thomas Togashi effective 5-1-03. Request to fill his position has been
initiated.
• Internal Recruitment Procedures
Operations Division
• EOC Orientation briefing at Civil Defense on 4-30-03.
• SARS virus update. Personnel receiving updates as they are received. Protocol clarified
with Hilo International Airport personnel—any incidents on airport grounds will be State
responsibility. We will respond and transport.
• HOVE truck training held April 14-16. Comments received is that many personnel have not
seen the new technology before. Working on sending truck around the island for orientation.
Prevention Division
• Kihara on new contract effective 5-1-03.
• Attempting to expedite training with Honolulu Fire Department, especially in area of plans
review.
Training Division
• Mid-terms for recruits coming up. Next hires will be in August. Deputy Chief working on
new recruitment.
Volunteer Division
• HOVE first responder pilot program began May 5, 2003.
• Obtained grant from NPS for about $20,000 to be used for volunteer stations surrounding
National Park and Federal land (Volcano, North Kohala, and Waikoloa).
EMS Division
• Five MICTs recently certified by State and are actively running.
Fire Auxiliary Services
• Microwave project update.
• 700 Megahertz project update.
New Projects/Business
• Fire RMS is moving forward with support from Data Systems and Honolulu Fire
Department.
• Restructuring.
• Return of SWOT analysis by Commissioners.
Public Relations
• Career shadowing & internship curriculum program – Hilo High School.
• Attended Summer Opportunities Expo involving juniors/seniors from various high schools.
“Hired” two volunteers for summer employment in Fire Admin.
• Results of Mother’s Day rose project. Raised over $3,000 for American Cancer Society.
• Update on EMS Week on June 1, 2003. Invitations mailed to Commissioners w/
applications.