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Home My WebLink About11-10-04COUNTY OF HAWAII FIRE COMMISSION FIRE CHIEF’S REPORT November 10, 2004 • Ward: Kohala By the Sea—Firewise recognition • Presentation of lei/gift to Martha. Budget • Continuing to work on Fiscal Year 2005/06 submittal, which is due to Finance Department on November 22, 2004. As reported at last month’s meeting, although our regular program budget has to reflect our current service delivery requirements, we will push hard for support positions in our supplemental budget submittal (Training Division, Volunteer Training, Administration, reorganization.) Will present our submittal at December’s meeting. Alternative Funding and Grants • USFA Grant: Have not yet heard anything on our Fire Act grant submittal, re: mobile training prop for fire based scenario training ($430,000). As of November 5, 2004, 4,392 grants have been awarded totaling $343 million. A total of about 8,000 grants will be awarded totaling $750 million. • SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) Program Grant: $100 million in funding decreased from next FY 2005 Fire Act grant; however, $65 million appropriated for SAFER Act. Capital Improvement Projects • Puna Public Safety Complex: No new updates. • Pahoa Fire Station: Project that we will have a draft Environmental Assessment by end of December, with design completion expected by April 2005. Researching funding sources for construction, which can begin in FY 2005-06. • Fire Administration: Will submit site assessment to Mayor Kim this month requesting his approval to secure site through executive order from State. • Kalaoa Fire Station: Contract being developed by Corporation Counsel. Construction will begin this fiscal year. Promotions and Hiring • Fire Radio Dispatcher III Promotions: Internal recruitment closed on October 22, 2004. Civil Service is presently screening the applications submitted. • Fire Radio Dispatch I Hiring: According to Civil Service, the exam is scheduled for 11/15/04 at 5:00 p.m. at Aunty Sally’s Luau Hale. We should be receiving the list of eligibles within a week or so after that. • FEO Promotions/Assessment Center: Hope to be moving on this soon. In process of establishing a proper, fair and effective method of screening. • Fire Fighter Recruit Candidates: Continuing to receive character reference and employer background information on candidates (Phase I). Will be screened for suitability in accordance with our established FF Recruit Suitability Guidelines. Phase II will commence thereafter. Operations Division • Ocean View Fire Station: Station 20 opened on November 5, 2004 at 0800. Have not received any word from the State on the release of funds. • Volcano Fire Station: Takeover still slated for January 1, 2005. Working with NPS to assure smooth transition. $250,000 received from Federal to be used toward purchase of fire apparatus. • Kalaoa Fire Station: Apparatus status—personnel to mainland. • Public Works Project: Planned traffic facility project at Kailua Fire Station. Prevention Division • UFC Adoption: Will be meeting with Fire Inspectors and Corporation Counsel later this month. Training Division • Recruit Class Updates: • 30th Class: In clinical. Finishing up EMT I. Running on different medics, assigned to ER, OB and Intensive Care; some assigned to various stations and running on the medics. All recruits will be returning to the classroom on December 14. Their graduation is scheduled for December 18th—luncheon at Nani Mau. Invitations should be coming soon. • 31st Class: In their 14th week. Doing driver training until December 13. On December 14th, they will be temporarily assigned to stations. • Fire Science Training Program: Fire 151 (red card class) in January & February. Fire 152 in March & April. • Tactical Emergency Medical Services (TEMS) Basic SWAT Training: Seven firefighters selected. Two week training to be held November 29 to December 10, 2004. • National Fire Academy: Inspector Alan Yagi just returned from two week Plans Review for Inspectors held October 18-29. Volunteer Training Division • Driver Training: All volunteer companies are open, and most companies have certified drivers. Still working on remainder of drivers (smaller companies) to bring all volunteer companies up to five drivers per company. 85% completed. • Petition by Naalehu Volunteer Fire Fighters: Signed by about 400 Naalehu residents requesting a permanent fire station to house their trucks, equipment and personnel so they can better serve their area. Heard in the Finance Committee meeting on November 9, 2004. • Volunteer Fire Chief’s Meeting: Scheduled for Saturday, November 20, 2004, 1000, at the Volcano Volunteer fire station. EMS Division • MICT Class: Began on November 1, 2004, with seven candidates going to class. Working on MOA for MICT Stipend. Presently being reviewed by Corp Counsel. Fire Auxiliary Services New Projects/Business • Hawaii Island Rural Health Association Conference: Attended conference on October 28, 2004. Using them as a lobbying measure on EMS issues. • Hawaii Fire Chief’s Association Conference: November 11-14 at Ritz-Carlton Kapalua Hotel in Maui. Theme is Fire Accountability. Hawaii County will host next year’s conference. Public Relations • Fire Prevention Week: Held October 23 at the old Kona airport from 1000-1400. • Holiday Preparations: Relief Association will host a station Christmas decorating contest. Fire Admin also plans to participate in decoration of the County building. • Waimea Christmas Parade: To be held on the evening of December 4. Will be assisting with Fire Commission entry. • Photograph of Fire Commission: Would like to take photograph of Fire Commissioners at next meeting.