The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About07-13-05COUNTY OF HAWAII FIRE COMMISSION FIRE CHIEF’S REPORT July 13, 2005 Budget • FY 2005/06: On July 8, 2005, requested funding of the four previously unfunded fire fighter positions (funding transferred into the Council’s contingency account). Funding needed in anticipation of hire of 33rd recruit class on September 1, 2005. Alternative Funding and Grants • USFA Grant: Bid specifications submitted for our modular live fire training unit (burn trailer). (Federal portion is $301,000; County match is $129,000) • FY 2005 Assistance to Firefighters Grant: On June 16, 2005, received an e-mail from FEMA notifying us of a favorable review of our grant application. Requested follow-ups in reference to National Historic Preservation and National Flood Insurance Program requirements. Responses submitted July 8, 2005. Budget is $406,016 (Federal) and $101,504 (County 20% match), total $507,520) • DOT Safe Highways Grant: All 67 spineboards acquired through this grant have been distributed to ambulance unit stations. Also submitted 2005 grant application for acquisition of 6 pneumatic lifting bag sets (Pahoa, Kawailani, Waikoloa, Kaumana, South Kohala & Keauhou) and 1 spare power extrication tool through this year’s DOT grant. Total cost $63,500. Capital Improvement Projects • Pahoa Fire Station: Special Use permit application for project will be on the Planning Commission’s agenda at their September meeting. The final plan approval and “letting out of bids” cannot be done until the Special Use permit is granted. • Fire Administration & Support Facility: CIP manager working to provide required information to Public Works in order to start the consultant selection process. • Kalaoa Fire Station: Developer working on sight distance issues with adjacent landowner. Developer has not yet responded to our request for cost data. Chief Oliveira recognized Nick AhYo for keeping our CIP projects moving ahead. Promotions and Hiring • Fire Radio Dispatcher III (Supervisors): Interviews held June 22, 2005. Promotions to occur effective July 16, 2005. • Clerk III: Laura Casey selected to fill the Clerk III position. She began July 1 st. • Fire Fighter Recruitment: Closed June 27, 2005. Written examinations to be scheduled by Civil Service. • 33rd Fire Fighter Recruit Class: Scheduled to begin September 1, 2005. Candidates in process of medical screening. • Internal Recruitments: Opening of Captain and FEO recruitments shortly. Operations Division • Naptha Fire: In response to Commissioner Browne’s request, presentation of Naptha fire incident provided. • Collection and Security of Personal Property Associated with Patient Transports Policy: Following the receipt of the complaint regarding our mishandling of a patient’s medications, an interim Collection and Security of Personal Property Associated with Patient Transports policy was disseminated to all personnel on June 30, 2005. In addition, working with Corporation Counsel to develop a form and written procedures regarding the chain of custody of personal property. • NFIRS Training: Captain Reuben Chun and FEO Charles Whittle attended an NFIRS-Data Analysis and Problem Solving Techniques training on June 21-22 at Honolulu Fire Department. • Fire RMS Training Module: Captain Glen Honda and FEO Charles Whittle attended on July 8 at the Honolulu Fire Department. • UFSA/NHSTA National Incident Management System Train the Trainer Class: FEO Lance Uchida will attend the training from July 24 to 29, 2005 in Maryland. • Hawaii Petroleum Fire Protection Course: Five firefighters attended the class sponsored by Chevron Texaco from June 27 to July 1, 2005 in Honolulu. • Hilo International Airport Incident Command System Class: Attended by Captain Aaron Arbles from June 28 to 30, 2005. Prevention Division • 4th of July: Responded to 11 fireworks related incidents over the 4th of July weekend: 10 brush fires and 1 dumpster fires. No property dollar loss and no reports of incidents to fire department. However, per DOH, 7 fireworks related injuries: 5 in Hilo, 1 in Kona, and 1 in North Hilo. Of the 7, one was aerial related. Total injuries for state: 57. Training Division • 31st Recruit Class Update: In EMT-I training. Graduation scheduled for August 20 at Nani Mau Gardens in Hilo. Invitations have been sent to all Commissioners. Class will go on the line on September 1st. • 32nd Fire Fighter Recruit Class: This week they are in lifeguard training at the Kona Aquatics pool. On Wednesday, they will have open ocean swimming (one mile), and helicopter rescue on Thursday. • Internal Investigations Training & Certificate Program: Six personnel attended 3-day training from June 28 to 30, 2005. • Fire Science: Through the support of the Rural Development Program, Fire Science courses will be starting up in the fall and will be offered free of charge (to be subsidized through grant funding.) Classes to be offered are Introduction to Wildland Fire Control (3 credits) and Incident Command and Disaster Control (3 credits). Classes will begin August 22 and go through December 7. Volunteer Training Division EMS Division • Medical Director: Dr. Lee Fineberg’s contract ended June 30 (moving to Australia). Start of Dr. Rich McDowell’s contract effective July 16. Fire Auxiliary Services New Projects/Business • Reorganization: With the approval of the FY 2005-06 budget, moving forward with reorganization. Employee/Public Relations • 4th of July Pool Splash: 3rd annual event coordinated by Captain Clint Coloma, held on July 4th at NAS pool from 1200. Fun for all. • HIUW/KTA Bag Brigade: 4th annual event being scheduled during the months of August & September. Event has raised about $4,000 annually for HIUW.