HomeMy WebLinkAboutFIRE CHIEF'S REPORT FY 25-26 JULY
2025 | JULY FISCAL YEAR 25-26
FIRE CHIEF’S REPORT
HAWAI’I FIRE DEPARTMENT 25 AUPUNI ST., SUITE 2501 HILO, HAWAI’I 96720 FIRE@HAWAIICOUNTY.GOV
Chief’s Office Report ............................................................................................................................... 3
Fiscal Branch Report ................................................................................................................................ 3
Grants Report ............................................................................................................................................. 3
Human Resources Branch Report ....................................................................................................... 4
Emergency Operations Division .......................................................................................................... 5
Special Operations Branch .................................................................................................................... 6
Ocean Safety Branch ............................................................................................................................... 6
Emergency Medical Services Branch ................................................................................................. 7
Training Services Branch ........................................................................................................................ 8
Volunteer Services Section .................................................................................................................... 9
Fire Prevention Section ........................................................................................................................... 9
Auxiliary Services Section .................................................................................................................... 10
Vehicle Maintenance Section ............................................................................................................. 11
Emergency Communications Branch............................................................................................... 11
SNAPSHOTS AND STORIES ..................................................................................................................... 12
APCO Conference ................................................................................................................................... 12
Notable Hazmat Responses This Month: ....................................................................................... 12
Volunteers in Action! ............................................................................................................................. 12
Fire Prevention Highlights ................................................................................................................... 14
New Brush Trucks ................................................................................................................................... 14
Safety Program ........................................................................................................................................ 14
Aviation Operations ............................................................................................................................... 15
Ambulance Blessing Ceremony ......................................................................................................... 16
Hāweo award ........................................................................................................................................... 17
Promotional Ceremony ........................................................................................................................ 17
Capt. Whittle Farewell ........................................................................................................................... 18
Chief Okinaka Retires ............................................................................................................................ 18
Stay Connected! ...................................................................................................................................... 18
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2025 | JULY PAGE 3
CHIEF’S OFFICE REPORT
Section Report by Chief’s Office
Program Budget Objectives Month YTD Goal
Maintain >95% current policies, procedures, and MOU, MOA, MAA. No Data No Data >95%
FISCAL BRANCH REPORT
Section Report by: Fire Accountant IV
Program Budget Objectives QTR YTD Goal
Maintain budget variance within ±10% of projections for each major cost center per QTR. No data No data ±10%
Lead monthly budget meetings No data No data 12
Budget Adj Appr YTD Exp % Used Goal
Total Budget $76,853,168 $6,934,884.55 9.02%
GRANTS REPORT
Section Report by: Fire Grants Manager (with Assistance from Fiscal)
Program Measures Month YTD Goal
Dollar value of grants applied for 0 0 $5,000,000
Dollar value of grants received 22,497.73
22,497.73
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22,497.73
22,497.73
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$1,000,000
Grant Name Submission Deadline Purpose Est. Request
FY25 SAFER 4/20/2026 Personnel and training for volunteers $1,300,000 FY25 AFG 5/20/2026 Multi-station rollout of new SCBAs $1,750,000 FY25 HMGP – PF 8/20/2026 Structural mitigation – 8 stations $3,200,000
Grants Purpose Award Amt Spent YTD Update
23 CDBG (3) Brush Trucks $625,693 Delivery pending.
24 CDBG 1 UTV / 1 Brush Truck $44,500 / $370,000 $34,402/ $383,751 UTV/BR delivered in June
24 CDBG-MIT
(3) Brush Trucks IFB 4700; Mobile Service Trailer IFB 4701; Mobile Command Vehicle to be awarded FY 2026
$891,420 / $50,575
BR awarded to Rebel Strike. Mobile Service Trailer awarded to HI Specialty Vehicles.
23 AFG
Hazard Zone (IDLH) Incident. Command and a Control Training Program $488,722 $79,564 16.28% spent as of 6/30/25
23 VFA Bid awarded to Orchid Isle Ford: IFB 4520 2 Brush Trucks $278,590 Delivery pending.
24 VFA Supplies and equipment continue to arrive $317,800 Pending approval of time extension request
2025 | JULY PAGE 4
HUMAN RESOURCES BRANCH REPORT
Section Report by: Fire Human Resources Program Specialist
Program Budget Objectives Month YTD AVG
Vacancy Rate Total 54 out of 520 54
Vacancy Rate Fire 15 out of 260 15
Vacancy Rate EMS 9 out of 101 9
Vacancy Rate Communications 16 out of 29 16 Vacancy Rate Ocean Safety 14 out of 72 14
Program Budget Objectives Month Avg YTD Goal
Efficient response to human resource queries No Data No Data <2 Days
Active Avg Days Goal
Average internal investigations completion in days 4 92.5 <60 days
Rate Avg % Yr Goal
Maintain a vacancy rate below 7% (<36 positions) 11% 11% <7%
Position Status Report
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Battalion Chief (Special Operations) Started Position 07/16/2025
Fire/EMS Specialist III Selection made. Effective 08/16/2025
Fire Captain Selection made. Effective 08/01/2025
Fire Equipment Operator Selection made. Effective 08/01/2025
Fire/Hazardous Materials Specialist Selection made. Effective 08/01/2025
Fire Prevention Inspector II Selection made. Effective 08/16/2025
Fire Prevention Inspector I Selection made. Effective 08/16/2025
Fire Rescue Specialist Selection made. Effective 08/01/2025
Water Safety Officer V Selection made. Effective 08/16/2025
Water Safety Officer IV Position opened, interviews to be scheduled.
Water Safety Officer III Position opened, interviews to be scheduled.
Lead Fire Equipment Mechanic RTF Submitted
Position Status Report
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Professional Trainee – Info/Edu Professional Trainee – Info/Edu
RTF submitted. Interviews pending. RTF submitted. Interviews pending.
Professional Trainee – Grants Professional Trainee – Grants
RTF submitted. RTF submitted.
Senior Account Clerk Senior Account Clerk
Selections made. Effective 8/16/25. Selections made. Effective 8/16/25.
Fire Maintenance Worker Fire Maintenance Worker
2025 | JULY PAGE 5
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS DIVISION
Section Report by: Assistant Chief of Operations
Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal
Fire S&W 34,967,574.00 4,508,168.65 12.89% <12.5%
6221 (62012) OCE 2,092,011.00 385,197.83 18.41% <8.3%
(62106) Equipment 1,900,177 195.00 0.01% 0%
Fire - Heli S&W 329,364.00 7,890.20 2.40% <12.5%
6221 (62112) OCE 646,597.00 229,633.74 35.51% <8.3%
(62116) Equipment 10,000.00 0 0 0%
Program Budget Objectives July YTD Goal
95% of all assigned training completed 60.1% 96.1% > 95%
Daily Vehicle Checks 90% (OPS) 46.7% 48.8% > 90%
Chute time 02:13 02:14 < 01:20
99% Report completion within 10 days. 98.2% 98.1% >99%
Total Calls for Calendar Year 2025 July YTD %
Fire 87 646 3%
EMS 1797 12647 71%
Other 673 4615 26%
Totals 2557 17904 100%
Year 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 (est.)
Total Calls 25,015 27,398 29,594 30,738 31,143 No data
Program Measures July % < 80 secs YTD % < 80 secs
Avg. Turn out time (Fire) 2:49 11.63% 2:25 16.46%
Avg. Turn out time (EMS) 2:09 17.80% 2:11 18.38%
Program Measures July % < 9 mins YTD % < 9 mins
Avg. Response Time (Fire) 12:58 No Data No Data No Data
Avg. Response Time (EMS) 9:12 No Data No Data No Data
Call Type July YTD
Wildland calls (140, 141, 142, 143) 18 153
Acres burned No Data No Data
Structure Fires (110 & 111) 5 43
Property and Contents - Loss $404,300 $2,922,450
Property and Contents - Save 2.86% No Data
Other fires (all other 100 series) 64 450
Property and Contents - Loss $11,900
$956,850
Property and Contents - Save 97.14% No Data
2025 | JULY PAGE 6
SPECIAL OPERATIONS BRANCH
Section Report by: Battalion Chief of Special Operations
Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal
6223* OCE 161,625.00 No Data No Data <8.3%
Equipment 192,920.00 No Data No Data 0%
*sub-budget within auxiliary service budget
Program Budget Objectives Month YTD Goal
Aircraft Operational Uptime >90% 93.3% 93.3% > 90%
Review & update SOP/SOG within cycle No Data No Data >100%
Arrange annual HazTech Course 0 1 per Y
Maintain minimum proficiency training hours Rescue 0 240 Not Set
Maintain minimum proficiency training hours Hazmat 296 296 Not Set
Maintain minimum proficiency training hours Air Ops 7.5 7.5 Not Set
OCEAN SAFETY BRANCH
Section Report by: Water Safety Officer V
Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal
Ocean Safety S&W 3,903,244.00 429,720.10 11.01% <12.5%
6228 OCE 311,163.00 38,909.60 12.50% <8.3%
Equipment 225,736.00 0.00 0.00 0%
Program Measures (Metrics) Month YTD/# of people
Number of Beach Visitors No Data 1,934,760
Number of Preventative Actions No Data 2,035/479,752
Number of Minor Medical Aids No Data 12,804
Number of Major Medical Aids (Transports) No Data 47
Number of Rescues No Data 442/616
Program Budget Objectives Current Goal
Certified Rescue Water Craft Operators >9 3 9
Provide 80% staffed tower hours to daylight 75% 80%
Maintain Updated Policies and Procedures (10) No Data 100%
2025 | JULY PAGE 7
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES BRANCH
Section Report by: Battalion Chief of EMS
Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal
EMS S&W $16,756,673.00 $1,819,778.08 10.86% <12.5%
6227 OCE $2,983,918.00 $105,342.50 2.6% <8.3%
Equipment $1,788,900.00 $0.00 0% 0%
Program Measures Month YTD
Rosc Rate 16.7% (3) 16.7% (3)
Call Volume ALS Transport 1,290 10,516
Call Volume BLS Transport 121 890
Program Budget Objectives Month YTD Goal
Less than 10% paramedic Vacancy rate 6 6 <6 vac
Quality review of 95% of Critical Calls 100% 100% >95%
Maintain a fleet of >8 Spare medics 11 11 >8 Spare
Program Highlights: EMS Branch
• At the beginning of July, our four new ambulances arrived on island and are
currently undergoing radio installation and detailing. A blessing ceremony for
these units was held on July 8th at the Hawaiʻi County Building in Hilo.
• EMS Branch personnel assisted the Training Branch and HPD with a three-day
ALERRT Active Shooter Training on July 9th – 11th.
• The EMS Branch met with the 53rd firefighter recruit class to go over EMS
operations and expectations. The four-hour presentation included familiarization
with ESO, continuing education to maintain their EMS certifications, introduction
to technological advances in EMS equipment and applications, and a Q&A
session.
• On July 25th, EMS Branch personnel conducted Hands-Only CPR and AED Training
for the State Department of Health Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division.
14 individuals participated in the 1.5-hour training.
• EMS Shopify Store – Supply Orders Data for the Month of July:
o 62 orders
o Approximately $41K in gross order sales
• During July, our community paramedicine program had 5 engagements,
delivering donated durable medical equipment and providing assistance to
individuals in need.
2025 | JULY PAGE 8
TRAINING SERVICES BRANCH
Section Report by: Assistant Chief of Operations
Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal
Fire Training S&W 930,881.00 139,262.74 14.96% <12.5%
6224 OCE 236,060.00 67,423.44 28.56% <8.3%
Equipment 2,500.00 0.00 0.00% 0%
Program Budget Objectives FF 1 & 2 Wildland Driver Training
Ensure all recruits graduate with minimum certifications In progress Spring 2026 Spring 2026
Program Budget Objectives Month YTD Goal
Professional Development November 2025 No Data 50 personnel
Incident Command Training Spring 2026 No Data 100% compliance
Structural Firefighting Training In Progress No Data 75 personnel
Wildland Firefighting Training Unfunded No Data No Data
Program Highlights: Training Branch
• 53rd Recruits graduated on July 11, 2025, and were promoted to Firefighter on
August 1, 2025.
• 54th Recruit Class began August 1, 2025, with 22 HFD and 3 ARFF candidates.
• Tactical Chemistry for Emergency Responders Training was held at the Haihai
training classroom for thirty-seven HAZMAT Technicians.
• Attended in-service training for the County’s new Hele-On electric bus.
2025 | JULY PAGE 9
VOLUNTEER SERVICES SECTION
Section Report by: Senior Volunteer Services Captain
Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal
Fire Volunteer S&W 263,514.00 16,558.26 6.28% <12.5%
6225 OCE 153,602.00 40,689.32 26.49% <8.3%
Equipment 0.00 0.00 0.00% 0%
Program Measures Added this month Total
Total Volunteers 0 111
Program Budget Objectives Month YTD Goal
Apply to two or more grants per year 1 1 >2
Manage, and Expend Grants Completely 0% 89.74% 100%
Compliance of Online Training of Volunteers 0% 44% 75%
Maintain 1 spare qualified driver per volunteer station 0 32 51
FIRE PREVENTION SECTION
Section Report by: Battalion Chief of Fire Prevention
Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal
Fire Prevention S&W 1,148,168 130,579.99 11.37 <12.5%
6222 OCE 44,184.00 1,472.85 3.33% <8.3
Program Measures Month YTD Last Year Comp Inspections - Occupancy 2 21 N/A*
Public Education Events 2 23 N/A*
Plans Reviewed 57 361 N/A*
Fire Investigations 1 1 N/A*
Complaints Investigated 3 16 N/A*
Average Plan Review Time in Days 10.5 10.5 N/A*
Program Budget Objectives Month YTD Goal
Average plans reviewed < 14 days 10.5 10.5 days <14 Days
Public Education min 2 a month 2 23 24
Maintain CFIT Designation for 2 personnel min 1 1 2
Fire Inspection of High Hazard >6 per month 2 8 72 / year
EPR property list input @ 60 updates a month 24 105 720 / year
2025 | JULY PAGE 10
AUXILIARY SERVICES SECTION
Section Report by: Battalion Chief of Auxiliary Services
Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal
Auxiliary S&W 446,102.00 45,858.63 10.28% <12.5%
6223 OCE 1,307,895.00 503,853.00 38.52% <8.3%
Equipment 616,100.00 27,877.90 4.52% 0
Program Measures Month YTD
Monthly Total Order 119 119
Gross Product Sent to Dept $91,605.34 $91,605.34
Number of variants available in warehouse 512 512
Variants Items in stock 364 364
Program Budget Objectives Month YTD GOAL
Expenditure of OCE budget to 99% by end of fiscal No Data No Data No Data
Encumbrance of Equip budget to 90% by end of second quarter No Data No Data No Data
In stock percent > 90% for all warehouse variants 71% 71% >90%
Average fulfillment within 10 working days or less 6.46 6.46 <10
Program Highlights: Auxiliary Services Section
Many of you have seen changes to the department’s Shopify site. We have separated the PPE and Station supplies into separate categories. You will only be able to order Station supplies from your station’s account and PPE via your personal account. We are updating the site and its products regularly. If you need something and don’t see it listed, please email the fire warehouse; we encourage you to send a picture or a web link to the item you are requesting so that we may best match your needs.
2025 | JULY PAGE 11
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE SECTION
Section Report by: Chief Mechanic
Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal
Auxiliary S&W 451,205.00 52,887.70 11.72% <12.5%
6223 OCE 382,788.60 132,202.00 34.54% <8.3%
Equipment 25,000.00 0.00 0.00% 0%
*sub-budget within auxiliary service budget
Program Measures Month YTD LY YTD
Number of Repairs 265 265 No Data
Service Calls 38 38 No Data
Contracted Work or Tows 24 24 No Data
DOT inspections No Data No Data No Data
Program Budget Objectives Month YTD Goal Log 100% of vehicle work orders into EPR Fireworks No Data No Data 100%
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS BRANCH
Section Report by: Battalion Chief of Communications
Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal
Auxiliary S&W 1,853,786.00 86,672.58 4.68% 12.5%
6223 OCE 69,294.00 8,444.77 12.19% 8.3%
Equipment 0.00 0.00 0.00% 0%
*sub-budget within auxiliary service budget
Program Measures Admin (nonemergency) Total
# of calls Avg duration % answered < 10 sec # of calls # of calls
2415 183 87.3% 2148 4563
Program Budget Objectives Month YTD GOAL
EMD Protocol Compliance 70%* or greater 64% 64% >70%
90% of 911 calls answered in <10 seconds 87.3% 87.3% 90%
Average time to process 911 call <180 183s 183s <180 sec
Time from Call to Dispatch <60 seconds @ 90% No Data No Data <60 sec
*Compliance goal to increase 5% per year
2025 | JULY PAGE 12
SNAPSHOTS AND STORIES
APCO CONFERENCE
The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) hosted its annual conference & expo in Baltimore, Maryland, from July 27–30. This event brings together public safety communications professionals from across the nation for training, educational sessions, exhibits, and networking opportunities. SFCO Tasha Kodani-Pereira attended this year’s conference representing HFD.
NOTABLE HAZMAT RESPONSES THIS MONTH:
HAZMAT Company 4 responded to the Wastewater Treatment Plant on Kekuanaoa Street for a propane leak from a 1,000-gallon tank. Crews secured the scene and coordinated with Hawaii Gas to transfer the propane from the leaking tank into a secured tank. HAZMAT Company 21 responded to Amerigas Baseyard in the Kona Industrial area for report of smell of propane. Found 3, 1,000 gallon tanks left unattended releasing propane. Shut off tanks and communicated situation with DOH-HEER.
VOLUNTEERS IN ACTION!
1-A (Pepeʻekeo) – Participated in a community event for the Hilo Coast United Church of Christ. Their fire truck was on display and provided water for inflatable slides. They had one call out and performed station maintenance.
2025 | JULY PAGE 13
5-B (Hawaiian Acres) – Pumped water for Company 5 on a 5-car fire and shack. 5-C (Fern Forest) – Conducted wildland refresher and urban interface classroom training in July. 5-D (Fern Acres) – Responded to three rubbish fire calls and one vehicle fire. Conducted training on wildland firefighting. 6-B (Kona Paradise) – Participated in giving notice of the tsunami watch to residents and visitors in remote areas. 7-B (Kalaoa) – Had five call outs in July. Training focused on urban wildland structure protection, relay pumping, and hose deployment. Also participated in the Kona Fourth of July Parade and the Fourth of July pancake breakfast with the Sayre Foundation. 8-A (Paʻauilo) – Responded to multiple brush fires in July. Assisted career personnel in suppression and containment of a large and fast-moving brush fire. 9-B (Kanehoa) – Staged a potluck fire watch at the station on July 4th, inviting neighbors to build community awareness on fire mitigation during the dry season. Held two trainings: one on fast water pack drills and another on large diameter hoses with truck-to-truck water support. Responded to a brush fire in Paʻauilo. 10-D (Ainaloa) – Responded to one vehicle fire utilizing VE10D in coordination with BT10. Participated in the Revitalize Puna event to promote public safety awareness and strengthen community relations. Conducted monthly training focused on Pro-Pak Foam System operations with multiple volunteer candidates in attendance. 11-A (Naʻalehu) – Conducted wet drills on July 8 and July 15, and co-trained with 11-C. Covered many IRPG items related to wildland and interface safety. 16-B (Puʻu anahulu) – Logged approximately 22 man-hours in fundraising and driver training. Assisted in an MVA on Hwy 190. 19-A (Volcano) – Responded to one brush fire in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Participated in a Fourth of July community celebration with ENG 19A. July training focused on relay pumping and wildland firefighting. 20-A (HOVE) – Placed themselves on standby for deployment during the tsunami watch.
2025 | JULY PAGE 14
FIRE PREVENTION HIGHLIGHTS
Community Outreach, Events & Media Engagement
July 12: We participated in Revitalize Puna’s Community Preparedness & Resilience Fair. July 16: Capt. Goo Attended Hawaiian Electric’s Wildfire Safety Strategy meeting. Fire Investigations / UAS Program July 6: Fire Investigation District 5, Incident #250015862 Investigators: BC R. Henderson, Capt. T. Goo Determined Cause: Undetermined 1 Fatality (Civilian) as a result of the Fire.
NEW BRUSH TRUCKS
Chief Okinaka, Chief Mechanic Buyuan, and FEM Supnet traveled to Rebel Strike in Henderson, Nevada to complete the final inspection for Brush Truck 5, Brush Truck 11, and Brush Truck 17.
SAFETY PROGRAM
Respiratory Protection Program West-side HIOSH compressor inspections were completed, and east-side inspections are pending. Makalei and Pahala compressors passed quarterly air testing. The Porta-Count machine's calibration was completed, resuming fit testing. Efforts to re-establish FireGrid for PPE tracking are on hold while FireWorks is being explored for inventory tracking.
2025 | JULY PAGE 15
Facility Safety Mold testing, prompted by air sampling at Station #18 in June, initially showed no elevated levels. However, during a July kitchen renovation, a contractor identified mold within a wall, prompting abatement coordinated by DPW and the contractor. Safety is collaborating with the County Physician for potential medical evaluations. Station #2's post-abatement particle counts remain consistent, but elevated humidity requires ongoing monitoring. Semi-Annual Safety Checklists (Memo 25-056) are being reviewed, with follow-ups ongoing for stragglers and issues. Equipment and Procurement A procurement request for NFPA-compliant ground ladder testing supplies (estimated at $13,000) is pending. A survey identified a need for 45 ANSI-compliant Class A first-aid kits across facilities. The new Emergency Communications Center was added to the extinguisher inspection contract. Training and Preparedness The next Continuity of Operations (COOP) exercise, scheduled for October 7, 2025, will have an Admin and an Operations (tabletop) phase. A quarterly LODD Case Study video is being assigned via Vector Solutions. Updated sharps disposal guidelines for bloodborne pathogens are pending. A DOH-approved TB screening form was implemented via a Chief's memo. The Fire Safety Specialist completed the Safety Program Operations course at the National Fire Academy in July. Incidents and Safety Reviews Three new Incident/Accident Reports and one Vehicle/Equipment/Property Damage Report were received, reflecting ongoing vigilance. Risk management is reviewing a March 2025 HFD vs. HPD vehicle claim. Safety Bulletin 2025-010 addressed Bullard FX helmet cracks. Discussions with Maui FD regarding swift-water rescue gear are ongoing, with a site visit planned for late August. Safety Committee and Wellness The Joint HFD/HFFFA Safety Committee met on July 16, with minutes updated on SharePoint. A potential OSHA two-in/two-out precedent from Chicago FD's SOP (post-August 2023 LODD) was reviewed, and a draft video was submitted for the Chief's Quarterly Meeting. Our weekly "Wellness Wednesday" message has moved to social media to enhance engagement. Follow us on X (@HFDSafety), Instagram (hfd.safety), and Facebook (Hawai'i Fire Department – Safety) for updates and safety tips.
AVIATION OPERATIONS
Training (Station 7 & 14)
2025 | JULY PAGE 16
Chopper 1 and 2 flew approximately 35 total hours during the month of July. Notable flights include: • Response to a plane crash near the Ellison Onizuka Kona International airport. • High altitude brush fire on Mauna Kea around 8500 feet in elevation. • Assisted HPD with a body recovery on Kohala Mountain. • Pohiki brush fire assistance. • Extrication of a hiker near Kiholo bay. • Extrication of body from Kehena Beach to the medic. • Search and rescue operation for a missing hiker near Tree Planting Road. • Medical extrication to North Hawaii Community Hospital of a child that had fallen off a small cliff. • Successful helicopter rescue training between Station 7 and 14 personnel. • Flower drop for Captain Whittle Memorial. • Tsunami public announcements and evacuation flights around the island during the Tsunami Warning. • Pa’auilo brush fire assistance.
Search and Rescue Flight Path (Right)
AMBULANCE BLESSING CEREMONY
On July 8, Council Chair Dr. Holeka Inaba assisted in a blessing ceremony in Hilo for four new ambulances. The vehicles will be assigned to Keaʻau, Pāhoa, Hawaiian Paradise Park, and Kailua-Kona stations.
2025 | JULY PAGE 17
HĀWEO AWARD
Congratulations to Accountant III Keiko Furukawa on receiving the Hāweo Award for July 2025. Keiko’s exceptional work ethic and technical expertise have been vital to the success of the Fire Department’s Fiscal Division, particularly during a period of serious understaffing.
PROMOTIONAL CEREMONY
The Hawaiʻi Fire Department held a promotional ceremony on July 28, at the Mayor’s Lanai in Hilo to honor five personnel. A second ceremony planned for July 29 in Kona was cancelled due to the tsunami.
2025 | JULY PAGE 18
CAPT. WHITTLE FAREWELL
On Friday, July 25, a celebration of life was held at Hāpuna Beach for the late Capt. Charley Whittle. He was remembered by family, along with current and retired department personnel. Chopper 2 conducted a flower drop in his honor.
CHIEF OKINAKA RETIRES
Assistant Chief of Operations Darwin Okinaka retired on July 31 after more than 25 years of service with the Hawaiʻi Fire Department. Thank you, Chief! We wish you the very best in this next chapter.
STAY CONNECTED!
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