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Home My WebLink AboutFIRE CHIEF'S REPORT FY 25-26 OCT 2025 | OCTOBER 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 ....................................................................................................... 5 Emergency Operations Division .......................................................................................................... 7 Special Operations Branch .................................................................................................................... 8 Ocean Safety Branch ............................................................................................................................... 9 Emergency Medical Services Branch ............................................................................................... 10 Training Services Branch ...................................................................................................................... 11 Volunteer Services Section .................................................................................................................. 12 Fire Prevention Section ......................................................................................................................... 12 Auxiliary Services Section .................................................................................................................... 13 Vehicle Maintenance Section ............................................................................................................. 13 Emergency Communications Branch............................................................................................... 14 Snapshots and Stories ............................................................................................................................ 15 EMS Highlights ........................................................................................................................................ 15 Fire Prevention Highlights ................................................................................................................... 15 Aviation Highlights ................................................................................................................................ 16 Ocean Safety Highlights ....................................................................................................................... 17 Kaala Road Brush Fire ........................................................................................................................... 18 Volunteer Training ................................................................................................................................. 18 Technical Services Highlights ............................................................................................................. 19 Safety Program ........................................................................................................................................ 20 COH Employee Recognition Program ............................................................................................ 21 Volleyball Tournament ......................................................................................................................... 21 18th Annual Wahine Forum ................................................................................................................ 22 Stay Connected! ...................................................................................................................................... 22 TABLE OF CONTENTS 2025 | OCTOBER PAGE 3 CHIEF’S OFFICE REPORT Section Report by Chief’s Office Program Budget Objectives October YTD Goal Maintain >95% current policies, procedures, and MOU, MOA, MAA. 59% 59% >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. - - ±10% Lead monthly budget meetings 1 1 12 Budget Adj Appr YTD Exp % Used Goal Total Budget $76,853,168 Unknown Unknown GRANTS REPORT Section Report by: Fiscal Division Program Measures October YTD Goal Dollar value of grants applied for $0.00 $7,060,254.00 $5,000,000 Dollar value of grants received $0.00 $2,678,274.60 $1,000,000 Grants Purpose Award Amt Spent YTD Update CDBG-MIT (3) Brush Trucks IFB 4700 (Delivered); Mobile Service Trailer IFB 4701 (Delivered 9/15/25); Mobile Command Vehicle (bids received) $891,420 $50,576 $891,420 $50,575 Rebel Strike LLC Hawaii Specialty Vehicles FY23 AFG (08/2024-08/2026) Hazard Zone (IDLH) Incident. Command and a Control Training Program $488,722 $79,564 16.28% spent as of 6/30/25. CoHnect project pending. 23 VFA IFB 4520 Bid awarded to Orchid Isle Ford for 2 Brush Trucks. County match $278,590 $278,590 $73,041 Delivery expected in January 2026 24 VFA Supplies and equipment continue to arrive $317,800 $200,175 Pending approval of time extension request Leleiwi Lifeguard Tower (Fair Share Funds) Surveyor Jr. lifeguard tower furnished by Newport Laminates $54,785 $0 Delivery expected in early 2026. Fair Share Fund HFD Maintenance Shop Design $684,000 $0 Allotment approved 2025 | OCTOBER PAGE 4 Grant Name Submission Deadline Purpose Est. Request FY25 SAFER Submitted to FEMA 7/1/25 Labor Cost $4,343,148 FY25 FP&S Submitted to FEMA 7/2/25 Investigation Eqp $53,600 Rural Health Transformation Program 9/23/25 Community Paramedicine $2,663,506 Program Highlights: Grants EMS receiving an additional $1,750,000 to launch services at Makalei Fire Station. 2025 | OCTOBER PAGE 5 HUMAN RESOURCES BRANCH REPORT Section Report by: Fire Human Resources Program Specialist FY 2025/26 Calendar Rank Recruitment Exam/PAE Assessment Notes Assistant Chief 09/28-10/7/2025 N/A 11/12/2025 Battalion Chief Operations TBD TBD TBD Battalion Chief Prevention N/A N/A N/A No anticipated vacancies in FY 26-27 Battalion Chief Auxiliary Services N/A N/A N/A No anticipated vacancies in FY 26-27 Battalion Chief Communications N/A N/A N/A No anticipated vacancies in FY 26-27 Battalion Chief EMS N/A N/A N/A No anticipated vacancies in FY 26-27 WSO V N/A N/A N/A No anticipated vacancies in FY 26-27 Captain Operations 12/7/2025 2/10/2025 3/9-11/2026 Captain Training N/A N/A N/A No anticipated vacancies in FY 26-27 Captain Volunteer Services 02/2025 N/A 04/2025 Captain Prevention N/A N/A N/A No anticipated vacancies in FY 26-27 Captain Communications 02/2025 TBD TBD FMS III N/A N/A N/A No anticipated vacancies in FY 26-27 WSO IV N/A N/A N/A 1 employee moves into role 10/16/25 Fire Prevention Inspector II N/A N/A N/A No anticipated vacancies in FY 26-27 WSO III 05/23-06/01/25 10/26/24 10/26/25 4 employees move into roles 11/16/25 Fire Equipment Operator 10/12/2025 1/6/2026 2/24-26/2026 Fire Apparatus Trainer TBD TBD TBD Fire Prevention Inspector I N/A N/A N/A No anticipated vacancies in FY 26-27 Fire Training Specialist 02/2025 N/A 04/2025 FMS II 10/5/-10/14/2025 N/A 11/07/2025 Fire Rescue Specialist TBD TBD TBD Hazardous Materials Tech 10/19/2025 1/13/2026 3/3/2026 *Version one of an annual recruitment calendar 2025 | OCTOBER PAGE 6 Program Measure October YTD Vacancy Rate Total 11% 11% Vacancy Rate Admin & Support 7 9 Vacancy Rate Fire 15 15 Vacancy Rate EMS 10 10 Vacancy Rate Communications 16 16 Vacancy Rate Ocean Safety 13 14 Program Budget Objectives October YTD Goal Efficient response to human resource queries 100% of 55 100% (144) <2 Days Active Avg Days Goal Average internal investigations completion in days 5 120+* <60 days Rate Avg % Yr Goal Maintain a vacancy rate below 7% 11% 11% <36 PV Active Recruitments by HFD Position Status Report Assistant Fire Chief Application Screening (HR/Civil Service) October 15, 2025 (Internal). Battalion Chief Position Filled October 1, 2025. Fire/EMS Specialist II Application Screening (HR/Civil Service) October 22, 2025 (Internal). Fire Captain Position Filled October 1, 2025. Fire Equipment Operator Application Screening (HR/Civil Service) October 23, 2025. Fire / Hazardous Materials Specialist Application Screening (HR/Civil Service) October 29, 2025. Fire / EMS II Application Screening (HR/Civil Service) October 16, 2025. Fire Fighter Recruit Job Posted (External) October 26, 2025. Water Safety Officer IV Position Filled October 16, 2025. Water Safety Officer III Offers Extended October 10, 2025. Water Safety Officer Is Offers Extended October 28, 2025. Account Clerks Department Interviews October 29 and October 30, 2025. Clerk IIIs Position Filled October 16, 2025. Lead Fire Equipment Mechanic Application Screening (HR/Civil Service) October 1, 2025 Professional Trainee – Grants Recruitment Delayed October 31, 2025. Fire Communications Officer I Offers Accepted/Start Date Set October 16, 2025. *Several investigations are being carried out outside of the HR Branch, which is why exact data is not available. 2025 | OCTOBER PAGE 7 EMERGENCY OPERATIONS DIVISION Section Report by: Assistant Chief of Operations Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal Fire S&W $34,967,374 $19,047,583 54% 38% 62012 OCE $2,092,005 No Data No Data 33% (62106) Equipment $1,900,177 No Data No Data 33% Fire - Heli S&W $644,386 $65,403 20% 38% 62112+62742 OCE $862,907 No data No data 33% 62116+62746 Equipment $20,000 No data No data 33% Program Budget Objectives October YTD Goal 95% of all assigned training completed 36.36% 78.16% >95% Daily Vehicle Checks 90% (OPS) 45.34% 48.30% >90% Average turn out time (total) 02:06 02:09 <01:20 99% Report completion within 10 days 97.02% 97.96% >99% Total Calls for Calendar Year 2025 October YTD % Fire 94 646 3.6% EMS 1,841 12,597 70.18% Other 672 4,707 26.22% Totals 2,607 17,950 100% Year 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 (est.) Total Calls 25,015 27,398 29,594 30,738 31,143 30,841 Program Measures October % < 80 secs YTD % < 80 secs Avg. Turn out time (Fire) 02:10 26.37% 02:25 16.55% Avg. Turn out time (EMS) 02:04 19.22% 02:05 18.97% Program Measures October % < 9 mins YTD % < 9 mins Avg. Response Time (Fire) 10:50 47.31% 11:28 48.3% Avg. Response Time (EMS) 09:12 59.07% 9:11 59.15% Call Type October YTD Wildland calls (140, 141, 142, 143) 36 261 Acres burned 2 394 Structure Fires (110 & 111) 8 67 Property and Contents - Loss $1,004,000 $5,405,325 Property and Contents - Save $0 $5,188,225 Other fires (all other 100 series) 50 631 Property and Contents - Loss $20,045 $1,049,395 Property and Contents - Save $1,980,000 $35,682,700 2025 | OCTOBER PAGE 8 SPECIAL OPERATIONS BRANCH Section Report by: Battalion Chief of Special Operations Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal 6223* OCE $161,625 No data No data 38% Equipment $192,920 No data No data 33% *sub-budget within auxiliary service budget Program Budget Objectives October YTD Goal Aircraft Operational Uptime >90% 94% 95% > 90% Review & update SOP/SOG within cycle 0 0 >100% Arrange annual HazTech Course 0 1 per Y Maintain minimum proficiency training hours Rescue 288 1,072 3,000 Maintain minimum proficiency training hours Hazmat 0 296 600 Maintain minimum proficiency training hours Air Ops 5.8 15 30 Program Highlights: Special Operations Branch • HAZMAT 21 responded to commercial occupancy per report of suspicious package. Found potential illegal substance, scene handed off to HPD. • HAZMAT 4 responded to commercial occupancy per report of chemical smell. Co 4 investigated and took gas meter readings from various locations within the occupancy, negative findings. Employees reported smell had resolved and denied need for EMS. • Rescue 7 conducted bail out training with C02. 7 Rescue personnel performed bail out drills, while 2 pilots conducted training under guidance of Instructor pilot. • Co 2 responded to Whittington Park for swimmer in distress. Victim extricated from rocks to shoreline via C1. • Co 2 responded to Kalopa for report of patient who fell from cliff. Patient extricated via C2 long line. 2025 | OCTOBER PAGE 9 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 $1,916,424 49% 38% 6228 OCE No data No data No data 33% Equipment No data No data No data 33% Program Measures (Metrics) October YTD/# of people Number of Beach Visitors 295,543 2,695,343 Number of Preventative Actions 280 2,729 Number of Minor Medical Aids 215 2,017 Number of Major Medical Aids (Transports) 5 63 Number of Rescues 55 552 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% Program Highlights: Ocean Safety Branch • Rescue Watercraft program Update: o The HFD’s Rescue Watercraft Operator (RWCO) Training Program Solicitation Process has been completed, with a total of 18 WSO Candidates who have submitted their interest. The RWCO Written Assessment will be held tentatively on November 21st. • On 10/25/2025, the application for the HFD RWC Program Policy has been passed and accepted by the United States Lifesaving Association. 2025 | OCTOBER PAGE 10 EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES BRANCH Section Report by: Battalion Chief of EMS Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal EMS S&W $15,271,376 $6,548,841 42.88% 38% 6227 OCE N/A N/A N/A 33% Equipment $2,259,662 $2,259,732 100 % 33% Program Measures October YTD Rosc Rate 10.5% 8.1% Call Volume ALS Transport 1,886 19649 Call Volume BLS Transport 86 4160 Program Budget Objectives October YTD Goal Less than 10% paramedic Vacancy rate 8% (4) 8% (4) < 6 vac Quality review of 95% of Critical Calls 0% 10% 100% Maintain a fleet of >8 Spare medics 10 10 >8 Spare Program Highlights: EMS Branch • We’re proud to announce the upcoming addition of Medic 21 at Makalei Fire Station. This new resource will enhance response times and strengthen our commitment to patient care. Several meetings were held with associated company officers to discuss the rollout, covering key topics such as district boundary adjustments, the establishment of second-in medic coverage areas, and updates on the current status of Medic 21. • All EMT-P and EMT-A licensed personnel have completed their Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) recertifications. • On Saturday, October 11th, EMS Branch personnel provided medical standby support at the 2025 Ironman Triathlon in Kailua-Kona. The “Band and Scan” triage system from Pulsara was integrated to streamline communication and patient hand-offs from the event medical tent to EMS. • The American Heart Association 2025 Guidelines have now been officially released. Training materials are currently being gathered and reviewed ahead of rolling out the new guidelines to all personnel. Full compliance with the new guidelines is expected by the end of February 2026. • EMS Shopify Store – Supply Orders Data for the Month of October: • 63 orders, approximately $35K in gross order sales 2025 | OCTOBER PAGE 11 TRAINING SERVICES BRANCH Section Report by: Battalion Chief of Training Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal Fire Training S&W $930,881 $434,802 37.5% 38% 6224 OCE $236,060 No Data No Data 33% Equipment $2,500 No Data No Data 33% 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 October YTD Goal Professional Development 46 personnel 68 personnel 50 personnel Incident Command Training Spring 2026 No Data 100% compliance Structural Firefighting Training 30 personnel 45 personnel 75 personnel Wildland Firefighting Training 3 personnel 3 personnel pending funding Program Highlights: Training Branch • The 54th Firefighter Recruit Class completed training on vehicle extrication, rope rescue, engine company operations, truck company operations, and HAZMAT Awareness/Operations training this month. • BC Springer and Captain Roback were assisted by PTA Fire Lt. Zach Barros to develop sand-table training exercises as part of the Mastering Fireground Command: Calm the Chaos program implementation. These exercises allow incident commanders and captains the ability to simulate command and control for wildland firefighting operations. Training is developing standard operating guidelines to pilot during program delivery in early 2026. • The Engine Company Operations cadre delivered the Engine Operations program to Companies 9, 14, and 16 at Pohakuloa. Approximately 30 personnel were trained in fire dynamics, water application, hydraulic ventilation, and hose deployments. 2025 | OCTOBER PAGE 12 VOLUNTEER SERVICES SECTION Section Report by: Senior Volunteer Training Captain Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal Fire Volunteer S&W $248,464 $69,845 28% 38% 6225 OCE $90,000 $90,000 100% 100% Equipment 0 0 0% 33% Program Measures October Total Total Volunteers 0 108 Program Budget Objectives October YTD Goal Apply to two or more grants per year 0 1 >2 Manage, and Expend Grants Completely 0% 90% 100% Compliance of Online Training of Volunteers 0% 45% 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 $582,801 51% 38% 6222 OCE N/A N/A N/A 33% Program Measures October YTD Last Year Comp Inspections - Occupancy 58 118 N/A* Public Education Events 8 39 N/A* Plans Reviewed 41 448 N/A* Fire Investigations 2 5 N/A* Complaints Investigated 4 26 N/A* Average Plan Review Time in Days 10.5 10.5 N/A* Program Budget Objectives October YTD Goal Average plans reviewed < 14 days 9.9 days 10.5 days <14 Days Public Education min 2 a month 6 31 24 Maintain CFIT Designation for 2 personnel min 1 1 2 Fire Inspection of High Hazard >6 per month 6 15 72 / year EPR property list input @ 60 updates a month 36 159 720 / year *YTD totals were not available as a new EPR system changeover occurred 2025 | OCTOBER PAGE 13 AUXILIARY SERVICES SECTION Section Report by: Battalion Chief of Auxiliary Services Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal Auxiliary S&W $446,102 $199,061 44.62% 38% 6223 OCE No data No data No data 33% (Obligated) Equipment No data $809,020 No data 33% Program Measures October YTD Monthly Total Order 130 503 Gross Product Sent to Dept $68,702 $87,891 Number of variants available in warehouse 453 N/A Variants Items in stock 385 N/A Program Budget Objectives October 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 85% No data >90% Average fulfillment within 10 working days or less* Average 4.8 days No data <10 days *(date ordered to fulfillment + 3.5days for delivery) The Fire Warehouse and Auxiliary Services team continue to make steady improvements in the backlog of Shopify orders. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we make our way through the backlog of requests. A reminder that all HFD Operations personnel should have a Shopify Account to order PPE - and that link can be found on our SharePoint page. An updated repair and maintenance request form is also available from the department’s SharePoint page. 2025 | OCTOBER PAGE 14 VEHICLE MAINTENANCE SECTION Section Report by: Chief Mechanic Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal Auxiliary S&W $451,205.00 $209,862.13 20.76% 38% 6223 OCE $383,792 No Data No Data 33% Equipment $25,000 No Data No Data 33% *sub-budget within auxiliary service budget Program Measures October YTD LY YTD Number of Repairs 303 1130 740 Service Calls 28 148 116 Contracted Work or Tows 13 70 69 DOT inspections 0 134 134 Program Budget Objectives October 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 ECC S&W $1,853,786 $384,798 21% 38% 6231x OCE $69,294 No Data No Data 33% Equipment $0 $0 N/A N/A e-911 Grant OCE $306,883 $41,592 14% 33% 62610 Equipment $2,800 $0 0 33% Program Measures Admin (nonemergency) Total # of 911 calls Avg duration % answered < 10 sec # of calls # of calls 2,546 179 87% 2,358 4,904 Program Budget Objectives October YTD GOAL EMD Protocol Compliance 70%* or greater 40% 42% >70% 90% of 911 calls answered in <10 seconds 87% 87% 90% Average time to process 911 call <180 179s 185s <180 sec Time from Call to Dispatch <60 seconds @ 90% 151s 137s <60 sec *Compliance goal to increase 5% per year 2025 | OCTOBER PAGE 15 SNAPSHOTS AND STORIES EMS HIGHLIGHTS On Saturday, October 11th, EMS Branch personnel provided medical standby support at the 2025 Ironman Triathlon in Kailua-Kona. The “Band and Scan” triage system from Pulsara was integrated to streamline communication and patient hand-offs from the event medical tent to EMS. Hands-Only CPR Training: EMS Branch personnel partnered with Common Sense CPR to assist with training at Kealakehe High School. EMS Branch personnel conducted a training for staff at Hawaiʻi Community College with approximately 30 participants. FIRE PREVENTION H IGHLIGHTS Community Outreach, Events & Media Engagement • October 1: Capt. Goo and Inspector Requelman assisted in a community Hazard assessment in District 9 (Waimea) • October 3: We ran a booth at the Domestic Violence Event here at the County Building in collaboration with the Prosecutor’ • October 7: Prevention staff worked with NaLeo TV to produce 3 segments for “Fire Prevention Party” which is a podcast style segment that aims to educate the public on a variety of Fire Safety issues. • October 23: Ka’u High School College and Career Fair booth to educate youth about our department and the many different jobs in our organization. • October 31: Firefighter Safety Guide Presentation at E.B. DeSilva School Halloween Parade Fire Investigations: 10/2: District 2, Inc# 250023300, Commercial Fire @ Storage Facility 2025 | OCTOBER PAGE 16 10/22: District 1, Inc# 250024989, Commercial Fire @ Wild Ginger Inn UAS Program: Dist.17 (09/05/2025-Present) Inc#250021074: (Still Ongoing, Multiple Additional Mapping trips) HFD’s Matrice 30T was utilized for a 360 aerial view of the brushfire area. Infrared scans and searches were conducted around the perimeter of the findings. Incident maps and live footage were shared with the EOC. The Drone team was deployed multiple times throughout the month, as the incident went from a short to long duration incident. Fire Prevention Program Objectives • Fire Plan Review Efficiency o Complete all fire assigned plan and fire protection system reviews in the EPIC system within 14 calendar days of submittal to ensure timely project approvals and support community development. • Commercial / High Hazards Inspections o Conduct an average of 60 commercial fire and life safety inspections per month. This metric will be to target requirements in HRS 132 (with at least 10% being conducted at high hazard occupancies), ensuring code compliance and reducing fire risk in commercial occupancies. • Public Education Outreach o Deliver a minimum of two public fire and life safety education events per month, targeting diverse audiences to promote fire prevention awareness and community resilience. AVIATION HIGHLIGHTS Chopper 1 – 21.6 flight hours Chopper 2 – 18.9 flight hours Total Combined – 40.5 EMS – Flew a 3 week old infant to Hilo Hospital after a head on collision on Saddle Road Fire – 26.3 flight hours were dedicated to fighting a brush fire on Mauna Kea. Rescue – 5.3 hours involving the following rescues: • Whittington Swimmer couldn’t get out of the water and was stranded on a rock • Pololu Valley hiker evacuated from the valley due to age and inability to hike up • Pololu Valley cliff side rescue after victim fell of the side Training – 5.8 flight hours were dedicated to: • Preparing and executing rescue training with Station 7 rescue personnel at Old Airport in Kona. • Pilot night currency flights. The remaining time was dedicated to: • 1 Maintenance flight to Hilo for Chopper 2 • DLNR shark survey 2025 | OCTOBER PAGE 17 OCEAN SAFETY HIGHLIGHTS Heat map of Major First Aids, Minor First Aids and Rescues for month of October; Watchtower Program (left) Hawai`i Fire Department, Ocean Safety Division, WSO IV Kert-Pono Kodani officially promotes 10/16/2025. (right) WSO Inducted to the Hawai`i Swimming Hall of Fame WSO Daniel Coakley was inducted into the Hawaii Swimming Hall of Fame on October 17. Congratulations! WSO Coakley gives Hawai`i Swimming Hall of Fame Induction Speech at the dinner ceremony at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai’i in Honolulu, honoring 13 people. Bio from: 2025 - HAWAII SWIMMING HALL OF FAME 2025 | OCTOBER PAGE 18 Lifesaving Association Board of Directors Meeting WSO V Bradley Young, far right attends the United States Lifesaving Association Board of Directors Meeting. Making history; the first time that Hawai`i has 4 Ocean Safety Chiefs, one from each county, to have a total of 4 votes as delegates at the USLA Board of Directors meeting. Far left; Chief Edlao from Maui County. 2nd from left; Chief Vierra from Kauai County. Center; Former Ocean Safety Chief and EMS Director Ralph Goto. 2nd from right; Chief Lager – Honolulu City & County. KAALA ROAD BRUSH FIRE Crews continue to fight the Ka’ala Road brushfire which began in September. VOLUNTEER TRAINING 1-A (Pepeʻekeo) Participated in a Trunk or Treat event in the community on October 25 with over 100 children attending. Distributed magnets, bookmarks, stickers, tattoos, and fire information books. Responded to seven alarms. 5-D (Fern Acres) New VFF recruitment interest. 7-B (Kalaoa) Conducted driver training, pump operations, and vehicle maintenance. Responded to two calls. 8-A (Paʻauilo) HFD 574 was recently designated to BT 8A. Responded to multiple incidents including brush fires and smoke investigations. Conducted multiple trainings and facility maintenance and cleaning. 9-B (Kanehoa) Assisted on two fires (Oʻokala and Old Māmalahoa Highway), held two hose trainings, and opened the station for homeowners to hold their annual meeting. 10-D (ʻAinaloa) New VFF recruitment interest. 11-A (Nā‘ālehu) Captain Ron Ebert officially retired after 24+ years of service. 11-C (Discovery Harbour) Interested individuals observed company training. 2025 | OCTOBER PAGE 19 16-B (Puʻuanahulu) Completed 56 man-hours of training on exterior structure fires and a forestry line wet drill. Drove medical vans for the Ironman Triathlon and hosted the quarterly volunteer captains’ meeting at Station 16B. Conducted station maintenance and pre-checks. 19-A (Volcano) Conducted trainings and responded to a brush fire incident. Performed facility maintenance and cleaning. 19-B (Fern Forest/Eden Roc) Officially transitioned from 5C as of October 1. Pack radios have been converted accordingly. New BT 19B is operational, already involved in training, and has responded to incidents. October 8: BT 19B and X19B responded to a vehicle fire with two personnel, were initially denied entry by property owners, gained access once HPD and HFD arrived, and mitigated the incident. October 13: BT 19B responded to a brush fire. 20-A (HOVE) Responded to multiple calls including one smell of smoke, one structure fire, two brush fires, one uncontrolled burn, and one smoke visible. TECHNICAL SERVICES HIGHLIGHTS NERIS Transition • Hawaii Fire Department became the first department in the State of Hawaii to transition from NFIRS to NERIS on October 1st. While there were a few issues with BC profile access and BC Quality Check validation rules which were resolved the transition went well. • NERIS resources are available on the HFD SharePoint site technical services division. Windows 10 end of life • Windows 10 end of life was October 14th. • Microsoft will no longer release security updates for Windows 10. • If the computer you use (including MDTs) has not been upgraded to Windows 11, please contact technical services. Email Migration from hosted exchange to outlook.com • In late October DIT migrated all HFD emails from hosted exchange to Outlook.com. • Mailboxes are now 20GB size with an online archive of 100GB. • Shared mailboxes got changes to groups. • Native email applications on mobile devices no longer work, Outlook App (available in the app store for smart phones) is now required. MioVision pilot project on E01 • At the end of October Banyan Networks installed additional inputs to the Cradlepoint installed in Engine 01 so the Cradlepoint can receive additional data regarding if parking brake is engaged, light bar is on and turn signals are on for the vehicle. These inputs along with GPS location are being sent to MioVision’s cloud-based servers. This will be used to trigger traffic signal preemption on pilot 2025 | OCTOBER PAGE 20 traffic signals. The goal is to see if switching to GPS based traffic signal preemption is a feasible replacement for the current IR system. M10 Starlink pilot • M10 was out of service at mechanic shop for part of October. • When in service, 4% of the time Cradlepoint is online (not necessarily on a call) Starlink connection is being used. Working with State DOH on fine tuning configuration. Inventory and Item Checks in FireWorks • Quarterly inventory and item checks are active in FireWorks. • iPads have been distributed to stations for inventory and item check use. • Project to get COH Wi-Fi at every station in the works. SAFETY PROGRAM COOP • Two-phase exercise originally scheduled for October 7, 2025, postponed due to multiple conflicts; new date/time TBD. Procurement of NFPA Ground Ladder Testing Equipment/Supplies • B-202 approved by Purchasing; awaiting PO; ETA for arrival mid-December with anticipated roll-out in March 2026 (subject to change). • V8 form sent to vendor; awaiting return with original signature. Draft OSHA Two-In/Two-Out Policy • Reviewed by Support Services and Operations respective Chiefs; updated version with feedback/comments to be reviewed by the Safety Committee for final recommendations to F1/F2. Coordination with Training & National Fallen Firefighters Foundation • Hosting “Taking Care of Our Own” (LODD) training in the 1st quarter of 2026; confirmed for Thursday, March 5th, and Friday, March 6th. • High-probability NFFF will also host an info-session on the Federal Public Safety Officer Benefit tentatively slated for the afternoon on Wednesday, March 4th; details and registration info forthcoming. Severe Event Response Team Training • Draft procedure developed and sent to the Safety Committee for review. Respiratory Protection Program • Awaiting rollout of MS 365 by IT to reconcile fit testing and flow-testing data from various (non-networked) computers. • Received response from PSI (Oahu) to replace Kunkle valves on electric Mako unit ($2,600); awaiting approval from Fiscal (may need bid); updated quote from PSI awaited to submit REV-1; REV-1 pending approval. • HIOSH Boiler & Elevator Inspector identified an intermittently malfunctioning on/off switch on the Bauer TCOM breathing air compressor at Station 10 (Pahoa); Notice of Violation issued with deadline for correction on 11/30/25; awaiting response from PSI to determine warranty status; intent to have PSI correct both issues (Kunkle valves and on/off switch) on the same trip. • Failed air quality tests (10/15): Both Mako units at Waiakea out of service until further notice due to high moisture content (no particles or contaminants); 2025 | OCTOBER PAGE 21 investigation and corrective steps taken. Return to service pending follow-up test results. • All affected SCBA bottles multi-purged and returned to service; post-correction tests confirmed no ongoing issues related to moisture. • Some new SCUBA bottles procured for immediate use; vendor will visually inspect the remainder; Chief Lindsey coordinating. • Pahala’s TCOM light at Station 1 and Pahoa’s TCOM in service; Makalei’s TCOM pending follow-up results from an inadequate sample. • In the process of obtaining a different type of test for evaluation (more expensive but simpler and less susceptible to collection issues). Safety Concerns and Inspections • Mold testing at Stations #4 & #5: DPW initially declined testing; amended work orders submitted. • HFD met with DPW regarding environmental (primarily mold) testing requested for Stations #4 and #5; updated R&M work orders submitted for ongoing moisture issues. • HFD in the process of seeking professional services for environmental testing (inclusive of lead, etc.) to manage internally; SOQs and a list of vendors obtained from the Parks and Recreation Incident/Accident Reports • Two new Incident/Accident, and three Toxic Exposure reports received during October. Joint Safety Committee • Meeting scheduled for October 15th cancelled due to lack of a quorum; next meeting scheduled for November 19th. COH EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION PROGRAM The County of Hawai'i held its 57th annual Employee Recognition awards ceremony on Oct. 2 at Aunty Sally Kaleohano’s Lūʻau Hale in Hilo. Twenty-three exemplary employees were nominated for the categories of Manager, Supervisor, and Employee of the Year. Employee of the Year Nominee: Ericksen Kohatsu, Fire/EMS Specialist II VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT County, Federal, and State Fire Department personnel from across the island came together on October 25 for the annual Fire Volleyball Tournament held at Waimea District Park. Teams showed great energy and sportsmanship throughout the day, with close matches keeping spectators on their feet. In addition to showcasing athletic skills, the tournament strengthened the bonds that help firefighters work together effectively in the field. 2025 | OCTOBER PAGE 22 18TH ANNUAL WAHINE FORUM The Wahine Forum, the state’s largest leadership and career development conference for women, was held in Honolulu on October 24. Battalion Chief Melanie Keolanui was one of the speakers of the Women Who Save Lives breakout session where she spoke about the valuable lessons she learned while working a dangerous job, the unique challenges she faces firefighting, and how she manages the immense stress that comes with working under such high stakes. FALL HFD CAMPING TRIP The Hawaiʻi Fire Department enjoyed a return to beautiful Keʻei in October to relax, unwind, and reconnect outside of work. Mahalo to everyone who joined and helped make the weekend memorable. For those interested in future trips, please look out for upcoming announcements. STAY CONNECTED! See what we’re up to on social media! Follow the Hawaiʻi Fire Department for the latest updates, photos, and behind-the-scenes looks at our work in the community. Check out our recent posts!