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Home My WebLink AboutFIRE CHIEF'S REPORT FY 25-26 NOV 2025 | NOVEMBER 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 ............................................................................................................. 14 Emergency Communications Branch............................................................................................... 14 Snapshots and Stories ............................................................................................................................ 15 Operations Highlights ........................................................................................................................... 15 Fire Prevention Highlights ................................................................................................................... 15 Aviation Highlights ................................................................................................................................ 16 Ocean Safety Highlights ....................................................................................................................... 17 Volunteer Training ................................................................................................................................. 18 Technical Services Highlights ............................................................................................................. 19 Safety Program ........................................................................................................................................ 19 Hāweo Award Recipient ....................................................................................................................... 21 Blessings .................................................................................................................................................... 21 Waimea First Responders Event ........................................................................................................ 22 A Hui Hou .................................................................................................................................................. 22 Stay Connected! ...................................................................................................................................... 23 TABLE OF CONTENTS 2025 | NOVEMBER PAGE 3 CHIEF’S OFFICE REPORT Section Report by Chief’s Office Program Budget Objectives November 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 November YTD Goal Dollar value of grants applied for $0.00 $7,720,254 $5,000,000 Dollar value of grants received $0.00 $2,678,274 $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 $50,576 Rebel Strike LLC Hawaii Specialty Vehicles (pending award) 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 USDA VF Cap. IFB 4520 Bid awarded to Orchid Isle Ford for 2 Brush Trucks. County match $278,590 $278,590 $73,041 Delivery expected 01/2026. Pending approval of time extension request 24 USDA Vol. Fire Cap. Project 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. 2025 | NOVEMBER 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 Fair Share Fund HFD Maintenance Shop Design $684,000 $0 Allotment approved 2025 | NOVEMBER 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 Position filled 12/01/2025 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 Position filled 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 Positions filled 11/16/25 Fire Equipment Operator 10/12/2025 1/6/2026 2/24/2026 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 4 Position filled 12/01/2025 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 | NOVEMBER PAGE 6 Program Measure November YTD Vacancy Rate Total 10.5% 11% Vacancy Rate Admin & Support 5 9 Vacancy Rate Fire 15 15 Vacancy Rate EMS 10 10 Vacancy Rate Communications 16 16 Vacancy Rate Ocean Safety 8 14 Program Budget Objectives November YTD Goal Efficient response to human resource queries 100% of 53 100% (199) <2 Days Active Avg Days Goal Average internal investigations completion in days 6 120+* <60 days Rate Avg % Yr Goal Maintain a vacancy rate below 7% 10.5% 11% <36 PV Active Recruitments by HFD Position Status Report Assistant Fire Chief Offer Extended November 12, 2025. Battalion Chief Position Filled October 1, 2025. Fire/EMS Specialist II Offers Extended November 10, 2025. Fire Captain Position Filled October 1, 2025. Fire Equipment Operator Application Screening (HR/Civil Service) Complete Nov. 23, 2025. Fire / HazMat Specialist Application Screening (HR/Civil Service) Oct. 29, 2025. Fire Fighter Recruit Application Period Closed November 25, 2025. Water Safety Officer III Position Filled November 16, 2025. Water Safety Officer Is Offers Extended October 28, 2025. Account Clerks Position Filled November 16, 2025. Clerk IIIs Department Interviews December 2, 2025. Lead Fire Equip. Mechanic Department Interviews November 12, 2025. Professional Trainee – Grants Job Description Finalized November 14, 2025. Fire Communications Officer I Offers Accepted/Start Date Set *Several investigations are being carried out outside of the HR Branch, which is why exact data is not available. 2025 | NOVEMBER 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 $23,371086 67% 46% 62012 OCE $2,092,005 No Data No Data 42% (62106) Equipment $1,900,177 No Data No Data 42% Fire - Heli S&W $329,364 $95,369 29% 46% 62112+62742 OCE $862,907 No data No data 42% 62116+62746 Equipment $20,000 No data No data 42% Program Budget Objectives November YTD Goal 95% of all assigned training completed 54% 78.16% >95% Daily Vehicle Checks 90% (OPS) 45% 48% >90% Average turn out time (total) 02:06 02:09 <01:20 99% Report completion within 10 days 97% 98% >99% Total Calls for Calendar Year 2025 November YTD % Fire 56 1014 3.6% EMS 1,833 19,904 70% Other 683 7,396 26% Totals 2,572 28,314 100% Year 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 (est.) Total Calls 25,015 27,398 29,594 30,738 31,143 30,888 Program Measures Nov % < 80 secs YTD % < 80 secs Avg. Turn out time (Fire) 02:10 14% 02:26 17% Avg. Turn out time (EMS) 02:04 21% 02:03 18.97% Program Measures Nov % < 9 mins YTD % < 9 mins Avg. Response Time (Fire) 11:09 43% 11:30 48% Avg. Response Time (EMS) 09:07 59% 9:09 59% Call Type November YTD Wildland calls (140, 141, 142, 143) 7 267 Acres burned 2100 3054 Structure Fires (110 & 111) 5 72 Property and Contents - Loss $968,150 $6,373,475 Property and Contents - Save $1,356,150 $6,373,475 Other fires (all other 100 series) 44 675 Property and Contents - Loss $0 $1,049,395 Property and Contents - Save $0 $35,682,700 2025 | NOVEMBER 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 46% Equipment $192,920 No data No data 42% *sub-budget within auxiliary service budget Program Budget Objectives Nov YTD Goal Aircraft Operational Uptime >90% 97% 95.2% > 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 1,360 3,000 Maintain minimum proficiency training hours Hazmat 320 616 600 Maintain minimum proficiency training hours Air Ops 5.8 15 30 Program Highlights: Special Operations Branch • Confined Space Retraining ongoing through the month of November and completed by Rescue and HAZMAT Companies “B” and “C.” “A” Shift to perform their annual refresher in early December. • Co 2 and C1 responded per report of Opihi picker who had fallen from cliff. Patient extracted by long line via C1 and transferred to M1 for transport to HMC. • Co 2 and C1 responded to Nanawale Estates per report of overdue hiker. Male party located and extracted by C1 and FRS, male party refused medical treatment or transport. • Co 7 and C2 responded to a call for four swimmers in distress near Puako, 2 of the individuals were able to swim to shore under their own power, two were picked up by ski 2 and transported to shore. 2025 | NOVEMBER 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 $2,188,195 56% 46% 6228 OCE $364,000 No data No data 42% Equipment $425,736 No data No data 42% Program Measures (Metrics) November YTD # of people Number of Beach Visitors 325,747 3,021,090 Number of Preventative Actions 1006 3,735 Number of Minor Medical Aids 271 2,288 Number of Major Medical Aids (Transports) 12 75 Number of Rescues 68 620 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: The HFD’s Rescue Watercraft Operator (RWCO) Training Program Written Assessment Process has been completed, with a total of 4 WSO Candidates who have passed. The RWCO Physical Assessment will be held tentatively on December 12th. 2025 | NOVEMBER 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 $7,932,645 52% 46% 6227 OCE $2,767,608 N/A N/A 42% Equipment $2,259,732 $2,252,161 100 % 42% Program Measures November YTD ROSC Rate 0% (Multiple incomplete hospital reports) 7.9% Call Volume ALS Transport 1,394 21043 Call Volume BLS Transport 605 4765 Program Budget Objectives November 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 • The EMS Branch attended a ceremony for the blessing of Life Flight Network’s newest air ambulance aircrafts on November 6th. • An assessment center for the Fire Medical Specialist II positions was held on November 7th. Four candidates participated. • EMS Branch personnel assisted the Training Branch in certifying the 54th firefighter recruit class in Basic Life Support (BLS) training. • Training on the Pulsara app has now begun for the medics serving the Kona Community Hospital catchment area. • The EMS Branch and personnel in the current MICT class attended the Queen’s Medical Center Trauma Symposium on November 21st. This one-day event featured educational presentations and discussions led by local and national trauma experts. • Capt. Lam provided a great presentation to local healthcare leaders on the importance of technology and appropriate health data exchange with prehospital providers. • EMS Shopify Store – Supply Orders Data for the Month of November: • 76 orders, approximately $55K in gross order sales *Call Volume metrics have variances over the past 3 months due to data point changes on acquisition. Currently working with SDOH and ESO to produce more accurate data. 2025 | NOVEMBER 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% 46% 6224 OCE $236,060 No Data No Data 42% Equipment $2,500 No Data No Data 42% 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 November YTD Goal Professional Development 53 personnel 121 personnel 50 personnel Incident Command Training Spring 2026 No Data 100% compliance Structural Firefighting Training 30 personnel 45 personnel 75 personnel Wildland Firefighting Training 1 personnel 4 personnel pending funding Program Highlights: Training Branch • The 54th Firefighter Recruit Class completed NFPA 1001, Firefighter II ProBoard Training and is preparing for written and psychomotor skills testing. • The 54th Recruits assisted with the Surfer’s Healing Event on November 22 at Waiuli Beach Park. Surfer’s Healing is a non-profit sharing the joy of surfing with disabled youth. • BC Springer and FEO Jeremy Tekurio attended Maui Fire Department’s Fire Officer I class from November 17-21 as part of curriculum development to revive our former Officer Development program. The training meets NFPA 1021 Job Performance Requirements (JPRs) to include emergency management, incident command, community risk reduction, public relations, human resources, budget process, leadership, and administration. • 33 personnel and 18 recruits attended our Frank Viscuso Leadership series, which included three different workshops targeting chief officers, company officers/driver operators, and firefighters. The series is based on his three books, including Step Up and Lead, Flash Point, and 35 Things Every Firefighter Must Know and Do. 2025 | NOVEMBER 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 $89,336 36% 46% 6225 OCE $90,000 $90,000 100% 42% Equipment 0 0 0% N/A Program Measures November Total Total Volunteers 1 109 Program Budget Objectives November 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 1% 46% 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 $696,745 61% 46% 6222 OCE $44,184 N/A N/A 42% Program Measures November YTD Last Year Comp Inspections - Occupancy 76 194 N/A* Public Education Events 8 39 N/A* Plans Reviewed 41 448 N/A* Fire Investigations 4 9 N/A* Complaints Investigated 1 27 N/A* Average Plan Review Time in Days 10.5 10.5 N/A* Program Budget Objectives Nov. YTD Goal Average plans reviewed < 14 days 10.1 days 10.6 days <14 Days Public Education min 2 a month 7 46 24 Maintain CFIT Designation for 2 personnel min 1 1 2 Fire Inspection of High Hazard >6 per month 6 29 72 / year EPR property list input @ 60 updates a month 27 186 720 / year *YTD totals were not available as a new EPR system changeover occurred 2025 | NOVEMBER 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 $234,671 53% 46% 6223 OCE $1,469,520 No data No data 42% (Obligated) Equipment $809,020 $470,559 58% 42% Program Measures November YTD Monthly Total Order (38-PPE $7,574.11, 46- supplies $11,463.99) 84 582 Gross Product Sent to Dept $19,038 $248,549 Number of variants available in warehouse 440 N/A Variants Items in stock 393 N/A Program Budget Objectives November 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 77% No data >90% Average fulfillment within 10 working days or less* 7.5 No data <10 days July 90 orders $48,525.03 ($6,755.25 Supplies, $41,769.78 PPE) August 126 orders $71,123.32 ($12,567.56 Supplies, $58,555.76 PPE) September 111 orders $29,984.84 ($17,489.24 Supplies, $12,495.60 PPE) October 144 orders $79,878.34 ($24,453.99 Supplies, $55,424.35 PPE) 2025 | NOVEMBER PAGE 14 VEHICLE MAINTENANCE SECTION Section Report by: Chief Mechanic Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal Auxiliary S&W $451,205 $209,862 57% 46% 6223 OCE $383,792 No Data No Data 42% Equipment $25,000 $450.25 2% 42% *sub-budget within auxiliary service budget Program Measures November YTD LY YTD Number of Repairs 204 1130 964 Service Calls 34 148 152 Contracted Work or Tows 10 70 85 DOT inspections 0 134 134 Program Budget Objectives November 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 $445,018 24% 46% 6231x OCE $69,294 No Data No Data 42% e-911 Grant OCE $294,303 $98,722 34% 42% 62610 Equipment $2,800 $14,000 500% 42% Program Measures Admin (nonemergency) Total # of 911 calls Avg duration % answered < 10 sec # of calls # of calls 2,482 189 86% 2,163 4,645 Program Budget Objectives November YTD GOAL EMD Protocol Compliance 70%* or greater 49% 44% >70% 90% of 911 calls answered in <10 seconds 86% 87% 90% Average time to process 911 call <180 182s 184s <180 sec Time from Call to Dispatch <60 seconds @ 90% 152s 140s <60 sec *Compliance goal to increase 5% per year 2025 | NOVEMBER PAGE 15 SNAPSHOTS AND STORIES OPERATIONS HIGHLIGHTS Battalion 1 • 11/3 Structure fire at Kauhale Olu Apts. District 1, Inc# 26047 in the second-floor unit. All occupants accounted for, no fatalities. Fire controlled with a transitional attack from Co.1, Co.2, Co.3 and Co.4. Cause of fire arson per HPD. • 11/4 Structure fire on Ainaola Dr. District 3, Inc# 26056. 2500 sq ft fully involved upon arrival. Fire controlled by Co.1, Co.2, Co.3 and Co.4. Cause of fire unknown. • 11/7 Brush fire on Mana road six miles in off Mauna Kea access. District 4, Inc# 26347 multi-day incident 2100 acres burned. Fire controlled with Co.4, Co.1, Co.3 and multiple volunteer units with help from DOFAW, DPW, HIANG and PTA. Cause of fire unknown. • 11/29 Structure Fire at the Pu’ueo Poi Factory District, Inc# 28230. 20,000 sq ft 14 unit two story converted apartment building 60% involved upon arrival. Building suffered extensive fire damage with 70% of the building collapsed. Fire was controlled with Co.1, Co.2, Co.3 and Co.4. Two civilian fatalities found during overhaul, all other occupants confirmed out of the structure and accounted for by HPD. Cause of fire under investigation. • 11/30 Structure Fire at 193 Kinoole St. Dist.1, Inc# 28289. Fire Companies 1, 2, 3 and 4 responded to a structure fire at 193 Kinoole St. across the Texaco gas station. Upon arrival found dual use business and apartment building 50% to 60% involved with flames visible from the street. Building initially involved along with the neighboring structure on 207 Kinoole St. subsequently collapsed due to fire damage, additional structure at and 140 Haili St. suffered extensive fire damage. Seven known residents were evacuated from the involved structures, all were accounted for by HPD patrol and left the scene prior to HFD inspectors arrival. Battalion 2 • 11/25 structure fire district 15 at 1520 Companies 15,14,9 and BC-2 fire was contained to building of origin. FIRE PREVENTION H IGHLIGHTS Community Outreach, Events & Media Engagement • November 6: Capt. Goo assisted in a community Hazard assessment in District 9 at Pu’uanahulu with HWMO (Waimea) • November 7: We ran a booth at the Kealakehe high School Career Fair to encourage students to learn more about the Fire Department and what type of jobs we have. • November 18: Inspectors Requelman and Nakata provided a booth at the Healthcare career expo at Sangha Hall. 2025 | NOVEMBER PAGE 16 • November 30: Captain Goo participated in the lion’s club Christmas parade in downtown Hilo Fire Investigations: 11/4: District 1, Inc# 250026047, Multi-family Residential @ Kumula St Housing 11/27: District 3, Inc# 250028101, Residential Fire 11/29: District 1, Inc# 250028230, Multi-family Residential @ Old Poi Factory 11/30: District 1, Inc# 250028289, Mixed use (Residential / Commercial) @ Kinoole St. UAS Program: Dist. 4 (11/11/2025) Mana road Inc#250026347: HFD’s Matrice 30T and the Mavi Pro were 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. AVIATION HIGHLIGHTS Chopper 1 – 18.8 flight hours Chopper 2 – 11.8 flight hours Total Combined – 30.6 Fire – 24.7 flight hours were dedicated to fighting a large 2100 acre brush fire on Mauna Kea near Mana Road. Rescue – 2.9 hours involving the following rescues: • Opihi picker was washed into the ocean. • A hiker was overdue and couldn’t be located by the party. • Swimmer reported off Mahukona ended up being rubbish floating offshore. 2025 | NOVEMBER PAGE 17 Training – 0.6 flight hours were dedicated to: • Training with Station 16 personnel • Practice with the new dual hook cargo system on Chopper 1 The remaining time was dedicated to: • 1 Special service flower drop and fly over event • 1 Maintenance flight on Chopper 1 • DLNR shark survey OCEAN SAFETY HIGHLIGHTS Heat map of Major First Aids, Minor First Aids and Rescues for month of November; Watchtower Program (right) Career Expo WSO II Causey and WSO Henkel Participate in the Career Opportunities Expo 2025; 11/13/25 Testing of Dolphin 3 • BC Keawe and BC Young and SKI-1 test the Dolphin 3; Unmanned Water Rescue System 11/24/2025. (left) • WSO II Kealoha testing out the Dolphin 3 Manual Rescue Mode (center) • RWC Operator Henkel and WSO II Crewperson testing out the Dolphin 3 Rescue Device – manual mode (right) 2025 | NOVEMBER PAGE 18 VOLUNTEER TRAINING 1-A (Pepeʻekeo) Responded to structure fire at Kau Hale Olu. 5-B (Hawaiian Acres) Attended monthly department meetings and assisted Vibrant Hawaii with food distribution in the community. 5-D (Fern Acres) CPR/AED training for VFF, 2 new VFF are close to becoming official VFF. 7-B (Kalaoa) Responded to the Mana Rd brush fire and also conducted training on wildland tactics and performed vehicle maintenance. 8-A (Pa’auilo), 9-A (Waiki’i), 14-A (Kohala) Responded to Mana Rd brush fire on Mauna Kea. 9-B (Kanehoa) responded to 3 fire calls, 2 on Mana Rd, and 1 on Kanehoa st, They also conducted various hose drills for company training. 10-D (Ainaloa) Responded to Mana Rd brush fire on Nov. 8th & 9th assisting with fire suppression and mop up. Company training conducted reviewing wilidland firefighting, operational procedures, fireground safety and tactics. VFF M. Santiago successfully passed DCC audit. Welcomed new VFF Angelina-Rae Palma. 11-A (Na’alehu),11-C (Discovery Harbor), 11-D (Pahala) CPR/AED Training. 16-B (Pu’uanahulu) hHd over 98 manhours responding to Mana Road brushfire and consequential maintenance. They also conducted prechecks and ground maintenance. 2025 | NOVEMBER PAGE 19 19-A (Volcano), 19-B (Fern Forest/Eden Roc) Responded to Mana Rd Brush fire on Mauna Kea. CPR/AED Training. 20-A (HOVE) Conducted their monthly scheduled training and have several new community members interested in volunteering. They are currently in various stages of the initial stages to become a volunteer. TECHNICAL SERVICES HIGHLIGHTS NERIS Transition • Modify BC QC validation rule error message to clearly state what is required for report approval. Email Migration from hosted exchange to outlook.com • Corrections for distribution list that contained contacts outside hawaiicounty.gov. • Online version of email now Outlook.com. MioVision pilot project on E01 • Working on issue that Cradlepoint is going into sleep mode and not transmitting data to MioVision, ignition sense i/o cable may need to be reconnected. This is only affecting MioVision pilot, other data and GPS location still transmitting to County Network and CAD M10 Starlink pilot • Cradlepoint tech support made improvements to configuration. • 8% of data usage through Starlink for October. • M08 next unit planned for pilot, install should be completed in December. SAFETY PROGRAM Respiratory Protection Program • Waiakea Mako breathing air compressors (both units) remain Out of Service following failed air quality tests that began 10/15/25. o Initial failure showed marginal high moisture (71 ppm); subsequent tests showed one unit passed but paperwork was incomplete, preventing positive identification. o Third-round testing (11/24) revealed both units failed again with extreme identical moisture readings (568 ppm). o All affected SCBA bottles were multi-purged and returned to service; post-correction checks confirmed no ongoing moisture-related issues in bottles. o PSI (Oahu) scheduled to arrive first week of December 2025 to replace Kunkle valves on the electric Mako unit, troubleshoot both Waiakea compressors, and conduct in-service training. • HIOSH violation (Pahoa Station 10 Bauer TCOM on/off switch) closed as of 11/17/25 after station personnel were unable to replicate the reported malfunction; HIOSH accepted continued close monitoring in lieu of immediate repair. • Makalei compressor passed retest and is certified; Pahoa and Pahala (TCOM light) compressors remain certified and in service. 2025 | NOVEMBER PAGE 20 • Simpler, more reliable air-quality test kits (Safety Lab Plus CGA-347, SLP-1740) ordered (25 kits) and received at Warehouse 11/20/25; significantly easier collection process; to be implemented following PSI visit. • Vendor inquiries for in-person quarterly testing training were unsuccessful; vendors provide written instructions and YouTube videos only. Procurement of NFPA Ground Ladder Testing Equipment/Supplies • Purchase Order issued 11/17/25; equipment fabrication lead time 6–8 weeks (anticipated arrival mid-late January 2026). • Draft written testing procedure completed. Environmental / Mold & Lead Testing • Professional Services contract submitted to Purchasing for Lehua Environmental to perform comprehensive environmental testing (mold, lead, etc.) and abatement as needed. • DPW conducted site visit at Kaumana (Station 8) on 11/21/25; follow-up visit with bucket truck scheduled for roof access. • Ongoing coordination with DPW for Stations 4 and 5 moisture issues via updated R&M work orders. • Follow-up air sampling at Station 18 (post-July abatement) continues to show indoor particle levels well controlled and below outdoor levels; abatement remains effective. Draft OSHA Two-In/Two-Out Policy • No additional movement in November; updated draft with Chiefs’ feedback remains pending Safety Committee review and final recommendations to F1/F2. Coordination with Training & National Fallen Firefighters Foundation • “Taking Care of Our Own” (LODD) training confirmed for Thursday–Friday, March 5–6, 2026. • NFFF info-session on Federal Public Safety Officer Benefit tentatively planned for Wednesday afternoon, March 4, 2026 (details/registration forthcoming). Severe Event Response Team Training • Draft procedure remains with Safety Committee for review (no update). Incident/Accident Reports • One new Incident/Accident report received (hand burn at Mana Road fire). • Memo received regarding M10 apparatus damage; formal Vehicle Damage report pending. Joint Safety Committee • November 19, 2025 meeting cancelled due to lack of quorum. Next meeting date TBD. 2025 | NOVEMBER PAGE 21 HĀWEO AWARD RECIPIENT Chief Mechanic Aaron Buyuan received the Hāweo Award during a Nov. 5 presentation in Hilo Council Chambers. He was recognized for his leadership, professionalism, and exceptional service in managing the department’s fleet operations. Congratulations, Chief Mechanic Buyuan! BLESSINGS Life Flight Network is now operating on Hawaiʻi Island, with a helicopter in Kona and a fixed-wing aircraft in Hilo. A blessing was held on Nov. 6 at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, attended by Chief Todd, EMS staff, and partners. Within the first 24 hours, crews transported two patients. The aircraft operate as mobile intensive care units, improving response times, patient care, and connections to higher-level facilities statewide. A blessing was held on Nov. 5 at the Mechanic Shop for two new fuel trucks donated by the Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation. Fire Chaplain Renee Godoy presided, with Laura Mallery-Sayre, Dr. Frank Sayre, Fire Mechanic staff, and Station 2 personnel in attendance. 2025 | NOVEMBER PAGE 22 An additional blessing was held in Hilo on Nov. 17 for three new Ford F-450 brush trucks funded through the CDBG Program. The units will be assigned to Volunteer Companies 5B Hawaiian Acres, 11A Nāʻālehu, and 11C Discovery Harbor, replacing vehicles that have been in service for up to 45 years. WAIMEA FIRST RESPONDERS EVENT On November 21, the Waimea community gathered for the Mahalo First Responders event, recognizing and celebrating the service of our firefighters, police, EMS personnel, and volunteers. A HUI HOU Vice Chair of the Fire Commission, Mr. Steven Hirakami, passed away on Nov. 26. We thank him for his leadership, service, and guidance during his time on the Commission. He will be missed. 2025 | NOVEMBER PAGE 23 STAY CONNECTED! See what we’re up to on social media! 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