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Home My WebLink AboutFIRE CHIEF'S REPORT FY 25-26 DEC 2025 | DECEMBER 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 Ocean Safety Highlights ....................................................................................................................... 16 Volunteer Training ................................................................................................................................. 17 Technical Services Highlights ............................................................................................................. 18 Safety Program ........................................................................................................................................ 18 Passing of Fire Chief Kazuo Todd ..................................................................................................... 20 Stay Connected ....................................................................................................................................... 20 TABLE OF CONTENTS 2025 | DECEMBER PAGE 3 CHIEF’S OFFICE REPORT Section Report by Chief’s Office Program Budget Objectives December 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 December 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 | DECEMBER 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 | DECEMBER 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 N/A N/A N/A 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 TBD N/A TBD Captain Prevention N/A N/A N/A No anticipated vacancies in FY 26-27 Captain Communications N/A TBD TBD Transfers into roles; no recruitment 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 TBD TBD TBD 1 position vacant as of 1/1/2026 WSO I TBD TBD TBD 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 TBD TBD TBD 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 | DECEMBER PAGE 6 Program Measure November YTD Vacancy Rate Total 8% 10% Vacancy Rate Admin & Support 6 9 Vacancy Rate Fire 15 15 Vacancy Rate EMS 6 10 Vacancy Rate Communications 10 16 Vacancy Rate Ocean Safety 3 14 Program Budget Objectives December YTD Goal Efficient response to human resource queries 100% of 17 100% (216) <2 Days Active Avg Goal Average internal investigations completion in days 10 120+* <60 days Rate Avg Goal Maintain a vacancy rate below 7% 8% 10% <36 PV Active Recruitments by HFD Position Status Report Assistant Fire Chief Position Filled December 1, 2025. Fire/EMS Specialist II Position Filled December 1, 2025. Fire Captain Position Filled December 1, 2025. Fire Equipment Operator PAE Exams Notices sent December 24, 2025. Fire / Hazardous Materials Specialist PAE Exams Notices sent December 31, 2025. Fire Fighter Recruit Application Period Closed November 25, 2025. Water Safety Officer Is Position Filled December 16, 2025. Account Clerks Position Filled November 16, 2025. Clerk IIIs Department Interviews December 2, 2025. Lead Fire Equipment Mechanic Position Filled December 1, 2025. Fire Equipment Mechanic Job Posting Online December 28, 2025. Professional Trainee – Grants Job Posting Online December 28, 2025. Fire Communications Officer I Positions Filled December 1, 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 | DECEMBER PAGE 7 EMERGENCY OPERATIONS DIVISION Section Report by: Assistant Chief of Operations Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal Fire S&W $34,967,574 $26,291,019 75% 54% 62012 OCE $2,092,005 No Data No Data 50% (62106) Equipment $1,900,177 No Data No Data 50% Fire - Heli S&W $329,364 $121,704 37% 50% 62112+62742 OCE $862,907 No data No data 50% 62116+62746 Equipment $20,000 No data No data 50% Program Budget Objectives December YTD Goal 95% of all assigned training completed 65% 77% >95% Daily Vehicle Checks 90% (OPS) 56% 49% >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 December YTD % Fire 63 1,082 4% EMS 1,960 21,884 70% Other 761 8,134 26% Totals 2,784 31,100 100% Year 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 (est.) Total Calls 25,015 27,398 29,594 30,738 31,143 31,100 Program Measures Nov % < 80 secs YTD % < 80 secs Avg. Turn out time (Fire) 02:21 22% 02:26 17% Avg. Turn out time (EMS) 02:04 20% 02:03 20% Program Measures Nov % < 9 mins YTD % < 9 mins Avg. Response Time (Fire) 14:41 37% 11:44 47% Avg. Response Time (EMS) 09:13 57% 9:10 60% Call Type December YTD Wildland calls (140, 141, 142, 143) 17 285 Acres burned 1 3909 Structure Fires (110 & 111) 4 78 Property and Contents - Loss $122,000 $7,149,675 Property and Contents - Save $0 $8,244,075 Other fires (all other 100 series) 42 719 Property and Contents - Loss $0 $1,049,395 Property and Contents - Save $200 $35,682,900 2025 | DECEMBER 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 50% Equipment $192,920 No data No data 50% *sub-budget within auxiliary service budget Program Budget Objectives Dec YTD Goal Aircraft Operational Uptime >90% 97% 96% > 90% Review & update SOP/SOG within cycle 0 0 >100% Arrange annual HazTech Course 0 1 per Y Maintain minimum proficiency training hours Rescue 96 1,456 3,000 Maintain minimum proficiency training hours Hazmat 80 690 600 Maintain minimum proficiency training hours Air Ops 2 17 30 Program Highlights: Special Operations Branch Aviation • Our Director of Operations (Aviation) resigned on December 15, 2025, we are grateful for his efforts to keep our operation stable. • We have hired Kalei Gregory to replace him as of December 22, 2025 and are excited to have Mr. Gregory back as our DO. • 12/2/2025 – C1 and C2 Brush Fire Keanakolu / Mana Road. • 12/9/2025 – C2 responded to Dist 11 with Co 11 to transport shark bite victim to HMC. Rescue • 12/6/2025 – Co 2 responded to Keaukaha for report of missing diver. Body located and scene transitioned to HPD. HazMat • No significant HAZMAT responses for December. All personnel who were available for recurrent training in Confined Space Operations were able to complete their annual refresher. Two (2) personnel on long term leave or involved in other credentialling programs were unable to maintain their certification. • Coordinating with DOH to provide two (2) Hazardous Materials Technician level training courses this calendar year – one projected for April, one for July. Our hope is to begin including this training as part of the initial Recruit training to buffer our declining pool of trained personnel. 2025 | DECEMBER 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 $2,494,225 64% 54% 6228 OCE $364,000 No data No data 50% Equipment $425,736 No data No data 50% Program Measures (Metrics) December YTD # of people Number of Beach Visitors 454,629 3,475,719 Number of Preventative Actions 351 4,086 Number of Minor Medical Aids 267 2,555 Number of Major Medical Aids (Transports) 4 79 Number of Rescues 62 682 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 Operator Program Update: • The HFD’s Rescue Watercraft Operator (RWCO) Training Program’s 2nd round of Solicitation Process has been completed, with a total of 15 WSO Candidates who have submitted all required documents and certifications. The RWCO Written Assessment will be held tentatively on January 23rd. • WSO I recruitment update: • WSO I selection process is completed. 5 WSO’s have been hired, orientation and training began December 16th. 2025 | DECEMBER 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 $8,998,506 59% 54% 6227 OCE $2,767,608 N/A N/A 50% Equipment $2,259,732 $2,252,161 100 % 50% Program Measures December YTD ROSC Rate 0% 7.1% Call Volume ALS Transport 1,143 22,186 Call Volume BLS Transport 597 5,362 Program Budget Objectives December YTD Goal Less than 10% paramedic Vacancy rate 8% (4) 8% (4) < 6 vac Quality review of 95% of Critical Calls 5% 15% 100% Maintain a fleet of >8 Spare medics 9 9 >8 Spare Program Highlights: EMS Branch • On Christmas eve, we tragically lost Dr. FitzGerald, HFD’s medical Director since March 2006. She was a vibrant individual, who always advocated for our EMS personnel. Although we are heartbroken at the loss of our longest standing medical director, the island mourns a community physician who dedicated her life to helping others. When we find out about any community or funeral services, we will notify the department. • The annual inspections for all primary and backup ambulances have been completed. The 2026 State of Hawaiʻi Ambulance Service licenses will be distributed as soon as they are received. • The first County Council Resolution hearing regarding funding for the Makalei ambulance was held, bringing us another step closer to bringing this valuable resource into operation. • EMS Branch personnel assisted the Training Branch and HPD with a 3-day Active Shooter Training. • The Fall 2025 paramedic class has successfully completed the didactic portion of their training. They will begin their clinical and internship training in January 2026. • EMS Shopify Store – Supply Orders Data for the Month of December: o 79 Orders, approximately $47K 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 | DECEMBER 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 $536,238 58% 54% 6224 OCE $236,060 No Data No Data 50% Equipment $2,500 No Data No Data 50% 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 December YTD Goal Professional Development 53 personnel 174 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 the IAFF Fireground Survival Program, Rapid Intervention Teams, ALERRT Active Shooter Training, and are currently taking Emergency Medical Responder. • The 54th Recruits honored Fire Chief Kazuo Todd with a group workout in partnership with Pastor Renee Godoy, Administrative Staff, Emergency Operations Personnel, HPD officers and recruits, and the Hawaii Fitness Foundation. Chief Todd’s ‘ohana attended the gathering which symbolized his sacrifice, dedication, and work ethic. In moments of loss, we lean on one another, stand stronger together, and remember why we do this work. • 53 personnel attended a one-day hands-on educational workshop covering Electrical and Solar Safety, sponsored by the IBEW and instructed by CJ Hamilton. Live demonstrations provided operational safety concepts, procedures, and precautions for responders when responding to electrical and solar emergencies. 2025 | DECEMBER PAGE 12 VOLUNTEER SERVICES SECTION Section Report by: Senior Volunteer Training Captain Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal Fire Volunteer S&W $263,514 $200,562 76% 50% 6225 OCE $90,000 $90,000 100% 50% Equipment 0 0 0% N/A Program Measures December Total Total Volunteers 4 113 Program Budget Objectives December 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 $798,640 70% 54% 6222 OCE $44,184 N/A N/A 50% Program Measures December YTD Last Year Comp Inspections - Occupancy 25 219 N/A* Public Education Events 3 42 N/A* Plans Reviewed 36 484 N/A* Fire Investigations 2 11 N/A* Complaints Investigated 1 28 N/A* Average Plan Review Time in Days 10.5 10.5 N/A* Program Budget Objectives Dec. YTD Goal Average plans reviewed < 14 days 10.1 days 10.6 days <14 Days Public Education min 2 a month 3 49 24 Maintain CFIT Designation for 2 personnel min 1 1 2 Fire Inspection of High Hazard >6 per month 2 31 72 / year EPR property list input @ 60 updates a month 32 218 720 / year *YTD totals were not available as a new EPR system changeover occurred 2025 | DECEMBER 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 $269,185 60% 54% 6223 OCE $1,469,520 No data No data 50% (Obligated) Equipment $809,020 $470,559 58% 50% Program Measures December YTD Monthly Total Order (38-PPE $7,574.11, 46- supplies $11,463.99) 72 654 Gross Product Sent to Dept $25,849 $274,398 Number of variants available in warehouse 417 N/A Variants Items in stock 365 N/A Program Budget Objectives December 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 88%* No data >90% Average fulfillment within 10 working days or less* 10.5** No data <10 days *Waiting on Fire Boots; there are 16 variants that affect our stock percentage. **4 were helmet orders that we had to wait till they came in or were on duty if removed, we are at 6.45 days. 2025 | DECEMBER PAGE 14 VEHICLE MAINTENANCE SECTION Section Report by: Chief Mechanic Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal Auxiliary S&W $451,205 $292,817 65% 54% 6223 OCE $383,792 No Data No Data 50% Equipment $25,000 $450.25 2% 50% *sub-budget within auxiliary service budget Program Measures December YTD LY YTD Number of Repairs 208 1338 1177 Service Calls 37 185 192 Contracted Work or Tows 11 81 93 DOT inspections 0 134 134 Program Budget Objectives December 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 $539,246 29% 54% 6231x OCE $69,294 No Data No Data 50% e-911 Grant OCE $294,303 $98,722 34% 50% 62610 Equipment $2,800 $14,000 500% 50% Program Measures Admin (nonemergency) Total # of 911 calls Avg duration % answered < 10 sec # of calls # of calls 2,482 183 85% 2,098 4,742 Program Budget Objectives December YTD GOAL EMD Protocol Compliance 70%* or greater 66% 47% >70% 90% of 911 calls answered in <10 seconds 85% 86% 90% Average time to process 911 call <180 183s 184s <180 sec Time from Call to Dispatch <60 seconds @ 90% 156s 143s <60 sec *Compliance goal to increase 5% per year 2025 | DECEMBER PAGE 15 SNAPSHOTS AND STORIES OPERATIONS HIGHLIGHTS Battalion 1 • 12/3 Structure fire Livingston Subdivision. Co.5, Co.3 and BC1 responded to a structure fire on Oahu St. in the Livingston Subdivision. A 600 square foot structure was fully involved upon arrival. Fire extinguished by Co. 5 and T03 personnel. • 12/6/2025 missing diver near the Hilo Yacht Club, Inc# 28926. Rescue Co.2 conducted a grid search of area where missing divers dive light and fin were found. Body of male party was recovered by Rescue Co. 2 divers and turned over to HPD. • 12/9/2025 shark bite victim Ka’alu’alu bay, inc# 29153. Co.11 and C2 responded to a patient with a shark bite injury to his thigh. Co.11 provided initial ALS treatment and transported the patient to LZ where C2 transported the patient to Kona ER. • 12/17 Structure fire in Nanawale. Inc #29784. C0.10, Co.5, Co.18 and 10D responded to a structure fire on Driftwood Ln in Nanawale. A 600 square foot single family structure was fully involved on arrival. Fire was extinguished and cause of the fire is unknown. • 12/28 Structure Fire in Volcano. Inc# 30785. Co.19 and Co.11 responded to a structure fire that started from a garage of a two-story residence. All residents evacuated prior to arrival of HFD. Fire was extinguished and turned over to fire inspector. FIRE PREVENTION H IGHLIGHTS Community Outreach, Events & Media Engagement • December 4: Captain Goo and Inspector Requelman assisted in a community Hazard assessment in District 9 at Waiaka with HWMO (Waimea) • December 6: Fire Prevention assisted in the Heroes and Helpers event at Target. 2025 | DECEMBER PAGE 16 • December 12: Fire Prevention spearheaded the Magic of the Season hosting night at the County Building. We were grateful to have been assisted by Chief Springer and the Training Branch, Chief Kanae and the EMS Branch, and Chief Komata with the warehouse staff. Our Administration staff came out and ensured that the night was amazing! • December 20: Fire Prevention participated in a Christmas event at the E.K. Tennis stadium and was able to spread some holiday cheer! Fire Investigations: 12/24: District 20, Inc# 250030424, Residential Fire / Fatality 12/28: District 19, Inc# 250030785, Residential Fire UAS Program: UAS Program is currently non-operational as Drones are under maintenance. Will be back online in January 2026. OCEAN SAFETY HIGHLIGHTS Heat Map Heat map of Major First Aids, Minor First Aids and Rescues for month of December; Watchtower Program (right) New WSOs Five New WSO Is began training December 16th; Field Training at Richardson’s Ocean Park (below left) WSO Is at Richardsons Ocean Center for USLA training (below right) 2025 | DECEMBER PAGE 17 VOLUNTEER TRAINING 1-A (Pepeʻekeo) Conducted monthly training and maintenance 5-B (Hawaiian Acres) Responded to a shed fire and other hazards on site. Conducted fire suppression and hose lay drills 5-D (Fern Acres) Responded to shed fire, as well as medical alarms in district. Conducted fire suppression training and communications 7-B (Kalaoa) Training: PPE/Radios, Vehicle Maintenance, 1 call out 8-A (Paʻauilo) Worked on E8A foam system. Conducted community meeting and talk story session with community members. Monthly training in pumping ops drills and fire suppression. Replaced switch on BT8A booster reel. Responded to possible fireworks related tree fire. 9-A (Waikiʻi) Conducted monthly training and maintenance 9-B (Kanehoa) Conducted Engine and Brushtruck maintenance and repair 10-D (ʻAinaloa), 11-A (Nā‘ālehu), 11-C (Discovery Harbor), 11-D (Pāhala) Conducted monthly training and maintenance 14-A (Kohala) Asphalt was donated by Goodfellows Bros. . And rolled out by Volunteer 9A Captain Jon Roberts. 14 Alpha took delivery of its new tanker (X14A). Purchased with funds raised by our Kohala Community. 2025 | DECEMBER PAGE 18 On December 13th a blessing was held in Kawaihae for X14A 16-B (Puʻuanahulu) Conducted monthly training and maintenance 19-A (Volcano) Conducted fire suppression training with 19B. Responded to a structure fire in Fern Acres, structure fire volcano golf course. Conducted monthly training and maintenance. 19-B (Fern Forest) Responded to two structure fires. Conducted fire suppression training with 19A 20-A (HOVE) Responded to 3 vehicle fires, one structure fire, one smell of smoke. Attended monthly training, conducted monthly maintenance. 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 • DIT still working on updating distribution list for outside hawaiicounty.gov domains. Other • Computer and network cable installed for pilots at Sation 14 – South Kohala. • Motorola Cam Server and Provision Manager training. This will allow HFD to update radio alias with Civil Defense, HPD, or Banyan Networks assistance. • Updates to EPR Fireworks inventory after receiving some stations submissions. SAFETY PROGRAM Respiratory Protection Program • Waiakea Mako breathing air compressors (both units) remained Out of Service pending repairs and follow-up testing following October failures. • PSI (Oahu) visited on December 10, 2025; replaced Kunkle valves on one unit, inspected/purged both Waiakea units, and performed inspections and replaced switches at Pahoa and Haihai. Invoice processed. • PSI conducted in-service demonstrations of new Safety Lab Plus air-quality test kits at Pahoa, Waiakea, Wong Stadium (Haihai), and Makalei. • Five post-repair air samples submitted; all five department breathing air compressors (Waiakea both units, Pahoa, Pahala, Makalei) PASSED testing and are certified through March 20, 2026. • Awaiting final instructions from Safety Labs Plus to complete setup of testing portal and mobile app. • SCBA fit-testing data reconciliation in progress following computer drop-off to Safety. 2025 | DECEMBER PAGE 19 • Annual flow testing for in-service MSA G1 SCBA packs and facepieces completed by CARES team (nearly 600 tests); records uploaded to Respiratory Protection Program SharePoint folder. Procurement of NFPA Ground Ladder Testing Equipment/Supplies • Purchase Order issued November 17, 2025; equipment in fabrication/testing phase with anticipated arrival in a few weeks (early-mid January 2026). Environmental / Mold & Lead Testing • Professional Services process approved by Purchasing; requisition submitted for PO to conduct mold testing at Kaumana and Keaʻau stations, contract & terms pending. • No update on DPW follow-up visit to Kaumana with bucket truck for roof access. • DPW initiated repairs at Kaumana: requested work order for electrical upgrade of locker/restroom exhaust fan, exploring addition of window fan, repainting scheduled, and patched several roof leaks in office/closet areas. Volcanic Fallout / Air Quality Concerns (Kaʻū District) • Site visit conducted at Pāhala Station (Station 11) on December 29, 2025, in response to crew reports of respiratory irritation from volcanic tephra/Pele's hair infiltration following recent Kīlauea activity (Episode 39, 12/23–24). • Air quality sampling confirmed elevated fine particulates (PM2.5 range) indoors nearly matching outdoor levels due to poor sealing of old jalousie windows and inadequate wall AC filtration. • Recommendations issued: immediate deployment of portable HEPA air purifiers (or DIY Corsi-Rosenthal boxes), damp-cleaning protocols, temporary window/door sealing, N95 use for cleanup, and daily vog/PM monitoring via IVHHN Vog Dashboard. • Long-term fixes underway via emergency procurement: replacement of all windows, installation of split AC units, repair/replacement of drop ceilings/tiles at Pāhala and Ocean View stations. Similar upgrades planned for Hawaiian Ocean View Estates (HOVE) per DPW. • Guidance provided for potential extension to other facilities (e.g., Punaluʻu lifeguard tower); exposure reporting emphasized for symptomatic personnel. Coordination with Training & National Fallen Firefighters Foundation • “Taking Care of Our Own” (LODD) training confirmed for March 5–6, 2026. • HFFA consultation completed; NFFF updated official registration portal (replacing HFD temporary portal). Formal Training Notice in progress; registration now open via NFFF site. Safety Concerns and Inspections • Safety & Health Bulletin #2025-02 issued for HDOT-declared Traffic Emergency on Rte. 19 (mm 3–15 north of Hilo) due to emergency repairs. • Ongoing monitoring and response to Hawaiʻi DOH air-quality advisory (12/22/25) for elevated volcanic emissions/vog/particulates. Incident/Accident Reports • Eight new reports received during December: two Accident reports, two Incident reports, two Property Damage reports, one additional vehicle damage occurrence (formal report pending), and three Toxic Exposure reports from a structure fire on 12/24/25 (exposures only; no injuries). • Vehicle Damage reports pending: M10 (memo 11/15/25) 2025 | DECEMBER PAGE 20 Joint Safety Committee • December 17, 2025 meeting cancelled to accommodate impromptu NFFF meeting. Next meeting date TBD. PASSING OF FIRE CHIEF KAZUO TODD The Hawaiʻi Fire Department mourns the sudden passing of Fire Chief Kazuo Todd on December 14, 2025. With 21 years of service, including 4 as Fire Chief, Chief Todd was in many ways the linchpin of our department. He believed the mission of the Hawaiʻi Fire Department was simple: to save life and property, safeguard our community, and serve with aloha. For him, these were not just words, but a call to action that guided every decision he made. Through his leadership, the department advanced in countless ways, most notably in increasing our budget by $30 million and modernizing our fleet. Chief Todd leaves behind a department stronger and better than he found it, and a legacy of purpose that will continue to guide us. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and every member of the Hawaiʻi Fire Department he cared for so deeply. 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!