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Home My WebLink AboutFIRE CHIEF'S REPORT FY 25-26 JAN 2026 | JANUARY 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 Operations Branch ........................................................................................................ 9 Emergency Medical Services Branch ............................................................................................... 10 Training Services Branch ...................................................................................................................... 11 Volunteer Services Section .................................................................................................................. 12 Fire Prevention Branch .......................................................................................................................... 12 Auxiliary Services Branch ..................................................................................................................... 13 Vehicle Maintenance Section ............................................................................................................. 14 Emergency Communications Branch............................................................................................... 14 Snapshots and Stories ............................................................................................................................ 15 Operations Highlights ........................................................................................................................... 15 Fire Prevention Highlights ................................................................................................................... 16 Ocean Safety Highlights ....................................................................................................................... 17 Volunteer Training ................................................................................................................................. 18 Technical Services Highlights ............................................................................................................. 19 Safety Program ........................................................................................................................................ 19 Hāweo Award ........................................................................................................................................... 21 Through the Years .................................................................................................................................. 21 A Hui Hou, Chief Todd .......................................................................................................................... 22 Stay Connected! ...................................................................................................................................... 22 TABLE OF CONTENTS 2026 | JANUARY PAGE 3 CHIEF’S OFFICE REPORT Section Report by Chief’s Office Program Budget Objectives January 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 January 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 $1,121,897 $891,420 $50,576 $0 Rebel Strike LLC Hawaii Specialty Vehicles Pierce Manufacturing FY23 AFG (08/2024-08/2026) Hazard Zone (IDLH) Incident. Command and a Control Training Program $488,722 $145,241 27.02% spent as of 1/31/2026 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 24 USDA Vol. Fire Cap. Project Supplies and equipment continue to arrive $317,800 $290,753 Grant expired 12/31/2025 2026 | JANUARY 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 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 SAFER 12 temp. firefighter positions $2,678,274 $0 Recruitment pending 2026 | JANUARY 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 1/31/2026 N/A TBD 1 position vacant; role posted 1/31/2026 FMS III N/A N/A N/A No anticipated vacancies in FY 26-27 WSO IV N/A N/A N/A No anticipated vacancies in FY 26-27 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 01/25/2026 TBD TBD DHR to share qualified candidates Fire Equipment Operator 10/12/2025 1/6/2026 2/24/2026 15 candidates passed exam 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 4 candidates passed exam *Version one of an annual recruitment calendar 2026 | JANUARY PAGE 6 Program Measure January YTD Vacancy Rate Total 8% 10% Vacancy Rate Admin & Support 3 9 Vacancy Rate Fire 15 15 Vacancy Rate EMS 8 10 Vacancy Rate Communications 10 16 Vacancy Rate Ocean Safety 5 14 Program Budget Objectives January YTD Goal Efficient response to human resource queries 100% of 44 100% (260) <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 Fire Captain Exam Notices sent January 27, 2026. Fire Captain – Emergency Communications Job Posting Online (Internal) January 31, 2026. Fire Equipment Operator Exam conducted 01/06/2026. Fire / Hazardous Materials Specialist Exam conducted 01/13/2026. Fire Fighter Recruit PAE/Exam date is set on January 31, 2026. Fire / EMS Recruit Job Posting Online January 1, 2026 (on open-continuous since December 2025). Water Safety Officer I Job Posting Online January 25, 2026. Account Clerk Application (HR/Civil Service) January 9, 2026. Clerk III Application (HR/Civil Service) January 1, 2026. Fire Equipment Mechanic Job Posting Online December 28, 2025. Professional Trainee – Grants Application (HR/Civil Service) January 23, 2026. Human Resources Technician II Job Posting Online January 18, 2026. *Several investigations are being carried out outside of the HR Branch, which is why exact data is not available. 2026 | JANUARY 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 $ 30,606,465 88% 63% 62102 OCE $ 2,658,301 $ 2,126,061 80% 58% 62106 Equipment $ 2,622,176 $ 491,946 19% 58% Fire - Heli S&W $ 329,364 $ 135,375 41% 63% 62112+62742 OCE $ 962,399 $ 515,179 54% 58% 62116+62746 Equipment $20,000 $ 0 0% 58% *OCE & Equipment is based on expenditure report through 02/10/26 Program Budget Objectives January YTD Goal 95% of all assigned training completed 89% 89% >95% Daily Vehicle Checks 90% (OPS) 60% 60% >90% Average turn out time (total) 02:27 02:14 <01:20 99% Report completion within 10 days NA NA NA Total Calls for Calendar Year 2026 January YTD % Fire 81 81 3% EMS 1,961 1,961 72% Other 686 686 25% Totals 2,728 2,728 100% Year 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 (est.) 2026 (est.) Total Calls 27,398 29,594 30,738 31,143 31,162 32,736 Program Measures JAN % < 80 secs YTD % < 80 secs Avg. Turn out time (Fire) 02:29 13% 02:22 18% Avg. Turn out time (EMS) 02:06 20% 02:06 19% Program Measures JAN % < 9 mins YTD % < 9 mins Avg. Response Time (Fire) 11:11 44% 10:46 44% Avg. Response Time (EMS) 08:56 61% 8:56 61% Call Type January YTD Wildland calls (140, 141, 142, 143) 13 13 Acres burned 1.2 1.2 Structure Fires (110 & 111) 11 11 Property and Contents - Loss $ 700,400 $ 700,400 Property and Contents - Save $ 330,000 $ 330,000 Other fires (all other 100 series) 57 57 Property and Contents - Loss $ 0 $ 0 Property and Contents - Save $ 0 $ 0 2026 | JANUARY PAGE 8 SPECIAL OPERATIONS BRANCH Section Report by: Battalion Chief of Special Operations Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal 62302* OCE $161,625 No data No data 58% 62306* Equipment $192,920 No data No data 58% *sub-budget within auxiliary service budget Program Budget Objectives JAN 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 376 1,832 3,000 Maintain minimum proficiency training hours Hazmat 0 696 600 Maintain minimum proficiency training hours Air Ops 4 27 30 Program Highlights: Special Operations Branch Aviation • 1/10/2026 – Company 18, Company 2, and Chopper 1 responded to Hawaiʻi Paradise Park per report of a female party trapped at the base of a cliff. The female party was extracted via long line and transported by ground ambulance to HMC. • 1/24/2026 – Company 11, Company 2, and Chopper 1 responded to District 11 per report of a missing diver. The male party was located via Chopper 1; the body was recovered and transferred to Medic 11. Rescue • 1/11/2026 – Company 7 responded to a report of a swimmer in distress at Waiaha Bay. A Fire Rescue Specialist and T/A FRS located the swimmer approximately 100 yards offshore and assisted the individual to the shoreline. The patient denied the want or need for EMS evaluation or transport. • 1/13/2026 – Company 3 and Company 2 responded to Stainback Highway per report of a missing hunter. The search extended into 1/14/2026, at which time the hunter was located. No EMS services were required. • 1/15/2026 – Company 12, Company 7, and Chopper 2 responded to Keauhou per report of kayakers caught in strong winds and in distress. Five (5) kayaks with nine (9) people onboard were assisted safely to the shoreline. • 1/31/2026 – Company 12 and Company 7 responded to Kahaluʻu Beach Park, where two (2) surfers were located with lifeguards outside of the surf break and were unable to return to shore due to high surf and strong currents. Rescue Boat 7 retrieved the victims and transported them to Keauhou Pier. No EMS services were required. HazMat • There were no significant hazardous materials incidents during January. • SERT AFFIRM training will enhance departmental readiness and technical expertise in the expanding response area of alternative energy hazards. 2026 | JANUARY PAGE 9 OCEAN SAFETY OPERATIONS BRANCH Section Report by: Water Safety Officer V Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal Ocean Safety S&W $ 3,903,244 $ 2,854,242 73% 63% 62802 OCE $ 515,053 $ 455,487 88% 58% 62806 Equipment $ 294,335 $80,358 27% 58% *OCE & Equipment is based on expenditure report through 02/10/26 Program Measures (Metrics) January YTD # of people Number of Beach Visitors 443,024 443,024 Number of Preventative Actions 386 386 Number of Minor Medical Aids 283 283 Number of Major Medical Aids (Transports) 2 2 Number of Rescues 61 61 Program Budget Objectives Current Goal Certified Rescue Watercraft Operators >9 3 9 Provide 80% staffed tower hours to daylight 80% 85% 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, written exam and physical assessment examination (PAE) has been completed. One candidate has passed all skills and will be enrolled in the RWCO training. 3rd round of RWCO (PAEs) will be conducted with training commenced on March 1st with a minimum of 4 candidates. WSO I recruitment update: WSO I selection process is completed. 5 WSO’s have been hired, orientation and training began December 16th. 2026 | JANUARY 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 $ 10,405,302 68% 63% 62702 OCE $ 2,511,503 $ 1,085,642 43% 58% 62706 Equipment $ 5,014,520 $ 2,754,424 55% 58% *OCE & Equipment is based on expenditure report through 02/10/26 Program Measures January YTD ROSC Rate 6.2% 6.2% Call Volume ALS Transport 1123 1123 Call Volume BLS Transport 658 658 Program Budget Objectives January YTD Goal Less than 10% paramedic Vacancy rate 8% (4) 8% (4) < 6 vac Quality review of 95% of Critical Calls 0% 0% 100% Maintain a fleet of >8 Spare medics 9 9 >8 Spare Program Highlights: EMS Branch • The EMS Branch provided a two-day EMR skills training for WSO I personnel, completing their certification. • The 54th Firefighter Recruit class has started their EMT training with Kapiʻolani Community College • The Fall 2025 paramedic class completed two weeks of clinical training in Honolulu, rotating through hospital shifts and ambulance ride-alongs with the City and County of Honolulu EMS. • On January 17th, The EMS Branch assisted with medical standby at the 29th Annual KWXX Hoʻolauleʻa in downtown Hilo. During this event, the Pulsara “Band and Scan” triage system was used to streamline communication, patient tracking, and handoffs. • EMS Branch personnel assisted with medical standby at the Mitsubishi Championship Golf Tournament held at the Hualalai Golf Course. • We would like to welcome and thank Dr. Terrence Jones for stepping in as the department’s interim Medical Director following the tragic loss of Dr. Fitz. • The 2nd and final County Council hearing for funding of the Makalei ambulance was held, bringing us closer to getting ambulance services running out of Makalei Fire Station to better serve the surrounding community. • EMS Shopify Store – Supply Orders Data for the Month of January: o 75 orders, approximately $46K 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. 2026 | JANUARY 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 $ 586,318 63% 63% 62402 OCE $ 252,073 $ 95,813 38% 58% 62406 Equipment $ 84,893 $ 51,707 61% 58% *OCE & Equipment is based on expenditure report through 02/10/26 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 January YTD Goal Professional Development 53 personnel 174 personnel 50 personnel Incident Command Training 18 personnel 18 personnel 100% compliance Structural Firefighting Training 30 personnel 45 personnel 75 personnel Wildland Firefighting Training 2 personnel 6 personnel pending funding Program Highlights: Training Services Branch • HFD Training met with HCC Fire Science Program representatives to align the program with job performance expectations of firefighter recruits. This partnership is essential to meet future hiring needs. • The 54th Firefighter Recruit Class began EMT training at KCC under Instructor Chris Kelly. Initial testing results show recruits are meeting academic standards. • Two, 20-hour hands-on wildland command workshops were completed at PTA. 18 personnel completed this initial Calm the Chaos training for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) initiative. Structural firefighting workshops begin in Spring 2026. • Collaborated with BC Lindsey and BC Young to plan training and solicit personnel for HAZMAT technician, Aquatics Competency Certification-Operations Instructor, and Swiftwater Rescue Technician. 2026 | JANUARY 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 $ 222,767 85% 63% 62502 OCE $ 218,541 $ 172,404 79% 58% 62506 Equipment $ 377,934 $ 287,903 76% 58% *OCE & Equipment is based on expenditure report through 02/10/26 Program Measures January Total Total Volunteers 0 113 Program Budget Objectives January 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% 46% 75% Maintain 1 spare qualified driver per volunteer station 0 32 51 FIRE PREVENTION BRANCH Section Report by: Battalion Chief of Fire Prevention Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal Fire Prevention S&W $ 1,148,168 $ 913,088 80% 63% 62202 OCE $ 55,375 $ 34,464 62% 58% 62206 Equipment $ 40,000 $ 0 0% 58% *OCE & Equipment is based on expenditure report through 02/10/26 Program Measures January YTD Last Year Comp Inspections - Occupancy 63 63 219 Public Education Events 4 4 42 Plans Reviewed 37 37 484 Fire Investigations 4 4 11 Complaints Investigated 16 16 28 Average Plan Review Time in Days 10.5 10.5 10.5 Program Budget Objectives Jan YTD Goal Average plans reviewed < 14 days 10.1 days 10.6 days <14 Days Public Education min 2 a month 3 3 24 Maintain CFIT Designation for 2 personnel min 1 1 2 Fire Inspection of High Hazard >6 per month 3 3 72 / year EPR property list input @ 60 updates a month 47 47 720 / year 2026 | JANUARY PAGE 13 AUXILIARY SERVICES BRANCH Section Report by: Battalion Chief of Auxiliary Services Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal Auxiliary S&W $ 446,102 $ 305,373 68% 63% 62302 OCE $ 1,883,077 $ 1,285,490 68% 58% 62306 Equipment $ 953,005 $ 236,882 25% 58% *OCE & Equipment is based on expenditure report through 02/10/26 Program Measures January YTD Monthly Total Order (93-PPE 34,523.71, 55 supplies $16,040.99) 148 802 Gross Product Sent to Dept $ 50,565 $ 324,963 Number of variants available in warehouse 473 N/A Variants Items in stock 431 N/A Program Budget Objectives January 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 91% No data >90% Average fulfillment within 10 working days or less* 7 No data <10 days Program Highlights: Auxiliary Services Branch • Fire Maintenance Worker Jon Mitsuda has been hard at work repairing and replacing small engine equipment with a target turnaround of within one week when parts are available. • North Kohala, Waimea, Honokaa, and Kaumana Fire Stations all have their extractors on site, with North Kohala’s and Kaumana’s units fully installed. • With the combined efforts of Support Services and Operations personnel, the warehouse has successfully fulfilled and delivered station orders in less than the 10-day goal timeframe. 2026 | JANUARY PAGE 14 VEHICLE MAINTENANCE SECTION Section Report by: Chief Mechanic Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal Auxiliary S&W $451,205 $ 341,267 76% 63% 62322 OCE $ 645,857 $ 583,295 90% 58% 62326 Equipment $25,000 $ 1,828 7% 58% *OCE & Equipment is based on expenditure report through 02/10/26 Program Measures January YTD LY YTD Number of Repairs 177 1515 1418 Service Calls 24 209 227 Contracted Work or Tows 9 90 114 DOT inspections 0 134 134 Program Budget Objectives January 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 $ 615,323 33% 63% 62312 OCE $ 94,681 $ 37,424 40% 58% e-911 Grant OCE $294,303 $98,722 34% 58% 62610 Equipment $2,800 $14,000 500% 58% *OCE & Equipment is based on expenditure report through 02/10/26 Program Measures Admin (nonemergency) Total # of 911 calls Avg duration % answered < 10 sec # of calls # of calls 2,660 209 84% 2,254 4,914 Program Budget Objectives January YTD GOAL EMD Protocol Compliance 70%* or greater 63% 50% >70% 90% of 911 calls answered in <10 seconds 84% 86% 90% Average time to process 911 call <180 209s 187s <180 sec Time from Call to Dispatch <60 seconds @ 90% 151s 144s <60 sec *Compliance goal to increase 5% per year 2026 | JANUARY PAGE 15 SNAPSHOTS AND STORIES OPERATIONS HIGHLIGHTS Battalion 1 • 1/13/2026 Lost Hunter Stainback Hwy at Flume Rd. Inc# 01166. Co.2 and Co.3 responded to a lost hunter in the evening. Female party found the next day in the afternoon with no injuries. • 1/16/2026 Structure Fire HPP Subdivision Inc# 01414. Co. 18, Co.5 and Co.10 responded to a structure fire on 4th Ave. in the HPP Subdivision. Single story residence fully involved upon arrival. Fire was extinguished and overhauled, cause of the fire is unknown. • 1/21/2026 Structure Fire Waimaka O’Pele Rd. District 5. Inc# 1778. Co.5, Co.19 and T03 responded to a Structure fire in Mountain view. Upon arrival found a warehouse 50% involved with partial collapse to the rear wall. Fire was extinguished and overhauled, cause of the fire is unknown. • 1/22/2026 Structure Fire Hawaiian Acres Dist.5. Inc# 01907. C0.5, Co.19 and T3 responded to a structure fire in Hawaiian Acres on Rd.2. Single story 900 square foot residence fully involved on arrival of HFD units. One occupant unable to evacuate the structure and was confirmed deceased. Fire extinguished and overhauled, cause of fire is under investigation. • 1/24/2026 Missing diver Honuapo Bay Dist.11 Inc#2064. Co.11, Co.2 and C1 responded for a missing diver. Victim located DOA and transported to Ka’u ER. • 1/27/2026 Brush Fire Fern Forest Dist.19 Inc# 2347. Co.19, Co. 5, Vol 19B, Vol 5D and C1 responded to a brush fire on Ala Naualani Rd. Fire was extinguished by ground crew and monitored overnight for flare ups. Cause of the fire is under investigation. Battalion 2 • 1/1, Inc# 0001; Structure Fire: Dist. 7 Companies responded to a large, two-story Single-Family Residence that was fully involved upon arrival. 2 occupants were self-extricated and accounted for early on. No injuries or deaths. Cause of fire was undetermined. • 1/1, Inc# 0007; Structure Fire: Dist. 14. Companies responded to a Single-Story, Single-Family Residence that was fully involved upon arrival. 3 vehicles were also partially damaged due to close proximity and heat. Family of 4 self-extricated prior to HFD arrival and was accounted for early on. No injuries or deaths. Cause of fire was undetermined. • 1/12, Inc# 0989; Structure Fire: Dist. 20. Companies responded to a single story, unfinished single-family residence that was fully involved upon arrival. No occupants were living in the house at the time. No injuries or deaths. Cause of fire was undetermined. • 1/15, Inc# 1283; Canoe in Distress: Dist.12. Co.12, Rescue Co.7, C2 responded to a report of a canoe in distress. Upon arrival, 5 kayaks were in distress with 9 victims. All persons were assisted back to shore by Sea Leg 7 and C2. No injuries were reported. • 1/20, Inc# 1730; Structure Fire: Dist. 6. Companies 6, 20 and 12 responded to a single-family residence, fully involved upon arrival of first unit. No one was home at the time of the fire. No injuries reported. Cause of the fire was undetermined. 2026 | JANUARY PAGE 16 • 1/23, Inc# 2011; Structure Fire: Dist. 20. Companies 20 and 11 responded to a single-family residence, fully involved upon arrival of first unit. No one was home at the time of the fire. No injuries reported. Cause of the fire was undetermined. • Special Services: o 1/16/26 – Co.7 supported and assisted with the Hawaii Technology Academy in Kailua Kona with a safety presentation and truck display. • Events: o 1/23/26 FMS I. Lindsey Hawaeo award presentation • Training: o 1/13-14/26 and 1/28-29/26 Battalion 2 “A” and “C” platoons participated in Calm the Chaos Hands on Command Workshops up at Pohakuloa Training Area. o 1/25 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 January 6: Prevention staff hosted NFPA representative Gary Honold for an NFPA code update training at the WHCC. January 10/11: Fire Prevention staff said Farewell to Chief Kazuo Todd. Captain Goo led the media team in capturing his services with Firefighter K. Willey and Na Leo. January 13: Captain Goo spent a morning with Station 17 personnel testing the chipper for our upcoming Chipper/Fuel Management program with HWMO. We are expecting a rollout of the program to support Firewise communities in their fuel reduction efforts. January 17: Captain Goo and Inspectors Nakata and Moniz attended 2026 KWXX Ho’olaule’a completing Tent and Stage inspections as well as occupancy control at the Palace Theater throughout the night. January 19: Captain Goo in collaboration with HWMO spoke on HFD’s UAS program and the use of UAS in Wildfire incidents to all state and county fire departments. 2026 | JANUARY PAGE 17 January 24: Fire Inspectors Requelman, Nakata and Moniz participated in the UH Hilo Ellison S. Onizuka Science Day Foundation Event January 26-29: Captain Goo attended the IAFC Maui Wildfire Exchange with all county fire departments, DOFAW, State Fire Marshal and HWMO to learn about best practices in wildland fire programs focusing on effective response, fire-adapted communities, and building resilient landscapes. It was a valuable opportunity to learn from larger-scaled departments, identify areas for improvement, and better understand proactive approaches to wildland fire. Fire Investigations: Fire Investigations: (4) Total 1/1: District 9, Inc#26000007, Residential Fire 1/7: District 14, Inc# 260000007, Residential Fire 1/16: District 5, Inc#26001409, Residential Fire 1/22: District 5, Inc# 26001902, Residential Fire (1) Fatality UAS Program: UAS Program is currently Out of Service as All Drones are under required maintenance. The repairs and maintenance are taking slightly longer than expected due to off-island servicing, with an estimated date of February 2026 to be back in service. OCEAN SAFETY HIGHLIGHTS Heat Map Heat map of Major First Aids, Minor First Aids and Rescues for month of January; Watchtower Program New WSOs WSO I Recruit Training Graduation at Hapuna Beach Park 1/16/26 2026 | JANUARY PAGE 18 Olukai Footwear Distributions, East Hawaii (1/27/26) and West Hawaii (1/28/26) Rescue Watercraft PAE at Hilo Bayfront 1/30/26 VOLUNTEER TRAINING 1-A (Pepeʻekeo) Conducted monthly training and maintenance 1-A (Pepeʻekeo), 5-B (Hawaiian Acres), 5-D (Fern Acres), 9-A (Waikiʻi), 9-B (Kanehoa), 10-D (Ainaloa), 11-A (Nā‘ālehu), 11-C (Discovery Harbor), 11-D (Pāhala), 14-A (Kohala) – Conducted monthly training and maintenance 6-B (Kona Paradise) Responded to 1 structure fire in Kona Paradise, conducted monthly training and maintenance 7-B (Kalaoa) Responded to 4 calls, attended Chief Todd’s memorial services, conducted monthly training and maintenance 8-A (Paʻauilo) Responded to 2 brushfires, 4 smoke sighted calls. Conducted monthly training and maintenance. 16-B (Puʻuanahulu) Conducted monthly training and maintenance, attended Chief Todd’s memorial service. 19-A (Volcano), 19-B (Fern Forest) – Special service, cleaned off volcanic ash from Cooper Center roof and playcourt. 19-B (Fern Forest) Responded to Fern Forest brushfire, assigned containment along road edge and hot spots. One green waste fire. 2026 | JANUARY PAGE 19 20-A (HOVE) Responded to 2 smoke visible alarms, performed vehicle and equipment audit, equipment inventory, monthly training and maintenance TECHNICAL SERVICES HIGHLIGHTS Fireworks CoHnect Integration EPR Fireworks roster daily export to CoHnect payroll system has been completed and all bugs worked out. Daily at 1:00pm HST CoHnect pulls the days roster data from Fireworks. This data is then added to the timecards of the employees, with not worked entries requiring supervisor approval same as if employee made a New Absence entry in CoHnect. Since the Captain or Supervising FEO sets the roster daily in Fireworks this eliminates duplication of work. Minutes saved per employee each day will accumulate into countless work hours saved over the course of a year. Email Migration from Hosted Exchange to Outlook.com Distribution list for outside of hawaiicounty.gov domains has been completed. Emails sent to the Fire distribution group will also be sent to Fire Commissioners and Volunteer Fire Captains who don’t have a hawaiicounty.gov email address. Spillman CAD One Touch Buttons Tested enabling CAD one touch buttons and worked on revising CAD MDT instructions. Enabling this will allow units equipped with an MDT (ruggedized vehicle laptop) to change their call status via the MDT touch screen instead of having to radio dispatch. Plan to have these enabled once instructions revision has been completed and memorandum sent. SAFETY PROGRAM Respiratory Protection Program • All five department breathing air compressors remain certified through March 20, 2026. o Haihai TCOM-light remains Out of Service (corroded 37-point electrical connector between generator and compressor). FASO/Mechanics evaluating repair options; does not affect air quality. o Mobile Mako 5400 compressor reassigned from Waiakea to Haihai (Training); air leak identified on Bank #4 (O/C). PSI and Mechanics coordinating assessment/repair. o IFB 26-0129 (Furnish and Deliver One Mobile Breathing Air Compressor) awarded to PSI for Bauer TCOM. Estimated delivery late June/early July 2026. o ASME storage tanks on Waiakea electric Mako confirmed compliant (HIOSH Boiler Inspector Syd Nagata, 1/26/26; Mako engineer 2/2/26). No additional hydrostatic testing or service intervals required beyond the current HIOSH permitting. • FireWorks PPE/SCBA tracking module rollout in progress (weekly checks). • Annual SCBA flow testing 100% complete; fit-testing ~60% (data reconciliation resolved; MSA trainer cadre limited—recruiting additional personnel and exploring part-time return of retired Captain Mantz). 2026 | JANUARY PAGE 20 Procurement of NFPA Ground Ladder Testing Equipment/Supplies • Purchase Order issued November 17, 2025; $13,000 destructive testing equipment in fabrication. Vendor status inquiry sent 2/2/26; anticipated arrival soon. Draft testing procedure complete; station rotation and training video planned upon receipt. Environmental / Mold & Lead Testing • Professional Services contract with Lehua Environmental for comprehensive mold/lead/abatement testing remains under review by Corporation Counsel. • Follow-up particle sampling at Station 18 (1/30/26) post-Episode 41: indoor levels elevated but attributable to recent volcanic fallout; relative humidity low (unfavorable for mold). No return to pre-abatement highs. • Kaumana and Kea‘au mold testing pending contract finalization; DPW abatement response ongoing. Volcanic Fallout / Air Quality Concerns (Ka‘ū District) • Post-Episode 41 monitoring and damp-cleaning SOP distributed. HEPA purifiers, temporary sealing, and window/AC upgrades are proceeding via emergency procurement (Pāhala and Ocean View). Similar mitigations are recommended for Punalu‘u lifeguard towers. • DOH air quality in Ka‘ū remained “Good” during Episode 40 (1/12/26). Ongoing vog/PM monitoring via IVHHN dashboard. OSHA / HIOSH Reporting • OSHA 300A Summary forms for 2025 completed and posted on SharePoint (thank you to Fiscal and HR). REQUIRED posting at each facility February 1–April 30, 2026. • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (2025) completed and submitted. • OSHA 300A and BLS results submitted to DILR/HIOSH and County Safety Section as required. Coordination with Training & National Fallen Firefighters Foundation • “Taking Care of Our Own” (LODD) training confirmed March 5–6, 2026. Formal Training Notice published; registration open on NFFF site. Notices sent to outside agencies and neighbor islands. • Public Safety Officer Benefit information session confirmed Wednesday, March 4, 2026 (online or in-person). Safety Concerns and Inspections • ANSI/ISEA 107 Type P Class 2 hi-vis vests confirmed appropriate for all HFD roadway incidents. • Volunteer PPE inspection resources provided; repair/replacement advised based on findings. • Indoor heat exposure evaluation at Warehouses completed by OSCER; recommendations issued (hydration, ventilation, heat index monitoring). Exploring evaluations at additional high-risk locations. • IPSDI Exposure Tracker and FireCARES demo completed; demo account in development for HFD. Incident/Accident Reports • Multiple 2025 Incident/Accident, Vehicle/Property Damage, and Toxic Exposure reports reconciled for OSHA 300. • January 2026: 2 Incident/Accident, 2 Vehicle/Property Damage, 4 Toxic Exposure reports (including three from 1/23 structure fire). Joint Safety Committee • January 28, 2026, meeting held (minutes distributed). Previous minutes approved; meeting schedule adjusted to last Wednesday of each month (except February—Thursday 2/26 due to promotional assessments). 2026 | JANUARY PAGE 21 • Next meeting: tentatively Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Additional Safety Committee highlights (full minutes on SharePoint): in-station gear extractors now four in service; Waiākea no recent roof leaks; Two-In/Two-Out draft policy under union review; Hearing Conservation Program draft pending AME alignment; Swiftwater rescue equipment standardization ongoing. HĀWEO AWARD Over the past year, FMS II Imiola Lindsey repeatedly worked extended 72-hour periods to ensure continuous ALS coverage for Ocean View Estates and surrounding areas. He represents the very best of our department’s mission to save life and property, safeguard our community, and serve with aloha. In recognition of his impact, he was selected as the January 2026 Hāweo Award recipient, Chief Todd’s final Hāweo selection. Congratulations! THROUGH THE YEARS This month’s flashback is to August 5, 1971 via the Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald. To submit a Throwback photo, please upload it to the SharePoint folder (Documents, Throwback Photos) or email fire@hawaiicounty.gov. Printed photos may also be brought to Fire Administration for scanning and archival and will be returned upon request. 2026 | JANUARY PAGE 22 A HUI HOU, CHIEF TODD Chief Kazuo Todd’s services on January 10 and 11 were a powerful reminder of what makes the Hawaiʻi Fire Department so special. In the midst of profound loss, our department came together with professionalism, unity, and heart, showing Hawaiʻi County and the State what we stand for and what we can accomplish when we work as one. The planning and coordination were substantial, made even more challenging by the closeness of Chief’s passing. Yet representatives from multiple agencies and islands, current and retired HFD members, County and State officials, family, and friends set aside their own grief, worked long hours, and delivered a service that honored Chief Todd, the Fire Service, and his enduring legacy. Mahalo to those who worked directly with the Services Committee, and to every member past and present who stood in review, served in the Honor Guard, supported the reception desk and operations behind the scenes, and ensured the services were carried out with dignity. Your efforts reflected the very best of our department. 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! A picture containing text, clipart AI-generated content may be incorrect. A picture containing text, clipart AI-generated content may be incorrect.