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Home My WebLink AboutFIRE CHIEF'S REPORT FY 25-26 FEBRUARY 2026 | FEBRUARY FISCAL YEAR 25-26 FIRE CHIEF’S REPORT HAWAI’I FIRE DEPARTMENT 25 AUPUNI ST., SUITE 2501 HILO, HAWAI’I 96720 FIRE@HAWAIICOUNTY.GOV TABLE OF CONTENTS 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.......................................................................................................................16 EMS Highlights ........................................................................................................................................18 Volunteer Training .................................................................................................................................18 Technical Services Highlights.............................................................................................................19 Safety Program........................................................................................................................................20 Through The Years.................................................................................................................................21 Promotional Ceremony ........................................................................................................................22 Stay Connected!......................................................................................................................................23 CHIEF’S OFFICE REPORT Section Report by Chief’s Office Program Budget Objectives February 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 $ 85,053,276* $66,294,468* Unknown *Budget numbers have not been verified. GRANTS REPORT Section Report by: Fiscal Division Program Measures February YTD Goal Dollar value of grants applied for $0.00 $7,720,254 $5,000,000 Dollar value of grants received $ 22,498 $2,678,275 $1,000,000 Grants CDBG-MIT Purpose (3) Brush Trucks IFB 4700 (Delivered); Mobile Service Trailer IFB 4701 (Delivered9/15/25); Mobile Command Vehicle (bids received) Award Amt $891,420 $50,576 $1,121,897 SpentYTD Update $891,420 $50,576 $0 Rebel Strike LLC Hawaii SpecialtyVehicles 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 2/28/2026 23 USDA VF Cap.IFB 4520 Bid awarded to Orchid Isle Ford for 2 Brush Trucks. County match $278,590 $278,590 $278,590 Brush trucks delivered. Grant closed. 24 USDA Vol. Fire Cap.Project Supplies and equipment continue to arrive $317,800 $290,753 Grant expired 12/31/2025. Grant closed. 2026 | FEBRUARY PAGE 3 FY 25 USDA Vol. Fire Cap.Project Brush Truck 16B Puʻuanahulu Volunteer Fire Station $90,000 $0 Rebid March 2026. Request to extend grant period. Leleiwi LifeguardTower (Fair Share Funds) Surveyor Jr. lifeguard tower furnished by NewportLaminates $54,785 $0 Delivery expected in June 2026. SAFER 12 temp. firefighter positions $2,678,274 $0 Grant accepted Fair Share Fund HFD Maintenance Shop Design $684,000 $0 Allotment approved 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 2026 | FEBRUARY PAGE 4 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 03/8/2026 N/A TBD 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 02/10/2025 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 CaptainCommunications 1/31/2026 N/A 3/9-11/2026 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 02/22/2026 TBD TBD 1 position vacant as of 1/1/2026. MQs and E&E underway WSO I 01/25/2026 03/04/2026 TBD DHR to share qualified candidates Fire EquipmentOperator 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 04/2026 TBD TBD 4 Position filled 12/01/2025. Memo requested new recruitment 02/20/26. Fire Rescue Specialist TBD TBD TBD 2026 | FEBRUARY PAGE 5   Hazardous Materials Tech 10/19/2025 1/13/2026 3/3/2026 4 candidates passed exam *Version one of an annual recruitment calendar Program Measure February YTD Vacancy Rate Total 9% 10% Vacancy Rate Admin & Support 7 9 Vacancy Rate Fire 15 15 Vacancy Rate EMS 7 10 Vacancy Rate Communications 9 16 Vacancy Rate Ocean Safety 7 14 Program Budget Objectives February YTD Goal Efficient response to human resource queries 100% of 45 100% (305) <2 Days Active Avg Goal Average internal investigations completion in days 9 120+* <60 days Rate Avg Goal Maintain a vacancy rate below 7% 9% 10% <36 PV Active Recruitments by HFD Position Status Report Fire Captain Assessment Notices sent February 27, 2026. Fire Captain – EmergencyCommunications Job Posting Online (Internal) January 31, 2026. Fire Equipment Operator Assessment conducted 02/24-25/2026. Fire / Hazardous Materials Specialist Assessment Notices sent 02/17/2026. Fire Fighter Recruit PAE/Exam date 02/24-26/2026 Fire Fighter Recruit (SAFER grant) Application (HR/Civil Service) draft 02/26/2026. Fire / EMS Recruit Job Posting Online January 1, 2026 (on open-continuous since December 2025). Water Safety Officer I Assessment Notice sent 02/19/2026. Account Clerk Application (HR/Civil Service) 01/09/2026. Clerk III Assessment Notices sent 02/03/2026. Fire Equipment Mechanic Assessment Notices sent 02/10/2026. Professional Trainee – Grants Applications shared 01/30/2026. Human Resources Technician II Interviews held 02/19/2026. *Several investigations are being carried out outside of the HR Branch, which is why exact data is not available. 2026 | FEBRUARY PAGE 6 EMERGENCY OPERATIONS DIVISION Section Report by: Assistant Chief of Operations Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal Fire S&W $ 34,967,574 $ 30,706,794 88% 71% 62102 OCE $ 2,658,301 $ 2,269,016 85% 67% 62106 Equipment $ 2,622,176 $ 2,619,779 100% 67% Fire -Heli S&W $ 329,364 $ 135,375 41% 67% 62112+62742 OCE $ 962,399 $ 717,129 75% 67% 62116+62746 Equipment $20,000 $ 0 0% 67% *OCE & Equipment is based on expenditure report through 02/28/26 Program Budget Objectives February YTD Goal 95% of all assigned training completed 41% 65% >95% Daily Vehicle Checks 90% (OPS) 57% 59% >90% Average turn out time (total) 02:06 02:03 <01:20 99% Report completion within 10 days 99% 99% 99% Total Calls for Calendar Year 2026 February YTD % Fire 63 144 3% EMS 1,754 3,732 72% Other 612 1,279 25% Totals 2,429 7,883 100% Year 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 (est.) Total Calls 27,398 29,594 30,738 31,143 31,162 31,200 Program Measures February % < 80 secs YTD % < 80 secs Avg. Turn out time (Fire) 02:09 22% 02:21 16% Avg. Turn out time (EMS) 02:03 20% 02:05 20% Program Measures February % < 9 mins YTD % < 9 mins Avg. Response Time (Fire) 09:54 54% 10:48 48% Avg. Response Time (EMS) 09:00 61% 9:00 61% Call Type February YTD Wildland calls (140, 141, 142, 143) 9 22 Acres burned 2.25 7.45 Structure Fires (110 & 111) 7 18 Property and Contents -Loss $ 437,500 $ 1,137,900 Property and Contents -Save $ 150,000 $ 480,000 Other fires (all other 100 series) 47 104 Property and Contents -Loss $ 0 $ 0 Property and Contents -Save $ 0 $ 0 2026 | FEBRUARY PAGE 7 SPECIAL OPERATIONS BRANCH Section Report by: Battalion Chief of Special Operations Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal 62302* OCE $161,625 $89,975 56% 67% 62306* Equipment $192,920 $22,688 12% 67% *sub-budget within auxiliary service budget Program Budget Objectives JAN YTD Goal Aircraft Operational Uptime >90% 92% 96% > 90% Review & update SOP/SOG within cycle 0 0 >100% Arrange annual HazTech Course 1 1 per Y Maintain minimum proficiency training hours Rescue 240 2,072 3,000 Maintain minimum proficiency training hours Hazmat 0 696 600 Maintain minimum proficiency training hours Air Ops 8 35 30 Program Highlights: Special Operations Branch Aviation • 2/8 – C1 responded to GSW in Ainaloa. Extricated patient from forest to landing zone and transported to HMC via Medic 10. • 2/15 – C1 responded to swimmer in distress at Kahena Beach with Co 10 and Co2. Female party had made it to shoreline but was exhausted after physical exertion. Female party extricated via billy pugh net by C1 and Co 2 personnel to LZ where she was assessed by Medic Crew. • 2/17 – C2 responded to Four Seasons Hotel for child who had been struck by golf cart. Child transported to NHCH via C2 with M14 crew. • 2/22 – C1 participated in flower drop for Commissioner Hirakami memorial service at Pohoiki. Rescue • In addition to calls listed under Aviation section, 6 personnel from Companies 2 and 7 selected to participate in Floodwater Technician Training with Code 3 Rescue Training in Chico, CA in May. The course focuses on water rescue incident management, victim access and recovery, rescue boat operations, and technical rope rigging systems consistent with NFPA 1670 and NFPA 1006 technician-level standards for technical rescue personnel. The selected personnel represent the beginning of the development of a Swiftwater Response program for our Rescue Companies and the foundation of a broader Awareness-level program for our Engine Company personnel. HazMat • There were no significant hazardous materials incidents during February. • HAZMAT Technician Training for 20 personnel scheduled for April. This will bolster our pool of fire fighters trained to the Technician level, improving in district availability as well as coverage for staffing shortages at Station 4 and Station 21. 2026 | FEBRUARY PAGE 8 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% 71% 62802 OCE $ 515,054 $ 458,951 89% 67% 62806 Equipment $ 294,335 $290,745 99% 67% *OCE & Equipment is based on expenditure report through 02/28/26 Program Measures (Metrics) February YTD # of people Number of Beach Visitors 415,411 858,491 Number of Preventative Actions 291 677 Number of Minor Medical Aids 156 439 Number of Major Medical Aids (Transports) 0 0 Number of Rescues 54 115 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 3rd round of solicitation and written exam is complete. 11 candidates will be participating in the Round 3 RWCO Physical Assessment on March 12th with a tentative training start date on March 31st , with a minimum of 4 candidates. 2026 | FEBRUARY PAGE 9 EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES BRANCH Section Report by: Battalion Chief of EMS Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal EMS S&W $ 16,020,376 $ 10,405,302 65% 71% 62702 OCE $ 2,431,503 $ 1,326,437 55% 67% 62706 Equipment $ 6,095,520 $ 5,210,451 85% 67% *OCE & Equipment is based on expenditure report through 02/28/26 Program Measures February YTD ROSC Rate 0% 2.8% Call Volume ALS Transport 986 2,109 Call Volume BLS Transport 602 1,260 Program Budget Objectives February YTD Goal Less than 10% paramedic Vacancy rate 8% (4) 8% (4) < 6 vac Quality review of 95% of Critical Calls 5% 2.5% 100% Maintain a fleet of >8 Spare medics 9 9 >8 Spare Program Highlights: EMS Branch • The paramedic students have begun their first rotation of internship training. • The 54th firefighter recruit class has completed the didactic portion of their EMT training and is scheduled to begin clinical rotations on March 9, 2026. • EMS Branch personnel participated in Keonepoko Elementary School’s Health and Wellness Fair, providing an informational booth and offering blood pressure screenings to attendees. • Funding for the Makalei ambulance has successfully passed the County Council’s second and final hearing. Makalei ambulance services are expected to begin on March 1, 2026. Mahalo to all those involved in making this possible! • On February 27, 2026, a small event was held for the survivor of the February 25, 2025, drowning incident at Kahaluʻu Beach. He and his family were finally able to meet and show their appreciation to the Ocean Safety and HFD personnel who saved his life that day. • February 2026 Hospital and Trauma Program Meetings: o February 4th – Quarterly meeting with Kohala Hospital, including a meet- and-greet with Regional Emergency Management and Security o February 5th – Quarterly trauma program meeting with Kona Community Hospital o February 24th – BITAC meeting with trauma program managers from Hilo Benioff Medical Center, Queens North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital, and Kona Community Hospital • EMS Shopify Store – Supply Orders Data for the Month of February: o 66 orders, approximately $56K in gross order sales 2026 | FEBRUARY PAGE 10 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% 71% 62402 OCE $ 252,073 $ 97,153 39% 67% 62406 Equipment $ 84,893 $ 82,393 97% 67% *OCE & Equipment is based on expenditure report through 02/28/26 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 February YTD Goal Professional Development 53 personnel 186 personnel 50 personnel Incident Command Training 54 personnel 72 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 began initial meetings directed by Chief Volpe with Fire Engineering Training. The platform features nationally recognized subject matter experts for all-hazard hybrid learning and detailed training documentation reports. • Three, 20-hour hands-on wildland command workshops were completed at PTA. 54 personnel completed this initial Calm the Chaos training for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) initiative. Structural firefighting workshops begin in Spring 2026. • Coordination continues with Special Operations and Ocean Safety for training on the following subjects: HAZMAT technician, Aquatics Competency Certification-Operations Instructor, and Swiftwater Rescue Technician. • Met with Fire Administration and Fire HR to coordinate alignment hiring processes for two firefighter recruit candidate pools-regular hires and SAFER temporary hires. The two separate written testing pools will be brought together into the same hiring phases during the physical agility exercise, scheduled for April, 2026. 2026 | FEBRUARY PAGE 11 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% 71% 62502 OCE $ 218,541 $ 183,231 84% 67% 62506 Equipment $ 377,934 $ 377,934 100% 67% *OCE & Equipment is based on expenditure report through 02/28/26 Program Measures February Total Total Volunteers 6 117 Program Budget Objectives February 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% 71% 62202 OCE $ 55,375 $ 37,183 67% 67% 62206 Equipment $ 40,000 $ 39,378 98% 67% *OCE & Equipment is based on expenditure report through 02/28/26 Program Measures February YTD Last Year Comp 219 *Inspections -Occupancy 84 303 Public Education Events 6 54 42 * Plans Reviewed 36 484 484 * Fire Investigations 2 11 11 * Complaints Investigated 1 28 28 * Average Plan Review Time in Days 9.9 10.5 10.5 * Program Budget Objectives Average plans reviewed < 14 days February 9.9 days YTD 10.5 days Goal <14 Days Public Education min 2 a month 6 54 24 Maintain CFIT Designation for 2 personnel min 1 1 2 Fire Inspection of High Hazard >6 per month 8 39 72 / year EPR property list input @ 60 updates a month 84 302 720 / year * YTD totals were not available as a new EPR system changeover occurred 2026 | FEBRUARY PAGE 12 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% 71% 62302 OCE $ 1,883,077 $ 1,627,883 86% 67% 62306 Equipment $ 953,005 $ 765,537 80% 67% *OCE & Equipment is based on expenditure report through 02/28/26 Program Measures February YTD Monthly Total Order (59-PPE $18,337.29, 32- supplies $12,468.59) 148 802 Gross Product Sent to Dept $ 30,806 $ 398,348 * Number of variants available in warehouse 448 N/A Variants Items in stock 412 N/A Program Budget Objectives February 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 92% No data >90% Average fulfillment within 10 working days or less* 9.86 ** No data <10 days * Adjusted YTD Gross Product Sent to Dept January $ amount was incorrect ** 4 orders were PPE 2 waiting on shipment and 2 replacing helmet shell No info was given at time of order needed to follow up with the Fire Fighter. Program Highlights: Auxiliary Services Branch • Auxiliary Services continues to support HFD operations with fulfillment of PPE orders, repair requests, and new/replacement equipment requests. We ask that all repair requests be submitted to fire warehouse’s email by using the newest forms which are available on our tab via the department’s SharePoint site. • PPE cleaning equipment continues to be delivered and installed. 2026 | FEBRUARY PAGE 13 VEHICLE MAINTENANCE SECTION Section Report by: Chief Mechanic Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal Auxiliary S&W $451,205 $ 341,267 76% 71% 62322 OCE $ 645,857 $ 612,478 95% 67% 62326 Equipment $25,000 $ 1,828 7% 67% *OCE & Equipment is based on expenditure report through 02/28/26 Program Measures February YTD LY YTD Number of Repairs 161 1676 1644 Service Calls 41 250 275 Contracted Work or Tows 15 105 220 DOT inspections 0 134 134 Program Budget Objectives February 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 $ 615,322 33% 71% 62312 OCE $ 94,681 $ 38,131 40% 67% 62610 e-911 OCE $ 337,760 $ 175,236 52% 67% Equipment $ 2,800 $ 14,000 500% 67% *OCE & Equipment is based on expenditure report through 02/28/26 Program Measures Admin (nonemergency) Total # of 911 calls Avg duration % answered < 10 sec # of calls # of calls 519 191 76% 533 1,052 Program Budget Objectives February YTD GOAL EMD Protocol Compliance 70%* or greater 74% 53% >70% 90% of 911 calls answered in <10 seconds 76% 85% 90% Average time to process 911 call <180 191s 188s <180 sec Time from Call to Dispatch <60 seconds @ 90% 151s 145s <60 sec *Compliance goal to increase 5% per year 2026 | FEBRUARY PAGE 14 SNAPSHOTS AND STORIES OPERATIONS HIGHLIGHTS Battalion 1 • 2/6/2026 High angle cliff rescue for a fisherman that fell off a cliff at Honoka’a landing in district 8, Inc# 03309. Co.8 and Co.2 responded to a fisherman that fell down a cliff 30 feet after the ladder broke. Male party landed on large boulders along the shoreline and sustained serious injuries. He was extricated with the help of Co. 2 utilizing a rope system to hoist him up the cliff. Male patient was then treated and transported to NHCH for further treatment. • 2/8/2026 GSW in Ainaloa forest in district 10, Inc# 03440. Co.10, C1 and C2 responded to a male party who accidentally shot himself in the abdomen with a .44 Cal firearm while clearing a trail. Pt was extricated to M10 via chopper 1 due to difficult access to his location on foot and transported to HBMC for further treatment. • 2/9/2026 Residential Structure Fire Hwy 130 Dist., 18 Inc# 03475. Co. 18, 10 and 5 responded to a structure fire above Hwy 130 with a single story unoccupied 2000 sq ft. residential structure under renovation that was 50% involved. Fire was knocked down with a transitional attack and overhauled. No victims were found upon primary and secondary search of the home. Fire was contained to 50% of the structure, cause of the fire is under investigation. • 2/9/2026 Residential Structure Fire on Railroad Ave. Dist.3, Inc# 03482. Co. 3, 1, and 2 responded to a structure fire, upon arrival found a 2,500 sq ft. single story residence 50% involved in fire, sole resident was confirmed to be evacuated. Fire was knocked down with a defensive attack and overhauled. No victims were found upon primary and secondary search of the home. Fire was contained to 50% of the structure, cause of the fire is under investigation. • 2/15/2026 Surf rescue at Kahena Beach Dist.10 Inc# 04025. Co. 10, C1 and RB02 responded for a swimmer in distress at Kahena Beach. A scuba diver got washed into the rocks due to rough surf and was extricated via chopper 1 using a long line to an LZ nearby. Victim was evaluated by M18 and denied needing or wanting EMS. • 2/25/2026 Residential structure fire in Nanawale Dist. 10. Inc# 04899. Co.10, Co.18 and Co.5 responded for a 1000 sq ft. structure fully involved upon arrival. Fire was extinguished and overhauled with a defensive attack. No victims upon search of the home. Cause of the fire is undetermined. • 2/27/2026 Surf rescue at Kamaili Beach in Dist. 10 Inc# 05026. Co. 10 and C1 and COH Ocean Safety Life Guards responded to a call for an Ophi picker who fell in the water. The victim was recovered by the Life Guards and resuscitation efforts were performed. Victim was transported to HBMC by M10 where resuscitation efforts were terminated. Battalion 2 • 2/15/2026 Inc# 260004009 Dist. 16 Kekumu 1 acre Brush Fire. Accidental, two kids playing with lighter. Right next to Kekumu housing. No injuries • Special Services: • Events: • Training: o MSA mask fit testing at all Battalion 2 stations and shifts. 2026 | FEBRUARY PAGE 15 FIRE PREVENTION HIGHLIGHTS Community Outreach, Events & Media Engagement February 5: Captain Goo Participated in a Firewise community outreach day in Luala’i subdivision in Waimea. February 12: Fire Prevention Inspector Requelman and Inspector Nakata attended the Career Expo for Na Leo o Na Opio and met with students about becoming a Firefighter! Fire Investigations/UAS Program:2/7: District 2, Inc# 260003482, Residential Fire OCEAN SAFETY HIGHLIGHTS Heat MapHeat map of MajorFirst Aids, Minor First Aids and Rescues for month of February; Watchtower Program 2025 SummaryThe first-ever Ocean Safety Division, Hawai’i Fire Department Comprehensive Service Summary Report has been published for the 2025 calendar year. 2026 | FEBRUARY PAGE 16 Beach Closures Due to high surf and severe weather. A total of 8 days of Beach Closures were documented in the month of February. WSO II Grioni at Station 4 (Richardsons Ocean Beach Park). Public Education/OutreachThe Ocean Safety Division participated in 3 Public Education/Outreach events amongst our schools in East Hawaiʽi. February 12: Career Expo, Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium serving 1400 keikiRWC Operator Henkel,Captain Kodani and WSO II Arakaki February 23Ocean Safety Exhibit at Honokea Educational event at Keaukaha Elementary School, 400 Keiki served Pinning CeremonyFour WSO IIIs (Lieutenants) and 1 WSO IV (Captain) participate inpinning ceremony. From left to right: Ian McVeigh, Jonah Kaye, Kert-Pono Kodani, RaymeYang-Kaʻula and Ryan Kuamoʻo. Congratulations! Rip Current Clinic:Ocean Safety Chiefs attend Rip Current Clinic at Hanalei Bay, Kauaʻi on February 18. From left to right: Taishi Otono (Okinawan Lifeguard AssociationDirector), Bradley Young (OS Chief Hawai`i), Zach Edlao(OS Chief Maui), Ralph Goto (Former OS Chief Honolulu C&C), Bruce Hopkins (Bondi Beach, AustraliaOS Captain), Kalani Vierra (OS Chief Kauaʻi), Kurt Lager (Honolulu C&C OS Chief). Covered by KHON2 News 2026 | FEBRUARY PAGE 17 EMS HIGHLIGHTS On February 28, a celebration of life for Dr. Judith FitzGerald was held at the New Hope Church in Hilo. Mahalo to everyone who helped with the event and to all who came to honor her memory and legacy as we shared our last farewells. VOLUNTEER TRAINING 1-A (Pepeʻekeo) 2/7 Prep area for fencing. 2/10 Cleaned out apparatus bay, yard maintenance, cleaned around upside of station. 2/21 Driver training/district familiarization. 2/26 Monthly training, ICS and emergency response. Vol FF’s Kaneko and Keali’I have resigned from the volunteer department. 5-B (Hawaiian Acres)2/3 monthly training, ICS and emergency response safety. 2/13 Transported SH B878 old BT5B to mechanic shop for decommission, received new brush truck HFD 675 5-D (Fern Acres) 2/20 transported HFD 463 to mechanic shop for decommission, monthly training, ICS and emergency response. 6-B (Kona Paradise)2/3, 24 driver training, 2/3 monthly training and wet drill. 7-B (Kalaoa)1 call out, monthly training ICS, firefighter safety, progressive hoselay, pump relay, and first aid. 8-A (Pa’auilo)2/3 responded to smell of smoke, 2/6 responded to multiple brush fires on Kukaiau Rd, 2/9 retro fitted mounting brackets for new light bar on E-8A, 2/14 responded to unknown type of fire, 2/17 driver training E-8A, 2/19 monthly training, ICS and emergency response safety, 2/21 workd on installing foam system on E-8A. 2026 | FEBRUARY PAGE 18 9-A (Waiki’i), 11-A (Naalehu), 11-D (Pahala), 14-A (Kohala) Conducted monthly training and maintenance 9-B (Kanehoa)Conducted monthly training, hose drills and drafting. 10-D (Ainaloa)2/23 monthly training, ICS and emergency response. 11-C (Discovery Harbor)2/17, Received new brush truck HFD 677, new brush truck pump training. 2/18 Transported SH 912 Kodiak to Vol station 16 Bravo for relocation and reassignment. 16-B (Pu’uanahulu)Logged 52 hours with replacement E-16B, this includes decommission of original engine to Hilo and refitting of replacement along with wet drills. Attended a demo of the MXI fire suppression system at PTA, and performed some district familiarization. Conducted monthly training, ICS and emergency response safety. 19-A (Volcano)2/4 Nims and ICS training with Robert Becker, Retired California Fire, Author of the IRPG for fire incidents. 2/11 monthly training, ICS, emergency response safety. 2/21 pretrip engine. 2/25 wet drill. 19-B (Fern Forest)2/4/26 Nims and ICS training with Robert Baker along with co.19A. 2/11/26 monthly training ICS and emergency response safety. 2/20/26 met with Managing Director and Mayor. 20-A (Hove)2/3 Driver training BT-20, 2/3 wet drill Lehua St. 4 personnel participated. TECHNICAL SERVICES HIGHLIGHTS New Medic 21 Unit • Worked on programing changes in EPR FireWorks, Spillman CAD, ESO, and Bryx for new M21 unit. Specs for CradlePoints and antennas for medic units. • Worked on specs for CradlePoint model and antenna model for medic units. • Working with vendors on getting bids for the CradlePoints and antennas. • CradlePoint model chosen is compatible with MioVision GPS based signal preemption. Spillman CAD updates on client computers. • Spillman server update on 2/11/26 had unexpected result of requiring some client computers to have Spillman update ran under an administrator login and as administrator. Rewire CAD computers in ECC. • When HFD moved dispatch from shared room with police to dedicated dispatch room for fire it was discovered that the 4 monitor display cables were not consistently wired the same which was causing some needed Spillman windows to 2026 | FEBRUARY PAGE 19 not be visible when opened. Changing the wiring to be identical at all dispatch consoles solved this problem. SAFETY PROGRAM Respiratory Protection Program • All five department breathing air compressors remain certified through March 20, 2026. Reminder sent to each station with a compressor to conduct the next scheduled test prior to March 10, 2026. o Haihai TCOM-light: Corroded electrical connection previously reported; unit is now functional. Annual oil/filter changes due this month. o IFB 26-0129 awarded to PSI for Bauer TCOM replacement; estimated delivery late June/July 2026. o Mobile Mako 5400 at Haihai (Training): Air leak identified 1/26/26 affecting bank #4 (Out of Commission); no update; PSI and Mechanics coordinating assessment and repair. Coordination with Training & National Fallen Firefighters Foundation • “Taking Care of Our Own” (LODD) training hosted by HFD at Training Branch (Haihai) this Thursday and Friday (March dates); registration full for both days. • NFFF online (Zoom) info session on Public Safety Officer Benefit Program scheduled for Wednesday at 1400 hrs. Procurement of NFPA Ground Ladder Testing Equipment/Supplies • Significant delay resolved: Vendor initially claimed non-receipt of November 2025 PO and demanded pre-payment (inconsistent with standard Purchasing terms). After escalation, vendor agreed to proceed under normal post-delivery/acceptance payment terms. Updated delivery expected week of March 23, 2026. Rollout planning, including procedure review and potential video creation, to be revisited upon receipt. Environmental / Mold & Lead Testing• Professional Services contract for comprehensive environmental testing (mold, lead, etc.) remains under review by Corporate Counsel. • DPW initiated Lehua Environmental testing at Kaumana on February 19, 2026; results pending. • Follow-up particle sampling conducted: o Waiakea: Air quality good overall; no immediate actions required. o Kaumana: Indoor particle counts 2–2.3× outdoor averages in select areas (e.g., Captain’s Dorm, Captain’s Bathroom); main dormitory ~1.5× outdoor. Noted given history of water damage and discolored ceiling tiles (some addressed). Pursuit of formal professional mold testing continues. o Keaʻau: Indoor elevations in moisture-prone areas (dorms/locker rooms) consistent with past roof issues and slow remediation progress; supports continued push for formal professional testing. o Kailua: Extremely high ultrafine particle counts noted in the kitchen during annual PortaCount fit testing; follow-up sampling showed moderate, consistent levels station-wide. Particle size distribution, indoor/outdoor comparisons, and low relative humidity do not indicate active/widespread mold amplification at this time. Follow-up sampling planned mid-March. 2026 | FEBRUARY PAGE 20 Joint Safety Committee • Meeting scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 2026, was cancelled due to lack of quorum. January-approved schedule (last Wednesday monthly) conflicts with new HFFA meeting timing; committee is discussing alternative dates/times. Software / Tools• Demo of IPSDI Exposure Tracker: Free mobile app allows individuals lifetime access to exposure records (sync to NFR account); HIPAA-compliant with deidentified employer access option via paid IPSDI Analytics ($16k/year, imports from RMS). o IPSDI provided HFD access to FireCARES for Community Risk Reduction evaluation (heat maps and stats from NFIRS/NERIS databases). Safety Concerns and Inspections • In discussion with the DOH Clean Air Branch to potentially host non-regulated air-quality sensors to address coverage gaps in the Volcano and Puna areas. Other • Fire Safety Specialist’s Annual Report for 2025 available on SharePoint. • COOP exercise for Admin tentatively scheduled for Friday, March 27, 2026. THROUGH THE YEARS This month’s flashback is to October 27, 1994 via the Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald featuring Class 22. To submit a Throwback photo, please upload itto the SharePoint folder (Documents,Throwback Photos) or email fire@hawaiicounty.gov. Printed photos may also be brought to Fire Administration for scanning and archivaland will be returned upon request. 2026 | FEBRUARY PAGE 21 PROMOTIONAL CEREMONY On February 18, the Hawaiʻi Fire Department held a promotional ceremony at the Hawaiʻi County Building in Hilo to recognize members who advanced in rank. The ceremony honored the promotions of Fire/EMS Specialists Austin Bloch and Kawika Roman; Water Safety Officer IIIs (Lieutenant) Jonah Kaye, Ryan Kuamo’o, Ian McVeigh, and Rayme Yang-Kaula; Water Safety Officer IV (Captain) Kert-Pono Kodani; Fire Captains Christopher Berg, Neil “Kula” Cho, Paul Kekela, James Kupahu, and Lui Sales; and Assistant Chief of Operations Christopher Carvalho. Each member reaffirmed their commitment with an oath before Temporary Fire Chief Daniel Volpe. Fire Chaplain Renee Godoy served as emcee for the ceremony, and Representative Cliff Victorine attended on behalf of the Mayor’s Office to offer congratulations. Refreshments were generously provided by Friends of First Responders. Congratulations to all! 2026 | FEBRUARY PAGE 22 STAY CONNECTED! p g , p AI-generated content may be incorrect. p g , p AI-generated content may be incorrect. 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! 2026 | FEBRUARY PAGE 23