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Home My WebLink AboutFIRE CHIEF'S REPORT FY 25-26 APRIL 2026 | APRIL FISCAL YEAR 25-26 FIRE CHIEF’S HAWAI’I FIRE DEPARTMENT 25 AUPUNI ST., SUITE 2501 HILO, HAWAI’I 96720 FIRE@HAWAIICOUNTY.GOV REPORT Chief’s Office Report ................................................................................................................................. 2 Fiscal Branch Report ................................................................................................................................. 2 Grants Report ............................................................................................................................................. 2 Human Resources Branch Report ........................................................................................................ 4 Emergency Operations Division ........................................................................................................... 6 Special Operations Branch ..................................................................................................................... 7 Program Highlights: Special Operations Branch ........................................................................... 7 Ocean Safety Operations Branch ......................................................................................................... 8 Program Highlights: Ocean Safety ..................................................................................................... 8 Emergency Medical Services Branch .................................................................................................. 9 Program Highlights: EMS Branch ........................................................................................................ 9 Training Services Branch ....................................................................................................................... 10 Program Highlights: Training Services Branch ............................................................................. 10 Volunteer Services Section ................................................................................................................... 11 Fire Prevention Branch ........................................................................................................................... 11 Auxiliary Services Branch ....................................................................................................................... 12 Program Highlights: Auxiliary Services Branch ............................................................................ 12 Vehicle Maintenance Section .............................................................................................................. 13 Emergency Communications Branch ................................................................................................ 13 Snapshots and Stories ............................................................................................................................ 14 Operations Highlights ........................................................................................................................... 14 WildLand Firefighter Training ............................................................................................................ 14 Calm the Chaos ....................................................................................................................................... 15 Fire Prevention Highlights ................................................................................................................... 15 Ocean Safety Highlights ....................................................................................................................... 16 Volunteer Training ................................................................................................................................. 17 Technical Services Highlights ............................................................................................................. 18 Safety Program ........................................................................................................................................ 19 Public Safety Telecommunicators Week ........................................................................................ 21 63rd Annual Merrie Monarch Festival .............................................................................................. 21 HCC Career Fair ....................................................................................................................................... 22 AP Triton .................................................................................................................................................... 22 WGA Policy Forum ................................................................................................................................. 23 Through The Years ................................................................................................................................. 23 Stay Connected! ...................................................................................................................................... 23 TABLE OF CONTENTS 2026 | APRIL PAGE 2 CHIEF’S OFFICE REPORT Section Report by Chief’s Office Program Budget Objectives April 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 $96,721,823* $70,927,663* 73% *Budget numbers have not been verified. GRANTS REPORT Section Report by: Grant Specialist Program Measures April YTD Goal Dollar value of grants applied for $0.00 $7,720,254 $5,000,000 Dollar value of grants received $0.00 $2,678,275 $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 4/30/2026 FY 25 USDA Vol. Fire Cap. Project Brush Truck 16B Puʻuanahulu Volunteer Fire Station $90,000 $0 Rebid May 2026. Request to extend grant period. 2026 | APRIL PAGE 3 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 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 2026 | APRIL 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 04/07/2026 Interview scheduled 4//7/2026 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 Captain Communications 01/31/2026 N/A 03/06/2026 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 1 vacancy WSO III 02/22/2026 TBD TBD Assessment   WSO I 01/25/2026 03/04/2026 03/24/2026 Applicants cleared pre-medical appointments  Fire Equipment Operator 10/12/2025 1/6/2026 2/24/2026 Positions filled 5/1/2026. 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 TBD N/A TBD FMS II 04/2026 TBD TBD Assessment scheduled for 5/20/2026.  Fire Rescue Specialist TBD 09/10/2026 09/15/2026 Hazardous Materials Tech 10/19/2025 1/13/2026 3/3/2026 Positions filled 5/1/2026.  *Version one of an annual recruitment calendar 2026 | APRIL PAGE 5 Program Measure April YTD Vacancy Rate Total 12% 10% Vacancy Rate Admin & Support 8 - Vacancy Rate Fire 24 - Vacancy Rate EMS 10 - Vacancy Rate Communications 12 - Vacancy Rate Ocean Safety 9 - Program Budget Objectives April YTD Goal Efficient response to human resource queries 100% of 60 100% (417) <2 Days Active Avg Goal Average internal investigations completion in days 5 120+* <60 days Rate Avg Goal Maintain a vacancy rate below 7% 12% 10% <36 PV Active Recruitments by HFD Position Status Report Battalion Chief, Auxiliary Services Interview complete April 7, 2026. Fire Captain Candidates began May 1, 2026. Fire Captain – Emergency Communications Score notification letters sent March 20, 2026.  Fire Equipment Operator Score notification letters sent March 20, 2026. Fire / Hazardous Materials Specialist Score Notification letters sent March 20, 2026. Fire Fighter Recruit Applications due April 27, 2026. Fire Fighter Recruit (SAFER grant) Applications due April 27, 2026. Fire / EMS Recruit Applications due April 27, 2026. Water Safety Officer I Conditional offers extended April 17, 2026. Water Safety Officer III Interview notices sent April 29, 2026. Account Clerks Interviews scheduled April 9, 2026.  Clerk III Interview interest confirmed April 24, 2026. Fire/EMS II Interview notices sent April 20, 2026.  Professional Trainee – Grants Interviews scheduled April 1, 2026.  Human Resources Technician I Application (HR/Civil Service) closed April 28, 2026. *Several investigations are being carried out outside of the HR Branch, which is why exact data is not available. 2026 | APRIL PAGE 6 EMERGENCY OPERATIONS DIVISION Section Report by: Assistant Chief of Operations Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal 62101 S&W $43,575,837 $35,174,200* 81% 79%* 62102 OCE $2,652,901 $2,637,200 99% 83% 62106 Equipment $2,633,076 $2,630,226 100% 83% 62111 - Heli S&W $329,364 $193,674* 59% 79%* 62112+62742 OCE $1,062,399 $848,840 80% 83% 62116+62746 Equipment $20,000 $1,824 9% 83% *S&W reporting through 3/31 only; March goal is 79% Program Budget Objectives April YTD Goal 95% of all assigned training completed 25% 49% >95% Daily Vehicle Checks 90% (OPS) 53% 55% >90% Average turn out time (total) 02:11 02:12 <01:20 99% Report completion within 10 days 99% 99% 99% Total Calls for Calendar Year 2026 April YTD % Fire 69 262 2.49% EMS 1,930 7,620 72.3% Other 637 2,657 25.21% Totals 2,636 10,539 100% Year 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 (est.) Total Calls 27,398 29,594 30,738 31,143 31,162 31,617 Program Measures April % < 80 secs YTD % < 80 secs Avg. Turn out time (Fire) 02:13 17.65% 02:18 17.6% Avg. Turn out time (EMS) 02:10 17.41% 02:06 19.19% Program Measures April % < 9 mins YTD % < 9 mins Avg. Response Time (Fire) 10:08 52.86 10:28 48.91% Avg. Response Time (EMS) 08:46 61.24% 9:00 60.31% Call Type April YTD Wildland calls (140, 141, 142, 143) 17 47 Acres burned 31.1 38.55 Structure Fires (110 & 111) 3 25 Property and Contents - Loss $ 10,000 $ 1,601,700 Property and Contents - Save $ 245,600 $ 758,100 Other fires (all other 100 series) 49 190 Property and Contents - Loss $ 75,000 $ 75,000 Property and Contents - Save $ 0 $ 0 2026 | APRIL 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% 83% 62306 * Equipment $192,920 $121,322 63% 83% *sub-budget within auxiliary service budget Program Budget Objectives April YTD Goal Aircraft Operational Uptime >90% 98% 97% > 90% Review & update SOP/SOG within cycle 0 0 >100% Arrange annual HazTech Course 1 1 per Y Maintain minimum proficiency training hours Rescue 384 2,652 3,000 Maintain minimum proficiency training hours Hazmat 1,600 2,296 600 Maintain minimum proficiency training hours Air Ops 18.9 56.6 30 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: SPECIAL OPERATIONS Aviation • 4/17 – C1 and C2 were on scene at brushfire near Palamanui assisting ground crews with bucket drops • 4/26 – C1 and C2 responded along with Company 9 and 7 to Waipio Rim per report of lost hiker. C2 located hiker and monitored weather and visibility conditions while C1 landed to set up long line. Hiker extricated by C1 via long line Rescue • 4/11 – Co 7 and Co 12 responded to Keauhou Bay per report of swimmer in distress. FRS deployed from shoreline and swam pt to private charter boat who transported pt to shore where care was transferred to M7 • 4/19 – Co 2 responded to boat that had flipped over near Hilo breakwall. Bystanders assisted the passengers to shoreline, while RB2 towed boat back to dock. Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) • 4/9 - Co 21 responded to the Queen shops per report of smell of propane. Restaurant evacuated, ignition sources identified and shut off, and ventilation initiated prior to arrival. Upon arrival Co 21 utilized gas meters to ensure environment was not dangerous. Property manager instructed to keep gas off to the building until maintenance crews were able to address the gas leak. • 4/16 – Co 21 responded to the 4 Seasons and Kaupalehu per report of possible chlorine spill. Area secured and hazard zones established, patients triaged and DOH contacted for assistance with mitigation. After taking PH readings and conferring with DOH and property owner, decision to bring in contract cleaner to remove and clean the area was made. • 4/13-24 - Hazardous Materials Technician class delivered by (ret) Chief Matty Miguel to 20 of our personnel. 2026 | APRIL PAGE 8 OCEAN SAFETY OPERATIONS BRANCH Section Report by: Water Safety Officer V Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal 62801 S&W $4,532,562 $3,419,345* 75% 79%* 62802 OCE $515,054 $479,347 93% 83% 62806 Equipment $294,335 $292,529 99% 83% *S&W reporting through 3/31 only; March goal is 79% Program Measures (Metrics) April YTD # of people Number of Beach Visitors 408,963 1,591,111 Number of Preventative Actions 353 1,323 Number of Minor Medical Aids 270 885 Number of Major Medical Aids (Transports) 2 7 Number of Rescues 65 248 Program Budget Objectives Current Goal Certified Rescue Watercraft Operators >9 3 9 Provide 80% staffed tower hours to daylight 77% 85% Maintain Updated Policies and Procedures (10) No Data 100% PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: OCEAN SAFETY Rescue Watercraft Operator Program Update: The HFD’s Rescue Watercraft Operator (RWCO) Training Program is on track to begin training on May 11th, with 8 candidates. 2026 | APRIL PAGE 9 EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES BRANCH Section Report by: Battalion Chief of EMS Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal 62701 S&W $16,077,526 $12,340,202* 77% 79%* 62702 OCE $2,331,503 $1,693,706 73% 83% 62706 Equipment $6,095,520 $5,956,597 98% 83% *S&W reporting through 3/31 only; March goal is 79% Program Measures April YTD ROSC Rate 12.5% 11.7% Call Volume ALS Transport 1,099 4,292 Call Volume BLS Transport 706 2,664 Program Budget Objectives April YTD Goal Less than 10% paramedic Vacancy rate 14% (7) 14% (7) < 6 vac Quality review of 95% of Critical Calls 10% 3% 95% Maintain a fleet of >8 Spare medics 9 9 >8 Spare PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: EMS BRANCH • EMS Branch met with Laerdal Medical’s local Territory Manager for introductions. As the supplier of our CPR training equipment, they expressed their support for our training programs. A follow-up meeting with HBMC administration was held on April 30th to identify potential sim center equipment purchases and future training opportunities for our EMS personnel. • EMS Branch met with the Product Specialist for the Fire Engineering Training platform to explore the system’s features and capabilities as a potential alternative to Vector Solutions. • Preventative maintenance for all EKGs and Lucas Devices has been completed. • On April 15th, EMS Branch personnel conducted BLS Instructor Training for Ocean Safety personnel. • The 5th Annual Fentanyl and Addictions Summit was held on April 29 in Waimea. Captain Aaron Mitchell has been on the Q&A panel for several years and was a featured speaker this year. He presented comprehensive EMS call data on opioid overdoses and Narcan administrations. • On April 30th, EMS Branch personnel provided a presentation on our Community Paramedicine Program to Nani Olu Senior Housing • EMS Shopify Store – Supply Orders Data for the Month of April: • 65 orders, approximately $38K in gross order sales 2026 | APRIL PAGE 10 TRAINING SERVICES BRANC H Section Report by: Battalion Chief of Training Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal 62401 S&W $1,044,720 $671,154* 64% 79%* 62402 OCE $252,073 $164,053 65% 83% 62406 Equipment $84,893 $82,393 97% 83% *S&W reporting through 3/31 only; March goal is 79% 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 April YTD Goal Professional Development 53 personnel 186 personnel 50 personnel Incident Command Training 69 personnel 80 personnel 171 personnel Structural Firefighting Training 30 personnel 45 personnel 75 personnel Wildland Firefighting Training 2 personnel 29 personnel pending funding PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: TRAINING SERVICES BRANCH • 80 supervisory personnel completed the Calm the Chaos 40-hour command workshop as part of the 2023 AFG award. Approximately 80 personnel will be scheduled for make-up sessions this June and July. (See photos in Snapshots and Stories.) • Collaborated with BC Lindsey to host a two-week Hazardous Materials Technician certification course. 20 firefighters completed this training, which expands our capability to respond to hazardous materials incidents island wide by embedding technicians throughout Emergency Operations. Company 4 was instrumental in supporting the hands-on portions with their equipment and expertise. • The 54th Firefighter Recruit class completed 16 weeks of EMT training through Kapi’olani Community College under the instruction of Christopher Kelly. • The 54th Recruits completed S-130, S-190, and L-180 as part of basic Wildland Firefighting Training. The week concluded at PTA with a full-scale evolution, including progressive hose lays, building fire line, and mobile attack. Chopper 2 Pilot Kalei Gregory and HIANG Blackhawks participated in conducting aerial bucket drops. The course included HFD Volunteers, DOFAW, NPS, and USFS personnel. (See photos in Snapshots and Stories.) 2026 | APRIL PAGE 11 VOLUNTEER SERVICES SECTION Section Report by: Senior Volunteer Training Captain Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal 62501 S&W $318,752 $259,341* 81% 79%* 62502 OCE $218,541 $190,598 87% 83% 62506 Equipment $377,934 $377,934 100% 83% *S&W reporting through 3/31 only; March goal is 79% Program Measures April Total Total Volunteers 2 120 Program Budget Objectives April 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 1 33 51 FIRE PREVENTION BRANCH Section Report by: Battalion Chief of Fire Prevention Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal 62201 S&W $1,333,598 $1,075,317* 81%* 79%* 62202 OCE $49,875 $47,565 95% 83% 62206 Equipment $40,000 $39,378 98% 83% *S&W reporting through 3/31 only; March goal is 79% Program Measures April YTD Last Year Comp Inspections - Occupancy 91 394 N/A* Public Education Events 6 54 N/A* Plans Reviewed 51 535 N/A* Fire Investigations 2 13 N/A* Complaints Investigated 2 30 N/A* Average Plan Review Time in Days 9.9 10.5 N/A* Program Budget Objectives April YTD Goal Average plans reviewed < 14 days 9.9 days 10.5 days <14 Days Public Education min 2 a month 4 58 24 Maintain CFIT Designation for 2 personnel min 1 1 2 Fire Inspection of High Hazard >6 per month 4 43 72 / year EPR property list input @ 60 updates a month 22 324 720 / year * YTD totals were not available as a new EPR system changeover occurred 2026 | APRIL PAGE 12 AUXILIARY SERVICES BRANCH Section Report by: Battalion Chief of Auxiliary Services Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal 62301 S&W $ 573,412 $ 376,558* 66%* 79%* 62302 OCE $ 1,883,077 $ 1,818,472 99% 83% 62306 Equipment $ 953,005 $ 931,302 97% 83% *S&W reporting through 3/31 only; March goal is 79% Program Measures April YTD Monthly Total Order (59-PPE $18,337.29, 32- supplies $12,468.59) 78 946 Gross Product Sent to Dept $30,281 $447,086 Number of variants available in warehouse 429 N/A Variants Items in stock 391 N/A Program Budget Objectives April YTD Goal Expenditure of OCE budget to 99% by end of fiscal 100% 100% 92% Encumbrance of Equip budget to 90% by end of second quarter 100% 100% 100% In stock percent > 90% for all warehouse variants 91% 90% >90% Average fulfillment within 10 working days or less 7.29 days 6.8 days <10 days PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: AUXILIARY SERVICES BRANCH • The Auxiliary Services Branch ended the month of April with major progress on facilities and logistics improvements. Crews completed a reorganization of the main warehouse to streamline inventory flow and improve access to equipment, while simultaneously erecting the new racking system at the secondary warehouse to expand storage capacity and support future growth. Departmentwide extractor installations are nearing completion as well, with Pāhala becoming the latest station to receive its unit—bringing the organization one step closer to full compliance and improved firefighter health and safety. • HFD Fiscal Accountant IV Nikol Lonokapu has advised that the Auxiliary Services budget is fully depleted until the next fiscal year. Given this constraint, all personnel should be especially vigilant with County of Hawaiʻi assets. Please maintain equipment properly, follow established care procedures, and report any issues without delay. Early action helps prevent avoidable repairs and supports the continued reliability of our resources. 2026 | APRIL PAGE 13 VEHICLE MAINTENANCE SECTION Section Report by: Chief Mechanic Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal 62321 S&W $ 501,253 $ 401,592* 80% 79%* 62322 OCE $ 669,028 $643,738 96% 83% 62326 Equipment $ 1,828 $ 1,828 100% 83% *S&W reporting through 3/31 only; March goal is 79% Program Measures April YTD LY YTD Number of Repairs 178 2028 2154 Service Calls 38 321 326 Contracted Work or Tows 5 116 160 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 62311 S&W $ 1,917,604 $900,785* 47% 79%* 62312 OCE $ 94,681 $ 42,184 45% 83% 62610 e-911 OCE $ 337,760 $ 219,999 65% 83% Equipment $ 2,800 $ 14,000 500% 83% *S&W reporting through 3/31 only; March goal is 79% Program Measures Admin (nonemergency) Total # of 911 calls Avg duration % answered < 10 sec # of calls # of calls 2,584 210 84% 2,444 5,028 Program Budget Objectives April YTD Goal EMD Protocol Compliance 70%† or greater 76% 57% >70% 90% of 911 calls answered in <10 seconds 84% 85% 90% Average time to process 911 call <180 210s 192s <180 sec Time from Call to Dispatch <60 seconds @ 90% 166s 149s <60 sec †Compliance goal to increase 5% per year 2026 | APRIL PAGE 14 SNAPSHOTS AND STORIES OPERATIONS HIGHLIGHTS Battalion 1 • 4/4 Residential structure fire on Waimea Rd. in Nanawale, Dist.10, Inc# 08192. Co.10, Co.18, and Co.5 responded for a possible structure fire reported by neighbors. Upon arrival HFD units found a two story residence 75% involved in fire. Fire was extinguished with a defensive attack. After fire was brought under control a search was conducted. A single occupant was located, deceased under the debris. HPD was able to confirm only one occupant lived at the address. Cause of the fire is under investigation. • 4/19 Capsized boat outside of Hilo Bay, Dist.1, Inc# 09548. RB02, C1, R02, M01 and BC1 along with DLNR responded for a boat in distress. Upon arrival C1 reported a capsized boat with for people in the water. The people in the water were assisted to safety by HFD rescue personnel and brought to shore. Capsized boat was righted wit the help of RB02 and towed back to the boat ramp. • 4/20 Brush fire on Mana Road, Dist.4, Inc# 09657. Co. 4, BT01, BT05, T03, Co.50, C1 and C2 responded for a brush fire on Mana Road near the area of the November fire. Upon arrival they found a 3 acre fire that was brough under control with ground crews utilizing handlines. No homes threatened by the fire, cause of fire possibly lightning strike. • 4/28 Residential structure fire on Enos rd. in Mountain View, Dist.5, inc#10330. Co.5 and Co.3 responded to a call for a structure on fire, upon arrival HFD units found two small off grid residential structures in close proximity to each other fully involved in fire. Fire was extinguished with a defensive attack and all parties were confirmed to be out of the structure. Cause of the fire is undetermined. Battalion 2 • 4/17 Inc# 260009394 -Brush Fire Palamanui Dist 21. Companies 21, 7, 12, C1, C2, BC2, BT14, T16, BT12, and volunteers responded to a BF, end total of 36-37 acres. Dozer used to cut fire break inside of existing fire break to minimize size and containment. Hot spots and mop up continued up until 4/25. No homes or structures were damaged. Events: • Co.7 assisted with a Fire Truck Display for Family Support Hawaii at La’i’opua 2020 for approximately 50 children and 25 parents. WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER TRAINING 2026 | APRIL PAGE 15 CALM THE CHAOS FIRE PREVENTION HIGHLIGHTS Community Outreach, Events & Media Engagement April 2: Captain Goo and Chief Henderson attended a DHHL community meeting in the WHCC conference room to provide the community with information about Wildfire resilience and provide access to resources that will encourage community engagement for clean up days. April 8-10: Fire Prevention conducted occupancy checks and safety watch for the Annual Merrie Monarch Festival. April 11: Captain Goo and Inspector Requelman assisted in the Merrie Monarch Parade by providing vehicles and allowing Keiki to see our vehicles! April 21: Captain Goo took the Fire Inspectors to test our newest Hydrocarbon detector that will assist us on investigating fires. 2026 | APRIL PAGE 16 Fire Investigations / UAS Program 4/4: District 10, Inc# 26008192, Residential Fire 4/28: District 5, Inc# 260010330, Residential Fire OCEAN SAFETY HIGHLIGHTS Heat Map: Heat map of Major First Aids, Minor First Aids and Rescues for month of April; Watchtower Program Kalaniʻanaʻole Elementary School Career Day: WSO III Ryan Kuamo’o poses with students from Kalaniʻanaʻole Elementary School during their Career Day - 4/16/2026 Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation Donations: Three donated vehicles from Mike Mathews via the Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation. 4/18/26 Blessing of 3 trucks, 3 Dolphin unmanned rescue drones, and 3 Lucas CPR devices from the Sayre Foundation (Left to right: Laura Sayre, BC Young, Rachel Able, Frank Sayre and Dustin.) 2026 | APRIL PAGE 17 United States Lifeguard Association Board of Directors Meeting at Biloxi, Mississippi Sunset picture of three Hawaiʻi Ocean Safety Chiefs and one Operations Manager served as Hawaiʻi Ocean Safety delegates at the United States Lifeguard Association board of Directors Meeting; Biloxi, Mississippi. 4/19 – 4/23. United States Lifeguard Association Board of Directors Meeting at Biloxi, Mississippi. Left to right; Chief Lager (Honolulu City and County), Chief Vierra (Kauaʻi County, Operations Manager Kaneshina (Maui County), Chief Young (Hawaiʻi County). 4/22/26 2026 Junior Lifeguard Junior Lifeguard Registration Flyer for Summer 2026. Registration opened on 4/28/26. Available slots are filling quickly! VOLUNTEER TRAINING 1-A (Pepeʻekeo), 5-B (Hawaiian Acres), 5-D (Fern Acres), 7-B (Kalaoa), 10-D (Ainaloa), 11-A (Naalehu), 11-C (Discovery Harbor), 11-D (Pahala), 14-A (Kohala), and 19-B (Fern Forest)- Conducted monthly training and maintenance. 2026 | APRIL PAGE 18 6-B (Kona Paradise) - Monthly training postponed due to recent storm damage. 8-A (Paʻauilo) 4/2 Received their new brush truck HFD 685, outfitted and tested pump. 4/8 Responded to a tractor fire with adjacent brush fire. 4/8 public service at Honoka’a credit union for kieiki fire awareness. 4/15 conducted monthly training, trained on the new BT, pump training, foam system, other features. 4/23 picked up E8A from the mechanic shop to transport back to Sta8A, outfitted apparatus back in service. 9-A (Waikiʻi) - Conducted monthly training on ICS and firefighter safety. Routine Maintenance. 9-B (Kanehoa) - Conducted monthly training on drafting, lithium-ion batteries, and hose handling. Palamanui Fire callout. 4/15 public service Honoka’a High School event. 16-B (Puʻuanahulu) - Conducted 36 hours of driver training, FEO training, monthly station maintenance. 19-A (Volcano) - Performed monthly station cleaning. 20-A (HOVE) 4/5 responded to brushfire call. Monthly training was cancelled due to stormy weather. TECHNICAL SERVICES HIGHLIGHTS New Ocean Safety Pahoa Office.  • Network cable was installed by Parks and Rec electrician. • Technical Services completed the connection to network switch in Parks and Rec facility. • Computer and printer have been set up and connected. • Office is now in use by Ocean Safety Lieutenant. Firegrid Software • Firegrid software will be used to track all MSA mask fit test, SCBA test. • Locations and Personnel have been built. • All MSA fit test and SCBA test done in 2025 have been imported. • Other PPE will be added when information is gathered. Site Survey with Banyan Networks for Waiakea Mechanic Shop fiber connection. • Fiber connection from Waiakea Fire Station which is on county fiber can be brought over to the Waiakea Mechanics Shop. • This will get them off a Spectrum cable modem connection that has been spotty. • While there will be an initial installation cost this will eliminate the monthly Spectrum bill.   Meeting with State Department of Health about Medic Starlink setup. • Onsite meeting with State Department of Health (DOH) to review how the M10 Starlink, Cradlepoint and cellular/Wi-Fi antenna were installed. • DOH will be procuring Starlinks for all medic units. • DOH will be coordinated with HFD to have Cradlepoints, antennas, and Starlinks installed at the same time. • DOH will be choosing the vendor and procuring the installations. 2026 | APRIL PAGE 19 SAFETY PROGRAM Respiratory Protection Program • Air quality certifications (as of end of April): o Pahoa TCOM: passed 3/7/26, certified through June 5, 2026 o Makalei TCOM: passed 3/10/26, certified through June 8, 2026 o Haihai TCOM: passed 3/10/26, certified through June 8, 2026 o Training (Haihai) Mako: passed 3/14/26, certified through June 12, 2026 o Waiakea Mako: passed 5/4/26, certified through August 2, 2026. • Compressor issues: o Haihai TCOM-light: ongoing corroded electrical connection issues; new air leak reported around a dial on 4/29/26. PSI notified — repair expected under warranty; visit date pending. o Mobile Mako 5400 at Haihai (Training): air leak on bank #4 (Out of Commission) since 1/26/26; no further update. o Request for PSI in-service training for Haihai personnel remains pending (reminder sent 4/29/26; requested they combine with upcoming warranty visit). • Annual review of Safety’s Position Matrix completed with helicopter pilots (HIOSH/OSHA training requirements). All five pilots have now completed Hazardous Communications and Step Ladder safety training. BBP and N95 fit-testing arrangements completed via Vector Solutions. Procurement of NFPA Ground Ladder Testing Equipment/Supplies • Equipment arrived at Warehouse on 3/31/26 and is being added to inventory. Fiscal mailed check upon receipt/acceptance. • Memo sent 4/14/26 soliciting interested personnel to finalize testing procedure and develop training materials/resources (deadline 5/15/26). Three responses received to date. Meeting held with AC1 to advance this effort. Environmental / Mold & Lead Testing • Professional Services contract for comprehensive environmental testing (mold, lead, etc.) approved by Corporate Counsel; requisition issued and now awaiting final signatures and Notice to Proceed from Mayor’s Office / Purchasing. • Laupahoehoe Station: Report of mold/musty odor from dorm window AC unit. Mold confirmed; Captains advised not to operate unit until professionally cleaned or replaced. Joint Safety Committee • Meeting held April 8, 2026 @ 1000 hrs in Puna Conference Room (with Zoom option). Approved minutes posted to SharePoint. Safety Concerns and Inspections • Industrial ladder safety training: Rollout of American Ladder Institute online Step Ladder and Mobile Ladder modules in coordination with Training Branch (targeted at non-emergency station use following in-station injury). • Updates to Incident/Accident and Vehicle/Equipment/Property Damage reporting processes completed and distributed by HR. o Submitted CARFs to update FireAccidentReport email and folder access. 2026 | APRIL PAGE 20 • HIOSH Boiler Inspector issued permit for Haihai compressed air system (mechanical air — not breathing air); permit posted. Wellness and Cancer Screening Initiatives • Met with Exact Sciences and UH Cancer Center representatives on 3/31/26 regarding blood-based multi-cancer screening test (>50 cancers, 68% sensitivity / 97% specificity). Corporate Counsel reviewed draft solicitation letters (follow-up on suggested changes 4/23 and 5/4). Awaiting DOH response on potential funding. Exploring hosting options and level of interest; likely out-of-pocket for participants (payment plan ~$50/month) unless external funding secured. Next meeting in 1–2 weeks. • Re-engaged Lexipol / Cordico Wellness App (used by HPD) for potential wellness / CISM support. Awaiting updated quote. Inquired with County Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Committee on possible funding (information and quote provided; response pending). • Potential donation of 150 NFPA 1582-compliant medical exams (July/August) from Paul Grantsrom / 1582 Medical Group. Notice/consult letter sent to HFFA; LRB submitted for Council Resolution to accept donation. Other Programs and Coordination • COOP: After-Action Report for March 27, 2026 exercise completed and posted 4/2/26. Updates to COOP document finalized and posted/distributed to plan holders. • Eyes On the Road Program (UH/HDOT forward-facing dash cameras): Evaluation terminated; equipment returned. Privacy-mode requirements made program impractical for consistent use. • Attended Psychological First Aid training with National Child Traumatic Stress Network (Governor’s Office of Wellness and Resilience). • Meeting 4/24/26 with EMS and Ocean Safety regarding BBP exposure case: Confirmed in-water rescue breathing was appropriate per current USLA/AHA guidelines. Updates in progress to Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan and Exposure Packet (reporting process, lab guidance, removal of outdated references, re-issuance of pocket masks to lifeguards). Incident/Accident Reports • County highway vehicle struck a light pole at Pahoa Station on 4/13/26 (no HFD personnel or equipment involved). 2026 | APRIL PAGE 21 PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATORS WEEK In recognition of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, Hawaiʻi County Council honored HFD’s Fire Communications Officers at its April 8 meeting. The recognition highlighted the critical role dispatchers play in emergency response, serving as the first point of contact for the public and a vital link between callers and responders in the field. The Department extends its appreciation to our Fire Communications Officers for their professionalism, composure, and dedication. Thank you also to Friends of First Responders for their support in helping recognize their service. 63RD ANNUAL MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVAL HFD supported the Merrie Monarch Festival in several ways this year. Personnel volunteered with tent setup for the craft fair, Prevention personnel conducted occupancy checks and provided safety watch, a medic standby was also provided during festival events. Clerk III Jordyn Mantz assisted with coordination of parade participation, in which Temporary Fire Chief Daniel Volpe and Assistant Chief of Operations Chirstopher Carvalho walked alongside the 54th recruit class and Office of the Mayor. 2026 | APRIL PAGE 22 In addition, Fiscal staff served as scorekeepers for the hula competition, tallying and recording judges’ scores for official recordkeeping. Their work required accuracy, attention to detail, and long nights at Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium, with staff remaining until the competition concluded, often around 0100 hrs. Mahalo to all personnel who supported this important community event! HCC CAREER FAIR HR Program Specialist Monica Louie and HR Tech II Noel Ah Choy participated in a career fair at Hawaiʽi Community College on Saturday, April 25 to connect with students, community members, and network with HCC programs. AP TRITON HFD contracted public safety consultant AP Triton to assist with the development of the Department’s strategic plan and master plan. As part of this process, AP Triton was provided operational and administrative data, which was analyzed to help identify current conditions, service demands, and future needs. To gather additional input, the Department also released internal and community surveys to identify opportunities, challenges, and priorities from both personnel and the public. Five community meetings were held in in the month of April in Waikōloa, Waimea, Pāhala, Hilo, and Kona to provide residents an opportunity to participate in the planning process. On April 27 and 28, the AP Triton team met with HFD’s leadership team for two days of facilitated strategic planning discussions. Once finalized, the strategic and master plans will be available to the department and public 2026 | APRIL PAGE 23 Instagram channel link YouTube channel linkFacebook channel link WGA POLICY FORUM Temporary Fire Chief Daniel Volpe attended the Western Governors’ Association 2026 Policy Forum, hosted by Governor Josh Green on Maui on April 20–21. The forum focused on lessons learned from the 2023 Lahaina wildfire and the ongoing challenges of disaster recovery in rural and geographically isolated communities. Discussions included trauma-informed approaches to recovery, the future of disaster management, rural disaster recovery, and long-term rebuilding efforts. The forum provided an opportunity to hear from regional experts, policymakers, and government leaders on issues directly relevant to Hawaiʻi’s emergency response and recovery planning. THROUGH THE YEARS This month’s flashback is to October 13, 2009, 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. 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! END REPORT