HomeMy WebLinkAboutFIRE CHIEF'S REPORT FY 25-26 MAY
2026 | MAY FISCAL YEAR 25-26
FIRE CHIEF’S REPORT
HAWAI’I FIRE DEPARTMENT 25 AUPUNI ST., SUITE 2501 HILO, HAWAI’I 96720 FIRE@HAWAIICOUNTY.GOV
FIRE CHIEF’S REPORT
Chief’s Office Report ................................................................................................................................. 3
Fiscal Branch Report ................................................................................................................................. 3
Grants Report ............................................................................................................................................. 3
Human Resources Branch Report ........................................................................................................ 5
Emergency Operations Division ........................................................................................................... 6
Special Operations Branch ..................................................................................................................... 7
Program Highlights: Special Operations .......................................................................................... 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
Fire Prevention Highlights ................................................................................................................... 16
Ocean Safety Highlights ....................................................................................................................... 17
Volunteer Training ................................................................................................................................. 17
Technical Services Highlights ............................................................................................................. 19
Safety Program ........................................................................................................................................ 19
May 2025 Promotional Ceremonies ................................................................................................ 21
EMS Week ................................................................................................................................................. 22
May 2026 Hāweo award ...................................................................................................................... 22
DARE Day................................................................................................................................................... 22
Through The Years ................................................................................................................................. 23
Stay Connected! ...................................................................................................................................... 23
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2026 | MAY PAGE 3
CHIEF’S OFFICE REPORT
Section Report by Chief’s Office
Program Budget Objectives May 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 2 12
Budget Adj Appr YTD Exp % Used Goal
Total Budget $96,993,271* $76,974,531* 79% *Budget numbers have not been verified.
GRANTS REPORT
Section Report by: Grant Specialist
Program Measures May YTD Goal Dollar value of grants applied for $ 0 $ 7,720,254 $ 5,000,000
Dollar value of grants received $ 22,498 $ 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% spent as of 5/31/2026
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.
Leleiwi Lifeguard Tower (Fair Share Funds)
Surveyor Jr. lifeguard tower furnished by Newport Laminates $ 54,785 $ 0 Delivery expected in July 2026.
2026 | MAY 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
SAFER 12 temp. firefighter positions $ 2,678,274 $ 0 Grant accepted
Fair Share Fund
HFD Maintenance Shop Design $ 684,000 $ 0 Allotment approved
2026 | MAY PAGE 5
HUMAN RESOURCES BRANCH REPORT
Section Report by: Fire Human Resources Program Specialist
Program Measure May YTD
Vacancy Rate Total 12% 10%
Vacancies - Admin & Support 7 --
Vacancies - Fire 24 --
Vacancies - EMS 10 -- Vacancies - Communications 12 --
Vacancies - Ocean Safety 9 --
Program Budget Objectives May YTD Goal
Efficient response to human resource queries 100% of 85 100% (502) <2 Days
Active Avg Goal Average internal investigations completion in days 3 120+* <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 Employee began May 16, 2026 Fire Captain Employees began May 1, 2026 Fire Captain – Emergency Communications Employees began May 1, 2026
Fire Equipment Operator Employees began May 1, 2026
Fire / Hazardous Materials Specialist Employees began May 1, 2026 Fire Fighter Recruit Interviews scheduled for June 1-4, 2026
Fire Fighter Recruit (SAFER grant) Interviews scheduled for June1-4, 2026
Fire / EMS Recruit Interviews scheduled for June 4, 2026
Water Safety Officer I Conditional offers extended April 17, 2026. Water Safety Officer III Interview notices sent April 29, 2026. Account Clerks Employee began May 1, 2026
Office Assistant III (formerly Clerk III) Interviews completed May 5, 2026 Fire/EMS II Interviews completed May 20, 2026
Professional Trainee – Grants Employee began May 16, 2026
Human Resources Technician I Interviews scheduled for June 4, 2026
*Several investigations are being carried out outside of the HR Branch, which is why exact data is not available.
2026 | MAY 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 $2,452,846 92% 92%
62106 Equipment $2,633,076 $2,568,502 98% 92%
62111 - Heli S&W $329,364 $193,674* 59% 79%*
62112+62742 OCE $1,062,399 $866,218 81% 92%
62116+62746 Equipment $20,000 $1,824 9% 92%
*S&W reporting through 3/31 only; March goal is 79%
Program Budget Objectives May YTD Goal
95% of all assigned training completed 39% 47% >95%
Daily Vehicle Checks 90% (OPS) 55% 55% >90%
Average turn out time (total) 02:07 02:12 <01:20
99% Report completion within 10 days 98% 99% 99%
Total Calls for Calendar Year 2026 May YTD %
Fire 49 312 2.37% EMS 1,951 9,588 72.89% Other 616 3,254 25.21% Totals 2,636 13,154 100% Year 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 (est.) Total Calls 27,398 29,594 30,738 31,143 31,162 31,200
Program Measures May % < 80 secs YTD % < 80 secs
Avg. Turn out time (Fire) 2:10 25.53% 02:18 18.36%
Avg. Turn out time (EMS) 2:05 20.29% 02:06 19.20%
Program Measures May % < 9 mins YTD % < 9 mins
Avg. Response Time (Fire) 9:57 57.14% 10:25 49.84%
Avg. Response Time (EMS) 9:18 58.34% 9:02 59.99%
Call Type May YTD
Wildland calls (140, 141, 142, 143) 10 57 Acres burned 31.1 38.55 Structure Fires (110 & 111) 7 32
Property and Contents - Loss $ 685,000 $ 2,441,200
Property and Contents - Save $ 0 $ 758,100 Other fires (all other 100 series) 32 223 Property and Contents - Loss $ 20,000 $ 95,000 Property and Contents - Save $ 0 $ 0
2026 | MAY 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% 79%
62306 * Equipment $192,920 $121,322 63% 92%
*sub-budget within auxiliary service budget
Program Budget Objectives May YTD Goal
Aircraft Operational Uptime >90% 98% 98% > 90%
Review & update SOP/SOG within cycle 0 0 >100%
Arrange annual HazTech Course 1 1 per Y
Maintain minimum proficiency training hours Rescue 264 2,916 3,000
Maintain minimum proficiency training hours Hazmat 0 2,296 600
Maintain minimum proficiency training hours Air Ops 23.9 80.5 30
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: SPECIAL OPERATIONS Aviation • Delivered standardized Chopper-2 training to all fire stations and partner hospitals across Hawaiʻi Island. The program enhanced personnel understanding of aeromedical capabilities, landing zone operations, safety procedures, and patient transfer coordination while promoting consistent practices and improved operational readiness island-wide. • 5/7 C2 responded to area off shore of Kapaa Beach per report of swimmers in distress. Two paddleboarders located 2 approximately 2 miles off shore, C2 able to locate and direct Ski 2 to their location for extraction. • 5/8 C2 responded to Naalehu for transport of patient from M20 to Hilo Medical Center. • 5/15 C2 responded to Naalehu to rendezvous with M11 for patient with difficulty breathing. Patient transferred to C2 and transported to HMC. • 5/18 C2 assisted with bucket drops on brushfire in Kailua-Kona. • 5/26 C2 and Co. 14 responded to swimmer in distress at Waialea Bay, one person extracted from the ocean and transported to shoreline. Party refused medical treatment or transport. Rescue • 5/17 Co 1, 2, and 17 responded to report of missing person in the area of Nanue Bridge. Rescue personnel successfully located and rescued a missing fisherman along the Nanue coastline after an extensive shoreline search. The operation required technical rope rescue systems to access a remote shoreline ledge and safely remove the victim from an area impacted by high surf and challenging terrain. • 5/31 Companies 2, 8, and C2 dispatched for report of missing hikers in Kalopa. Hikers located by ground units and escorted to trail head. Helicopters unable to access the area due to poor visibility.
2026 | MAY PAGE 8
Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) • Scheduled a three-day joint training exercise with the National Guard Civil Support Team focused on hazardous materials monitoring, sampling, decontamination, and entry operations. Dates are June 1, 2, and 3, all personnel assigned to HAZMAT Companies are scheduled to attend off duty, personnel assigned to Companies 1 and 3 will be attending on duty to review decon procedure and set up. • Tactical Chemistry scheduled for July, this advanced hazardous materials training in partnership with the Department of Health to enhance responder proficiency in chemical identification, air monitoring, and risk-based incident management through hands-on instruction and practical exercises. • 5/16 Co 4 responded to Puainako Shopping Center per report of chemical smell. Co 4 personnel were able to determine source of the irritant to be recently painted units neighboring the business in question. Ventilation was established to reduce impact on neighboring businesses.
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 $498,106 97% 92%
62806 Equipment $294,335 $294,335 100% 92%
*S&W reporting through 3/31 only; March goal is 79%
Program Measures (Metrics) May YTD # of people
Number of Beach Visitors 375,394 1,966,505
Number of Preventative Actions 300 1,623
Number of Minor Medical Aids 172 1057
Number of Major Medical Aids (Transports) 7 14
Number of Rescues 54 302
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 | MAY 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 $1,981,645 85% 92%
62706 Equipment $6,095,520 $6,007,705 99% 92%
*S&W reporting through 3/31 only; March goal is 79%
Program Measures May YTD
ROSC Rate 0% 8.8%
Call Volume ALS Transport 1,049 5,341
Call Volume BLS Transport 703 3,367
Program Budget Objectives May 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
• A Fire Medical Specialist II Assessment Center was held on May 20th. Two candidates participated. • EMS Branch personnel met with staff from East Hawaiʻi Health Center to discuss their MH-3 process and improve alignment with HFD’s response and transport operations. • The four personnel enrolled in the Fall 2025 paramedic class have completed their 3rd internship rotation. They will begin their 4th and final internship rotation before they move on to complete their state and national certification testing requirements. • EMS Branch Events for the Month of May:
o May 9th - Participated in the Celebrate Micronesia Health Fair held at the Hawaiʻi Island Community Health Center.
o May 15th – Conducted Basic Life Support (BLS) skills training to Department of Health’s public health nurses.
o May 20th – Attended the BISAC Open House event held at the Hilo Palace Theatre.
o May 30th – Provided medical standby for the 2026 Ironman 70.3 Honu Triathlon. • EMS Supply Orders Data for the Month of May:
o 71 orders, approximately $56K in gross order sales
2026 | MAY 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 $ 217,073 $ 171,117 79% 92%
62406 Equipment $ 119,893 $ 90,718 76% 92%
*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 15 personnel 15 personnel 15 personnel
Program Budget Objectives May YTD Goal
Professional Development 1 personnel 187 personnel 50 personnel
Incident Command Training 0 personnel 101 personnel 216 personnel
Structural Firefighting Training 0 personnel 45 personnel 75 personnel
Wildland Firefighting Training 2 personnel 29 personnel pending funding
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: TRAINING SERVICES
BRANCH
• Assisted CISM/Peer Unit with scheduling upcoming resilience training and developing a strategic plan for program succession. The plan included program objectives and proposed budgetary structure to help ensure long, rewarding careers through healthy relationships and coping mechanisms. • Collaborated with BC Lindsey to send FRS Shawn Watson to Public Safety Diver, Medical Dive, and Full Face Mask certification training. The course is designed to develop instructor-level competencies in Public-Safety Diving (PSD) operations emphasizing safety, risk management, instruction, and development of an internal dive training cadre. • The 54th Recruits completed three weeks of driver training, including 40-hours of classroom training and pre-trips, closed course driving, and road time with Operations companies testing out with their driver audit and obtaining their Type I HFD DCC.
2026 | MAY 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 $203,494 93% 92%
62506 Equipment $377,934 $377,934 100% 92%
*S&W reporting through 3/31 only; March goal is 79%
Program Measures May Total
Total Volunteers 3 123
Program Budget Objectives May 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 $ 48,642 98% 92%
62206 Equipment $ 40,000 $ 39,378 98% 92%
*S&W reporting through 3/31 only; March goal is 79% Program Measures May YTD Last Year Comp Inspections – Occupancy 102 496 N/A*
Public Education Events 5 59 N/A*
Plans Reviewed 45 580 N/A*
Fire Investigations 3 16 N/A*
Complaints Investigated 1 31 N/A*
Average Plan Review Time in Days 9.9 10.5 N/A*
Program Budget Objectives May YTD Goal
Average plans reviewed < 14 days 9.9 days 10.5 days <14 Days
Public Education min 2 a month 7 65 24
Maintain CFIT Designation for 2 personnel min 1 1 2
Fire Inspection of High Hazard >6 per month 5 48 72 / year
EPR property list input @ 60 updates a month 32 356 720 / year * YTD totals were not available as a new EPR system changeover occurred
2026 | MAY 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 $ 1,893,715 $ 1,892,976 100% 92%
62306 Equipment ** $ 953,005 $ 930,701 98% 92%
*S&W reporting through 3/31 only; March goal is 79%
** Recruits 2nd set of Bunker Gear
Program Measures May YTD
Monthly Total Order (59-PPE $18,337.29, 32-
supplies $12,468.59) 82 1028
Gross Product Sent to Dept ** $ 91,168 $ 538,254
Number of variants available in warehouse 430 N/A
Variants Items in stock 387 N/A
Program Budget Objectives May 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% 91% >90%
Average fulfillment within 10 working days or less 6.5 days 7.6 days <10 days
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: AUXILIARY SERVICES
BRANCH
• The Auxiliary Services Branch concluded the month with steady progress in supporting departmental operations through logistics and facilities management. Staff continued fulfilling equipment and supply orders to ensure uninterrupted service delivery, while also responding to repair and maintenance needs island wide. All PPE extractors have now been distributed, with one station still requiring follow-up to complete installation. Additionally, seven PPE dryers remain staged in the warehouse due to space limitations at various stations, to be deployed as conditions allow. These efforts have remained consistent despite significant fiscal constraints, as the division now enters the final month of the fiscal year with its budget fully exhausted.
2026 | MAY 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 $ 660,380 99% 92%
62326 Equipment $ 1,828 $ 1,828 100% 92%
*S&W reporting through 3/31 only; March goal is 79%
Program Measures May YTD LY YTD
Number of Repairs 192 2220 2418
Service Calls 40 359 349
Contracted Work or Tows 8 121 176
DOT inspections 0 134 134
Program Budget Objectives May 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 $ 44,102 47% 92%
62610 e-911 OCE $ 566,781 $ 248,663 44% 92%
Equipment $ 2,800 $ 34,614 1236% 92%
*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
2,634 208 seconds 85% 2,290 4,924
Program Budget Objectives May YTD Goal
EMD Protocol Compliance 70%† or greater 91% 60% >70%
90% of 911 calls answered in <10 seconds 85% 85% 90%
Average time to process 911 call <180 208s 194s <180 sec
Time from Call to Dispatch <60 seconds @ 90% 166s 151s <60 sec †Compliance goal to increase 5% per year
2026 | MAY PAGE 14
SNAPSHOTS AND STORIES
OPERATIONS HIGHLIGHTS
Battalion 1 • 5/6 Residential structure fire on Ao Rd in Mountain View, Dist. 10, Inc# 011108. Co.5, Vol 5B, E3 and T3 responded for a structure fire. Upon arrival HFD units found a 600 sq ft structure fully involved. Fire was extinguished with a defensive attack and overhauled. There were no fatalities in the fire, cause of the fire is undetermined. • 5/8 Residential structure fire on Ohai Rd. in Naalehu, Dits.11, Inc# 011221. Co.11, E19 and E20 responded for a structure fire, BLS M11 first on scene found a single story residence fully involved. Fire was extinguished with a defensive attack and overhauled. All occupants confirmed out of the structure on arrival of Co.11, and no fatalities found during primary search. Cause of fire deemed accidental due to a cooking fire. • 5/15 Head on motor vehicle collision on Saddle road, Dist.4, Inc# 11870. Co. 4, Co.1, Co.50 PTA, M03, M05, AMR1 and C2 responded for a head on MVA on DKI near the 13 mm. Upon arrival two people were still pinned in the vehicle and six passengers were involved. Four passengers were transported to HBMC and two were DOA. • 5/17 High angle rescue in Ninole, Dist. 17, Inc# 12059. Co.1, Co.2, and Co.17 responded for a missing fisherman in the area of Nanue bridge on Hwy 19, 17mm. Male victim slipped and fell down a cliff and was found calling for help in a cave 130 feet down the cliff. Male party safely extricated up the cliff by high angle rope rescue, and refused further medical treatment. • 5/24 Residential structure fire at Hale Hauoli Apartments, Dist.8, Inc# 012636. Co.8, Co.9 and Co.17 responded to a call for a 4 plex structure fire on Koniaka Pl. Upon arrival one unit was fully involved. Fire was extinguished with transitional attack and brought under control. All occupants confirmed out of the structure and no victims were found during primary search. The cause of the fire is undetermined. • 5/29 Commercial Structure Fire an Amaulu Rd in Wainaku Dist.1, Inc#???. Co.1, Co.2, Co. 3, Co.4 and T10. responded to a warehouse on fire. Upon arrival HFD units found a 50 ft x 100 ft warehouse 70% involved in fire. Fire extinguished and overhauled with assistance from DPW, providing an additional water tanker and excavator. All occupants confirmed out of the structure and no victims were found during primary search. The cause of the fire is undetermined. • 5/30 Lost hiker below Beach Rd, Dist.10 Inc# 013062. Co.10 and Co.2 responded to a call for a lost hiker between Papaya Farms road and Wa’a Wa’a. Ground crews began search and lost hiker was located by chopper 1 at first light. Female party was extricated via chopper 1 with no injuries. . Battalion 2 • 5/7 Inc#260011128 Swimmers in distress Kapaa beach park Dist15. Two elderly female parties on one inflatable SUP blown out to sea in very windy conditions. Beachgoer kept eyes on party until HFD arrival. Two parties spotted approximately between 1 – 2 miles offshore. C2 kept eyes on parties until the arrival of Ski 2, 25 mins later, and both parties brought back safely to shore with no injuries. • 5/23 Inc#260012521 Swimmers in distress Hapuna beach park Dist14. Two parties on a bodyboard being blown out to sea in the afternoon were retrieved by Ski2 and brought back to shore safely with no injuries.
2026 | MAY PAGE 15
• 5/25 Inc#260012669 Boat in distress Kawaihae Harbor Dist14. 17ft boat outside KWHE harbor had motor issues, stalled, and was being blown out to see by strong trade winds. Ski2 able to locate and tow boat back into the harbor, no injuries. • 5/25 Inc#260012677 Boat in Distress/ Sinking Kawaihae harbor. 65ft catamaran Alala, taking on water from 6in hole below the water line. No souls on board. Called in by HFD personnel who were on a previous call in KWHE harbor. BC2,E14,Ski2 utilized to take personnel and equipment back and forth to the vessel. Two aux pumps brought on board by HFD, able to pump out approximately 8,000 gallons of water and bring hole above water line, able to be temporarily patched, preventing ship sinking. No injuries. Events: • 5/30/2026 Honu Race C2 Training: Chopper 2 Training with Co. 19 and National Park Service
Chopper 2 Islandwide Training at Kona Hospital Chopper 2 bail out training in District 7 6 days to train both battalions
2026 | MAY PAGE 16
FIRE PREVENTION HIGHLIGHTS
Community Outreach, Events & Media Engagement May 8: Prevention Clerks, T.Goo and R.Henderson participated in the East Hawaii DARE event May 8: Inspectors Requelman, Moniz, and Nakata attended the annual Hawaii Wildfire summit on Kauai May 12: AC1 Carvalho and Captain Goo attended the North Kona Wildfire Meeting held at Pu’u Lani estates as well as site visits of current fuel breaks completed May 20: Chief Henderson and Captain Goo attended the cross county wildfire council meeting with all county fire officials led by HWMO May 26: Chief Volpe, AC1 Carvalho and Captain Goo attended a SWCA tabletop meeting discussing many wildfire projects, fuel breaks, dip tanks and others on the way on Hawaii island bordering Pohakuloa’s jurisdiction Fire Investigations / UAS Program
May 18: District 7, Inc# 260012084, Homeless
Encampment Fire
May 25: District 8, Inc# 260012636, Residential
Complex Fire
May 29: District 4, Inc# 260012995, Warehouse
Fire
Commercial / High Hazards Inspections
• Conduct an average of 60 commercial fire and life safety inspections per month.
This metric will be to target requirements in HRS 132 (with at least 10% being
conducted at high hazard occupancies), ensuring code compliance and reducing
fire risk in commercial occupancies.
2026 | MAY PAGE 17
OCEAN SAFETY HIGHLIGHTS
Heat Map: Heat map of Major First Aids, Minor First Aids and Rescues for month of May; Watchtower Program
RWCO Training
Tower Replacement in Process at La’aloa Beach Park (right)
VOLUNTEER TRAINING
1-A Pepe’ekeo - Conducted monthly training and maintenance. Engine 1 Alpha transited daily as part of 2-week Driver Training, Pre-Trip and Closed Course Apparatus along with 1 Alpha personnel assisting volunteer attendees. Attended Quarterly Captains Meeting. 5-B Hawaiian Acres - Conducted monthly company trainings and station/apparatus maintenance. Attended Quarterly Captains Meeting. Attended CPR/First Aid Training and Chainsaw Safety Training. 5-D Fern Acres - Dispatched to 2 structure fires in Hawaiian Acres, 1 Vehicle Fire in Livingston. Conducted monthly training and station/apparatus maintenance. Attended Quarterly Captains Meeting.
2026 | MAY PAGE 18
6-B Kona Paradise - Conducted joint training with company 20 Alpha at HOVE Station 20 on wildland fireground safety, Calm the Chaos implementation, operational goals and language. Monthly maintenance. 7-B Kalaoa - Conducted monthly training on wildland fireground safety, Calm the Chaos implementation, operational goals and language. Conducted maintenance and attended Quarterly Captains meeting. Responded to one call-out for May. 8-A Pa’auilo - 5/6 Public Service, Honoka’a HS Fire Education Class Training; 5/9 Joint training with Company 8 relay pumping; 5/15 Hosted Quarterly Volunteer Captains meeting at Company 8 Alpha in Pa’auilo & provided lunch/provisions; 5/16 Honoka’a Western Week Parade participants; 5/21 Training on wildland fireground safety, Calm the Chaos implementation, operational goals and language; 5/22 Responded to cooking fire; 5/24 Responded to vehicle fire. 9-A Waiki’I - Conducted monthly training on wildland fireground safety, Calm the Chaos implementation, operational goals and language. Monthly maintenance and attended Quarterly Captains meeting. 9-B Kanehoa - 5/1 monthly station/apparatus maintenance; 5/2 Firewise HWMO Display, Kamuela View Estates; 5/12 progressive hose pack training; 5/16 attended Quarterly Captains Meeting; 5/20 Training on wildland fireground safety, Calm the Chaos implementation, operational goals and language; 5/27 Meeting with HIEMA & CPR/AED training. 10-D Ainaloa - Conducted monthly training on Pre-Trip, Vehicle Inspection and Engine Familiarization. Attended Quarterly Captains meeting. 11-A Naalehu, 11-C Discovery Harbor, 11-D Pahala - Conducted monthly training and maintenance. 14-A Kohala Ranch - Conducted monthly training on wildland fireground safety, Calm the Chaos implementation, operational goals and language. Conducted monthly maintenance. Attended Quarterly Captains Meeting. 16-B Pu’uanahulu - Conducted monthly training. Hosted Team Rubicon sawyers for 10-day defensible space fire break clearing south of Pu’ulani Ranch. Conducted station and apparatus maintenance. 19-A Volcano - 5/17 Structure Fire; 5/20 Company Drill; 5/27 Brush Fire; 5/27 Company Training Cal Fire Bob Becker; Conducted monthly training and maintenance. Attended Quarterly Captains Meeting. 19-B Fern Forest - 5/3 monthly pre-trip, monthly reports, vector training on foam applications. 5/16 Attended Quarterly Captains Meeting; 5/20, 27 Company training and monthly maintenance. 20-A Hove - 5/1, Responded to Structure Fire. 5/7 Monthly training at station 20 (4 personnel) 5/8 Conducted joint training with company 6 Bravo at HOVE Station 20 on wildland fireground safety, Calm the Chaos implementation, operational goals and language. Monthly maintenance.
2026 | MAY PAGE 19
TECHNICAL SERVICES HIGHLIGHTS
Power BI licensing secured and assigned. • DIT secured 18 Power BI licenses for HFD. • Licenses have been assigned to operations and support chiefs. • Operations and support chiefs can now view the interactive Power Bi dashboards on the Fire SharePoint site. These dashboards pull data from EPR Fireworks and publish the data in a user-friendly interface automatically at set times. These will help in controlling overtime, ensuring apparatus have a recent maintenance check, and completing incidents. • Dashboards that have been published are: o Current staffing level vs minimum staffing level per station overview
o Apparatus information overview
o Apparatus maintenance checks overview
o Incident overview
o Work code overview o Incident completion overview Paramount Medical updates. • ProQA Medical version updated to 5.1.1.54. This is the software the dispatchers use that interfaces with CAD. • Aqua version updated to 7.1.1.10. This is the software used for Quality Performance Review by third party vendor. • Xlerator new license key installed. This is the software required to license ProQA Medical. Site Survey with Hawaiian Telcom to get Volcano Fire Station on HFD managed phonelines. • Hawaiian Telcom techs were on site at Volcano Fire Station to bring in two phonelines that HFD will pay for and manage. • This will get them off phone lines managed by Kilauea Military Camp which have had connection/reliability issues for years. • New lines couldn’t be completed on 5/29, HT techs determined there is a break in phone cables between KMC main building and the building the fire station is in. They will return with a cabling repair crew in the near future.
SAFETY PROGRAM
Respiratory Protection Program • Air quality certifications updated during May:
o Pahoa, Makalei, and Training (Haihai) Mako units recertified last week through late August 2026.
o Haihai TCOM results pending.
o Waiakea Mako was recertified in early May, but is out of service on 5/26/26 due to a CO alarm; technical evaluation pending. • Compressor issues:
o Haihai TCOM-light: ongoing corroded electrical connection and new air leak around a dial (reported 4/29/26). PSI warranty repair visit and in-service training for station personnel are still pending (multiple reminders sent).
o Mobile Mako 5400 at Haihai (Training): air leak on bank #4 (Out of Commission) since 1/26/26; no update.
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• All helicopter pilots have completed the required Hazardous Communications, Step Ladder safety, BBP, and other annual training via Vector Solutions. Procurement of NFPA Ground Ladder Testing Equipment/Supplies • Initial meeting with volunteers to finalize procedures and training materials is scheduled for June 2, 2026, at Pahoa Station. Environmental / Mold & Lead Testing • Professional Services contract with Lehua Environmental finalized.
o Mold assessment conducted at Station #5 on 5/20/26: Results show no elevated mold concentrations indoors. Visible mold noted on exterior north soffit (no impact on indoor air quality at this time). Plans are underway to address/treat exterior mold to prevent potential intrusion. • Laupahoehoe Station: Window AC unit with confirmed mold remains Out of Service. Anticipated replacement in the new fiscal year. • Keaʻau: Work order submitted to remove old construction debris after HFD member stepped on a nail Joint Safety Committee • Meeting was held May 13, 2026, at 0900hrs in Fire Conference Room. Agenda and minutes posted to SharePoint. Safety Concerns and Inspections • Stepladder and Mobile Ladder online safety training rollout in coordination with Training Branch via Vector Solutions. • Injury at Papakolea during medical response (stairs broke during extrication): Met with Spec Ops and AC1; Spec Ops to review conditions and recommend plan of action for future responses. • SERT reviewed E11 rollover from 5/15/26 on 5/18/26. Green-sheet disseminated 5/20/26. Final SERT report pending Police and associated reports. No tire recalls identified; insufficient justification for forensic evaluation at this time. • DOH updated guidance on Return-to-Work following respiratory infections: Safety Bulletin distributed. Wellness and Cancer Screening Initiatives • Cancer screening (Exact Sciences blood test for >50 cancers): Awaiting Corporate Counsel changes to solicitation letters (expected redirection to new DCC Ferguson on 6/15/26). Follow-up meeting scheduled with Exact Sciences and UH Cancer Center for June 5, 2026. Still awaiting DOH funding response. • Potential donation of 150 NFPA 1582-compliant medical exams (July/August timeframe shifted to August/September):
o LRB and draft Resolution approved. Transmittal letter and printed version submitted to Council Services for June meetings.
o Waiver requested to go straight to full Council on 6/17 in Kona (confirmation pending).
o Met with POC to discuss scheduling (two-session format: fasting blood draw/ultrasound + cardiac stress test/results review). • Wellness/CISM app (Lexipol Cordico / alternatives): Met with Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Committee on 5/8/26. HPD switching to lower-cost PowerLine (NeoGov); demo being arranged. Quote and information provided; follow-up ongoing.
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• IAFF Fit-2-Thrive Course: Application for Training funds submitted to Chief’s Office. Quotes solicited for required equipment (kettlebells, resistance bands, etc.). Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan • Updates completed and submitted to EMS for review. • Designated Infection Control Officer training completed. • Collaborating with EMS on process clarifications (Workers’ Comp claims opened only with associated injury or confirmed disease transmission). • Pocket mask re-issuance to Ocean Safety lifeguards will be necessary.
MAY 2025 PROMOTIONAL CEREMONIES
The Hawai‘i Fire Department hosted two promotional ceremonies in May—one in Hilo on May 5 and another in Kona on May 14—to recognize newly promoted personnel. The ceremonies provided an opportunity for department leadership, colleagues, and, most importantly, family and friends to celebrate their achievements and the next chapter of their service. Congratulations!
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EMS WEEK
EMS Week, observed May 17–23, was recognized by the Hawai‘i County Council with a certificate and by Mayor Kimo Alameda through an official proclamation. Thank you to all HFD EMS personnel for their dedication, professionalism, and lifesaving service to our community.
MAY 2026 HĀWEO AWARD
Two Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel were selected as the May 2026 Hāweo Award recipients in recognition of their exceptional initiative in restoring the HFD’s historic Seagrave—Fire Rescue Specialist Edward McClellan and Fire Equipment Mechanic Elmer Longboy. Their efforts went above and beyond their regular duties and helped preserve an important part of HFD’s history. Mahalo, Eddie and Elmer!
DARE DAY
The Hawai‘i Fire Department participated in the 2026 D.A.R.E. Day celebration held on May 8 at Kawamoto Swim Stadium in Hilo. More than 800 East Hawai‘i students attended the event, which recognized graduates of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program and reinforced positive decision-making, personal responsibility, and resistance to drugs, bullying, and peer pressure. HFD personnel joined the Hawai‘i Police Department in presenting a simulated traffic collision response and helicopter airlift, giving students an up-close look at coordinated emergency operations.
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THROUGH THE YEARS
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!
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