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Home My WebLink AboutFIRE CHIEF'S REPORT FY 26-27 AUGUST 2026 | AUGUST FISCAL YEAR 26-27 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 ........................................................................................................ 4 Emergency Operations Division ........................................................................................................... 5 Special Operations Branch ..................................................................................................................... 6 Program Highlights: Special Ops ........................................................................................................ 6 Ocean Safety Operations Branch ......................................................................................................... 7 Program Highlights: Ocean Safety ..................................................................................................... 7 Emergency Medical Services Branch .................................................................................................. 8 Program Highlights: EMS Branch ........................................................................................................ 8 Training Services Branch ......................................................................................................................... 9 Program Highlights: Training Branch ................................................................................................ 9 Volunteer Services Section ................................................................................................................... 10 Fire Prevention Branch ........................................................................................................................... 10 Auxiliary Services Branch ....................................................................................................................... 11 Program Highlights: Auxiliary Services ........................................................................................... 11 Vehicle Maintenance Section .............................................................................................................. 12 Emergency Comm. Branch ................................................................................................................... 12 Snapshots and Stories ............................................................................................................................ 13 Operations Highlights ........................................................................................................................... 13 Fire Prevention Highlights ................................................................................................................... 14 Ocean Safety Highlights ....................................................................................................................... 15 Volunteer Training ................................................................................................................................. 16 Technical Services Highlights ............................................................................................................. 17 Safety Program ........................................................................................................................................ 18 Hurricane Lala .......................................................................................................................................... 20 Lifeguard Appreciation Week ............................................................................................................ 21 State Fire Council Meeting .................................................................................................................. 21 Through The Years ................................................................................................................................. 21 Stay Connected! ...................................................................................................................................... 22 TABLE OF CONTENTS 2026 | AUGUST PAGE 3 CHIEF’S OFFICE REPORT Section Report by Chief’s Office Program Budget Objectives August YTD Goal Maintain >95% current policies, procedures, and MOU, MOA, MAA. 60% 60% >95% FISCAL BRANCH REPORT Section Report by: Accountant IV Program Budget Objectives QTR YTD Goal Lead monthly budget meetings 0 0 12 *Payroll and budget numbers are preliminary. August’s gross earnings have been included in the YTD Expenditures. Salaries and Wages Pay Date Gross Earnings YTD Carryforward from prior period $8,994,882 8/15/26 $3,472,477 $12,467,359 8/31/26 $2,483,249 $14,950,608 New Hires: We welcomed Kaley Fujii, our newest Account Clerk. Kaley hit the ground running and quickly cleared the backlog of outstanding mileage claims, helping bring our mileage processing up to date. Fiscal Reporting: Developed improved expenditure reporting for the divisions, including expanded access to detailed expenditure information so Chiefs can better monitor their budgets. Mileage Processing: Fiscal implemented updated mileage reimbursement procedures, including the revised HFD-22 Mileage Claim form and processing through CoHnect Expense Reports. The mileage reimbursement rate was also increased to $0.76 per mile, consistent with the IRS standard mileage rate. GRANTS REPORT Section Reported Quarterly by: Fiscal Division and Grant Coordinator. Next Grants report – October 2026 FY27 Appropriation Budget Adjustments Adjusted Appropriation YTD Expenditures* % Used $88,010,885 $5,324,306 $93,335,091 $23,511,192 25% 2026 | AUGUST PAGE 4 HUMAN RESOURCES BRANCH REPORT Section Report by: Fire Human Resources Program Specialist Program Measure Vacancy Rate Vacancy Rate Total 13% Vacancy Rate Fire Administration 26% Vacancy Rate Support Services 10% Vacancy Rate Emergency Operations/EMS 13% Vacancy Rate Ocean Safety 13% Active Recruitments by HFD Position Status Report Fire Rescue Specialist Minimum qualifications screenings complete August 29, 2026. Fire Fighter Recruit  New hire onboarding complete August 31, 2026. Fire Fighter Recruit (SAFER grant) New hire onboarding complete August 31, 2026. Fire / EMS Recruit  New hire onboarding complete August 31, 2026. Fire Communications Officer Is Realistic Job Preview notifications sent August 28, 2026. Water Safety Officer Is  Interviews complete August 25, 2026. Account Clerks Employees began August 17, 2026. Senior Account Clerk Applications closed for submission August 11, 2026. Professional Development Trainee (Accountant I) Interviews complete August 13, 2026. Professional Trainee (Information and Education Specialist) Employee began August 1, 2026. Office Assistant IIIs (formerly Clerk IIIs) Request to Fill filed August 12, 2026. Human Resources Assistant Interviews completed August 7, 2026. *Some investigations are conducted outside of the HR Branch by external investigators, which is why exact data is not available. Program Budget Objectives August YTD Goal Efficient response to human resource queries 100% of 250 100% (957) <2 Days Active Avg Goal Average internal investigations completion in days 0 120+* <60 days Rate Maintain a vacancy rate below 7% 13% 2026 | AUGUST PAGE 5 EMERGENCY OPERATIONS DIVISION Section Report by: Assistant Chief of Operations Program Budget Objectives August YTD Goal 99% Report completion within 10 days 99% 99% 99% Total Calls for Calendar Year 2026 August YTD % Fire 53 469 2% EMS 1,992 15,482 73% Other 803 5,334 25% Totals 2,848 21,285 100% Year 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 (est.) Total Calls 27,398 29,594 30,738 31,143 31,162 31,928 Program Measures August % < 80 secs YTD % < 80 secs Avg. Turn out time (Fire) 2:22 19,61% 02:16 19.57% Avg. Turn out time (EMS) 2:10 17.82% 02:08 18.96% Program Measures August % < 9 mins YTD % < 9 mins Avg. Response Time (Fire) 11:14 56% 10:19 51.65% Avg. Response Time (EMS) 9:34 55% 9:09 58.8% Call Type August YTD Wildland calls (140, 141, 142, 143) 11 83 Acres burned 230 1078.3 Structure Fires (110 & 111) 11 50 Property and Contents - Loss $323,700 $3,166,900 Property and Contents - Save $1,680,000 $3,747,500 Other fires (all other 100 series) 31 336 Property and Contents - Loss $0 $96,500 Property and Contents - Save $0 $350 Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal 62101 S&W $27,314,803 Unavailable Unavailable 21% 62102 OCE $1,818,369 $542,994 30% 17% 62106 Equipment $3,812,200 $3,296,772 1% 75% 2026 | AUGUST PAGE 6 SPECIAL OPERATIONS BRANCH Section Report by: Battalion Chief of Special Operations Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal 62111 Heli S&W $339,865  Unavailable  Unavailable 21%  62112 Heli OCE $700,350 $159,341 23%  17%  62116 Heli Equipment $10,000  $0  0%  75%  62711 EMS Heli S&W $598,028  Unavailable  0%  21%  62742 EMS Heli OCE $341,036 $135,134 40%  17%  62746 EMS Heli Equipment $10,000  $0  0%  75%  62121 Fire Rescue S&W $3,805,124 Unavailable 0% 21% 62122 Fire Rescue OCE $100,625 $12,280 12% 17% 62126 Fire Rescue Equipment $132,920 $0 0% 75% 62131 Fire Hazmat S&W $4,363,244 Unavailable 0% 21% 62132 Fire Hazmat OCE $128,000 $7,091 6% 17% 62136 Fire Hazmat Equipment $50,000 $0 0% 75% Program Budget Objectives August YTD Goal Aircraft Operational Uptime >90% 98% 98% > 90% Review & update SOP/SOG within cycle 0 2 >100% Arrange annual HazTech Course 1 1 per Y Maintain minimum proficiency training hours Rescue 288 288 3,000 Maintain minimum proficiency training hours Hazmat 0 0 2,000 Maintain minimum proficiency training hours Air Ops 17.8 17.8 50 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: SPECIAL OPS • 8/11–8/13 – C1 and C2 responded to the DKI Highway brush fire, providing aerial firefighting support. • 8/14 – C1 responded to the Wailuku River area and assisted with the extraction of one person. 8/17–8/25 – C2 was deployed to the Pāhala Fire Station to support the Kaʻū District following Hurricane Lala. C2 provided resupply, EMS, and other operational support during the deployment. • 8/18 – C2 transported a STEMI patient from Kaʻū Hospital to Hilo Benioff Medical Center. • Flight Activity – C1=25.3 hrs, including 2 training hrs. C2=43.1 total hrs, including 2.4 training hrs. Combined Flight Activity – C1 and C2=68.4 total hrs, of which 4.4 hrs were training, leaving 64.0 operational/non-training flight hrs. 2026 | AUGUST PAGE 7 OCEAN SAFETY OPERATIONS BRANCH Section Report by: Water Safety Officer V Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal 62801 S&W $4,029,890 Unavailable Unavailable 21% 62802 OCE $367,275 $210,192 57% 17% 62806 Equipment $376,012 $100,776 30% 75% Program Measures (Metrics) August YTD # of people Number of Beach Visitors 363,414 3,252,148 Number of Preventative Actions 293 2,531 Number of Minor Medical Aids 220 1,760 Number of Major Medical Aids (Transports) 4 30 Number of Rescues 46 464 Program Budget Objectives Current Goal Certified Rescue Watercraft Operators >9 4 9 Provide 80% staffed tower hours to daylight 77% 85% Maintain Updated Policies and Procedures (10) No Data 100% PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: OCEAN SAFETY 2026 Junior Lifeguard Championships Hawaiʻi County Junior Lifeguard participants represented well at the 2026 Junior Lifeguard State Championships on August 8 at Ala Moana Beach Park on Oʻahu, earning third place overall with 150 points. Junior lifeguards from across the state competed in a full day of land and ocean events testing endurance, swimming and paddling skills, teamwork, and ocean awareness. The strong showing reflects the dedication of our junior lifeguards and the Ocean Safety personnel who train, mentor, and prepare them throughout the program. 2026 | AUGUST PAGE 8 EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES BRANCH Section Report by: Battalion Chief of EMS Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal 62701 S&W $21,818,678 Unavailable Unavailable 21% 62702 OCE $2,687,762 $284,150 11% 17% 62706 Equipment $4,440,632 $2,328,358 52% 75% 62711 Clerical S&W $582,365 Unavailable 0% 21% Program Measures August YTD ROSC Rate 0% 6.1% Call Volume ALS Transport 986 8,500 Call Volume BLS Transport 709 5,442 Program Budget Objectives August YTD Goal Less than 10% paramedic Vacancy rate 15% (8) 15% < 6 vac Quality review of 95% of Critical Calls 2% 7% 100% Maintain a fleet of >8 Spare medics 9 9 >8 Spare PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: EMS BRANCH • EMS Branch and Mechanic Shop personnel traveled to Braun Northwest in Chehalis, Washington, to attend a pre-construction meeting for the five upcoming new ambulances. Four of these ambulances will be assigned to Stations 3, 9, 14, and 21 to replace their current aging, high-mileage units. The fifth ambulance will serve as a spare unit and will be temporarily assigned to Station 19. • The EMS Branch participated as a presenter in the Community Action Network meeting hosted by Community First Hawaiʻi. The presentation included an overview of our Community Paramedicine Program. • We have 7 personnel enrolled in the Fall 2026 paramedic class which began on August 24th. • EMS Branch personnel assisted with emergency response and recovery efforts in the Kaʻu district following the devastating impact of Hurricane Lala. • Through collaboration with Vibrant Hawaiʻi, PulsePoint has been restored and is now operational island-wide. PulsePoint will be used for public CPR notifications only, allowing individuals in the community to receive alerts when CPR assistance may be needed nearby. Download the PulsePoint Respond mobile app for free to receive notifications. • A follow-up meeting was held with the State Department of Health’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division regarding its Hoʻola U-Telehealth Program expansion to the Big Island. The goal is to connect SUD/opioid overdose patients with appropriate local resources that are available in hopes of these patients willing to seek treatment. • EMS Shopify Store – Supply Orders Data for the Month of August 75 orders, approximately $52K in gross order sales 2026 | AUGUST PAGE 9 TRAINING SERVICES BRANC H Section Report by: Battalion Chief of Training Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal 62401 S&W $936,644 Unavailable Unavailable 21% 62402 OCE $210,362 $60,191 29% 17% 62406 Equipment $41,333 $18,833 46% 75% Program Budget Objectives FF 1 & 2 Wildland Driver Training Ensure all recruits graduate with minimum certifications 0 personnel 0 personnel 0 personnel Program Budget Objectives August YTD Goal Professional Development 35 personnel 35 personnel 200 personnel Incident Command Training 0 personnel 0 personnel 80 personnel Structural Firefighting Training 0 personnel 0 personnel 75 personnel Wildland Firefighting Training 0 personnel 0 personnel pending funding PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: TRAINING BRANCH • Training Branch personnel provided significant support during the Hurricane Lala response, enhancing operational coordination and supporting the broader HFD mission. This included Fire Liaison duties at the Emergency Operations Center, logistics coordination and delivery, ICS planning functions, and search and rescue command support in coordination with the Hawaiʻi National Guard, Special Operations, and EMS Branch. These assignments also provided valuable professional development opportunities and strengthened interagency coordination and working relationships. • Pre-hiring preparations for the 55th Firefighter Recruit Class were completed, including instructor coordination, venue arrangements, uniforms, and associated administrative requirements. Twenty candidates accepted conditional offers of employment and attended the ʻOhana Night Orientation at Haihai Fire Station on August 31. • Work continued on multiple departmental guidance documents addressing Incident Command, Utility Task Vehicles (UTVs), and Chainsaw Safety. Additional revisions to the HFD Driver Improvement Process are underway as part of the ongoing review process. The HFD Annual Training Plan is in final review prior to submission to the Office of the Fire Chief. 2026 | AUGUST PAGE 10 VOLUNTEER SERVICES SECTION Section Report by: Senior Volunteer Training Captain Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal 62501 S&W $263,514 Unavailable Unavailable 21% 62502 OCE $63,755 $4,705 7% 17% 62502 VFA Match $90,000 $0 0% 17% 62506 Equipment $72,643 $76,643 100% 75% 62606 VFA Grant (Fed) $90,000 $0 0% 17% Program Measures August Total Total Volunteers 1 130 Program Budget Objectives August 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 R. Henderson of the Fire Prevention Branch Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal 62201 S&W $1,151,192 Unavailable Unavailable 21% 62202 OCE $46,546 $3,501 8% 17% 62206 Equipment $76,368 $36,368 48% 75% Program Measures August YTD Last Year Comp Inspections – Occupancy 54 151 24 Public Education Events 5 9 25 Plans Reviewed 83 144 103 Fire Investigations 2 3 3 Complaints Investigated 3 4 5 Average Plan Review Time in Days 9.6 9.75 10.5 Program Budget Objectives August YTD Goal Average plans reviewed < 14 days 9.6 days 9.75 days <14 Days Public Education min 2 a month 5 9 24 Maintain CFIT Designation for 2 personnel min 1 1 2 Fire Inspection of High Hazard >6 per month 2 4 72 / year EPR property list input @ 60 updates a month 26 60 720 / year 2026 | AUGUST PAGE 11 AUXILIARY SERVICES BRANCH Section Report by: Battalion Chief of Auxiliary Services Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal 62301 S&W $515,882 Unavailable Unavailable 21% 62302 OCE $1,454,818 $431,820 30% 17% 62306 Equipment $2,090,113 $427,170 20% 75% Program Measures August YTD Monthly Total Order (33-PPE $30,006 45-station $10,696) 62 78 Gross Product Sent to Dept $17,725 $58,427 Number of variants available in warehouse 433 N/A Variants Items in stock 376 N/A Program Budget Objectives August YTD Goal Expenditure of OCE budget to 99% by end of fiscal N/A N/A N/A Encumbrance of Equip budget to 90% by end of second quarter N/A N/A N/A In stock percent > 90% for all warehouse variants 87% 88% >90% Average fulfillment within 10 working days or less 2.08 days 2.89 days <10 days PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: AUXILIARY SERVICES During Hurricane Lala, Auxiliary Services staff provided steady logistical support to personnel across the department, especially the Ka’u district. The team ensured that stations received needed supplies, coordinated fuel and equipment deliveries, and assisted with basic resource distribution during extended operations. Their consistent support helped crews maintain readiness and continue essential duties throughout the storm and the initial recovery period. 2026 | AUGUST PAGE 12 VEHICLE MAINTENANCE SECTION Section Report by: Chief Mechanic Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal 62321 S&W $537,762 Unavailable Unavailable 21% 62322 OCE $447,662 $122,455 27% 17% 62326 Equipment $25,000 $0 0% 75% 62731 EMS Veh Maint S&W $306,048 Unavailable Unavailable 21% 62732 EMS Veh Main OCE $244,000 $16,022 7% 17% Program Measures August YTD LY YTD Number of Repairs 150 393 279 Service Calls 44 91 42 Contracted Work or Tows 11 25 15 DOT inspections 0 0 0 Program Budget Objectives August YTD Goal Log 100% of vehicle work orders into EPR Fireworks No Data No Data 100% EMERGENCY COMM. BRANCH Section Report by: Battalion Chief of Communications Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal 62311 S&W $1,743,655 Unavailable Unavailable 21% 62312 OCE $74,500 $2,807 4% 17% 62721 EMS S&W $1,334,832 Unavailable Unavailable 21% 62722 EMS OCE $12,000 $0 0% 17% Program Measures Admin (nonemergency) Total # of 911 calls Avg duration % answered <10 sec # of calls # of calls 2,835 188 seconds 85% 3,181 6,016 Program Budget Objectives August YTD Goal EMD Protocol Compliance 70%† or greater 81% 86% >70% 90% of 911 calls answered in <10 seconds 85% 86% 90% Average time to process 911 call <180 188s 195s <180 sec Time from Call to Dispatch <60 seconds @ 90% 192s 184s <60 sec †Compliance goal to increase 5% per year 2026 | AUGUST PAGE 13 SNAPSHOTS AND STORIES OPERATIONS HIGHLIGHTS Battalion 1 • 8/12 Structure fire at Kandi’s Drive In. Co.1, Co. 2, Co.3, Co. 4, and BC1 responded to a report of smoke and fire visible from kitchen area of restaurant which was closed at the time. Upon arrival, flames were visible from two locations. Forcible entry was made and fire extinguished. • 8/15 Hurricane Lala made landfall with severe impacts to the Island especially the Ka’u area. Heavy flooding washed out roads making Ka’u only accessible by helicopter. Many structures were destroyed or damaged and there were 2 reported civilian fatalities associated with the flooding. • 8/16 Structure fire at Kama’aina motors on Wiwo’ole St. in Hilo Dist.2. Co.1, Co.2, Co.3 and Co.4 received a call per HPD of black smoke coming from the building. Upon arrival HFD crews made access to the service area of the structure. Fire was contained to what was referred as the time room but due to the heavy smoke the entire building needed to be ventilated. There were no fatalities in the fire and the cause is undetermined. • 8/30 Initial call came in as BF with smoke sighted by Alert West Cameras per dispatch. C1 did a fly over and found that it was Structure Fire in Fern Forest on Ala Naualani St. Co. 19, Co.5 and Co.3 were dispatched Single family dwelling was fully involved upon arrival and extinguished using a defensive attack. There were no fatalities in the fire and the cause is undetermined. Battalion 2 • 8/11 Inc. #19380 Brushfire DKI Highway MM49 Co.16, Co.9, Co.14, PTA, BC2, C1, C2 responded to the above area for two separate brushfires. First fire was knocked down quickly and contained to under ½ acre. The second fire grew to approximately 230 acres, took 5 days to contain utilizing 4 bulldozers, up to 55 personnel and 3 air assets at times. This was a unified command involving HFD, PTA and DOFAW. Agencies involved to assist with all aspects of this fire were: HFD OPS, HFD Support, HFD AIR, HFD Volunteers, DOFAW, PTA, HVNP, State DOT, DPW Roads Division, Hawaii N.G., HPD, Goodfellows, Sanborn Excavation, Federal Dozers. There were no injuries or fatalities. • 8/15 Inc. #19786 Rescue Naalehu/Waiohinu area Co.20, Rescue Co.7, BC2 responded to assist Co.11 with more than 10 reports of people trapped in their homes due to flooding from Hurricane Lala. Rescue teams alongside with high water vehicles from the N.G worked through the night to either extricate or ensure families could safely shelter in place throughout the night. Rescue Co.7 returned at first light to continue search efforts while water levels continued to recede. • 8/31 Inc. #21164 Rescue Anna’s Pond/Dist.9. Co.9, Rescue Co.7, Batt.2 and C2 responded to a report of a lost hiker. Co.9 was able to locate the female party at the bottom of a ravine of Kahakohau stream. Rescue Co. 7 was able to extricate the female party utilizing rope systems. Female party was assisted back down to Kawaihae Rd. No EMS was wanted or needed. 2026 | AUGUST PAGE 14 FIRE PREVENTION HIGHLIGHTS Community Outreach, Events & Media Engagement August 10: Prevention shot another episode of the “Fire Prevention Party” for NaLeo TV August 17-19: Fire Inspectors supported the Ka’u efforts after Hurricane Lala by providing mapping, manpower, and business location overviews. August 31: Information Specialist Andrew Church provided media and tech support for the Firefighter recruit Orientation Fire Investigations / UAS Program 8/12: Inspector Moniz and BC Henderson responded to a structure Fire at Kandi’s Drive Inn. 8/16: BC Henderson responded to a Structure Fire in Hilo. An electrical circuit overloaded when power was restored after Hurricane Lala. UAS Program: Captain Goo has continued to build our wildland mapping database through our NOVA Maps program. The map is being designed to provide locations of water tanks, gates, and other important information points to responders to increase efficiency when responding to Wildland fires. 8/17-25: Captain Goo responded to the response for Hurricane Lala and provided scans and mapping for several days. 2026 | AUGUST PAGE 15 OCEAN SAFETY HIGHLIGHTS Heat Map: Heat map of Major First Aids, Minor First Aids and Rescues for month of August via Watchtower Program. Gray dots are locations of incidents; Watchtower Program. Junior Lifeguard Jr Lifeguard State Championships Opening Ceremony; all Counties. Honolulu, HI. Jr Lifeguard State Championships; all counties; post award ceremony. Honolulu, HI Hurricane Lala Aftermath: Hapuna State and Punaluʽu Beach Parks, 8/16. 2026 | AUGUST PAGE 16 Lifeguard Appreciation Week: Mahalo to Lei Anna Nakashima, Jordyn Mantz, Chaplain Renee Godoy, Amy Bautista for putting together these care packages for Lifeguard Appreciation Week. And mahalo to all our WSOs, for all you do to protect our residents and visitors at our beach parks! VOLUNTEER TRAINING 1A (Pepe’ekeo)- Wet drill training. Motor vehicle fire call-out and conducted monthly station & apparatus maintenance and reports. Response-ready during Lala/Moke. 5B (Hawaiian Acres) - Assisted with storm damage & Vibrant Hawaii distribution of food/supplies. Station & apparatus maintenance and monthly reports. Response-ready during Lala/Moke. 5D (Fern Acres), 8A (Pa’auilo), 10D (Ainaloa)- Monthly company training, station & apparatus maintenance and reports. Response-ready during Lala/Moke. 7B (Kalaoa)- 1 Call-out. Pump operations training, urban interface hose lays and apparatus attack package familiarization. Station & apparatus maintenance and monthly reports. Response-ready during Lala/Moke. 9A (Waiki’i)- DKI Fire Response. Driver training and pump operation training. Apparatus attack package familiarization with tools and capabilities review. Station & apparatus maintenance and monthly reports. Response-ready during Lala/Moke. 2026 | AUGUST PAGE 17 9B (Kanehoa)- Two-day DKI Fire Response. Building and Hydrant water reporting and checks. First fire response (2 personnel) and new personnel recruitment (2 personnel) Conducted hose pack and turret nozzle training. Station & apparatus maintenance and monthly reports. Response-ready during Lala/Moke. 11A (Na’alehu)/11C (Discovery Harbor)/11D (Pahala)- Discovery Harbor Station 11C, Discovery Harbor Station 11C, the Community Center, and associated apparatus were integral to a 48-hour emergency operations stand-up during TS Moke. Despite operating without power or water, Station 11C served as a base for BT11C, BLS M20A (Storm 11), the Civil Defense Mobile Command Vehicle, and a Hawai‘i National Guard LMTV, with 10 HING/HFD personnel operating from the location. Personnel responded to two medical calls and two fire calls. Station and apparatus maintenance and monthly reports were also completed. 14A (Kohala Ranch)- Responded to vegetation fire on Kawaihae Road, (X14A, T14A, BT14A (6 personnel) Conducted monthly company training, station & apparatus maintenance and reports. Response-ready during Lala/Moke. 16B (Pu’uanahulu)- 52 Man hours logged. Wet drill: Forestry line deployment. SOP review and District Familiarization. Conducted monthly company training, station & apparatus maintenance and reports. Response-ready during Lala/Moke. 19A (Volcano)- Special recognition in retirement of Captain H. John Moraes from Company 19A. Mahalo Captain Moraes for your many years of dedicated service to the community, the HFD Volunteer Department and your company personnel over the years. Conducted joint monthly training, station & apparatus maintenance and reports. Response-ready during Lala/Moke. 19B (Fern Forest)- Two call-outs. 19A and 19B. Conducted joint monthly training, station & apparatus maintenance and reports. Response-ready during Lala/Moke. 20A (HOVE) & 6B (Kona Paradise)- Assisted with district storm shelter site planning and setup. Conducted joint monthly company training, station & apparatus maintenance and reports. Joint-response-ready during Lala/Moke. TECHNICAL SERVICES HIGHLIGHTS CradlePoint and Starlink Deployed as Station Network Backups • Due to the impacts of Hurricane Lala 4 fire stations were offline from the county network due to fiber breaks, power outages, and utility outages. Offline stations were 08 - Honokaa, 11 - Pahala, 19 - Volcano, and 20 - HOVE. 2026 | AUGUST PAGE 18 • Since CradlePoints establish a VPN connection to the county network and offline stations received a Starlink from Civil Defense using the CradlePoint to bypass network outages for a Fire Station should work but was never tested. • First CradlePoint with FirstNet SIM was sent to Station 11 Pahala. The Starlink was connected to the CradlePoint to get network since FirstNet cellular was down in the area. Station personnel were able to confirm they had full network access. • Additional CradlePoints with FirstNet SIMs were sent to Stations 08, 19, and 20, they were all set up and all offline stations got back online by 8/21/26. • All stations except 11 are back on normal county network setup. Station 11 will be on CradlePoint for the next few months; extensive fiber optic repairs needed in the Pahala area. CAD Backup Excel Created • Created a VBA Macro enabled Excel for dispatch to log calls, incidents, and unit statuses when CAD is unavailable. This required a lot of VBA coding, about 750 lines of code. • All comments and radio logs are automatically time-stamped. • Has a unit status screen like CAD. • Will allow to copy and paste all call comments and radio logs into CAD when it is back up. • Dispatch to do some testing and provide feedback. • Better then pen and paper, only option Dispatch currently has. FEMA Training Integration of Cybersecurity Personnel into the EOC for Cyber Incidents • Fire Technical Services Analyst attended 3 days of training at Keaukaha Military Reservation. • Participated in mock EOC scenarios that included a cyber attack in various EOC roles.   SAFETY PROGRAM Respiratory Protection Program • Mako at Waiakea has been fixed and returned to service after successful air sample results. • All breathing air compressors recertified; current air quality certifications valid through November 13, 2026 (Station 2 through October 22, 2026). • HIOSH Permit #HP02180 received August 7 for permanent relocation of Mako and Bauer mobile compressors to Haihai (both units combined onto one permit). • New Mobile Breathing Air Compressor ($297,586.15): o Delivered to Mechanics Shop. o PSI corrected the tow hitch and conducted operator/maintenance orientation (filmed and posted to YouTube and SharePoint for stations with Bauer units). o Invoice received and paid by Fiscal. o HIOSH Boiler & Elevator permit application for placement submitted. • HIOSH Permit #HPV0135-00 (renewal) received for Keauhou air compressor; NFPA Ground Ladder Testing No additional progress in August; testing remains pending acquisition of remaining supplies/tools. 2026 | AUGUST PAGE 19 Ladder Safety Training • Stepladder and Mobile Ladder online modules (Vector Solutions): o 241 personnel completed assigned module(s) as of August 28 (3 incomplete). o 107 personnel have not yet started. Reminder issued August 28 (30 days overdue) with a September 11 completion deadline; non-completers will be referred to Operations and Training. Cancer Screening Initiative • Board of Ethics Informal Opinion on solicitation letters to HMSA and Kaiser still pending; next meeting September 9. • Met with Abbott representative regarding a screening event pending BOE outcome. • UH Cancer Center submitted a grant proposal to HDOH to support the project. NFPA 1582 Medical Exam Donation • Site evaluations of Stations 21 and 3 confirmed both facilities suitable. • Timeline remains last week of October and first week of November 2026. • Awaiting registration information from 1582 before drafting the memo and requesting a seniority list. IAFF Fit-2-Thrive Course • Purchasing exemption confirmed. • Finance deferred insurance requirements to Risk Management; details received and additional training-fund justification provided. • County-amended contract forwarded to IAFF/F2T vendor. Other Initiatives & Compliance • Semi-Annual Safety Checklist (July 2026 cycle) completed. Summary report sent to Chiefs and County Safety Division. • SERT: o July 20 Ocean View incident reviewed; report and memo drafted and circulated to team members for feedback (deadline August 26). o SERT activated for Medic 11; review conducted September 1 at 0800 hrs at Pahala. • Safety Committee meeting held August 12; next meeting September 9 at 0900 hrs. Incident/Accident & Damage Reports • Total New Reports: 4 o Themes: PTSD, knee and lumbar strains. • Year-to-Date (Jan-August 2026) o Total Reports: 38 Vehicle / Equipment / Property Damage Reports – August 2026 • Total New Reports: 4 o Major flooding damage. Substantial damage from striking debris. Minor cosmetic/equipment and property damage from backing/parking maneuvers and contact with fixed objects. • Year-to-Date (Jan–Aug. 2026) o Total Reports: 15 2026 | AUGUST PAGE 20 HURRICANE LALA Hurricane Lala tested the Hawaiʻi Fire Department, significantly impacting personnel and operations across the island, particularly in Kaʻū. Some employees and their families faced power and water outages, connectivity issues, fuel shortages, and damage to their homes while still answering the call to serve their communities. Dispatch personnel worked through significant communications challenges to maintain emergency coordination and support field operations, while Fire Administration and Support Services personnel worked across the Department to address operational needs, restore affected stations, and prepare for additional weather threats. Thank you to everyone for stepping up. 2026 | AUGUST PAGE 21 LIFEGUARD APPRECIATION WEEK Hawaiʻi Fire Department recognized Lifeguard Appreciation Week (Aug. 17-23), celebrating the extraordinary and essential work of those who keep our communities safe in and around the water. Mayor Kimo Alameda and the County Council issued proclamations recognizing the week, while Friends of First Responders provided appreciation bags for both HFD Water Safety Officers and Parks and Recreation pool lifeguards. Although the recognition came during the challenges surrounding Hurricane Lala, it remained an important opportunity to spotlight our Ocean Safety Section and thank these dedicated professionals for the vigilance, skill, and service they provide every day. STATE FIRE COUNCIL MEETING Chief Volpe attended the quarterly State Fire Council meeting on August 4, where he presented Chief Martinez Jacobs with a plaque on behalf of the Hawai‘i Fire Department in recognition of more than four decades of dedicated service. Chief Jacobs is preparing to retire, marking the close of a remarkable career of leadership with State Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF). THROUGH THE YEARS This month’s throwback photo is from the 1988 HFD Booklet featuring the mechanic team. Mahalo to all of our hardworking mechanics, past and present! To submit a Throwback photo, please upload it to the SharePoint folder (Documents, Throwback Photos) or email. Printed photos may also be brought to Fire Administration for scanning and archival and will be returned upon request. 2026 | AUGUST PAGE 22 Facebook channel link Instagram channel link YouTube channel link 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