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Home My WebLink AboutFIRE CHIEF'S REPORT FY 26-27 SEPT 2026 | SEPTEMBER 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 ........................................................................................................ 8 Emergency Operations Division ........................................................................................................... 9 Special Operations Branch ................................................................................................................... 10 Program Highlights: Special Ops ...................................................................................................... 10 Ocean Safety Operations Branch ....................................................................................................... 11 Program Highlights: Ocean Safety ................................................................................................... 11 Emergency Medical Services Branch ................................................................................................ 12 Program Highlights: EMS Branch ...................................................................................................... 12 Training Services Branch ....................................................................................................................... 13 Program Highlights: Training Branch .............................................................................................. 13 Volunteer Services Section ................................................................................................................... 14 Fire Prevention Branch ........................................................................................................................... 14 Vehicle Maintenance Section .............................................................................................................. 15 Emergency Comm. Branch ................................................................................................................... 16 Snapshots and Stories ............................................................................................................................ 17 Operations Highlights ........................................................................................................................... 17 Fire Prevention Highlights ................................................................................................................... 18 Volunteer Training ................................................................................................................................. 18 Technical Services Highlights ............................................................................................................. 20 Safety Program ........................................................................................................................................ 20 Sayre Foundation Awards Dinner ..................................................................................................... 20 Hāweo Award ........................................................................................................................................... 22 September 11........................................................................................................................................... 22 Through The Years ................................................................................................................................. 23 Stay Connected! ...................................................................................................................................... 23 TABLE OF CONTENTS 2026 | SEPTEMBER PAGE 3 CHIEF’S OFFICE REPORT Section Report by Chief’s Office Program Budget Objectives September 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 Sept YTD Goal Lead monthly budget meetings 1 1 12 *Payroll and budget numbers are preliminary. September’s gross earnings have been included in the YTD Expenditures. Salaries and Wages Pay Date Gross Earnings YTD Carryforward from prior period $14,950,608 9/15/26 $2,384,858 $17,335,466 9/30/26 $3,047,117 $20,382,584 Promotions: Jamie Varize became our newest Accountant I (Trainee). Jamie manages expenses for Special Operations, EMS and Emergency Operations. Fiscal Reporting: Developed improved expenditure reporting for the divisions, including expanded access to detailed expenditure information so Chiefs can better monitor their budgets. GRANTS REPORT Section Reported Quarterly by: Fiscal Division and Grant Coordinator **Actual grant balances will not be reflected in the Budgetary Control Balance reports 62601 Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) – State The Hawaii LEPC partners with local governments, communities, academia, and industries to strengthen hazardous materials preparedness. It supports local jurisdictions in planning for HAZMAT incidents, developing response capabilities, training responders, and exercising emergency response plans. FY 2027 Appropriation Actual Revenue Carryforward funds from prior year Adjusted Appropriation (Available Funds) YTD Expenditures Available Funds $48,000 $31,806 $148,866 $180,672 $768 $179,905 FY27 Appropriation Budget Adjustments Adjusted Appropriation YTD Expenditures* % Used $88,010,885 $5,321,306 $93,335,091 $23,511,192 25% 2026 | SEPTEMBER PAGE 4 62602 Fire Department Private Contributions Accounts for private donations received to support Fire Department activities, including contributions designated for specific programs, equipment, or purposes. FY 2027 Appropriation Actual Revenue Carryforward funds from prior year Adjusted Appropriation (Available Funds) YTD Expenditures Available Funds $100 $0 $12,901 $12,901 $1,280 $11,621 62606 Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant (VFA) – Federal The Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Grant provides federal funding to strengthen volunteer and rural fire departments’ wildfire response capabilities through the purchase of firefighting equipment, supplies, training, and other eligible resources. 2026 Award Status: 2026 Grant Application - $344,000 in progress 2025 Award Award number 25-DG-159 Federal Award $90,000 County Match $90,000 Period of Performance: 9/20/25 – 6/30/26 Status: Time extension and budget modification approved Purpose Project Budget (Federal + County Match) Prior Period Expenditures Current Month Expenditures Total Expenditures Status Brush Truck 16B – Puuanahulu 2027 Ford F450 $88,538 $0 $0 $0 Awarded, pending delivery Brush Truck 16B – Puuanahulu (2) Skid unit fire pumps $56,749 $0 $0 $0 Awarded, pending delivery Components and supplies $34,713 $0 $0 $0 In Progress TOTAL $180,000 $0 $0 $0 80.7% Obligated / 0% Expended 62607 Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) – Federal Federal funding to support firefighter staffing and help ensure adequate personnel are available to maintain effective emergency response capabilities. Scope: Hiring twelve (12) new firefighters Award number EMW-2024-FF-00474 Federal Award $2,678,274.60 County Match $1,664,873.40 Period of Performance: 3/23/26 – 3/22/29 2026 | SEPTEMBER PAGE 5 Purpose Project Budget (Federal + County Match) Prior Period Expenditures Current Month Expenditures Total Expenditures Status Year 1 Personnel Costs (Mar ’26- Feb ’27) $1,447,716 $0 $18,137 $18,137 In Progress Year 2 Personnel Costs (Mar ’27 – Feb ’28) $1,447,716 $0 $0 $0 Not started Year 3 Personnel Costs (Mar ’28 – Feb ’29) $1,447,716 $0 $0 $0 Not started TOTAL $4,343,148 $0 $0 $0 62610 Wireless E-911 HFD – State The Hawaiʻi State Wireless Enhanced 911 (E-911) Board provides funding to support 911 emergency communications, including eligible equipment, technology, services, and other costs necessary to maintain and improve emergency call-taking and dispatch capabilities. FY 2027 Funding Purpose Project Budget Prior Period Expenditures July-Sept. Expenditures Total Expenditures Status New & Emerging Tech Training $57,732 $0 $9,262 $9,262 Open Maintenance $20,000 $0 $0 $0 Open Communications $320,500 $0 $78,515 $78,515 Open Misc $14,700 $0 $876 $876 Open TOTAL $412,932 $0 $88,653 $88,653 21% expended FY 2026 Funding Purpose Project Budget Prior Period Expenditures July-Sept. Expenditures Total Expenditures Status New & Emerging Tech Training $46,145 $22,716 $8,273 $30,990 Open Maintenance $12,000 $6,594 $0 $6,594 Open Communications $262,500 $172,700 $26,172 $198,872 Complete Misc $46,490 $37,711 $766 $38,384 Open TOTAL $367,135 $239,722 $35,211 $274,933 75% Expended 2026 | SEPTEMBER PAGE 6 62611 FY 2023 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) - Federal To establish a Hazard Zone (IDLH) Incident Command and a Control Training Program to provide safe, effective, and efficient HFD emergency response operations. Award number EMW-2023-FG-05056 Federal Award $488,722.63 County Match $48,872.27 Period of Performance: 8/14/24 – 2/13/27 Purpose Project Budget Prior Period Expenditures July-Sept. Expenditures Total Expenditures Status Personnel Costs $404,359 $409,179 $0 $409,179 Complete Contracted Services $78,491 $72,985 $0 $72,985 Complete Materials and Supplies $2,637 $3,175 $0 $3,175 Complete Equipment $3,236 $3,384 $0 $3,384 Complete TOTAL $488,723 $488,723 $0 $488,723 100% Expended/ Closeout pending 62811-16 Hapuna Beach – State Provides State funding through the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to support lifeguard services at Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area, including Water Safety Officer staffing, equipment, and safety supplies. FY 2027 Appropriation Actual Revenue Carryforward funds from prior year Adjusted Appropriation (Available Funds) YTD Expenditures Available Funds $1,316,908 Pending $0 Pending $78,081 Pending 62821-26 Kua Bay – State DLNR Provides State funding through the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to support lifeguard services at Maniniʻōwali (Kua Bay) in Kekaha Kai State Park, including Water Safety Officer staffing, equipment, and supplies to enhance public safety. FY 2027 Appropriation Actual Revenue Carryforward funds from prior year Adjusted Appropriation (Available Funds) YTD Expenditures Available Funds $709,744 $846,063 $31,829 $741,573 $96,347 $645,266 Sept 2026: Submitted request for Budget Adjustment to Council to increase our revenue and expenditures to $846,063 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Mitigation Funds - Federal Federal funding to strengthen HFD’s wildfire response capabilities through the purchase of brush trucks, a mobile service trailer, and a mobile command post. The equipment is intended to improve wildfire response, protect community lifelines, and reduce the risk of loss of life and property from future disasters. 2026 | SEPTEMBER PAGE 7 Award number B-19-UT-15-0001 Federal Award $2,000,000 County Appropriation $63,894 Period of performance: 7/1/22 – may not exceed 12 years Purpose Funds Awarded Prior Period Expenditures Current Month Expenditures Total Expenditures Status (3) Brush Trucks $891,420 $891,420 $0 $891,420 Complete Mobile Service Trailer $50,576 $50,576 $0 $50,576 Complete Mobile Command Vehicle $1,058,004 $0 $0 $0 Awarded, pending delivery HFD Appropriation $63,894 $0 $0 $0 - TOTAL PROJECT COST $2,063,894 $941,996 $0 $941,996 100% Obligated Vendor requested a change order to increase the cost of the Mobile Command Vehicle by $2,366. B-202 approved. Using HFD funds. Pending contract from Purchasing. Fair Share Funds Developer contributions used to fund public facilities, equipment, and infrastructure improvements needed to address the impacts of community growth and development. Purpose Funds Allocated July-Sept. Expenditures Total Expenditures Status Leleiwi Lifeguard Tower $54,785 $54,745 $54,745 Delivered HFD Maintenance Shop Design $684,000 $0 $0 Allotment approved Program Measures Sept. YTD Goal Dollar value of grants applied for $0.00 $0 $5,000,000 Dollar value of grants received $22,498 $22,498 $1,000,000 2026 | SEPTEMBER PAGE 8 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 Interviews complete September 30, 2026. Fire Fighter Recruit  Employees started September 1, 2026. Fire Fighter Recruit (SAFER grant) Employees started September 2, 2026. Fire / EMS Recruit  Employee started September 1, 2026. Fire Communications Officer Is Realistic Job Preview complete September 10, 2026. Water Safety Officer Is  Physical Agility Exam complete September 23, 2026. Account Clerks Request to Fill filed September 2, 2026. Senior Account Clerk Interview complete September 17, 2026. Professional Development Trainee (Accountant I) Employee began September 16, 2026. Office Assistant IIIs (formerly Clerk IIIs) Request to Fills filed August 12, 2026. Human Resources Assistant Employee began September 16, 2026. *Some investigations are conducted outside of the HR Branch by external investigators, which is why exact data is not available. Program Budget Objectives September YTD Goal Efficient response to human resource queries 100% of 250 100% (1,132) <2 Days Active Avg Goal Average internal investigations completion in days 2 120+* <60 days Rate Maintain a vacancy rate below 7% 13% 2026 | SEPTEMBER PAGE 9 EMERGENCY OPERATIONS DIVISION Section Report by: Assistant Chief of Operations Program Budget Objectives September YTD Goal 99% Report completion within 10 days 99% 99% 99% Total Calls for Calendar Year 2026 September YTD % Fire 47 516 2% EMS 2,017 17,527 73% Other 662 6,005 25% Totals 2,726 24,048 100% Year 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 (est.) Total Calls 27,398 29,594 30,738 31,143 31,162 32,064 Program Measures Sept. % < 80 secs YTD % < 80 secs Avg. Turn out time (Fire) 2:11 23.91% 02:16 19.57% Avg. Turn out time (EMS) 2:08 18.82% 02:08 18.96% Program Measures Sept. % < 9 mins YTD % < 9 mins Avg. Response Time (Fire) 11:14 44.68% 10:25 50.37% Avg. Response Time (EMS) 9:05 57.36% 9:09 58.52% Call Type September YTD Wildland calls (140, 141, 142, 143) 6 89 Acres burned 0 1078.3 Structure Fires (110 & 111) 8 58 Property and Contents - Loss $203,000 $3,369,900 Property and Contents - Save $150,000 $3,897,500 Other fires (all other 100 series) 33 369 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 29% 62102 OCE $1,762,294 $746,872 41% 25% 62106 Equipment $3,812,200 $3,400,303 90% 75% 2026 | SEPTEMBER PAGE 10 SPECIAL OPERATIONS BRANCH Section Report by: Assistant Chief of Operations Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal 62111 Heli S&W $339,865  Unavailable  Unavailable 29%  62112 Heli OCE $700,350 $179,736 26%  25%  62116 Heli Equipment $10,000  $0  0%  75%  62711 EMS Heli S&W $598,028  Unavailable  0%  29%  62742 EMS Heli OCE $341,036 $150,432 44%  25%  62746 EMS Heli Equipment $10,000  $0  0%  75%  62121 Fire Rescue S&W $3,805,124 Unavailable 0% 29% 62122 Fire Rescue OCE $100,625 $14,770 15% 25% 62126 Fire Rescue Equipment $132,920 $45,497 34% 75% 62131 Fire Hazmat S&W $4,363,244 Unavailable 0% 29% 62132 Fire Hazmat OCE $128,000 $8,705 7% 25% 62136 Fire Hazmat Equipment $50,000 $8574 17% 75% Program Budget Objectives Sept. YTD Goal Aircraft Operational Uptime >90% 89% 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 152 440 3,000 Maintain minimum proficiency training hours Hazmat 0 0 2,000 Maintain minimum proficiency training hours Air Ops 3.3 21.1 50 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: SPECIAL OPS • 9/7 – C1 rescued a swimmer in distress approximately 75 yards offshore of Haʻena (Shipman’s) Beach using the Billy Pugh rescue net. The swimmer was evaluated by EMS and declined further treatment and transport (cover photo) • 9/23 – C1 provided 1.8 flight hours of aerial firefighting support for a driftwood fire on a remote beach in the Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach area. C1 conducted bucket operations while ground crews worked the fireline by hand. The fire was extinguished and the area wet down. • 9/26 – C1 extracted two swimmers and two lifeguards from the ocean off Kehena Beach. Lifeguards had moved the distressed swimmers away from the shoreline into deeper water before C1 extracted all four individuals. No injuries were reported (pictured) • September Flight Activity – C1 flew 6.6 total hours, including 0.8 training hours. C2 flew 7.0 total hours, including 2.5 training hours. • Combined September Flight Activity – C1 and C2 flew 13.6 total hours, of which 3.3 hours were training, leaving 10.3 operational/non-training flight hours. 2026 | SEPTEMBER PAGE 11 OCEAN SAFETY OPERATIONS BRANCH Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal 62801 S&W $4,029,890 Unavailable Unavailable 29% 62802 OCE $367,275 $232,755 66% 25% 62806 Equipment $376,012 $105,085 47% 75% Program Measures (Metrics) September YTD # of people Number of Beach Visitors 297,242 3,549,390 Number of Preventative Actions 213 2,744 Number of Minor Medical Aids 136 1,896 Number of Major Medical Aids (Transports) 1 31 Number of Rescues 43 507 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 Memorial Surf Event On Saturday, September 19, 2026, the Hawaiʻi Fire Department’s Ocean Safety Division assisted with the 9th Annual Aunty Joy Keahi Mills Memorial Surf Day at Kahaluʻu Beach. This year marked HFD Ocean Safety’s eighth year supporting this special event. This free community event celebrates aloha, inclusion, and the healing power of the ocean by providing children and individuals with special needs the opportunity to experience the joy of surfing and the ocean in a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment. 2026 | SEPTEMBER PAGE 12 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 29% 62702 OCE $2,687,762 $284,150 11% 25% 62706 Equipment $4,440,632 $2,328,358 52% 75% 62711 Clerical S&W $582,365 Unavailable 0% 29% Program Measures September YTD ROSC Rate 0% 5.4% Call Volume ALS Transport 1065 9,565 Call Volume BLS Transport 754 6,196 Program Budget Objectives September YTD Goal Less than 10% paramedic Vacancy rate 15% (8) 15% < 6 vac Quality review of 95% of Critical Calls 0% 6.4% 100% Maintain a fleet of >8 Spare medics 8 8 >8 Spare PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: EMS BRANCH • EMS Branch personnel provided medical standby at the 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer’s event at Liliuokalani Gardens in Hilo. • Captains G. DeMello and C. Berg attended the 2026 EMS World Expo in Orlando, Florida, gaining valuable insight and knowledge on current EMS practices and advancements. • As part of our EKG replacement project, Stryker conducted a LIFEPAK 35 configuration and training session with EMS Branch personnel in preparation for the station trial rollout. • EMS Branch personnel assisted with preparation for and during Hurricane Nolo, ensuring operational readiness and continuity of EMS services. • EMS Shopify Store – Supply Orders Data for the Month of September: 65 orders, approximately $39K in gross order sales 2026 | SEPTEMBER PAGE 13 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 29% 62402 OCE $210,362 $64,100 31% 25% 62406 Equipment $22,500 $28,022 68% 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 September 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 • The 55th Firefighter Recruit Class commenced on September 1 with 20 recruits. The class is progressing well toward Firefighter I certification, having completed 15 chapters of IFSTA Essentials of Fire Fighting, 8th Edition, including associated practical skills training and evaluations. • Training coordinated a joint 9/11 Memorial Ceremony with the Hawaiʻi Police Department in observance of the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Chaplain David Minor delivered the opening invocation, followed by readings of remembrance presented by representatives from HPD, HFD, and the Mayor’s Office. • BC Patrick Springer, Captain Owen Tomori, and FEO Justin Santiago attended FireShows West in Reno, Nevada, participating in hands-on training and classroom instruction. Topics included structural search, vehicle extrication, forcible entry, water extinguisher operations for victim rescue, leadership and conflict resolution, mid-rise firefighting, and engine company operations. Knowledge and skills gained will be incorporated into existing and future training programs. Additionally, relationships were established with several instructors to explore opportunities for future training delivery to HFD personnel. 2026 | SEPTEMBER PAGE 14 VOLUNTEER SERVICES SECTION Section Report by: Senior Volunteer Training Captain Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal 62501 S&W $248,464 Unavailable Unavailable 29% 62502 OCE $63,755 $4,705 7% 25% 62502 VFA Match $90,000 $0 0% 25% 62506 Equipment $72,643 $76,643 100% 75% 62606 VFA Grant (Fed) $90,000 $0 0% 25% Program Measures September Total Total Volunteers 1 130 Program Budget Objectives Septemb er 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 29% 62202 OCE $46,546 $13,518 29% 25% 62206 Equipment $76,368 $72,368 95% 75% Program Measures September YTD Last Year Comp Inspections – Occupancy 66 217 60 Public Education Events 8 17 31 Plans Reviewed 69 213 182 Fire Investigations 1 4 3 Complaints Investigated 1 5 22 Average Plan Review Time in Days 9.6 9.75 10.5 Program Budget Objectives Sept. YTD Goal Average plans reviewed < 14 days 9.6 days 9.75 days <14 Days Public Education min 2 a month 8 17 24 Maintain CFIT Designation for 2 personnel min 1 1 2 Fire Inspection of High Hazard >6 per month 18 22 72 / year EPR property list input @ 60 updates a month N/A 60 720 / year 2026 | SEPTEMBER PAGE 15 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 29% 62302 OCE $1,454,818 $596,761 41% 25% 62306 Equipment $2,090,113 $427,405 20% 75% Program Measures September YTD Monthly Total Order (33-PPE $30,006 45-station $10,696) 54 194 Gross Product Sent to Dept $27,132 $85,559 Number of variants available in warehouse 431 N/A Variants Items in stock*** 375 N/A ***Awaiting station log books, station boots and fire boots Program Budget Objectives September 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% 87% >90% Average fulfillment within 10 working days or less 1.59 days 3.69 days <10 days VEHICLE MAINTENANCE SECTION Section Report by: Chief Mechanic Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal 62321 S&W $537,762 Unavailable Unavailable 29% 62322 OCE $447,662 $191,167 43% 25% 62326 Equipment $25,000 $25,000 100% 75% 62731 EMS Veh Maint S&W $306,048 Unavailable Unavailable 29% 62732 EMS Veh Main OCE $244,000 $38,254 16% 25% Program Measures September YTD LY YTD Number of Repairs 195 588 879 Service Calls 40 131 120 Contracted Work or Tows 14 39 62 DOT inspections 0 0 0 Program Budget Objectives Sept. YTD Goal Log 100% of vehicle work orders into EPR Fireworks No Data No Data 100% 2026 | SEPTEMBER PAGE 16 EMERGENCY COMM. BRANCH Section Report by: Battalion Chief of Communications Budget Category Adj Appropriation YTD Expenditures % Used Goal ECC 62311 S&W $1,743,655 Unavailable Unavailable 29% 62312 OCE $74,500 $3,611 5% 25% 62721 EMS S&W $1,334,832 Unavailable Unavailable 29% 62722 EMS OCE $12,000 $244 2% 25% Program Measures Admin (nonemergency) Total # of 911 calls Avg duration % answered <10 sec # of calls # of calls 2,549 202 seconds 90% 2,213 4,762 Program Budget Objectives September YTD Goal EMD Protocol Compliance 70%* or greater 84% 85% >70% 90% of 911 calls answered in <10 seconds 90% 87% 90% Average time to process 911 call <180 202s 197s <180 sec Time from Call to Dispatch <60 seconds @ 90% 168s 178s <60 sec *Compliance goal to increase 5% per year 2026 | SEPTEMBER PAGE 17 SNAPSHOTS AND STORIES OPERATIONS HIGHLIGHTS Battalion 1 • 9/5 @ 0147, fatal motorcycle accident in District 2 near Verna’s, male patient struck a light pole. Injuries incompatible with life and efforts terminated on scene. District 10 @ 1509 critical motorcycle accident with unconscious male patient, transported to Queen’s via aeromedical. • 9/7 Swimmer in distress at Shipman Beach District.5 Inc# 21976. Co.5, C1 and Rescue Co.2 responded for a swimmer in distress. Upon arrival C1 spotted a female snorkeler that had gotten swept out to sea and was unable to swim in on her own. Female party extricated to shore with C1 and evaluated by M05. Female party refused any further treatment or transport to hospital. • 9/13 Structure Fire in Orchid land Estates, Dist. 18 Inc# 22492. Co.18, Co.10 and Co.5 responded to a structure fire on 35th ave. Found a 1056 residential structure to be 50% involved upon arrival. Fire was extinguished with a transitional attack, searched and overhauled. No victims found during the search, one person was transported to HBMC for smoke inhalation. There were no casualties in the fire and the cause is under investigation. • 9/13 Structure fire in Nanawale Estates, Dist. 10 Inc# 22527. Co. 10, Co.18 and Co.5 responded to a structure fire on Pikake Rd. Upon arrival found a single story residential structure fully involved. Fire was extinguished with a defensive attack, searched and overhauled. There were no casualties in the fire and the cause is under investigation. • 9/26 Swimmer in distress at Kahena beach District 10 Inc# 23685. Co. 10 LG 7 and Rescue Co.2 responded for swimmers in distress. Upon arrival two swimmers were unable to get to shore due to rough conditions. LG7 swam both parties out to deeper waters and C1 extricated both parties to shore safely. Both parties evaluated by medic 10 but did not need or want transport to hospital. • 9/26 Hurricane Nolo impacted the Ka’u area. Flooding closed the highway in the area of Kamaoa road in Waiohinu as well as in Na’alehu and Kawa flats. HFD, National Guard and DPW worked throughout the night assisting with evacuations. Two parties were also assisted who were stuck in a vehicle in the flood waters on Hwy 11. Battalion 2 • 9/7 Inc.#211961 RESCUE Alii Dr, fronting Kai Eats restaurant. Swimmer assisted to shore on Sea Leg 7 in rough surf. No Injuries reported. • Special Services: • Co.14 and Co.7 assisted the Daniel Sayre Memorial foundation with setup and breakdown for the annual event • Co.9 did an Apparatus display and school visit at Montessori Education Center of Hawaii 2026 | SEPTEMBER PAGE 18 FIRE PREVENTION HIGHLIGHTS Community Outreach, Events & Media Engagement September 3-5: Information Specialist Church provided media and tech support for the Daniel R. Sayre Foundation annual Dinner. September 16-30: Our annual Firefighter Safety Guides are out! Deliveries to all of the schools on the island in preparation for Fire Prevention Month. Fire Investigations / UAS Program 9/14: Inc# 260022492 Inspector Moniz, Nakata, and Requelman along with BC Henderson responded to a structure Fire in Orchidland. This was an Arson investigation. UAS Program: 9/15: Captain Goo and BC Henderson conducted a Presentation for the Department of Liquor Control in the use of Drones and their capabilities at the annual State of Hawaii Liquor Control Conference. VOLUNTEER TRAINING 1A (Pepe’ekeo)- Conducted wet drills with new personnel focused on hose deployment, suppression and effective fire streams. Pumping and supply feed to attack apparatus, driver training. Replaced station doors at 1A, replaced mobile radio on X1A. Station/apparatus maintenance. CPR/AED scheduled for October. 5B (Hawaiian Acres) – Conducted wet drills and drafting exercises based on apparatus capabilities. Progressive hose pack builds and deployment with hose handling and suppression training. Recent Vibrant Hawaii CPR course attendees. New volunteer introductory training & station/apparatus maintenance. 5D (Fern Acres) – CPR/AED/First Aid refresher training. Performed fire extinguisher replacement/rehab. Future planning for apparatus accommodations and safe housing with Fern Acres HOA. Station/apparatus maintenance. 7B (Kalaoa)- CPR/AED/First Aid refresher training. District familiarization and pump ops. Station/Apparatus maintenance. 1-call out. 8A (Pa’auilo) – CPR/AED/First Aid refresher training. 4 call out’s: Smoke sighted, brush fire’s power line down. Pre-trip’s, pump exercises and driver training. Station/apparatus maintenance. 9A (Waiki’i)- CPR/AED/First Aid refresher training. UTV SOG draft proposal and review. Supply hose replacement. Station/Apparatus maintenance. 2026 | SEPTEMBER PAGE 19 9B (Kanehoa)- CPR/AED/First Aid refresher training. Wet drill on rapid hose deployment and retrieval, tanker to attack apparatus water relay & turret nozzle training. Station/apparatus maintenance. 10D (Ainaloa) – CPR/AED/First Aid refresher training. Rehab and replacement of new booster reel hose, new hose clamps and 2 new hose packs. Station/apparatus maintenance. 11A (Na’alehu)/11C (Discovery Harbour)/11D (Pahala)- Discovery Harbor station 11C was once again integral in serving as a 48-hour Emergency Ops stand-up during Hurricane Nolo. 11C operated under Captain Salas, Captain Pires & FEO Makuakane as BT11C, BT11D, BLS M20A, Heavy Rescue 7, Civil Defense Mobile Command Vehicle and a Hawaii National Guard LMTV Vehicle. Special recognition & mahalo Anthony Adams and Nels Ecklund of 11C for setup/rehab of apparatus, equip & facilities. Vol. 11 joint completion of CPR/AED training. 14A (Kohala Ranch)- CPR/AED/First Aid refresher training. District familiarization, pre-trip and pump operations. Station/apparatus maintenance. 16B (Pu’uanahulu)- 32 hours of CPR/AED/First Aid refresher training. Size up drills in district, multiple scenes. Wet drill, north end, Pu’ulani Ranch on 6 houses. District familiarization, station/apparatus maintenance. 2026 | SEPTEMBER PAGE 20 19A (Volcano) 19B (Fern Forest)- CPR/AED/First Aid refresher and focused Wednesday training: Forward lay/supply deployment. Wet drill: Brush truck attack apparatus with water supply option scenarios. 20A (HOVE) & 6B (Kona Paradise)- District familiarization, Nolo Readiness and monthly reports. TECHNICAL SERVICES HIGHLIGHTS CradlePoint and Starlink Deployed as Station Network Backups • Pahala Fire Station remains on Cradle Point and Starlink backup. • Repairs to fiber infrastructure in area still being worked on. Automated Workflow for UIPA request • Worked on an automated workflow for UIPA request using the county external file share SharePoint site. • Missing Incidents discovered and uploaded from CAD • 39 incidents from the beginning of the year were found not to have been imported into FireWorks from Spillman CAD because an upgrade was needed. SAFETY PROGRAM Report unavailable due to Fire Safety Specialist vacancy LILIʻUOKALANI FESTIVAL On September 5, the Hawaiʻi Fire Department participated in the 27th Annual He Haliʻa Aloha No Liliʻuokalani Festival at Liliʻuokalani Gardens in Hilo. Held in celebration of Queen Liliʻuokalani’s birthday, the event brought together hundreds of hula dancers for a mass hula performance, accompanied by a ceremonial flower drop from an HFD helicopter. This beautiful annual tradition honors the Queen’s legacy and celebrates Hawaiʻi’s rich cultural heritage. SAYRE FOUNDATION AWARDS DINNER The Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation held its 29th Annual Awards Dinner on September 6 at the Fairmont Orchid, recognizing Hawaiʻi Fire Department personnel for meritorious service above and beyond the call of duty. Congratulations to this year’s recipients! 2026 | SEPTEMBER PAGE 21 2026 | SEPTEMBER PAGE 22 HĀWEO AWARD Firefighter Christopher Tsamoydakis was selected as the September 2026 Hāweo Award recipient in recognition of his leadership to the Hawaiʻi Fire Department’s Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Program. Chief Volpe highlighted the importance of the CISM program for first responders and FF Tsamoydakis’ commitment to supporting the mental health and well-being of his fellow firefighters. Congratulations, FF Tsamoydakis! HURRICANE NOLO As Hurricane Nolo approached Hawaiʻi Island, the Hawaiʻi Fire Department supported emergency preparedness and response efforts through the County’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The storm disrupted County operations Sept. 24-26, requiring heightened coordination and readiness across departments. We extend our sincere appreciation to all personnel for their vigilance and continued willingness to answer the call to serve, especially during challenging times. SEPTEMBER 11 On September 11, the Hawaiʻi Fire Department held a remembrance ceremony at the County Building to honor the lives lost in the September 11, 2001 attacks. Battalion Chief Patrick Springer served as master of ceremonies, with remarks and personal reflections shared by Mayor’s Office representative Clifford Victorine, Deputy Police Chief Sherry Bird, and Temporary Fire Chief Daniel Volpe. Across the island, fire stations paid tribute through memorial workouts, honoring the sacrifice of the first responders who lost their lives that day and ensuring their memory is never forgotten. 2026 | SEPTEMBER PAGE 23 Facebook channel link Instagram channel link YouTube channel link THROUGH THE YEARS This month’s throwback photo is from the Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald, October 6, 1971. “Children from Keaukaha School had an exciting Monday morning watching a fire-fighting exhibition and examining County fire and rescue equipment. County firemen put on a show for Fire Prevention Week.” 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