HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard Packet for FC Meeting 10-23-25 tY_os !% Gerald Kosaki,Chair
C.Kimo Alameda,Ph.D.
�,y,�r.. Steven Hirakami,Vice Chair
Mayor / Brian Cushnie,Member
Les Hanano,Member
Shon Magsalin,Member
Wesley Mattos,Member
�rF"o 'M►'w Wayne Perrin Jr.,Member
Rick Porter,Member
COUNTY OF HAWAVI Carlene Wolf,Member
Fire Commission
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 9 Hilo,Hawaii 96720
Phone: (808)932-2950 Fax: (808)932-2949
AGENDA
Notice is hereby given of the following matters to be considered by the Fire Commission of the
County of Hawaii in accordance with the provisions of section 92-7, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
DATE: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2025
TIME: 9:00 A.M.
PLACE: WEST HAWAI`I CIVIC CENTER, BUILDING A COUNCIL CHAMBERS
74-5044 ANE KEOHOKALOLE HWY., KAILUA-KONA, HI
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS
Statements from the public regarding any particular item on the agenda will be taken
now or at the time the particular item is called to order.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
• September 25, 2025, regular session.
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
• State of Department and Highlights
• Budget
• Human Resources
• Emergency Operations Division
• Support Services Division
• Capital Improvements
• Chief's Briefing
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
• Review and discussion regarding Fire Chief Todd's annual evaluation form, with
possible action to approve the form with amendments.
Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
Hawaii Fire Commission
Meeting Agenda
October 23, 2025
Page 2
• Under Hawaii County Charter (HCC), Section 7-4.6(c), the commission will receive
updates and discuss the progress of the rescue watercraft operator training
program.
NEW BUSINESS
• Discussion regarding the previously submitted letter concerning the commission
secretary position. At a previous meeting, the commission reviewed and approved a
letter regarding the secretary position, which was subsequently submitted to the
Mayor's Office, the Hawaii Fire Department, and the Department of Human
Resources. No response was received. The commission wishes to revisit the matter.
• The commission will establish a permitted interaction group (PIG) to investigate
issues related to funding, procurement methods, and the selection of an appropriate
survey tool for use in the evaluation process of the Fire Chief, allowing department
employees to provide feedback on the performance of the department head. This
item is being reintroduced to comply with Sunshine Law requirements, as it was
previously added by amendment at the August 28, 2025, meeting.
AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
• The commission will discuss and make decisions regarding what items to place on
the agenda for its meeting on Thursday, November 20, 2025.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The commission's next monthly meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 20,
2025, at 9.00 a.m., at the County Building, Council Chambers, Suite 1401, 25 Aupuni
St., Hilo, HI.
ADJOURNMENT
Submittinq Testimony: Those wishing to testify in person should register with the Commission
Secretary at the meeting. Those submitting written testimony at the meeting should bring 10
copies for distribution. Testimony may be submitted by (1) mail to Fire Commission 101 Pauahi
St., Suite 9, Hilo, HI 96720; or (2) by email to Charisse.Correa@hawaiipolice.gov. Please
submit separate testimony for each item. All oral and written testimony will be public record.
Notice to Lobbyists: If you are a lobbyist, you must register with the Hawaii County Clerk within
five days of becoming a lobbyist [Article 15, Section 2-91.3(b), Hawaii County Code]. A lobbyist
means "any individual engaged for pay or other consideration who spends more than five hours
in any month or $275 in any six-month period for the purpose of attempting to influence
legislative or administrative action by communicating or urging others to communicate with
public officials." [Article 15, Section 2-91.3(a) (6), Hawai`i County Code] Registration forms and
expenditure report documents are available at the Office of the County Clerk, 25 Aupuni St.,
Room 1402, Hilo.
Hawaii Fire Commission
Meeting Agenda
October 23, 2025
Page 3
Board Packet: Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes §92-7.5, the board packet provided to
members of this board for this meeting is available for public inspection three business days
before the meeting date, during regular business hours at the Hilo Office located at 101 Pauahi
Street, Suite 9, Hilo, HI 96720.
Special Assistance: The in-person location for this meeting is accessible to persons with
disabilities. If you require an accommodation or auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation
due to a disability, contact the Commission's secretary by phone at (808) 932-2950 or by email
at Charisse.Correa@hawaiipolice.gov as soon as possible, preferably three (3) days before the
meeting date. Requests made as early as possible will allow adequate time to fulfill your
request. Upon request, this Agenda is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille,
or electronic copy.
HAWAI`I FIRE COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 25, 2025
HAWAI`I COUNTY BUILDING, COUNCIL CHAMBERS
25 AUPUNI ST., SUITE 1401, HILO, HI
UNAPPROVED MINUTES
These minutes are DRAFT minutes. The commission has
not voted to accept them. Changes may/may not be made prior to their adoption at the next meeting.
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Chair Kosaki called the meeting to order at 9.00 a.m.
Present: Gerald Kosaki, Chair
Steven Hirakami, Vice Chair
Wayne Perrin Jr., Commissioner
Les Hanano, Commissioner
Shon Magsalin, Commissioner
Wesley Mattos, Commissioner
Rick Porter, Commissioner
Carlene Wolf, Commissioner
Absent: Brian Cushnie, Commissioner
A quorum was present.
Also present: Kazuo Todd, Fire Chief
Daniel Volpe, Deputy Fire Chief
Lono Lindsey, Battalion Chief
Bradley Young, Battalion Chief
Sinclair Salas-Ferguson, Deputy Corporation Counsel
Charisse Correa, Secretary
PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS
There were none.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes for the August 28, 2025, regular session were approved.
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
Chief Todd highlighted items from the Fire Chief's Report. A detailed report is on file.
He noted that some data is unavailable due to the county's transition to a new system.
• Fiscal & Grants: The total department budget is approximately $76.8 million, with
about $12.8 million (16.74%) expended year-to-date (YTD). A formal offer was
received for the FY25 SAFER grant, which is a $4.3 million grant, not $1.3 million as
stated in the written report. The FY25 HMGP-PF grant for power redundancy is an
$11 million grant, not $3.2 million for structural mitigation as listed. Brush trucks from
the 23 CDBG grant are expected by October 9. Trucks and a mobile service trailer
from the 24 CDBG-MIT grant have arrived and are being outfitted. The bid for the
Hawaii Fire Commission
Regular Session Minutes
September 25, 2025
Page 2
mobile command vehicle was pulled by finance for specification review and will be
put back out for bid.
(Vice Chair Hirakami arrived at 9.04 a.m.)
• Human Resources: There are currently 41 total vacancies in the department.
Numerous recruitment processes are underway. The department promoted its first
female Operations Battalion Chief in the history of HFD. The report's data on internal
investigations was corrected; there are five active investigations, not zero, and the
average completion time is closer to 90 days, not five. The department is
considering using external investigators to expedite the process.
• Emergency Operations: Salaries and wages total $34,967,000, and current
expenditures are at $7.5 million. The target expenditure rate is 20.8%, and they're
currently at 21.66%, largely due to an active fire season, particularly in Hamakua,
which has experienced 80 fires compared to the typical 30 for this time of year.
In August, the division responded to 2,692 calls: 104 fire calls, 1,908 EMS calls, and
608 classified as "other." Year-to-date, the department has responded to 21,889
calls and is on track for approximately 31,000 by the end of the year. The "other"
category, representing about 25% of total calls, includes welfare checks, lift assists,
and other non-fire or EMS public service responses. Average response times in
August were 9 minutes and 13 seconds for EMS, and 12 minutes and 54 seconds
for Fire. There were 36 wildland fires, burning a total of 58 acres, and six structure
fires (49 year-to-date).
• Special Operations: OCE is at $161,000, and equipment expenditures are at
$192,000. Aircraft operations achieved 90% uptime in August, meeting the
department's goal of maintaining over 90% (93.3% year-to-date). There was a
discussion regarding the minimum proficiency training requirements for Rescue and
HAZMAT personnel for August.
A discrepancy in the report was noted between the year-to-date EMS call count
(15,434) and the AILS transport count (16,513). This was likely due to a data entry
error.
• Ocean Safety: Salaries and wages total $3.9 million, with approximately 18.53%
expended, compared to a target of 20.83%, due to staffing vacancies. In August,
there were 323,569 beach visitors, with 235 preventable actions, 202 minor medical
aids, five major medical aids requiring transport, and 34 rescues, for a year-to-date
total of 458. Currently, there are three rescue watercraft operators, with a goal of
nine. The department aims to staff the towers at greater than 80%; current staffing
levels are at 75%.
• EMS: Salaries and wages are at 18.16%, below the target of 20.83%. The Return of
Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC) rate for August was 4.8% (year-to-date 7.3%). The
Hawaii Fire Commission
Regular Session Minutes
September 25, 2025
Page 3
EMS Branch conducted 1,927 transports in August. Four new paramedics
completed their training, and five more began the program during the month. EMS
continues its collaboration with the Hawaii Opioid Initiative and participated in a
three-day FEMA-supported enhanced sports and special events incident
management training. The branch is also implementing the updated American Heart
Association algorithms for CPR in anticipation of upcoming changes. EMS store
supply orders for August totaled 68, with approximately $44,000 in sales.
• Training Services Branch: Training addressed a possible contamination issue with
SCBA bottles. The 54t" recruit class is completing the requirements of FF1 ProBoard
certification. Salary and wages are currently at 13.45%, with the goal of 20.83%.
Chief Todd stepped out briefly for a meeting, and Deputy Chief Volpe presented the
remainder of the Chief's report.
• Volunteer Services Section: Salary and wages are at 12.98% with a goal of 20.83%.
there was one volunteer added this month, with a total of 112. There's been positive
growth. Compliance with online training continues to be a challenge due to limited
access to technology, as some stations lack electricity and internet. Efforts are
underway to encourage online training where possible and to provide in-person
training as a supplement when needed. They've been actively working to maintain at
least one spare qualified driver at each volunteer station.
• Fire Prevention Section: Salaries and wages are at 19.06%, slightly below the target
of 20.83%. They're currently fully staffed. In August, Prevention conducted three
inspections, oversaw two public events, reviewed 46 plans, investigated two fires,
and handled two complaints. The average plan review time was 10.5 days, meeting
the program objective of reviewing plans in less than 14 days, an outcome that
benefits the community. Public education goals require a minimum of two sessions
per month, and the division met this goal with two sessions in August.
• Auxiliary Services Section: Salaries and wages had an adjusted appropriation of
$446,000, with $77,000 expended to date. The section is currently staffed, though
the lower expenditure may reflect a previous vacancy. A fire maintenance worker
was recently hired and has been on the job for approximately one month. In August,
a total of 131 orders were processed, with gross products sent to the department
totaling $81,000 (year-to-date $134,000).
• Vehicle Maintenance: A new fire maintenance worker, Jon Mitsuda, has been hired
and has been addressing the backlog of equipment repairs. In August, there were
279 repairs, 42 service calls, and 15 contracted work or tows. An agreement was
made with the Department of Environmental Management to store disposal-ready
vehicles at the Hilo landfill, helping to free up space at the maintenance shop.
Hawaii Fire Commission
Regular Session Minutes
September 25, 2025
Page 4
• Emergency Communications: The section remains understaffed, with nine
dispatchers currently working and four additional hires expected to begin in
December. In August, there were 2,627 calls, with an average duration of 185
seconds; 86.4% of calls were answered in under 10 seconds. The objective for
Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) protocol compliance is 70% or higher; current
compliance is 26% (45% year-to-date). Low staffing levels continue to impact key
performance metrics, including call processing times and EMD protocol compliance.
• Snapshots and Stories:
Emergency Operations Highlights: Responded to numerous large brushfires across
the island, a 1,000-gallon propane leak at the Kekuanaoa wastewater plant, and a
hiker rescue in Waimanu. Deputy Chief Volpe highlighted the critical role of
volunteers, whose ability to respond outside their assigned districts is a significant
asset during major incidents.
Fire Prevention: The section continues its public outreach and education efforts. The
drone program has proven invaluable for providing real-time intelligence, aerial
mapping, and data collection.
New Apparatus: Three new brush trucks (5, 11, and 17) have arrived. Truck 17 has
already been placed in service.
Safety Program: An after-action review of the July 29th tsunami warning is
underway. Several policies are under review or in development, including for OSHA
two-in/two-out, pre-planning for vacant/hazardous buildings (Code-H), and severe
event response. A new program is being established for NFPA-required ground
ladder testing. In August, there were five incident/accident reports, two
vehicle/property damage reports, and two toxic exposure reports. The monthly
Safety Committee meeting was held.
Ocean Safety: The Junior Lifeguard Program took second place in the state
competition on Maui. Ocean Safety provided water safety support for the Hawaii
County/Okinawa Haari boat race and participated in the Duke's Ocean Festival
Lifeguard Challenge.
The commission referred to the Fire Chief's report and asked questions regarding its
contents. Discussion included errors in some data, such as EMS call numbers, as
well as ALS and BLS transport figures. Additionally, Operating Expenditures (OCE)
numbers were missing. Deputy Chief Volpe explained that the new Oracle reporting
system has made it challenging to generate reports, an issue that is occurring
county-wide.
Recess was called at 10.15 a.m., and the meeting reconvened at 10.28 a.m.
Hawaii Fire Commission
Regular Session Minutes
September 25, 2025
Page 5
NEW BUSINESS
Fire Chief's Annual Evaluation.
The commission discussed finalizing the evaluation form. A revised, simpler version
submitted by Commissioner Hirakami will be amended to include charter requirements
as suggested by Deputy Corporation Counsel. The final form will be presented for
approval at the next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Correspondence No. 25-02: Hawaii County Salary Commission's Inquiry to the
appointing authorities concerning proposed salary adjustments.
The commission discussed a request from the Salary Commission regarding proposed
salary adjustments. Chief Todd stated that he had already submitted a response and
that the Salary Commission had already held its meeting on the matter. No further
action was taken.
NEW BUSINESS
Review of the Fire Department's operations related to rescue training for the purpose of
recommending improvements.
Chair Kosaki inquired whether a rescue training schedule was established and raised
concerns regarding a recent rescue training incident.
Battalion Chief Lono Lindsey, head of Special Operations, which oversees rescue
training, explained they're currently using the same off-duty training program developed
in 2012, which consists of eight hours monthly. Chair Kosaki expressed concern for the
safety of personnel and the public, noting that the recent incident could have had
serious consequences. He asked whether it was one of the five internal investigations
and emphasized the need to ensure the issue was addressed and corrective measures
implemented.
Chief Todd clarified that the incident did not rise to the level of an internal investigation.
It was a non-disciplinary, fact-finding review intended to determine what happened and
identify areas for improvement.
Further discussion focused on training programs, standards, and certifications. BC
Lindsey reported that corrective actions have been taken, including reinforcing safety
and procedural protocols for pre-dive checks and oversight, providing remedial training
for the individual involved, and requiring all rescue companies to conduct both tabletop
and hands-on drills.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Discussion regarding the Fire Department's watercraft program for the purpose of
recommending improvements.
The commission discussed the watercraft program with Ocean Safety Battalion Chief
Bradley Young. One original rescue watercraft is being decommissioned, and another in
storage is being prepared for use. Two new rescue watercrafts are expected to arrive to
Hawaii Fire Commission
Regular Session Minutes
September 25, 2025
Page 6
support training efforts. The Sayre Foundation funded the $5,000 cost for initial operator
certifications. The department also entered a new U.S. Lifesaving Association (USLA)
recertification cycle and will participate in a national certification conference in mid-
October.
Chair Kosaki inquired if the training curriculum is finalized and emphasized the urgency
of implementing the program. BC Young agreed and explained that the curriculum is set
to go, and noted that, with the anticipated reopening of Isaac Hale Beach Park, a high
volume of activity is expected, as well as conflict. He reported nine tower vacancies and
explained that implementing RWC training could temporarily impact staffing, as it would
require removing up to eight personnel from line duty during training.
Commissioner Hirakami inquired about personnel, asking how many vacancies exist
and how many individuals are qualified to assume the role. BC Young responded that
there are currently three operator vacancies. The goal is to train six candidates, allowing
them to maintain baseline staffing at the towers while conducting training. This would fill
the existing vacancies and provide three additional certified operators to cover as
needed.
AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING
Chair Kosaki asked if there were any suggestions for the next agenda and stated that
he would like to continue the discussion on the rescue watercraft training.
Chief Todd stated that at the next meeting, he would like to bring all chief officers who
oversee specific sections of the department to present their reports. This would provide
the commission an opportunity to meet the chief officers, allow for leadership
development, and enable the commission to ask questions regarding their reports.
Vice Chair Hirakami noted that the current report did not include OCE data. Chief Todd
explained that due to issues with the new county-wide computer system, they are
currently unable to generate those reports and have no available OCE data at this time.
He was unsure when the reporting functions would be restored.
DCC Salas-Ferguson reminded the commission that at the previous meeting, the
agenda had been amended to include discussion on the development and
implementation of an evaluation process allowing Fire Department employees to
provide feedback on the performance of the department head. A permitted interaction
group (PIG) was formed to explore the matter further, consisting of Chair Kosaki, Vice
Chair Hirakami, and Commissioner Cushnie. However, he explained that he's been told
that the agenda should not have been amended at that time. To correct this, the item
will be properly included on the next meeting agenda to allow for public comment, and
the commission will revisit the matter.
Commissioner Wolf noted that the chair had previously drafted and sent a letter to the
Mayor's Office regarding the secretary position and requested a follow-up on the
Hawaii Fire Commission
Regular Session Minutes
September 25, 2025
Page 7
outcome. Chief Todd stated that the letter would have been directed to Micah Alameda,
head of Boards and Commissions in the Mayor's Office, and suggested inviting him to
the next meeting to discuss the matter. He added that the decision ultimately depends
on funding and was uncertain where the Mayor's Office stands on the issue. The
commission agreed to include this topic on the next agenda and to invite Mr. Alameda
to attend. Commissioner Wolf emphasized the need for feedback, noting that the matter
has been pending for several years.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Chair Kosaki announced that two Hawaii Fire Department teams were recognized in
the Department of Health's "Unknown Sample of the Month" hazmat competition.
Kaumana Station 4, B Shift, received second runner-up, and Makalei Station 21, C
Shift, received first runner-up.
Chair Kosaki also thanked the commissioners who attended the recent Sayre's
Foundation Awards Dinner, noting the event's strong display of community generosity.
Chief Todd added that the foundation funded the purchase of three LUCAS automated
CPR devices for deployment on fire engines at remote stations: Station 17
(Laupahoehoe), Station 20 (Ocean View), and Station 15 (North Kohala).
Chair Kosaki announced that the next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday,
October 23, 2025, at 9.00 a.m. at the West Hawaii Civic Center.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 11.22 a.m.
SUBMITTED BY: CHARISSE CORREA, SECRETARY
APPROVED BY:
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FIRE CHI EFS REPORT
HAWAI'I FIRE DEPARTMENT
25 AUPUNI ST., SUITE 2501
, W , HILO, HAWAI'I 96720
FIRE@a HAWAIICOUNTY.GOV
2025 SEPTEMBER FISCAL YEAR 25-26
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ChiefsOffice Report ............................................................................................................................... 3
FiscalBranch Report................................................................................................................................ 3
GrantsReport............................................................................................................................................. 3
HumanResources Branch Report....................................................................................................... 5
Emergency Operations Division.......................................................................................................... 7
SpecialOperations Branch.................................................................................................................... 8
OceanSafety Branch ............................................................................................................................... 8
Emergency Medical Services Branch................................................................................................. 9
TrainingServices Branch......................................................................................................................10
VolunteerServices Section..................................................................................................................11
FirePrevention Section.........................................................................................................................11
Auxiliary Services Section ....................................................................................................................12
VehicleMaintenance Section.............................................................................................................13
Emergency Communications Branch...............................................................................................13
SNAPSHOTS AND STORIES.....................................................................................................................14
fall 2025 promotional ceremony.......................................................................................................14
Emergency Operations Highlights ...................................................................................................15
AviationOperations...............................................................................................................................15
Notable Rescue Responses:................................................................................................................16
OceanSafety Highlights.......................................................................................................................16
Volunteersin Action!.............................................................................................................................16
FirePrevention highlights ...................................................................................................................17
SafetyProgram........................................................................................................................................18
Conferencesand Connection.............................................................................................................19
StayConnected!......................................................................................................................................20
CHIEFS OFFICE REPORT
Section Report by Chiefs Office
Program Budget Objectives September YTD Goal
Maintain >95% current policies, procedures, and No Data No Data >95%
MOU, MOA, MAA.
FISCAL BRANCH REPORT
Section Report by Fire Accountant IV
Program Budget Objectives QTR YTD Goal
Maintain budget variance within ±10% of No data No data ±10%
projections for each major cost center per QTR.
Lead monthly budget meetings No data No data 12
Budget Adj Appr YTD Exp % Used Goal
Total Budget $76,853,168 $12,867,787 16.74%
GRANTS REPORT
Section Report by Fiscal Division
Program Measures September YTD Goal
Dollar value of grants applied for $2,663,506.00 $7,060,254.00 $5,000,000
Dollar value of grants received $2,678,274.60 $2,678,274.60 $1,000,000
Grants Purpose Award Spent YTD Update
23 CDBG (3) Brush Trucks $625,693 $625,693 Delivered and paid
(3) Brush Trucks IFB 4700 $891,420 $891,420 Rebel Strike LLC
CDBG- (Delivered); Mobile Service
MIT Trailer IFB 4701 (Delivered $50,575 $50,575 Hawaii Specialty Veh
9/15/25); Mobile Command
Vehicle (in bid process) $1,000,000 $1,000,000 Out for Bid
FY23 AFG Hazard Zone (IDLH) 16.28% spent as of
(08/2024- Incident. Command and a $488,722 $79,564 6/30/25. CoHnect
08/2026) Control Training Program project pending.
23 VFA Bid awarded to Orchid Isle
IFB 4520 Ford for 2 Brush Trucks. $278,590 $73,041 Delivery pending.
County match $278,590
24 VFA Supplies and equipment $317,800 $159,533 Pending approval of
continue to arrive time extension
Leleiwi Surveyor Jr. lifeguard tower Delivery expected in
Lifeguard furnished by Newport early 2026.
Tower Laminates $54,785 $0
(Fair Share
Funds)
Fair Share Allotment request for funds Allotment request in
Fund to design a Mechanic Shop $684,000 $0 process
2025 1 SEPTEMBER PAGE 3
Grant Name Submission Purpose Est. Request
Deadline
FY25 SAFER 4/20/2025 Personnel 12 firefighters positions $2,700,000
FY25 AFG 5/20/2025 Radios 1,750,000
FY25 FP&S 5/20/2025 Prevention equipment 50,000
FY25 HMGP — PF 8/20/2025 Electrical Power Redundancy— 11 $11,000,000
stations
Program Highlights: Grants
Project Accounting:
The only project currently created in the FY26 CoHnect System is the EMS Grant.
Once CoHnect has set up projects for each grant, the system should provide more
complete and accurate information for sharing and report preparation.
Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG)
Phase 3 of the grant was awarded this month. Hawaii Fire Department Defensible Space
grant proposal for $2,794,005.00 received a score of 86.67 which unfortunately did not
meet the cut off for funding. Competition was high and only three CWDG grants were
awarded in Hawaii. Two for community wildfire protection plans for Maui, and one for a
Fire Adapted Hawaii County which will help fund Firewise coordinators positions on
Hawaii Island for the next five years. This grant will be managed by HWMO.
SAFER 2025
The Hawaii Fire Department has been officially awarded the Staffing for Adequate Fire
and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant. This grant will support the addition of new
personnel to strengthen our operational capacity and reduce response times. We are
currently working through the administrative and hiring processes, with the goal of
bringing staff onboard by either August or February, depending on the recruitment
timeline and fiscal coordination.
AFG & FP&S 2025
The Hawaii Fire Department was not selected for award under this year's Assistance to
Firefighters Grant (AFG) program or the Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant
programs. While this outcome is disappointing, we remain committed to pursuing
future AFG opportunities and other funding sources to support our equipment
modernization and safety initiatives.
2025 1 SEPTEMBER PAGE 4
HUMAN RESOURCES BRANCH REPORT
Section Report by Fire Human Resources Program Specialist
FY 2025/26 Calendar
Rank Recruitment Exam/PAE Assessment Notes
09/28- N/A Can begin
Assistant Chief 10/7/2025 11/27/25
Battalion Chief TBD TBD TBD
Operations
Battalion Chief N/A N/A N/A No anticipated
Prevention vacancies in FY 26-27
Battalion Chief Auxiliary N/A N/A N/A No anticipated
Services vacancies in FY 26-27
Battalion Chief N/A N/A N/A No anticipated
Communications vacancies in FY 26-27
No anticipated
Battalion Chief EMS N/A N/A N/A vacancies in FY 26-27
No anticipated
WSO V N/A N/A N/A vacancies in FY 26-27
Captain Operations 12/7/2025 2/10/2025 3/9-11/2026
No anticipated
Captain TrainingN/A N/A N/A vacancies in FY 26-27
Captain Volunteer TBD TBD TBD
Services
No anticipated
Captain Prevention N/A N/A N/A vacancies in FY 26-27
Captain TBD TBD TBD
Communications
No anticipated
FMS III N/A N/A N/A vacancies in FY 26-27
1 employee moves
WSO IV N/A N/A N/A into role 10/16/25
Fire Prevention N/A N/A N/A No anticipated
Inspector II vacancies in FY 26-27
05/23- 10/26/24 10/26/25 4 employees move
WSO III 06/01/25 into roles 11/16/25
Fire Equipment 10/12/2025 1/6/2026 2/24
O erator 26/2026
Fire Apparatus Trainer TBD TBD TBD
Fire Prevention N/A N/A N/A No anticipated
Inspector I vacancies in FY 26-27
Fire Training Specialist TBD TBD TBD
10/5/- N/A 11/07/2025
FMS II 10/14/2025
Fire Rescue Specialist TBD TBD TBD
Hazardous Materials 10/19/2025 1/13/2026 3/3/2026
Tech
*Version one of an annual recruitment calendar
2025 1 SEPTEMBER PAGE 5
Program Measure Month YTD
Vacancy Rate Total 12% 10%
Vacancy Rate Admin & Support 9 9
Vacancy Rate Fire 13 15
Vacancy Rate EMS 9 9
Vacancy Rate Communications 16 16
Vacancy Rate Ocean Safety 14 14
Program Budget Objectives Month YTD Goal
Efficient response to human resource 100% of 69 100% (89) <2 Days
aeries
Active Avg Days Goal
Average internal investigations completion 5 120+* <60 days
in days
Rate Avg % Yr Goal
Maintain a vacancy rate below 7% 12% 10% <36 PV
Active Recruitments by HFD
Position Status Report
Assistant Fire Chief job Posted September 28, 2025 (Internal).
Fire/EMS Specialist II job Description Finalized September 30,
2025.
Fire Captain Offer Accepted September 3, 2025. Start
date set.
Fire Equipment Operator Offer Accepted September 7, 2025. Start
date set.
Water Safety Officer IV Department Interviews September 12,
2025.
Water Safety Officer III Department Interviews September 26,
2025.
Water Safety Officer Is Candidates Selected September 30, 2025.
Account Clerks Application Screening (HR/Civil Service)
September 25, 2025.
Clerk Ills Department Interviews September 26,
2025.
Lead Fire Equipment Mechanic job Posted September 14, 2025 (Internal).
Professional Trainee — Info/Edu Position Filled September 16, 2025.
Specialist
Professional Trainee — Grants Recruitment Delayed September 30, 2025.
Fire Communications Officer I Offers Extended September 30, 2025.
*Several investigations are being carried out outside of the HR Branch, which is why
exact data is not available.
2025 1 SEPTEMBER PAGE 6
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS DIVISION
Section Report by Assistant Chief of Operations
Budget Category d Appropriation D % Used Goal
Expenditures
Fire 62101 S&W $34,967,374 $10,592,338 30% 29%
62102 OCE $2,092,005 No Data No Data 25%
62106 Equipment $1,900,177 No Data No Data 25%
Fire - Heli S&W $644,386 No Data No Data 29%
62112+62742 OCE $862,907 No data No data 25%
62116+62746 1 Equipment $20,000 1 No data I No data 1 25%
Program Budget Objectives September YTD Goal
95% of all assigned training completed 84.76% 82.81% >95%
Daily Vehicle Checks 90% (OPS) 42.06% 48.63% >90%
Chute time 02:12 02:12 <01:20
99% Report completion within 10 days. 98.00% 98.07% >99%
Total Calls for Calendar Year 2025 September YTD %
Fire 115 865 3.7%
EMS 1,708 16,320 70.5%
Other 632 5,946 25.8%
Totals 2,455 23,131 100%
Year 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 (est.)
Total Calls 25,015 27,398 29,594 1 30,738 31,143 1 30,841
Program Measures Sept. % < 80 secs YTD % < 80 secs
Avg. Turn out time (Fire) 02:26 12.39% 02:26 15.75%
Avg. Turn out time (EMS) 02:08 16.66% 02:18 18.24%
Program Measures Sept. % < 9 mins YTD % < 9 mins
Avg. Response Time (Fire) 12:35 40.35% 11:34 48.38%
Avg. Response Time (EMS) 1 09:12 1 58.31% 1 09:10 1 59.65%
Call Type September YTD
Wildland calls (140, 141, 142, 143) 36 225
Acres burned 30 392
Structure Fires (110 & 111) 10 59
Property and Contents - Loss $670,500 $4,401,325
Property and Contents - Save $1,243,700 $5,188,225
Other fires (all other 100 series) 69 581
Property and Contents - Loss $8,000 $1,029,350
Property and Contents - Save $13,995,000 $33,702,700
2025 1 SEPTEMBER PAGE 7
SPECIAL OPERATIONS BRANCH
Section Report by Battalion Chief of Special Operations
Budget Category d Appropriation T Ex Expenditures
% Used Goal
ures
6223* OCE $161,625 No data No data 25%
Equipment $192,920 No data No data 25%
*Sub-budget within auxiliary service budget
Program Budget Objectives Month YTD Goal
Aircraft Operational Uptime >90% 86% 91% > 90%
Review & update SOP/SOG within cycle 0 0 >100%
Arrange annual HazTech Course 0 1 per Y
Maintain minimum proficiency training hours Rescue 288 784 3,000
Maintain minimum proficiency training hours Hazmat 0 296 600
Maintain minimum proficiency training hours Air Ops 0 9.2 30
OCEAN SAFETY BRANCH
Section Report by Water Safety Officer V
Budget Category Appropriation d ExpendituresTD % Used Goal
Ocean Safety S&W $3,903,244.00 $1,004,077 26% 29%
6228 OCE $364,000 No data No data N/A
Equipment $425,736 1 No data I No data I N/A
Program Measures (Metrics) September YTD/# of people
Number of Beach Visitors 272,808 2,399,800
Number of Preventative Actions 281 2,449
Number of Minor Medical Aids 211 1,802
Number of Major Medical Aids (Transports) 7 58
Number of Rescues 15 1497
Program Budget Objectives Current Goal
Certified Rescue Water Craft Operators >9 3 9
Provide 80% staffed tower hours to daylight 75% 80%
Maintain Updated Policies and Procedures (10) No Data 1 100%
2025 1 SEPTEMBER PAGE 8
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES BRANCH
Section Report by Battalion Chief of EMS
Budget Category d Appropriation T Ex Expenditures
% Used Goal
ures
EMS S&W $10,392,294 $2,484,590.64 23.91% 29%
6227 OCE $2,767,608 $20,309.61 0.73% 25%
-----------------------
Equipment $1,778,900 $0 0% 25%
Program Measures September YTD
Rosc Rate 4% 6.9%
Call Volume ALS Transport 937 17,763
Call Volume BLS Transport 420 4,074
Program Budget Objectives September YTD Goal
Less than 10% paramedic Vacancy rate 8% (4) 8% <15%
Quality review of 95% of Critical Calls 15% 20% 100%
Maintain a fleet of >8 Spare medics 11 11 >8 Spare
Program Highlights: EMS Branch
• The EMS Branch met with the Mayor's Office and Office of Housing &
Community Development to explore integrating Hawaii Fire Department's
Community Paramedicine Program to support the County's at-risk residents.
• Hawai`i Life Flight conducted a meeting to discuss integration of their services for
interfacility transfers, particularly for cardiac transports between Queen's North
Hawaii Community Hospital and Hilo Benioff Medical Center.
• EMS Branch personnel assisted the Prevention Branch at the Four Seasons Health
& Wellness Fair on September 81h
• On September 181h, EMS Branch personnel participated in the Hilo Airport
Triennial Exercise.
• On September 201h, EMS Branch personnel provided standby medical support for
the Alzheimer's Association Walk at Liliuokalani Gardens.
• The two replacement EMS SUVs have departed Honolulu and are expected to
arrive on island shortly.
• EMS Shopify Store — Supply Orders Data for the Month of September:
56 orders, approximately 48K in gross order sales
2025 SEPTEMBER PAGE 9
TRAINING U �� U �� �_ SERVICES �� �� �BRANCH
��
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Section Report by Assistant Chief ofOperations
Budget Category Adi YTD % Used Goal
Appropriation Expenditures
6224 OCE $236,060 No data No data N/A
-----------------------
I Equipment $2,500 No data No data N/A
Program Budget Objectives FF I & 2 Wildland Driver Training
Ensure all recruits graduate In progress Spring 2026 Spring 2026
with minimum certifications
Program Budget Objectives September YTD Goal
Professional Development 46 personnel 68 50 personnel
personnel
Incident Command Training Spring 2026 No Data 100% compliance
Structural Firefighting Training 15 personnel 15 75 personnel
personnel
Wildland Firefighting Training 3 personnel 3 personnel pending funding
Program Highlights:
��f Training Branch
/ /���| ||���| |���
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• The month of September marked the start of the 54th Recruit Class, which began
with instructional chapters covering fire hose, hose operations, fire suppression,
and salvage/overhaul. Skills training for the month focused on hose deployments
(rig to door and door to seat), nozzle operations, and hose management based on
the Nozzle Forward curriculum, emphasizing the primary functions of Engine
Companies. The final two vvggk3 of September were dedicated to preparing recruits
for Pro Board skills testing scheduled for October 3rd.
• Lesson plans, outlines, PovvgrPoint presentations, skill sheets, and safety guidelines
were developed for the fourth quarter Company-Level Training. This quarter's
curriculum includes Forcible Entry, Structural Search, R|T Basics, and the VVildland
RT-130 Module 4. The total training requirement for Operations during the fourth
quarter is 20 hours.
• The Engine Company Operations cadre also prepared to deliver the Engine
Operations program to Companies 9, 14, and 16. Preparations included tgach-
back3, skill reviews, and logistical coordination. The first class i3 scheduled for B
Shift on September 30th.
• Additionally, Training Branch personnel attended several professional development
opportunities in September, including a one-week |(-S 300/400 course, as well as a
two-week VVildland Operations course hosted by the P6hakuloa Fire Department.
2025 1 SEPTEK4BER PAGE 10
VOLUNTEER SERVICES SECTION
Section Report by Senior Volunteer Services Captain
Budget Category Appropriation d Expenditures
% Used Goal
Fire Volunteer S&W $248,464.00 $50,674 20% 29%
6225 OCE No data No data No data 25%
------------------------
Equipment 0.00 0.00 0.00% No data
Program Measures Added this Total
month
Total Volunteers 0 112
Program Budget Objectives September 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 1% 45% 75%
Maintain 1 spare qualified driver per volunteer 0 32 51
station
FIRE PREVENTION SECTION
Section Report by Battalion Chief of Fire Prevention
Budget Category Appropriation d Expenditures
% Used Goal
Fire Prevention S&W $1,148,168 $252072.42 25.15 29%
--------------------------------
6222 OCE $44,184 No Data No data 25%
Program Measures September YTD Last Year
Comp
Inspections - Occupancy 36 60 N/A*
Public Education Events 6 31 N/A*
Plans Reviewed 46 407 N/A*
Fire Investigations 3 6 N/A*
Complaints Investigated 4 22 N/A*
Average Plan Review Time in Days 10.5 10.5 N/A*
Program Budget Objectives Sept. YTD Goal
Average plans reviewed < 14 days 9.9 days 10.5 days <14 Days
Public Education min 2 a month 6 31 24
Maintain CFIT Designation for 2 personnel min 1 1 2
Fire Inspection of High Hazard >6 per month 6 15 72 / year
EPR property list input @a 60 updates a month 1 36 1 159 720 / ear
*YTD totals were not available as a new EPR system changeover occurred
2025 1 SEPTEMBER PAGE 11
AUXILIARY SERVICES SECTION
Section Report by.-Battalion Chief of Auxiliary Services
Budget Category Appropriation d Expenditures
% Used Goal
Auxiliary S&W $446,102 $115,796 26% 29%
6223 OCE $1,469,520 No Data No Data No Data
------------------------
Equipment $809,020 No Data No Data I No Data
Program Measures September YTD
Monthly Total Order 118 373
Gross Product Sent to Dept $35,311 $191,888 total
Number of variants available in warehouse 408 No Data
Variants Items in stock 331 No Data
Program Budget Objectives September YTD Goal
Expenditure of OCE budget to 99% by end of No Data No Data 99%
fiscal
Encumbrance of Equip budget to 90% by end of No Data No Data 90% @a
second quarter 2nd
In stock percent > 90% for all warehouse 81% No Data >90%
variants
Average fulfillment within 10 working days or 6.7 days No Data <10 days
less*
*This does not account for weekends or holidays(date ordered to fulfillment + 3.5day5
for delivery)
2025 1 SEPTEMBER PAGE 12
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE SECTION
Section Report by Chief Mechanic
Budget Category d Appropriation T Ex Expenditures
% Used Goal
ures
Auxiliary S&W $606,893 No Data No Data 29%
62322 OCE $383,792 No Data No Data 25%
62326 Equipment $25,000 No Data No Data 25%
*sub-.budget within auxiliaryseruice.budget
Program Measures Month YTD LY YTD
Number of Repairs 283 827 Next month
Service Calls 40 120 Next month
Contracted Work or Tows 18 57 Next month
DOT inspections 1 0 1 134 1 Next month
Program Budget Objectives Month YTD Goal
Log 100% of vehicle work orders into EPR No Data No Data 100%
Fireworks
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS BRANCH
Section Report by Battalion Chief of Communications
Budget Category Appropriation d ExpendituresTD % Used Goal
Auxiliary S&W $1,853,786 $200,001 11% 29%
6223 OCE $69,294 No Data No Data 25%
----------------------
Equipment $0 No Data No Data N/A
*sub-.budget within auxiliaryseruice.budget
Program Measures Admin Total
(nonemer enc )
# of calls Avg duration % answered # of calls # of calls
< 10 sec
2486 191 87% 1 2044 1 4530
Program Budget Objectives September YTD GOAL
EMD Protocol Compliance 70%* or greater 39% 43% >70%
90% of 911 calls answered in <10 seconds 87% 87% 90%
Average time to process 911 call <180 191 s 186s <180 sec
Time from Call to Dispatch <60 seconds @a 90% 133s 133s <60 sec
*Compliance goal to increase 5 o per year
2025 1 SEPTEMBER PAGE 13
SNAPSHOTS AND STORIES
FALL 2025 PROMOTIONAL CEREMONY
On Sept. 24, a promotional ceremony was held in Hilo recognizing five personnel who
have recently advanced in rank. The event marked a historic milestone for the
department, celebrating the promotion of our first-ever female Battalion Chief of
Operations and the first-ever Ocean Safety Chief in the department's 137-year history.
Family, friends, and colleagues gathered to honor the achievements and continued
dedication of these individuals to the safety and service of our island community.
Congratulations!
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2025 SEPTEMBER PAGE 14
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS HIGHLIGHTS
Battalion 1 , East Hawaii
• 9/5 Brush Fire: Ka'ala/District 17, Inc #21074, >600 acre brush fire of mixed, deep-
seated fuels continues to burn within fire breaks at 90% containment. HFD
remains on scene. Initial operations conducted by Co17, 8, T09, T03, C1, C2, Vol
8A, Vol 913, Vol 9A, Vol 713, T15, BT1. Assistance provided by DOFAW, NPS,
National Guard, DPW, Salvation Army, and AT&T
• 9/23 Structure Fire in Waipio Valley Dist.8. Inc #22553 640 Sq ft house burnt to
the ground. Fire extinguished by Co 8 and Co 9 with water supply being drafted
from a nearby river. Cause of the fire unknown.
• 9/25 Brush Fire On Lehua St. Dist.8. Honoka'a. Inc# 22838, four acres burned. Fire
extinguished by Co.8, BT9, Vol 8A, Vol 9B and C2. Cause of fire unknown.
• 9/30 Overturned bus on Hwy 19 at the 25 mile marker in Dist.17. Inc# 23094 , 30
passengers involved. Mitigated by Co.17, E01, Co.2, M01, M03, M08, M09, AMR1,
EMS1, and EMS 5
(Helicopter flight
patterns on
i Mauna Kea Fire f °
Battalion Z, West Hawaii � L
above Pa'auilo) ,��
• 10/2 Structure Fire: Helani Church/District 12,
Inc #23250. Historic place of worship foundya�,
fully involved with partial collapse. No
injuries, cause unknown. ,�d t
AVIATION OPERATIONS If
Chopper 1 — 34.2 flight hours � �
Chopper 2 — 22.8 flight hours � �� � '
Total combined: 57 hours $ f °
Fire — 51.1 flight hours were dedicated to fighting
brush fire in the vicinity of: � y
• Paauilo Mauna Kea slopes)
• Honokaa �
• Pohakuloa Training Area '
Rescue — 1 rescue at Black Sands by Chopper 1
Training — 0.3 flight hours for training of fire fighter
personnel
Other—The remaining time was dedicated to:
• Repositioning Choppers for maintenance
• Post-maintenance operational check flights
DLNR shark survey at Magic Sands
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2025 SEPTEMBER PAGE 15
NOTABLE RESCUE RESPONSES:
• Two Co. 2 responses for reported swimmer in distress and one response from Co
2 for a boat in distress
• One Co 7 response for reported boat in distress. Boat towed back to harbor via
Rescue Boat 07
OCEAN SAFETY HIGHLIGHTS
The HFD's Rescue Watercraft Operator (RWCO) Training Program Solicitation Memo is
currently in Final review and expected to be submitted to Ocean Safety Personnel by
10/17/2025 end of workday.
On 10/03/2025, the application for the HFD RWC Program Policy has been submitted
and is awaiting approval from the United States Lifeguard Association (USLA)
recertification process. The expected date to commence with the RWCO training
program is after December 1st coinciding with the onboarding of 10 WSO Is.
VOLUNTEERS IN ACTION !
1-A (Pepe`ekeo)
6 alarms and assisted with Ka`ala on a
Saturday and Sunday. Fit tested and
received respirators. Brush truck back
in service. Mahalo to Maluliku
General Contracting for clearing area
around the property.
5-C (Fern Forest)
Has now become 19-B starting
October 1.
5-D (Fern Acres)
5 fire calls, company training, driver
training, and a couple new members.
J
7-113 (Kalaoa) �
Responded to 3 incidents, performed
vehicle maintenance, and trained on
pumping operations and wildland training.
8-A (Pa`auilo)
Ongoing brush fire. ,
9-B (Kanehoa)
Responded to 7 fires, conducted 2 WUI
trainings, and have 3 more personnel
looking to be added to their roster.
2025 1 SEPTEMBER PAGE 16
' �' !, 11-A (Na`alehu)
24+ years volunteer Ron Ebert is
u�! retiring.
16-B (Pu uanahulu)
27 man hours of driver training, wet
G
drills, and vehicle maintenance and
pre-checks.
19-A (Volcano)
Company 5-C has now become 19-B.
20-A (HOVE)
Responded to multiple fires over the
month, including structure fires,
brush fires, and unauthorized burns.
FIRE PREVENTION HIGHLIGHTS
Community Outreach, Events & Media Engagement
September 4: We participated in the Kapiolani
Elementary School Health and Wellness Fair
September 8: We ran a booth at the Four Seasons
Health and Wellness Fair
September 16: Captain Goo was a speaker at the
National Association of State Foresters 2025
Annual Meeting. This was a presentation for our
Drone program with the leadership and
developers from NOVA software. r
Fire Investigations
9/11: District 15, Inc# 250021520,
Residential Fire
9/19: District 19, Inc# 250021837,
Residential Fire9/30: District 12, Inc#
250022865, Multifamily complex Fire
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2025 SEPTEMBER PAGE 17
UAS Program
Dist.17 (09/05/2025-Present)
Inc#250021074: HFD's Matrice 30T �fl
was utilized for a 360 aerial view of
the brushfire area. Infrared scans
and searches were conducted around
the perimeter of the findings.
Incident maps and live footage were
shared with the EOC.
The Drone team was deployed
multiple times throughout the
month, as the incident went from a
short to long duration incident.
SAFETY PROGRAM
COOP
• Activation —Tsunami Warning on 7.29.30: After Action Review drafted; review
ongoing with F2.
• October 7, 2025 exercise postponed due to scheduling conflicts. New date/time
TBD.
• Established an Everbridge COOP group (Admin).
• Updated Tsunami maps from Civil Defense uploaded to COOP folder in
SharePoint.
Procurement of NFPA Ground Ladder Testing Equipment/Supplies
• Ongoing process; sole source request approved by Purchasing. B202 submitted
to Fiscal.
Maui FD Health & Safety Site Visit
• Site visit conducted on September 19th.
• Observed differences in Health & Safety functions, including NFPA 1582
compliant AME process integrated into their Respiratory Protection Program.
• Visited multiple facilities, including MFD'sjoint State Fire (ARFF) Training facility;
exchanged ideas and networked on various safety challenges.
Draft OSHA Two-In/Two-Out Policy
• Under review by various Chiefs — comments due October 31 St
Draft CODE-H Procedure (Abandoned/Vacant Building Program)
• Still looking for a station/shift to trial/test the concept.
AAR— Boiling Pots Drive Training
• BC Lindsey finalized AAR with recommendations submitted to F1/F2.
• Coordination with Training & National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
• Seeking to host "Taking Care of Our Own" (LODD) training in the 1st quarter of
2026.
• Severe Event Response Team Training
• Attended at Honolulu Fire on September 3rd &4th.
2025 1 SEPTEMBER PAGE 18
• Draft procedure developed and sent to the Safety Committee for review. If
approved SERT would replace AAR process.
Respiratory Protection Program
• Awaiting response from PSI (Oahu) to replace Kunkle valves on electric Mako
unit.
• US Forest Service updated guidance for respiratory use for wildland firefighters:
Recommends voluntary use of N95 during non-strenuous activities or
intermittently to mitigate respiratory hazards like particle exposure from smoke;
first commitment to widespread provision of masks.
• HIOSH Boiler & Elevator Inspector identified an intermittently malfunctioning
on/off switch on the Bauer TCOM breathing air compressor at Station 10 (Pahoa);
Notice of Violation issued with deadline for correction on 11/30/25; awaiting
response from PSI to determine warranty status.
Safety Concerns and Inspections
• Awaiting results of requested mold testing at Stations #4 & #5.
• Visited Station 19 (Volcano) on September 16th.
• Investigated safety concern at Station #2: Aviation refuel trailer parked too close
to hangar; trailer was temporarily relocated and in process of being repositioned
appropriately.
Incident/Accident Reports
• Seven new Incident/Accident reports, one new Vehicle/Property Damage report,
and two Toxic exposure reports received during September.
• joint Safety Committee
• Meeting held on September 17th; agenda and previous minutes posted to
SharePoint.
CONFERENCES AND CONNECTION
Chief Todd served as a guest speaker at
the Hawaii State Association of Counties
(HSAC) Conference, hosted by Hawaii
Island County Councilmembers at the
Westin Hapuna Beach Resort Sept. 11-12.
Chief Todd's presentation focused on
building a Fire-Adapted Hawaii,
highlighting collaborative efforts among
counties, state agencies, and community
partners to strengthen wildfire resilience
across the islands.
2025 SEPTEMBER PAGE 19
pow,
Chief Todd was invited as a uest s eakerfor the University of Hawai i at Hilo s
Kuleana and Community Talk Story series
on Sept. 19. The discussion centered on f A 9
our shared kuleana and the actionable
steps we can take toward wildfire
resilience and disaster preparedness.
STAY CONNECTED !
t�� 77N
n.
See what we're up to on social media! Follow the Hawaii 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
2025 SEPTEMBER PAGE 20
CONFIDENTIA
Personnel Repo
FIRE CHIEF EVALUATION
Hawai'i County Fire Commission
FIRE CHIEF: Evaluation Period:
Date of Evaluation:
INIMIUK-im
Article VI I, Chapter 4, Section 7-4.6(d) of the Hawaii County Charter (2018) provides that the
Fire Commission shall evaluate at least annually, the performance of the Fire Chief and submit
a report to the Mayor, Managing Director, and County Council. This evaluation is transmitted
under confidential cover, and the Fire Commission requests that, as a personnel matter, this
evaluation only be released with the concurrence of the Fire Chief.
'The performance of the Chief is, based on, six elements:
1. Leadership
2. Communication
3. Strategic Planning
4, Resource Allocation
5. Safety
6. Emergency Management Operations
The goal of the evaluation is to provide a well-balanced and candid summary of the aggregate
performance of Chief Todd for the evaluation period.
EYALUADQUIURWOURE AND RRQIQEU
Each commissioner is afforded the opportunity to provide input for each category, and it is included in
this evaluation. Commissioners draw their input from research, personal observations, interactions
with and observations of the Fire Chief, and from input received from sources within and outside the
Hawail Fire Department throughout the evaluation period. The Commission reviews the Chiefs
overview report of the department from July 1, 2024 to June 30 2025. The Commission also reviews
the Chief's 2024/25 Program 'Budget (1 year plan); Strategic Plan (3-5 year plan); Master Plan (10
year plan); Standards of cover, Community Risk Assessment Report. Scores by individual
commissioners will be averaged to result in a final score for each element. Scores for all performance
elements will be averaged to result in a score for the Chief's overall annual performance.
Please review the Fire Chief's reports for 2024/2025 and give any input in regards to
accomplishments, challenges, and goals.
Each Commissioner grades each of the performance elements on the following scale:
5 — Outstanding
4 — Superior
3 — Satisfactory
2 — Needs improvement
1 — Unacceptable
PgBE-QRMANCE- LEMIENTs$
LEADERSHIP
The Fire Chief:
1. Has a strong vision and goal setting agenda for the department;
2. Engages in strategic thinking and influence; team building, and mentoring;
3. Fosters personnel development including effective delegation and support;
4. Is transparent, fair and conducts effective human resource management,
5. Has inter_ departmental and political relationship building.
6. The chief seeks out and attend courses and workshops to continually self improve.
7. The Chief shall train, equip, maintain, and supervise; monitor building fire safety; and
provide fire prevention and life safety educational programs.
please provide any comment in regards to, Chief Todd's leadership qualities including
organizational skills, adhering to departmental policies, morale, and adherence to further
departmental goals and objectives.
Comments:
Leadership Score:
COMMUNICATION
The Fire Chief:
1. Engages in open and effective comimuniication within the department, with cooperators, with
the Mayor and the County Council, with the Fire Commission, and with the public;
2. Promotes effective public engagement via social media, PSAs, website development and
maintenance;
3. Attends (in person as much as, allowable) appropriate public meetings and gatherings to
increase Community understanding of the vital role the department plays and the benefits of
its function and services and operating sustainability.
4. Develops and maintains strategic partnerships with other fire response agencies and
organizations.
51. Recognizes and! rewards individual and team accomplishments.
Please provide cornments in regairds to the Chief's communication skills and qualities. Include in-
person, electronic, memos, and social media.
Comments:
Communication Score:
STRATEGIC PLANNING
The Fire Chief:
1. Prioritizes effective and continued development and enhancement of the department's
strategic plan based on law, safety, and accepted norms and practices;
2. Manages and maintains a viable Continuity of Operations Program;
3. Manages financial resources to meet planning objectives.
4. Collaborates with other County fire chiefs on the State Fire Council to address statewide
fire protection issues.
Please provide comments on ChiefTodd's strategic plan as it pertains to management, operations,
and finances.
Comments:
Strategic Planning Score:
RESOURCE ALLOCATION
The Fire Chief:
1. Effectively utilizes finite resources to meet strategic plan objectives while engaging cooperators,
volunteers, and the public;
2. Engages in continual diverse recruitment and training to maintain approved staffing levels;
3. Ensures that MOA and MO,U agreements are in place and up to date to maximize the use of
cooperator resources.
4. Ensures vehicle readiness, including the availability of spares, effective repair processes, and
strategic procurement planning to maintain a reliable fleet for emergency response.
5. Ensures adequate staffing for emergency response, including maintaining minimum staffing
levels, planning, for emergency up-staffing and impiementing strategies for recalling personnel
during disasters and other critical staffing needs.
6. The chief implements recruitment standards designed to attract people with high degrees of
education, intelligence, and personal stability-, fair and appropriate personnel actions and
promotions; and appropriate training
Provide input on the Chief's effectiveness on the use of resources, Please include physical assets
as well as human resources such as staffing, and efficient use of manpower balancing overtime
costs vs. safety.
Comments.
Resource Allocation Score:
SAFETY
The Fire Chief:
1. Promotes a strong safety culture within the department" ongoing safety program and protocols
that adhere to department, NFPA, FAA and OSHA standards;
2, Regularly reviews and reports safety and accident analysis;
3. Provides safety equipment that meets or exceeds national standards and regularly assesses the
condition and adequacy of the equipment;
4, Regularly reviews policies and procedures to meet or exceed national safety standards.
Provide any safety measures taken with adherence to NFPA, FAA, and OSHA in regards to staffing
levels, union concerns, equipment, training, etc. Reviews and Updates any policies related to safety for
both equipment and personnel.
Comments:
Safety Score:
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS
The Fire Chief:
1. Provides overall performance of the department in response to, and effective management of,
all-risk incidents using accepted management practices though use of the Incident Command
System-,
Z Develops and deploys Incident Management Teams on incidents that exceed one operational
period;
3. Seeks operational improvement through "after action" reviews and resultant corrective action
plans.
4. Works with Civil Defense to develop and implement comprehensive emergency preparedness,
response, and recovery plans, ensuring the department is ready for various emergency
scenarios and regularly updates the plans.
Provide input on performance at incidents in regards to manpower at incidents, the use of IC ,
utilization of equipment properly, AAR and corrective actions. Include Fire, EMS, Hazrnat, Ocean
Safety, and Rescue operations.
Comments:
Emergency Operations Score:
TOTAL AVERAGE SCORE:
Approved: Date
Gerald Kosaki, Chair
Acknowledged: Date
Kazuo Todd, Fire Chief
tY_os !% Gerald Kosaki,Chair
C.Kimo Alameda,Ph.D.
�,y,�r.. Steven Hirakami,Vice Chair
Mayor / Brian Cushnie,Member
Les Hanano,Member
Shon Magsalin,Member
Wesley Mattos,Member
�rF"o 'M►'w Wayne Perrin Jr.,Member
Rick Porter,Member
COUNTY OF HAWAII Carlene Wolf Member
Fire Commission
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 9 Hilo,Hawaii 96720
Phone: (808)932-2950 Fax: (808)932-2949
July 24, 2025
Kazuo S.K.L. Todd
Hawaii Fire Department Chief
25 Aupuni Street
Suite 2501
Hilo, HI 96720
Sommer J. Tokihiro
Human Resources Director
Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 2
Hilo, HI 96720
C. Kimo Alameda,Ph.D
Hawaii County Mayor
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Dear Fire Chief Kazuo S.K.L. Todd, Human Resources Director Sommer J. Tokihiro, and Mayor C.
Kimo Alameda,Ph.D.;
The Hawaii County Charter, Section 7-4.5 states that the Fire Commission"may appoint such staff and
engage such consultants as necessary for the performance of its duties." The Hawaii County Fire
Commission would like to respectfully request that the County of Hawaii secure a secretary for the Fire
Commission. The Fire Commission does not have a secretary dedicated solely to the Fire Commission.
The Fire Commission is currently supported by Charisse Correa; however,Ms. Correa is an employee of
the Hawaii Police Department and is required to perform duties for the Police Commission as well as the
Fire Commission.
Police Commission Chair Rick Robinson testified at our last meeting and informed the Fire Commission
of the increased demands that the Police Commission has placed on Ms. Correa. The Chair of the Police
Commission asked the Fire Commission to consider obtaining its own secretary to relieve the added
burden the Fire Commission places upon Ms. Correa.
In the recent past, Ms. Correa was out of the office and there was no one available to step in,which
resulted in several months of cancelled Fire Commission meetings. This prompted the Fire Commission
to look for alternative ways to remedy this problem,in the event a similar situation occurs again.
In summary, the Fire Commission is respectfully requesting: (1) that the County secure a secretary for the
Fire Commission so that the Fire and Police Commissions each have their own secretary; and(2) that the
County initiate a contingency plan in the event the secretary for the Fire Commission is unavailable. The
Fire Commission believes that if the Police and Fire Commissions have their own secretaries, the
Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
secretaries could step in for one another if one of them is out of the office,which would ensure the ability
of both Commissions to hold meetings.
Please contact me if you have any questions or need further clarification regarding this letter. Thank you
for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Gerald T.Kosaki, Chair
County of Hawaii Fire Commission