Council orders assessment of volunteer firefighter program; amends wildfire preparedness resolution

The Hawaii County Council on Nov. 9 adopted an amended resolution urging the mayor to increase capacity and funding for the Hawaii Fire Department and to assess the volunteer firefighter program’s role and needs.

Council Member Connie Kirkowitz introduced Resolution 333 and an amendment (communication 565.5) that spells out a strategic assessment of volunteer staffing, training, equipment and risk‑management options. The amendment was added after members and public commenters raised concerns about volunteer safety and whether volunteers should be asked to perform operations without appropriate equipment or training. The deputy fire chief and a senior fire official explained that volunteers remain integral to island coverage but that the department needs clarity on missions, equipment, training and potential staff conversions to career positions in high‑demand areas.

Debate focused on balancing support for volunteers with safety and liability concerns. Council members emphasized that an assessment would help determine whether some stations should be converted to career staffing or receive more focused volunteer support, and that any reforms should avoid abrupt disbanding of volunteer squads. The council temporarily suspended the rules to continue discussion and then voted to adopt the resolution as amended (voice vote recorded by the clerk as seven ayes; two members excused).

The amendment directs the county and the fire department to coordinate a standards‑of‑cover and strategic plan—using existing contractor work where available—and to seek budget adjustments in the next cycle to support staffing, training and equipment improvements. The resolution is advisory; any operational changes will be executed by the fire department.