Fire Chief Kenneth G. Silva                                  Deputy Fire Chief Alvin K. Tomita

The mission of the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) today is the same as it was in 1851, to save lives and protect property.  However, today the Department protects the City and County of Honolulu (City) with a force of over 1,100 fire fighters.

The island is divided into five battalions containing 44 fire stations.  The total number of companies in a platoon is 42 engine companies, 13 ladder or quint companies, 2 rescue companies, 2 hazardous material companies, 2 tower companies, 1 fireboat company, 6 tankers, and 2 helicopters.  Hazmat 1 and 2, the hazardous materials companies, are dispatched to incidents involving petroleum, radioactive substances, or toxic chemicals.  Also supporting the HFD's mission are several personal watercrafts and 3 rescue boats (2 of which are assigned to the search and rescue companies and 1 to the Waialua Fire Station). 

HFD fire fighters are under the command of Fire Chief Kenneth G. Silva.  Three bureaus support the fire suppression forces (Fire Operations):

 

     1.  Administrative Services Bureau (including Fire Fiscal)

     2.  Planning and Development

     3.  Support Services

 

These bureaus coordinate the administrative, logistical, maintenance, code enforcement, and communication needs of the Department.  The cost of providing fire protection in fiscal year 2008-2009 is $90 million.  Although the cost sounds high, the per capita cost (the total budget divided by the protected population) is one of the lowest in the nation.  The HFD, however, continues to provide the finest fire protection and rescue services to the public.

 

On January 17, 2006, Chief Silva assumed command of the HFD.  Retiring Fire Chief Attilio K. Leonardi transferred leadership of the HFD in a Change of Command Ceremony held at the Honolulu Hale Courtyard.

 

Community Relations Office (CRO)

 

The CRO is the liaison between the community and the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD).  It is primarily responsible for coordinating ceremonies, funerals, and other events for the HFD.  When requested by the public, the CRO coordinates fire apparatuses and personnel to promote fire safety awareness and education.  The CRO also manages two important fire safety programs for the state:  the Fire Fighter's Safety Guide (FFSG) for elementary school students and FFSG for senior citizens.  The CRO also implements partnerships with the private sector and nonprofit organizations to support fire safety education and other public or community goals.

 

The FFSG continues to be one of the most progressive approaches for developing fire safety and health awareness for elementary students in Hawaii.  The FFSG is available to 150,000 students in elementary schools statewide.  Home-schooled and perkindergarten children are also included in the program.

 

The FFSG for senior citizens contains important information about resources and safety tips to protect senior citizens against the tragedy of a home fire.  These guidelines are available at fire stations and the Fire Prevention Bureau's Education section.

 

The CRO also coordinates Fire Prevention Week (FPW) activities, including the proclamation sighing by the Governor and Mayor, FPW demonstration sat shopping malls and fire stations, major demonstration at various schools, and other community events.

 

The CRO also coordinates the attendance of fire representatives and provides fire fighter safety information at the neighborhood board and other community-based meetings.  An HFD representative provides monthly statistics at each of the 32 monthly neighborhood board meetings.