Hawaiʻi Island Fire Department seeks resident input for future strategic plan

What Hawaiʻi County pays for in fire, rescue and ambulance coverage over the next three to five years is being put before residents now, with an islandwide survey and community meetings from Waikoloa to Kona aimed at shaping the fire department’s next strategic plan.

The Hawaiʻi Island Fire Department said the plan will guide its work over the next three to five years, and the survey asks residents to weigh in on service priorities, planning priorities, expectations for the department, public communication methods, recommended improvements, what the department does well and concerns about its services or how they are delivered. The survey is confidential and is being assisted by AP Triton LLC, a public safety consulting firm. Compiled results will be published in AP Triton’s final report, and the survey stays open until 5 p.m. Friday, May 1, 2026.

Residents will also be able to give feedback in person at five community meetings across Hawaiʻi Island. The schedule includes Waikoloa Elementary School Cafeteria on Saturday, April 18, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.; the W.M. Keck Conference Room in Waimea on Saturday, April 18, from 3 to 4:30 p.m.; the Pāhala Community Center on Wednesday, April 22, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.; Aunty Sally Kaleohano’s Lūʻau Hale in Hilo on Thursday, April 23, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.; and the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, Building G, in Kona on Friday, April 24, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Temporary Fire Chief Daniel Volpe said the department exists “to save life and property, safeguard the community, and serve the public with aloha.” The department’s core responsibilities include fire protection and suppression, pre-hospital emergency medical services, land and sea search and rescue, hazardous materials response, ocean safety, fire prevention and public education for the County of Hawaiʻi. Mayor Kimo Alameda said the short survey will help ensure the county delivers the best services for the community.

The push for public input comes as the Hawaiʻi County Fire Commission, a citizen oversight body made up of volunteer commissioners representing the island’s diverse districts, continues to advise the chief and department on policies, operations and priorities. The commission also reviews and makes recommendations on the appointment or removal of the fire chief, giving residents another layer of accountability as the county decides what services and capabilities should come first.