Hawaiʻi Island Fire Department seeks public input for new strategic plan

The Hawaiʻi Island Fire Department is seeking public input as it develops a new strategic plan aimed at shaping future services and priorities.

Officials are inviting residents to complete a brief online survey and attend a series of community meetings to provide feedback on fire department operations. The survey asks for input about service priorities, communication methods and potential improvements.

Mayor Kimo Alameda encouraged residents to participate, saying community feedback will help guide decision-making.

“The survey takes only a few minutes, but your feedback will help make sure we deliver the best services for our community,” Alameda said in a press release.

Temporary Fire Chief Daniel Volpe said the effort is part of a broader plan to ensure the department remains prepared for future challenges.

“The Fire Department exists to save life and property, safeguard the community and serve the public with aloha,” Volpe said. “This survey will help ensure that your Fire Department can take the right steps forward to respond to any call for today, tomorrow and into the future.”

The department will host community meetings later this month in Waikōloa, Waimea, Pāhala, Hilo and Kona.

Officials said the strategic planning process is being conducted with assistance from AP Triton, a firm specializing in fire and emergency service consulting.

Residents interested in taking the online survey can click here.

The community meeting schedule is as follows:

• Waikōloa: Saturday, April 18, 10-11:30 a.m., at the Waikōloa Elementary School Cafeteria.
• Waimea: Saturday, April 18, 3-4:30 p.m., at the W.M. Keck Conference Room.
• Pāhala: Wednesday, April 22, 5:30-7 p.m., at the Pāhala Community Center.
• Hilo: Thursday, April 23, 5:30-7 p.m., at Aunty Sally Kaleohano’s Lūʻau Hale.
• Kona: Friday, April 24, 6-7:30 p.m., at the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center in Building G.