An arbitrator has awarded raises of more than 2 percent for each of the next two years to Hawaii firefighters in a binding decision that may be the bellwether of ongoing contract negotiations with all of the state and county public worker unions this year. Hawaii Fire Fighters Association President Robert “Bobby” Lee said the decision earlier this week also continues with salary step movement salary increases every three years for fire fighters based on their employment anniversaries.
- PUB DATE: 4/21/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Star Advertiser

City officials are being forced to turn to some unlikely heroes to make sure the city’s fire and EMS services receive much needed new vehicles. Because of the city’s financial crisis, officials are making a deal with private citizens who can front the cost for new emergency vehicles. In an interesting twist, the city is also willing to put up city hall as collateral for the deal, as an assurance to the lenders that they will get paid back.
- PUB DATE: 4/21/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Progress-Index

The project to replace two of the Vancouver Fire Department’s 10 stations is on budget and on schedule. According to city and district staff, the work should reduce emergency response times in west Vancouver when the buildings are occupied. City Facilities Capital Projects Manager Jon Sears told the city council Monday that the project is on schedule, but the starting date for operations at the new stations will depend on how easy it is to equip, furnish and connect to the county emergency dispatch center.
- PUB DATE: 4/20/2017 9:38:12 PM - SOURCE: Vancouver Columbian