Powers, Duties, and Functions

The City Charter of the City and County of Honolulu designates the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) as the fire protection agency for the City and County of Honolulu. The HFD's responsibilities are to provide fire fighting, rescue, emergency medical, and hazardous materials response for the entire island of Oahu, an area of 604 square miles. These duties are performed in a wide variety of terrain that include steep mountain ranges, wild lands, and agricultural fields; structures which comprise a modern metropolitan city, including industrial complexes, business centers, government complexes, high-rise resorts, condominiums, and high-density urban residential dwellings; and the ocean surrounding the island.

The Fire Chief and the Deputy Fire Chief manage the operation and administration of the HFD and are responsible for carrying out the following functions mandated by the City Charter: