Kokua Line June Watanabe

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Written test is first hurdle for firefighters

Question: I recently got a packet from the city Department of Human Resources, which asks if I would still like to be considered for a firefighter recruit position. A previous letter stated that physical fitness tests will be given to those with the highest written test scores, and not everyone who passed the written test will take the physical tests. I am very frustrated not knowing my overall position. How many people passed the written test? How many scored 89 points and higher? Did everyone who passed the written test get the packet I received, or only the top 100 or so? How many people will the Honolulu Fire Department hire at the end of this recruit class? Will it use the scores for three years as in the past?

Answer: If you scored 89 points, you did well, a city official said.

However, there are other tests and waiting lists ahead to consider, so it would be difficult to ascertain your overall position at this point.

The city decided to administer a new written test for firefighter recruits in February, after it was discovered that the company providing the exam had sold a practice test and study guide to the general public.

Results of the September 2005 test, which 2,309 people took, were thrown out.

In February, 1,588 people took the new written exam, and 601 passed, said Kenneth Nakamatsu, director of the Department of Human Resources.

Those who scored 84 and above -- 312 -- qualified for the next round. Of those, "We don't know how many will show up" to take the swimming and physical agility tests, Nakamatsu said.

Those who pass both tests will go on to scheduled interviews before a panel of high-ranking Honolulu Fire Department officials, based on what their written scores were.

From past experience, about 100 candidates will move on to the interview stage.

The Honolulu Fire Department then will hire about 25 candidates every year for the next three years, using the list that the Department of Human Resources establishes this year, Nakamatsu said.

He also said candidates who make it to the interview stage this year but are not hired will be interviewed again the following year, if they are still interested.

"In addition to these candidates, we will refer other candidates to the Fire Department so that the total number of candidates is about 100" each year, he said.

Mahalo

To a kind gentleman who rescued me when I was driving in an unfamiliar area and ended up on a dead-end street. I followed his car as he led me to the 100th Battalion headquarters. He wouldn't take the money I offered for gas. Mahalo also to the 100th Battalion personnel and their secretary/receptionist, who helped me get to the 442nd headquarters and gave me directions so I wouldn't get lost going home. Mahalo to them also for accepting the items I left in their care. -- Mitzi M. Yamane