Perched on an expansive lawn, the University of Hawaii Administration Building, also known as Administration Services Building 2, stands as a landmark. Have you ever wondered what stories lie within its walls?
Administration Services Building 2 has been the home of the University President’s Office for over 60 years. It greets students as they arrive to the heart of campus in Manoa.
Designed by Vladimir Ossipoff and his firm, Associated Architects, in 1948, Administration Services Building 2 was built in 1949. The Pacific Construction Company brought Ossipoff’s vision to life. Ossipoff designed Administration Services Building 2 in the International Style of the Modern Movement. He used the influence and resources of Hawaiian climate and culture. The building and its surroundings are architecturally significant. They also have deep roots in the history of the University and the community.
Administration Services Building 2 stands as a monument. It honors those students and members of the community who challenged University and government policies from its steps.
The Administrative Services Bureau provides administrative personnel. It also offers logistic and maintenance support for the Honolulu Fire Department. Duties include executive assistance to the Fire Chief and the Deputy Fire Chief. It also provides administrative services for all personnel. They develop, review, and control the Department’s budget and procurement programs. They also serve as a liaison between other City departments, government agencies, and private organizations.
The bureau develops, implements, and evaluates policies and procedures. It also handles organizational structure. Programs for personnel management, capital improvements, building and equipment maintenance, and property inventory are part of its duties. The Administrative Services Bureau oversees the Honolulu Fire Department’s operating budget. It also manages procurement-related programs. These include the Peer Support Program, the Drug and Alcohol Program, and the Infectious Disease Program.
The Honolulu Fire Department’s Capital Improvement Program and Community Development Block Grant funds also fall under this bureau. The bureau oversees the operations of several sections. These include the Personnel Section and the Budget and Procurement section. The Mechanic Shop, the Occupational Safety and Health Office, the Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Shop, and the Storeroom are also under its watch.
The Mechanic Shop repairs and maintains the Honolulu Fire Department’s fleet. This includes 43 fire fighting pumpers and 6 aerial ladder trucks. Eight quints and 35 specialty apparatuses are also maintained. The fleet includes 2 rescue apparatuses and 2 hazardous materials response vehicles. There are also 7 tankers and 2 aerial tower apparatuses.
The shop maintains 4 watercrafts and 102 auxiliary vehicles. The shop also maintains 25 trailers and 15 auxiliary support equipment. 18 miscellaneous equipment units and 1 ambulance are also part of their responsibility. The Mechanic Shop also repairs and maintains over 30,000 pieces of fire fighting equipment. These range from rescue power tools and fire hoses to hand lights. Specialty design and fabrication of custom accessories for fire fighter equipment are also provided. The shop also conducts annual pump testing and aerial ladder testing.
The Occupational Safety and Health Office ensures a safe working environment. It provides the highest standards of safety through education. It minimizes hazards through engineering. The office enforces safety laws and standards. They periodically review and revise policies. Safety Committee meetings are conducted with union representatives. These meetings establish new safety and health policies.
The Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Shop inspects, repairs, and maintains emergency response personal safety equipment. They conduct annual fit and flow testing of facemasks and respirator units.
The Storeroom is the Department’s central warehouse. Equipment and supplies are received, stored, and distributed from here. Storekeepers manage the inventory system. They ensure equipment and supplies are issued in a timely manner. Replacement equipment is available for emergencies.
So, as you stand before Administration Services Building 2, remember its history. Remember its architectural significance.