2019-07-10 Fire Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Minutes of July 10, 2019 Page 5 Chief Rosario stated that every interview and questions are never the same. The Deputy puts the questions together the day of the interview. They have a panel who makes the decision. If a person has a father who is a fire personnel, he can guide his son. That is not illegal. There have been fire personnel whose kid was not hired because he was not the best candidate. Chief Rosario explained the hiring process. Commissioner Susman stated that things need to be monitored. Commissioner Payesko stated Commissioner Susman wants to see the questions. She is not an HR expert. Their job is to make sure the process is working correctly. Mr. Brilhante stated that there is a certain degree of confidentiality. When the candidate comes before the candidate, that's the first time the questions are made known. There is a degree of confidentially. When they do an audit, they don't make the questions public. They have to ensure the confidentiality of the process. They don't want the questions floating around. Commissioner St. Ambrogio stated that the hiring process was a mystery to her. She is now comfortable to know that people are properly chosen, and she is comfortable with the process. As a commissioner, she is confident to refer people to HR or the Chief. She doesn't think it is the responsibility of the commission to tell people what the process is. If they have a question, that person should take that problem to the person who is trained. The commission should not be trained, but they should have knowledge of the process. An audit has another layer of positive thinking. Mr. Brilhante stated that he will be present at the next meeting to hear the Deputy's presentation. He is evaluated by the Merit Appeals Board. Chair Henkel stated that he wants to put this issue to rest. He's only been on the commission a few months, but this issue has been going on for a few years. After Deputy Chief Uchida's presentation at the next meeting, they can vote on whether or not they have confidence in the system. Ms. Schoen stated that they can vote as a body as to whether or not they are performing their duties according to the Charter. If not, and if they feel they need more information, they need to determine what information is needed to fulfill their duties. Commissioner Susman stated that he wants Ms. Schoen's confidential attorney-client document made public. Ms. Schoen explained her confidential letter to the commission and her reasoning. Commissioner Susman stated that the letter would be gone forever. Mr. Schoen stated that her position could be placed in the minutes.