2019-11-13 Fire Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Minutes of November 13, 2019 Page 3 Volunteer Commander John Bertsch, also Ironman Safety Director, reported that Ironman brings in an excess of 25,000 people. The Ironman Organization is self-sufficient. They set up 8 first aid vans. They are dispatched out of the dispatch system and work in concert with the Fire Department because they have to determine if that individual is associated with the race or a member of the general public. If it is a member of the public, HFD takes over. Ironman brings in well-qualified physicians and provide training for HFD. They imbed volunteers of paramedics and firemen to drive the vans for Ironman. When they look at Ironman, they look at it as a disaster waiting to happen. Ironman reaches out to other agencies in the State and offer their expertise. With regards to payment for special duty, Ironman did not ask for those services. Ironman is self-sufficient. The Police Department also contributed. Commander Bertsch further reported that back in 2006, Ironman put out an economic impact statement. It was worth over $30 million dollars to the State of Hawaii. This year they had commissioned another economic impact statement and look forward to seeing it. It's a year round venture that brings in a significant amount of income for the State. As an example, there are people who come from Germany for 10 days and stay at the Hilton. Deputy Chief Uchida stated that a week before Ironman, they do a mass casualty exercise. Commander Bertsch reported that they have a 200 bed triage tent that they put up on the beach. They do continuing educate credits for working in the tent. Their participants are the top athletes in the world. Their goal is to do triage in place, and only if they need advance service that they are sent to the hospital. They have the operations center in the King Kamehameha Hotel. Ironman donates to 501 (c) (3) organizations who volunteer for Ironman during their Honu and Ironman events. • 2019 Program of Work Update (No report.) CHAIR'S REPORT ON MATTERS OF INTEREST TO THE COMMISSION Chair Henkel reported that he will be moving from District 5 to District 4 but has not officially moved yet. When he does, he will resign from District 5 and would like to apply to District 4. EXECUTIVE SESSION (Closed to the public.) Vice Chair Yawata moved to meet in executive session to work on the Fire Chief's annual evaluation, and that they may consult with Corporation Counsel on questions and issues pertaining to the commission's powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities pursuant to HRS 92-5 (a) (2), (4), 6 and the Hawaii County Charter Section 13-20 (b). Commissioner St. Ambrogio seconded, and it carried unanimously. Executive session convened at 10:18 a.m.