2020-01-08 Fire Commission Regular Minutes

Home

Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes January 8, 2020 Page 2 Deputy Chief Uchida stated that their budget will be tight. They have been paying attention to their expenditures and making plans to make it through the fiscal period. Accountant Lorenzo did a good budget presentation to Finance. In response to Chair Yamada's inquiry into how the commission could help, Deputy Uchida stated that it would help for them to testify before the County Council in support of their budget. Assistant Corporation Counsel Schoen stated that they could submit written and oral testimony. Mr. Lorenzo stated that the letter should be sent to the Council by March. Ms. Pelayo stated that the previous Chair gave oral testimony in support of the Fire Department's budget. Chair Yamada asked that the Fire Department and Corp Counsel draft testimony for the commission to make a presentation to the Council. Commissioner St. Ambrogio motioned that the commission support the Fire Department's budget before the County Council both in writing and orally. Commissioner Yawata seconded, and it carried unanimously. Deputy Chief Uchida stated that if there are any cuts in their budget, there will be cuts in services. A large reason for their overtime is due to personnel shortage. With the new recruits in February, they will be 100% staffed, but training will take months. Alternative Funding and Grants: Deputy Chief Uchida stated that assistance from the Sayre Foundation continues. They are still waiting for official approval on the $50,000 USDA USFS Wildland Grant. They continue to work on the submittal of the USFA FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant. • Human Resources Division: Internal and open recruitments continue. Emergency Operations Division: Both east and west were busy with different types of rescues and different environments. They did a lot of special service events. They continue to look at ways to maintain service and eliminate overtime. ✓ Hazmat: BC Kim is working on the HAZMAT ID unit updates. ✓ Ocean Safety: They filled the remaining WSO vacancy. BC Kim continues to work on the Rescue Water Craft expansion program. Specifications were identified for four new purchases. ✓ Rescue: They are creating new rescue boat logs to address maintenance requirements. They continue to work on diver certifications. Four Rescue Captains retired in December. ✓ Sayre Foundation: They are working on getting the Council to accept newly donated equipment. 0 Support Services Division (AC Perreira.)