2020-07-08 Fire Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes July 8, 2020 Page 3 ✓ AC -1: AC Okinaka took over Special Operations. He continues to work on updating policies and procedures. ✓ Battalion 1, East Hawaii: Both East and West Hawaii have been very busy with rescues and fire incidents. ✓ Special Operations: Hazmat drills on mass casualty was cancelled due to Covid-19. Rescue Boat 7 had an impeller damaged again, and they are monitoring the issue for misuse or faulty construction. Support Services Division ✓ Training: The 481h Fire Fighter Recruit class held a virtual graduation ceremony. The 49th Fire Fighter Recruit class continues with training. They are now fully staffed. ✓ Volunteer Training has been put on hold. ✓ EMS Bureau: The 49th Fire Fighter Recruit class participated with HPD on active shooter training. ✓ Meetings: They met with State legislatures primarily to deal with the State's cut in funding for EMS which is for 4 units, S & W, and equipment. Funding was eventually increased. ✓ Projects & Miscellaneous: The Community Paramedic Program continues. Much of their outreach goes to the homeless and people who constantly call 911. They conducted a fall and fire risk assessment in Kohala along with ADRC. ✓ Projects on hold: Fire and Volunteer websites, contract for Bullard wipes for after scene decontamination, mobile data terminal project, and Plymovent repair project for exhaust system at stations. New Projects and Business: Kea`au Fire Station renovations completed. Still working with DPW and the Council for a new roof for the Pahala station. They continue with coronavirus assistance around the island. The Big Island has been very cooperative. Employees, Public Relations, and Commendations: Deputy Chief Lance Uchida retired on June 30, 2020. Robert Perreira is now the new Deputy Chief. His Assistant Chief position is vacant. Chief is looking to replace him temporarily because he feels the new Fire Chief should hire the new AC. Other Departmental Activities: Chief explained the incident report. He stated that a large majority of the calls are for EMS, which is standard across the nation. He has been trying to add positions to meet the NFPA guidelines. CHAIR'S REPORT ON MATTERS OF INTEREST TO THE COMMISSION Chair Yamada reminded the commissioners to submit their financial disclosure statement. He asked them to review the Sunshine Law that Mr. Masuda sent them. He also asked them to review the HFD Powerpoint presentation that the Chief sent them via email.