2020-12-09 Fire Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Minutes December 9, 2020 Page 4 west side and Waikoloa. Chief Perreira stated that West Hawaii Today did a good article on the Volunteer Program. ✓ EMS Bureau: They are coordinating and assisting the next MICT class for which they have approximately 10 personnel interested in attending. ✓ Prevention Bureau: Captain Kyle Vares gave an overview of the bureau. He stated that they do inspections from complaints to annual inspections such as for preschools, state facilities that require it, and new building occupancy. They also do hotels. They do plan reviews. They do fire investigations for the whole county. They also do public education for schools, businesses, and their own employees. About two years ago they moved over to a 24-hour program. The key was to grow and move forward. The county works a 7:45-4:30 schedule, but the rest of the island doesn't work like that. Working 24 hours, they are now able to work and go out to businesses after the usual work hours. The Prevention Bureau is also does evening inspections for businesses with Covid concerns. With this 24-hour schedule, they are now able to do more work and service the community better. They are still super busy due to manpower. When they were on an 8 -hour schedule, nobody wanted to work in Prevention. They now have more people interested in working in Prevention. They have a calendar of appointments for the entire day. However, when there is a fire, they have to go to the fire. Previously, when they were on 8 hours, they had to pay someone to standby after the 8 hours of work when no one was working. Their program is an efficient way to work, and he wouldn't be surprised if the other counties follow. Commissioner Magsalin asked if it was normal for firefighters to have other jobs because of their 24-hour schedule. Chief Perreira stated that they cannot control what firefighters do on their days off. When they come to work they can control and make sure they perform, and if they are not performing, the supervisor has to talk to that person. Commissioner Paleka asked Captain Vares if he was satisfied with the amount of plans being reviewed and processed. Captain Vares stated that in the last 4 months he has been there, he has been very happy. They have been prioritizing their work. In Covid, construction has not stopped. They are still reviewing plans to make sure it is safe. He is very happy. The guys have been working hard. Commissioner Nishimoto asked about getting feedback from people they are servicing. Captain Vares stated that he will reach out to the community and companies, engineers, etc. Their goal is to address their concerns and make things better. Chair Yamada stated that communication helps. Chief Perreira stated that the Prevention Bureau is continually making adjustments and moving forward.