2021-05-12 Fire Commission Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Minutes of May 12, 2021 Page 4 Recruitment and retention is a high priority, and they always face a shortage. It costs about $100,000 to train an MICT. ✓ Fire Prevention Bureau: Chief Todd reported that the 24-hour schedule continues, and they have seen many benefits, one of which has been the ability to keep up with construction plan reviews. Last month the bureau reviewed over 60 plans. This 24-hour schedule is still a pilot program, and he will be evaluating it. They are working on code amendments. ✓ Maintenance Shop: Nothing new to report. ✓ Fire Communications Control Center: Fire Radio Dispatcher III, Leanne Kapahu was appointed to be his private secretary. Retention of dispatchers is an issue, and he has discussed this with HR, the Mayor, and Finance. They have considered bringing back retirees on an 89 -day contract. Helco pays dispatchers $25/hr. ✓ Fire Auxiliary Services: The warehouse sent out $11,839 worth of personal protective equipment and station supplies in April. Just this year, they purchased $60,000 of foam. Total spent this fiscal year was $159,951 which does not include bunker gear. All non-essential purchases are currently on hold at the advice of the Department of Finance. ✓ Repairs/Purchases/Maintenance: A lot of repairs are now on hold. New Projects/Business: Chief Todd stated that he will look into using the County Council Chambers for Fire Commission meetings. He will be discussing issues with EMS downgrade and paramedic shortage with the Mayor and Finance Director. They will be having a meeting with battalion chiefs to talk about issues within the department. Other Departmental Activities: Chief Todd reported that in the past month, he started visiting the stations and talking to County Council members about the needs of each station. They are missing an Accountant 4, and this has delayed paying their bills. They had interviews and hope to have a new accountant on June 1. He would like to meet with each commissioner to hear of their concerns. They should call his secretary Leanne to schedule an appointment. He wants to put out a notice for Deputy Chief with Neogov. Robert Perreira was Deputy Chief under Chief Rosario, and he kept him on as Deputy until he decided what to do. He could have returned to Assistant Chief but chose to retire. BC Hayashida has been helping out, but his long- term plan is to retire as BC. He asked if the Fire Appeals Board is something the Fire Commission could handle. Chair Luke stated that they could add it to the next agenda, but Deputy Corporation Council Yoshimoto stated that they should hold off until the Chief gets more information on it. Right now, their arson canine, will not be replaced. Commissioner Kosaki asked about adding a line item for Hazmat.