2022-04-13 Fire Commission Minutes

Home

Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes April 13, 2022 Page 7 Training recommendations: It is recommended that HFD sets a number of training hours annually for each employee based on their position title and training needed to maintain proficiency and develop better tracking. Chief Todd stated that they have a training BC and the Clerk III position will help with this. He will also request for a funded recruit training officer position. Waste, fraud, abuse recommendations: Addressing the improper use of resources at county facilities, will build public trust. It was noted in the audit that personnel were plugging in their personal electric vehicles at the fire station. Chief Todd stated that this will be discontinued, a memo was sent out to the station stating it is not acceptable, and they are in the process of finalizing policies and procedures. CHAIRS REPORT ON MATTERS OF INTEREST TO THE COMMISSION Chair Kosaki stated that an incident was brought to his attention regarding a recent FEO exam. Personnel who passed were given a notice to reply within 7 days if they intend to continue with the assessment portion of the promotional process. Two individuals did not notify the chief within the 7-day window. After the 7 days, these two individuals expressed that they wanted to go back on the list to be considered for promotion and move on with the assessment, which the chief allowed. A grievance was filed by someone else on the list, who had complied with the 7-day window deadline and had heard about these two individuals being put back onto the list. The remedy was to take those two individuals back off the list, who then later filed a grievance to get back on the list, which the union denied. Chief Todd stated that there was a rush on this. As an administration, they want to take care of their personnel; they also want a bigger pool because it gives them a better opportunity to get good candidates. They felt that the time limit was arbitrary and did not consult with the union prior. He stated that was a mistake on their part, they are resolving these issues and will be sticking to their policy and procedure. They are learning from their mistakes and they will do better in the future. Chair Kosaki stated that if personnel are on vacation when notices go out, the captains should notify their personnel. He advised, the best thing you can do is be consistent, not necessarily fair, what's fair to one, may not be fair to another. He stated when you make a policy, stick to it. As a former union representative, the union doesn't usually get involved in the promotional process, as long as it's fair. Commissioner Mattos stated that instances like this creates a snowball effect. Commissioner Nakashima left the meeting at 1:32 p.m. Commissioner Magsalin asked where they're getting this information from. Chief Todd encouraged the commissioners to be representatives for their districts and visit the stations. He mentioned that there are fire stations in their districts and there