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Hawaii Fire Commission <br />Regular Session Minutes <br />June 30, 2022 <br />Page 2 <br />we're in a zoom meeting and a Fire Commissioner was unable to attend, they could <br />participate remotely. Assuming there are no issues with the rules and regulations that <br />allows members to attend through Zoom. <br />Fire Chief Todd Highlighted items from his written report. A detailed report is on file. <br />Atmospheric outlook for the Island of Hawaii: Chief Todd reported that they have <br />been focusing on changes in the weather. The dry season has started and the <br />potential for extreme fire behavior is now more prevalent. They want to make it <br />known to personnel in the field that they need to be aware and should look to see <br />what they can do in the community or be a part of the solution as opposed to just <br />waiting for something to happen. La Nina is causing drought conditions and the <br />potential for a similar large fire like the Mana Road fire exists at the moment. This <br />will probably last for another five to six months, depending on weather conditions. <br />Commissioner Henkel stated that something landed in his yard and was burning. It <br />looked like a trash bag, made from paper, with a wire structure and a candle or <br />something under it. He's concerned about the Fourth of July coming up and he <br />knows they're illegal. Fire Chief Todd stated that area luminaries were banned in the <br />State of Hawaii, as well as seven or eight other states. He shared some history, <br />stating that their prevention bureau had seen them on sale and was concerned. <br />They bought a variety, ran a study by igniting them in a large field, and reported <br />what would happen when it hit the ground later. They were able to prove that it was <br />still ignited by the time they came down. Chief Todd stated that he will be reaching <br />out to the Prevention Bureau to make sure that when they do their inspections, <br />they're making sure no importers are bringing them in. Area luminaries are not <br />classified as fireworks, there's no regulation restricting their sale or transportation <br />and technically they can be shipped by mail and purchased online. Our fireworks <br />sellers should be aware that these are not allowed in the state and they shouldn't be <br />the ones bringing them in. <br />Chair Kosaki asked the Chief if there's a public campaign or public awareness that <br />these items are illegal because a lot of people may be getting them, not knowing that <br />they're illegal. Chief Todd stated they had a public media campaign about eight or <br />nine years ago, but it's been long enough that it's probably not in the mind of <br />everyone, considering the Fourth of July coming up, maybe we should put out press <br />releases. He hasn't realized that they've been imported, this is the first he's heard of <br />it, and will work with his staff to put together a press release. <br />Commissioner Henkel stated that with the Fourth of July coming up, he's concerned <br />about the amount of illegal fireworks already going off. As a combat veteran, it <br />bothers him tremendously. He can handle it on the Fourth of July or New Years, but <br />last night at 11:30 at night a random IED was going off. He estimates that there are <br />tons of illegal fireworks coming into the state and on our island annually and there's <br />a chance for somebody to use them for more nefarious reasons than celebrating and <br />