2022-09-22 Fire Commission Minutes

Home

Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes September 22, 2022 Page 2 changing that. The goal is to obtain dark blue fire-resistive uniforms like the rest of the state. Chief Todd stated that he is looking to revamp the budget report, which would change the way it's reported to the commission and the public. Chair Kosaki asked if hazmat has its own line items now. Chief Todd stated that hazmat still falls under operations, it's not ideal, but he hasn't broken them off into their own area yet. Chair Kosaki asked how the new uniforms would be funded. Chief Todd stated that's something the committee needs to discuss. HFD's line item for uniforms, replacement, etc. is $160,000, and $120,000 automatically gets cut into checks for personnel as part of their maintenance. Every year everyone gets about $325 - $350. The remaining money is intended for uniform replacements. Part of it is a union conversation about whether they can run a dual uniform for a while. Chief Todd further stated that the current budget isn't adequate based on the current pricing of uniforms, and his goal is to increase the $160,000 in the future fiscal year. Commissioner Mattos stated that most of the time, the firefighters don't wear their duty shirts, they use their t-shirts. He asked why they need to replace the duty shirts. Chief Todd stated that the "what ifs" are the primary reason, and the cost is about the same. Honolulu pays around $96 for their shirts, and HFD pays $140. He explained that Hawaii County's shirts are more expensive because of all the stitching. Chair Kosaki asked if the uniforms purchased from the vendor are a sole source or does he ever look at the competition. Chief Todd explained how the procurement system works, they put out a contract every five years and open it up for bidding. Commissioner Magsalin asked if paramedics would be changing to fire-resistant uniforms. Chief Todd stated yes and further explained that they are pushing hard to make changes to their oxygen regulators. There were many instances similar to what recently occurred in Honolulu within the nation, where ambulances burned to the ground and injured first responders. The goal is to switch over to brass regulators. They are currently going through emergency procurement, which costs about $13,000 - $14,000. They'll also be changing the O-rings to a standardized brass O-ring, which would be a one-use-per-bottle concept. This should ideally prevent issues. HFD has two policies and procedures that have been sent to the union and Chief Smith is working with Chief Honda to emergency procure all the brass regulators. They're working to address this issue as soon as they possibly can. Chief Todd reported that a variety of positions have been allocated to the budget: administrative clerks, a prevention clerk, a training clerk, and a FASO clerk. The prevention and training clerk are currently filled. They're restarting the FASO clerk position and the paperwork for the admin clerk position is completed. They're currently