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Hawaii Fire Commission <br /> Regular Session Minutes <br /> February 23, 2023 <br /> Page 6 <br /> Commissioner Mattos stated he was asked by people in the community what the <br /> problem was with their rescue boats. He was told that Sayres offered to purchase a <br /> boat for HFD. Chief Todd stated Sayres is still moving forward with the purchasing of <br /> the boat. Commissioner Mattos stated the last time they spoke about it; two boats <br /> were getting fixed and it's kind of embarrassing. Chief Todd explained they paid for <br /> the repair, authorized it, and got the contract, procurement can take a ridiculous <br /> amount of time. It went into the shop, it was being repaired and they noticed a <br /> steering leakage issue. They went back to finance to move ahead, but finance said it <br /> had to go out for bid because it was over a certain amount and they couldn't use <br /> emergency procurement because it was over $5,000. The process went forward, but <br /> in the meantime, they ran into more issues. They're looking at alternative options, <br /> but it's mostly finance mandating how they go about procuring things and running <br /> into issues there. Chief Todd stated they're looking at a few other options to pursue <br /> a boat and Sayres is still a possibility. <br /> Commissioner Magsalin stated she is happy some commissioners are retired <br /> firefighters; however, she feels there should be a process when people go to them <br /> with complaints. She feels they're privy being that they're retired firefighters and <br /> know personnel at different stations. If someone goes to a commissioner with <br /> concerns, maybe they should go to the chair to discuss them first instead of <br /> bombarding the chief with these issues. She doesn't know if it's factual, rumors, or <br /> gossip. <br /> Chair Kosaki stated the process is to bring it up if it's directly related to the <br /> operations of the department or things that they're discussing on the agenda. If <br /> Commissioner Mattos speaks to him about it on the side, that might violate the <br /> Sunshine Law. Any issues that he has, he can bring it up with the chief. Chair Kosaki <br /> asked DCC Wong to correct him if he was wrong, but he believes this is an open <br /> forum for the commission to address issues with the chief regarding the <br /> department's operations. <br /> DCC Wong stated that's correct. It's an open meeting, there's notice that is posted <br /> for the public. People can come in and testify whether it's good or bad and if they <br /> want to file a complaint. She stated she is unsure about what was stated earlier <br /> regarding Commissioner Mattos and Chair Kosaki being privy to any information. All <br /> the information that commissioners receive should be done here. She thinks that's <br /> the process that is followed. <br /> Commissioner Magsalin stated if someone comes up to her with a complaint or <br /> concern, she would want to know if it's a fact. Chair Kosaki stated not everything <br /> they are told is a fact. The public is invited to attend the meetings, it's an open <br /> forum, but a lot of times the public doesn't want to come. They know there are <br /> commissioners here and they see them as an avenue to bring up certain concerns. <br /> As commissioners, they can determine if it's a valid point and whether to bring it up <br /> or not. They're not bombarding the chief, they're bringing up issues to help him <br />