2023-04-27 Fire Commission Minutes

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HAWAII FIRE COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION MINUTES APRIL 27, 2023 WEST HAWAII CIVIC CENTER, BUILDING A, COUNCIL CHAMBERS 74-5044 ANE KEOHOKALOLE HWY., KAILUA-KONA, HI CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Kosaki called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Present: Gerald Kosaki, Chair Carlene Wolf, Vice Chair Gregory Henkel, Commissioner Wesley Mattos, Commissioner Gene Nakashima, Commissioner A quorum was present. Absent: Corey Luke, Commissioner Shon Magsalin, Commissioner Also present: Eric Moller, Deputy Fire Chief Keyra Wong, Deputy Corporation Counsel Charisse Correa, Secretary PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS Alohalani Hope Cermelj came before the commission. She expressed that she has been trying to get the Fire and EMT reports regarding her hanai son who was found deceased in December of last year. She's hoping to get these soon so the family can get some closure. She gave kudos to the battalion chief who came and put caution tape around Mahukona. She stated she hopes they start working on this soon, it's been four years. It's a dangerous building and if someone gets hurt there, the County will be liable. Chair Kosaki apologized for her loss and thanked her for coming before the commission. In regards to the reports that she requested, he advised her that the commission's powers are restricted and limited as far as what they can and can't do. He explained that there is a legal process that needs to be followed and he's confident they will address this accordingly. He explained that he doesn't want her to feel ignored, they just have certain limitations on what they can and can't do. Ms. Cermelj understood and stated she just wanted to put this on record. Commissioner Henkel asked what specific reports she was requesting. Ms. Cermelj stated she wants the EMT report, 911 call, and HFD/EMT personnel names that transferred the body to the Kona Hospital.