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Hawaii Fire Commission <br />Regular Session Minutes <br />June 22, 2023 <br />Page 7 <br />Commissioner Magsalin asked if the Fire Commission could come up with a process <br />when it comes to discussing issues/rumors. Chair Kosaki explained that's why it was <br />placed on the agenda, so it could be discussed in this forum, so everyone is on the <br />same page. After speaking with the chief, he has a better understanding of what <br />transpired. <br />DCC Wong advised this is the proper forum. People can fill out a complaint form, people <br />come before the commission, and the commission would ask questions regarding the <br />allegations. When this issue came up to be agendized, the bottom line is maybe <br />commissioners wanted to have a better understanding of the promotion process, so <br />that's what was done here. It was agendized and brought up to the chief. She further <br />stated that DCC Tiapula gave her opinion prior regarding not going to the fire stations <br />and waiting to hear about complaints from firefighters, which is not within the <br />commission's purview. Those commissioners who have experience in HFD hear things. <br />The commission isn't supposed to have conversations outside of this meeting because <br />of the Sunshine Law, so what was done here today is the process and should be <br />followed moving forward. <br />Chief Todd stated that he understands Commissioner Magsalin's point and agrees there <br />should be a process. DCC Wong advised that the Chair has the authority to agendize <br />matters. If any of the other commissioners have a suggestion on a future agenda, they <br />are more than free to call the Chair. That is the process, if any commissioners want to <br />bring up a specific issue that falls within the purview of the commission, they can <br />contact the Chair and suggest adding the matter to the agenda for the next meeting. <br />Chair Kosaki stated if anyone has an issue, bring it up to him, he'll give it to Ms. Correa <br />and they will consult with Corp Counsel to see if it's ok to place on the agenda. Anyone <br />on the commission has the prerogative to contact him and suggest an agenda item. <br />Commissioner Mattos asked if they can call or email the Chair without violating <br />Sunshine Law. DCC Wong advised you can meet, but you can't discuss how you're <br />going to vote on something. You can call the Chair, and bring up an issue, but you can't <br />go and call the other eight commissioners and say the same thing because essentially <br />that's outside of a notice meeting. <br />Chair Kosaki advised that everything they bring up, all the input he receives, and items <br />placed on the agenda are only to try to help the chiefs run the department better, help <br />the department run operationally better, and help morale, but ultimately for the safety of <br />personnel and the public. <br />EXECUTIVE SESSION (CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC) <br />Commissioner Henkel motioned to meet in executive session to work on the chief's <br />evaluation, and for the purpose of consulting with the commission's attorney on <br />questions and issues pertaining to the commission's powers, duties, privileges, <br />immunities, and liabilities pursuant to HRS Sections 92-5, (a)(2)(4)(6) and the Hawaii <br />