2023-08-24 Fire Commission Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes August 24, 2023 Page 10 NEW BUSINESS Hawaii Labor Relations Board Decision No. 515: Bran Keopuhiwa v. Hawaii Fire Department, County of Hawaii; and Hawaii Fire Fighters Association, IAFF, Local 1463, AFL-CIO. Chair Kosaki inquired if AC Okinaka was familiar with this situation. AC Okinaka acknowledged that he knew there was an ongoing process involving a labor board but wasn't well-informed about its current status. Chair Kosaki mentioned that a decision had already been made in this matter. The AC acknowledged this but clarified that a follow-up process from the labor board is still ongoing. Chair Kosaki explained that a grievant had petitioned to amend the order, and the order was dated June 30t". They were supposed to comply with the order within 30 days, but it was now nearing the end of August, and the Fire Department had not yet complied. The question was raised regarding why the chief had not complied with the order. AC Okinaka stated that he was not familiar with the current details of the situation and did not want to provide inaccurate information. Chair Kosaki expressed concern about the chief's failure to comply with the order and noted that the chief had requested this matter to be placed on the agenda due to a conflict with HFFA (Hawaii Fire Fighters Association). The chief had mentioned that HFFA was not satisfied with the ruling. Chair Kosaki explained that he later communicated with HFFA and discovered that they had a meeting where Corporation Counsel was present. During the meeting, there was a discussion about the order, and Bobby Lee from HFFA stated that they had complied with their part of the order but questioned why the Fire Department had not done the same. The chief justified the department's non-compliance (under the advice of Corp Counsel) by mentioning the pending petition, but Chair Kosaki believed that the law required compliance regardless, and he wanted to question the chief about why he wasn't following it. Chair Kosaki recommended postponing the discussion of this matter to the next meeting's agenda, and the commission agreed. ANNOUNCEMENTS Chair Kosaki announced the commission's next monthly meeting is scheduled for September 28, 2023, at 9:00 a.m., in the County Building, Council Chambers, Suite 1401, 25 Aupuni St., Hilo, Hawaii. Commissioner Mattos inquired about the procedure for entering an executive session, specifically whether it needs to be included on the agenda beforehand. He was informed that; indeed, it should be on the agenda. DCC Tiapula mentioned that if Commissioner Mattos wanted to request legal advice and add it to the agenda, he could do so. Commissioner Mattos expressed his desire to