2023-08-24 Fire Commission Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes August 24, 2023 Page 7 role of volunteer firefighters within the department. The deputy chief stated that volunteers perform the same tasks as paid firefighters but without compensation. Chair Kosaki expressed his dissatisfaction with the statement because he believed it was inaccurate. He pointed out that volunteer firefighters do not receive the same level of training and do not have the same physical requirements as paid firefighters. He considered the assertion that they perform the exact same job as paid firefighters to be disrespectful to the paid firefighters within the Fire Department. Chair Kosaki expressed his intention to discuss this matter with the chief, as he believed it was not a message that should be conveyed to the public. He asked the assistant chief for his opinion on this matter. Commissioner Mattos shared that he received a call from stations in his district, where concerns were raised about the department treating volunteers almost the same as paid firefighters. He sought clarification on whether this was indeed the case. The specific concern was regarding a situation where the chief of the volunteers appeared at a fire dressed as a battalion chief, leading to confusion about chain of command. Commissioner Mattos emphasized that this raised safety concerns. He clarified that he had no issues with volunteer firefighters, having been a volunteer firefighter himself before joining the department. However, he believed there should be a clear distinction between the roles of paid and volunteer firefighters, especially because some volunteer firefighters may be elderly and have not undergone the same rigorous training as their paid counterparts. Commissioner Mattos expressed his disagreement with the statement suggesting that both groups perform identical roles and believed this had an impact on the morale and safety of paid firefighters. Commissioner Magsalin added that John Bertsch had mentioned that anyone, regardless of age, could volunteer and contribute in various capacities, including providing food. Age, according to Commissioner Magsalin, was not a factor in volunteering, and specific job descriptions were provided to volunteers, ensuring that they were not assigned to frontline duties if they were elderly. AC Okinaka clarified that volunteer firefighters are essential and play a vital role in their operations when they assist career firefighters in their designated capacity during responses. He noted that while they do receive training similar to career firefighters, it is not as extensive. Additionally, he mentioned that there are some volunteer firefighters who are of retirement age actively participating in firefighting duties. Chair Kosaki emphasized that they do not wish to diminish the essential role of volunteer firefighters. However, he expressed concern about the deputy chief making statements suggesting that volunteers perform the same job as paid firefighters, which he believes is not accurate. Such statements could create a false sense of security among the public. Chair Kosaki acknowledged that many