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Hawaii Fire Commission <br /> Regular Session Minutes <br /> September 28, 2023 <br /> Page 7 <br /> Commissioner Mattos mentioned a department employee facing a civil suit. DCC <br /> Salas-Ferguson advised that this issue should be properly placed on the agenda, <br /> and it involves considerations of the commission's powers and duties as well as <br /> privacy rights. <br /> Commissioner Magsalin highlighted an upcoming community meeting in Waimea or <br /> Laupahoehoe and initiated a discussion about wildfire assessments. Chief Todd <br /> shared that a program involving the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization will <br /> have volunteers visiting homes for assessments and offering guidance on enhancing <br /> home safety. <br /> Recess was called at 10.26 a.m., the meeting reconvened at 10.40 a.m. <br /> UNFINISHED BUSINESS <br /> Correspondence No. 23-02: Salary Commission's inquiry to the appointing authorities <br /> concerning proposed salary adjustments for fiscal year 23-24. <br /> Chair Kosaki conveyed that they had requested a presentation from DHR and that DHR <br /> had provided information on salary adjustments from 2005 to 2018. Since 2018, there <br /> have been no changes in salary. The report also included salary comparisons for all fire <br /> chiefs in other counties in the State. <br /> Commissioner Magsalin asked Chief Todd about his weekly work hours. Chief Todd <br /> clarified that he is salaried and doesn't receive overtime pay. On average, he works <br /> approximately 10-12 hours per day, with an additional 4-6 hours on Saturdays and <br /> Sundays. Occasionally, he takes Sundays off. <br /> The commission discussed potential salary adjustments for the fire chief position. DCC <br /> Salas-Ferguson clarified that the Salary Commission determines the salary for the fire <br /> chief position itself, not evaluating individual performance. They are seeking the Fire <br /> Commission's opinion on whether the chiefs salary should be increased, decreased, or <br /> remain the same and the reasoning behind this recommendation. <br /> Chief Todd expressed that he took the position not for the pay but to address the <br /> department's challenges. He acknowledged that there are numerous issues within the <br /> department and expressed concern about the ongoing lawsuit regarding battalion chiefs' <br /> salaries. He recommended tying or postponing any scheduled raise to the lawsuit's <br /> outcome. <br /> DCC Salas-Ferguson emphasized that the Salary Commission is not assessing the <br /> chief's performance but determining the appropriate salary for the position of fire chief <br /> based on its demands and responsibilities. <br /> Chair Kosaki expressed the need for more information to make an informed <br /> recommendation, particularly by comparing duties and salaries with other counties in <br />