2023-09-28 Fire Commission Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes September 28, 2023 Page 9 o Ms. Correa called a vote by roll call: Commissioner Luke voted in favor, as did Commissioner Magsalin, while Commissioner Mattos, Commissioner Nakashima, Vice Chair Wolf, and Chair Kosaki voted against the motion. The motion failed. DCC Salas-Ferguson advised someone could make a general motion, it seems that all agree on an increase, you just can't find a number. • Commissioner Luke made a motion to increase the fire chief's Salary to align with the current rate of inflation, making it competitive with other fire chiefs in the state. The rationale behind this motion was the impact of inflation and the absence of salary increases since 2018. Commissioner Magsalin seconded the motion. During the ensuing discussion, Chair Kosaki stated the rate of inflation is good, but it isn't a definite number. He pointed out that other jurisdictions offer pay increases that do not necessarily align with the rate of inflation. Chair Kosaki suggested a 20% increase, which would raise the salary to approximately $181,000, surpassing Maui's salary, and it is the most comparable jurisdiction. Commissioner Magsalin sought to determine the percentage increase required to reach a $185,000 salary. Ms. Correa confirmed that a $185,000 salary would translate to a 22.35% increase. o Ms. Correa called a vote by roll call: Commissioner Nakashima and Commissioner Mattos voted against the motion, while Commissioner Magsalin and Commissioner Luke voted in favor. Vice Chair Wolf and Chair Kosaki also voted against the motion and the motion failed. • Commissioner Nakashima put forward a motion to provide no recommendation to the Salary Commission, and Commissioner Mattos seconded the motion. The motion was made without further discussion. o Ms. Correa called a vote by roll call: Commissioner Luke and Commissioner Magsalin voted against the motion, while Commissioner Mattos, Commissioner Nakashima, Vice Chair Wolf, and Chair Kosaki voted in favor. The motion failed. Chair Kosaki emphasized the need to provide a response to the Salary Commission. DCC Salas-Ferguson recommended that, for the time being, they could convey to the Salary Commission that they are deferring the matter to the next meeting in the hopes of reaching a consensus. Alternatively, someone could make a motion recommending a broad increase in the chiefs salary. The discussion highlighted the importance of taking some action rather than none.