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Chair Bertsch stated that Commissioner Bowles notified him of HB 1722 and <br />HB1724 which have similar constraints. They were not aware of HB 1719. <br />Chief Oliveira stated that he is submitting testimony opposing the bill. <br />Commissioner Bowles suggested that the Fire Commission submit testimony. <br />Chair Bertsch recommended meeting with the Mayor to discuss this matter. <br />Also, it would be prudent to research the origin of the bill. <br />Chief Oliveira stated that HFD Secretary Laurie Kaneta can provide that <br />information. <br />Regarding HB 1719, Commissioner Bowles made a motion to authorize <br />Chairman John Bertsch to submit testimony on behalf of the Fire Commission <br />to the Legislature. It should state that the members of the Fire Commission <br />do not consider the bill appropriate for the health and safety of the community <br />because it jeopardizes the staffing of the Hawai‘i Fire Department. <br />Commissioner Rosehill seconded the motion. Discussion: Chair Bertsch <br />stated that it is necessary that the Fire Commission empower the Chair to <br />send appropriate testimony. <br />Commissioner Browne questioned whether a draft could be distributed to the <br />commission via email for approval. <br />Deputy Corporation Counsel Lugo advised that the commission cannot have <br />a discussion outside of the meeting. However, it can be distributed via email <br />and the members may individually email their comments back to the Chair. <br />Commissioner Rosehill asked whether it would be appropriate to include <br />HB 1722 and HB 1724. <br />Commissioner Bowles amended the motion to include HB 1722 and HB 1724. <br />The motion was unanimously carried. <br />Fire Chief Oliveira stated that the department will inform the commission of <br />the bill status. <br />Alternative Funding and Grants: <br /> FEMA FY 2007 Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant: (Video <br />Teleconferencing Equipment) Contracts to Audio Visual Company and <br />Sears have been finalized. Scheduled to meet with two vendors in order <br />to move forward with implementation and deployment of the equipment. <br />Polycom equipment was originally designated for 18 sites. It has since <br />decreased to 16 sites. These sites are designated for 13 fire stations; the <br />other three are designated for the Dispatch, Training and Fire <br />4 <br /> <br />