2008-04-09 Fire Commission Minutes

Home

CHIEF’S REPORT Presentation of Certificate of Appreciation to Lt. Colonel Trey Johnson and rd members of the 93 Civil Support Team. On behalf of the people of the County of Hawai'i, Mayor Harry Kim and Chief Darryl Oliveira expressed their appreciation to Lt. Colonel Trey rd Johnson and the members of the 93 Civil Support Team. Due to the recent threat of high levels of sulfur dioxide gas, the Hawai'i County Fire rd Department has been working with the 93 Civil Support Team and other agencies to monitor the amount of sulfur dioxide and particulates. Mayor rd Kim and Chief Oliveira presented the 93 Civil Support Team with a Certificate of Appreciation. Introduction of Emergency Medical Services Storekeeper Thomas Clark. Battalion Chief Ralph Yawata introduced newly hired Thomas Clark, who began on March 3, 2008, as the EMS Storekeeper. Budget FY 2008/09 Budget: The budget was presented before the County Council on April 1, 2008. Met with Commissioner Bowles a week prior to discuss the presentation. The presentation emphasized the importance of the economy in relation to the Fire Department’s budget. The County Council expressed their support to approve additional resources to the department. Also, there was support for specific projects such as a vehicle replacement schedule and development of a Jet Ski program. Alternative Funding and Grants FEMA FY 2007 Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant: (Video Teleconferencing Equipment) Committee working on specifications for bid proposal. Completed surveying the stations. Capital Improvement Projects Makalei Fire Station: Environmental Assessment was published on March 8, 2008, and circulated for public comment. Pahoa Fire Station: Working with Department of Public Works, the State’s Department of Transportation, and HELCO on addressing the issue of the easement, which involves relocating poles in order to open up a driveway. Fire Administration and Support Facility: Environmental Assessment was published on March 8, 2008, and circulated for public comment. The project includes three different phases, including dispatch, administration, and a training classroom component. The dispatch component involves a partnership with the Police Department. As a result, the cost has increased mostly due to the cost of construction. Therefore, the Fire Department is reviewing the allocated cost for the project with the understanding that it is necessary not to compromise the necessities in order to maintain an effective communication center for both departments. 3