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transfers. Many personnel did not know that there were vacancies to these <br />particular positions, and therefore did not apply for them. The transfers were <br />dated prior to a memo announcing the vacancies. Normally, when a memo is <br />released from the administration showing an opening at a Fire Station on a <br />certain shift, personnel then have the opportunity to apply for it. Ignacio <br />stated that he is a member of the HawaiŒi Firefighters Association, and he <br />would like to inform the commission that he has heard a lot of dissatisfaction <br />from the members of the Fire Department. Therefore, he took it upon himself <br />to bring this issue to the attention of the HFC. He is asking that the current <br />administration follows its outline policies, and be fair and standard in granting <br />transfer request. He has spoken to Chief Oliveira in regards to these recent <br />transfers and was told it was an administrative prerogative and will not be <br />rescinded or changed. He advised Chief Oliveira that he would be <br />addressing this issue with the HawaiŒi Fire Commission. <br />Commissioner Brazier stated that two employees who were concerned about <br />thisissueandconfrontedhimontwooccasions. <br />FEOIgnaciostatedthathewouldnottakeanythingawayfromthiscurrent <br />administration; they are doing a great job. But these issues blew away‚ a lot <br />of people. Usually a memo is put out notifying personnel that there is an <br />opening at a platoon in a particular Fire Station. Personnel would then be <br />allowed to put in a transfer request. Seniority, qualifications and reassigning <br />of personnel would follow. This did not occur with these transfers. <br />Commissioner Bowles asked if he was suggesting that Chief Oliveira does <br />not hear him. <br />FEO Ignacio stated that Chief Oliveira felt he had his reasons for doing what <br />he did, what Mr. Ignacio is saying is that the administration has always talked <br />about being fair and open in their communications with the members of the <br />department. This last transfer in January, personnel were unaware of the <br />retirements and vacancies. This has affected the morale in the department. <br />Commissioner Ward stated that the HFC has a report that they receive <br />monthly from Chief Oliveira that lists the vacancies. Chief Oliveira advised <br />her that it was posted at all stations. <br />FEO Ignacio stated that it was not posted at the Honokaa Fire Station. He <br />explained that each shift receives emails, and if someone from that shift <br />deletes it, the report does not get posted. <br />Commissioner Ward stated that anyone who is concerned with vacancies <br />could call the Chief€s office and obtain a copy of the listing. If this report is not <br />14 <br /> <br />