2005-02-09 Fire Commission Minutes

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Commissioner Fergerstrom explained to the Arraujo family that the HFC needs to comply with the Hawaii Sunshine Law. Therefore, they would be discussing their complaint and establishing guidelines that will assist the HFC with future complaints. Deputy Corporation Counsel Noda mentioned that the Hawaii Police Commission has an independent investigator under contract. Commissioner Fergerstrom asked if a complainant did not identify the employee in their complaint, could it still be considered for investigation. Deputy Corporation Counsel Noda stated that the Arraujo family was present and the HFC would be allowed to ask them questions. Commissioner Fergerstrom asked if the HFC was authorized to obtain an independent investigator. Deputy Corporation Counsel Noda stated that at the present time the HFC does not have an independent investigator. There was no budget set up to provide for one.IftheHFCwouldliketomakethatprovision,theycouldmakethatrequest through the HFDs supplemental budget. Commissioner Brazier suggested that the HFC should allow the Arraujo family to present their complaint and then leave the specifics for an executive session. Deputy Corporation Counsel Noda agreed that that would be the appropriate time. Commissioner Bowles commented that the HFC should not be bound by funds if they found it necessary to solicit an independent investigator. Commissioner Fergerstrom asked the Arraujo family to come forward and make their statement. Mrs. Adele Arraujo introduced herself as Mr. Ray Arraujos wife. They are residents of Waipio Valley. They have no telephone service. At approximately 2:00 a.m., on October 15, 2004, her husband experienced severe abdominal pains. She and her son Jamie Arraujo, decided to drive her husband to the hospital because it would take several hours for a helicopter to be flown in. Her husbands pain became more intense, so they instead drove to the Honokaa Fire Station. The employees on duty were not in uniform due to the early morning hour. Mrs. Arraujo advised one of the firemen that her husband had recently been released from the hospital. Another employee who approached her husband began to rudely question him regarding his bodily functions. Her 3