2007-07-11 Fire Commission Minutes

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Commissioner Okabe asked whether there were discussions among the Fire Chiefs on implementing a program for the State with regard to having a common standard for interdepartmental transfers. Chief Oliveira replied that it was discussed with the State Fire Council. Whenever the department is involved in the collective bargaining process, it is discussed with the union. The biggest issue that needs to be addressed is certification. The Fire Departments standards require that all members are EMTs. Therefore, a transfer would be less qualified. Commissioner Rosehill expressed his concern and commented that he senses frustration regarding communication with Captain Cook Fire Stations personnel. Chief Oliveira agreed that the department can always improve on communication.However,communicationgoesbothways.TheFire Department sends communication out through meetings with the staff, commission, and open membership. He attends meetings in East and West Hawaii quarterly and participation is extremely poor. Chief Oliveira stated that he believes the reaction to what is happening in Captain Cook reflects premature panic. The design consultant visited the property in order to survey the site. It is difficult for the design consultant to survey a project without going to the site to measure. Commissioner Rosehill responded that the surveyor had plans which showed ten stalls on the south side of the station and asked how those design concepts were conceived. Chief Oliveira replied that the personnel were looking at the design consultants preliminary proposal, which the administration has yet to see. Commission Rosehill reiterated that he doesnt understand how they would come up with a design without speaking with the Fire Administration. Chief Oliveira explained that the design consultant was asked to help figure out if it is possible to build an additional apparatus bay to support a large apparatus, minimize vehicle reversing from roadway to station, maintain or improve employee parking, and maintain diesel fueling capability. Commissioner Maedo commented that the Commission needs to remember that communication is a two-way street. The Stations have direct lines to the administration. The Commission needs to reinforce the notion that all communication is going to be 50 percent if the receiver does not know about it. Commissioner Bertsch commended the Fire Department on how it handled the recent brush fires. Also, the State Forestry and Wildlife Division and the National 7