2009-07-08 Fire Commission Minutes

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Chief Oliveira inquired on whether the Fire Commission wishes to hear from other staff members. According to Chair Bertsch, the Police Chief selects a few of his Assistant Chiefs to report to the Police Commission on matters pertaining to their field of expertise. The Fire Commission will leave this decision to the discretion of the Fire Chief. Chief Oliveira replied that this would benefit both the HFD and the commission. The commission can become familiar with the department’s Chief Officers and the Chief Officers will gain experience in public speaking. Commissioner Bowles agreed that the agenda should list more generic headings. Chair Bertsch stated that he wanted to address this issue because two of the largest benefactors for the Fire Department (Ironman and the Sayre Foundation) attended the Kona meeting and their testimony needed to be restrained because it was not listed on the agenda. Commissioner Browne inquired on the status of the teleconferencing. Chief Oliveira replied that the Department of Data Systems is working with Hawaiian Telcom and Audio/Visual to get the components active and on-line. The Fire Commission will be notified of the broadcast date. Commissioner Browne questioned whether the Fire Commission meetings could be teleconferenced. Deputy Corporation Counsel Brilhante stated that the public would need to be invited and informed of the locations. Chief Oliveira added that if the public is invited the location requires ADA compliance and the teleconferencing would need to include closed-captions. Commissioner Kaoiwi questioned the status of the future telecommunication center on Mohouli Street. Chief Oliveira answered that funds are appropriated for just the design of the building. Chief Oliveira informed the Fire Commission that the administration office will be relocating to the renovated County Building. It will temporarily be located in the former Police Commission’s section of the building. 7