2008-07-09 Fire Commission Minutes

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The Fire Commission welcomed newly appointed Fire Commissioner Kaloa Robinson. STATEMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS (Open to the Public) None APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Kudlo moved to accept the June 18, 2008, regular session minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Pomroy and unanimously carried. APPROVAL OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS Commissioner Bowles moved to accept communication numbers 08-04. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Pomroy, Jr., and unanimously carried. CHIEF’S REPORT Chief Oliveira welcomed Commissioner Kaloa Robinson to the Hawai'i County Fire Commission. Arson Canine Demonstration provided by Fire Inspector Robert Perreira. Fire Inspector Perreira explained that he and his K-9 partner Kaimi (Hawaiian word for “the Seeker”), are Hawai'i’s first arson K-9 team. Kaimi is a one year old yellow Labrador/Golden Retrieve. They both completed a five week canine-accelerant detection school sponsored by State Farm Insurance and were certified as a team by the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in Maine. The arson canine program is funded by State Farm Insurance Companies and is available to fire departments and law enforcement agencies across the United States. The cost to acquire Kaimi and provide training to him and Perreira was approximately $23,000. According to Fire Inspector Perreira, the only cost to the County is the dog’s upkeep and ongoing daily canine training. Kaimi goes home with him every night, and is part of his family. He pointed out that while State Farm donated the arson canine and sponsored the training of dog and handler, they don’t work for the insurance company or investigate fires at their request. The investigations are part of their duties in the Hawai`i Fire Department, and they work together with the Hawai`i County Police Department and the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney. Fire Inspector Perreira entertained questions from the Fire Commission and concluded with a few demonstrations. 2