2004-05-12 Fire Commission Minutes

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Del Pranke commented that there are a lot of commendation letters that appear on the Fire Commission agendas. He commended the HFC, Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief for the outstanding work they are doing.After speaking with firefighters, it was expressed that the morale of the Fire Department has turned around within the last two years for the better. People are much happier with the work situation. This has lots to do with this Commission and Chief Oliveira. Mr. Pranke thanked the HFC. APPROVAL OF MEETING PROCEEDINGS It was moved by Commissioner Hart that the minutes of the April 14, 2004 regular session minutes be approved. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Fergerstrom and unanimously carried. APPROVAL OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS Commissioner Ward moved to accept communication numbers 04-017 through 04-022. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Whitney and unanimously carried. NEW BUSINESS: Councilman Leningrad Elarionoff “Character First” Presentation – see Power Point presentation. (Attachment “A”) CHIEF’S REPORT Harry Yada of the State of Hawai‘i Department of Land & Natural Resources was present to answer any questions regarding the State land acquisition process. Chief Oliveira stated that to acquire State lands, it must be done by executive order. This may be a consideration for the Pahoa fire station and Fire Administration - depending on which site is selected. Harry Yada stated that last year they set aside land for the County of Hawai‘i to do a County building in Kona. This matter went before the Land Board in 2001. The executive order was completed in October 2002. The Land Board included a right of entry, which allowed the County to do studies, environmental assessments, construction right of entries, etc. If these are included when presented to the Land Board, it will take time. Each matter is different -- it depends on the specifics of the property, i.e. is a subdivision necessary? Surveying can be done in-house or hired out. Commissioner Ward asked if there is more than one site to be considered can this process be done for all sites? Chief Oliveira commented that there might be more than one site in both Pahoa and in Kona Palisades. 2