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what they think of this plan because they need to pay for it. This is what the public <br />needs and wants. <br />Commissioner asked Mayor Kim about the Fire ChiefÓs salary. <br />Mayor Kim stated that the Police Commission made a strong statement regarding the <br />salary of the police chief and fire chief. Chief Oliveira has stated that he was satisfied <br />with his salary. Mayor Kim asked the HFC to look at the salary <br />recommendation to the Mayor. <br />Commissioner Maedo stated that the HFC members did an outstanding presentation <br />and will develop more points to support it. <br />Mayor Kim stated that he has an opportunity to make the HFD a professional group. <br />The HFD was closely aligned with politics. Our level of responsibility of trust and <br />professionalism is a priority. The Mayor stated that he will never interfere in a <br />promotion or hiring issue. It will be done legally and double checked by the Department <br />of Civil Service. <br />Commissioner stated that the salary will be for the ÐpositionÑ of Fire Chief. <br />Commissioner Ward stated that the Salary Commission did not feel that the Fire Chief <br />was as important as the Police Chief. When a disaster happens, the fire chief and <br />police chief are equally important. <br />Mayor Kim totally disagrees. The Hawai`i County Fire Department is different from all <br />other departments across America. Do you think the fire department is of lesser value <br />than the police department? DonÓt compare the responsibilities of any other department <br />because it is not the same. <br />Commissioner Fergerstrom stated that some people see the firefighterÓs as playing <br />basketball. Police officerÓs put their lives on the line; goes on the street; gets spit at and <br />punched; not the police chief. HFDÓs reorganization and being brought up to a standard <br />that we deserve will change in itself. <br />Mayor Kim stated that he comes from a time where the HFD was laughed at -- they did <br />lift weights and played basketball. The average public is realizing that itÓs more than <br />that. Minimum EMT level of capability. Mayor Kim has full confidence that we will get <br />there; and ensured the HFC that he will not interfere politically. <br />Commissioner Kaoiwi stated that he was privileged to sit through every promotion taken <br />with the HFD. The process has come along way. He is proud to be associated with the <br />HFD. <br />Mayor Kim thanked the HFC and re-stated that he will not play politics. <br />4 <br /> <br />