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Chair Okabe questioned whether any of the individuals from the first <br />th <br />explorer program applied for the 38 Firefighter recruit class. <br />Chief Oliveira replied that there are several of them who are interested. <br />However, they are graduating from high school in June. <br />Chair Okabe inquired on the age requirement. <br />Chief Oliveira replied that at the present time there is no minimum age <br />requirement. There is a requirement to have a GED or high school <br />diploma. The Fire Department is trying to establish a minimum age <br />requirement of 21. <br />Chair Okabe asked why there is not currently a minimum age requirement. <br />Chief Oliveira explained that the Department of Human Resources must <br />allow the establishment of an age requirement. <br />Deputy Corporation Counsel Brilhante added that there are separate State <br />and Federal regulations. At the present time, the way the laws are <br />currently written, the Hawai'i State regulations are more restrictive than the <br />Federal regulations regarding age discrimination. It is necessary for the <br />Hawai'i County Fire Department to prove the significance of a proposed <br />age requirement in relation to a job performance requirement. <br />Commissioner Pomroy asked whether there was an age requirement with <br />the Police Department. <br />Chief Oliveira replied that because of the use of firearms, the Police <br />Department does have an age requirement of 21. <br />Volunteer Section <br /> Volunteer Firefighter Mac Goddard reported that Fire Essential training <br />continues to run smoothly. <br />Chief Oliveira stated that the volunteers’ concerns on the Firefighter I <br />training program were addressed at the last Volunteer Chief’s meeting. It <br />was expressed to the volunteers that the training allows everyone in the <br />department the standardized training foundation. Also, the training <br />protects any liability in the department. The volunteers have made a <br />commitment to complete training by 2010. <br />Chief Oliveira reported that the Kanehoa Volunteer Company is receiving <br />training and will be soon going online. <br />6 <br /> <br />