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Hawaii Fire Commission <br /> Regular Session Minutes <br /> April 30, 2024 <br /> Page 9 <br /> asked to assist the Fire Commission temporarily, but this arrangement has persisted for <br /> over ten years. The former secretary requested a reallocation, but HR denied it, <br /> maintaining the same pay, and modifying the position description to include duties for <br /> the Fire Commission. <br /> Chair Kosaki sought clarification on the definition of a quasi-judicial commission. DCC <br /> Wong explained that quasi-judicial commissions, such as the Board of Appeals or Tax <br /> Board of Review involve hearings with opposing parties, akin to mini-trials, with <br /> appealable decisions. The Fire and Police Commissions, however, do not perform such <br /> functions; while they address community complaints, their decisions are <br /> recommendations rather than appealable judgments. <br /> Chair Kosaki sought clarification from DCC Wong regarding the inability to reallocate <br /> the secretary's position due to the Fire and Police Commissions not being quasi-judicial <br /> commissions. DCC Wong affirmed this limitation, specifying that the position cannot be <br /> reallocated to that of "secretary to boards and commissions." Chair Kosaki concluded <br /> that the only feasible option would be to inquire whether the Fire Department could <br /> assume the duties of the secretary or provide a backup position. <br /> Commissioner Cushnie expressed his opinion that having an additional person for <br /> backup would ensure the continued functionality of either commission. He noted that <br /> without the secretary's presence, the meetings cannot proceed. <br /> Chief Todd shared his experience when attempting to provide temporary support for the <br /> meetings. Legal concerns arose due to potential conflicts of interest, as providing an <br /> employee from his department could be problematic during executive sessions. He <br /> suggested that if the Fire Commission seeks backup or additional support, it should be <br /> requested through the Mayor's Office, which is responsible for providing administrative <br /> support to boards and commissions. Currently, the secretary is paid from the Police <br /> Department's budget, and Chief Todd recommended that any requests for additional <br /> support be directed to the Mayor's Office. <br /> DCC Wong explained that they received a request from the chief to have one of his <br /> employees cover the Fire Commission meeting at the last session. However, there were <br /> concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest, particularly if the meeting entered <br /> executive session, as there may be confidential communications discussed. They <br /> wanted to avoid situations where the employee would feel obligated to disclose such <br /> information to their boss, the chief. <br /> Chair Kosaki raised a question about whether a similar issue exists with Ms. Correa, <br /> given her affiliation with the police department. DCC Wong clarified that Ms. Correa <br /> does not directly report to the chief. Last month, they sought assistance from the <br /> Mayor's Office, and one of the executive aides, Alexey, sat in on the meeting, as he has <br /> experience in running boards and commission sessions. This was viewed as a <br />