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Hawaii Fire Commission <br /> Regular Session Minutes <br /> September 26, 2024 <br /> Page 11 <br /> On Monday, they repurposed an old, non-operational driver trainer by removing parts to <br /> create a two-bedroom, air-conditioned space. This setup was transported to Station 2 <br /> and converted into an exterior dormitory, along with the provision of portable restrooms. <br /> This arrangement allowed the shift to be divided, with half sleeping at Haihai while the <br /> other half stayed in the district. <br /> Over the weekend they worked with Lehua Environmental to secure an emergency <br /> procurement and on Tuesday, flew the team from Honolulu for mold remediation. By <br /> Friday, they had received a clean bill of health from the retesting, allowing them to <br /> return to the station. Chief Todd mentioned they are considering the construction of a <br /> pop-up station, estimated at around half a million dollars, which could be deployed to <br /> various physical sites like parking lots, complete with temporary buildings and <br /> furnishings. <br /> Chair Kosaki pointed out that the issue arose from a leaking roof and questioned <br /> whether the Department of Public Works (DPW) could prioritize the needs of first <br /> responders who live at the station 24/7. Chief Todd explained that most projects in <br /> Hawaii County fall under the unfunded Capital Improvement Project (CIP) list, which <br /> serves as a wish list. The mayor and administration assess this list to determine costs <br /> and whether to take out loans for the necessary work. He cited the Pahala roof, which <br /> was identified for replacement in 2006 but has since become a more expensive and <br /> extensive project due to ongoing damage. Chief Todd expressed that he lacks a <br /> solution for these widespread facility issues, which limits his ability to address them <br /> effectively as Fire Chief. <br /> Commissioner Cushnie clarified that the Mayor decides which CIP projects receive <br /> funding. Chief Todd confirmed this is generally the case and emphasized that he does <br /> not blame the current Mayor for the situation, noting that decades of deferred <br /> maintenance on county facilities have led to significant issues. Past administrations <br /> focused on new projects like parks rather than maintaining existing infrastructure, <br /> resulting in a lack of attention to repairs. Over the last 20 years, no maintenance or <br /> repairs have been made to county properties, leading to current expenses, such as <br /> $80,000 spent on mold remediation. Chief Todd mentioned that AC Chadwick has made <br /> significant progress in moving projects forward over the past three and a half years. The <br /> Mayor has allocated approximately $750,000 to HFD's repair budget, up from $13,000, <br /> but larger CIP projects remain beyond his control. <br /> Commissioner Mattos inquired whether some of the funding could be allocated for roof <br /> repairs instead of purchases like ice machines. Chief Todd clarified that they had posed <br /> that question, and the response was essentially no. He explained the process and the <br /> reasoning behind that decision. <br /> Commissioner Cushnie inquired if there was a way to remove that from the CIP process <br /> and incorporate it into HFD's budget. Chief Todd responded that he was not aware of <br /> any such option. He stated that he had asked several times about alternative solutions <br />