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Hawaii Fire Commission <br /> Regular Session Minutes <br /> October 24, 2024 <br /> Page 10 <br /> Chair Kosaki asked if there were any further comments regarding the evaluation. It <br /> was agreed that commissioners should come to the next meeting having reviewed <br /> all materials and be prepared to discuss the evaluation. Ms. Correa will send out the <br /> survey following the meeting. <br /> Commissioner Hirakami recommended having a follow-up discussion with the chief <br /> to review the evaluation and asked if that would take place at the next meeting or in <br /> December. DCC Wong responded that it would depend on whether the evaluation is <br /> completed at the next meeting or if it needs to be carried over to December. He also <br /> inquired if the discussion would be in executive session, acknowledging that not all <br /> feedback might be positive. She explained that it would be up to the chief; when the <br /> evaluation is discussed, they will ask him if he prefers an open or closed session, as <br /> he seems to prefer an open session, but that could change. <br /> NEW BUSINESS <br /> Inquiry regarding operations and administration, including EMS standby by volunteer <br /> firefighters, helicopter donation and interisland transport, project manager <br /> responsibilities, hydrant maintenance updates, and volunteer uniform provisions. <br /> Chair Kosaki inquired if there was any public testimony on this agenda item. <br /> Charles Spain, Chairman of HFFA, addressed the commission. He came to provide <br /> testimony and primarily wanted to make himself available to answer any questions <br /> from the commission. He noted that while some members of the commission have <br /> experience within the department, others may not, leading to a situation where only <br /> one side of the argument is being heard. <br /> Mr. Spain raised concerns about EMS standby by volunteer firefighters. He <br /> explained that they had been made aware of a situation where volunteers were <br /> performing EMS standby at an event. As the union, they have questions, are these <br /> personnel trained in EMS, what exactly are they doing, and what service are they <br /> providing to the community? <br /> He also mentioned a previous discussion about hydrant maintenance. Mr. Spain <br /> explained that, following a directive from the Chief, personnel were instructed to go <br /> out and maintain fire hydrants. However, HFFA views this as work that falls under <br /> another bargaining unit, not their members. Mr. Spain shared that after meeting with <br /> the Chief and the head of the Department of Water, it was acknowledged that <br /> hydrant maintenance is the responsibility of the Department of Water, not HFD. <br /> HFFA has asked the Chief to retract the memo, as any directive from the Fire Chief <br /> is considered a direct order. They requested that the order be rescinded, but as of <br /> now, it has not been addressed. <br />