2024-10-24 Fire Commission Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes October 24, 2024 Page 12 member bypassed the usual system by sending direct emails to individuals with specific requests, circumventing the standard process. The discussion continued on the process of EMS standby requests, community events, and regulations. Chair Kosaki brought up another issue regarding volunteer uniforms. He asked who receives the Nomex uniforms. Chief Todd responded that all of them do. Chair Kosaki clarified, asking if that applied to the entire rank and file, and Chief Todd confirmed, explaining that there is a contract that allows them to purchase one uniform through it. Chair Kosaki then asked about the patches, and Chief Todd explained that the volunteers wear the Hawaii Fire Department patch on one side and the volunteer patch on the other. When asked if the badge indicates "volunteer," Chief Todd replied that the word "volunteer" is embroidered on the shirt, but the badge itself is the same for both career and volunteer firefighters. Commissioner Hirakami proposed implementing a clear flow chart and process for handling complaints, emphasizing that anonymous complaints should not reach the commission. He explained that there is an established complaint process in place, which requires complaints to be notarized and not anonymous. Issues within a large organization like the Fire Department should first be addressed at the lowest level and through the proper chain of command. If the issue remains unresolved, it can then move to a formal complaint process. He warned that if anonymous complaints continue to reach the commission, they could become overwhelmed by them. He suggested that only unresolved complaints should be escalated to the commission. Chief Todd responded by explaining that the department already has policies, chain of command, and procedures in place to resolve issues internally. He asked if the commission was suggesting they abandon these established processes, allowing anyone within the department who is unhappy with a supervisor's decision to send anonymous complaints directly to the commission. Chief Todd cautioned that endorsing this approach would lead to a flood of similar complaints, as people often voice dissatisfaction through the chain of command but don't always like the answers they receive. He stressed that if the commission supports bypassing the chain of command, they would quickly face an influx of such complaints. He emphasized that the department has a process in place for managing internal issues. Chair Kosaki moved on to the next agenda item, hydrant maintenance. Chief Todd explained that he had promised the union he would clarify the memo regarding hydrant maintenance but had not yet done so. He emphasized that it is the responsibility of firefighters to be familiar with their communities, which includes checking on things like hydrants and fire protection systems. Chair Kosaki acknowledged this but noted that personnel seemed to be concerned with being held responsible for maintaining the hydrants. Chief Todd clarified that the email was