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Hawaii Fire Commission <br /> Regular Session Minutes <br /> October 24, 2024 <br /> Page 13 <br /> intended to communicate that firefighters should check hydrants, but some <br /> personnel misinterpreted it as being responsible for maintaining them. He agreed <br /> with the union that more clarity is needed and that the message should have been <br /> more precise. The intention was to ensure firefighters are familiar with their districts, <br /> and he acknowledged that the wording in his email could have been better. <br /> Commissioner Hirakami mentioned that while he was aware of the inquiry about <br /> EMS standby, he had no background information on the other items, such as <br /> helicopter donations, project manager responsibilities, and hydrant maintenance. He <br /> felt it was not relevant for him to discuss these topics without proper context. Chair <br /> Kosaki explained that they couldn't discuss these items unless they were officially on <br /> the agenda, which is why he couldn't provide information in advance. Commissioner <br /> Hirakami emphasized that boards and commissions typically receive detailed <br /> information for agenda items before the meeting so they can be prepared for <br /> discussion. He expressed he wasn't ready to address these topics at this meeting <br /> and deferred to legal counsel. <br /> DCC Wong explained that the chair sets the agenda, which needs to be specific <br /> enough for the public to understand the topics being discussed. She acknowledged <br /> that some of these items had been lingering from previous meetings, but placing <br /> them on the agenda allows for discussion and information gathering. While the <br /> commission is not obligated to act on everything, it can provide recommendations to <br /> the Fire Chief as outlined in the County Charter. She agreed with Commissioner <br /> Hirakami's point on having a formal process for filing complaints. Moving forward, <br /> she stated she would review agenda items more thoroughly before meetings. <br /> Commissioner Hirakami expressed concern about the lack of details in the agenda <br /> items, noting that they are too general. DCC Wong explained that he and the chair <br /> can discuss the items as long as no decisions or votes are made. However, they <br /> cannot call individual members to discuss the same topic, as that could violate the <br /> Sunshine Law. If Commissioner Hirakami needs more information on an agenda <br /> item, he can reach out to the chair directly. He also questioned the relevance of <br /> certain items, like the helicopter donation, interisland transport, the program <br /> manager, and hydrant maintenance, noting that these could have been included in <br /> the chief's report. He pointed out that other commissions typically provide more <br /> specific information for agenda items, rather than broad topics. <br /> DCC Wong acknowledged the concern and stated that they would ensure more <br /> detailed information is included in future agendas, where appropriate. Commissioner <br /> Hirakami suggested that the chair could ask the chief to include updates on these <br /> topics in his report, rather than adding them to the agenda. This would allow for <br /> simple communication between the chair and the chief, as is done on other boards. <br /> Chief Todd mentioned that if the chair wants specific emails included in the <br /> commission's packets, they can discuss that. If the commission seeks updates on <br />