2024-10-24 Fire Commission Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes October 24, 2024 Page 5 o Emergency Communications: The HCECC project is making steady progress toward completion. Students from the HCC Fire Science program recently visited HFD dispatchers for a presentation on Fire Communications operations. Capt. Kaneshiro is currently on a one-month temporary assignment in the Fire Captain position within dispatch to gain a deeper understanding of the role. o Information Technology: Chief Todd praised their IT specialist, Chris Cerrone, for his outstanding work and service. A new ISA I will be joining the team to work under Chris Cerrone. Chief Todd provided an update on software enhancements and EPR FireWorks inspection updates. • Safety Specialist Report: They have moved back into the Waiakea Fire Station and are focusing on mold awareness. Medical checkups have been offered to all personnel who were previously exposed. Online training through Target Solutions is available, and they continue to monitor the situation. Chair Kosaki referred to the meeting minutes about the safety specialist conducting mold awareness training and asked if the specialist visits all stations to check for mold. Chief Todd clarified that the safety specialist does not check for mold. Instead, the department hired a company, Lehua Environmental, to conduct the testing. The company was selected through the county's system. Chair Kosaki inquired if this testing is done at all stations, to which Chief Todd confirmed that, in addition to routine inspections, they requested Lehua Environmental to include mold checks. While mold is common in Hawaii, the goal is to ensure the living conditions meet safety standards by maintaining clean roofs and dorms. They have also reached out to DPW and the mayor to have the roofs treated with a product like Flex Seal or Rhino Lining to prevent leaks, as this is the main source of the mold. Chair Kosaki then asked who determines if mold is considered a hazardous condition at the stations. Chief Todd explained that they'll monitor and test for any issues, and if problems arise, they will address them. However, the bigger concern is the need to replace the roofs. He also discussed how personnel can report safety concerns, emphasizing that there are processes in place to address these issues. Chief Todd expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far and outlined his long-term goals, which he documented in his self-assessment. Vice Chair Wolf mentioned that during her visit to the Waiakea Station, she noticed a large sign warning about falling tiles. While the mold issue had been addressed, she was concerned about the falling tiles. Chief Todd explained that the problem has not been resolved yet; the tiles are actually shingles that have been falling off. He has been trying to have them removed but advised avoiding that area for now. He also shared an example of a similar issue in Pahala, where a fix led to additional problems. Deputy Chief Volpe clarified that a section of ceiling tile became wet,