2024-12-12 Fire Commission Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes December 12, 2024 Page 5 updating the bloodborne pathogens training. Chief Todd has directed the Safety Specialist to initiate countywide safety meetings. In November, two incidents occurred due to failure to follow general safety protocols. The Ocean Safety Office at Hapuna was reviewed for recommendations. There was an issue with the air compressor at Station 21, which was shut down due to high CO levels. • Highlights: Chief Todd announced that Battalion Chief Michael Hayashida retired on November 30 after a 32-year career with the Hawai'i Fire Department. Roof repairs are currently underway at the Pahala Fire Station, following 18 years on the project list. Additionally, HFD made a donation of gifts for Operation Christmas Child. • Follow-up Items for Fire Commission o Mold Remediation/Repair Update: All personnel have returned to the station. They are still coordinating with DPW to have the roof painted to address rust and holes. Most personnel have opted for additional medical screening, which included x-rays, bloodborne pathogen tests, and various other assessments. Mold testing is also being added to the contract for station environmental testing. Chair Kosaki inquired if personnel were still occupying Central Station, and Chief Todd confirmed they were. He then asked if there were plans to move out soon, to which Chief Todd replied that if the contract is signed and renovations at the second warehouse are completed, the move could happen in 3-4 months. Chair Kosaki also asked about any incidents of spalling in the dorm, referencing a ceiling collapse in the bathroom three years ago. Chief Todd noted that it was temporarily fixed with plywood. Since then a chunk of concrete fell around 2023. Deputy Volpe explained that engineers and DPW have reviewed the building and found it safe for occupancy. Chair Kosaki suggested getting written confirmation of this, as it could be a liability. Deputy Volpe confirmed they have structural engineer reports, and Chief Todd mentioned that a report confirmed the building was safe. o Interisland Helicopter Transport: Chief Todd reported that the Daniel R. Sayre Foundation is purchasing an H145 from Airbus with donor support. HFD has been actively assisting the foundation by lending its expertise in managing a FAR135-compliant program and offering guidance on the helicopter's specifications, design, and outfitting. Discussions are ongoing with the State EMSIPB, the Sayre Foundation, and Hilo Hospital to explore contract options for managing and funding this resource. In response to Chair Kosaki's inquiry about HFD's potential role in coordinating interisland helicopter operations, Chief Todd clarified that such operations fall outside HFD's current scope. He explained that this type of inter-facility transport helicopter introduces complex issues, including union and pay considerations, beyond the department's present capacity to resolve.