2025-01-23 Fire Commission Minutes

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Regular Session Minutes January 23, 2025 Page 8 Commissioner Hirakami clarified that commissioners are not there to represent individual districts but the entire County of Hawai'i. Commissioner Mattos responded that prior commissioners had visited stations, introduced themselves, and asked about concerns, and questioned why that would be an issue now. Commissioner Perrin clarified that while it's fine for commissioners to visit stations and introduce themselves, they should avoid asking personal questions or discussing the fire chief or equipment. DCC Salas-Ferguson agreed that notifying the fire chief about a station visit is a good idea, particularly if the purpose is to learn about operations and suggest improvements. He mentioned that at the next training, commissioners would receive a packet outlining their rules and the commission’s purpose. He emphasized that if commissioners have issues to raise, they should bring them to the commission as a whole, rather than addressing them individually. Chair Kosaki shared thatin his past experience, Fire Commissioners were encouraged to stop by stations and ask questions, but he questioned whether they should have to go through the chief every time, which could be cumbersome. He suggested the chief issue a blanket letter notifying personnel that commissioners might stop by to visit. DCC Salas-Ferguson explained that the fire chief is the administrative head and would need to decide, possibly consulting with his attorney. Chief Todd disagreed, stating the commission is his boss, and it’s up to them to decide how to handle visitations. He reiterated that commissioners could simply call him to let him know before visiting, and he had no issues with that approach. Commissioner Perrin agreed with Commissioner Mattos, emphasizing that commissioners should be able to visit any station, regardless of district, to review operations and recommend improvements to the fire chief. Commissioner Cushnie proposed streamlining the process by providing a list of commissioner names to station personnel. This would allow commissioners to visit, introduce themselves to the officer in charge, and ask if it’s a good time to talk. If not, they could schedule another visit. DCC Salas-Ferguson agreed with Commissioner Cushnie's suggestion as a good compromise. Chair Kosaki asked if everyone agreed on visiting stations at their convenience to review operations, with the understanding that commissioners should check in with the captain first. Chief Todd emphasized the need for a formal written policy, rather than just a verbal agreement, and offered to send out a memo to personnel. Commissioner Wolf recalled that under the previous administration, Mayor Roth had allowed commissioners to visit stations without needing permission. Chair Kosaki felt the process involved too much red tape. Chief Todd reiterated that the commission should formalize the procedure in writing and agree on it.