Board Packet for FC Meeting 8-28-25

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes July 24, 2025 Page 4 and "Chopper Two" were already registered by someone else, the department is now working to secure appropriate names. Chair Kosaki commended Chief Todd on his presentation and ongoing improvements. He emphasized that questions from the commission are intended to support the department, personnel, and community safety, and to bring attention to issues he may or may not already be aware of. Chair Kosaki encouraged greater flexibility for dispatch promotions and raised concern that no new rescue watercraft operators have been trained since 2015, resulting in limited coverage, particularly in East Hawai'i. Discussion followed regarding Ocean Safety operations, training needs, and dispatch staffing. Chair Kosaki suggested exploring a position in dispatch dedicated to answering non-emergency calls. Chief Todd acknowledged challenges in Ocean Safety, noting limited rescue watercraft operator training but expects progress in the future. DCC Salas-Ferguson clarified that questions outside the report require a motion to place the matter on a future agenda for full discussion. Recess was called at 11.01 a.m., and the meeting reconvened at 11.15 a.m. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Guidelines for Fire Commissioners Visiting Stations: The commission reviewed the internal policy for commissioners visiting Fire Department facilities. Commissioner Perrin asked about identification for members; Chief Todd stated photos would be sent with a memo, noting that Mayor Alameda has been pulling IDs from all board and commission members. An amendment was proposed to broaden the scope from "fire stations" to include other Fire Department locations (e.g., lifeguard towers, administrative buildings). Chair Kosaki requested a motion to approve the memo with this amendment. Commissioner Perrin moved, Commissioner Wolf seconded, with no discussion; the motion carried unanimously. Commissioner Magsalin left the meeting at 11.55 a.m. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Employee Feedback Evaluation Process: Commissioner Cushnie presented a proposal to engage an external company, such as Gallup, to administer an employee feedback survey. He outlined the benefits of this approach, such as it being a proven tool, utilizing established survey instruments with 12 core questions and optional additions. There would be anonymity; the primary goal is to ensure anonymity through an external third party, encouraging honest and widespread participation to get a true sense of the department's health. The survey would use a rating scale with no open-ended questions to prevent abusive comments and protect anonymity. Controls would ensure one survey