2012-02-08 Fire Commission Minutes

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Hawai‘i County Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes February 8, 2012 Page 4 In response to Chair Taniguchi’s inquiry into other sources of income, Chief Rosario stated that they received approval from the Mayor to apply for the SAFER grant for fire fighter positions. It will provide salaries for two years and then the county will pick it up after the grant period. They apply for the SBG grant yearly. They have also received a few private grants. NEW BUSINESS Selection of Chair and Vice Chair of the Fire Commission for 2012 Commissioner Moku moved that they keep the current Chair and Vice Chair in place. Commissioner Henkel seconded the motion. Commissioner Robinson stated that he is interested in the Vice Chair position. Commissioner Lee moved to nominated Commissioner Robinson as Vice Chair. Commissioner Moku rescinded his motion. Commissioner Moku moved to nominate Toby Taniguchi as Chair. Commissioner Robinson seconded, and it carried unanimously. Commissioner Henkel moved to nominate Kaloa Robinson as Vice Chair. Commissioner Stabo seconded, and it carried unanimously. EXECUTIVE SESSION Commissioner Robinson moved to meet in executive session to consider discipline and charges of employees where consideration of matters affecting privacy would be involved and a closed session is requested and to consult with Corporation Counsel on questions and issues pertaining to the commission’s powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities pursuant to HRS 92-5 (a) (2) (4) (6) and Hawai‘i County Charter Section 13-20(b). Commissioner Henkel seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. Executive session convened at 11:10 a.m. Regular session reconvened at 1:10 p.m. Investigation and Deliberation of Complaints Complaint HCFC 12-01: Fire personnel responded to a call of illegal burning. Complainant alleged that fire personnel harassed, threatened, and intimidated him. He also alleged that personnel refused to identify themselves. Complaint HCFC 12-02: Complainant stated that he went to the fire station to get the names of personnel involved in a prior incident. He alleged that the personnel at the station assaulted him. Commissioner Namahoe moved to defer action on the two complaints until March in order to afford the complainant an opportunity to be heard. Vice Chair Robinson seconded, and it carried unanimously.