2013-12-23 Fire Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawai‘i County Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes December 23, 2013 Page 2 Chair Taniguchi thanked Mr. Bertsch for his service and for attending this meeting. He stated that he and the commission are always mindful and appreciative of what the volunteers do for the community and department. He also related with the exception of one (1) meeting, he has regularly attended the volunteer Captains’ meetings, so if he felt comfortable, discussion could take place at that venue as well. EXECUTIVE SESSION Commissioner De Luz motioned to meet in executive session to consult with Corporation Counsel on questions and issues pertaining to the commission's powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities; to consider sensitive matters relating to public safety; and to conduct an annual evaluation of the Fire Chief pursuant to HRS 92- 5 (a) (2) (4) (6) and the Hawai‘i County Charter Section 13-20 (b). Commissioner Namahoe seconded, and the motioned carried unanimously. Executive session convened at 11:06 a.m. Regular session reconvened at 2:10 p.m. Chair Taniguchi announced that this meeting will be recessed and will continue at the next meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 8, 2014, at 10:00 a.m., at the North Hawai‘i Community Hospital, Mauna Kea/Mauna Loa Conference Rooms, 67-1125 Mamalahoa Highway, Kamuela, Hawai‘i. The meeting reconvened on January 8, 2014, at the North Hawai‘i Community Hospital. It was called to order at 10:30 a.m. Present were Commissioners Taniguchi, Moku, De Luz, Kitaoka, Lee, and Waipa. A quorum was present. Also present were Fire Chief Darren Rosario; Corporation Counsel Ashida, and Secretary Pelayo. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS Chair Taniguchi explained open and executive sessions. Fire Chief Rosario requested that he be allowed to be present during executive session if it pertains to his evaluation. Corporation Counsel Ashida stated that pursuant to HRS 92-5 (a) (2) a board may hold a meeting closed to the public to consider the hire, evaluation, dismissal, or discipline of an officer or employee or of charges brought against the officer or employee where consideration of matters affecting privacy will be involved; provided that if the individual concerned requests an open meeting, an open meeting shall be held. Since the Chief has asked to be present for all testimony, the commission must receive that testimony in open session.