2013-12-23 Fire Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawai‘i County Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes December 23, 2013 Page 3 Chief Rosario clarified. He wants to know what the concerns are and be afforded the opportunity to respond to the testimony. Commissioner Lee 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. Vice Chair Moku seconded, and a roll call vote carried unanimously. Executive session convened at 10:45 a.m. Regular session reconvened at 11:10 a.m. Chair Taniguchi announced that they conferred with Corporation Counsel and Fire Chief Rosario. Chief Rosario asserted his right under HRS to be present during any testimony of his review. The commission will comply with the law and allow the Chief to be present. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS ROBERT PERREIRA, Fire Captain of the Prevention Bureau, came before the commission. He stated that he worked with the Chief for a few years when he started. The Chief has always been a hard worker and continues to demonstrate his hard work and diligence to get the job done. He has a good open relationship with him and he has an open door policy with his division of East Hawaii. As an acting Battalion Chief, he has experienced an open door policy.Sometimes people are not happy with the decisions the Chief makes, but they have to put feelings aside and work as a team. The criticism he takes from the commission and the department will better the department. Perreira stated that he has been with the Fire Department for 18 years. As captain in Hilo, he oversees one inspector. With regards to morale, he believes 75-80 percent of the employees are happy. SEAN SOMMERS came before the commission.He stated that he is a Captain in South Kohala, and this year he makes 20 years in the Fire Department. He spent most of his career in rescue in Kailua-Kona. He believes the Chief took the position with good intentions and works hard. However, there is an underlying feeling of intimidation in the department. He has concerns about being denied temporary assignment and overtime; he wants clarification. He is not satisfied with how the Chief handled the Fire Relief Fund. STEVE LOYOLA came before the commission. He stated that he has been with the Fire Department for 22 years. There is an overwhelming feeling within the fire department of hostility. People are afraid of retaliation. Tons of people contacted him. He cannot talk about things he wanted to talk about because he is afraid of retaliation. Morale is not at 70%. Morale for fire fighters and drivers is at 2%. He has a disagreement about a case. People are afraid to talk because they are going to be