2013-12-23 Fire Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawai‘i County Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes December 23, 2013 Page 4 retaliated on. Rules are not being followed because it is not in writing. There is concern about overtime that paramedics make. He is not going to give names and details of others. With regards to morale, anybody in position of authority is unhappy. They feel threatened and intimidated. WESLEY MATTOS came before the commission. He stated that he has 22 years in the fire department. He is a driver at the Keauhou fire station. He has three concerns about Chief Rosario. One is how he handled the Relief Association Fund. This was supposed to assist families in need, not for their personal slush fund. Another concern is an investigation of a fire fighter falsifying overtime. When asked by Mattos, Corporation Counsel Ashida advised Mr. Mattos not to discuss any ongoing investigation of personnel. The person is still at work. He cannot speak on what is going on. His last concern is the promotion process of the new AC position which goes against the total structure of the fire department. SCOTT DAVIS came before the commission. He has been with the fire department for 13 years and is a Fire Medical Specialist in Waikoloa. He is frustrated because they change the rules for promotion as they take the test. They changed the college requirements. He knows fire fighters who are taking online classes. Promotions are based on whether you are friends of the Chief. He asked how someone could steal $30,000 and it not be reported to the Police. If someone did something wrong, get rid of them. He loves his job. He thought things would be the different with this Chief. At best, morale is at 2%. The $30,000 was an individual who claimed overtime. It should not have been given to a Battalion Chief to investigate. Chair Taniguchi announced that this meeting will go into recess. It will reconvene on February 12, 2014, at 10:00 a.m., in the Aupuni Center Conference Room, 101 Pauahi St., Hilo, Hawai‘i. The meeting reconvened on February 12, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. in the Aupuni Center Conference Room, Hilo, Hawai‘i. Present were Commissioners Taniguchi, Moku, De Luz, Lee, and Waipa. A quorum was present.Also present were Fire Chief Rosario, Corporation Counsel Ashida, and Secretary Pelayo. There was nothing further to discuss, and the meeting was concluded at 10:03 a.m. SUBMITTED BY: JOSIE PELAYO, SECRETARY APPROVED BY: TOBY TANIGUCHI, CHAIR