2016-02-10 Fire Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes February 10, 2016 Page 4 Support Services Division ✓ Training: The 44th Firefighter recruit class is progressing on schedule. All recruits passed the driver training closed course. The Driver Simulator arrived in January. Selection made for Hazardous Materials Technician class. ✓ Volunteer Training: Twenty volunteer companies completed the first half of first aid training. The County's policies and procedures is being reviewed. Volunteer award money from the County Council was distributed. They are consulting with Corporation Counsel on benefits and protections for volunteers. Volunteer Commander Paul Lakin reported that they continue to get volunteers through their website at www.hvfca.net. Requirements are on the website. They are working on written standards and procedures. The next captains' meeting will be in February in Ocean View. ✓ EMS: The EMS Bureau continues to support the "Fight the Bite" campaign in Miloli`i, HOVE, Waipi`o Valley, and Kapoho with education and screening. Will be meeting with the State EMS Chief Dr. Bronstein to discuss proposal, funding, and a pilot basic life support ambulance for Puna. MICT class is wrapping up its clinical training on the island and is scheduled to move to Oahu for specialized clinical and internship training. They are hoping to have four new paramedics in seven months. ✓ Prevention Bureau: 1,649 firework permits were sold this New Years. They continue with the smoke detector program and maintenance inspections of commercial businesses. • New Projects: They are increasing grant research and applications due to the FY 2016/17 budget outlook and are looking for in-kind, non-matching grants. • Public Relations: The Exchange Club of Hilo Annual Firefighter of the Year Award ceremony is set for March. The department was cited by HIOSH for extricating a victim in a confined space. As a result, personnel are now being trained for confined space rescue. Union instructors will be doing the training. They want to make sure they protect their department by having everyone certified. EXECUTIVE SESSION Commissioner Ignacio 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 charges against an employee of the Fire Department, and to consider sensitive matters relating to public safety pursuant to HRS 92-5 (a) (2) (4) (6) and the Hawaii County Charter Section 13-20 (b). Commissioner Kitaoka seconded, and it carried unanimously. Executive session convened at 12:30 p.m.