2018-08-15 Fire Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Minutes of August 15, 2018 Page 4 Other Departmental Activities: They are looking at doing their own Fire Department website. The Charter Commission requested input on changes. He wants changes in the requirements for Fire Chief and having clear responsibilities between the Commission and the Mayor. • 2018 Program of Work Update (No report.) Recess was called 10:55 a.m. The meeting reconvened at 11:10 a.m. NEW BUSINESS Letter from Charter Commission requesting input and any proposals for amendment to the Charter. Commissioners gave their thoughts: Vice Chair Susman stated that the public looks at this body as oversight. He wants the function of the Fire Commission to be clearly written. It states that they cannot interfere in administrative affairs. They have the right to look and see what's going on. He wants a means for certifying how hiring is done. Chair Becker stated that he sees administrative affairs as personnel matters. Notifying the Chief of things and visiting a station is a matter of courtesy. The public has certain expectations, but the commission doesn't have the power to do some things. He wants more clarification of oversight. Commissioner Henkel stated that he doesn't see any gray areas. They have oversight, but they don't interfere in administrative affairs. They hire the Chief, and they can make recommendations. He would only make minor changes. Commissioner St. Ambrogio felt that administrative affairs need to be more defined. Commissioner Keamo stated that he doesn't want to tell the Chief how to do his job. He respects the Chief's decision. He is the boots on the ground. Chair Becker asked the commissioners to submit their recommendations to Ms. Pelayo so he can prepare a response to the Charter Commission. He will review the HRS requirements for the Fire Chief. The Charter Commission needs to review the court case regarding the Kauai Police Commission vs. their Mayor. Chief Rosario stated that, as a matter of courtesy, he would like to be notified if any of them want to visit a station. He would like to give the guys there a heads up. With regards to their hiring process, they are above board, and he is proud of what he has done. He asked the commission to tell him if they feel he is doing anything wrong.