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HAWAII FIRE COMMISSION <br /> REGULAR SESSION MINUTES <br /> AUGUST 24, 2023 <br /> WEST HAWAII CIVIC CENTER, BUILDING A, COUNCIL CHAMBERS <br /> 74-5044 ANE KEOHOKALOLE HWY., KAILUA-KONA, HI <br /> CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL <br /> Chair Kosaki called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. <br /> Present: Gerald Kosaki, Chair <br /> Carlene Wolf, Vice Chair <br /> Gregory Henkel, Commissioner <br /> Corey Luke, Commissioner <br /> Shon Magsalin, Commissioner <br /> Wesley Mattos, Commissioner <br /> Gene Nakashima, Commissioner <br /> A quorum was present. <br /> Also present: Darwin Okinaka, Assistant Chief <br /> Ian Chadwick, Assistant Chief <br /> Suzanna Tiapula, Deputy Corporation Counsel <br /> Charisse Correa, Commission's Secretary <br /> Lauren Williamson, Chief's Secretary <br /> PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS <br /> • Natalie Reynolds came before the commission and introduced herself as having <br /> family members in the police and fire departments and discussed the importance of <br /> first responders and funding for them. She expressed her concern about recent fires <br /> and inquired about the island's firefighting aircraft capabilities and plans for <br /> improving fire boats and rescue equipment. She suggested increasing the budget for <br /> the fire department and emphasized the importance of education. She expressed <br /> her personal responsibilities and desire to help ensure the safety of the community, <br /> and to take measures so we don't face the same catastrophe that happened in Maui. <br /> Commissioner Mattos expressed his ongoing concern about equipment issues within <br /> the department. Specifically, he mentioned that there had been a lack of a rescue <br /> boat for two years, and the existing equipment was deteriorating. He received <br /> photos from personnel illustrating the deterioration of this equipment. Commissioner <br /> Mattos expressed that he had intended to inquire with the chief about his plans for <br /> improving the quality of equipment on their side of the island and while the chief had <br /> acquired new brush trucks, they were for the volunteers. Commissioner Mattos <br /> acknowledged the validity of her concerns and expressed hope that the other <br /> commissioners would also address these problems. He had intended to discuss <br /> these issues with the chief at the meeting, but unfortunately, the chief wasn't <br /> present. <br />