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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-11-10 Fire Commission Minutes William P. Kenoi Stephen Bowles Mayor Chairman Kaloa Robinson Vice-Chairman HAWAI‘I COUNTY FIRE COMMISSION C/O 25 Aupuni Street #2602, Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 Phone: 961-8317 ; Fax: 933-1521 Email: Firecomm-agenda@co.hawaii.hi.us REGULAR SESSION -MINUTES November 10, 2010 Aupuni Center Conference Room 101 Pauahi Street, Hilo, Hawai'i CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chair Bowles at 10:03a.m. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Chair Stephen Bowles Vice Chair Kaloa Robinson (arrived at 10:06 a.m.) Commissioner Greg Henkel Commissioner Kimo Lee Commissioner Toby Taniguchi Commissioner Luahiwa Namahoe (arrived at 10:06 a.m.) Commissioner Byron Moku (arrived at 10:08 a.m.) Commissioner Bill Rosehill Commissioner Scott Stabo Aquorum was present. ALSO PRESENT: Deputy Corporation Counsel Bill Brilhante Jennifer Kualii, Fire Commission secretary Stacie Waltjen, Fire Commission secretary Laurie Kaneta, Secretary to Fire Chief Darryl Oliveira, Fire Chief Glen Honda, Deputy Fire Chief Darren Rosario, Assistant Fire Chief Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer Commissioners: Stephen Bowles, Greg Henkel, Kimo Lee, Bryon Moku, Luahiwa Namahoe, Kaloa Robinson, Bill Rosehill, Scott Stabo and Toby Taniguchi Chair Bowles asked the Commissioners to give a brief background of themselves as a way of introducing themselves. Commissioner Taniguchi was born and raised in Hilo. He attended school in Oregon and lived there for several years. He moved back home to Hilo and relocated to Waikoloa. Commissioner Taniguchi currently lives in Waimea and he works for KTA superstores. He is aware of the numerous brush fires as well as various services that the Department provides in that area. Commissioner Taniguchi is thankful for the opportunity to serve on the Fire Commission. Commissioner Rosehill lives in Kona. He was the land manager for Kamehameha schools. He currently builds and repairs outrigger canoes. Chair Bowles lives in Waimea and owns a business called Waimea Water Services which is a water development and consulting business. Commissioner Stabo lives in Discovery Harbor in and is a general contractor/builder. Commissioner Henkel is a twenty-four year resident of Puna. He is an artist and an educator and teach computer and CAD designs. Commissioner Lee works at WH Shipman and is in charge of the real estate. Vice-Chair Robinson is currently employed at Puna Geothermal Venture. CommissionerNamahoe lives in Pana‘ewa and is a business development manager for ProServicesHawai‘i. Her husband is a state fire fighter. Commissioner Moku lives in Kona and he currently works for a development company. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Rosehill moved for approval of the April 14, 2010 regular session, seconded by Commission Robinson and carried unanimously by voice vote. Chair Bowles stated that the minutes should be read because they are important. Some events that happened subsequent to the meeting, which isreflected in the Charter vote of this County, which affirmed our position as aCommission having the authority over the selectionand management of the Fire Chief. The other point brought up in the minutes, is a letter that will be put in the record shortly. 2 APPROVAL OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS Commissioner Taniguchi moved to accept communication numbers 10-02 through 10-06. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Stabo and unanimously carried. Chair Bowles noted that unfortunately, Louis Kaoiwi resigned. As a result of that, could not have a meeting since April. Just a reminder, he hopeseveryone can attend the meetings in the future. Commissioner Taniguchi asked if there was a correspondence generated relative to Communication 10-02. Chair Bowles stated that no correspondence was generated because of no meetings. Commissioner Taniguchi asked if there was a correspondence generated relative to Communication 10-03. Chair Bowles stated that there was no response. At the time this letter was sent to us, we requested that there be a delay from this Commission and we never received response back to his knowledge. Deputy Corporation Counsel Brilhante stated as this Commission moves forward, maybe wise of us to consider placing this on the next agenda because I think we should provide some kind of response now that we have quorum. Chair Bowles polled the Commissioners to see if they would like to respond to the Cost of Government Commission. Commissioner Taniguchi asked if it was required that we provide a response to the Cost of Government. Deputy Corporation Counsel Brilhante stated it is not mandatory that this Commission responds however it relates to the smooth operation of the County. It is a fellow county commission that is requesting a response however leaving it up to the commission to decide. Commissioner Taniguchi stated he thinks a draft response should be constructed and reviewed. Brilhante stated because this matter wasn’t agendized, the appropriate would be to put it on the next agenda. CHIEF’S REPORT Chief Oliveira welcomed the newly appointed Commissioners and welcomed back the veteran Commissioners. Chief Oliveira took a moment to thank the Commissioners for volunteering their personal time to represent the community, the Department and the Fire Commission. 3 Chief Oliveira introduced the following to the Commission: Ann Ignacio, Human Resources Specialist Laurie Kaneta, Secretary to the Fire Chief Darren Rosario, Assistant Fire Chief in charge of the Operations Division of the Fire Department Thomas Reppuhn, volunteer fire fighter from Volcano Glen Honda, Deputy Fire Chief Tom Brandt, volunteer Fire Chief who represents volunteer division within the Fire Department. He is also a fire righter Doug Keown,volunteer company officer for Paradise Park Vicky Keown,Doug’s wife. Chief Oliveira stated that for future meetings, he would like to provide the Commission with more in-depth reports from some of the chief officers and/or program managers, with their specific programs that they coordinate and foundation of the department. Chief Oliveira stated he is the first Fire Chief selected under the Fire Commission. His term started March 2002. Presently, he has 30 years of service with Hawai‘i Fire Department. This Commission was established through a Charter amendment. The creation of this Commission “de-politicized” the Department and fortunately, under Mayor Kim and Mayor Kenoi, they both pledged their commitment to provide a support and neither of them has tried to influence how they operate their department. Chief Oliveira stated that back in 2003, one of the first things the new administration did was to create a process for long range planning therefore they developed a strategic plan. It is now in the current process of being revised, updated and modified based on changes. It is setting aroad map for the future and helps to set long range thinking and goal planning and a philosophy that these members can embrace. Amission statement was established that says who they are, what they do and how they do it. Chief Oliveira stated that the Hawai‘i Fire Department is the only combination department in the State that has volunteer members. There are over 225 volunteer members, approximately 446 paid employees,which includes uniform staff. Hawai‘i Fire Department is one of two departments in the State of Hawai‘i that has anocean safety program within their department.The department operates its own fire communication and dispatch center, equipment repair and maintenance shop and warehouse and distribution center. Tom Brandt, elected volunteer chief, spoke about the volunteer program. 4 Chief Oliveira then gave his power point presentation to the Commission, touching upon the following: The only county or municipal fire department in the state to have volunteers as a work force or response force Afully integrated transport EMS system 100% of EMS operations is state funded; huge dependence o on the State for our operations, hasprobably the most effective and efficient operation Servesan area of 4,000 sq miles with every environmental situation you can think of ranging from high altitude mountains to shore lines to tropical rain forests. Search and Rescue ispartnered with other agencies Public education and outreach Volume of business Ems/medical calls make up the vast majority of our call o volume Fire o Search and rescue o Hazmat o Other (special services, alarms, missions, parades) o Population (analyze and stay on top of environmental changes) Strategic plan Integrity (fairness, honesty, respect) o Pride o Commitment to service o Safety o Teamwork o Strategic focus Training and education o Communications and relations o Public education o Public relations o Safety o Financial effectiveness o Operations o SWOT Analysis Budget Chair Bowles encouraged the commissioners to gather as much information from the Chief because it’s important to get educated of the functions of the entire department. Chair Bowles stated that the rating of the Chief will be coming up at the end of the year and that they are obligated to appraise the Chief and file a statement/letter to the Mayor on his performance. Chair Bowles then stated that they could not expect the newcomers to immediately evaluate the Chief, 5 hopefully the commissioners will have an opportunity at the next couple meetings to converse with the Chief. Deputy Corporation Counsel Brilhante recommended that discussion regarding the Chief’s evaluation be agendized for the next meeting in December in Kona.It was further recommended that one of the previous commissioners give a brief background presentation as to how the process transpired previously, what type of areas the commission took under consideration in the evaluation process and how the process went forward and how the recommendation was submitted to the Mayor. Chair Bowles then stated that Commissioner Rosehill’sterm and his term will be ending shortly. Deputy Corporation Counsel Brilhante stated that Commissioner Rosehill and Chair Bowles may be asked to extend their term for another three months,which is allowed in the rules.That being the case, it’s really imperative that one of the primary tasks of this commission is to provide an annual evaluation and to make sure everyone is up to speed. It would also be beneficial to sample Chief’s past evaluation as to what transpired. Deputy Corporation Counsel Brilhante stated that this isan annual evaluation which should be submitted to the Mayor at the end of the year, however, it hasn’t always been submitted in January/February as there has been some lag time due to issues with privacy andwhether or not there’s consent to release information. Deputy Corporation Counsel Brilhante further stated under State law, any time an employee is evaluated, that evaluation is privileged to the employee.What happens is when we initially have the Chief’s evaluation, we have a findings that is presented to the Chief in executive session, which is closed to the public. Once that session is over, a request is made to the Chief if he will consent to allow his evaluation to be made public. If he chooses not to, that’s fine, he has that option. If Chief consents, the discussion of the Chief’s evaluation is agendized for the next meeting.Once the evaluation is finalized, a letter then is submitted to the Mayor which states the findings and the position of the commissioners. Chair Bowles stated that’sthe issue that they’ve wrestled with for the last 10 years on how to evaluate a fire chief. He suggested that it be explained to the commissioners how it was done in the past and suggested aformat of what we could do to proceed. In the past, there was a series of categories to rate the Chief and a form was given to each of the commissioners for their own personal use in evaluating the Chief’s performance. It was asked if an evaluation had to be done by the end of the year and Deputy Corporation Counsel Brilhante stated that there is no set deadline. 6 Commissioner Taniguchi asked Chief Oliveira what his expectations of the Fire Commission was? Chief Oliveira stated that as the commission, he had two expectations: 1) be a representation of the community and your respective districts. Voice their issues and challenges that they may feel uncomfortable raising and also a conduit for what’s shared here going back out to the community. Chief requests that to please don’t promise things hecan’t commit tobecause it’s difficult to overcome expectation when feelings are hurt and people are let down; and 2) global thinking. We’re trying tomake sure every community is treated fairly, equitably and given what we can give practically. Global thinking is what I’m looking for, or hoping for from the commission. Commissioner Taniguchi then thanked Chief Oliveira. Chair Bowles noted that there will not be any committee reports today. He explained that there are functionsthat the commission can and should participate in under sub committees of the commission. Chair Bowles encouraged the commissioners to think about these categories, which were created by the original commission, and make any changes if needed and bring up any suggestions at the next meeting. Deputy Corporation Counsel Brilhante directed the commission to review Rule 4 of the rules and regulations ofthe fire commission which is the power, duties and functions of the commission and also the sunshine law which are the rules and regulations for compliance with Hawai‘i open meetings, sunshine requirements. Deputy Corporation Counsel Brilhante will be setting up an orientation meeting to review the sunshine law requirements, County ethics requirements, and rules and regulations for the fire commission. Deputy Corporation Counsel Brilhante stated that the commission really hasn’t identified a specific committee which would be assigned to the Chief’s evaluation. It will be discussed at the next meeting if the commission wants to assign a particular individual commissioner to serve in that capacity, to draft the evaluation and collect the data. Deputy Corporation Counsel Brilhante recommended that the commissioners think about the committees and which ones they want to serve on and then discuss at the next meeting. Commissioner Mokuwanted to understand the roles of the Chair and Corporation Counsel. Deputy Corporation Counsel Brilhante stated that his job is to make sure the commission stays in compliance with the various rules out there as it relates to public hearings. 7 th Chair Bowles announced that the next meeting will held on December 8at 10a.m. at the Kona Liquor Conference Room. Chief Oliveira asked Battalion Chief Kosaki and Assistant Chief Yawata to give a quick introduction of themselves and what division they represented. Battalion Chief Kosaki stated he overseesthe special operations division which encompasses the hazmat, rescue and ocean safety Assistant Chief Yawata stated he oversees the support services division which encompasses the fire prevention bureau, training bureau, EMS and fire auxiliaries. Chair Bowles noted that he will be attending the fire chief’s conference on the island of Kauai. Corporation Counsel Brilhante directed the commission to Communication 10-04. Chair Bowles stated that he will be give the commission a report at the next meeting. ANNOUNCEMENTS The next meeting is to be held on Wednesday, December 8, 2010, at 10:00 a.m.,in the Kona Liquor Department Conference Room, 75-5722 Hanama Place, Suite 1107, Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740 Set agenda for January 13, 2010 meeting. ADJOURNMENT Meeting was adjourned at 12:00 p.m. SUBMITTED BY: __________________________ JENNIFER M. KUALII Secretary 8