HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-07-13 Fire Commission Minutes
Harry KimDixie Kaetsu
MayorManaging Director
Peter L. Hendricks
Deputy Managing
Director
HAWAII COUNTY FIRE COMMISSION
C/O 25 Aupuni Street #217, Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Phone: 961-8316 ; Fax: 933-1521
REGULAR SESSION - MINUTES
July 13, 2005
Liquor Control Conference Room
Hilo Lagoon Centre
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Commissioner Maedo at 10:00 a.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Neil Brazier
James Browne
Rudolph Hart
Karen Kudlo
Karen Maedo
GlenMatsuda
Wil Okabe
Excused: Dale Fergerstrom
A quorum was present.
ALSO PRESENT:
Vivian AkineAaron Arbles
Stephen BowlesCheryl Brzezowski
Fay CadabonaKaycie Carter
Laura CaseyLaurie Kaneta
Leanne KapahuCurtis Matsui
Diane Noda, Deputy Corporation CounselDarryl Oliveira, Fire Chief
Melissa SilvaDoriann Sugihara
Desmond Wery, Deputy Fire ChiefKerry Yamaguchi
Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
Commissioners: Neil Brazier, James Browne, Dale Fergerstrom, Rudolph Hart, Karen Kudlo
Karen Maedo, Glen Matsuda, Wil Okabe
(Open to the Public)
STATEMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS
None
(Executive Session)
STATEMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Hart moved to accept the June 8, 2005, regular session minutes.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Brazier and unanimously carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Budget & Finance (Hart/Matsuda) Commissioner Hart informed the members
that Former Commissioner Stephen Bowles would meet with Chief Darryl
Oliveira to review the Fire Departments budget. Mr. Bowles agreed to attend the
August 10, 2005, meeting and present an overview of the budget process.
CHIEFS REPORT/NEW BUSINESS
Assistant Chief Curtis Matsui thanked the Hawaii County Fire Commission for
their support and commitment to the Hawaii County Fire Department. He
requested the HCFDs seven recently-hired employees introduce themselves.
Dispatchers Kerry Yamaguchi, Doriann Sugihara, Melissa Silva, Leanne Kapahu,
Cheryl Brzezowski, Fay Cadabona and Clerk Laura Casey are honored to work
for the Fire Department and feel that it is a good organization.
The HCFC wished them well.
HazMat Presentation by Kawailani Fire Station personnel.
·
Kawailani Fire Stations Captain Aaron Arbles introduced himself and
explained that Hazardous Technicians attend a two-week chemistry course
and a two-week practical class. Beginning three years ago, they annually
attendWeaponsofMassDestructiondrillsinstructedbytheHawaiiNational
Guard. The next drillisscheduled for August. The HCFDs policy is to have
fiveHazardousTechniciansondutyatalltimes.Ifanincidentoccurs,two
personnel are suited, two perform as backup and one is in charge of the
operation.TheFireDepartmentcurrentlyhasapproximately100certified
Hazardous Technicians.
Commissioner Kudlo questioned whether firefighters volunteered to be
certifiedoriftherewasarequiredpercentage.
2
Captain Arbles stated that firefighters volunteered and that the Kawailani Fire
Station is the only HazMat Response Team on the island. The HCFD is
anticipating the arrival of its West Hawaii HazMat truck this summer.
Commissioner Okabe questioned the number of HCFD firefighters.
Captain Arbles answered that there were 360 firefighters.
Commissioner Matsuda inquired on the number of HazMat Technicians in
West Hawaii.
Captain Arbles stated that the HazMat Technicians are spread out evenly
throughout the island.
CommissionerKudloaskedifvolunteerfirefighterswereofferedHazMat
training.
Captain Arbles answered that due to the high cost, the Fire Department
prefers the 24-hour personnel be trained.
Commissioner Okabe asked how often training occurred.
Captain Arbles answered that the States Civil Defense Agency notifies them
when classes are available.
Commissioner Okabe asked if there were a maximum number of personnel
who could attend these classes.
Captain Arbles answered that it does depend on the funds. Currently, the
HazMat Team attends the specialized classes and shares their knowledge
with the other personnel.
Commissioner Okabe asked if the individuals who attend the course take the
lead when an incident occurs.
Captain Arbles replied that each Districts Captain assumes the incident
command and is responsible for the operation.
At 10:25 a.m., the Fire Commission accompanied Captain Arbles to the
parking lot. A demonstration was conducted on the operations of the HazMat
Response Teams truck and equipment.
The Fire Commission returned to the Liquor Control Conference Room at
10:50 a.m.
3
APPROVAL OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
Commissioner Matsuda moved to accept communication number 05-011. The
motion was seconded by Commissioner Browne and unanimously carried.
Commissioner Kudlo inquired about communication number 05-011, (The
st
request of a Commissioner to speak at the 31 Recruit Class graduation
ceremony) who would be representing the commission.
Commissioner Maedo asked HCFDs Secretary Laurie Kaneta if
Commissioner Fergerstrom responded to the request.
Ms. Kaneta replied that he had not.
Commissioner Maedo stated that she was unable to attend. Commissioner
Brazier informed her that he would attend. She suggested that he check with
Commissioner Fergerstrom on whether he would be representing the
commission.
CHIEFS REPORT/NEW BUSINESS (contd)
Budget
FY 2005/06: On July 8, 2005, a request was submitted to the County
·
Council for the reinstatement of funds with the four previously unfunded
fire fighter positions. The funding is necessary for the hiring of the
rd
upcoming 33Recruit Class in September 2005.
Alternative Funding and Grants
USFA Grant: Bid specifications were submitted to the purchasing office
·
for the modular live fire-training unit(burn trailer); anticipating bids from
vendors for the delivery of the trailer.
FY 2005 Assistance to Firefighters Grant: On June 16, 2005, a favorable
·
review was received by FEMA. There were requests for clarification on
how the department would match funds and whether the department
would be able to implement the program within the time period. Also
included was identifying stations that are within the National Historic
Preservation and National Flood Insurance Programs requirements.
Responses were submitted on July 8, 2005.
Commissioner Maedo questioned the timeline.
ChiefOliveirastatedthattheprocesswouldtakeoneyear.
RegardingKawailaniFireStationsconcernwiththeemissioncontrol,
Chief Oliveira stated that a consultant was brought in from Kauai in
partnershipwiththeDepartmentofEnvironmentalManagementtoassess
4
and evaluate the station. The HCFD is waiting for a formal report and will
follow up with the HCFC at the next meeting.
DOT Safe Highways Grant: Received and distributed 67 spineboards to
·
the ambulance unit stations; anticipating the start of an exchange program
with the Ocean Safety Lifeguards to ensure adequate resources for the
beaches. Captain Mento will be submitting a grant application for the next
DOT Safe Highways Grant. This application will seek to acquire six
pneumatic airlifting devices and one spare power extrication tool. Total
cost is approximately $63,000.
Capital Improvement Projects
Pahoa Fire Station: Special Use permit application is being circulated for
·
employee comments; anticipating the formal design plan phase for the
eight-acre parcel to be completed.
Commissioner Brazier questioned the size of the entire parcel.
Chief Oliveira replied that the parcel exceeds eight acres. The Fire
Department would only require five.
Fire Administration & Support Facility: Completed the preliminary space
·
assessment with the staff. This was done to determine the needs and
recommendations that each section requires.
Kalaoa Fire Station: Developer working on sight distance issues with
·
adjacent landowner.
Promotions and Hiring
Fire Radio Dispatcher III (Supervisors): Interviews were held on
·
June22,2005.Threeindividualswereselected.Promotionsareeffective
on July 16, 2005.
Clerk III: Selected Laura Casey to fill the Clerk III position.
·
Fire Fighter Recruitment: Closed on June 27, 2005. The Department of
·
CivilServicewillbeestablishingacertifiedlist.Thiswillbeforthehiringof
the upcoming classes in March and September 2006.
Commissioner Okabe questioned the number of applicants.
Chief Oliveira replied that there were 472 applicants.
rd
33
Fire Fighter Recruit Class: Scheduled to begin September 1, 2005.
·
20Candidatesareintheprocessoftheirpre-employmentmedical
screening.
Internal Recruitments: Anticipating the announcement of recruitment for
·
FireCaptain,FireEquipmentOperator,FirePreventionInspector,
5
Battalion Chief and Assistant Chief positions. Working on opening
recruitment for two Dispatchers, a Mechanic, and an Account Clerk.
Operations Division
Naptha (Barge) Fire:
·
Chief Oliveira explained that four of the Hilo Fire Departments responded
to the pier, due to a flange fire on the morning of July 3, 2004. It was
determined that the fire initiated from a pump leak that ignited and melted
the gasket on the flange. A pressurized leak at the joint of the piping
caused a 20-30 feet jet-fire projecting off the barge. Their primary concern
was to shut off the fuel, but the emergency shutoff switch malfunctioned.
As this occurred, a foreign Barge Operator panicked and reverted back to
his native language, which resulted in a communication barrier between
the responders and himself. There was consideration of an evacuation
because of the size of the area, which included the hotels, parts of
Keaukaha,andthebackoftheairport.Fortunately,theincidentdidnot
escalate and there was no need to evacuate. The HCFD was pleased
with the performance and conduct of their personnel. Their tactics were
applied adequately and appropriately. This situation has raised an
awareness to be better prepared for malfunctions and to preplan for them
and also, to learn more about these vessels and their equipment. There is
a need to work with the industries to identify potential problems.
Captain Arbles stated that the operator did initially try to hit the shutoff
valve to stop the flow of fuel to the engine but was overwhelmed by the
smoke and heat. The intensity of the flames caused the wires to burn,
which resulted in a disconnection every time the switch was used.
Commissioner Browne inquired on the duration of a port closure if an
explosion occurred.
Chief Oliveira stated that fuel barges arrive on a weekly basis. The public
would be surprised to know what kind of products are stored. The
Industry is responsible with the compliance of all rules and regulations
regarding storage and operations.
Commissioner Browne complimented the HCFD for an outstanding job.
Chief Oliveira praised the Industries personnel who assisted. This
incident has encouraged a training awareness for the HCFD, the Industry,
and the Coast Guard.
Commissioner Okabe asked if the Coast Guard performs any type of fire
rescue.
6
Chief Oliveira stated that the Coast Guards primary mission is with search
and rescue, and port security.
Collection and Security of Personal Property Associated with Patient
·
Transports Policy: A temporary interim procedure and policy was
disseminated to all personnel on June 30, 2005. (See Attachment A)
The HCFD will continue to work with Deputy Corporation Counsel Noda to
develop written procedures regarding the chain of custody of personal
property.
NFIRS Training: Captain Reuben Chun and Fire Equipment Operator
·
Charles Whittle attended an NFIRS-Data Analysis and Problem Solving
Techniques training on June 21-22, 2005, at Honolulu Fire Department.
Fire RMS Training Module: Captain Glen Honda and FEO Charles Whittle
·
attended this training on July 8, 2005, at the Honolulu Fire Department.
UFSA/NHSTA National Incident Management System Train the Trainer
·
Class: FEO Lance Uchida will attend the training between July 24-29,
2005, in Maryland. Eventually, the County of Hawaii will need to have
National Incident Management toqualify for any federal funding.
Hawaii Petroleum Fire Protection Course: Five firefighters attended the
·
class sponsored by Chevron/Texaco between June 27 - July 1, 2005, in
Honolulu.
Hilo International Airport Incident Command System Class: Attended by
·
Captain Aaron Arbles between June 28 - 30, 2005.
PreventionDivision
th
4 of July: Responded to 11 fireworks-related incidents. The Department
·
of Health reported seven fireworks-related incidents, five in Hilo, one in
North Hilo, and one in Kona. Of the seven, one was aerial related.
Commissioner Maedo questioned the number of permits issued.
Chief Oliveira answered that he was unsure of the amount. He will
provide the commission with the total at the next meeting.
Training Division
st
31 Recruit Class Update: Completing their EMT-I training. Graduation is
·
scheduled for August 20, 2005, at Nani Mau Gardens in Hilo. Invitations
have been sent to the HCFC.
nd
32FireFighterRecruitClass:Intheprocessofreceivingtheirlifeguard
·
rescue training,atthe KonaAquatics pool. Intense 40-hour class,
involvingeighthoursofdailytraininginthepool.Commissionersare
welcomed to attend and observe.
Commissioner Okabe asked if there was a training video.
7
Chief Oliveira replied that he would look into compiling the lifeguard
rescue trainings components on film.
Internal Investigations Training & Certificate Program: Six personnel
·
attended 3-day training between June 28-30, 2005.
Fire Science: Once again with the support of the Rural Development
·
Program, the Fire Science courses will begin in the fall and will be offered
free of charge (to be subsidized through grant funding). The classes that
are offered are The Introduction to Wildland Fire Control (3 credits), and
Incident Command and Disaster Control (3 credits). The classes will be
taught between August 22 - December 7, 2005.
Volunteer Training Division
Volunteer Fire Chiefs meeting will be held in Kona Palisades. Date and
·
time will be advised at the next meeting.
EMS Division
Medical Director: Dr. Lee Finebergs contract ended on June 30; in the
·
process of contracting Dr. Rich McDowell by July 16, 2005.
New Projects/Business
Reorganization: Completed consultation with the Fire Fighters Union and
·
received a favorable approval. Hoping to implement and fill the Assistant
ChiefandBattalionChiefpositions.Thiswillpermitthedepartmentto
delegate responsibilities, allow better lines of authority and management
of staff and resources, and focus on other necessary projects.
Employee/Public Relations
thrd
4 of July Pool Splash: 3 Annual event coordinated by Captain Clint
·
Coloma, held on July 4, 2005, at the NAS pool.
th
HIUW/KTA Bag Brigade: 4 Annual event, scheduled during the months
·
of August & September. Approximately $4000 was raised last year.
Commissioner Hart asked for an update on the Volunteer Divisions Paauilo
parcel.
Chief Oliveira stated that the Department of Public Works was in the process of
identifying the positions of the lot. The Department of Finance will be subdividing
the 1000+-acre parcel, five acres for the HCFDs Volunteer Station, five acres for
theDepartmentofPublicWorksHighwaysDivision,andthereisalso
consideration of relocating Honokaas Rodeo Arena onto that property.
Chief Oliveira mentioned that a truck from California was being donated to the
PaauiloVolunteers.
CommissionerMaedoquestionedthestatusofCentralFireStation.
8
Chief Oliveira stated that the Lanakila Projects Manager was examining their
general plan. There is a need to consider how they will make up for the housing
shortage thats created by giving the HCFD its requested parcel.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Follow up on medication procedures.
·
(Addressed in Chiefs Report)
COMMITTEE REPORTS (contd)
Office Management and Staffing (Brazier/Okabe) None
Rules and Policies (Maedo) None
Public Relations (Browne/Kudlo) Commissioner Browne and Kudlo met with
Hawaii State Firewise Coordinator Denise Laitnen who performed a Wildland
nd
Fire training presentation for the 32 Recruit class. She will be presenting
another Firewise demonstration at the end of the month.
Commissioner Browne and Kudlo were concerned that the Fire Department may
be overlooking the Volunteer Division. Commissioner Browne attended the
Volunteer Chiefs meeting and was informed by a few individuals that there was
not enough action with the volunteers. They discussed the three recent brush
fires and recognized the need for a Firewise Urban Wildland intercession.
Commissioner Kudlo met Firefighter Recruit Melanie Keolanui (the only female in
the class) and looks forward to being at her graduation. She would like to do
some Public Relations information on her because she would be a great role
modeltoallyoungwomenontheislandwhoareconsideringasimilarcareer.
CommissionerKudlostatedthatshephonedtheFireDepartmentsWestHawaii
Public Relations office listed in the phone book and spoke with a man from
Waikoloa.Heinformedherthattherewerenocurrentprojectsintheirdistrict
and that the Battalion Chiefs position had been vacant for a few months.
Commissioner Kudlo spoke to Scott with the Hilo Jaycees regarding the Hawaii
CountyFair.HerequestedtheparticipationoftheFireDepartmentandprovided
her with an information packet. The event is scheduled for Sept 15-18, 2005.
Commissioner Kudlo suggested a spotted dog contest with an entry fee to raise
funds for a Wildland equipment bag.
Commissioner Kudlo and Browne suggested posting Fire Condition signs at the
front of the Fire Stations. Commissioner Browne mentioned that on the mainland
9
signs are posted in close proximity of the Fire Stations. They give a public notice
of the Fire Danger as being extreme, high, and/or moderate.
Chief Oliveira addressed the concerns of the Public Relations Committee.
Chief Oliveira stated that he is a boardmemberofthe Big Island Wildfire
Coordinating Group and the West Hawaii Fuel and Management Organization.
These groups are comprised of different agencies and staff members such as,
the Fire Department, Forestry, Soil and Water Conservation, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife, and the Federal Fire Department personnel.
Regarding the Fire Condition signs, Chief Oliveira stated that signs were
discussed on numerous occasions. There is a need to create a statewide sign,
but there is difficulty with creating a standard fire moduling system that identifies
Hawaiisuniqueissues.Theseissuesincludefuelmaterials,vegetation,and
unusual weather conditions. The standard road sign agencies are considering
creating related theme signs saying only you can prevent a fire or something to
that affect.
Commissioner Matsuda questioned if the County of Hawaii could take the lead
on this.
Chief Oliveira replied that he would address this concern at the next Big Island
Wildfire Coordinating Group meeting.
Commissioner Kudlo mentioned that she called Reed Flickinger with the West
Hawaii Today regarding free space on community safety awareness.
Regarding the Hawaii County Fair, Chief Oliveira stated that Firefighters at the
Central Fire Station were interested in participating.
Commissioner Kudlo asked if a contract was signed.
Chief Oliveira stated that the interested firefighters were attempting to get the
fees waived. He will advise her with a contact person.
Regarding publicity on Firefighter Recruit Keolanui, Chief Oliveira stated that he
spoke to Betsy Tranquilli with the West Hawaii Today who was doing an article
on women in the Fire Service. She will be interviewing Melanie Keolanui, Stacy
Domingo and Tracy Brennan.
Chief Oliveira commented that Volunteer Ron Sanford posts the Firewise
meetings. Unfortunately, until an incident occurs very few volunteers show
interest.
Commissioner Brazier questioned the number of female applicants.
10
Chief Oliveira answered that the physical agility test was sent out with the
recruitment announcement and there is little response. There is a need to find
creative ways to inform woman to choose fire service as a career.
Commissioner Okabe requested a copy of the test.
Chief Oliveira agreed to provide him with one.
Training and Education (Brazier/Maedo) None
NEW BUSINESS (contd)
Milolii Volunteer Fire Department update.
·
Commissioner Kudlo explained that she spoke to an individual namedJoe
with the Milolii Volunteer Fire Department. He informed her that their
department was dismantled and they want to be part of a volunteer group but
do not even have a first aid kit or a vehicle. They had a truck that leaked and
it was sent to Central Fire Stationand is now retired. They have a Type 5
mini pumper truck that needs a master cylinder andis sitting their collecting
weeds. These individuals feel shutdown, lost and neglected. She also spoke
to an individual named Eric in Captain Cook who informed her that their mini
pumper truck is useless. When the truck is filled with water or used to put
equipment on, it is over the weight limit and it is not 4-wheel drive. Miloliis
truck is a 4-wheel drive truck that is painted green. She suggested that the
truck be painted yellow and have Milolii and Captain Cook switch vehicles.
ChiefOliveirastatedthatshewasmisinformed.CaptainCookdoeshave
weight issues and they will be replacing that truck. There are morale issues
therebecausedifferentshiftshavedifferentideasonhowtheywanttoequip
the truck. Miloliis truck has arrived and is being worked on because they
work with brackish water and there is a need to have a tank specifically made
for that truck. He will follow up on the issue regarding the master cylinder
needed for their mini pumper truck. The Fire Departments mechanics are
usually good with responding to the volunteers and the paid staffs repairs.
He suggested that the Milolii staff attend the Volunteer Chiefs meetings.
They have never attended and this would give them opportunity to share their
concerns and issues with the administration. Their participation would also
help them become more active and build the Volunteer Program. Many
volunteers work and make the time to attend.
Commissioner Kudlo agreed that they should make an effort.
Chief Oliveira commented that volunteer units who have deficiencies should
contact the Volunteer Program Administrator Captain Russell Enriques.
11
Chief Oliveira mentioned that the HCFD is adding another volunteer unit in
the Ainaloa area. This will raise the total to 25 volunteer units in the County
of Hawaii.
PUBLIC STATEMENTS
Corporation Counsel Diane Noda advised the HCFC that she researched
Commissioner Brownes request to ride Chopper 2. The police department has a
ride along program and requires the rider to sign a waiver. Chief Oliveira will
inform the commissioner when a non-emergency mission occurs in his/her
district. Ms. Noda will establish a consent and release form to ensure that the
Fire Commission, the Fire Department, and the County General will not be liable.
She will also incorporate rules intothe form. The completed form will be emailed
to Chair Fergerstrom and the Fire Department.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The next meeting is to be held on Wednesday, August 10, 2005, at
·
10:00 a.m., in theLiquor Control Conference Room, Hilo Lagoon Centre,
101 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
Set agenda for August 10, 2005, meeting.
·
Report on District 6 by Commissioner Kudlo.
·
Budget process overview by Stephen Bowles and Commissioner Rudy
·
Hart.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned at 12:03 p.m.
SUBMITTED BY:
__________________________
KAYCIE A. I. CARTER
Secretary
12