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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-05-14 Fire Commission Minutes HAWAII COUNTY FIRE COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION - MINUTES May 14, 2003 Liquor Control Conference Room Hilo Lagoon Centre 101 Aupuni Street Hilo, HI CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Commissioner Neil Brazier at 10:00 am. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Stephen Bowles Neil Brazier Rudolph Hart Karen Maedo Laura Ward Terry Wallace Dale Fergerstrom (10:25 am) EXCUSED: Natalie Flattes Louis Kaoiwi A quorum was present. ALSO PRESENT: Lincoln Ashida Laurie Kaneta Tanya Kawananakoa Darryl Oliveira Robert Kaiwa Punihaole Martha Rodillas Noni Sanford Desmond Wery Joe Whitney STATEMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Brazier stated that the complaint on the agenda would be decided on today. Corporation Counsel Ashida will give direction. Corporation Counsel Ashida stated those statements on agenda items is open to the public. The Commissioners have copies of the complaint and copies of reports. Ms. Kawananakoa has the right to present information and to provide input during the open session of the meeting. Under the laws, the only time that the HFC can hear oral testimony in closed session is if the accused person agrees to h session. Corporation Counsel Ashida further stated that a letter was sent to the accused firefighter about the hearing taking place on May 14. The accused firefighter has not communicated with the HFC. Commissioner Brazier and Secretary Martha Rodillas have confirmed this. Mr. Ashida stated that it is difficult to talk of personal matters publicly. A complaint has been brought before the HFC in writing and it will be addressed by the HFC. Corporation Counsel Ashida advised Ms. Kawananakoa that if there were anything that needs to be added, it would need to be done in public. Mr. Ashi Kawananakoa if she understood. Ms. Kawananakoa stated that she did understand and asked the HFC if they are aware of what had happened. Corporation Counsel Ashida pointed out the chair and desk in front of the room and had Ms. Kawananakoa address the HFC from that chair. Ms. Kawananakoa stated that since that incident occurred, she is having nightmares, is kicking in her sleep and is afraid that she may have another hea She is requested that the accused paramedic be taken off the road to prevent this from being done to anyone else. Ms. Kawananakoa stated that she has three daughters and doesnÓt want this to happen to anyone else. She further stated that this paramedic did not take her vitals and did not give her oxygen. She stated that she was left alone after he molested her. She repeated that he needs to be taken off that mission. Ms. Kawananakoa asked why that firefighter was not present at the meeting? Corporation Counsel Ashida advised that the accused firefighter is not required to attend. The purpose of the HFC is to hear citizen complaints. Discipline of firefighters belongs to the HFD (Fire Chief). The HFD conducts an independent investigation. The firefighter may be required to answer to the Fire Chief. Corporation Counsel Ashida confirmed with Ms. Kawananakoa that the police are investigating this case and asked if she has contacted the ProsecutorÓs Office. Ms. Kawananakoa stated that she is seeing a psychotherapist now. 2 Corporation Counsel Ashida gave Ms. Kawananakoa a contact name a number of a Victim's Unit Counselor at the ProsecutorÓs Office. Joe Whitney stated that the volunteerÓs meeting has been changed to HOVE on July 19. It is no longer at the Four Seasons Hotel. APPROVAL OF MEETING PROCEEDINGS Commissioner Wallace moved to accept the April 9, 2003, regular & executive session minutes. Commissioner Hart seconded the motion. Chief Oliveira made a statement with respect to the awards recognition portion of the last minutes. The addition of these names should be included in the minutes: Judy Kaeo, Rachel Ancheta, Gail Nakamura Vivian Akine. Motion was unanimously carried as amended. APPROVAL OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS Commissioner Maedo moved to accept communication numbers 03-30 through 03-37. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ward and unanimously car CHIEFÓS REPORT SWOT analysis exercise needs to be completed by the first Friday in June. This is to evaluate the HFDÓs strengths and weaknesses and what is seen externally. Budget: Council hearing first reading is set for May 21 @ 9:00 am. HFD is prepared to respond to the CouncilÓs questions regarding the budget. The will meet regarding unit 11 contract arbitration awards and will be reviewing additional expenses. This will incorporate the replacement of the SCBA units. Grants: Deputy Wery is working with the Office of Domestic Preparedness thru Civil Defense on a $459,000 grant for Hawaii County. This grant that allows vehicle purchases and will be divided up amongst Police, Safety, Public Works, DLNR and HFD. HFDÓs portion is $160,000. HFD is interested in purchasing breathing apparatus and urban search and rescue equipment. HFD has submit grant application. Would like to do a complete overhaul of the SCBA units and control of the diesel emission of the stations for the safety and health of HFD personnel. CIP: Met with Dan Bolton on final draft for the Kalaua Fire Station. Looking at exchanging lots because the existing lot grade has a 17% grade. The lot that is in the back has a better approach and departure. Working with DPW and plans for the Administration and Communication building project. There is only 2.5 million dollars for this project. 3 Promotions & hiring: Interviews were held for a fire radio dispatcher position. This person will start on May 16. There has been a retirement of a fire dispatcher. HFD has received approval for the promotional process from the Department of Civil Service. Operations division: An Emergency Operations Center Orientation was conducted. HFD is receiving more info regarding the SARS virus policy procedures for HFD personnel to keep more aware of the diseases. There have been s with multi-agencies concerning incidents occurring on an airplane. An example includes if an HFD employee boarded the airplane, would the airplane be quarantined and the HFD personnel be kept on board. HOVE personnel received training of new technology of the truck on April 14-16. The apparatus will be sent around the island to allow other personnel to get acquainted with the vehicle. The truck will be stationed in HOVE. Prevention bureau: Battalion Chief Kihara has been brought back on contract for 89 days. HFD is utilizing the City & County of HonoluluÓs Fire Department for training of the new inspectors. Someone needs to do plan review and approva developments. Making significant progress; receiving positive feedback. Worked well with this past Merrie Monarch festival. Fire codes were enforced. Training division: Recruits are coming along well; mid-term coming up. The training team will be doing evaluations of each candidate. Next class starts in August. Working with HPD to do background screening checks. There will be 14 recruits for the next class. NOTE: Commissioner Fergerstrom arrived at 10:25 am. st Volunteer division: HOVE volunteers went to the ÐOperation for 1 Response Program.Ñ Included in this training were auto accidents, significant traumas, and cardiac emergencies to be done by volunteers. A $20,000 grant from the National Park Service was received for Volcano, North Kohala, (the boundary of National Park.) Fire Auxiliary Services Division: expedite filling of fire auxiliary officer; the microwave project is the main assignment for this position. Radio and communications infrastructure is a 700 megahertz project. The development team is looking in to see if a 700 band is the route that public safety should take. A significant amount of lobbying for the 700 band is being done. The concerns are that the 800 megahertz is a metropolitan friendly frequency but absorbed frequently by vegetation. Councilman Safarik shared the same sentiments that civil defense is recommending. New projects: HFD records management system is progressing with the help of Data Systems and the City & County of Honolulu Fire Department. Are in negotiations with a vendor that provided the licenses to get more licenses. restructuring the organization; to provide better flow and management of resources. 4 Will present a flow chart once its ready. SWOT analysis Î please turn in before June 1. Did a career-shadowing program with Hilo High School. Support from HFD personnel assisting with this program. Would like to do this with other high schools. HFD attended the summer opportunity expo for the juniors and seniors. We brought on 2 summer volunteers with the administration staff. These volunteers were put through an interview process. MotherÓs day rose deliveries Î raised over $3,000 for the American Cancer Society. On May 8 there were 20 personnel that put together 180 arrangements. Next upcoming event is EMS week scheduled for June 1. The events include a 5k fun walk/run. EMS Division: 5 personnel passed the State certification. There still is a shortage; lost one MICT. Working on identifying a way of dealing with burnout; lot of training involved. Commissioner Wallace asked about the expense for Milolii. Chief Oliveira explained that damage to one of the tanks was done. The liner had torn and sat unusable for 1.5 years. This past spring, got estimates and required a replacement liner for the tank. Commissioner Wallace inquired of the fire prevention position vacancies. Chief Oliveira explained that there are 4 vacancies; 2 vacancies are unfunded. If approved, there will be 4 vacancies to fill. A promotional exam will be conducted. Commissioner Wallace asked about a sprinkler system. Chief Oliveira stated that the State Inspection Bureau does not require it now as a code mandate. Some developers have been proactive and have sprinklers installed while waiting for code. Developers are using fire resistant materials. UNFINISHED BUSINESS The meeting scheduled for June 11 will be rescheduled due to June 11 being a State Holiday. Commissioner Maedo moved that the June meeting be cancelled in favor of a July meeting in Kona. Bowles seconded. Motion denied. (4 voted to cancel meeting; 3 voted to keep meeting on.) Commissioner Maedo moved that the June meeting be held on June 10, 2003, in Kona. Motion seconded by Commissioner Bowles and unanimously carried. COMMITTEE REPORTS 5 Budget & Finance (Bowles/Hart) none Commissioner Bowles mentioned that a study is being done in West HawaiÒi regarding tax revenue. The study is focused on resort complexes, including Kukio, Hualalai, Mauna Lani, Mauna Kea, and Puako Beach. These areas represent 21% of the entire county tax base. Within 5 years these resort areas will add $48.7 million per year to the tax base. Commercial areas and golf courses presently produce 8 million per year. Property tax per unit is $27,800 per year. This information was presented to the County Council. Developers are paying lots of money towards the development of the land Office Management and Staffing (Fergerstrom/Wallace) none Rules and Policies (Kaoiwi/Flattes) none Public Relations (Ward) Commissioner Ward reported that the Sayre foundation dinner was a success. The HFD honored the Sayres. The golf tou not happen in September. Encourage participation of Commissioners in any HFD events and volunteer stations. NEW BUSINESS None. MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION It was moved by Commissioner Maedo that the Fire Commission go into executive session pursuant to Section 92-5(2), HawaiÒi Revised Statutes and Section 13-20(b), HawaiÒi County Charter. The motion was seconded by Commissioner unanimously carried. Commissioner Ward asked if Chief Oliveira could be present during the executive session proceedings. Corporation Counsel Ashida advised that the Chief not be present during the executive session because questions will be asked of Mr. Ashida by the HFC regarding personnel issues. The regular session ended at 10:55 am to go into executive session. Regular session resumed again at 11:29 am. ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTER Commissioner Ward stated that all reports were read regarding the complaint filed by Tanya Kawananakoa. Ms. Ward asked Ms. Kawananakoa if she believed that vitals were not taken? 6 Ms. Kawananakoa replied that the vitals were not taken, she was not given oxygen and could not breathe. Commissioner Ward moved that HFC Complaint 03-02 is exonerated, which means the incident occurred but it was lawful and proper. Believes that in order to check for heart and give oxygen, check pressure, the patient would need to be touched. An incident occurred and is exonerated. The incident happened lawfully. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Maedo and unanimously carried by a vote Corporation Counsel Ashida stated that a written notice would be prepared and sent to Tanya Kawananakoa and a copy to Chief Oliveira. PUBLIC STATEMENTS None. ANNOUNCEMENTS The next meeting is to be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2003, at 10:00 a.m. at the Keauhou Shopping Center - look for signs for meeting room. Set agenda for June 10, 2003 meeting - no new items added to the ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 11:32 am. SUBMITTED BY: __________________________ MARTHA A. RODILLAS Secretary B&C:Fire Commission:Regular Session Minutes 5-14-03, 2003 LSA/mr 7