HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-02-08 Fire Commission Minutes
Harry KimDixie Kaetsu
MayorManaging Director
Barbara J. Kossow
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
AS AMENDED
February 8, 2006
Liquor Control Conference Room
Hilo Lagoon Centre
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Maedo at 10:00 a.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
James Browne
Dale Fergerstrom
Rudolph Hart
Karen Kudlo
Karen Maedo, Chair
GlenMatsuda
Wil Okabe
Excused: Neil Brazier
A quorum was present.
ALSO PRESENT:
Nick AhYoRobert Bailey
Tom BrandtKaycie Carter
Reuben ChunPete Hoffman, Councilman
Laurie KanetaDarryl Oliveira
Diane Noda, Deputy Corporation CounselJohn Perry
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 January 11, 2006, regular session
minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Okabe and unanimously
carried.
APPROVAL OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
Commissioner Okabe moved to accept communication number 06-001. The
motion was seconded by Commissioner Hart and unanimously carried.
Commissioner Maedo presented a Certificate of Appreciation from the Mayors
Office to outgoing charter members Rudolph Hart and Dale Fergerstrom for their
years of valuable service.
CHIEFS REPORT
Chief Oliveira introduced Mr. John Perry, a student at the University of Hawaii,
who is doing a public education program internship with the County of Hawaii.
The Fire Commission welcomed him.
Budget
FY 2006/07: Met with the Department of Finance on January 13, 2006.
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They were receptive to the Systems Analyst, CIP Projects Manager, and
Prevention Clerk/Auditor positions. A request was made to present a
proposal for the other positions to the Mayor. A meeting was held with
Mayor Kim on January 18, 2006; awaiting a response from him. The
budget will be heard before the County Council on March 28, 2006, at
1:30 p.m., in the County Council Conference Room. Commissioners were
invited to attend.
ChiefOliveirarequestedabudgetpresentationbeplacedontheFire
Commissions March 8, 2006, agenda.
Alternative Funding and Grants
FEMA FY 2005 Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant: Firefighter Neil
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Yoshiokaiscontinuingtoresearchandworkonabidawardproposalfor
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vehicle emissions system. Captain Alex Almeida is working on National
Historic Preservation requirements for Central and Kawailani Fire Stations.
FEMA FY 2004 Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant: On February 10, 2006,
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Fire Equipment Officer Mike Hayashida met with the Department of
Finances Purchasing Agent Bill Gray regarding awarding a bid to Draeger
Safety. A target date for the delivery of the burn trailer will be provided at
the next meeting.
Chief Oliveira addressed Commissioner Matsudas previous meeting
inquiry on why the burn trailer procurement appeal is handled by the
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. According to Deputy
Corporation Counsel Diane Noda, the Hawaii Revised Statutes provides
the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to set the standards,
enforce all laws and rules, supervise the conduct of trades, business, and
professions, and set the procedures for any protest and appeal.
CDBG FY 2006 Grant Proposal: Assistant Chief Quince Mento submitted
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theCommunityDevelopmentBlockGrantproposalfor$850,000to
purchase replacement apparatus for the Pahoa Fire Station and Pahala
Fire Station.
Capital Improvement Projects Report provided by Projects Manager Nick AhYo
Kalaoa Fire Station: Received an offer from another developer to provide
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a site in that area. The site is larger and will accommodate the type of
station that is necessary for that area. The department will be pursuing
the offer. There is an understanding with the Mayors Office that by next
Wednesday a determination will be made, in order to let Mr. Bolton know
whether the department will no longer require the use of his property.
Pahoa Fire Station: The Department of Health identified a complication
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regarding the septic tank; therefore plans have been delayed. Also, the
Building Department requested the architects include additional hardening
of the facility to withstand hurricane forced winds. The final plans may be
delayed to the end of February. Thereafter, the department will submit the
bid in March.
Commissioner Fergerstrom inquired about the septic tank issue.
Mr. AhYo stated that it was necessary to submit the plans for the septic
system to the Department of Health prior to getting the plans approved.
However, since the department missed that step, they need to go back.
Fire Administration & Support Facility: Completed the metric for the
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administrative portion in one building. The emergency dispatch will be in
another building, and the metric for the training building recently began.
Once this is completed, it will be sent out for design.
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Central Fire Station: Presently, acquiring the site from Lanakila. The
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Mayors Office requested a survey of the site thatwill define the amount of
property that will be needed and to provide an estimate of the fair market
value.
Central Fire Station-Retrofit Project: Sent out for bids last month. Bid was
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supposed to open on February 4, 2006; however, not all of the bidders
submitted the correct questionnaire back so it is delayed until February 16.
Commissioner Browne questioned the timeline of completion if it is
necessary to relocate the Kailua station.
Chief Oliveira stated that the first step would involve acquiring the
property. Although there was another offer, it is not clear whether it is a
sale or a gift to the County. Currently, discussions are taking place
between the Mayors Office and the property owner. Once the acquisition
of the property occurs, the department will be allowed entrance to the
property and may begin plan designs.
Chief Oliveira reported that he was contacted by the media to discuss this
project.Heexplainedtothereporterthatthedepartmentsintentionisto
make the project work well for the community and not to point blame on
anyone. He requested that the reporter delay her article until the following
week, so that all the members of the project could be present at the
meeting and explain what was happening. Those members include
Project Manager Nick AhYo, the Office of the Corporation Counsel, the
Developer, and Council Member Angel Pilago. The meeting was then
held with the reporter and her editor. It was communicated to them that
no one could have anticipated and foreseen the problems associated with
the current property. Everyone seemed to have left the meeting feeling
positive. Issues discussed involved the site distance, a lien that was put
on the property, and numerous other issues. Although it seemed that
meeting was positive, the newspaper article was perceived total contrary.
Chief Oliveira stated that this was a lesson learned. It is wise to be more
cautious when dealing with the media. This is something he would like to
share with the commission, because its members will also be approached
by the media.
Commissioner Browne stated that he received a call from the media and,
thanks to Commissioner Fergerstroms advice, he was able to separate
himself from the commission and advised the media that he was speaking
as a private citizen. As a result, this is the way his comments were
published.
Commissioner Fergerstrom commented that the media has contacted him
in the past, and they now know what his answers are going to be.
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Therefore, they approach other commissioners who they believe will
provide them information.
Chief Oliveira stated that a previous article published was an excellent
article and was very informative for the public. However, he was
disappointed with the subsequent one because it was basically looking to
point a finger and blame as to why this project was not happening. Also,
he believes that the truth was not conveyed to the public.
Commissioner Kudlo questioned the size of the new property.
Chief Oliveira stated that the department is looking at least an acre to an
acre and a half. According to him, Whats nice about the new site, on our
preliminary assessment is the topography would allow for total use of that
side.Ifyoulookattheexistingproperty,althoughwemaybegetting
39,000 square feet it is on a significant slope. So when creating retaining
walls youre gonna shrink your buildable space significantly. The
developer was very upfront at the meeting with the media regarding this
issue. He realized how much the retaining walls would really limit the
building of the station there. The developer supports the departments
intent to consider alternatives.
Commissioner Kudlo questioned the approach of the second property
owner.
Chief Oliveira replied that the property owner approached the Mayors
Office because he has a larger project being developed. As a partner with
the community, the developer wants the county to include the needs of the
community in our project development.
Commissioner Matsuda asked whether there were any distance issues
regarding the location of the new site.
Chief Oliviera replied that there was not.
CIP Six Year Program: Copies of the draft submittal was provided to the
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commission. (see Attachment A) Note: Correction to Pahoa Fire
Station, the total funding for that project is $4.3 million. Last year, the
department had nine projects on the six-year program. This year it was
increased to fifteen. The rational that was developed within the Fire
Department is to try to put in what is foreseen for the future. Due to the
development in Kona, there is a need for two additional fire stations. The
Fire Department is taking a proactive stand on the way it budgets these
stations.
Commissioner Browne asked whether Kukio was approached.
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Chief Oliveira answered that since the current administration came on
board, they have been involved in numerous meetings with the various
property owners. These include Kukio, Four Season Development,
owners of the Kona Village project, all the different major landowners,
property owners, and developers in the area. Every meeting is very
positive, but nothing solidified, because the property owners positions
change when discussing the cost. The Fire Department supports them in
their plans to try and get ambulance service. They wanted it primarily for
their own community. The department advised them that if there were a
partnership it would be for the greater community, not just for the resort
area. If they were looking for service strictly for on-site, it would be in their
best interest to partner with a private ambulance company. The local
company is AMR, with which the HCFD has a great working relationship;
some of the HCFDs personnel work for them part-time. They are
currently discussing what the cost would be with putting a private
ambulance service.
Commissioner Okabe questioned the timeline on when these projects
would be breaking ground.
Projects Manger Nick AhYo replied that the Pahoa Fire Station would be
breaking ground this year.
Promotions and Hiring
Internal Recruitment: Presently conducting open recruitment for Fire
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Radio Dispatchers and Fire Mechanic positions. There are currently three
dispatch vacancies and one mechanic vacancy.
Captain, FEO, and Prevention Inspector Recruitment: Recently notified
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the candidates of their scores on the written examination. Due to a limited
number of successful candidates, the department is in the process of
scheduling another recruitment. Assessment Centers will be scheduled
for the candidates who passed the initial benchmarks.
Firefighter Recruit: A pool of 100 candidates from both agility tests will be
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ththth
selected to identify the 34
and 35 recruit class. The 34 recruit class is
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tentatively scheduled to begin in April 2006 and the 35 recruit class to
begin in September.
Commissioner Fergerstrom questioned the number of candidates in each
class.
ChiefOliveirarepliedthattherewere20candidatesforeachclass.
EmergencyOperationsDivision
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Battalion Chief Robert Bailey reported that recently there were a few brush
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fires in the Kau District wer of suspicious circumstances. The HCPD
received a report that a vehicle was seen leaving the area of the first
brush fire. An investigation showed thatthere was an attempt to set
multiple fires in the area. There were four major fires; three arecold at
this time. The remaining fire, called a forest line fire, had gone into an
inaccessible area. Therefore, a bulldozer was used to provide a roadway
and the fire is now contained. However, personnel are still working on the
hot spots within that burn area. In addition to those brush fires, on
February 6, 2006, another fire was reported near the 49 to 50 mile
markers. The personnel were able to quickly extinguish that fire.
Battalion Chief Reuben Chun reported that there was a fire that took place
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at the Kawaihae Industrial Complex area. The nature of the fire is still
unclear. There is a possibility that a nearby pile of macadamia nuts may
have been ignited spontaneously. Due to heavy winds, brush was ignited
and impacted a boathouse below the Macadamia Nut Production facility.
The fire, which threatened homes, grew along a channel that had
mechanicmaterial,brushandshrubbery,whichthreatenedhomes.
Fortunately, responding units were able to extinguish the area. The
Macadamia Nut Production facility received some structural damage. Also,
a business owner informed him of a domestic altercation in the area.
Battalion Chief Chun will be contacting Inspector Yagi to discuss the
investigation further.
Commissioner Kudlo asked whether the Fire Department had a team of
arson investigators or if it was handled by a Federal agency.
Chief Oliveira replied that the Fire Departments investigators coordinate
with the Police Department. It is possible to request assistance from ATF
if it involved large property losses or if there was a casualty or fatality.
Commissioner Matsuda asked Battalion Chief Chun if his investigation
concluded that the fire was started by the Macadamia Nut pile.
Battalion Chief Chun answered that investigation is ongoing. The origin
point is still not determined. There are other possibilities, such as a husk
catching fire in the holding tank, which has happened in the past. Also,
the altercation reported may be considered suspicious.
Commissioner Okabe asked whether these types of fires were a common
occurrence at the macadamia nut farms.
Chief Oliveira replied these fires occur when there are natural products
being stockpiled with little ventilation.
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Commissioner Okabe asked whether there were any preventive measures
that the department could provide that would caution these companies.
Chief Oliveira stated that the department has recommended that their
material be circulated.
Commissioner Okabe asked if a spontaneous fire could occurat the Hilo
landfill, where the mulch is grounded.
Chief Oliveira replied that it was possible. Fortunately, the rainfall in Hilo
prevents it from occurring.
Visitor Arrival Data: Commissioner Browne provided a research study on
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annual visitors to District 8 and 9. (See Attachment B) Copies were
distributedtocommissioners.Thisreportwillassistthedepartmentin
planning. There is a population increase that needs to be measured.
Also, there is a need to work on gather data on hotels such as the King
Kamehameha Hotel. The Kona Resort Community gathers the data
mainly for resorts with golf courses.
Commissioner Browne stated that he received the data from the
Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce. The figures shown are
conservative. The King Kamehameha Hotel did not qualify in his criteria
as a resort, therefore, he placed it separately.
Commissioner Maedo thanked Commissioner Browne for his extensive
report.
Chief Oliveira stated that he would like to share Commissioner Brownes
report with the Department of Research and Development.
Commissioner Browne commented that destination Kona Coast is going to
almost double visitor arrivals in 2006.
Commissioner Browne mentioned that it is necessary to account for the
number of individuals attending the University of Hawaii at Hilo.
Chief Oliveira stated that Battalion Chief Chun is working on an
assessment of the number of incidents associated with cruise ships.
Ocean View Fire Station: February 16, 2006, is the target date to upgrade
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the ambulance service from Basic Life Support to Advance Life Support.
A challenge faced was that there were only five graduates from the MICT
class and there were 8 vacancies. This involved a shortage in overtime
and trying to assign personnel.
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Support Services Division
Prevention BureauSubmitted a substantial legislative package regarding
:
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fireworks issues. The bill that will authorize the County to designate
vendors to sell fireworks permits was amended and the department is
waiting to see what those amendments were. Hoping for support from the
Department of Health regarding the Air Medical Bill.
Commissioner Okabe questioned whether the Fire Chiefs across the state
meet to discuss legislation, and what the process was in tracking the bills.
Chief Oliveira stated that the bills submitted were previously discussed
and endorsed by the States Fire Council Office, which is comprised of the
four County Fire Chiefs. The testimony is submitted on behalf of each
County Chief or department, as well as a letter coming from the Chair of
the States Fire Council, stating the support and passing of the bills. The
County has several individuals track these bills, including Deputy
Corporation Counsel Bobby Jean Leithead-Todd, Executive Director Andy
Levin, and Executive Assistant Billy Kenoi. Also, the Fire Department
goesonlinetotrackthebills.ThereisnolobbyistfortheFireDepartment,
the County or the Fire Service. There is a partnership with the Union,
which does have a lobbyist that helps with some of the issues, especially
these dealing with Fire Fighter safety. It is a team effort.
Commissioner Okabe asked whether every island has a particular group
of individuals who do the same.
Chief Oliveira replied that he could only speak on what is being done in
the County of Hawaii. As a member of the Fire Service, he will contact his
counterparts and inform them of what is coming up. There is an
established network amongst the Fire Chiefs, and they solicit each others
support. He is unaware of the other county resources on tracking bills.
Training Bureau
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nd
32 Firefighter Recruit Class: Finalizing their EMT training.
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Scheduled to graduate on February 17, 2006, 5:00 p.m., at Nani Mau
Gardens. Invitations were sent to commissioners.
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33 Firefighter Recruit Class: Continuing with driver training and
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station orientation. Scheduled to begin EMT training on March 15,
2006.
EMSBureau:
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ElectronicAmbulanceReportFormcommitteemembers:Assistant
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Chief Mento and the Department of Data Systems attended Med
MediaTraintheTrainerworkshoponOahuonFebruary6.
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Received three new ambulances one each for Keaau, Waikoloa and
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Ocean View.
New Projects/Business
Personnel Orders: Will be providing copies of Personnel Orders to
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Commissioners for read only folder.
Review of Progress and Accomplishments: An overview of the
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departments operations since the administration began in 2002 will be
placed on the March 8, 2006 agenda.
Commissioner Okabe inquired on the status of the lifeguards.
Chief Oliveira explained that it was stressed to Council Member Virginia Isbel at
the preliminary budget meeting that the Fire Department, the Mayors Office, and
the Department of Parks and Recreation are committed to this project. However,
the HCFD is requesting time to proceed with the transition correctly. West
Hawaiis Ocean Safety Captain Chris Stellfox has been working on a proposed
staffing and budget package. Chief Oliveira asked Mr. Stellfox not to limit
himself,totohisownstrategicplanning,andtonotlimittheOceanSafetybudget
to what it is now. However, the departments will be working together on their
proposals. Its what is needed to service the community around the island. The
task is difficult because there is no standard on the number of lifeguards per
beach. There is a need to identify beaches that have a high potential for
incidents, accidents, and risks. The department is aware of a consultant from
Australia who makes his services available and grades each beach based on
surf and water conditions, currents, rockiness, etc. The HCFD would like to use
that information and try to categorize each beach and identify the number of
lifeguards needed. Once the transition takes place, an administrator for the
program will be needed. It is a Battalion Chiefs position. Target date for the
project is fiscal year 2007/2008.
Employee/Public Relations
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4 Annual Employee Awards and Recognition Dinner: Invitations mailed
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to all Commissioners for fourth annual dinner to be held on March 18,
2006, Saturday, at King Kamehameha Hotel in Kona.
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Hawaii Heart Walk: 9 Annual Heart Walk to benefit American Heart
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Association to be held on February 11, Saturday, at 0800, starting at
Liliuokalani Gardens. All invited to attend.
UNFINISHEDBUSINESS
Follow up on the Fire Chiefs evaluation.
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Commissioner Fergerstrom met with Chief Oliveira and discussed the Fire
Commissions evaluation. Chief Oliveira was given time to review and
analyze and comment on the evaluation. Commissioner Fergerstrom will
review the Chiefs comments and report on them at the next Fire Commission
Meeting. A meeting with the Mayor will follow.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Budget & Finance (Hart/Matsuda) Budget will be reviewed by the County
Council on March 28, 2006.
Office Management and Staffing (Brazier/Okabe) no report.
Rules and Policies (Maedo) no report.
Public Relations (Browne/Kudlo)
Commissioner Browne questioned whether Chief Oliveira received his letter
regarding show and tell at Station 16. Chief Oliveira replied that the department
would coordinate.
Commissioner Kudlo reported that she would be attending a Firewise community
meeting in Ocean View this weekend. Also, the Milolii community will be having
itsmeetingonMarch4.
TrainingandEducation(Brazier/Maedo)noreport
ChairMaedorequesteda10-minuterecessat11:06a.m.
Meeting resumed at 11:15 a.m.
ChairMaedointroducedCouncilMemberPeteHoffman.
Council Member Hoffman stated that he was happy to be present. He supports
Chief Oliveira, who was a former resident of Waikoloa. He was asked by
Commissioner Browne to attend the meeting and thanked the commission for
allowing him to attend.
MOTION TO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION
CommissionerFergerstrommovedtogotoanexecutivesessiontoconsidera
continued evaluation of an employee of the Hawaii County Fire Department
whereconsiderationofmattersaffectingprivacywouldbeinvolvedandaclosed
session was requested. Commission Okabe seconded the motion and it was
unanimouslycarried.
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The regular session ended at 11:17 a.m.
Executive Session began at 11:17 a.m.
Regular Session resumed at 11:50 a.m.
NEW BUSINESS
None
PUBLIC STATEMENTS
None
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The next meeting is to be held on Wednesday, March 8, 2006, at
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10:00 a.m., in the Liquor Control Conference Room, Kona Center Building,
75-5722 Hanama Place, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
Set agenda for March 8, 2006, meeting.
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Meeting was adjourned at 11:52 a.m.
SUBMITTED BY:
__________________________
KAYCIE A. I. CARTER
Secretary
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