HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-12-08 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
December 8, 2004
Royal Kona Resort
Discovery Room
Kailua-Kona
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Commissioner Brazier at 10:00 a.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Stephen Bowles
Neil Brazier, Chair
Dale Fergerstrom (10:08 a.m.)
Rudolph Hart
Karen Maedo (10:08 a.m.)
Glen Matsuda
Laura Ward
Clifford (Joe) Whitney
A quorum was present.
ALSO PRESENT:
Lincoln Ashida, Corporation Counsel
KaycieCarter
Laurie Kaneta
Denise Laitnen
Darryl Oliveira, Fire Chief
Noni Sanford
Ron Sanford
Desmond Wery, Deputy Fire Chief
Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
Commissioners: Stephen Bowles, Neil Brazier, Dale Fergerstrom, Rudolph Hart, Karen Maedo,
Glen Matsuda, Laura Ward, Clifford Whitney
STATEMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS
None
APPROVAL OF MEETING PROCEEDINGS
It was moved by Commissioner Hart that the minutes of the November 10, 2004,
regular session be approved. The motion was seconded by Commissioner
Matsuda and unanimously carried.
APPROVAL OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
Commissioner Bowles moved to accept communication numbers 04-80 through
04-083. Commissioner Ward mentioned that regarding communication 04-081
(OIP training), the commissioners were not advised prior to the training date, and
she would have wanted to attend that training. Corporation Counsel Lincoln
Ashida offered to provide the training in person. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Ward and unanimously carried.
CHIEFS REPORT
Fire Chief Darryl Oliveira acknowledged Laura Ward, Stephen Bowles, and Joe
Whitney for their service as Fire Commissioners. Thank you gifts were
presented to all three out-going charter members.
PRESENTATION TO KOHALA BY THE SEA
Chief Oliveira introduced Ms. Denise Laitnen, Hawai'i State Firewise Community
Coordinator, and presented her with a framed certificate honoring Kohala By the
Sea for its National Firewise recognition. Ms. Laitnen will forward the certificate
to them.
Ms.LaitnenstatedthatalongwithherFirewiseresponsibilities,shealsoserves
as a Maui County Fire Commissioner. She explained that the National Firewise
Programhasbeenaroundfordecades.Theyworkwithhomeownersand
community groups to lower their risks against brushfires and wildfires. Kohala By
theSeaisthefirstcommunityintheStateofHawai'itobenationallyrecognized.
The award ceremony is scheduled for January 8, 2005, at 11:00 a.m., at the
KohalaBytheSeaentrance.Allcommissionersareinvitedtoattend.
Ms.LaitnenthankedCommissionerWardforthepresentationshemadeon
behalf of the Hawai'i County Fire Commission on Maui. She informed the HFC
thatMauiFireCaptainCharlieIwata,whowasbattlinglungcancer,losthisfight
on November 18, 2004.
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Ms. Laitnen also suggested that the Hawai'i, Maui, and Oahu Fire Commissions
meet to discuss similar issues and learn from each other.
Chief Oliveira stated that he would make a power point presentation regarding
the 2004 Annual report toward the end of his report.
Budget
FY 2005/06: The supplemental budget was submitted to the Department
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of Finance and the Mayors Office. Meeting scheduled with Mayor Harry
Kim on December 20, 2004. A copy was provided to the commissioners.
Additional copies (45-page document) may be obtained from HFC
Secretary Kaycie Carter at the Hawai'i County Clerical Service Center.
Alternative Funding & Grants
USFA Grant: No response on grant application.
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Capital Improvement Projects
Puna Public Safety Complex: No new updates to report.
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Pahoa Fire Station: Draft Environmental Assessment process continuing
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through the end of December. Anticipating design completion by
April 2005. Continuing to research and meet with the Mayor on funding
sources for the construction.
FireAdministration:MetwithMayorwhorequestedmoredefinitivedata
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that will provide justification for the location selected. There is a
consideration of incorporating a fire station onto the property and
relocating central fire station. Also, researching the need of expanding the
services in Hilo Town by getting the data to RMS to show the response
coverage and any deficiencies that have occurred at the fire stations and
districts of Hilo Town.
Kalaoa Fire Station: A contract is being developed with the Office of
·
Corporation Counsel. Recently informed by Mr. Tom Harris, Project
Manager for Bolton, that there was legal action filed by the original
property owner. This issue has been resolved and the project is
continuing to move forward.
Naalehu Fire Station: Continuing to work on the identified site, next to
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Kalaao Road. A proposal for developing a permanent station will be
provided to the Mayor.
Commissioner Bowles questioned the location of the site.
Chief Oliveira stated that the site is located between Waiohinu and
Naalehu Town, on Kalaao Road.
Commissioner Bowles asked if the site was located on the highway.
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Chief Oliveira responded that it is located on the highway and centrally
located in the Naalehu district. This would provide coverage with
insurance to all residents within that area.
Paauilo Volunteer Fire Station: On Highway 19, Hilo side of Paauilo
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Town. Department of Finance will be determining the subdivision of the
property to distribute to the different departments within the county.
Central Fire Station: Meeting scheduled for December 10, 2004, with the
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developers and project managers for the Lanakila Housing Project,
regarding the possibility of the relocation of Central Fire Station.
Commissioner Brazier asked if there was a ballpark figure on the cost of
construction.
Chief Oliveira stated that they were trying to get a more accurate cost
projection due to construction and material costs being significantly high.
They are speaking to the contractors on what the cost would be per
squarefoot.Thiswillallowthemtogetanideaandaballparkfigure.
PromotionsandHiring
FireRadioDispatcherIIIPromotions:Startedtherecruitmentprocessand
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will be promoting three Fire Radio Dispatcher II positions.
Fire Radio Dispatcher I Hiring: Examination held on November 15, 2004.
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Will be proceeding with the evaluation and selection of six Fire Radio
Dispatcher I trainees.
FEO Promotions/Assessment Center: Continuing to work on the
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assessment center and exercises.
Fire Fighter Recruit Candidates: Deputy Chief Wery is working with
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personnel on reviewing application packets, background screening, and
setting up the preliminary screening process. Interviews are scheduled for
January or February, and March 2005 is targeted for hiring.
Commissioner Brazier asked how many applicants would be hired.
Chief Oliveira stated that the HFD is committed to hiring 20 individuals per
class, with two classes per year.
Operations Division
Ocean View Fires Station: Continuing to provide ambulance service
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utilizing county funds and resources. Informed by Donna Maiava that the
contract for the funds was signed and released from the Governors Office
and is currently waiting for approval with the Attorney Generals Office.
Volcano Fire Station: Partnership working well with the County of Hawai'i,
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Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and the Army Federal Fire Service with
taking over service, effective January 1, 2005. The Army and the HVNP
are temporarily allowing the HFD to use their apparatus. Steps are being
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developed for the next bid cycle with the County Council to purchase their
own apparatus.
Transfer: Assistant Fire Chief Clesson Murasaki transferred to
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Hilo, A Battalion, B Platoon, effective December 1, 2004. He will assist
with management and oversee the A Battalion.
Officers Meetings: Officers meetings recently held on December 1, 6, and
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7, 2004, specifically covering county policies, violence in the workplace,
policy procedures, and discipline.
Training Division
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31 Recruit Class Update: Completed the Firefighter I training. Recruits
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will be assigned to fire stations for a transitional period to allow them the
opportunity to gain some experience and apply the knowledge they
received. EMT class will follow.
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30 Recruit Class Graduation: Scheduled for Saturday,
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December 18, 2004, 11:00 a.m., at Nani Mau Gardens. Invitations were
sent to the HFC. Commissioner Brazier will be a speaking on behalf of
the commission.
State Civil Defense Urban Search and Rescue Exercise: On
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December 3 and 4, 2004, eight personnel attended a two-day training
session at Bellows Air Force Base on Oahu.
Volunteer Training Division
Volunteer Fire Chiefs Meeting: Held Saturday, November 20, 2004, at
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the Volcano Volunteer Fire Station. Encouraged participation with the
National Fire Academy.
EMS Division
MICT Class: One candidate returned to 24-hour shift duty, six candidates
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remain. Candidate was not fully prepared for the difficulty of the class.
The HFD will be working with this individual to keep him motivated, and
preparehimforthenextclass.
FireAuxiliaryServices
VoluntaryResignation:MechanicPatrickLauretiredeffective
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December 1, 2004.
New Projects/Business
Hawai'i Fire Chiefs Association Conference: Chief Oliveira attended the
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conference on November 11 and 14, 2004, at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua
Hotel on Maui. Deputy Director Charlie Dickinson, with the U.S. Fire
Administration out of Washington D. C., offered his personal assistance
with some of the issues that the HFD experiences regarding population,
geography, and water supply. The HFD will be hosting next years
conference. The HFC will be kept informed on the progress of that event.
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2005 Legislature: Submitted proposal to the Mayors Office for the next
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legislative session regarding funds to have a dedicated crew for the
aeromedical crew for Chopper 2.
Public Speaking/Media Classes: Working with Professor Steven Miura of
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the University of Hawai'i who will volunteer time to provide training for
personnel and media.
Public relations
Holidays: County of Hawai'i will be hosting an open house on Thursday,
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December 16, 2004, at 6:00 p.m.
Waimea Christmas Parade: Held on December 4, 2004.
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Commissioner Bowles antique truck was decorated and driven in the
parade.
Photograph of Fire Commission: Scheduling a formal photograph of the
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original nine members of the Hawai'i Fire Commission, to be held at the
next Fire commission meeting. Secretary Laurie Kaneta will be contacting
the HFC to schedule the arrangements.
Holiday Wishes
Chief Oliveira wished everyone a safe and happy holiday season.
·
Commissioner Braizer asked if the HFD was successful in maintaining their
training classes.
Chief Oliveira replied that there had been individuals who resigned or were let go
due to performance issues. These individuals were unaware of the expectations
anddemandsofthejob.
CommissionerFergerstromcommentedthathehadattendedagatheringon
Oahu and overheard a few individuals who spoke very highly of Chief Oliveiras
presentation at the Hawai'i Fire Chiefs Conference.
Commissioner Bowles asked, in regards to the Incident Type Response
Summary handout, if Punas EMS/Rescue count was normal.
(see ATTACHMENT A)
Chief Oliveira explained that there was a tremendous amount of data. The issue
is how to get it out of that system. The data put into RMS can be manipulated
into a high incident a number of ways. There is a need to develop skills and
expertise on moving what is called crystal reports, which is a tool that can filter
the data out. What needs to be done with a lot of these districts is to identify the
specific cluster areas of where these problems are originating. The HFD has
been meeting with the Department of Data Systems and has their support on
learning this report.
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Power Point Presentation (see ATTACHMENT B) by Chief Darryl Oliveira
re 2004 ANNUAL REPORT
Commissioner Matsuda questioned the reason for the disbanding of the safety
committee.
Chief Oliveira said that he was unsure because it happened prior to his
administration.
Commissioner Bowles mentioned that in regards to the supplemental budget, the
Chief brought up the concept of lobbying and he knew that there was trouble in
the past with the police department over that issue. There is a need to know
what the role of the commission is with regards to the budget.
CommissionerWardstatedthatthewordingisveryimportant.Withherjobthey
never use the word lobbying instead they use the words educated support.
The HFC needs to educate others in the community as to what is out there
before the council, and legislature. Being there and showing youre in support of
the Chief when he addresses them is also important.
Commissioner Bowles stated that the HFC is really representing their particular
districts. There is a need to sometimes be critical of the department.
Commissioner Fergerstrom agreed that they do need to be critical and also
supportive.
Commissioner Fergerstrom asked Corporation Counsel Ashida if he could
explain the difference on how the HFC and the HPC is set up in regards to the
issues that were raised by Commissioner Paul DeSilva.
Corporation Counsel Ashida explained that if he was referring to the complaint
which former Judge DeSilva lodged against Commissioner Manago for his
alleged presentation to the Hawai'i County Council, that would not be an issue for
the HFC and its members. The reason is that the HFCs provision in the Charter
grants the Fire Commission specific authority to make recommendations before
the County Council. The Hawai'i County Charter Section 7-4(6), subsection b,
states that the Fire Commission shall review the annual budget prepared by the
Fire Chief and make recommendations thereof to the Mayor, Managing Director
and the County Council.
Commissioner Fergerstrom stated that if they use that provision as a preamble to
any type of presentation to the County Council, this would justify and legitimize
the HFCs educational support of the budget issue.
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Commissioner Ward offered to provide Chief Oliveira a copy of a video that was
shown at the Kona Hospital on lifting patients. This information was very
beneficial to the hospital staff and can be related to the issue of firefighters
arriving at the scene and not knowing the size of the victim.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Budget & Finance (Bowles/Hart) None
Office Management and Staffing (Fergerstrom) None
Rules and Policies (Maedo) None
Public Relations (Ward) None
NEW BUSINESS
st
31 Recruit class clean up at the Water Dispensing Station in Pahoa:
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Commissioner Brazier commented that that he is a resident from Puna and
wanted to thank Captain Robert Kendrick and the recruits for an outstanding
job. He will be sending a formal letter to Captain Kendrick.
Election ofOfficers for2005
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Commissioner Maedo moved to nominate Dale Fergerstrom as Chair, and
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Rudolph Hart as Vice-Chair. The motion was seconded by Commissioner
Matsuda.
Commissioner Fergerstromthanked Commissioner Maedo for nominating
him.However,hisjobisdemandingandhemaynotbeabletocommitto
that responsibility.
Commissioner Hart stated he would have to decline, due to his medical
issues.
CommissionerHartcommentedthathewasconcernedwiththeshortage
of members and suggested having Commissioner Bowles and
CommissionerWardextendtheirstaywiththecommission.
CommissionerBrazierstatedthathehadadiscussionwithExecutive
Assistant Wendell Hatada regarding the issue of the Commissioners term
limits, and was advised that there were no exceptions, once a term limit is
completed, the member must stay out for two years.
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Corporation Counsel Ashida informed the HFC that the Boards and
Commissions were being handled by Executive Director Andy Levin.
Commissioner Hart suggested that Commissioner Maedo be elected for
Chair.
Commissioner Maedo stated that like everyone else, she also has a full
schedule.
Commissioner Maedo asked Corporation Counsel Ashida if the new
council would expedite the selection of replacements to the commission.
Corporation Counsel Ashida stated that the Mayor makes the selection
and the County Council confirms it.
Commissioner Bowles asked if there could be a consideration of a deferral
oftheelectionuntilthereisafullcommission.
CommissionerBraziercommentedthathewouldpreferthisbedecidedby
the current members, rather than members who are just coming in.
Commissioner Ward agreed with Commissioner Brazier, but pointed out
that there are only five members and if no one wants to take this
responsibility, there doesnt seem to be any other options.
Corporation Counsel Ashida stated that HFCs rules state that the election
shall occur in December. He suggested that Commissioner Maedo
withdraw her motion, and continue the Election of Officers as unfinished
business.
Commissioner Ward asked if the elected Chair and Vice-Chair would be
able to try it out and if it doesnt work out, step down at a later time.
Commissioner Fergerstrom stated that he would consider this if it were
temporary.
Commissioner Maedo moved to withdraw her motion. Commissioner
Matsuda seconded the motion. The motion was withdrawn.
Commissioner Ward made a motion to elect Dale Fergerstrom as Chair.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Matsuda and unanimously
carried.
Commissioner Ward made a motion to nominate Karen Maedo as Vice-
Chair. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Bowles and
unanimously carried.
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Chair Dale Fergerstrom and Vice-Chair Karen Maedo were elected for
2005.
PUBLIC STATEMENTS
None
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The next meeting is to be held on Wednesday, January 12, 2005, at
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10:00 a.m. in the Liquor Control Conference Room, Hilo Lagoon Centre, Hilo,
Hawaii.
Set agenda for January 12, 2005 meeting
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Fire Chief Evaluation The same format will be used to evaluate
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Chief Oliveira. Kaycie will send evaluation forms to all commissioners.
Deadline for submission to current Chair Brazier is December 22, 2004.
Completed forms will be mailed or faxed (982-6363) to him.
Commissioner Matsuda asked if Commissioner Ward and Commissioner Bowles
were allowed to continue for the next 90-day grace period while the vacancies
remained.
Commissioner Bowles asked Corporation Counsel Ashida if there was any
likelihood that the vacancies would be filled by the January meeting.
Corporation Counsel Ashida replied that it would be unlikely because the
deadline for the commissions requires two briefings, one to the committee and
onetotheCountyCouncil.TheapproximatetimeperiodwouldbeMarch2005.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned at 11:55 a.m.
SUBMITTEDBY:
__________________________
KAYCIEA.I.CARTER
Secretary
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