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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-09-26 Fire Commission Minutes HAWAFI FIRE COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 26, 2024 HAWAFI COUNTY BUILDING, COUNCIL CHAMBERS 25 AUPUNI ST., SUITE 1401, HILO, HI CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Kosaki called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Present: Gerald Kosaki, Chair Carlene Wolf, Vice Chair Brian Cushnie, Commissioner Steven Hirakami, Commissioner Corey Luke, Commissioner Shon Magsalin, Commissioner Wesley Mattos, Commissioner Absent: Wayne Perrin Jr., Commissioner A quorum was present. Also present: Kazuo Todd, Fire Chief Daniel Volpe, Deputy Fire Chief Sinclair Salas-Ferguson, Deputy Corporation Counsel Charisse Correa, Secretary PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS (None) APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chair Kosaki asked if there were any comments or discussions regarding the minutes. Hearing none, the minutes from the August 22, 2024 meeting were approved as drafted, with no objections. FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT Fire Chief Todd highlighted items from the Chief's Report. A detailed report is on file. • Highlights: The 27th Annual Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation Awards Dinner was held on August 31, 2024, at the Fairmont Orchid. Department personnel were honored for their outstanding service and dedication. • Fiscal Branch Report: Invoice settlements are being completed on target. Currently, the Fire Department's budget is slightly under in salaries and wages, at 19.55% compared to the goal of 20.83%. He explained that the pay structure for the county in July included three pay periods, while June had only one. By the end of the fiscal year in June, this should bring the budget back in line with the goal. He also provided updates on equipment and OCE, noting that there is some front-loading for equipment purchases, as well as partial front-loading for OCE, depending on the section. Additionally, he gave an update on the Ocean Safety and EMS budgets. Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes September 26, 2024 Page 2 • Alternative Funding & Grants: Chief Todd reported that the grants are on track and progressing as expected. He also discussed training programs and provided updates on the Kohanaiki and Leleiwi lifeguard towers, which are being funded through fair share contributions. • HR Branch Report: Chief Todd reported that their program budgets are on target. He also provided updates on internal and open recruitments, noting that the recruitment for the Fire Prevention Battalion Chief position has been completed. They will soon move forward with the interview and assessment center for the Fire Hazmat Material Specialist position. Regarding open recruitment, Chief Todd mentioned that all conditional offers for the Water Safety I positions were rescinded for eight candidates due to a grievance involving Water Safety Officer (WSO) III. The WSO grievance was further discussed, with Chair Kosaki raising a question about how years of service are calculated in Ocean Safety, given the various part- time roles, such as half-time, three-quarter time, and 5/8 time. He questioned whether service would be based on total years or actual hours worked, as someone working 20 hours a week for three years differs from someone working full-time for two years. Chief Todd said he would bring this matter to the union for consideration. Chief Todd noted that the department is moving away from part-time Water Safety Officer positions. He added that those currently holding part-time roles likely wouldn't be interested in full-time positions, but once they leave, he plans to convert their part-time roles into full-time positions. His long-term goal is to phase out part-time positions entirely. Vice Chair Wolf left the meeting at 9:34 a.m. • Total Calls for Service: The year-to-date total is at 20,733 calls, with an estimated 31,100 calls for service expected by the end of the year. Of these, 71% were rescue and EMS-related, around 2-3% were fire incidents, and 16% were good intent calls. • Response Times: Average turnout times are currently around 5% of their target compared to the national average, and they are actively working to improve this. • Fire Impacts: In August, there were 12 wildland fire calls, bringing the year-to-date total to 120. A total of 132 acres burned, making the total year-to-date 288. There was further discussion about El Nino and La Nina, along with efforts for fuel reduction. Chair Kosaki raised concerns about the proper processing of green waste due to the threat of coconut rhinoceros beetles. Commissioner Hirakami inquired about the impact of high winds and downed powerlines during Tropical Storm "Hone," asking whether any wildfires were caused by the event. Chief Todd explained that the department was fully staffed and Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes September 26, 2024 Page 3 prepared, with volunteers alerted to be ready if needed. However, the storm did not pose significant issues. Despite heavy rainfall up to 20 inches in some areas over 24 hours, there was no major damage, and the steady rain allowed water to drain properly. Commissioner Cushnie asked about upstaffing during red flag events or hurricanes and how this process is directed to captains and battalion chiefs. Chief Todd explained that upstaffing decisions are left to the discretion of the battalion chiefs, as there is no formal directive or policy in place. The department is currently developing a red flag policy, with the goal of having at least one firefighter per brush truck, and if they can get a second person they would approve it. Further discussion covered mandatory recall procedures. Deputy Chief Volpe noted that mandatory recalls are rare but available as a tool when needed. He gave the example of August 8, 2023, when fires required additional manpower. The department identified the need early, holding personnel over before the usual shift change at 8:00 a.m. This needs-based recall allowed them to deploy sufficient firefighters, contributing to the successful management of multiple simultaneous fires. • Emergency Operations: o Battalion 1 (East Hawai`i): A vehicle went over the Wainaku Bridge, damaging the railing. Additionally, there was a brush fire on South Point Road. o Battalion 2 (West Hawai`i): A 40-acre brush fire occurred in Waikoloa. There was also an aircraft emergency, where the plane made a safe landing in a field. • Special Events: The Joy Mills Special Needs Day took place on August 24th, followed by Hurricane Hone, which occurred from August 24th to 25th. • Special Operations: o Ocean Safety: The Junior Lifeguard State Championships were held on August 10th at Hapuna Beach Park, where the Hawaii Island Junior Lifeguards won the State Championships. o Rescue: The US Coast Guard SAREX took place on September 10th and 12th. Ongoing discussions are focused on replacing Light Rescue vehicles and developing their specifications. Additionally, the fuel tank for the Rescue 7 boat (Radon) has been replaced, and it is expected to be fully operational. Recess was called at 10:02 a.m., the meeting reconvened at 10:15 a.m. Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes September 26, 2024 Page 4 • Support Services: o Emergency Medical Services: Captain Lam served as a keynote speaker at the Hawai'i Fentanyl Task Force Summit. At Waiakeawaena Elementary School, 140 staff members completed hands-only CPR and AED training. They have also launched a new online ordering system for EMS supplies, utilizing the same software as the fire side, but creating a separate site to avoid confusion. This system went live on September 1 st. Additionally, they are currently conducting their annual ambulance audits and license renewals. The Fall 2023 paramedic class has graduated, and a new fall class has begun, currently consisting of four students. Training sessions for Pulsara, a telehealth platform, have been held. Pulsara facilitates communication among EMS staff, hospitals, and specialists. The Community Paramedicine Program remains active, with 20 patient contacts made in August. Chair Kosaki inquired whether Pulsara was replacing Medicom. Chief Todd clarified that it is not. Deputy Chief Volpe explained that Pulsara is a telehealth platform focused on CVA and stroke awareness, allowing direct connections with neurologists at Queens Hospital for patient consultations and diagnostics. This system enables quicker and more accurate physician- based assessments, delivering critical information directly to the hospital to inform triage decisions o Training Services: The National Child Passenger Safety Technician Certification Training was conducted recently. The 53rd firefighter recruit class started on August 1st, with 13 firefighter recruits, one HFD Fire/EMS recruit, and one HI-DOT ARFF firefighter recruit. The Fire/EMS recruit has since resigned. The recruits engaged in training and had the opportunity to meet with Representative Jill Tokuda at the PTA. They have been sharing updates about the recruit classes on social media to showcase the training process, inform the public, foster community connections, and inspire the next generation of potential firefighters interested in joining the fire service. Chief Todd noted that over the past decade, there has been a decline in the number of candidates showing up for the written test. The most recent physical agility test saw only 88 participants, all of who had passed the written test. In previous years, around a thousand candidates would take the written test, with the top hundred scores moving on to the physical agility test, resulting in 100-120 participants. The overall number of applicants has decreased significantly. He also mentioned that he is currently collaborating with the training team to transition their existing physical agility test to a military-standard test. Chief Todd indicated that there are QR code links to the recruit videos included in the chief's report. Chair Kosaki inquired whether the department has a social media policy. Chief Todd explained that while there is a county social media policy and Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes September 26, 2024 Page 5 various guidelines regarding taking photos at scenes and posting them, he was uncertain if the department has a specific policy. Chair Kosaki expressed concerns about a recent social media post that he found inappropriate. Chief Todd assured him that he would look into the matter. o Volunteer Training: Chief Todd reported that a security fence will be installed along Kumula Street (1-A) to address issues of trespassing and vandalism. Ainaloa (10-D) is in the process of repainting the 30,000-gallon water catchment tank. Discovery Harbor (11-C) and Pahala (11-D) assisted with the brush fire that occurred on South Point Road on August 15th. o Fire Prevention: In August, the Fire Prevention Branch investigated one structure fire, which occurred in a residential property in District 18, with the origin traced to a plastic storage shed. Prevention has also been enhancing its social media presence. Additionally, plan reviews are being conducted at a rate of 100% within the 14-day review window. • Logistics, Emergency Communications, and Vehicle Maintenance Section: o Logistics: In August, through the fire ordering site, there were 343 customers, and 87 orders were processed, which was $25,000 of products. The issues with Brush Truck 15 have been resolved by the mechanic shop, and it is now back in service. Ice machines have been received and will be installed at Stations 6, 8, and 9. They have also been working on the EPR property list. There was further discussion regarding compressors and SCBA systems. One long-term goal is to establish a specific position for a respiratory technician, similar to Honolulu. The Fire Maintenance position is currently open for recruitment, and this role will initially focus 30% of its efforts on SCBA maintenance. Commissioner Mattos mentioned that this topic was raised during his visit to the station, highlighting that the position handles numerous safety responsibilities, including calibrating hazardous materials and maintaining life-saving equipment like SCBAs. He inquired whether this role would cover all safety-related tasks and noted that the only educational requirement was an eighth-grade education. Chief Todd clarified that he does not have the authority to make that decision. Commissioner Mattos asked if the process is managed by County HR. Chief Todd confirmed that while the position is modeled after an existing county position, the assessment and interview process will aim to select the most qualified candidate with relevant experience and education. He added that the minimum qualifications must align with the position in the county, and there will also be training and certification processes for the selected candidate. Chair Kosaki inquired if this is the same process used for the Safety Officer position. Chief Todd clarified that the Safety Officer position already exists within the county. He had requested several positions from the HFFA that Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes September 26, 2024 Page 6 were denied, and he doubted this position would be approved since it is already established. He also explained the differences in processes and costs between HFFA and HGEA positions. During the discussion, Chair Kosaki expressed concerns about why the Safety Officer doesn't engage more directly with the stations. Chief Todd responded that the Safety Officer does visit the stations and mentioned a safety reporting function on their website where anyone can submit an issue. It goes to the station and he collaborates with personnel to resolve them. He noted that the Safety Officer played a key role in addressing the mold issue at the Waiakea Fire Station and is actively working on HIOSH and OSHA- related matters, the respiratory management program, and collaborating with Ocean Safety on a GAP analysis. He emphasized that just because someone hasn't seen the officer at the station doesn't mean they aren't visiting, as there are over 20 stations and three shifts to cover. The department has a clear process for addressing safety concerns. Commissioner Hirakami mentioned that there are three board members from HFD, but he lacks fire experience. He suggested that it would be beneficial if non-fire commissioners were provided a cheat sheet detailing the station names. This would help him better understand reports during meetings. Chief Todd agreed to provide the commission with cheat sheets for all station locations. o Logistics (cont.): Chief Todd reported that apparatus repairs at 157, there were 32 trouble calls and eight contracted tows. o Emergency Communications: Shadowing is taking place for captain positions within the FCCC. In August, Capt. Wilson participated in this shadowing process. The 53rd recruit class also had the opportunity to gain insight into the role. They are in the process of partially moving back into their existing facility, with two out of three shifts operating from there. They are in a consultation phase with HGEA, and the midnight to 8:00 a.m. shift will continue to be based at HPD's dispatch center. As staffing levels increase, they plan to transition all operations back into their facility. Additionally, they are awaiting the opening of the new joint communications center, which is nearing completion. Currently, the focus is on IT installations, including server racks, and computer wiring, along with testing to ensure functionality. Progress is also being made towards implementing Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD), which aims to streamline the call-taking process for all fire and rescue calls. o Information Technology: They have played a crucial role in launching the EMS Shopify store site. The team is also working on converting some forms to PDFs and finalizing IT-related tasks for the joint communication center. Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes September 26, 2024 Page 7 There has been a significant focus on their CradlePoints, which are routers installed in emergency vehicles to facilitate data transmission to the field. These CradlePoints provide GPS data to the Spillman system, allowing them to track the location of their units and provide other details. Safety Specialist Section: They are conducting mold awareness training and procedures. Additionally, the Safety team has begun discussions with the county physician to explore health monitoring evaluations for personnel who may have been exposed to mold. The Safety Specialist is also leading the HFD/HFFA Safety Committee, which has not met for many years. With the safety specialist, these meetings are now held regularly, providing a platform to address any safety-related issues as they arise. They are currently reviewing the status of the respiratory protection program, water rescue operations, in-station decontamination procedures, and the potential revival of the Joint-Labor Wellness Initiative to enhance overall departmental wellness. The Safety Officer is also working on their continuity of operations plan. Chair Kosaki asked about the status of rescue training, inquiring whether any progress had been made since previous discussions. He emphasized the importance of maintaining certification and requested an update on rescue training. Chief Todd responded that a meeting took place last week, during which a report was compiled and submitted to him, along with several documents. He's in the process of reviewing the materials and will be organizing administrative-level meetings to move forward and implement the necessary actions. The commission discussed the procedure for adding items to the agenda, reminding members to contact Chair Kosaki via email or phone for requests. While requests may be made, there's no guarantee an item will be included. Chair Kosaki explained that he sends requested items to Ms. Correa, who adds them to the agenda, but legal counsel may advise against including certain items. Commissioner Magsalin raised concerns about needing a process for addressing issues raised by personnel, especially regarding complaints from fire stations. She emphasized the importance of knowing how to handle hearsay. Commissioner Hirakami clarified that complaints should follow the department's established chain of command, escalating from the lowest level to the chief, and only reaching the commission if unresolved. Both commissioners agreed on the need for a clear chain of command for handling complaints. Deputy Chief Volpe explained that there are two types of issues: general station action items and safety-related concerns. Firefighters are encouraged to report issues through their chain of command, starting with their captain and moving up to the assistant chief and administration. For safety concerns, there's a safety reporting system, and personnel can report anonymously if desired. An internal website also Hawai'i Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes September 26, 2024 Page 8 allows for filing complaints, which can be anonymous or include personal information. Chair Kosaki emphasized that commissioners serve as a voice for personnel and oversee the chief's operations. He noted that miscommunication leads to misunderstandings, causing personnel to jump to conclusions. He stated that addressing issues brought to the commission is crucial to protect both the commission and the department, as failing to do so could lead to negative consequences. Chair Kosaki asked about a memo from Chief Todd regarding FAR 135 compliance issues. Chief Todd explained that they received a new helicopter through collaboration with the Sayer Foundation, but the FAA required additional paperwork. They are in the process of transitioning pilots and operations to a new system and director. To maintain FAR 135 compliance, they need operational control, which requires someone available around the clock. When the operational control is traveling, they can't be reached. They can perform operations but cannot charge for them due to non-compliance. There was a discussion about HFD's email distribution list for commission members. Chair Kosaki noted that some topics he raises come from emails sent by the chief. DCC Salas-Ferguson emphasized that any discussed items should be placed on the agenda to ensure everyone is informed. Commissioner Hirakami expressed that he perceives limited decision-making within the board, contrasting it with his experiences on other boards. DCC Salas-Ferguson clarified that the commission has limited decision-making authority, primarily to inquire about operations and administration. While the commission can ultimately suspend or remove the chief under certain circumstances, it cannot interfere with departmental operations. He suggested that refresher training on the commission's powers would be beneficial and encouraged anyone with questions to reach out to him. DCC Salas-Ferguson added that while questions about the chief's report are welcome, new topics should be added to the agenda for discussion. AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING Chair Kosaki requested to include discussions on the donation of the new helicopter, the duties of the project manager transition coordinator, the status of hydrant maintenance, volunteer uniforms, and EMS standby volunteers. Recess was called at 11 :40 a.m., the meeting reconvened at 11:53 a.m. UNFINISHED BUSINESS The Fire Commission discussed the process for the Fire Chief's annual evaluation. Chair Kosaki inquired about the consensus from the previous meeting. Commissioner Hirakami noted that while everyone was asked to review the evaluation and suggest Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes September 26, 2024 Page 9 revisions, no changes were made, and no motion was made to accept it or set a timeline. The evaluation, based on an improvement model aligned with the strategic plan, includes several categories developed in consultation with the chief. The commission should submit their evaluations in November and review them in either open or closed session during the December meeting. Before that, they need to approve the evaluation. He asked if there were any suggestions. Commissioner Cushnie sought clarification on the evaluation structure and process. Commissioner Hirakami explained that the commission would review the chief's self- assessment, which is introspective and has been utilized by the Department of Water Supply. Commissioner Magsalin inquired about the scoring totals on page 3 and confirmed that the chief would complete a self-evaluation before the commission rates him. She suggested asking the chief questions instead of a written evaluation. Chief Todd noted that this evaluation consolidates a significant amount of information and is modeled after a 360-degree evaluation process commonly used for CEOs, typically involving a third-party survey. Commissioner Hirakami emphasized that this tool is meant to assist the chief's improvement. Chair Kosaki inquired whether, after receiving the chief's self-evaluation, the commission would complete their evaluations, followed by his corroboration, resulting in a total of eight assessments. Commissioner Hirakami clarified that they would refer to the first page to compile everyone's scores and provide an overall rating, highlighting that the comments are crucial. Chief Todd suggested the option of hiring an external company to manage the evaluation process, allowing the commission to complete the survey online. Alternatively, Ms. Correa could create the evaluation using Google Forms or SurveyMonkey, which would compile the responses into a single report. Chair Kosaki expressed his support for this idea, noting that consolidating everyone's comments was time-consuming. He asked DCC Salas-Ferguson if this was feasible, to which Salas- Ferguson agreed but questioned who would handle the technical aspects. Chief Todd explained that they could either hire an external company for the review or utilize SurveyMonkey through Ms. Correa. If the survey is limited to commissioners, SurveyMonkey would suffice, but if they wished to include feedback from personnel and peers, it could be integrated into a 360-degree review process. Chair Kosaki clarified that the input should only come from commission members, as it is their responsibility. Chief Todd confirmed he would cover the costs for SurveyMonkey if they chose that option. Chair Kosaki then called for a motion to allow the Chief and Ms. Correa to look at creating a survey through SurveyMonkey for the Fire Chief's evaluation based on the form created by Commissioner Hirakami. Commissioner Hirakami moved, and Commissioner Mattos seconded the motion, with no discussion, the motion passed unanimously. Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes September 26, 2024 Page 10 Chair Kosaki acknowledged he may have overstepped by not first accepting the evaluation. He then requested a motion to accept the evaluation. Commissioner Luke moved to accept it, with Commissioner Cushnie seconding the motion, which also passed unanimously without discussion. NEW BUSINESS The commission reviewed the fungal (mold) investigation report conducted by Lehua Environmental Inc. at the Waiakea Fire Station. Chair Kosaki explained that he learned about the situation when Civil Defense announced the relocation of personnel from the Waiakea Fire Station to the Haihai Station. Curious about the timing of the notice at 6:30 p.m., he reached out to the station staff for clarification. Chief Todd had sent out a memo, followed by a revised one, stating that effective Friday, September 13th, personnel were relocated to Station 3 due to high mold levels detected by Lehua Environmental Inc. Chair Kosaki inquired whether personnel were moved out on Friday or Sunday, as he had received an email on Sunday. Chief Todd clarified that they technically hadn't relocated. On Friday around 3:30 p.m., a mold concern was reported through their safety reporting system. Although there was no specific medical information about anyone, they brought in Lehua Environmental to assess the situation. Given Hawaii's climate, where mold and mildew are common they don't naturally go out and test for mold. They hired Lehua Environmental, to conduct air quality tests, sending samples for laboratory analysis in Honolulu. They received the report indicating a spore count of 150,000 in the locker room shower area, prompting an immediate decision to shut down that station. Only one area was affected and other bathrooms were available, Chief Todd prioritized the safety of the personnel. The report was shared with personnel at Station 2, the BC was immediately sent down. In conversations with personnel, they agreed to avoid the affected room and use the captain's bathrooms instead. Rather than relocating on Friday, they decided to postpone the move and consult with the next shift to gather their input. If any member from any of the three shifts reported issues, they would need to move. On Saturday, personnel preferred not to leave. Chief Todd spoke with the captain on duty that morning, and the BC provided containers for gear storage, allowing them to clear out the locker room while wearing N95 masks. As conditions stabilized, personnel felt comfortable remaining at the station. On Sunday, an email indicated that personnel were entering the affected area to retrieve items, which raised concerns about spores potentially being transferred to living quarters. In response, Chief Todd immediately ordered the station to close. He contacted Civil Defense to escalate the situation, resulting in personnel relocating to Haihai. However, two team members remained in the district overnight in a vehicle to maintain quick response times. Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes September 26, 2024 Page 11 On Monday, they repurposed an old, non-operational driver trainer by removing parts to create a two-bedroom, air-conditioned space. This setup was transported to Station 2 and converted into an exterior dormitory, along with the provision of portable restrooms. This arrangement allowed the shift to be divided, with half sleeping at Haihai while the other half stayed in the district. Over the weekend they worked with Lehua Environmental to secure an emergency procurement and on Tuesday, flew the team from Honolulu for mold remediation. By Friday, they had received a clean bill of health from the retesting, allowing them to return to the station. Chief Todd mentioned they are considering the construction of a pop-up station, estimated at around half a million dollars, which could be deployed to various physical sites like parking lots, complete with temporary buildings and furnishings. Chair Kosaki pointed out that the issue arose from a leaking roof and questioned whether the Department of Public Works (DPW) could prioritize the needs of first responders who live at the station 24/7. Chief Todd explained that most projects in Hawaii County fall under the unfunded Capital Improvement Project (CIP) list, which serves as a wish list. The mayor and administration assess this list to determine costs and whether to take out loans for the necessary work. He cited the Pahala roof, which was identified for replacement in 2006 but has since become a more expensive and extensive project due to ongoing damage. Chief Todd expressed that he lacks a solution for these widespread facility issues, which limits his ability to address them effectively as Fire Chief. Commissioner Cushnie clarified that the Mayor decides which CIP projects receive funding. Chief Todd confirmed this is generally the case and emphasized that he does not blame the current Mayor for the situation, noting that decades of deferred maintenance on county facilities have led to significant issues. Past administrations focused on new projects like parks rather than maintaining existing infrastructure, resulting in a lack of attention to repairs. Over the last 20 years, no maintenance or repairs have been made to county properties, leading to current expenses, such as $80,000 spent on mold remediation. Chief Todd mentioned that AC Chadwick has made significant progress in moving projects forward over the past three and a half years. The Mayor has allocated approximately $750,000 to HFD's repair budget, up from $13,000, but larger CIP projects remain beyond his control. Commissioner Mattos inquired whether some of the funding could be allocated for roof repairs instead of purchases like ice machines. Chief Todd clarified that they had posed that question, and the response was essentially no. He explained the process and the reasoning behind that decision. Commissioner Cushnie inquired if there was a way to remove that from the CIP process and incorporate it into HFD's budget. Chief Todd responded that he was not aware of any such option. He stated that he had asked several times about alternative solutions Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes September 26, 2024 Page 12 but had not found any. He emphasized that the CIP remains an unfunded wish list, with no available funds to implement those projects. Commissioner Hirakami suggested exploring the possibility of reaching out to benefactors like Sayres and Benioff, emphasizing the importance of personnel health and safety and questioning whether they might be willing to help. Chief Todd mentioned that he has sought federal funding and submitted a congressional-directed spending request for a million dollars to redesign a new central station. Regarding benefactors, he noted they are currently working on designing and constructing two helicopter storage buildings for HFD but doesn't believe it would be appropriate to ask them to fund roof replacements. He does not see this as a viable solution to the issue. Commissioner Hirakami pointed out that if the roof isn't repaired, the mold problem will likely return. Deputy Chief Volpe mentioned that they collaborate with county partners, although the process can sometimes be cumbersome. He explained that patching had been carried out, indicating that while this is a temporary fix rather than a permanent solution, progress is being made. There was additional discussion about emergency procurement and elevated mold spore levels in Hilo, attributed to the constant rain. Deputy Chief Volpe noted that they have implemented medical monitoring concerning mold testing and coordinated with county physicians to assist any personnel at the station who feel affected. He explained that skin testing is not recommended due to the high levels of ambient mold in Hawaii, which typically results in positive test results for nearly everyone. Addressing concerns about mold testing, he pointed out that the CDC does not advise routine mold testing, as many species of mold are harmless. Finding reliable point-of-contact mold monitoring is challenging, but they have specified a moisture particle sensor that can measure particle counts at the stations, as they are concerned about mold within the buildings. Chair Kosaki then opened the floor for further questions, but none were raised. Chair Kosaki asked about the possibility of using Zoom for commission members who are unable to attend the meeting in person. Chief Todd responded that they would need to consult with counsel, noting that the commission's previous counsel had advised against it due to various concerns. He explained that his initial intention was to promote transparency. However, he highlighted the technical challenges involved. When County Council conducts meetings via Zoom, they have a technician present in Hilo or Kona who is responsible for managing the technical aspects. Chief Todd mentioned that enabling Zoom would likely require additional steps beyond what is typically necessary, and he faced too many obstacles, so it didn't look feasible. ANNOUNCEMENTS Chair Kosaki announced the commission's next monthly meeting is scheduled for October 24, 2024, at 9:00 a.m., at the West Hawaii Civic Center, Building A, Council Chambers, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Kailua-Kona, HI. Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes September 26, 2024 Page 13 ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 1:05 p.m. SUBMITTED BY: CHARISSE CORREA, SECRETARY APPROVED BY: GERALD KOSAKI, CHAIR