HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-09-14 Fire Commission Minutes
William P. Kenoi Toby Taniguchi
Mayor Chairman
Scott Stabo
Vice-Chairman
Hawai‘i County Fire Commission
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c/o 333 Kīlauea Avenue, 2 Floor, Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720
Phone: 961-8251; Fax: 961-8622
REGULAR SESSION - MINUTES
September 14, 2011
West Hawai‘i Civic Center, Community Meeting Hale
Conference Room, Building G,
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Taniguchi at 10:00 a.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Chairman Toby Taniguchi
Vice Chairman Scott Stabo
Commissioner Laurie Bass
Commissioner Kimo Lee
Commissioner Kaloa Robinson
Commissioner Greg Henkel
Commissioner Byron Moku
ABSENT:
Commissioner Luahiwa Namahoe
A quorum was present.
ALSO PRESENT:
Lincoln Ashida, Corporation Counsel
Jennifer Kualii, Fire Commission secretary
Darren Rosario, Fire Chief
Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
Commissioners: Laurie Bass, Greg Henkel, Kimo Lee, Byron Moku,
Luahiwa Namahoe, Kaloa Robinson, Scott Stabo and Toby Taniguchi
STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS
None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Moku moved to accept the Regular Session Minutes of August 10,
2011. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Bass.
Chairman Taniguchi noted corrections to the Regular Session Minutes of August 10,
2011 as follows:
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Page 7 – Under New Business, 5 paragraph: Chair Taniguchi indicated
their
that by virtue of everyone accepting role as commissioners is self
evident,….
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Page 8 – 3 paragraph: Corporation Counsel Ashida meant Political Fire
Storm
as opposed to Stone.
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Page 9 – Under Announcement, 3 paragraph, 2 sentence: Corporation
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Counsel Ashida indicated should a meeting long as opposed to goes.
Minutes approved as amended and carried unanimously by voice vote.
APPROVAL OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
Commissioner Robinson moved to accept Communication Nos. 11-09, 11-10, 11-11,
11-12, and 11-13. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Stabo and carried
unanimously by voice vote.
CHIEF’S REPORT
Chairman Taniguchi officially welcomed and congratulated Chief Rosario on behalf
of the Commission and stated he looks forward to working collectively and
collaboratively as the Commission and Department moves forward.
Chief Rosario thanked the commissioners for their vote of confidence and stated he
will continue to work hard for everyone and represent the Commission as well as
members of the Department in all aspects.
Budget:
FY 2012/13 Budget
August 25, 2011 – Chief Oliveira attended the budget kick off meeting held
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with all departments.
November 1, 2011 – deadline for submittal of FY 2012-2013 budget to
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Finance.
Directive received from Finance to justify expenditures and to take a closer
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look at overtime. The only funding increases were limited to uncontrollable
expenses such as fuel and electricity.
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Supplemental budget – meetings are currently being scheduled with
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Council members; the Mayor has been informed as to the Department’s
priorities with regard to maintenance and upgrading of its fleet. The
Department was asked to prioritize its functions and programs and will be
working closely with the Department’s finance personnel to get acquainted
with the budget process.
Chairman Taniguchi reiterated his willingness and interest in helping with the
budget.
FY 2012/13 Budget
The Department was asked to closely monitor its spending and to live within its
means as there is no extra money available.
Alternative Funding and Grants:
FEMA FY 2009 Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant: (254 turn out coats and 251
pants). Grant was approved to use excess funds of approximately $59,363.00 to
purchase a portable fire extinguisher training system and to implement a smoke
detector installation program for the senior community. The Prevention Bureau
staff under the direction of Captain Gantry Andrade is working on both programs
to ensure completion by April of 2012.
FY 2010 Assistance to Fire Fighters SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire &
Emergency Response). Currently working with the Finance Department to
request quotes from vendors to produce an educational video about the
Department’s volunteer program.
FY 2010 CDBG – Tanker/Tender – Pahala Fire. Freedom Fire received the
chassis from Peterbilt and expects it to be completed by the end of this month.
The Department will be sending its representatives to Atlanta to conduct a pre-
delivery inspection to enable any corrective action, if needed, prior to shipping.
FY 2011 CDBG – Fire Apparatus – Pahoa Fire. Completed the final bid
specifications and its currently being reviewed by the Purchasing Department.
FY 2011 DOT Highway Safety Grant: FEO Neil Yoshioka continues to work with
the instructor on a training schedule. At the end of this training, the extraction tool
(Jaws of Life), will be donated to the Department. This equipment costs
approximately $20,000-$25,000.
Chairman Taniguchi asked if these were for hybrid cars.
Chief Rosario replied the training will have a high emphasis on hybrid cars.
FY 2012 DOT Highway Safety Grant: No new updates.
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Capital Improvement Projects:
Makalei Fire Station:
Dormitory pre-cast wall panels are up on the building slab.
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Dormitory masons completed the trash enclosure work and currently
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working on the generator pad retaining wall.
Maryl (contractor) is prepping pre-cast apparatus wall panels for pouring on
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September 16.
Maryl is currently working on installing the septic system; manholes and
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septic tanks are already in place.
HELCO is expected to have service shop drawings by early next week
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(revisions made from what was initially shown on contract drawings).
Relocation of the waterline on the driveway is currently held up because it
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did not have delivery receipts.
Hose tower is up to the first catwalk level and decking is being formed.
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Administration & Support Facility:No new updates.
Central Fire Station:No new updates.
Kawailani Fire Station:Council is looking at another site for a possible relocation;
across the municipal golf course driving range, in the vicinity of Laula Road and
Haihai Street. The Kawailani Station will lose 10 feet of frontage with the
Kawailani Roadway project.
Chief Rosario stated the site is the pasture across the AJA Hall; cautious of that
property because that area floods.
Ka’u Public Safety Package: No new updates.
Paauilo:No new updates.DPW ADA Compliance, HazMat Abatement:
Waimea: Installation of the photovoltaic panels by Green Path
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Technologies started.
Central Station / Dispatch: Working with Public Works & architect on final
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draft plans – no start date set.
Laupahoehoe: Missile impact doors installation completed.
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Pohoiki Radio Re-Location:No new updates.
Promotions and Hiring:
Open-Competitive Recruitments: None.
Internal Recruitments:
Fire Emergency Medical Services Specialist III
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Fire Rescue Specialist/Fire Hazardous Materials Specialist/Fire Equipment
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Operator/Fire Captain
Fire Communications Supervisor
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Emergency Operations Bureau:
Responded to 1,800 total calls which has been the average every month.
Traditionally, November and December are the busiest months.
In August, Chief Rosario, Fire Inspector Kazuo Todd and Fire Apparatus Trainer
Monn-el Kim attended the National Fire Academy. Kazuo Todd attended a
prevention course and Monn-el Kim attended a training driving course.
Special Operations:
Sayre Foundation Dinner: Battalion Chief Gerald Kosaki continues to work
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with Doctor Sayre and Laura Sayre on purchasing equipment that can help
the Department.
Aquatic Certification Course: Currently distributing cards for everyone. At
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the Kailua Fire Station, Rescue Boat 7, which is the spare boat, is now fully
functional and running. This was done with great help through the Sayre
Foundation.
Chairman Taniguchi asked what happened to Rescue Boat 22 that was in the Hilo
harbor.
Chief Rosario replied that Rescue Boat 22 had a fuel tank leak and is currently
awaiting a quote from a vendor on the Kona side. The trailer is being repaired and
once it’s repaired, the vessel will be taken to the vendor in Kona to get examined.
Chairman Taniguchi asked if it would go out sole source or bid.
Chief Rosario replied it will go for the lower cost as there aren’t many vendors that
can do the work.
Commissioner Bass asked if the Department shows preferential treatment to Big
Island businesses.
Chief Rosario replied yes, most of the work is done on island because it is not
financially feasible to ship off island.
Punalu‘u Lifeguard Tower: A County government road has been located to
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erect the tower on. Working with Planning Department, Public Works,
Parks and Recreation, Corporation Counsel and the Mayor’s office to get
the project up and running. Currently, the lifeguards are still working out of
the pop up tent. Public recognition on this site needs to be improved.
Junior Lifeguard Program: Received a $20,000 grant from the Liquor
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Department. This grant program is being handled by Battalion Chief
Kosaki and will be used to curb underage drinking.
Received favorable consideration for ultra-violet protective garments to
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protect the lifeguards from the sun. The Department implemented this
program and the lifeguards will be able to purchase the ultra-violet long
sleeve shirts as part of their duty uniform on the beach. The lifeguards will
be reimbursed for their uniform.
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Vice Chairman Stabo asked if the lifeguards will have to purchase this on an
individual basis or is the Department going to get the uniforms.
Chief Rosario replied the Department will follow how the firefighters do their uniform
purchases. There will be a set guideline, a set vendor, they will purchase it online
and then be reimbursed through the County’s uniform allowance program.
Commissioner Lee asked if the firemen and lifeguards purchased uniforms once a
year as he noted the expenditure is very small.
Chief Rosario replied yes, each employee can purchase a new set of uniform once in
the calendar year from when it was last purchased. Each individual is open to pick a
time as they will have to front the money first and then get reimbursed. A complete
set of uniform can run anywhere from $200 - $400 of which they get reimbursed 75%
of that total.
Chief Rosario reported a new ATV was delivered to the lifeguards at Hāpuna Beach.
Chairman Taniguchi asked for the status on the permit for the Hāpuna Beach
surveyor towers.
Chief Rosario replied it’s currently in the works. For years it was always looked upon
as the responsibility of the Hāpuna Prince Hotel but the Department stepped up to
protect the community and visitors there.
Chief Rosario reported the Department got approval to use fair share funds on the
Hāpuna tower which also ties in with CIP funds.
Support Services Division:
Emergency Operations Bureau:
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August 1 - Jesse Ebersole promoted to an EMS Captain and works
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directly under Battalion Chief Lance Uchida.
At the last base station meeting held at the Kailua Fire Station, specific
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trauma activation cases were discussed and positive comments were
received from Dr. McDowell and RN Wendi Wagner as to the level of care
patients received.
Mr. Mark Kunimuni is the new EMS Program Director. He has been in
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direct contact with Battalion Chief Uchida and looks forward to assist the
Department in providing training for paramedic and EMT level courses.
40th Recruit Class is currently in EMT class. They went through a week of
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EMT prep through Fire Medical Specialist Chris Honda who teaches that
class. In about a month the recruits will be going on line to do their
internship with the ambulance units out on the field.
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August 31 - Captain Jesse Ebersole along with Chief Rosario, HR
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Specialist Ann Ignacio and Battalion Chief Gerald Kosaki attended the
Office of Language Access Conference in Honolulu. By law, the
Department is charged with providing non-English speaking people with
the ability to communicate their needs. There are programs set up where
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the hospitals have interpreters on board to communicate, if needed.
Received a binder filled with language cards for the various languages that
occur in the State of Hawai‘i.
Volunteer Training Section:
Volunteer Chief Tom Brandt reported the following:
Chief Brandt thanked the Commission for their efforts in selecting the new
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chief and welcomed Chief Rosario on behalf of all the volunteers.
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Next company officers meeting: September 24 at 10 a.m. at Pa‘auilo
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Gym.
Minutes for the last several meetings are posted on the website.
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Chairman Taniguchi asked for an update on the de-commissioning of the National
Park apparatus for 19 Alpha.
Chief Brandt replied he hasn’t heard anything.
Chief Rosario replied he doesn’t have any update.
Chairman Taniguchi asked for an update relative to the Four Seasons Kukio Hualālai
volunteer stations.
Chief Brandt replied he did not have any updates.
Chief Brandt appreciated Chairman Taniguchi’s effort to ascertain the volunteer’s
perspective on the selection of the new chief.
Chief Brandt noted Chief Oliveira would be at their next volunteer company meeting
for an opportunity for the volunteers to say aloha.
Chief Rosario noted one update on 9 Alpha, which is out of the Waimea area;
received delivery of a 5-ton military truck chassis and its currently being outfitting with
a tank and pump.
Prevention Bureau:
NFPA 1, new fire code – currently at Corporation Counsel to review
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changes the Prevention Bureau put forth.
2006 International Building Code – back at the County Council for review.
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The Fire Department’s role is to uphold the rules of the building code when
doing inspections.
Fire Fighter Safety Guides – currently going out to the schools.
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Auxiliary Services:
Communication:
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Moved the Dispatch Center to a new telex system; however, it’s not
interfacing with the rest of the Dispatch Center equipment and the
biggest issue is with the headset. Currently working with the
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vendor, the Police Department and Hawaiian Tel to work towards a
solution for this.
Battalion Chief Gahan met with Stephen Douglas and Tracey Asato
of Hawaiian Tel to go over installation plans for a SOLOCOM CAD
System. There is a added cost of $600 per headset.
Currently working with the general contractor, Shinji Inaba, on
renovating the Dispatch Center to make it more ergonomically
designed.
Chairman Taniguchi asked if there are any hazmat problems there.
Chief Rosario replied none that he knows of.
Chairman Taniguchi stated Chief Oliveira mentioned in the past that Inaba
(contractor) pointed out some problems.
Chief Rosario replied the Dispatch Center is an older section of the warehouse and
he would check into the hazmat issue.
Distribution Center:
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The Department of Finance completed the Fire Department’s
inventory of all items valued at over $25,000; normal process when
a department head retires.
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August 12 - received two incident resource trailers that were
purchased through a grant. This trailer contains items to assist the
incident commander at large scale incidents.
New Projects/Business:
Requested to agendize at the next meeting a presentation of the Hawai‘i
Fire Department’s organizational structure and mission.
For future meetings, requested to be able to introduce equipment or
programs the Fire Department currently has.
Chief Rosario stated the Commissioners may visit the stations at anytime. It’s a
great opportunity to meet the men and women of the Department as well as the
volunteers.
Employee/Public Relations:
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September 3 – Daniel Sayre Memorial Foundation held at the Fairmont
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Orchid. This was the 14 year and it was very successful.
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October 8 – Fire Prevention Week in Hilo
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October 15 – Fire Prevention Week in Kona.
Commissioner Henkel asked to clarify there weren’t any openings in water safety.
Chief Rosario replied it was miscommunication on his part, there are no open
recruitments currently going on, but there are openings that need to be filled.
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Chairman Taniguchi inquired if the 2011 Assistance to Fire Fighters grant application
process, specifically relating to EKG compression devices, opened.
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Chief Rosario replied it did open and got extended to September 23. Captain Jesse
Ebersole is in the process of putting together that grant application. The Department
is looking to upgrade their pumpers which is an external CPR device.
Chairman Taniguchi asked if Company 14’s ladder truck is on line.
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Chief Rosario replied the ladder truck has been on line since September 1.
Unfortunately, a significant air leak was discovered in the front breaks so that truck
went into the maintenance shop. This is the new ladder apparatus at South Kohala.
Commissioner Lee noted that going through the interview process, people were
saying the ladder truck was just sitting there but a general manager at one of the
hotels stated they get better insurance rates by just the fact there is a ladder truck, so
it’s a two-fold benefit, although the ladder truck was not being used, the hotel industry
gets a great benefit from the Department acquiring the ladder truck.
Chief Rosario replied it does lower their insurance rating.
Chairman Taniguchi stated it’s the same for volunteer stations.
Commissioner Lee stated even though it was just sitting there, it had a value.
Chief Rosario indicated it was an apparatus that was purchased and when it arrived,
the Department was forced to make plans for it. The Department had to pay for the
trainer, Mike Wilbur, to come over; he provided personnel with great insights on what
it is like to be on an aerial apparatus.
Commissioner Robinson noted he never would have thought the hotels would have a
benefit for the ladder truck but in the future that might be a creative collaboration for
the continued funding of some equipment.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Budget and Finance: Chairman Taniguchi extended his interest in working with
Chief Rosario relative to the upcoming budget.
Office Management and Staffing – no report.
Rules and Policies – no report.
Public Relations – no report.
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Training and Education – Commissioner Namahoe absent; no report submitted.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at 10:00
a.m., at the Hilo Lagoon Centre Conference Room, 101 Aupuni Street, Suite
145, Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720.
Chairman Taniguchi noted he would not be at the next meeting, Vice
Chairman Stabo will conduct the meeting.
At 11:05 a.m., Commissioner Robinson moved to go into Executive Session to
discuss matters of privacy, of personnel and to also consult with Corporation Counsel
on questions and issues pertaining to the commission’s powers, duties, privileges,
immunities, and liabilities. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Stabo and
carried unanimously by voice vote.
At 12:00 noon, Chairman Taniguchi called the Regular Session meeting back to
order.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Moku moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by
Vice Chairman Stabo and carried unanimously by voice vote.
Meeting was adjourned at 12:01 p.m.
SUBMITTED BY:
JENNIFER M. KUALII
Secretary
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