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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON <br />GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS <br />DATE: February 18, 2025 <br />PLACE: Council Chambers <br />Kailua-Kona, Hawaii <br />TIME: 9:19 a.m. <br />Council Chair and Members <br />Hawaii County Council <br />Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br />Re: Comm. No. 134 <br />Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred Communication <br />No. 134, reports as follows: <br />Communication No. 134, transmitted by Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated January 29, 2025, requests the <br />Council's review and confirmation of Brian A. Cushnie to the Fire Commission. <br />Executive Assistant to the Mayor Micah Alameda was present in the Kona Chambers to introduce <br />Mr. Cushnie, who was also present in the Kona Chambers, to the Committee. Mr. Alameda explained that <br />Mr. Cushnie is a 27-year veteran of the Hawaii Fire Department. He is currently serving the remainder of a <br />partial term on the Fire Commission from the prior administration and is being renominated for a full term. <br />Committee Member Ashley Kierkiewicz asked if Mr. Cushnie would share how his experience has been in <br />serving on the Commission so far. Mr. Cushnie said that the biggest challenge he has encountered is <br />determining how to fairly evaluate the Chief. The Commissioners have met some roadblocks from Corporation <br />Counsel on how best to ask questions of the Fire Department employees to receive unbiased feedback on <br />morale and the Fire Chief s performance. <br />Committee Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi mentioned there are a lot of stations that need to be re -roofed as <br />well as many other repairs and renovations. Mr. Cushnie was aware and echoed those concerns. <br />Pursuant to Article VII, Chapter 4, Section 7-4.5 of the Hawaii County Charter, members of the Fire <br />Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council. <br />Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs is in accord with the purpose <br />and intent of Communication No. 134, and recommends confirmation of the appointment of <br />Brian A. Cushnie to the Fire Commission. <br />slm <br />©_-- <br />©--- <br />®_-_ <br />Respectfully submitted, <br />COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL <br />AFFAIRSEXTERNAL <br />a4l -- � ArAl I I I - , I I Z <br />REPORTGOEAC <br />DO. ! <br />'" ' l <br />