2024-07-25 Fire Commission Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes July 25, 2024 Page 10 fire chief must appoint a deputy fire chief through a letter of appointment, accompanied by supporting data and a personal resume. Chair Kosaki suggested that, regardless of whom the chief selects, the commission could request the chief's justification for the choice. DCC Salas-Ferguson confirmed that it would be appropriate for the commission to inquire about the recruitment process under Section 7-4.2 and the commission's powers. Chair Kosaki inquired whether they could address the deputy chief appointment issue now or if it should be added to the agenda for the next meeting. DCC Salas-Ferguson advised adding it to the next agenda for formal discussion. Vice Chair Wolf suggested asking the chief about it today, noting that addressing it later might be too late. The commission agreed to raise the issue with the chief after unfinished business when he returns. Commissioner Mattos expressed a preference for appointing someone from within the department rather than an external candidate and questioned if the Rules or Charter could be changed to require this. DCC Salas-Ferguson clarified that the Charter gives the chief sole authority to appoint the deputy, and any change to that would require a Charter amendment. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Discuss and finalize the 2021 Annual Fire Commission Report. The commission reviewed the 2021 Fire Commission Annual Report, prepared by Commissioner Luke. Chair Kosaki asked if there were any comments or amendments. Noting a typo, he requested a motion to approve the report with the correction. Vice Chair Wolf motioned to approve the report with the addition of the word "evaluation," seconded by Commissioner Perrin. With no further discussion, Commissioners Hirakami and Cushnie abstained, and the motion carried unanimously. PERSONNEL MATTER (cont.) Chief Todd was invited back into the meeting. Chair Kosaki stated that the commission had questions about the process for the selection of the deputy chief. Specifically, they wanted to know what qualities or qualifications the chief is seeking in a new deputy. Chief Todd explained that he is selecting an internal candidate for the deputy position. He is seeking someone with a bachelor's degree, preferably with a chief officer rank or higher, or someone who sought to have that leadership experience for some years. Over the past three weeks, he had in-depth conversations—lasting 2-4 hours each— with everyone in the department who has pursued a chief officer role in the last three years. He has narrowed it down to three candidates, all with bachelor's degrees, over 20 years of experience, and chief officer roles, with one even holding a master's degree. Although he has a preferred candidate in mind, he needs to finalize a few details before making the official announcement. The selected candidate is highly qualified, well-