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<br />HAWAII FIRE COMMISSION <br />REGULAR SESSION MINUTES <br />MAY 29, 2025 <br />25 AUPUNI ST., SUITE 1401, HILO, HI <br />CALL TO ORDERAND ROLL CALL <br />Chair Kosakicalled the meeting to order at 9:00a.m. <br />Present:Gerald Kosaki, Chair <br />Carlene Wolf, Vice Chair <br />Brian Cushnie, Commissioner <br />Les Hanano, Commissioner <br />Steven Hirakami, Commissioner <br />Shon Magsalin, Commissioner <br />Wesley Mattos, Commissioner <br />Wayne Perrin Jr., Commissioner <br />Rick Porter, Commissioner <br />A quorum was present. <br />Also present:Kazuo Todd, Fire Chief <br />Sinclair Salas-Ferguson, Deputy Corporation Counsel <br />Charisse Correa, Secretary <br />PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS <br />Robert Becker provided testimony before the commission. He introduced himself as a <br />40-year emergency management p <br />Community College, former Fire Commission member, chair, and vice chair, and a <br />of annual reportsand cited the County Charter’s provisions limiting commission <br />interference in administrative affairs. Becker emphasized the commission’s role in <br />ensuring the department follows HR and fiscal rules and regulations. He stated station <br />visits are appropriate with a courtesy call to the chief’s office, encouraging respectful <br />engagement with staff. He highlighted the importance of volunteer firefighters, noting <br />their critical role and long-standing service. Becker expressed disappointment that <br />current commissioners do not attend volunteer captains’ meetings and urged greater <br />involvement. He praised the department’s progress over the past four years under <br />current leadership and cautioned against using the commission for personal agendas or <br />union interests. He called on the commission to provide proper oversight and take a <br />positive, active role in supporting the department. <br />Commissioner Hirakami asked about the status of annual reports. Mr. Becker stated he <br />had submitted reports to the previous secretary and that reports were completed from <br />2015 to 2018 during his time on the commission. When asked if he knew when the last <br />report was completed, Mr. Becker said he did not. Chair Kosaki clarified that although <br /> <br />