2025-06-26 Fire Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes June 26, 2025 Page 5 Commissioner Mattos made a motion to accept the report as is, seconded by Commissioner Wolf. Vice Chair Hirakami then made a motion to amend the report to include a 2024 budget recap, a pie chart of station responses, and a note that the Commission looks forward to the opening of the new dispatch center in 2025. He also requested the removal of a sentence referencing safety concerns at a station, as it was considered hearsay and opinion-based. Commissioner Magsalin seconded the motion, agreeing with the proposed edits and highlighting the department's positive progress. Hirakami emphasized that the report should be optimistic, informative, and reflective of the Commission's efforts, especially since it is submitted to the Mayor, County Council, and Managing Director. Magsalin also shared her perspective as a member of the Commission. Chair Kosaki responded that the report is a factual overview of the Commission's activities and not a negative evaluation. He stated that it's his responsibility as chair to present a realistic picture, acknowledging that while the chief provides good reports, there is always room for improvement. With no further discussion, the commission voted on the motion to amend the report. In favor— Commissioners Porter, Magsalin, and Hirakami Opposed — Commissioners Wolf, Cushnie, Mattos, and Kosaki Abstained — Commissioner Hanano (newly appointed) Motion to amend failed. Chair Kosaki then called for a vote on the original motion to accept the report as written. In favor— Commissioners Wolf, Porter, Cushnie, Kosaki, and Mattos Opposed — Commissioners Magsalin and Hirakami Abstained — Commissioner Hanano Motion carried. Chair Kosaki directed Ms. Correa to submit the report. NEW BUSINESS Fire Chief Performance Evaluation Form: A new, simplified draft of the Fire Chiefs performance evaluation form was reviewed. The form is similar to the original version and includes six main categories with bullet points to guide the evaluation. DCC Salas-Ferguson recommended amending the form to incorporate duties required by the County Charter. Commissioner Wolf moved to accept the new form with the suggested amendment to include Charter requirements. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Cushnie. There was no further discussion, and the motion carried unanimously.