2025-06-26 Fire Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes June 26, 2025 Page 6 NEW BUSINESS Correspondence No. 25-01: Letter from the Hawaii Fire Fighters Association regarding recent promotions: Chair Kosaki invited Deputy Chief Volpe to respond to the letter from the Hawaii Fire Fighters Association (HFFA) concerning recent promotions. Deputy Chief Volpe emphasized the confidentiality of the promotion process, stating that details such as candidate scores and performance cannot be discussed publicly to maintain the integrity of the process. He explained that he would discuss general procedures. DCC Salas-Ferguson confirmed that certain personnel matters are confidential, as advised by HR, but general information about the promotion process can be shared. Chair Kosaki noted the union's concerns regarding candidates not meeting minimum qualifications. Deputy Chief Volpe reviewed publicly available job specifications and explained the qualifications and roles for Battalion Chiefs, Captains, and Assistant Chiefs. When asked about the Special Operations Battalion Chief role, Volpe explained that their role is a program manager. They shifted their BCs away from supervisors to managers. All BC positions are management positions. They manage the budget, financial planning, training resources, research and development, policies, and procedures. Chair Kosaki recognized the complexity of the position and noted that prior experience is invaluable, quoting "there's no substitute for experience." Volpe agreed and stated they're pulling the special operations chief out of the task mindset and getting them into a strategic mindset, where they can oversee a program. Vice Chair Hirakami asked about the interview process, confidentiality, and union representation. Volpe explained that HR manages the application and qualification screening process, and the department develops the assessment. He confirmed that scores are confidential and only shared directly with candidates during follow-up meetings to provide performance feedback. Regarding union representation, Volpe clarified that Battalion Chiefs are excluded managerial employees, not part of the HFFA, and they're not automatically included in HGEA. There's a segment of HGEA that will represent them; some do pay HGEA union dues. Commissioner Wolf emphasized that the key issue raised by the HFFA letter is safety. She stated that, as a citizen, it is crucial to have leadership with experience. She noted that the union's concerns extend beyond just one or two isolated issues. Deputy Chief Volpe noted that no official personnel orders announcing promotions have been issued yet. DCC Salas-Ferguson expressed concerns that confidential information may have been improperly disclosed by the union but reminded the commission of its role to ensure fair recruitment standards without interfering in individual hiring decisions.