2025-08-28 Fire Commission Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes August 28, 2025 Page 7 six new operators, filling current vacancies and potentially adding or expanding another unit. Further discussion addressed funding challenges, training roadblocks, and the operational needs of Hawai'i County, including the reopening Pohoiki. Chief Todd noted the importance of having a dedicated Ocean Safety training captain to focus solely on training, allowing Chief Young to prioritize management and other chief officer duties. UNFINISHED BUSINESS (added by amendment of agenda) Commissioner Cushnie made a motion to amend the agenda to add discussion on the development and implementation of an evaluation process in which department employees provide feedback on the performance of the department head. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hirakami, with no discussion; the motion carried unanimously. Commissioner Cushnie recapped the commission's prior decision to engage a survey consultant to gather anonymous upward feedback from Fire Department personnel for the chiefs performance evaluation. He noted an informational meeting was held with the vendor Gallup and asked how to proceed with funding and procurement. Vice Chair Hirakami expressed concerns about Gallup, stating their standard 10- question survey was too generic and not specific to the department's needs. He noted Gallup's inflexibility in customizing questions and their pay-to-see model for additional options. He advocated for developing specific questions that would yield more valuable data for the department and emphasized that the commission needs to define the purpose of this survey. Commissioner Mattos recommended that the commission first identify a funding source before proceeding. The process for funding and procuring such a service was discussed, with the chief noting it would likely require an Invitation for Bid (IFB) or Request for Proposal (RFP). Other funding options were also discussed, and the possibility of asking the finance director to attend a meeting to discuss options. There was further discussion regarding Gallup's core questions, the option to add additional questions, how the company handles results and data, developing an action plan for improvements, and presenting the results. DCC Salas-Ferguson recommended that the commission form a Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) to investigate all related issues, including funding, procurement methods, and the best survey tool. The PIG would then report its findings and recommendations back to the full commission. Commissioners Cushnie, Hirakami, and Kosaki volunteered to serve on the PIG.