Board Packet for FC Meeting 10-23-25

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes September 25, 2025 Page 6 support training efforts. The Sayre Foundation funded the $5,000 cost for initial operator certifications. The department also entered a new U.S. Lifesaving Association (USLA) recertification cycle and will participate in a national certification conference in mid- October. Chair Kosaki inquired if the training curriculum is finalized and emphasized the urgency of implementing the program. BC Young agreed and explained that the curriculum is set to go, and noted that, with the anticipated reopening of Isaac Hale Beach Park, a high volume of activity is expected, as well as conflict. He reported nine tower vacancies and explained that implementing RWC training could temporarily impact staffing, as it would require removing up to eight personnel from line duty during training. Commissioner Hirakami inquired about personnel, asking how many vacancies exist and how many individuals are qualified to assume the role. BC Young responded that there are currently three operator vacancies. The goal is to train six candidates, allowing them to maintain baseline staffing at the towers while conducting training. This would fill the existing vacancies and provide three additional certified operators to cover as needed. AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING Chair Kosaki asked if there were any suggestions for the next agenda and stated that he would like to continue the discussion on the rescue watercraft training. Chief Todd stated that at the next meeting, he would like to bring all chief officers who oversee specific sections of the department to present their reports. This would provide the commission an opportunity to meet the chief officers, allow for leadership development, and enable the commission to ask questions regarding their reports. Vice Chair Hirakami noted that the current report did not include OCE data. Chief Todd explained that due to issues with the new county-wide computer system, they are currently unable to generate those reports and have no available OCE data at this time. He was unsure when the reporting functions would be restored. DCC Salas-Ferguson reminded the commission that at the previous meeting, the agenda had been amended to include discussion on the development and implementation of an evaluation process allowing Fire Department employees to provide feedback on the performance of the department head. A permitted interaction group (PIG) was formed to explore the matter further, consisting of Chair Kosaki, Vice Chair Hirakami, and Commissioner Cushnie. However, he explained that he's been told that the agenda should not have been amended at that time. To correct this, the item will be properly included on the next meeting agenda to allow for public comment, and the commission will revisit the matter. Commissioner Wolf noted that the chair had previously drafted and sent a letter to the Mayor's Office regarding the secretary position and requested a follow-up on the