2025-10-23 Fire Commission Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes October 23, 2025 Page 6 • Follow-up Discussion: o Commissioner Mattos thanked Chief Todd for the progress on the rescue boat repairs. o Commissioner Magsalin asked about staff retention. Chief Todd stated personnel loss is mostly due to retirement; it's rare for fire-side personnel to quit. o The uniform committee is convening this week to address uniform policy. o Fire communications vacancies (8 of 16) will be filled shortly. o In response to Chair Kosaki, Deputy Chief Volpe confirmed the "zero" for Hazmat training in the report was for the month only, and training is ongoing. o Further discussion was held on beach staffing and precautions during red flag warnings. o Chief Todd stated he will bring all department section heads to the next meeting. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Review and discussion regarding Fire Chief Todd's annual evaluation form, with possible action to approve the form with amendments. The commission reviewed the form. DCC Salas-Ferguson advised that language marking the form as confidential should be removed, as the Chief's performance is a public matter. Chief Todd had no objections. Chair Kosaki confirmed the form would be amended to remove the "confidential personnel report" box and related language. • A motion to request that Chief Todd complete a self-evaluation was made by Commissioner Magsalin. The motion failed for lack of a second. • Commissioner Porter made a motion to approve the Fire Chiefs annual evaluation form as amended by counsel's recommendations, seconded by Commissioner Magsalin, with no discussion; the motion carried unanimously. Updates and discussion on the progress of the rescue watercraft operator (RWCO) training program. Chief Todd confirmed applications remain open until October 31 st. The program is expected to begin by December 1st. Chair Kosaki asked that the item remain on the agenda for future updates. NEW BUSINESS Discussion regarding the previously submitted letter concerning the commission secretary position. Chair Kosaki reported that he spoke with the Mayor and Managing Director at the recent workshop and again on Monday. They stated they are actively looking for a replacement secretary to be assigned specifically to the Fire Commission. Chief Todd suggested keeping the item on the agenda and inviting the executive assistant to the next meeting.