2025-10-23 Fire Commission Minutes

Home

Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes October 23, 2025 Page 7 Establish a permitted interaction group (PIG) to investigate issues related to funding, procurement methods, and the selection of an appropriate survey tool for use in the evaluation process of the Fire Chief. This item was reintroduced to comply with the Sunshine Law. • Chief Todd stated he was not comfortable committing HFD funds at the beginning of the fiscal year but would support using unspent excess funds for this purpose near the end of the fiscal year (around February-March). • The commission discussed the procurement process, including the difference between a Request for Proposal (RFP) and an Invitation for Bid. • The commission agreed to table the formation of a PIG. Chair Kosaki will gather preliminary information on funding and procurement. The item will remain on the agenda. AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING • Rescue Watercraft Operator (RWCO) Training Program updates. • Commission's secretary position status. • Report from the Chair regarding the Chiefs evaluation survey funding/procurement. • Fire Chief's Report (with department section heads present). ANNOUNCEMENTS • Next Meeting: Chair Kosaki announced the next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 9.00 a.m. at the County Building, Council Chambers, Suite 1401, 25 Aupuni St., Hilo, HI. • Meeting Format: Chair Kosaki noted the workshop also included discussions on meeting formats (in-person, hybrid, Zoom) and related challenges, which the Mayor's Office is reviewing for consistency. • Corporation Counsel: DCC Salas-Ferguson shared that while his office has had vacancies, some positions have been filled and duties redistributed. He announced that Cameron Takamura will be the Fire Commission's Deputy Corporation Counsel, effective next month. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 12.04 p.m. SUBMITTED BY: CHARISSE CORREA, SECRETARY APPROVED BY: GERALD KOSAKI, CHAIR