Board Packet for FC Meeting 1-15-26

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes November 20, 2025 Page 8 Discussion included sample testing, compressor and generator maintenance, exposure reporting, and the reporting process. • Other Department Activities: Chief Todd reported on recent department and county activities, including the 57th Annual Employee Recognition Awards on October 2 at Aunty Sally's, where Ericksen Kohatsu, Fire/EMS Specialist II, was nominated for Employee of the Year. The department hosted a volleyball tournament on October 25, inviting county, state, and federal fire departments, and held the fall HFD camping trip at Ke`ei Bay. He also recognized Battalion Chief Melanie Keolanui for speaking at the Wahine Forum in Honolulu. Chief Todd encouraged following HFD social media for updates on firefighter recruit advertisements, Fire Prevention Week, and other department activities. Chair Kosaki asked if there was any public testimony on the fire chief's report. There was none. (Recess was called at 11.35 a.m. and the meeting reconvened at 11.45 a.m.) UNFINISHED BUSINESS Rescue Watercraft Operator Training Program: Chair Kosaki noted that the topic had been covered and invited any questions; none were raised. Consideration of Forming a Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) - Fire Chief Evaluation Survey: The Commission discussed the potential formation of a PIG pursuant to HRS § 92-2.5(b)(1) to investigate issues related to the use of an internal employee survey. Chair Kosaki reported meeting with Finance Director Diane Nakagawa, who clarified that the Fire Commission does not have budgeted funds for the survey; funding would need to come from the Fire Department. The department can begin the vendor bidding process, but allocation of funds is required. The Commission's budget is limited to meals and mileage. DCC Takamura asked whether forming a PIG was still necessary. After discussion, the Commission agreed that a PIG was not needed. The discussion included who would prepare the RFP, the bidding process, and whether the process could wait until the end of the fiscal year. It was noted that the PIG, if formed, would consist of 2-4 commissioners (less than a quorum) to handle tasks such as determining funding and the RFP process, and report back for Commission decisions. Commissioner Cushnie asked about RFP preparation and vendor selection. Chief Todd explained that the Commission would define survey objectives, and Finance would prepare and submit the RFP electronically; responses would then be ranked by the Commission or the PIG.