2026-01-15 Fire Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes January 15, 2026 Page 9 Takamura clarified that, according to Hawaii Fire Commission Rules, "Temporary Chief" is the correct term. No further public comments or discussion occurred. The Commission proceeded to vote, and all members unanimously agreed to appoint Daniel Volpe as Temporary Fire Chief. The motion carried, confirming that he will lead the department in this role until a new Fire Chief is selected. NEW BUSINESS Consideration of the Process to Appoint a Permanent Fire Chief. The commission discussed the process for appointing a permanent Fire Chief. Chair Kosaki reviewed the County Charter and Commission Rules, noting that a vacancy must be publicly announced in one or more newspapers of general circulation in the state of Hawaii once a week for three consecutive weeks, applications are screened by HR, and the commission selects candidates to interview. Minimum qualifications include five years of training and experience in fire control, including at least three years' experience in a reasonable administrative capacity, U.S. citizenship, state residency for one year, and responsibilities covering firefighting, emergency services, training, and department management. DCC Takamura added that the County Charter requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and allows the commission to waive the residency requirement. Chair Kosaki suggested reviewing the previous recruitment notice with HR and bringing it to the next meeting for approval before posting. Commissioner Cushnie motioned to follow this plan, seconded by Commissioner Perrin. Discussion: Commissioner Cushnie asked if human resources could provide the commissioners with training on how to conduct proper interviews, etc. Chair Kosaki stated they can request that. With no further discussion, the motion carried unanimously. EXECUTIVE SESSION (CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC) Commissioner Wolf moved to go into executive session to consider the charges against officers or employees of the Fire Department, where matters affecting privacy will be involved, and to consult with the commission's attorney on questions and issues pertaining to the commission's powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities, pursuant to HRS §§ 92-4, 92-5(a)(2), (a)(4), and Charter of the County of Hawaii § 13- 20(b). Seconded by Commissioner Cushnie, with no discussion and no comments from the public, the motion carried unanimously, executive session convened at 12.04 p.m. Motion to reconvene open session made by Commissioner Perrin, seconded by Commissioner Wolf, with no discussion, and it carried unanimously. The regular session reconvened at 12.37 p.m.