2026-02-26 Fire Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes February 26, 2026 Page 10 addressed by the Commission; an internal investigation report from the Mayor's Office referred to the Commission, with that matter still ongoing). The report acknowledged that the Commission did not complete a formal annual performance evaluation of the Fire Chief for 2025 due to unforeseen circumstances surrounding Chief Todd's death in December 2025, but stated that the Commission planned to discuss with the Temporary Chief the department's strengths and challenges that should be addressed, based on Commission recommendations. The report states that the Fire Chief provides a monthly written and oral report to the Commission. Based on these reports and Commission discussions, the annual report set forth a series of Commission recommendations to the Fire Department, including continuing to seek alternative funding (grants and other sources) to augment budgeted operations, equipment, and staffing; supporting minimum staffing needs and exploring expansions where warranted; strengthening Special Operations and technical rescue capabilities (hazmat, Wildland, air operations); improving the Ocean Safety Division, especially focusing on staffing and the Rescue Watercraft program and expanding RWC coverage; supporting the department's vehicle replacement program; supporting and enhancing the department's safety program, including exploring or defining roles such as Incident Safety Officer and Health and Safety Officer; continuing Incident Command System training and All-Hazards Incident Management Team development; continuing joint training with the Civil Support Team for hazmat and rescue; reviewing MOUs/MOAs with other agencies to clarify jurisdiction and improve interagency coordination; exploring retention alternatives and incentives, particularly for Communications (dispatch), which has remained a significant staffing challenge; and improving communication and working relationships with the unions (HFFA, UPW, HGEA). The conclusion of the annual report states that the Commission strives to uphold the charter while providing guidance and advice to the Fire Chief, to ensure the safety of departmental personnel and the community, and acknowledges ongoing funding constraints while recognizing the former Chief's success in expanding the budget and leveraging alternative funding. It called for continued attention to union relations, consistent application of corrective action as appropriate, and support for operational and cultural improvements. Chair Kosaki asked if there were any proposed revisions. No amendments were offered. Commissioner Wolf moved to approve the 2025 Fire Commission Annual Report and transmit it pursuant to Rule 4 to the Mayor, Managing Director, and County Council Chair. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanano, with no discussion; the motion carried unanimously.