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Hawaii Fire Commission <br /> Regular Session Minutes <br /> February 26, 2026 <br /> Page 2 <br /> enough votes to determine the chair. The Commission agreed to defer the matter to the <br /> current meeting. Chair Kosaki opened the floor for nominations for Chair and Vice Chair <br /> of the Fire Commission for 2026. <br /> Nominations: <br /> Gerald Kosaki was nominated by Commissioner Wolf for Chair, Commissioner Hanano <br /> seconded, and Kosaki accepted. <br /> Les Hanano was nominated by Commissioner Kosaki for Vice Chair, Commissioner <br /> Wolf seconded, and Hanano accepted. <br /> Vote: <br /> Kosaki for Chair was carried unanimously with all five votes. <br /> Hanano for Vice Chair was carried unanimously with all five votes. <br /> APPROVAL OF MINUTES <br /> Commissioner Hanano motioned to approve the regular and executive session meeting <br /> minutes for January 15, 2026, seconded by Commissioner Wolf, with no discussion; the <br /> motion carried unanimously, and the minutes were approved. <br /> FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT <br /> Presented by Temporary Fire Chief Volpe. <br /> A detailed written report is on file. Highlights are summarized below. <br /> Opening Remarks: Chief Volpe recognized the recent passing of Chief Todd and <br /> thanked the commissioners and community for their support. Referring to the cover <br /> page of the report, taken during Chief Todd's service, he highlighted the 1947 vehicle, <br /> which has been part of the department and funeral processions for decades. In front of <br /> it is a new EMS response vehicle, and flying above is Chopper 2. The picture <br /> represents the department's history and future as it turns the page and moves on to new <br /> chapters. <br /> Fiscal & Grants: The department's total operating budget was reported at <br /> approximately $76.85 million; in addition to that are a number of grants and state <br /> funding for two beaches and the EMS program. The state funding is approximately $30 <br /> million, which is included in the operating budget. The program objective to maintain <br /> 95% currency of policies, procedures, MOUs, and MOAs was at 59% year-to-date, with <br /> the expectation of reaching the 95% target by year-end. He noted that it has been <br /> difficult to report accurately due to the county's transition to the CoHnect system for <br /> finance and payroll, but some figures are now available. <br />