2026-02-26 Fire Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes February 26, 2026 Page 6 Technical Service Highlights: Chief Volpe reported that the department completed the email migration to Outlook.com and established distribution lists for external domains. Spillman CAD one-touch buttons were tested for MDT-equipped units, allowing status updates via the MDT touch screen once instructions and memoranda are finalized. Safety Program: All five department breathing air compressors remain certified through March 20, 2026. FireWorks PPE/SCBA tracking rollout is ongoing, with annual SCBA flow testing at 100% and fit-testing at 60%. NFPA ground ladder testing equipment has been ordered and is in fabrication. A mold and environmental testing program is being developed in partnership with a contracted environmental firm, with ongoing improvements to windows and HVAC systems. OSHA 300 reporting compliance was noted, and the Joint Safety Committee met on January 28, 2026. Haweo Award: FMS II Imiola Lindsey was recognized for extended service, ensuring ALS coverage in Ocean View Estates and surrounding areas, and selected as the January 2026 recipient. This was Chief Todd's final Haweo selection. Chief Volpe also highlighted efforts to document and display department history, including memorabilia and historical articles, and continuing the Honor Guard tradition. No public testimony was received on the Chief's report. Recess was called at 11.07 a.m., and the meeting reconvened at 11.14 a.m. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Consideration and Process to Appoint a Permanent Fire Chief. DCC Takamura explained that, upon Chief Todd's unfortunate passing, Deputy Chief Volpe automatically became Acting Chief pursuant to the department's line of succession. The Commission subsequently appointed him as Temporary Chief under Rule 13, and he will serve in that capacity until the Commission appoints a permanent Fire Chief under Rule 11. He further explained that Rule 11 requires that when a vacancy occurs in the office of the Fire Chief, the Commission is required to publish a notice of vacancy in one or more newspapers of general circulation in the State of Hawaii, once a week for three consecutive weeks. The notice must state that a vacancy exists (or will exist), and explain how interested persons may obtain information on application procedures and position qualifications. The Commission needs to review and approve the Fire Chief job posting, decide what to include in the notice, and consider where and how long to publish it. HR would then handle the posting and initial screening.