2026-02-26 Fire Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes February 26, 2026 Page 7 The Commission discussed a previous request made by Commissioner Cushnie for training on interviewing best practices, including prohibited interview questions and fair selection criteria. HR Director Sommer Tokihiro explained that all county employees who sit on interview panels are required to complete the mandatory interview and selection training, and HR would be willing to provide the same content to the Fire Commission, although it is not mandatory for commissioners. The training should be approximately one hour, and can be done via Zoom or in person. DCC Takamura noted that, due to the Sunshine Law, commissioners could either receive the training at a noticed regular meeting, individually, or in pairs under a permitted interaction, provided they do not make commitments on how they will vote. After discussion, the Commission agreed that all members should receive the training together. Commissioner Wolf moved to schedule the HR interview and selection training as an agenda item for the next regular Fire Commission meeting on March 19, seconded by Commissioner Rabara. The motion carried unanimously, with no further discussion. The Commission reviewed the draft Fire Chief job posting. DCC Takamura recommended several changes and clarifications before publication. The proposed changes were to leave the job number, opening date, and closing date blank for HR to fill in, since the dates must align with publication timelines. Add a notice of vacancy statement consistent with Rule 11, stating that there is (or will be) a vacancy in the Office of the Fire Chief, and that the Fire Commission is the appointing authority for the position. Correct and complete the minimum qualifications to reflect Hawaii County Charter §7-4.3(C), which requires that, in addition to being a U.S. citizen and state resident, the Fire Chief shall have "a combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university", and the requisite years of responsible administrative experience in fire control. The prior posting referenced the article, chapter, and section but omitted the explicit bachelor's equivalent education and experience language. Adjust the driver's license requirement so that possession of a valid State of Hawaii class 3 (or comparable) driver's license is required at the time of hire, rather than at the time of filing, since HR only collects and verifies driver's license information at hire. Applicants would still affirm on their application that they possess a valid license, but the formal verification occurs upon appointment. Add supplemental questions to the application asking applicants to affirm and detail how they meet each minimum qualification, including citizenship, residency, required years of fire control experience and administrative responsibility, and education/experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree. This would support HR's screening process. Add a non-discrimination and equal employment opportunity statement. The Commission could also defer