2026-02-26 Fire Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes February 26, 2026 Page 9 During discussion, Commissioner Rabara inquired about the residency requirement and how mainland applicants were eligible for the Police Chief position. DCC Takamura explained that HRS §78-1 provides specific exceptions and a waiver process for certain appointed positions, including the Police Chief, and offered to address its applicability to the Fire Chief in Executive Session. The Commission agreed this was unnecessary. With no further discussion, the motion carried unanimously. There was no public testimony for this agenda item. NEW BUSINESS Commission's Secretary Position. Chair Kosaki noted that Commission Secretary, Ms. Correa, would be vacating the position effective March 1, due to a new opportunity, and expressed concern that the Commission had previously been unable to meet during periods when the position was vacant, both during the transition from the prior secretary and when Ms. Correa was on leave, because no backup staff exists. HR Director, Ms. Tokihiro, explained that the Commission Secretary position is within the Police Department, though it serves both the Police and Fire Commissions. HR has opened a recruitment for the position; currently accepting applications, and is scheduled to close next Tuesday. If fewer than five qualified applicants apply by that date, HR will convert the recruitment to continuous so they can continue to accept applications. No applications had yet been confirmed at the time of the meeting. Ms. Tokihiro noted that, in the interim, it might be possible to place an existing employee on temporary assignment. Commissioners expressed concern that a single secretary is currently assigned to both commissions, noting that efforts to address this have been ongoing for years. They indicated that the March 19 HR selection training and Fire Chief recruitment could not proceed without a secretary. Ms. Tokihiro added that the situation is under review to ensure all secretaries for boards and commissions are covered. There was no public testimony for this agenda item. NEW BUSINESS Hawaii County Fire Commission's Annual Report. Chair Kosaki explained that the report is based on activities and oversight and covers the calendar year January—December 2025. Chair Kosaki read the report, which summarized the Commission's role under County Charter §7-4.6; its membership and meetings (nine meetings held; five in Hilo and four in Kona; February canceled due to a wildfire summit, March and April canceled due to secretary unavailability); and public complaints and investigations (one formal complaint from the public heard and