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HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GOEAC 022 2025-02-18 2024-2026REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS DATE: February 18, 2025 PLACE: Council Chambers Kailua-Kona, Hawaii TIME: 9:19 a.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Re: Comm. No. 134 Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred Communication No. 134, reports as follows: Communication No. 134, transmitted by Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated January 29, 2025, requests the Council's review and confirmation of Brian A. Cushnie to the Fire Commission. Executive Assistant to the Mayor Micah Alameda was present in the Kona Chambers to introduce Mr. Cushnie, who was also present in the Kona Chambers, to the Committee. Mr. Alameda explained that Mr. Cushnie is a 27-year veteran of the Hawaii Fire Department. He is currently serving the remainder of a partial term on the Fire Commission from the prior administration and is being renominated for a full term. Committee Member Ashley Kierkiewicz asked if Mr. Cushnie would share how his experience has been in serving on the Commission so far. Mr. Cushnie said that the biggest challenge he has encountered is determining how to fairly evaluate the Chief. The Commissioners have met some roadblocks from Corporation Counsel on how best to ask questions of the Fire Department employees to receive unbiased feedback on morale and the Fire Chief s performance. Committee Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi mentioned there are a lot of stations that need to be re -roofed as well as many other repairs and renovations. Mr. Cushnie was aware and echoed those concerns. Pursuant to Article VII, Chapter 4, Section 7-4.5 of the Hawaii County Charter, members of the Fire Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council. Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs is in accord with the purpose and intent of Communication No. 134, and recommends confirmation of the appointment of Brian A. Cushnie to the Fire Commission. slm ©_-- ©--- ®_-_ Respectfully submitted, COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRSEXTERNAL a4l -- � ArAl I I I - , I I Z REPORTGOEAC DO. ! '" ' l