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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON <br />GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS <br />DATE: February 3, 2026 Re: Comm. No. 707 <br />PLACE: Council Chambers <br />Hilo, Hawaii <br />TIME: 9:00 a.m. <br />Council Chair and Members <br />Hawaii County Council <br />Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br />Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred <br />Communication No. 707, reports as follows: <br />Communication No. 707, transmitted by Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated January 15, 2025, <br />requests the Council's review and confirmation of the nomination of Rollin Rabara to the Fire <br />Commission. <br />Executive Assistant to the Mayor, Micah Alameda, was present in the Hilo Chambers to introduce <br />Mr. Rabara, who was present in the Kailua-Kona Chambers. <br />Committee Members Holeka Goro Inaba, Dennis "Fresh" Onishi, and Rebecca Villegas spoke in <br />favor of the appointment. Member Onishi disclosed a familial relationship, sharing that they are <br />cousins. <br />Member Michelle M. Galimba mentioned that her district relies heavily on volunteer firefighters for <br />support for their large rural area and encouraged Mr. Rabara to take this into consideration and <br />choose a new Chief that would be supportive of and help to build the volunteer firefighting force. <br />Committee Chair Jenn Kagiwada asked Mr. Rabara if he is aware of the meeting schedule and will <br />be committed to attending meetings. Mr. Rabam said he was committed to being at the meetings. <br />Pursuant to Article VII, Chapter 4, Section 7-4.5 of the Hawaii County Charter, members of the <br />Fire Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council. <br />Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs is in accord with the purpose <br />and intent of Communication No. 707, and recommends confirmation of the appointment of <br />Rollin Rabara to the Fire Commission. <br />slm <br />AYES <br />NOES <br />ABS <br />EX <br />GALIMBA <br />X <br />HUSTACE <br />X <br />INABA <br />X <br />KAGIWADA <br />X <br />KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER <br />X <br />KIERKIEWICZ <br />X <br />KIMBALL <br />X <br />ONISHI <br />X <br />VH,LEGAS <br />X <br />Respectfully submitted, <br />COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL <br />OPERATIONS AND <br />EXTERNAL AFFAIRS <br />JENN K.9GIW A, CHAIR <br />GOEAC REPORT NO.: 97 <br />ADOPTED: FEB 1 S 902R <br />