HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0824.002 2018-2020 Nominee to Fire Commission
COUNTY CLERK
COUNTY OF HAWAII
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Merrick H. Nishimoto
I would like to thank the Mayor's Office for my nomination to the Fire Commission and the County Council for the
time to consider this recommendation. I would also like to thank the loved ones in my life who are living with me
and for their support in my many endeavors. They are my 89 year old mother Amy Nishimoto, dedicated and
wonderful partner Valerie Ohashi,her son Quinton Vasquez,his girlfriend Chacharee,and their two sons Makani
and Kawai. I also would like to thank the network of friends who provide additional insight and support.
A quick history about myself. I am a local boy who was born and raised in Kealakekua to a very hard working
couple Frank and Amy Nishimoto. Many vivid memories are held onto from growing up include picking coffee,
harvesting macadamia nuts,going to the beach,where I enjoyed"boogie"boarding, spear fishing, and camping. I
graduated from Konawaena High School and was on the wrestling team from my freshman through senior year.
One of the biggest blessing in my life,which my parents were 100%responsible for,was the opportunity to
continue my education at Bucknell University in Lewisburg,Pennsylvania. Both a Bachelor of Science degree in
Civil Engineering and a Master of Science degree in Structural Engineering were obtained. After obtaining my
engineering degree,I worked on the East Coast in Philadelphia and the outskirts of Washington DC. This also
included two international work assignments with Bechtel Power to Brisbane,Australia and Cairo,Egypt for three
(3)months each. I then returned to Hawaii to care for my elderly father who suffered a stroke and found work on
Oahu. Eventually,a work opportunity in Kona was offered and I returned home to look after my mother,which I
continue to do so today.
I enjoy making contributions to the community beyond my job and believe volunteering in different positions
allows this. For example,I was previously a wrestling coach at Konawaena High School for five years and
presently volunteer at the Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union on the Supervisory Committee. I am also
hoping to be a productive member of the Fire Commission. In the "Purpose" section of the Fire Commission fact
sheet, "Fire Commission, (Effective 3-7-I9)"it lists the roles and responsibilities of a commissioner. They include,
choosing a new Fire Chief,review of the budget,operations,personnel actions,hearing complaints, and making
recommendations for corrective actions. I have experience in all of these responsibilities except for choosing a new
Fire Chief. However,I have been on several interview panels while working at the Department of Public Works. I
believe my technical skills in combination with my deep love,understanding of local culture will provide a solid
base. This will allow me to productively and ethically participate in discussions and make decisions as a Fire
Commissioner in partnership with the Fire Chief and his Deputy.
If there are any questions,comments,or concerns, I would be happy to discuss them. Once again. thank you for
your time and consideration.
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