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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-01-15 Fire Commission Regular Minutes HAWAI`I FIRE COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION MINUTES JANUARY 15, 2026 COUNTY BUILDING, COUNCIL CHAMBERS 25 AUPUNI STREET, HILO, HI CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Kosaki called the meeting to order at 9.00 a.m. Present: Gerald Kosaki, Chair Brian Cushnie, Commissioner Shon Magsalin, Commissioner Wesley Mattos, Commissioner Wayne Perrin Jr., Commissioner Carlene Wolf, Commissioner Absent: Les Hanano, Commissioner Rick Porter, Commissioner A quorum was present. Also present: Daniel Volpe, Acting Fire Chief Cameron Takamura, Deputy Corporation Counsel Charisse Correa, Fire Commission Secretary CHAIR'S OPENING REMARKS Chair Kosaki requested a moment of silence in memory of Commissioner Steven Hirakami and Fire Chief Kazuo Todd. PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS None. ELECTION OF THE CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR FOR 2026 Because there was no December meeting, elections were deferred to this meeting. Chair Election: • Gerald Kosaki (nominated by Commissioner Mattos, Kosaki accepted) • Wayne Perrin (nominated by Commissioner Magsalin, Perrin accepted) Vote results: • Kosaki - 4 votes (Commissioners Wolf, Kosaki, Cushnie, and Mattos) • Perrin - 2 votes (Commissioners Magsalin and Perrin) Five votes were required; therefore, no candidate received the required majority. Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes January 15, 2026 Page 2 Commissioner Perrin moved to continue the Chair election to the next meeting, seconded by Commissioner Cushnie, with no discussion; the motion carried unanimously. Vice Chair Election: Commissioner Cushnie wanted to nominate Commissioner Hanano, but he was absent and would need to accept. The Commission voted to continue the Vice Chair election to the next meeting. Motion to continue the Vice Chair election made by Commissioner Wolf, seconded by Commissioner Mattos, with no discussion, the motion carried (5-1; Commissioner Magsalin opposed) APPROVAL OF MINUTES • November 20, 2025, regular session: Commissioner Cushnie motioned to approve the regular session meeting minutes, seconded by Commissioner Perrin, with no discussion; the motion carried unanimously, and the minutes were approved. • November 20, 2025, executive session: Commissioner Wolf made a motion to approve the executive session meeting minutes, seconded by Commissioner Cushnie, with no discussion; the motion carried unanimously, and the minutes were approved. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THE PASSING OF FIRE CHIEF KAZUO TODD AND VICE CHAIR STEVEN HIRAKAMI The Commission honored the memory of Chief Todd and Vice Chair Hirakami. Commissioners shared reflections and recognized their service and contributions. FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT Presented by Acting Chief Volpe A detailed written report is on file. Highlights are summarized below. Opening Tributes and Administrative Status: Acting Chief Volpe opened the report by thanking the Commission for their support and attendance at the recent services for Chief Kazuo Todd, noting that the report's cover featured a photo of the Chief taken during a blessing before his passing. The department continues to coordinate with County Finance to fill in data gaps, particularly regarding OCE. The total adjusted budget appropriation is currently $76,853,168; the year-to-date percentage used is unknown pending updates. One of the primary goals is to update 95% of policies and procedures by year-end, which is currently at 59%. Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes January 15, 2026 Page 3 Facilities, Fleet, and Infrastructure: The department is making progress on long-term facility goals. Following the last tsunami evacuations, the department had to evacuate personnel and fleet under repair at the shop. To facilitate this, they partnered with KMR near Hilo's airport, and an MOU was later developed to maintain the emergency evacuation plan. The county is planning to relocate the maintenance shop and has identified property near the current Mass Transit location. For a West Hawaii mechanic shop, Initial discussions have started with Mass Transit to use part of their warehouse space, which includes a large PV system for charging electric buses. Human Resources: The department is currently managing 32 operational vacancies, which are expected to rise to 38 with the addition of the Makalei ambulance. The current overall vacancy rate is currently 8%. Volpe highlighted a significant retirement wave starting in 2028, where 20 to 25 personnel will be eligible for retirement annually for six years, requiring increased training and the recruitment of two classes per year. There are 10 active internal investigations, averaging over 120 days. Volpe noted that 2025 saw a high volume of personnel movement. He reported various promotions, transfers, and recruitment activities. Emergency Operations Division: Finance confirmed Temporary Hazard Pay (THP) funds will come from a county-created fund and will be returned to the department, helping realign the budget. 65% of assigned training was completed in December, with a goal of more than 95%. Daily vehicle checks are now tracked digitally for 250 vehicles, allowing mechanics to prioritize repairs. The average turnout time still exceeds the 1.20 goal. Report completion is at 97%, with a goal of more than 99%. The department switched to the national NIRS system for incident reporting. In December, there were 17 wildland fires totaling 3,909 acres year-to-date, with notable fires on Mana Road and the Hamakua coast. There were four structure fires, with 78 year-to- date. For the year, the department prevented approximately $35.7M in damages, and $1 M in property was lost. Special Operations: Volpe reported improved financial tracking within Special Operations, including salaries, wages, overtime, equipment, and OCE for Hazmat, Rescue, and Aviation. With contract pilots now hired as County of Hawaii Fire Department employees, the department can more accurately track aviation costs, an effort Chief Todd had worked toward for years. Aircraft operational uptime exceeded 90%, reaching 97% in December and 96% year-to-date. Numerous rescue trainings were completed, with additional sessions scheduled. The Director of Operations resigned on December 15; a new Director of Operations familiar with the program has been hired, and Fire 135 compliance has returned to seven days a week. Operational responses included Chopper 1 and 2 assisting with a Mana Road brush fire flare-up, Chopper 2 transporting a shark bite patient in Kau, and a body recovery for a missing diver in Keaukaha. No significant hazmat incidents occurred. Confined space operations Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes January 15, 2026 Page 4 training and refreshers were completed, and two Hazmat Technician-level courses are being coordinated with DOH for April and July. Ocean Safety: Salaries and wages are at 64%, which includes Temporary Hazard Pay. Volpe noted interest in tracking seasonal beach visitation trends. Three Rescue Watercraft Operators are currently qualified, with a goal of nine. Tower staffing is at 80%. Chief Young is reviewing and updating policies and procedures. The second round of recruitment for Rescue Watercraft Operators resulted in 15 qualified applicants. The written exam was rescheduled to January 20. During the first round, all candidates passed the written exam, but none passed the physical assessment. Assistant Chief Carvalho added that the rescue ski program remains operational on the east side despite occasional staffing shortages. He mentioned a recent successful rescue at Pohoiki, where operators responded within minutes, safely brought two individuals to shore, and assisted another vessel. EMS Branch: Salaries and wages are on track, including THP and overtime. The goal remains to maintain less than a 10% paramedic vacancy rate. December's ROSC rate was 0%. LUCAS devices were recently purchased. Quality review of critical calls is at 5% for December and 15% year-to-date, reflecting efforts to strengthen quality assurance. Volpe reported the passing of Dr. Judith Fitzgerald on Christmas Eve, recognizing her as a longtime Medical Director and significant contributor to emergency medicine and EMS training in Hawaii County. A new Medical Director has since been secured. Annual inspections of primary and backup ambulances have been completed. Funding for the Makalei ambulance project advanced through County Council's second reading, pending the release of$1.75 million in state funds. The goal is to launch the ambulance in a limited capacity by late spring and fully by July, increasing the fleet to 17 ALS ambulances (18 including Chopper 2). EMS personnel assisted with active shooter training. The fall paramedic class completed the didactic portion and will begin clinical internships in January 2026 (five students). Recruitment is underway for the next year- long MICT paramedic class, anticipated to begin in August. Training Section: Salaries and wages are at 58%, reflecting a few vacancies in Fire Training Specialist positions. The current recruit class, which began in late July/August, is progressing and has entered the EMT phase of training. Due to vacant training specialist positions, firefighters were temporarily assigned to assist, impacting salary allocations. Graduation is anticipated in June/July. Recruitment for the next class has closed, with approximately 115 applicants advancing to the written exam. The department aims to begin a new class in August and potentially a second class in February. The department's first Fire EMS recruit has completed fire training and will begin ambulance evaluations. Already licensed as an MICT, once cleared, this individual can temporarily fill an FMS I position to address staffing needs. Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes January 15, 2026 Page 5 The 54th Recruit Class honored Chief Todd with a joint workout with HPD, and 53 personnel attended a hands-on workshop covering electrical and solar safety. Volunteer Services Section: Four volunteers were added in December, bringing the total to 113. The department continues to utilize the Volunteer Firefighter Assistance Grant and has nearly expended this year's funding. Compliance with required online training remains a challenge due to several factors. Volunteers continue to participate in monthly hands-on training, including equipment operation and driving drills, which are not reflected in the online training report. Fire Prevention Section: December was a busy month due to several high-profile fires, including incidents involving loss of life, highlighting the importance of prevention efforts. Salaries and wages are overspent due to THP, but the section is fully staffed for the first time in some time, with one upcoming retirement anticipated. Prevention staff continued reviewing plans, investigating complaints, conducting public education and fire inspections, and maintaining the EPR property list. Auxiliary Services Section: Salaries and wages are at 60%, and the section is currently fully staffed. In December, 72 orders were processed, with 654 year-to-date orders totaling approximately $274,000 in supplies distributed to the department. Vehicle Maintenance Section: Vehicle Maintenance continues to manage a fleet of 250 vehicles. Year-to-date, 1,338 repairs were completed, including 37 service calls and 11 contracted repairs/tows in December. The section also restored the department's 1947 truck used in Chief Todd's service procession, reflecting both fire service tradition and the department's longstanding connection to the community. Emergency Communication Branch: Salaries and wages are at 29%, including THP. The branch currently has nine full-time Fire Communication Officers and has hired four additional, potentially increasing staffing to 13, depending on retention. Of the four Fire Captain vacancies in dispatch, three have been filled. These captains provide operational expertise and assume command during extended incidents but do not serve as dispatch supervisors. Program objectives include EMD protocol compliance, answering 911 calls within 10 seconds, and tracking call-processing and dispatch times. Discussion included appropriate deployment of ALS and BLS units to ensure ALS resources remain available for higher-level calls. Operations Highlights: Notable incidents included a structure fire in Livingston, a missing diver search at the Yacht Club, a shark bite transport in Ka`alu`alu (with Chopper 2), and multiple structure fires in Nanawale, Puna, and Volcano. Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes January 15, 2026 Page 6 Fire Prevention Highlights: Prevention conducted community outreach and media engagement, including a community hazard assessment in District 9, participation in Heroes and Helpers at Target (Dec. 6), and leading the Magic of the Season event (Dec. 12). Chief Todd attended the department-hosted holiday event on Dec. 13 after returning from training, showing appreciation to volunteers and staff. Prevention also participated in a Christmas event at the tennis stadium. Fire investigations included a fatal fire in Ocean View and a residential fire in Volcano. The UAS (drone) program is temporarily non-operational due to maintenance. Ocean Safety Highlights: Call activity remains high in Kona and Hilo. Five new Water Safety Officers began training on December 16, with training taking place at Richardson's. Volunteer Training Highlights: Regular monthly training activities continue. Station 14 Alpha held a blessing for a new tanker funded by the Kohala Ranch community in partnership with the Sayre Foundation. Chief Todd attended the blessing, recognizing the volunteers and the strong partnership between the community and the county. Technical Services Highlights: The transition to the new NERIS reporting system, mandated by the National Fire Administration, was completed smoothly. Volpe also noted continued improvements within the department's IT section, representing significant progress in recent years. Safety Program: The Respiratory Protection Program is undergoing changes, with one of six compressors currently out of service. A CDBG grant has been submitted to acquire another compressor and trailer. NFPA ground ladder testing equipment and supplies have been procured. The program also addresses environmental and safety concerns, including mold and lead testing, volcanic fallout, and air quality monitoring in the Kau district. Coordination continues with Training and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation on safety inspections, incident reports, and overall safety management. Passing of Fire Chief Kazuo Todd: The Hawaii Fire Department mourns the sudden passing of Fire Chief Kazuo Todd on December 14, 2025. With 21 years of service, including four as Fire Chief, he guided the department with a mission to save lives, protect property, and serve the community with aloha. His leadership brought significant advancements, including a $30 million budget increase and fleet modernization. Chief Todd leaves a lasting legacy and a stronger department. No public testimony was received on the Fire Chief's report. Recess was called at 11:11 a.m., and the meeting reconvened at 11.21 a.m. Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes January 15, 2026 Page 7 UNFINISHED BUSINESS Consideration of implementing an employee survey tool as part of the Fire Chief's annual evaluation process. Chair Kosaki reported that he spoke with Diane Nakagawa regarding the funding. He reported that the Fire Department, rather than the Commission, should handle the Request for Proposals (RFP) because the department is more experienced with the process. A Request for Information (RFI) is unnecessary because the Commission already has a specific vendor in mind. All funding for the survey tool must come directly through the Fire Department's budget. Chair Kosaki recommended waiting until a new Chief is hired and has had sufficient time to get situated within the department before gathering employee feedback. Commissioner Cushnie stated that implementing an evaluation tool would be valuable for assessing the Fire Chief's leadership more comprehensively. He noted that the Commission currently lacks a structured way to gather broader feedback. He expressed support for pursuing this tool for future chiefs but agreed that postponing the matter was appropriate. Commissioner Wolf moved to table the agenda item regarding the implementation of an employee survey for the Fire Chief. Chair Kosaki clarified that tabling the item would not remove it permanently and that it could be revisited at a later date. Commissioner Mattos seconded the motion, with no discussion and no public testimony; the motion carried unanimously. NEW BUSINESS Consideration of Fire Chief Todd's annual performance evaluation. Chair Kosaki stated that, given Chief Todd's passing, conducting an evaluation was moot and inappropriate, as evaluations are intended to identify strengths and areas for improvement. Commissioner Magsalin expressed that she would still like to complete an evaluation for Chief Todd's final year, noting that her term is ending, and she wished to participate if possible. Volunteer Assistant Chief John Bertsch commented that while evaluating Chief Todd may now be moot, performance evaluations can serve as valuable guidance for future chiefs by outlining the Commission's expectations and priorities. DCC Takamura advised that the Commission could enter executive session to discuss any legal questions regarding its authority and responsibilities. Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes January 15, 2026 Page 8 EXECUTIVE SESSION (CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC) Commissioner Wolf moved to go into executive session pursuant to HRS §§ 92-4, 92- 5(a)(4) for the purpose of consulting with the commission's attorney on questions and issues pertaining to the commission's powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities. Seconded by Commissioner Perrin, with no discussion, the motion carried unanimously, executive session convened at 11.37 a.m. Motion to reconvene open session made by Commissioner Cushnie, seconded by Commissioner Wolf, with no discussion, it carried unanimously, and the regular session reconvened at 11.44 a.m. After executive session consultation with counsel, Commissioner Perrin made a motion not to conduct Fire Chief Todd's Annual Evaluation. Commissioner Wolf seconded the motion, with no discussion; the motion carried (all in favor except Commissioner Magsalin). NEW BUSINESS Appointment of a Temporary Fire Chief. The Commission discussed the process for filling a Fire Chief vacancy. Chair Kosaki and DCC Takamura explained that the Deputy Fire Chief, by succession, becomes acting chief until the Commission appoints a temporary chief, who serves until a permanent Fire Chief is selected, per Hawaii Fire Commission Rule 13(a)(b). Commissioner Mattos inquired about potential candidates for the temporary Chief position. Commissioner Perrin expressed his opinion, stating that he believes Deputy Chief Daniel Volpe should remain as acting Chief to provide stability and leadership during the interim period while a permanent Chief is being selected. Commissioner Perrin moved to keep Deputy Chief Volpe as interim Chief until the Fire Chief position is filled. DCC Takamura advised that the correct terminology under the Commission rules is "Temporary Chief," so the motion should reflect that phrasing. Commissioner Perrin made a revised motion to appoint Chief Volpe as Temporary Fire Chief, which was seconded by Commissioner Magsalin. DCC Takamura reminded the Commission that they should confirm with Volpe whether he is willing to accept the appointment. Deputy Chief Volpe responded, stating that it would be an honor to serve as Temporary Fire Chief and that, if appointed, he would be happy to carry on the responsibilities and mission of the Hawaii Fire Department. Chair Kosaki then invited comments from the public. John Burnett asked whether "Interim Chief" would be the proper terminology instead of"Temporary Chief." DCC Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes January 15, 2026 Page 9 Takamura clarified that, according to Hawaii Fire Commission Rules, "Temporary Chief" is the correct term. No further public comments or discussion occurred. The Commission proceeded to vote, and all members unanimously agreed to appoint Daniel Volpe as Temporary Fire Chief. The motion carried, confirming that he will lead the department in this role until a new Fire Chief is selected. NEW BUSINESS Consideration of the Process to Appoint a Permanent Fire Chief. The commission discussed the process for appointing a permanent Fire Chief. Chair Kosaki reviewed the County Charter and Commission Rules, noting that a vacancy must be publicly announced in one or more newspapers of general circulation in the state of Hawaii once a week for three consecutive weeks, applications are screened by HR, and the commission selects candidates to interview. Minimum qualifications include five years of training and experience in fire control, including at least three years' experience in a reasonable administrative capacity, U.S. citizenship, state residency for one year, and responsibilities covering firefighting, emergency services, training, and department management. DCC Takamura added that the County Charter requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and allows the commission to waive the residency requirement. Chair Kosaki suggested reviewing the previous recruitment notice with HR and bringing it to the next meeting for approval before posting. Commissioner Cushnie motioned to follow this plan, seconded by Commissioner Perrin. Discussion: Commissioner Cushnie asked if human resources could provide the commissioners with training on how to conduct proper interviews, etc. Chair Kosaki stated they can request that. With no further discussion, the motion carried unanimously. EXECUTIVE SESSION (CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC) Commissioner Wolf moved to go into executive session to consider the charges against officers or employees of the Fire Department, where matters affecting privacy will be involved, and to consult with the commission's attorney on questions and issues pertaining to the commission's powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities, pursuant to HRS §§ 92-4, 92-5(a)(2), (a)(4), and Charter of the County of Hawaii § 13- 20(b). Seconded by Commissioner Cushnie, with no discussion and no comments from the public, the motion carried unanimously, executive session convened at 12.04 p.m. Motion to reconvene open session made by Commissioner Perrin, seconded by Commissioner Wolf, with no discussion, and it carried unanimously. The regular session reconvened at 12.37 p.m. Hawaii Fire Commission Regular Session Minutes January 15, 2026 Page 10 EXECUTIVE SESSION REPORT DCC Takamura provided the executive session report: • Agenda item VIII A (Consideration of Fire Chief Todd's annual performance evaluation). The Commission entered into executive session pursuant to HRS §§ 92- 4, 92-5(a)(4), to consult with the board's attorney regarding the commission's powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities. The discussion held therein is not subject to disclosure as it would tend to defeat the purpose of executive session. No final action was taken in executive session, and the vote occurred in open session. • Agenda item IX (Correspondence No. 25-04: Pertaining to allegations that two officers or employees of the Fire Department). The board entered into executive session for item IX A (1) pursuant to §§ 92-4, 92-5(a)(2), (a)(4), to consider charges against officers or employees of the Fire Department, where matters affecting privacy were involved, and to consult with the commission's attorney on questions and issues pertaining to the commission's powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities. A discussion held therein is not subject to disclosure as it tends to defeat the purpose of the executive session, and the board voted not to proceed with further disposition. AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING • Annual Report to Mayor and County Council • Secretary position (vacancy effective March 1) ANNOUNCEMENTS The Commission's next regular monthly meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 9.00 a.m., at the West Hawai'i Civic Center, Building A, Council Chambers, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Kailua-Kona, HI. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 12.44 p.m. SUBMITTED BY: CHARISSE CORREA, SECRETARY APPROVED BY: GERALD KOSAKI, CHAIR