Joseph Kostiha

The meeting agenda includes the welcome of a new commissioner and a comprehensive report from the Fire Chief covering department operations such as workforce updates, facilities, equipment status, budget, stakeholder relations, and major incidents. The commission will review reports on budget, annual evaluations, the annual report, citizen complaints, and governance rules, including a new policy manual. Additionally, the commission will discuss an update regarding an alleged sexual assault incident and review 2025 Honolulu Charter amendment proposals concerning the Fire Commission's powers and functions.

The Commission reviewed the Fire Chief's report covering vacancy rates, cardiac arrest response and AED application statistics, status of the helicopter hoist replacement, and upcoming special operation assignments. Facility updates included cesspool-to-septic conversions, progress on land acquisition for fire stations, and pending CIP budget approvals. The Commission also discussed the fire department's accreditation status, technology initiatives involving AI, and disaster response following a recent storm. Administrative updates included a review of the fire department budget, the annual performance evaluation of the Fire Chief, and the approval of the amended annual report of the Fire Commission.

The agenda includes an update from the Fire Chief regarding the impact of Kona Low storms on the Waialua fire station and equipment recovery, as well as a comprehensive report covering workforce, facilities, fleet maintenance, budget, and stakeholder matters. The commission will also review the Hawaii Fire Fighter's Association contract, discuss assigned work such as the fire department budget and annual evaluations, and receive updates on specific past incidents, including a sexual assault investigation and a fire incident at Young Street. Furthermore, the meeting will address proposed charter amendments regarding commission powers and duties.

Key discussions during the meeting included welcoming the new Commissioner Ontai. The Fire Chief's report covered morale, welfare, recreation statistics (5 peer support activations in January), current department vacancies (103 total, projected to be 33 after 70 recruits in training), and the FY 2027 budget received from the Department of Budget and Fiscal Services, which includes a $400,000.00 increase for equipment, rising costs, and 22 full-time positions. Fire Operations reported on upcoming training sessions, including Hazmat Blue Card Command refresher and live fire training, and noted that the Belfor 429 helicopter hoist is nearing the end of its lifespan, with a refurbished hoist ordered for June 2026 arrival. Planning and Development reported on the successful accreditation site visit in December 2025, with the final report containing 19 recommendations, and a hearing scheduled for March 10, 2026. Administration Service Bureau detailed facility updates, including shoreline overhead charging system uploads, furniture replacement planning, and ongoing work on the hangar at Kalaeloa and structural guidance at Nu'uanu Fire Station. Tower restoration is underway, projected to complete by the end of July 2026, awarded to MJ Construction for $772,000.00. The Commission also reviewed the status of the Line of Duty Death report for the January 6, 2025 McCully Fire Incident, due by March 18, 2026. During an executive session, the Commission reviewed a confidential complaint regarding improper use of a fire truck and off-duty behavior, approving a response exonerating personnel on truck use and dismissing the off-duty claims due to lack of jurisdiction. The Commission also approved its 2025 annual evaluation for Fire Chief Hao in executive session.

The agenda for the meeting includes receiving the Fire Chief's report covering workforce, facilities, equipment, budget, labor discussions, stakeholder matters, major incidents, and correspondence. The Commission will also review reports on assigned work, including the HFD Budget Review, the Annual Evaluation of the Fire Chief for Calendar Year 2025, the Annual Report of the Fire Commission for Calendar Year 2025, citizen complaints, and governance and rules. Other key discussion points involve updates on the alleged February 14, 2025 sexual assault incident at HFD Headquarters and the January 6, 2025 McCully Fire Incident. A discussion is also scheduled regarding 2025 Honolulu Charter Amendment Proposals that affect the Fire Commission's powers, duties, or functions, specifically Proposal 253.