The Hawaii County Fire Commission Wednesday set aside its March 10 selection of the Big Island’s next fire chief, opting to redo the vote in open session after questions were raised about how the vote was initially cast.
The Fire Commission last month selected Battalion Chief Kazuo Todd as the new fire chief to replace Darren Rosario, ratifying in open session a vote made behind closed doors. Rosario retired Nov. 1, when Deputy Fire Chief Robert Perreira, who also applied for the position, became acting chief. Following the March 10 vote, questions were raised about the commission’s ratification of the vote made in executive session, prompting review by Hawaii County Corporation Counsel Elizabeth Strance. The vote was re-agendized for Wednesday’s meeting.