Hawaiʻi County Council Adopts Resolution Honoring the Life and Service of Fire Chief Kazuo Todd

Hawaiʻi County Council Adopts Resolution Honoring the Life and Service of Fire Chief
Kazuo Todd
HILO, Hawaiʻi — Today, the Hawaiʻi County Council adopted Resolution No. 429-25
honoring the life, leadership, and public service of Fire Chief Kazuo Todd, who passed away
unexpectedly on December 14, 2025.
The resolution expressed the Council’s profound condolences to Chief Todd’s ʻohana, loved
ones, and colleagues, and recognized his more than two decades of dedicated service to the
people of Hawaiʻi County and the State of Hawaiʻi. Chief Todd served as Hawaiʻi County Fire
Chief and as Chair of the State Fire Council, where he played a critical role in strengthening fire
safety, preparedness, and coordination statewide.
Council Chair Holeka Goro Inaba reflected on Chief Todd’s legacy, stating, “Chief Todd led
with humility, compassion, and an unwavering sense of duty. He understood the weight of
responsibility that comes with protecting lives, and he carried that responsibility with integrity
and care for both the public and the firefighters he served alongside.”
Council Member Heather Kimball, who co-introduced the resolution, also shared her reflections.
“Chief Todd exemplified public service at its very best,” Kimball said. “He was a thoughtful
leader who cared deeply about the people he served and the firefighters he led. His passing is a
tremendous loss to our county and to the fire service statewide.”
During the meeting, the Council acknowledged Chief Todd’s steadfast advocacy for firefighters
and the emotional weight of leadership he carried, particularly during a period of increased fire
activity in the County.
Public testimony further underscored the lasting impact of his leadership. Rachel Able, who
testified in writing, shared how Chief Todd responded with compassion and action following the
loss of her daughter. She credited his leadership with helping bring about the blessing of the
Kohanaiki lifeguard stand in June 2025, an outcome that continues to protect lives today.
In closing, the Council recognized that Chief Todd’s legacy extends beyond emergencies met
and lives saved, to the culture of readiness, trust, and service he helped build over years of
dedication.
Chair Inaba concluded, “Chief Todd’s legacy will continue to live on through the people he
mentored, the systems he strengthened, and the countless lives made safer because of his
commitment to public service. Our thoughts remain with his ʻohana and all who continue to
grieve his loss.”