After over 30 years of service with the County of Kaua‘i, including 25 with the Kaua‘i Fire Department, but less than a year as fire chief, Charlie Hiramoto is retiring at the end of this month. He plans to devote
After over 30 years of service with the County of Kaua‘i, including 25 with the Kaua‘i Fire Department, but less than a year as fire chief, Charlie Hiramoto is retiring at the end of this month.
He plans to devote more time to his family.
When he accepted Mayor Bryan J. Baptiste’s invitation to become fire chief late last year, he didn’t envision it would be such a short-term appointment, Hiramoto said yesterday.
“It was a difficult decision to make, but it’s now time for me to devote my time to my family and certain matters at hand in our lives,” said Hiramoto.
His parents and in-laws are both in their seventies, all living on Kaua‘i, and he needs time to assist them with medical issues, as well as ensure they are enjoying the quality of life that he hopes for them, he said.
He and his wife, Maureen, have been married for 26 years. They have three children. Activities taking place in the family prompted Hiramoto’s decision to retire.
“Our daughter Tiana lives in Rhode Island, and is getting married next summer. Our daughter Shannon is a senior at the University of Hawai‘i, and we are also looking forward to her graduation,” Hiramoto said.
“In addition, Calen, our son, just began his freshman year at Kaua‘i High School. It is becoming increasingly important to me to devote my time to my family,” he said.
Baptiste said he’ll miss Hiramoto, a new chief will be named soon, and he envisions a smooth transition. Hiramoto was one of Baptiste’s first appointments, replacing David Sproat, who also retired.
“Men like Charlie don’t come around every day,” said Baptiste. “He is a shining example of a remarkable leader with conviction and heart.”
Baptiste said he is disappointed that the county will be losing Hiramoto, but supports the chief’s decision.
“I commend Charlie for putting his family first, and wanting to take care of them,” Baptiste said.
“No one can deny that his retirement is well-deserved, though we will all miss him in our day-to-day county operations.”
It was “great fun” working with the administration and department heads, said Hiramoto, who turns 53 on his retirement date, Tuesday, Sept. 30.
There is a long list of things he wished he could have completed as chief, and a short list of suggested replacements he has offered at Baptiste’s request, Hiramoto said.
When Hiramoto reflects on his KFD career, he often remembers what he considers his most physically and mentally demanding incident.
Hiramoto was on duty at the Hanalei fire station when Hurricane ‘Iniki struck the island 11 years ago this month. What followed for him was two days of no sleep and no relief from duty until the fourth day.
Before relief arrived, there was no communication between Hiramoto and his family and loved ones.
Hiramoto has spent over 25 years with KFD, beginning as a firefighter at the Koloa fire station. Subsequently, he became a rescue operator at Lihu‘e fire station, then captain at Hanalei, Lihu‘e and Koloa fire stations, respectively.
He has served under the command of six fire chiefs and five mayors.
“I began my career with the KFD at the Koloa station when it was a termite-infested, double-walled military structure,” Hiramoto said.
The old Koloa station, torn down at Anne Knudsen Park (Koloa ball park) along Maluhia Road, was replaced by the station built along Po‘ipu Road in Po‘ipu, the newest structure in the department.
“I have had a most rewarding career with the Kaua‘i Fire Department. My work with the department has been enjoyable and satisfying,” he said.
A lifetime civil servant, he was hired as an engineer’s aide in Honolulu by former Mayor Frank F. Fasi, then transferred to the Kaua‘i county Department of Public Works in a similar position before joining KFD.
