LIHU‘E — Witnessed by more than a handful of guests, including the full body of the Kaua‘i County Council, members of the county Office of Boards and Commission, Kaua‘i Fire Department and the Mayor’s Office, the change-of-command ceremony marked the first day on the job for new KFD Chief Michael Gibson, who was sworn in by Fifth Circuit Chief Judge Randal Valenciano and signed his oath of office Friday at the Lihu‘e Civic Center Mo‘ikeha Building rotunda.
“During the past two years of residence on Kaua‘i, I have come to deeply embrace the love for the land, its people and the treasured history of the island and culture,” said Gibson.
“I’ve had many great conversations with personnel from all levels of experience, which has shown me that our associates and the community care passionately about Kaua‘i and its people, and I will do my best to continue to build upon the successes that already make the Kaua‘i Fire Department exceptional,” Gibson said.
”I’d like to thank Chief Steven Goble, the Kaua‘i Fire Commission, and all of our personnel, for affording me this opportunity to serve and protect our community together.”
Gibson was appointed to the position by the Kaua‘i Fire Commission following the announcement of Goble’s resignation for personal reasons. Goble’s resignation was effective June 23. The commission responded with a special meeting June 16, where the body voted unanimously for then-Deputy Chief Gibson to take the helm.
“On behalf of the Kaua‘i Fire Commission, I extend our sincere support and appreciation to Chief Goble and Chief Gibson for together laying a solid foundation of goals and objectives for the Kaua‘i Fire Department that will continue under Chief Gibson’s leadership,” said Fire Commission Chair Chad Pacheco in a prepared statement.
“We look forward to seeing continued growth and development of the department in its commitment to preserving and protecting the residents and communities of the County of Kaua‘i.”
In the pomp of the change-of-command ceremony under the broiling Friday-morning sun, Goble switched command to Gibson with the traditional exchange of the KFD banner with the help of the KFD honor guard at the ceremony officiated by kahu Ipo Kahaunaele of Ke Akua Mana Church and retired KFD Assistant Fire Chief Solomon Kanoho, who described himself as “Sue Kanoho’s husband.”
“I am forever grateful for my time here as the chief of the Kaua‘i Fire Department,” Goble said, his voice cracking with emotion. And was that a tear that glistened on his cheek in the sunlight?
“This is a special place with special people, and working alongside the devoted members of the department has been an inspiration. In our short time together, I feel we have helped to make the community safer and stronger. The department is in good hands with Chief Gibson, and I am confident that Kaua‘i Fire and Ocean Safety will continue to thrive and be an example of service.”
Gibson’s wife Michelle, who brought Gibson to Kaua‘i after she was recruited by the state Department of Education to become a teacher at Kapa‘a High School, did the honors of pinning the chief’s badge.
“We are grateful to the Fire Commission for their quick action to appoint a new fire chief,” said Mayor Derek Kawakami. “I am confident Chief Gibson will lead our Kaua‘i Fire Department and Ocean Safety Bureau with humility and aloha, into the next level of excellence in service. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership together, working in our shared mission to protect and keep the people of Kaua‘i safe.”
Gibson retired as a battalion chief in 2017 from the City of Henderson Fire Department in Nevada after serving for more than 26 years in the department.
He began employment with the County of Kaua‘i in October 2020 serving as a KFD program manager, supporting the fire chief and command staff in a variety of administrative assignments. He was promoted to deputy chief in January 2021, and through his current tenure has since formed relationships that have helped build a solid foundation within the department’s leadership and line personnel, he said.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
