The Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) recognized its Manager and Employees of the Year, the Department’s first-ever nominees for a City and County of Honolulu Exceptional Achievement Award, and personnel achieving 25, 35, and 45 years of service at a breakfast hosted by The 200 Club at the O‘ahu Country Club.
The 200 Club was formed in 1968 by local businessmen to aid the families of fire fighters and police officers killed in the line of duty. That practice is still followed today in addition to providing funds to the HFD and the Honolulu Police Department toward the recognition of employees’ achievements.
A 28-year veteran of the HFD and the Department’s 2026 Manager of the Year, Battalion Chief Keith Ito is a respected leader in wildland fire prevention, mitigation, and response. Following the 2023 Lahaina wildfire, he strengthened Oʻahu’s wildland fire preparedness as Program Manager of the HFD Wildland Urban Interface Working Group, leading strategic planning and interagency coordination. Through partnerships with local, state, and nongovernmental organizations, he advanced mitigation projects, informed public policy, and enhanced community resilience. His vision, expertise, and collaborative leadership continue to improve Hawaiʻi’s readiness for large-scale wildland fire incidents.
The first uniformed Employee of the Year, Fire Captain Sean Chun, has 21 years of service and excels as the Administrative Captain of the HFD’s Fire Communication Center (FCC), where he rebuilt and manages the Special Assignment Program, leads training, integrates dispatchers into exercises, and oversees Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International compliance. He also instructs in medical and cardiopulmonary resuscitation programs, serves as a Communications Unit Leader, responds to major incidents as the Alternate Emergency Coordinator, and strengthens interagency interoperability. Additionally, he contributes to statewide emergency management as an Incident Command System instructor, supports communication policy development, and advances the FCC’s accreditation process, thus reflecting exceptional leadership, professionalism, and commitment to the Department.
The second uniformed Employee of the Year, Captain Kalu Wolfe, has 27 years of service in operations and made significant contributions to the HFD through leadership and involvement in initiatives that enhance readiness, safety, wellness, and community engagement. He played a key role in completing the 2025 HFD Yearbook and led the Outreach and Engagement Working Group for three years, relaunching the Department’s newsletter and producing ten issues of Na Lei Kukui. Respected for his professionalism, mentorship, and service, Captain Wolfe embodies the HFD’s value of giving back.
The civilian Employee of the Year, Candace Mikiʻala Lee, has 10 years of service, is the HFD’s sole Community Relations Specialist, and a vital force in the Department’s Community Relations/Education section. She expertly plans and coordinates fire safety education, outreach programs, public events, ceremonies, and museum tours. Her leadership was key to the HFD’s 175th Anniversary initiatives, including the commemorative patch, lobby mural, inaugural softball tournament, and participation in the 2026 King Kamehameha Day Parade. Her dedication, work ethic, and attention to detail significantly strengthens the Department’s presence and effectiveness in the community.
The first Exceptional Achievement Award nominee, Captain Micah Komine, codeveloped a Keyboard Radio Interface for the FCC and restored a critical capability lost during the transition to a digital radio system. Working with the Department’s Information Technology section, he led the project from concept to implementation beyond his normal duties. The interface enables faster, more reliable radio operations, and reduces errors and dispatcher fatigue during major incidents while significantly improving operational readiness and fire fighter safety.
Since joining the HFD’s Fire Prevention Bureau on October 16, 2024, our second nominee for an Exceptional Achievement Award, Ms. Sheena Kanagawa, has quickly adapted to her role and consistently exceeded expectations. She developed strong knowledge of the fire code and bureau procedures, confidently assists the public, and regularly assumes additional responsibilities during staffing shortages. Her reliability, professionalism, and team-oriented approach make her an invaluable asset to the bureau and reflect her commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement.
Each employee is a dedicated public servant whose hard work and accomplishments helped the HFD deliver or support vital services provided to the community.