LIHUE, Hawaii — In a Change of Command ceremony held June 24, Fire Chief Michael Gibson assumed command of the Kauai Fire Department from outgoing Fire Chief Steven Goble.


What You Need To Know

  • Chief Michael Gibson is now head of the Kauai Fire Department following Chief Steven Goble’s resignation effective June 23

  • In a special meeting of the Kauai Fire Commission, members unanimously voted for Deputy Chief Gibson to take the helm

The Kauai Fire Commission held a special meeting on June 16 following the announcement of Fire Chief Goble’s resignation that took effect June 23. The commission voted unanimously for Deputy Chief Gibson to take on the role.

“On behalf of the Kauai 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 Kauai Fire Department that will continue under Chief Gibson’s leadership,” said Fire Commission Chair Chad Pacheco in a news release. “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 Kauai.”

At Friday’s ceremony, retired Assistant Fire Chief Solomon Kanoho provided welcoming remarks followed by the presenting of colors by the KFD Honor Guard. Guest speakers included Chief Goble and Mayor Derek Kawakami.

“I am forever grateful for my time here as the chief of the Kauai Fire Department,” said Chief Goble. “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 Kauai Fire and Ocean Safety will continue to thrive and be an example of service.”

Mayor Kawakami said, “We are grateful to the Fire Commission for their quick action to appoint a new fire chief. I am confident Chief Gibson will lead our Kauai 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 share mission to protect and keep the people of Kauai safe.”

The Honorable Judge Randal G. Valenciano performed the swearing-in of the oath of office. It was followed by the ceremonial pinning of the badge to Chief Gibson by his wife, Michelle, with closing remarks from Chief Gibson.

“During the past two years of residence on Kauai, I have come to deeply embrace the love for the land, its people, and the treasured history of the island and culture,” stated Chief 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 Kauai and its people, and I will do my best to continue to build upon the successes that already make the Kauai Fire Department exceptional. I’d like to thank Chief Goble, the Kauai Fire Commission, and all of our personnel for affording me this opportunity to serve and protect our community together.”

In 2017, Chief Gibson retired as Battalion Chief from the City of Henderson Fire Department after 26 years of service. He started with the County of Kauai in Oct. 2020, serving as program manager for KFD. He was promoted to Deputy Chief in Jan. 2021.