Fire Commission Looks to Appoint Interim Fire Chief with Goble’s Exit from Department

By Amanda Kurth

Kaua‘i’s Fire Chief Steven Goble is leaving the department after a two-year run with the county.

Goble announced his departure from KFD earlier this month, citing personal reasons. His last day will be June 23.

“My time as the Chief of the Kaua‘i Fire Department has been too short,” said Goble, noting how well the island has taken care of him. “I see it in the work of the firefighters and lifeguards as they selflessly give of themselves in service to others. This is a special place, full of special people, doing special things.”

Goble, a retired fire chief from Henderson, Nev., was selected by the Kaua‘i Fire Commission in July 2020. In 2018 a lengthy process was initiated to appoint one of the 67 applicants vetted by the Fire Commission in which former chairman Alfredo Garces Jr. said Goble, “…truly stood out.”

During his tenure as Fire Chief for the City of Henderson, the HFD consisted of more than 250 full-time personnel operating out of nine fire stations covering more than 105 square miles. And besides his roles as Fire Chief for the City of Henderson, Goble served as Executive Director of Emergency Management for the Venetian Resort. Goble has also served as a Deputy Fire Chief, Division Chief of Special Operations, and Fire Captain.

“We are incredibly grateful for Chief Goble and the past two years of dedicated service he has given to the people of Kaua‘i, and our Kaua‘i Fire Department and Ocean Safety Bureau,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami noting his strong leadership. “Although we are sad to see him leave, we know his decision did not come lightly and we wish him the absolute best in the future.”

The Fire Commission is working to appoint an interim fire chief. Discussions will take place at their Thursday, June 16, meeting, which will take place at 9 a.m. at the Mo’ikeha building directly across the courtyard entrance to the Pi’ikoi building on Rice Street.

Click here for Thursday’s agenda.