HFD did not provide a comment for that story, but today responded to the letter in a press release. Here are the key paragraphs:

The scope of the consultant’s contract was developed and agreed upon by both the HFD and the HESD. It was never intended to specify a particular service delivery model or organizational structure with detailed position descriptions. The intent was to make recommendations and let “those closest to the work” decide what makes sense for their agencies and our community.

…

The HFD feels that it has amply demonstrated its capabilities to take on not only the medical mission but the broader, all-hazard mission of the modern fire service. It looks forward to beginning the discussions on how it can improve the current state of public health and safety in Honolulu.

In other merger news, the head of the city’s Purchasing Division today told all about how procurement is supposed to work. It contradicts what HFD has said about the tie that led to a score change and eventually an Ethics Commission investigation.

Read that full story, posted just a few minutes ago, here: City Purchasing Boss: Fire Department Wrong On Merger Contract ‘Tie’

— Michael Levine