Kauaʻi Fire Department holds promotional pinning ceremony
Published on May 22, 2026
LĪHUʻE – The Kauaʻi Fire Department (KFD) held a promotional pinning ceremony on Friday, May 22, at the County of Kauaʻi Rotunda to recognize 15 members of the department who have earned promotions through years of training, dedicated service, and commitment to public safety.
The ceremony honored firefighters and officers advancing in rank across multiple levels within the department, reflecting the long hours, sacrifice, and continued service of those who help protect Kauaʻi every day.
“To each of today’s promotees, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude for your continued service, leadership, and dedication to the people of Kauaʻi,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “You have answered the call to serve in some of the most demanding and selfless roles in our community. These promotions represent not only your individual growth, but also the trust your colleagues place in your leadership moving forward. We are proud of each of you and grateful to the families who stand beside you in this work.”
Fire Chief Michael Gibson commended the promotees for their commitment to the department and to the community.
“Today’s promotees reflect the depth of talent, professionalism, and aloha within the Kauaʻi Fire Department,” said Chief Gibson. “Each of them has earned this recognition through hard work, training, and a true sense of kuleana to our island. Many have also stepped forward as instructors, mentors, and leaders who help train and guide the next generation of firefighters and first responders. We are proud of their accomplishments and confident in their continued leadership.”
Distinguished guests at the ceremony included representatives from the Office of the Mayor, members of the Kauaʻi County Council, Fire Commissioners, public safety officials, and the family members and supporters of the promotees.
“Public safety is never a one-person effort,” Chief Gibson added. “Behind every firefighter and ocean safety officer is a family that also serves through patience, encouragement, and unwavering support. To the families and loved ones of our promotees, mahalo for making these careers and these accomplishments possible.”
The promotees serve in a wide range of specialized roles across the department, including fire suppression, rescue operations, ocean safety, emergency medical response, helicopter rescue, dive operations, hazardous materials response, peer support, and communications.
The promotees recognized at the ceremony are:
Fire Fighter II Shea Hardy
Fire Fighter II Shea Hardy resides in Līhuʻe and has proudly served at the Līhuʻe and Kapaʻa Fire Stations, Battalion 3. In addition to operational assignments, he serves in the EMS, Communications, HazMat, and Peer Support cadres, and is also a member of the Confined Space Rescue Team. He thanks his family, friends, and previous crews for their continued support and guidance throughout this journey. Pinning Fire Fighter II Hardy is his father, Robert Hardy.
Fire Fighter II Alden Lind
Fire Fighter II Alden Lind was born and raised on the Eastside of Kauaʻi. He has had the privilege of serving multiple stations across the island, including Kalāheo, Waimea, Kapaʻa, and Līhuʻe. He is currently a member of the Rope Rescue Cadre, Marine Response Committee, GIS Committee, and SCUBA Team. He extends his sincere gratitude to all the crews and leaders who supported, mentored, and shaped him along the way. Pinning Fire Fighter II Lind is his wife, Summer.
Fire Fighter II Justin Watts
Fire Fighter II Justin Watts, who was unable to attend the ceremony, is originally from Kailua, Hawaiʻi, and a graduate of Kalāheo High School. He joined the Kauaʻi Fire Department in 2018 and has served at Waimea, Hanapēpē, and Hanalei stations. Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in several specialized teams, including the EMS Cadre, Radio Communications Committee, Jet Ski Team, and Rope Rescue Team. He thanks his wife, Naomi, and daughter, Leila, for their continued support and looks forward to the next chapter in his career with the department.
Fire Fighter III Benjamin Ferris
Fire Fighter III Benjamin Ferris resides in Kīlauea and has proudly served the Kauaʻi Fire Department in a variety of assignments, including Kōloa Blue, Kalāheo Blue, Waimea Green, and Hanalei Red. He is currently an active member of the USLA Cadre, the Rescue Craft Work Group, and the Marine Response Committee. He thanks the crew at Hanalei Red for their motivation and inspiration, and his wife, Kiana, for her unwavering support. Pinning Fire Fighter III Ferris is his wife, Kiana.
Fire Fighter III Pablo Herrera-Mahoney
Fire Fighter III Pablo Herrera-Mahoney, originally from Oakland, California, has proudly served the Kauaʻi Fire Department for 12 years. He thanks his parents for making this life possible and teaching him the value of hard work and compassion, and is grateful for the mentorship of Captains Kitamura, Hawthorne, Dizol, and many others whose guidance shaped the firefighter he is today. He also acknowledges the brothers of the 25th Recruit Class who began this journey alongside him. He is deeply grateful to his wife, Shanti, and his sons, Sol and Makai, who remain his foundation every day. Pinning Fire Fighter III Herrera-Mahoney is his wife, Shanti.
Fire Fighter III Dylan James
Fire Fighter III Dylan James was born and raised in Kīlauea and now resides on the Southside. He has dedicated more than 10 years of service to his community, having served at the Hanapēpē, Hanalei, and Kōloa Fire Stations, most recently as a Fire Rescue Specialist at Kaiakea Fire Station. In addition to his response duties, he serves as a Rescue Watercraft Operator, manages the department’s drone program, and is an instructor with the Fire Ground Command Cadre. He extends his gratitude to Jesus, his family, and the crews he has worked alongside, with special thanks to Captain Dizol for his mentorship. He recognizes his wife, Ashley, and their sons, Makana and Bodhi, who will be pinning him today.
Fire Fighter III Keola Keahiolalo
Fire Fighter III Keola Keahiolalo was born and raised on Oʻahu. He has previously served in HazMat and most recently as a Rescue Specialist. He has dedicated his career as an EMS/CPR, Helicopter, and USLA instructor, and as a member of the Promotional and Apparatus Committees. He extends his deepest gratitude to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; HFFA Local 1463; his sister, Raedeen; his children, Avani, Tevah, Miabella, and Aria; and his wife, Angela, for their unwavering support. Pinning Fire Fighter III Keahiolalo is his sister, Raedeen Keahiolalo.
Fire Fighter III Irah Nishi
Fire Fighter III Irah Nishi was born and raised on Kauaʻi, growing up in Waimea and Līhuʻe before joining the Kauaʻi Fire Department in 2010 as a member of Recruit Class 22. In 2021, he was promoted to Rescue Specialist. He thanks his former crew at Station 3 for their support through challenging times and for helping prepare him for his new role. He extends his heartfelt gratitude to his wife for her unwavering love and support, and to his parents and in-laws for their constant help, home-cooked meals, and babysitting support. Pinning Fire Fighter III Nishi are his wife, Kalei, and his daughters, Akira and Ailah.
Fire Fighter III Shane Pope
Fire Fighter III Shane Pope, originally from Southern California, has served the Kauaʻi Fire Department for 17 years, including 15 years as a firefighter and 2 years with Rescue 3. He extends his sincere appreciation to all the captains and crews he has had the privilege of working alongside throughout his career. He thanks his wife, Bridget; their children, Juliana, Curren, and Koi; and his mother for their love and unwavering support. Pinning Fire Fighter III Pope is his wife, Bridget.
Fire Captain John Cornell
Fire Captain John Cornell, originally from San Clemente, California, has called Kīlauea home since 1999. His career has been rooted in public service, including 18 years as an Ocean Safety Officer, 10 years as a teacher and athletic director, and nearly 20 years of service with the Kauaʻi Fire Department. During his time with KFD, he served as the CERT Coordinator from 2010 to 2019 and currently contributes as a CPR Instructor and head of the Fire Ground Command Cadre. He thanks his previous captains for their mentorship and the members of the department for fostering a culture of professionalism and support. He thanks his wife, Heather, for her unwavering encouragement, and expresses his love and gratitude to his daughters, Nayah and Sophie, for the joy and fulfillment they bring to his life. Pinning Captain Cornell is his wife, Heather.
Fire Captain Elijah Frank
Fire Captain Elijah Frank resides in Wainiha with his wife, Kaleolani, and their five children — Keale, Poʻi, Ehu, Aka Boy, and their youngest, Ealakai. He serves on the Kauaʻi Fire Department’s Dive Cadre and is the lead instructor for the Helicopter Cadre. He is grateful to serve alongside the dedicated men and women of the Kauaʻi Fire Department who deeply care about the community they serve. He gives special thanks to his wife, Kaleo, who does the real hard work by supporting him and their family as a fireman’s wife, and to the Chief’s administrative staff and Fire 1. He is honored to serve as a Captain for the Kauaʻi Fire Department and the community of Kauaʻi. Pinning Captain Frank is his wife, Kaleolani.
Fire Captain Edward “Pono” Pananganan
Fire Captain Edward “Pono” Pananganan, from Kapaʻa, proudly served as Fire Fighter III with the world-famous Hanalei Red prior to his promotion to Captain. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to professional growth and service, currently serving on the USLA, Rescue Craft, Extrication, Peer Support, and Safety Committees and Cadres, and previously serving with Drivers Training EMS. He is grateful for the guidance and mentorship of the many captains and chiefs who helped shape him along the way, especially Captains Pa, Cummings, Abreu, Andrade, and Lee, whose professionalism, knowledge, and pursuit of excellence continue to inspire him. He thanks his mom, dad, and little big brother for their unwavering support; his wife for showing him the meaning of true courage; and his children for their endless love and inspiration to become one percent better every day. Pinning Captain Pananganan is his son, Kali.
Fire Captain Kalehiamaikalani Pomroy
Fire Captain Kalehiamaikalani “Lehia” Pomroy is originally from Nāwiliwili and proudly serves as the Helicopter Program Director and a member of the Drone Team for the Kauaʻi Fire Department. He extends heartfelt thanks to his family and to past and present coworkers for their continued support and encouragement throughout the years. Pinning Captain Pomroy are his life partner, Owana Botelho, and Fiona.
Fire Captain Alan Satta
Fire Captain Alan Satta was born and raised on Kauaʻi and currently resides in Līhuʻe. He previously served as an operator at the Līhuʻe Station Green Shift and now serves as Captain at Kōloa Station on Red Shift. He is honored to be the Program Director for Fireground Survival and to contribute as a member of the SCUBA Dive Team, SCBA Committee, HO CPR, and VEIS Committee. He also serves as President of the KFD Relief Fund and as a board member of the Friends of KFD nonprofit organization. He thanks the past and current Fire Captains and Chiefs who have taken the time to teach, mentor, and equip him with the skills necessary to grow within the department and better serve the community. Pinning Captain Satta is his wife, Kayli.
Battalion Chief Sean Kitamura
Battalion Chief Sean Kitamura, with 25 years of dedicated service, proudly serves the community at Station 3 in Līhuʻe. He is deeply grateful for the unwavering support of his wife, Chesne, and his sons, Cullen and Connor. He extends his sincere appreciation to his fellow captains and firefighters, whose daily sacrifices and steadfast commitment to the island continue to inspire him, and credits his professional growth to the exceptional leadership, guidance, and mentorship of the KFD chief administrative and command staff. Pinning Battalion Chief Kitamura is his wife, Chesne.
Group photo of KFD Administrative Staff and Promotees at the promotion ceremony today, May 22.
Row 1 (left to right): Battalion Chief Bryan Doo, Firefighter III Pablo Herrera-Mahoney, Firefighter II Shea Hardy, Firefighter III Ben Ferris, Firefighter II Alden Lind, Firefighter III Dylan James, Firefighter III Irah Nishi, Fire Captain Alan Satta, Fire Captain Edward “Pono” Pananganan.
Row 2 (left to right): Deputy Chief Roger Mills, Firefighter III Shane Pope, Firefighter III Keola Keahiolalo, Fire Captain Elijah Frank, Fire Captain John Cornell, Battalion Chief Ehren Edwards, Fire Captain Lehia Pomroy, Battalion Chief Sean Kitamura, Chief Michae Gibson, Battalion Chief Jayson Pablo.
Not Pictured: FF III Makana Denton.
###