Fire Chief Goble leaving KFD

LIHU‘E — After a two-year run as Kaua‘i Fire Department Chief, Steven Goble is stepping down next week.

“My time as the Chief of the Kaua‘i Fire Department has been too short,” said Goble in a statement. “This island is full of good people with good hearts and a true desire to help others. 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. In our short time together, I feel we have helped to make the community safer and stronger.”

The county reported that Goble’s final day would be next Thursday. The fire chief did not discuss his reasons for leaving the department or his plans for the future.

“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 Kawakami. “His strong leadership and character has helped build many partnerships within our agencies and the community.”

Prior to coming to Kaua‘i, Goble served as the fire chief of Henderson, Nevada, and as the executive director of emergency management for the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.

The Kaua‘i Fire Commission will discuss the appointment of a new fire chief at a special meeting on Thursday. It may be a long time before a new fire chief is installed — the last search took about two years. Prior to that, Chief Robert Westerman served for 20 years.

The fire chief makes $137,022 a year.

“The department is in good hands with dedicated people ready for the challenges that lie ahead,” said Goble. “I am confident that Kaua‘i fire and ocean safety will continue to thrive and be an example of service and the ‘can-do’ attitude that represents this island. I have been touched by the spirit and goodwill of Kaua‘i and will be forever grateful for my time here.”