Hawaii County Fire Chief Kazuo Todd dies at 45

Hawaii County Fire Chief Kazuo Todd died unexpectedly Sunday morning from natural causes, county officials announced. He was 45.

Hawaii island Mayor Kimo Alameda said Todd was a longtime public servant whose leadership left a lasting impact on the island’s safety and fire service community.

“It is with deep sadness that the County of Hawaii announces the passing of Fire Chief Kazuo Todd. Chief Todd was a respected leader in our community and a devoted husband, father, and public servant. For more than two decades, he served our County with dedication and integrity. His unwavering commitment to public safety created an enduring legacy that will continue to protect and uplift our island. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and our Fire Department ohana during this difficult time,” Alameda said in a statement.

Todd was appointed fire chief in April 2021 and had served the Hawaii County Fire Department for 21 years. Before becoming chief, he held leadership roles in fire prevention and auxiliary services and served six years as a battalion chief. He was chair of the Hawaii State Fire Council and a member of both the Hawaii Fire Chiefs Association and the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

Beyond his operational leadership, Todd was also involved in fire service education. For more than six years, he taught Incident Command Systems for the Hawaii Community College Fire Science Program. He earned an associate degree in fire science from Hawaii Community College and later completed a bachelor’s degree in Fire and Emergency Service Administration at Colorado State University.

Todd’s mother, Bobby Jean Leithead Todd, shared a message today on Facebook announcing his death and reflecting on his life.

“My son, Fire Chief, Kazuo Scott Ku‘ika‘aleoPelepohakalani Leithead Todd, unexpectedly passed away early this morning. I don’t have enough words or space to adequately describe how wonderful he was. I always told him that he was the best gift God ever gave me. He made me a better person every day.”

U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda (D, Hawaii), called Todd a “devoted son, a loving husband, and a proud father who carried those values of family into every part of his life and work.”

“I will always remember the way Chief Todd took care of all of Hawaii Island like family. Whether in moments of crisis or calm, he led with compassion, humility, and an unwavering sense of responsibility to the people he served. He was a true servant leader — someone who put others before himself, earned trust through action, and led not for recognition, but out of love for his community,” Tokuda said in a statement. “In this moment of deep sadness, perhaps the best way we can honor Chief Todd is to live and lead as he did — with courage, integrity, and care for one another.”

Gov. Josh Green and State Fire Marshal Dori Booth also issued statements Sunday recognizing Todd’s service and leadership.

“Jaime and I send our heartfelt aloha to the Todd ohana. Chief Kazuo Todd was passionate about keeping people safe and his leadership was an example for those in the fire service in Hawaii County and across the state. While we mourn his sudden loss, each of us can be proud of and grateful for the legacy of dedication and service he exemplified,” Green said.

Booth highlighted Todd’s statewide role and impact as chair of the State Fire Council.

“The Office of the State Fire Marshal extends its deepest condolences to the family and colleagues of Hawaii County Fire Chief Kazuo Todd, following his sudden and unexpected death. His leadership, dedication and service profoundly strengthened the safety and resilience of our communities statewide in his role as Chair of the State Fire Council. The Office of the State Fire Marshal stands ready to provide any support needed and remains committed to walking alongside the Hawaii County Fire Department with respect, compassion and solidarity in the days ahead,” Booth said.

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke praised Todd’s leadership.

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Chief Kazuo Todd,” Luke said in a statement. “Chief Todd was a dedicated leader, committed to serving and protecting the people of Hawai‘i Island and to advocating for fire safety.

“His leadership left a lasting impact not only on his community, but on our entire state. He will be remembered for his sense of aloha and commitment to service. I extend my deepest aloha to his colleagues and the Todd ‘ohana.”

Further details regarding memorial services were not immediately available.