(AP) — The acting Big Island fire chief who wasn’t selected for the permanent job is appealing the selection process. Hawaiʻi Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief Robert Perreira was acting chief after former Chief Darren Rosario retired. The Fire Commission chose Battalion Chief Kazuo Todd. West Hawaiʻi Today reports the appeal alleges the process was unfair and lacked transparency. The position paid about $153,000 in 2020. Five commissioners voted for Todd. Two voted for Perreira. The Merit Appeals Board is scheduled to hear arguments on July 12 about whether the board has authority to rule on the complaint.

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