KONA (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaii County Fire Chief Kazuo Todd died unexpectedly early Sunday morning. He was 45 years old.
Todd was a 21-year veteran of the Hawaii Fire Department and had been fire chief since 2021.
Todd’s mother, Bobby Jean Leithead-Todd, said her son was an inspiration to her and many others.
“I’m lucky I had him as my son, he really was, he really was the best that God ever gave me. He made me a better person every day of his life,” Leithead-Todd shared. “To have so many people reach out to us and then share stories about how nice he was to them or how he had helped them.”
No exact cause of death was immediately given, but Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda said in a statement that it was from natural causes.
Deputy Chief Daniel Volpe will serve as the department’s acting fire chief.
Todd earned a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Emergency Services Administration from Colorado State University and was enrolled in the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program.
Those who knew him say Todd followed a “servant-leadership” philosophy, believing that the goal of a leader is to focus primarily on the well-being of the people he leads and the community he serves.
Before he was appointed as chief, he held leadership roles in Fire Prevention and Auxiliary Services, including six years as a battalion chief.
He also served as the chair of the Hawaii State Fire Council and was a member of the Hawaii Fire Chiefs Association and the International Association of Fire Chiefs.
Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda issued this statement:
“It is with deep sadness that the County of Hawaiʻi 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 ʻohana during this difficult time.”
On Monday, Mayor Alameda ordered that all flags on County of Hawai’i property are to be flown at half-staff in honor of Fire Chief Kazuo Todd. The flags will remain at half-staff from Monday, Dec. 15, until sunset on Friday, Dec. 19.
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi released the following statement on Todd’s passing:
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Hawaii County Fire Chief Kazuo Todd. At just 45 years old, his loss is a tragic blow to the Big Island and to the entire Hawaii fire service ʻohana. Chief Todd was a dedicated public servant who led with strength, humility, and an unwavering commitment to protecting his community. His passing is felt far beyond Hawaii County, and we mourn alongside our neighbors across the state. On behalf of the City and County of Honolulu, our thoughts and prayers are with Chief Todd’s family, loved ones, and every member of the Hawaii County Fire Department during this incredibly difficult time. We stand in solidarity with all Hawaii County firefighters as they grieve the loss of a respected leader and brother.”
In a statement, Gov. Josh Green said:
“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 Hawaiʻi 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.”
State Fire Marshal Dori Booth said in a statement:
“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 Hawaiʻi County Fire Department with respect, compassion and solidarity in the days ahead.”
U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda issued the following statement on Chief Todd’s passing:
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Hawaii County Fire Chief Kazuo Todd. Chief Todd was more than a dedicated public servant — he was 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 Hawaiʻi 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.
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.”
In a statement, Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke said:
“I was deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Chief Kazuo Todd. 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.”
Hilo Sen. Lorraine Inouye added, “He was so passionate about his work and, you know, he’s dealt with many incidences of fire here on Hawaii Island as well. And more recently on the fires we had in downtown Hilo a week ago. He’s done a just fabulous work in his role as our Fire Chief.”
Hawaii County councilmember Holeka Inaba said Todd was a forward-thinking leader who embraced new technology and advocated for funding for equipment and training for his personnel.
“We know that his legacy and what he started and a lot of the initiatives that he created will continue to help serve our community here in Hawaii County,” Inaba added.
Survivors include his wife and daughter, as well as a sister, Kathy, and a brother, state Rep. Chris Todd.
Services are pending.
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