The two were announced last week as candidates for the position, which became vacant when Chief David Thyne retired July 1 after nearly 34 years of service.

“We have two amazing candidates to choose from, but there’s only one position,” said Wailea Fire Capt. Vernon Patao.

He said he supports Lonokailua-Hewett, who retired in 2019 after 25 years with the Fire Department. “One thing he’s genuine about is sharing his love, his passion to bring other people up,” Patao said. “He retired early, before his prime. He’s much more prepared, given his faith and his family.”

Battalion Chief Henry Lindo, who said he had worked “so many years with these two wonderful candidates,” backed Ventura, who has served nearly 20 years in the department, including the past three as deputy chief.

Amos Lonokailua-Hewett

“His relationship building, his team concept, his transparency with the members, his open-door policy has created a sense of what I see as good morale — something I could definitely stand behind, something I could definitely be a part of,” Lindo said. “With him at the helm, I believe we can move forward in such an awesome way with the transparency to continue the programs that help this community we serve.”

Speaking Wednesday at the online meeting of the Maui Fire and Public Safety Commission, both firefighters said they would support whoever the commission selected as chief.

The commission had planned to interview the candidates and make a selection this week, but that timetable was changed.

Because technical difficulties possibly prevented some people from connecting to testify at the meeting Wednesday, additional testimony will be taken when the meeting resumes online next week, said Vice Chairwoman Lisa Vares.

Commission member Makalapua Kanuha, who has known Lonokailua-Hewett since the early 1990s, voted with other commissioners last week to recuse herself from proceedings involving the chief’s selection.

The Lahaina resident testified as a member of the public to support Lonokailua-Hewett.

Pomaikai Crozier of Pu’u Kukui Watershed Preserve also supported Lonokailua-Hewett.

“This is a changing time. We have the most severe drought that we’ve had in years,” Crozier said. “We don’t want our Fire Department to be out there ready to fight a fire, turn on the tap and nothing comes out of the hose. I can attest to Amos’ ability to look at the source of where the water is in order to make the plans.

“It’s also rare that we have a Hawaiian who’s culturally grounded, who knows the cultural resources and the water.”

Kahului Engine Capt. Peter Vanderpoel said he had worked closely with both Ventura and Lonokailua-Hewett.

“Both are excellent, excellent individuals,” Vanderpoel said. “There’s really nothing bad to say about either one of them.”

He supported Lonokailua-Hewett based on his past of “expertise and true leadership.”

“He wants to come back and support the department he loves, support the profession he loves and is very passionate about, and I know Brad wants to do the same,” Vanderpoel said.

Maui native Manuel Kuloloio, who now lives on Oahu, supported Ventura.

“Let’s give brother a chance,” Kuloloio said. “He deserves it.”

Of the seven people who testified, four supported Lonokailua-Hewett, two supported Ventura and one wasn’t taking sides.

“They’re both excellent candidates,” said retired Battalion Chief Wayne Cambra.

* Lila Fujimoto can be reached at lfujimoto@mauinews.com.