The Honolulu City Council postponed a vote Thursday on whether to reappoint Department of Emergency Services Director Jim Ireland after several former employees said he fosters a toxic work environment.
They accused Ireland of favoritism and retaliation against people who speak out, which they said makes it difficult for the department to recruit and retain employees and leads to much-needed ambulances being left idle. One paramedic said Ireland inappropriately inserts himself into emergency responses because he enjoys the adrenaline rush.
“There’s definitely a no-confidence feeling within the field personnel,” said former city paramedic Jonathan Lee, who said he left the department in February 2024 after more than 30 years of service. Lee was among four people who testified in person; six more submitted written remarks…