Kauai Police Department

The state’s police union said it will work with the Kauaʻi Police Department’s new chief of police, but continues to call for more transparency about the selection process.

The Kauaʻi Police Commission has picked its new chief of police, though the selection process has been criticized by the state’s police union. At a meeting on Friday, the commission made a conditional offer to Rudy Tai, one of four finalists.

More police officers in the state are getting approved for a new four-year contract that would increase their base pay by nearly 27% — the biggest raise they’ve received in at least 17 years.

Kauaʻi Police Chief Todd Raybuck has announced he will retire on June 12. The Kaua‘i County Police Commission is seeking public input as it begins its search for a new chief.

The Kauaʻi County Council has introduced a bill to tap into the State Highway Enforcement Program Surcharge Fund, which was established in 2019.

Kauaʻi County has agreed to pay $350,000 to settle a lawsuit alleging that the police chief discriminated against a captain for being Japanese American.

The body was found in an advanced state of decomposition at a makeshift campsite under kiawe trees. Police don't suspect foul play at this point in the investigation.

More than 80% of the Kauaʻi SHOPO's 136 membership, which represents officers and lieutenants, responded to an anonymous survey in August. Many pointed to a lack of communication with command staff as a drawback. HPR's Sabrina Bodon reports.

After a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in June, all four of Hawaiʻi’s county police departments have released new rules on how to obtain concealed firearms, or are in the process of proposing new requirements. HPR's Sabrina Bodon spoke to Kauaʻi Police Chief Todd Raybuck to learn more.

After a small influx of requests for outside employment as guards, Kauaʻi Police Department Chief Todd Raybuck requested the advisory opinion from the county Board of Ethics, citing his interpretation of state and county laws and union contracts. HPR's Sabrina Bodon reports.