BREAKING NEWS: Police Commission officially appoints Rudy Tai as Kaua‘i police chief

The Kaua‘i Police Commission appointed Rudy Tai as the next Chief of Police for the Kaua‘i Police Department, with the longtime law enforcement officer accepting the position and signing the official offer of employment.

Tai is scheduled to take the helm on March 9.

This announcement comes days after the Hawai‘i County Police Commission decided on a conditional offer of employment to Reed Mahuna for chief of Hawai‘i Island police, who has been serving as interim chief since last summer.

He will come into a department that had been led by former Kauai Police Chief Todd Raybuck, who retired in June 2025 following controversies that included a $350,000 discrimination lawsuit settlement and 3-day suspension for leaving his service weapon in a department bathroom. Raybuck, who was appointed in 2019, said he stepped down to focus on family and health. 

Elliott Kalani Ke had been serving as interim chief and did not seek the chief position.

“Chief Tai brings depth of experience and steady leadership,” Ke said in a county news release. “I am confident he will support our officers and continue the department’s focus on professionalism, accountability and community trust.”

The Kaua‘i Police Commission chose Tai from a group of four finalists and an overall pool of 42 applicants at its Nov. 21 meeting. The offer was contingent on several factors, including passing a background check. The job’s salary is $181,800.

“Chief Tai brings extensive command experience and a strong commitment to community-focused policing,” said Police Commission Chair Laurie Yoshida. “The Commission is confident in this appointment and looks forward to his leadership of the Kaua‘i Police Department.”

Tai served 35 years with the San Diego Police Department, where he most recently served as Deputy Chief overseeing daily operations. He was born and raised on O‘ahu, and is the highest-ranking Asian and Pacific Islander officer to serve as Deputy Chief in the department’s history.

“I am grateful for the Commission’s trust and for the opportunity to return home to serve Kaua‘i,” Tai said. “I look forward to working alongside the dedicated men and women of KPD and strengthening our partnership with the community.”

Tai has held leadership roles across patrol, investigative and administrative assignments. He frequently presents on leadership, community policing, crime prevention, and hate crimes, and currently serves as President of the National Association of Asian American Law Enforcement Commanders.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology, a master’s degree in management, and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

“Chief Tai’s appointment provides experienced, forward-looking leadership for KPD and reflects our shared commitment to public safety and service,” Kauaʻi Mayor Derek Kawakami said in a statement.