Embattled Kaua‘i police chief expected to retire

Kaua‘i Police Chief Todd Raybuck, who is facing disciplinary action after reportedly leaving his gun in a police station bathroom, is retiring.

Hawai‘i News Now first reported the retirement on Wednesday after obtaining an internal police department memo.

Raybuck wrote: “After 38 years of combined service to my country and community, I have decided to retire from law enforcement in 2025. It has been a privilege for me to work with many great employees in KPD and across the county, this decision did not come easily.”

The Kaua‘i Police Department would not provide any additional details regarding Raybuck’s resignation. The chief was not available for comment because he is in Jacksonville, Fla., to attend the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies conference, according to the department. He is expected to return on Nov. 26.

The Kauaʻi Police Commission will be responsible for the hiring of the next chief.

Raybuck has served as the 8th Chief of Police for the Kaua’i Police Department since April 22, 2019.

In March, Raybuck reportedly left his gun between the handicapped assist railing and the wall in a police station bathroom. A Kauaʻi police officer found it and turned it in.

At a police commission meeting on Sept. 27, the commissioners voted to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Raybuck “pertaining to an allegation that the Chief mishandled his firearm,” said County of Kaua’i Public Information Officer Kim Tamaoka in an email. 

“But this does not mean that a determination to discipline was made,” she said. 

And in a 2021 lawsuit, Raybuck was accused of racial discrimination after Police Capt. Paul Applegate said he mocked people of Asian descent.

The case was dismissed, and Applegate agreed to retire as part of a $350,000 settlement package. Raybuck was suspended without pay for five days following the investigation

Raybuck also is being accused of retaliation after two officers filed formal complaints against him when they became involved in the firearm investigation, Hawaii News Now reported in May.