Kaua‘i Police Commission seeks public input on traits needed for next chief

The search for a new Kaua‘i Police chief has begun.

As part of this process, the Kaua‘i Police Commission is seeking input from all residents of Kaua‘i regarding the traits and qualities the next chief should possess and is asking community members to participate in the Police Chief Desirable Traits survey between now and June 30.

Click here to complete the survey.

“The commission believes that every member of the community is a stakeholder in the selection of the next Police Chief,” officials stated in a Kaua‘i County press release Thursday morning.

Chief Todd Raybuck, who has served as the 8th Chief of Police for the Kaua’i Police Department since April 22, 2019, is set to transfer command today to Assistant Chief Elliott Kalani Ke, who was selected by the commission to serve as interim chief.

Raybuck announced his retirement last year, days before a disciplinary proceeding where he received a three-day suspension for leaving his loaded firearm in a police station bathroom.

The online survey was designed to collect the opinions of Kaua‘i’s community stakeholders. The results of this survey will be used to help guide the selection process.

“Since the position of Police Chief is unique, just as our island is unique, in order to be successful our next Chief must also possess a unique set of traits,” stated Kauai Police Commission Chair Walton Hong. “For purposes of this survey, we define traits as those qualities, behaviors, and personal attributes that will ensure our new Chief’s success.”

Through research of nationwide police organizations, the Commission has compiled a list of traits that over 350 current Police Chiefs believe are, and will be, critical for any Chief over the next 10 years, Hong continued.

Those who require an auxiliary aid or service, an interpreter for non-English speakers, or another accommodation due to a disability, are advised to contact Anelalani Davis at 808-241-4917 or email adavis@kauai.gov as soon as possible.