A new era began for the Kauaʻi Police Department on Monday as Rudy Tai was publicly sworn in as the islandʻs chief of police, marking a change of command for an agency seeking to rebuild morale and strengthen community trust.
Kauaʻi War Memorial Convention Hall was said to be the safest place in Hawaiʻi on March 30, as law enforcement officials from every county, along with representatives from state, national, and local organizations, were present for Chief Rudy Tai’s official swearing-in.
“Today is very special for me,” said Chief Tai. “It’s something I’ve never experienced before in my life.”
“I’m very happy to see my friends, a lot of them came from off island, and my family. It’s nice to bring everyone together, especially for a ceremony– this is special and important.”
Tai, a veteran law enforcement leader with more than three decades of experience, officially assumed the role earlier this month following his appointment by the Kauaʻi Police Department Commission.
“The chief carries the responsibility of building trust between law enforcement and the community it serves,” said Mayor Derek Kawakami during the ceremony.
“Ours is a small island where relationships matter, where people know one another, where officers are not strangers but neighbors, classmates, coaches, and family friends. Leadership here requires strength. And humility. It requires listening as much as directing.
“It requires remembering that public safety is rooted in community partnership.” Kawakami also acknowledged outgoing Interim Police Chief Elliott Kalani Ke.
Tai, who was born and raised on Oʻahu, comes to Kauaʻi after a 35-year career with the San Diego Police Department, where he most recently served as deputy chief overseeing daily operations.
He was the highest-ranking Asian and Pacific Islander officer in that departmentʻs history.
Interim Chief Ke said he is very impressed with Taiʻs leadership abilities. “Chief Tai’s law enforcement knowledge and experience are extensive,” said Ke.
“He’s engaged and an active listener. He leads with empathy and humility. And his ability to connect with people is exceptional. Chief Tai’s native Hawaiian upbringing, combined with his 35-years of experience with the San Diego Police Department, makes him an excellent choice to lead the Kauaʻi Police Department.”
His appointment follows a nationwide search and a nine-month transition period for the department following the retirement of former Chief Todd Raybuck.
Ke added, “As an interim chief, it has been an honor and a privilege to lead the Kauaʻi Police Department over the last nine months.”
Chief Tai said he can “feel a lot of positive support from every part of this island, so I’m looking forward to working with everyone. It’s gonna be special,” he said.
Reed Mahuna, the chief of police of Hawaiʻi County, who was also present at the ceremony, said it was important for him to attend and show support for the “other islands in their new chief and his endeavors.”
“We’re really excited to be a partner with him; he has a lot of experience, and he comes from a very large department,” said Mahuna.
Tai will now lead a police department of roughly 135 officers serving the Garden Island, where he said he hopes to combine his mainland experience with local values to guide the agency forward.
