Kaua‘i Police Department recently highlighted and honored exemplary scientific and forensic work as well as performance of its Crime Scene and Laboratory Section, naming crime scene specialists Michaelyn Etrata and Christian Vlautin as the department’s October 2026 Employees of the Month.
“I am pleased to recognize the professionalism and exceptional level of forensic science work of Michaelyn Etrata and Dr. Christian Vlautin,” said Kaua‘i Police Chief Rudy Tai. “They remain committed to providing accurate scientific results that support the investigative processes at [Kaua‘i Police Department] for homicides, robberies, burglaries, unattended deaths, autopsies and traffic incidents, just to name a few.”
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Michaelyn Etrata
Etrata is supervisor of Kaua‘i Police Department Crime Scene and Laboratory Section.
She is highly trained in biometric identification and is the department’s only 10-print examiner, latent print examiner and automated biometric identification operator. She also serves as a technical and scientific advisor to laboratory personnel and sworn officers regarding physical, biological, chemical, instrumental and microscopic examination of evidence.
Furthermore, Etrata was instrumental in establishing Kaua‘i Police Department’s rapid DNA identification capabilities.
Laboratory personnel during the deadly 2023 Maui wildfires faced an overwhelming need for DNA identification, and Etrata stepped up to help. She coordinated the use of several additional rapid DNA units and a disaster victim identification team, resulting in positively identifying 62% of wildfire victims.
Christian Vlautin
Vlautin has an equally impressive skill set.
He was Kaua‘i Police Department’s first forensic computer examination expert, significantly advancing and streamlining the department’s digital forensic capabilities. His credentials also include certification as a Cellebrite operator, magnet certified GrayKey examiner and MSAB XRY digital forensic examiner, along with International Association for Identification Crime Scene Investigator certification.
Vlautin also oversees digital laboratory operations, forensic training, laboratory quality assurance and control, grant development and forensic policy and procedure development.
His efforts to secure federal funding for equipment to perform advanced chemical identification were instrumental in the department’s ability to identify unknown substances and suspected narcotics without directly sampling the material, a capability that strengthens narcotics investigations and provides important protection for first responders who might encounter fentanyl and other hazardous substances.
Vlautinʻs qualifications and work experience enable him to access and extract data accurately and efficiently to support investigation outcomes with sound science.
Etrata and Vlautin together provide sound forensic work essential to Kaua‘i Police Department investigative processes.
They share their knowledge departmentwide and with the community through educational outreach. Their professionalism, scientific integrity, innovation and sustained commitment to excellence exemplify the highest standards of public service.
Their impactful work strengthens Kaua‘i Police Department at all levels.
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Hurricane Lowell recovery
Tai also recently expressed appreciation to all Kaua‘i Police Department staff for exemplary contributions to Hurricane Lowell recovery efforts.
The department played a critical role in pre-disaster planning and immediate response, maintaining law and order by establishing emergency corridors, escorting relief convoys, conducting search and rescue operations and supporting humanitarian aid initiatives.
Police also worked in partnership with Kaua‘i Emergency Management, Kaua‘i County departments and local, state and federal agencies to address recovery efforts.
Kaua‘i Police Department continues to uphold its commitment to serve and protect the community by ensuring public safety and supporting long-term recovery.
