Rudy Tai formally sworn in as Kaua‘i Police chief

Rudy Tai officially began his tenure on Monday as Chief of Police of the Kaua‘i Police Department, following his appointment by the Kaua‘i Police Commission.

This morning, Tai was formally sworn in during a private ceremony at the Kaua‘i Police Department, a necessary step for him to officially begin his duties as chief, according to a news release from Kaua‘i County.

A public swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for March 30, at 11:30 a.m. at the Kauaʻi War Memorial Convention Hall in Līhu‘e.

“I am honored to be entrusted with leading the men and women of the Kaua‘i Police Department,” Tai said. “I look forward to serving this community and working side by side with our officers to keep Kaua‘i safe now and into the future.”

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

Throughout his career, 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.