Embattled Kauai police chief announces retirement

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Faced with disciplinary proceedings and an investigation over alleged retaliation, the head of the Kauai Police Department is retiring next year.
Chief Todd Raybuck announced his decision in an internal memo sent to the full department Wednesday.
He 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.”
Raybuck says in the coming months, he plans “to work with the dedicated KPD leadership team to achieve our shared goals.”
Raybuck’s resignation comes a week before the Kauai Police Commission was scheduled to discuss Raybuck facing possible disciplinary action for allegedly leaving his loaded service weapon inside a KPD bathroom stall earlier this year.
On March 4, records revealed Raybuck left his loaded Glock wedged between the wall and a handicap assist bar inside a KPD bathroom stall. An officer later found it and turned it in.
One month later, that officer and the officer who booked it into evidence filed retaliation complaints against Raybuck.
Raybuck has been involved in a string of controversies since he assumed leadership of the department in 2019.
In 2021, the chief was suspended five days without pay for alleged racist comments he made in 2019 and 2020.
In 2022, the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers (SHOPO) union released a survey that showed the majority of its members had a low opinion of the Kauai Police Department, and gave low marks for Raybuck.
In August, a survey ordered by the police commission revealed numerous departmental issues, including poor communication, lack of accountability, and distrust of leadership.
SHOPO President Robert Cavaco said in a statement:
“The Kauai Police Department has struggled with officer and employee morale for several years, and nothing short of a major change can jumpstart the effort to raise morale. The tremendous challenges identified by Gallup, as well as their recommendations on how to address morale and employee engagement, require a fresh start. The men and women of the Kauai Police Department now have the opportunity for the fresh start that’s needed to mold KPD into a Department that can live up to its potential, is an engaging place to work for our professionals, and can retain our veteran officers and help attract new officers.”
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