Embattled Kauai police chief Todd Raybuck said the emotional toll his family has experienced because of repeated allegations against him — not political pressure or the desire to preempt further investigations — is the reason he will retire next year.

What You Need To Know

  • Kauai Police Department Chief Todd Raybuck’s decision to step down ends a rocky five-year tenure with the department that was marked by accusations of racism, complaints over work environment, an investigation into alleged retaliation and a pair of suspensions
  • Raybuck announced his resignation on Nov. 13. In a follow-up statement on Nov. 22, he thanked the Kauai Police Commission for its support and emphasized that he was neither asked nor forced to resign
  • The chief received a three-day suspension for accidentally leaving a loaded service weapon in a bathroom stall back in March, an offense for which he acknowledged 'full responsibility'
  • Raybuck claimed that previous complaints against him had been leaked to the media before he was notified and before any investigations had been completed

 

Raybuck’s decision to step down ends a rocky five-year tenure with the department that was marked by accusations of racism, complaints over work environment, an investigation into alleged retaliation and a pair of suspensions.

Raybuck announced his resignation on Nov. 13. In a follow-up statement on Nov. 22, he thanked the Kauai Police Commission for its support and emphasized that he was neither asked nor forced to resign.

“I recognize that public scrutiny is part of being a public official,” Raybuck said. “However, it is unfair for my family to continue bearing the emotional burdens resulting from individuals with agendas attacking my reputation and making false claims against me. For this reason alone, I have decided to retire from law enforcement.”

Raybuck received a three-day suspension for accidentally leaving a loaded service weapon in a police department bathroom stall back in March, an offense for which he acknowledged “full responsibility.”

At a hearing last week, the police commission found that there was insufficient evidence to show that Raybuck subsequently retaliated against the officer who found the weapon and turned it in and another officer who logged it into evidence.

“The outcome confirmed what I stated publicly in April: I did not, and do not retaliate against my employees,” Raybuck said. “Furthermore, it would be ludicrous for me to retaliate against my employees for an incident I self-reported in a timely manner to the police commission before any complaint was filed against me.”

Raybuck claimed that previous complaints against him had been leaked to the media before he was notified and before any investigations had been completed.

“This practice has not afforded me due process and appears to be intended to create public shame and exert political pressure on me,” he said.

Raybuck previously served a five-day suspension for making comments and facial gestures mocking people of Japanese ancestry. A related job discrimination suit filed by a veteran KPD officer was settled out of court.

The chief has also been under fire for a Gallup workplace survey that indicated high discontent among KPD personnel, particularly with regard to department leadership.

“I am confident that the leaders within the KPD will continue to work diligently to improve the services we provide to our employees and the community,” Raybuck said. “I will continue to offer the necessary leadership and support for the remainder of my time with the department.”

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.