LIHU‘E — The State of Hawai‘i Organization of Police Officers is calling for the immediate resignation of Kaua‘i Police Department Chief Todd Raybuck following The Garden Island’s report citing an investigation led by the Kaua‘i Police Commission sustaining allegations of violating policies against discrimination and creating a hostile work environment for an officer based on race.
Late Wednesday night, SHOPO released a joint statement from state board of directors President Malcolm Lutu and Kaua‘i Chapter Chair Christopher Calio. Earlier in the day, a representative said the union would be withholding comment until after the commission released its official findings.
“These charges and findings involving blatant racism is appalling and will not be tolerated by SHOPO and our rank-and-file officers,” the statement reads. “Assuming the reported findings are true and accurate, we find it shocking that a top law-enforcement leader would bring such racist sentiments into our community.
“It breeds public mistrust in those who are sworn to protect and uphold the law. Given these findings, such abusive conduct absolutely cannot be tolerated and SHOPO demands Chief Raybuck’s immediate resignation.”
Tuesday, The Garden Island published a report citing a Feb. 26 letter written by commission Chair Catherine Adams sustaining an internal complaint of Raybuck making comments disparaging of Japanese culture and mocking Asian stereotypes through squinting, bowing and speaking in an accent on two separate occasions.
Other allegations, per a document from county Human Resource Director Annette Anderson, revealed an independent review did not find Raybuck guilty of
favoritism and non-selection for promotion in retaliation.
As of Thursday morning, Raybuck and KPD had not made any public comments.
The Police Commission hired Raybuck in March 2019 as a retired, 27-year veteran of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
The commission first received the internal complaint in September 2020, and have been meeting in executive sessions to discuss the matter since. Adams, on Wednesday, said the commission is not able to discuss the matter further.
“We are not at liberty to provide additional details, as this involves an active, ongoing complaint being reviewed in executive session,” Adams said in a statement.
The commission is the sole authority that can take action on the complaint, and is responsible for the hiring and firing of any police chief.
Mayor Derek Kawakami, the grandson of a Japanese immigrant, said Wednesday these allegations are not consistent with the Raybuck he has worked with the last two years, and if true he would be inclined to forgive.
“These allegations do not reflect the Chief Raybuck that I know and work closely with. If found to be true, I feel a deep obligation to forgive, and this will not impact my ability to work together with him moving forward to serve the people of Kaua‘i,” Kawakami said in a statement.
However, Kawakami did acknowledge that as a leader in the community, “we are held to a higher standard and acts of discrimination cannot be tolerated.”
”I humbly ask our people to not play the role of judge and jury, and that we give our chief a chance to explain himself and his actions,” Kawakami said.
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Sabrina Bodon, public safety and government reporter, can be reached at 245-0441 or sbodon@thegardenisland.com.
It’s a shame it has come to this but we cannot have that kind of racism at the head of our police department. Ever.
There is a time and place for everything and being in that official capacity was not the right place nor time. How would you like it if a police officer came to service your complaint and made a statement about your age, sex or race? Would you still want that officer investigating your complaint? Many of you would go and “cry” and make a complaint about the officer.
What if we change “Asian” with the word black? The whole country would “cry” about it. With this whole Black Lives Matter movement, it doesn’t make it any better to go and make fun of another race.
There’s no need for this in the day and age we live in today. We need to come together and live with Aloha.
Maybe we should ask people from KPD both civilians and officers on what’s there thoughts on TR instead of filling in the blanks or assuming things.
Local privilege ranks number one. You have a much better chance getting a warning for an infraction rather than ticket if you are local mixed race. Asian, portagee, pilipino, one Moke, solè, hawaiian all of the above. Being haole is your worst option. They way they’re blowing this out of proportion makes me think this is the best way to silence him and get him out. May be getting too close to the illegal dealings that go on in the force.
Unfortunately, we all are somewhat racist and have to be alert to our biases, root out our prejudices and avoid giving offense.
But this seems more like an unfunny person trying to be funny.
Given the enormous protection SHOPO gives to corruption I would say keep the Chief, he’s most likely doing a good job in spite of a dumb prank. It’s the leadership of SHOPO that should resign in disgrace.
Everyone identified by their ethnicity. Origin. So sad. Why is it even mentioned what our Mayor’s ethnicity is? Or origin? Is he not a member of this Republic? Is he somehow beholden to his origin? That is racism right there.
Identify is the most racist approach to governing society there is, and yet, at every turn, we are discussing groups and individuals by their identity.
Furthermore, the one screaming ‘racist!’ is often the most racist of all. As the race of the accuser is always implied as contributing to the assault. It isn’t relevant, but to a racist, right?
Maybe this is a setup? Maybe this is a trap? Maybe not. It is highly doubtful the Chief is a ‘racist’…though the meaning of that word has been lost, as media and academia spotlight ethnicity/race ad infinitum.
Resign already. How dare he come to our home and disrespect us like that? The nerve of some people. Go back to the mainland. If you don’t like locals or our culture, leave. And that goes for anyone that dares come here with that attitude.
@Westside Resident while it’s difficult to ascertain if you are of white, european origin, all of your talking points fit that of white supremacy. Why do you choose to ignore the claims of insensitive and unnecessary behaviors and words from the top law enforcement officer; the one who is responsible and theoretically accountable for assuring just and unbiased protection of the citizens of Kauai? Whether he is or isn’t ‘racist’, his words and actions have proved to be biased and damaging to the community as a whole. The question is whether or not he can be trusted to live up to the responsibility? I make on claim on that but I do find your victim blaming here alarming.
I call BS. What a bunch of sissy’s! There are larger fish and and way more important issues to be addressed than this “Cancel Culture” cry baby tactic! Or is it because Raybuck is ‘white’ aka haole? Hmmm, I smell reverse discrimination!
Chief, just treat your employees like the name states, you wouldnt have any problems. But it seems like it is too late for you now, maybe your next job you will have learned from this.
I asked many times, Are you paying attention? Apparently, TR stepped into a self-propelled rabbit hole or maybe, this all is some sort of other set-up that has to do with Ata Brun being tagged a King-Pin, when Brun might only be a pin-head, he lead by force, by the nose ring of blalah that should themselves “resign immediately”? Fess up, as there are many that over decades worked hand in hand and we were paying attention much harder than was noticed.
USAF Brat, why’d you change your name? We know its you DK…heehee cray-cray
It seems that a lot of folks are judging from the outside, not working with the man. Pretty sure if you were to take a anonymous vote from the subordinates (not the ranking staff) of KPD you’d find out who stands with the Chief and who doesn’t. Yes, he looks amazing in the public eye. How about go back talk to some of his co-workers and subordinates in Vegas.? Seems as if a proper background check wasn’t done. This is just the beginning. Ask about what his plans are with KPAL…Lots to learn.
It’s the first time she didn’t bring up stolen mail boxes, whatever that’s about.
There are WORSE things happening in the KPD than some “racist” comments. THIS is what’s going to cause a ruckus with SHOPO…?!!
What. A. JOKE.
If the chief is ousted, I hope he airs some laundry on his way out…
RACIST! That is what you yell when you want to get rid of someone in this country. At least a white guy. Hypersensitive woke snowflakes abound. Even in SHOPO. Sorry Chief. You could have done some for Kauai.
In Las Vegas the crime rate or total crime was way hire than Kaua’i. But per capita of 1,000 it was just about the same amount. In Las Vegas, the area is a lot tougher than it is on Kaua’i. The job is to keep out crimes in the area. If you were in downtown area of Las Vegas, that would be where Hawai’i tourist like to go to. California Hotel is the most popular and also Fremont Hotel. Downtown Square. I have been to Las Vegas 5 times already and I used there package deal for travel. 6 days, and 5 nights stay at any of their chosen hotel. This may sound odd, but from their standpoint, business as usual. There may be Hawai’i guest, but to a cop, not so. They are treated as residents to the area and welcomed by their county to gamble in the casinos. This is the thought. The idea of special privilege is out of the question. You want toughness, then you have got to act tough. That is the idea behind all of the trips taken to Las Vegas. So treat it as business, and you will be fine. Even with cops, this is so. And not only to civilians in Las Vegas from Hawai’i.
I witnessed an attitude against Chief Raybuck in 2020, it felt like a Racist statement to me. I would be happy to support Chief Raybuck if I am asked. Chief Raybuck goes beyond his job title, his compassionate attitude was impressive at the most difficult time of my life. His Help will be appreciated by my family forever.
There is no place for racism or inappropriate behavior in law enforcement. Hawaii is a melting pot of people and this type behavior is not acceptable. If a law enforcement officer makes this type joke or (prank) with subordinates, what is the behavior when dealing with local civilians? This from a retired cop who worked in this type environment created by the supervisors and chief.
Would we give a patrol officer the same “Pass Go” ticket if they exhibited racism?
How many think the movie Idiocracy was a prophecy?
Look the dogs are barking at the tree again.
Hopefully the commission will work with integrity rather than submit to the decision of the union. What matters is truth, opinions and comments taken out of context only advance a weak argument. I believe this matter is being blown way out of proportion to aid a perceived injustice. What a shame.
Patrick H Flores, Wailua Houselots
Keep the Chief, GET RID OF SHOPO!
Looks like SHOPO is trying to get the chief out because he is haole. He tells one joke, one…., and they try to oust him. Think about all of the haole jokes the good ‘ol boys tell and they aren’t on the chopping block!
Does the SHOPO represent the citizens of kauai who have benefited from having a less corrupt police chief? I’d like the chief to fight this accusation. Take these people to task. Don’t roll over and let this snowflake win a well timed lawsuit and accusation.
There are county, personnel and departmental policies that employees are subject to including the police chief. The issue at hand is not whether Raybuck or anyone else is racist, it’s whether the police chief violated these policies. IF however the allegations are found to be true, Raybuck must be terminated or resign. A police chief is the leader of his department. He needs to lead by example. His behavior sets the tone for his officers and he must be held to a higher standard if he wants to gain the trust of his officers and the public.
Its totally wrong for a manager as the chief is to make discriminatory remarks and gestures as described. Its unprofessional, disparaging, degrading, and blatant. Its not the kind of conduct you would expect from a manager.
Why does police and fire look outside and hire mainlanders to lead their departments? Outsiders will eventually falter because they are not in line with the local lifestyle and culture. Time to bring in a chief who is local and experienced. There are several capable candidates that would make a good chief bit not the ones who have exercised favoritism.
Read what you wrote.. if these aren’t rascist comments I don’t know what the hell is.. not even one escapes that title. Good job
Give me a promo or else!
Ye without sin cast the first stone. To all with judgement to pass, do you live an absolutely clean life? Second do we know we know all of the facts behind this situation? Sometimes there are some really annoying people that need to be put in their place. I’m not saying racism is right but it’s time to put our big boy pants on and grow up.
It is because he’s haole. Make no mistake about it. But the locals and state of Hawaii and SHOPO will never recognize this because of the hatred for White man culture that has been “forced” upon them and their fathers before them. Instead, it is OK to pick on, berate, harass, assault, and even murder haoles (how many haole unsolved murders on the books right now?).
No such thing as reverse racism, even if it is aimed at white people, it is still racism. It is bigotry. Vile. Ugly. Disgusting.
I like see justice for all da haoles that were treated 1000 times worse than the guy in KPD.
This is because he haole. If was Hawaiian guy, or other local type guy, everybody would laugh and that would be that. It is because he is HAOLE. For real, brah
Thank you Kauai Boy. Well said!
Pay Attention, if i’m “cray cray”, i hate to think what is YOUR problem or that you’re hiding like the rest of those that would put such a comment. If you think that stolen mailboxes was missing in my comment and do not know what it all references, then I would calculate, that you are very much part of those second to the likes of mob SHOPO, that DO KNOW what is referenced, when I have made mention. Stay on-point and publish something that is pertinent to the conversation.
Although I’d agree there’s no place for discrimination especially in the workplace, this seems to be a minor infraction. Kauai is just jumping on the Cancel Culture bandwagon. Give the Chief a break. If every comment is scrutinized we completely lose our freedom of speech. Grow a back bone people. The world is a harsh place and people should be able to handle a little joking around. This seems like a calculated maneuver to oust the Chief not really an authentic offense. If this is the worst out Chief has done , cut the guy some slack. All you snowflakes and social justice warriors are destroying our ability to think freely and speak. First Dr. Seuss , then Disney , then Looney Tunes now Chief Todd. This is a system of silencing anything that might offend anyone. Everything will offend someone. Our future is one of trigger warnings and silencing. The first amendment is meant to protect unpopular speech. Have a sense of humor for gods sake. Keep the Chief !
Amene!
Contrary to his apparent prejudiced and stereotypical beliefs, Chief Raybuck is about to learn just how impolite and disagreeable the Japanese can be when they are provoked. His extremely poor judgment in making these types of comments in the presence of subordinates is troubling and calls into question the soundness of every other decision he has made. He has doomed any chance he had of effectively leading the KPD. He should move on and leave the job to someone who can command the trust of the men and women of the KPD and all the citizens of this diverse community. Sayonara Chief.
Mr. King. You obviously know nothing about the Japanese psyche, their social mores, or, it seems, anything else.
Seems like all the haoles are the cry babies, coming to the defense of one of their own. If you haloes do like it here, then by all means, you are welcome to leave. Kauai would benifit from one less haole. This Chief, easy come, easy go. Bye Bye Chief, you have a nice trip back home now….Aloha
Piko! Your unbelievable racism is horrifying!
You talk about a racist statement, well Piko, you just won the top prize.How sad.
Chief Raybuck has contributed much to this community in compassion and volunteer time. Maybe a thirty-day suspension without pay?
DK, enough…you had to change your name because TGI refused to post your Ludacris comments. So I was right and those that have seen your lunacy know your wording.
DK…Anyhoo, I did…the Chief is beautiful and graceful even a huge heart in the public eye. Again you are all talking from the outside. This guy came in all HUMBLE the police commission said. If you don’t meet or follow his agenda… You are done. He was tarnished by the old echelon, second in charge until he retired. (MC retired K2) that man covered up more crap than someone in a TV show mafia 9protectng those that worshiped him). If you aren’t on the inside…You DON’T know the truth and you would be amazed. SERIOUSLY he wants to pass off KPAL to a nonprofit?!!! WTH is that for public love??
I think KPAL was always a nonprofit. I donated to it a few times.
If he is racist or prejudice against any race etc, he should probably be removed. But it can be a smear…shouldn’t there be some witnesses…or a video? History of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time? Smoking gun? Also, he should make a statement to the public.
I will wait until we hear both sides of the story. All this is so far is a SHOPO press release. He’s made obvious improvements to KPD and there’s a long and shady history there for decades before he arrived. We had a council member in federal prison; there’s a lot of stuff here to consider.
I wouldn’t call him a racist. But with a mix race community, it will be hard to get along. So I’d call him broke instead and have no money. So he had to move from Las Vegas, Nevada. Any of you here want to live in Nevada?
“The nail that sticks out gets hammered”. It’s what happens when you insult the ruling class.
The Mayor has compassion and works with the Police Chief weekly. For anyone to call another person a racist based on one stupid action that has never met the person before WOW. i hope the rock you through does not come back to hit you.
Although I can understand the outrage nothing comes close the the action of our beloved democratic President FDR to lock Japanese citizens into internment camps. What you ask was that it was like living in a holy hell that makes a jail look like Disneyland.
So before you throw stones at the Police Chief perhaps some road side trash pick up on a few Saturdays would be a more balanced approach and allow him rehab his flawed jokes
This forum is so jaded. A minor infraction has this man in the hot seat. What about all the corruption in the KPD past. What about our meth dealing councilman. Seems when a local commits a crime or takes part in corruption, its business as usual for the good folk of Kauai. The only discrimination here is against Chief Raybuck. Everyone has no problem turning a blind eye to local corruption. We all have heard the “rumors” of illegal activities taking place at the highest levels of local government and no one seems to care. Where’s the justice? Oh yeah let’s leave it to the social justice warriors. How about we address the institutionalized corruption here. The whole reason we brought in a mainland Chief in the first place. Let’s continue to romanticize how locals “take care of the Aina” and blame it all on the haoles. Classic racism that is the reason the island is being quickly absorbed my mainland money. Enjoy it while it lasts. Another 5 years and Kauai will resemble California more then Hawaii and this sort of crap is one of the main reasons.
I’d be willing to follow our Mayor’s suggestion and also be inclined to forgive and give the Chief another chance. That don’t throw stones in glass houses thing makes sense.
the real hawaiian said
Piko! Your unbelievable racism is horrifying!
Incredulous said:
You talk about a racist statement, well Piko, you just won the top prize.How sad.
Well NOW…
Really , shocking, bad bad me. Did I make racist gesture’s to you, to mock, and offending your culture, while I hold a position paid by the County to Protect & Serve ? Find and define the racism. HORRIFYING …you say… Not nice when it’s flipped is it ? You are not the real hawaiian, now are you ?? You would cleary see, if you were….There is no racism in one word I wrote. I am surprised more of you did not change your story, and decide racism, is what this Chief showed to the Culture here, with no regards… So you can go off saying I am the one that did a bad bad thing….Funny….now.
Yet you all cry out for the locals to GET OVER IT, NOTHING WRONG WITH WHAT THE Chief did.
And all I said was that if you haoles are not happy here in Hawaii, then you are welcome to leave.
and said Aloha and goodbye to the Chief , because he has failed. It’s ok for you all to say what ever you want to this situation, …Well BAD BAD me… I shocked a few haoles on their personal rant and rage section. BooWhoo Who…. I am glad I did. In your face, you have a history of this. Don’t you ? Your talk is so cheap.
Here is just a short 21 min. video. Before you call me the racist, better listen up on this Hawaii problem here. HInt: You are ignorant, Blatantly Ignorant, and you should get educated on your history. 20 minutes will probablly straighten you out….or make you more pissed off, and start to direct it my way. Bad Bad me… I won the racist award. Finger pointing…You are so funny, and clueless…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDtwKzmdSHQ