A Petition to the Police Commission on Kaua‘i has begun to stop the rush to judgment of our Police Chief Todd Raybuck. Pono Market in Kapa’a already has more than two dozen signatures including people of a wide variety of backgrounds, typical of our island: Japanese, Filipino, Hawaiian, Portuguese, Caucasian. More to come. We residents of Kaua‘i respectfully request that no discipline or action of any kind, including removal as Police Chief, be taken against Police Chief Todd Raybuck. In a YouTube video today, he apologized for harmful words.
A Petition to the Police Commission on Kaua‘i has begun to stop the rush to judgment of our Police Chief Todd Raybuck. Pono Market in Kapa’a already has more than two dozen signatures including people of a wide variety of backgrounds, typical of our island: Japanese, Filipino, Hawaiian, Portuguese, Caucasian. More to come. We residents of Kaua‘i respectfully request that no discipline or action of any kind, including removal as Police Chief, be taken against Police Chief Todd Raybuck. In a YouTube video today, he apologized for harmful words.
From the time of his arrival on Kaua‘i to the present time, Chief Raybuck has impressed us with his interest in the Kaua‘i community. He is the only chief that we ever had to come out into our communities and asked us how we are doing and what can the department do for the communities. He has enthusiastically engaged in all aspects of our community, including food distribution during the pandemic, always done with a smile. When native Hawaiians wanted to march to protest the TMT project, he worked with the leaders and our mayor then the police escorted them down Rice Street.
The Chief understood the passions and showed them respect. He has also done this on other occasions. The result was no confrontations, no violence, no arrests. This is good community policing. As an out-of-state hire, he enthusiastically learns about our community and has encouraged his children to learn about local cultures, including Hawaiian. Dismissal of him does not speak well of Kaua‘i culture.
Removal for a vague claim of “racism” is very unfair without a full hearing, in public. A newspaper article is not evidence. A spurious recording is not evidence. His future career could be unfairly harmed so it must not be done lightly. The overwhelming evidence is that the Chief has a strong interest in the entire community which is shown by his attendance at different cultural events, serving in food distributions to those suffering from Covid restrictions, and participating with his family in many island cultural activities.
Even if the Chief made some inappropriate comment(s), Mayor Derek Kawakami said it best: “Let us have forgiveness.” We agree.
Please be fair to Chief Raybuck. Visit Pono Market in Kapaa to sign the Petition.
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William and Judith Fernandez are residents of Kapa‘a
If we cancel Todd should we also cancel Frank Delima? Where will this end?
I would like to commend Mr. and Mrs. Fernandez for a very encouraging and straight forward endorsement for reasonable action. I agree, let time determine what and who Todd Raybuck is.
Patrick H Flores, wailua Houselots
I can’t help but think this isn’t an isolated incident. Forgiving is one thing, but racism is racism, Do we put this on a scale versus the good he does for our island? I’ve witnessed many racist remarks by transplants from the mainland that have no clue about culture or respect for locals. I’ve witnessed locals being racists as well. Where does it stop? The last four years haven’t helped to curb racism either. This country has been in a reactive state for so long that we have lost many values that make us who we are. Many judgements, not enough questions or dialog to evolve from all of this…..
If you’re so triggered that you fail to see the irony in an Asian joke, portagee, Samoan, micros, Filipinos….haoles. Not everything is an act of racism. Jeez. I’m
Embarrassed by the outrage people have over this. Y’all are a bunch of sensitive Sally’s that let emotions change like the weather.
I didn’t grow up in the 1960s. Civil rights act 1964. If you’re considering buying property, then yeah bring up blacks being discriminated against. This is different. “Will you like me”. Or “will you marry me?” Interracial couples are the hot stuff in porn shop adult movies. If the black person wins there, he’ll have to go there and remain there. This cannot be forced.
How’d did blacks beat this out? Money. Sports. MLB. This is telling me that church group played no part. So what on solving a social issue. Money still is in the way.
I’m for the black if he wants to return to that area. “Finding Ohana”. I’m not that guy. Letter. But it works. Do it!
While he is guilty until proven innocent, I do believe that a court should make that very important decision in order for him to explain his actions.
Racism should not to be tolerated by anyone, in any form!
He really should resign, how are we to view him now after knowing how he truly feels?
None of what you said makes any sense whatsoever.
I agree the reported comments were inappropriate, yet Chief Raybuck has shown himself as a dedicated community leader, sensitive to the entire community. As a previous person commented, ethnic jokes are common place in every part of the island. When you’re a newcomer it’s natural to try and join in and get it wrong. I do not believe there is any evil intent, and an isolated event is not a pattern of behavior. I continue to support Chief Raybuck.
Preach that Truth! Elegantly put Judge and Judith!
Let him get on with his job.
Let’s cancel the cancel already!