The Kaua‘i Police Commission appointed Rudy Tai as the next Chief of Police for the Kaua‘i Police Department, following the successful completion of the recruitment, selection, and post-offer evaluation process.
Chief Tai has formally accepted the position and signed the official offer of employment, concluding a comprehensive and competitive selection process conducted by the Police Commission.
Chief Tai is scheduled to begin his appointment on March 9, 2026.
Chief Tai, who is scheduled to begin his appointment on March 9, brings more than 35 years of law-enforcement experience 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, Chief 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.
Photo credit: County of Kauaʻi
