County of Kauai

The meeting commenced with a roll call confirming a quorum. The agenda was approved, noting a clarification regarding the date of the previous minutes. The primary New Business item involved Subdivision Application No. S-2026-7 concerning a proposed 2-lot subdivision for the David A. and Jody K. Stillwell Joint Revocable Trust. Testimony was provided by consultants and one of the property owners, detailing the request to divide the lot to simplify family matters, as they had purchased the property with the intent for retirement and subsequent building. Following discussion, the committee voted unanimously to approve the preliminary subdivision map application. The meeting concluded with no further subdivision items, and an adjournment motion was passed.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and subsequent adjustments to the 2026 meeting schedule. Key discussion centered on moving the start of required annual reviews from May to July to accommodate the County budget process completion, resulting in no meetings scheduled for March, April, or May, pending quorum confirmation for the June meeting. A motion was passed to adopt the revised 2026 schedule contingent upon achieving quorum in June. Furthermore, the Commission designated specific spokespersons for the 2025 Cost Control Commission Annual Report submission to the County Council, naming the Chair and one Commissioner as primary representatives with another Commissioner serving as an alternate.

The primary focus of the meeting was the discussion and subsequent selection process for the next Chief of Police for Kauai County, involving interviews and evaluations of four finalists. Public testimony was heard from several individuals regarding the selection, emphasizing the importance of local ties, cultural understanding, and collaborative leadership for the incoming chief. The Commission also addressed administrative items, including the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the preceding October 24, 2025, meeting. Following the selection process, the Commission moved to ratify actions taken during a subsequent executive session concerning consultation with legal counsel and approval of executive session minutes.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and covered several critical agenda items. Key discussions centered on honoring Officer Joseph Himongala as Employee of the Month for his immediate, heroic response to a severe car accident where he rendered aid to a critically injured child. The commission received Chief's Monthly Reports for December 2025, noting successes in addressing juvenile-related crime and recruitment efforts. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to finalizing the selection process for the Chief of Police, Rudy Tai, including the acceptance of verbal reports confirming successful completion of pre-employment screening and an extensive background investigation, both confirming his suitability for the role. The commission then discussed and voted to extend a final employment offer to Rudy Tai, setting the base salary at $181,800, subject to HR determination of any applicable pay differential. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss personnel matters and ratify actions taken therein.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and announcements regarding the next scheduled meeting date. A significant portion of the open session was dedicated to recognizing the Kauai Police Department Employees of the Month for October, November, and December 2025, with commendations made for outstanding investigative work, professionalism in cellblock oversight, and proactive service resulting in arrests. Chief's Monthly Reports for October and November 2025, covering various statistics and operational highlights, were received for the record. Three pieces of correspondence were acknowledged, including one thanking the Commission for supporting S. 725, the Enhancing First Response Act, and another congratulating the selection of the next Police Chief. The Commission proceeded to elect the Chair and Vice Chair for the 2026 Calendar Year. The meeting then moved into an Executive Session to discuss charges against an officer, review incident reports, and consult with legal counsel, including deliberations on a formal citizen complaint (KPC 2025-005), before returning to open session to ratify the actions taken.