HomeMy WebLinkAbout20211210 KPD NR KPD promotes 3 officers at special ceremony ThursdayDEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: December 10, 2021
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
KAUA‘I POLICE DEPARTMENT
TODD G. RAYBUCK, CHIEF
(808) 241-1600
KPD promotes 3 officers at special ceremony Thursday
LĪHU‘E – The Kaua‘i Police Department (KPD) held a special ceremony Thursday to promote
three officers at Kauaʿi Veterans Center in Līhu‘e.
“The magnitude of what you’re about to encounter in this journey is unparalleled. Your
willingness to accept this next level of responsibility shows your true character and you all deserve a
sincere congratulations,” said Chief Todd G. Raybuck. “Please know that every last one of us, including
your loved ones, are here to support you and help you succeed on this new path. I have no doubt you’re
going to be upstanding leaders in this organization.”
Philip K. Banquel was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Banquel was born and raised on
Kauaʿi. He graduated from Kauaʿi High School and later attended Kauaʿi Community College. He was
hired at KPD in 2005. Banquel has served a multitude of roles throughout his time at KPD. He was
promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2016 and was assigned to the Patrol Services Bureau, Platoon 1,
Līhuʿe District. In 2019, he transferred to the Administrative and Technical Bureau’s School Resource
Officer Unit to serve as the School Resource Officer Unit Sergeant. He transferred to the Investigative
Services Bureau Special Focus this year and was assigned to the Līhuʿe District as the Property Crimes
Detective.
Brad P. Candido was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Candido was born and raised on
Oʿahu. He attended Damien Memorial High School in Honolulu and obtained a Bachelor of Science in
Criminal Justice at California State University in Sacramento. Candido moved to Kauaʿi in 2011 and was
hired at KPD in 2012. His various assignments have included Hanalei Patrol Officer, Līhuʿe Patrol Officer
and Field Training Officer. Candido is currently in VICE/Narcotics.
Morris T. Unutoa was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Unutoa was born in California and
attended Carson High School. He later graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s
degree in Sociology. His wife and family moved to Kauaʿi in 2009 and he was hired by KPD in 2012.
Morris has served in the Patrol Service Bureau as a Patrol Officer; in the Investigative Services Bureau as
a School Resource Officer; and in the Administrative and Technical Bureau assisting with training new
recruits and as a Fleet Coordinator. He also recently completed his term as Kapaʿa High School’s School
Resource Officer.
The Master of Ceremony for Thursday’s event was Captain Roderick B. Green. The pinning of the
badges was preceded with a blessing by Police Chaplain Jade Waiʿaleʿale Battad and speeches by Kauaʿi
County Managing Director Michael Dahilig, who was representing Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami, as well
as Chief Raybuck.
“You, in reality, are the next generation of leaders for KPD -- and with this leadership rank, your
new frame of mind, your new way of thinking, new approaches to solving problems, and new life
perspective will start shaping this department almost immediately,” said Dahilig. “As your skill as police
officers and your role as men of the law evolves, so too will be your role as a leader for this storied
institution.”
Newly promoted officers from left to right: Morris Unutoa, Philip Banquel and Brad Candido.
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