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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFY 2026 (Kauai Police Department) KAUA‘I POLICE DEPARTMENT FY 2026 BUDGET AND OPERATIONS SYNOPSIS Todd G. Raybuck Chief of Police 2 1. FY 2025 to FY 2026 BUDGET COMPARISON Fund: GENERAL FUND Department: POLICE 49% 36% 1% 4% 10% FY 2025 Operating Budget Salary and Wages Benefits Utilities Vehicle/Equip, Lease Operations 48% 37% 1% 4% 10% FY 2026 Operating Budget Salary and Wages Benefits Utilities Vehicle/Equip, Lease Operations 0 5,000,000 10,000,000 15,000,000 20,000,000 25,000,000 30,000,000 Salary and Wages Benefits Utilities Vehicle/Equip, Lease Operations FY 2025 and FY 2026 Comparison FY 2025 FY 2026 FY 2025 FY 2026 $ + / - % + / - Salary and Wages 23,859,640 24,447,744 588,104 2.5% Benefits 17,438,444 18,886,563 1,448,119 8.3% Utilities 304,996 326,424 21,428 7.0% Vehicle/Equip, Lease 1,852,278 2,227,278 375,000 20.2% Operations 4,736,173 5,094,763 358,590 7.6% 48,191,531 50,982,772 2,791,241 5.8% 3 Fund: CRIMINAL ASSET FUND Department: POLICE FY 2025 FY 2026 $ + / - % + / - Salary and Wages 0 0 0 0.0% Benefits 0 0 0 0.0% Utilities 0 0 0 0.0% Vehicle/Equip, Lease 2 2 0 0.0% Operations 100,006 100,006 0 0.0% 100,008 100,008 0 0.0% 0% 0%0%0% 100% FY 2025 Operating Budget Salary and Wages Benefits Utilities Vehicle/Equip, Lease Operations 0%0%0%0% 100% FY 2026 Operating Budget Salary and Wages Benefits Utilities Vehicle/Equip, Lease Operations 0 20,000 40,000 60,000 80,000 100,000 120,000 Salary and Wages Benefits Utilities Vehicle/Equip, Lease Operations FY 2025 and FY 2026 Comparison FY 2025 FY 2026 4 The Kaua‘i Police Department (KPD) relies on three primary funding sources to sustain its day-to- day operations, pursue departmental objectives, and drive continuous advancement. These sources include the Operational General Fund, the Criminal Asset Fund, and various Grant Funds. KPD’s General Fund constitutes the largest portion of KPD's proposed operating budget, accounting for 85% of expenditure, which primarily encompasses Salaries, Overtime, and Fringe Benefits. The remaining 15% is allocated for all other operational expenses. Compared to the prior year, the proposed budget reflects a net increase of 5.9%, amounting to $2,791,241. KPD’s second funding source, the Criminal Asset Fund, obtained through the Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Program, underscores a component of the department's financial stability. Originating from a nationwide law enforcement initiative aimed at removing tools of crime and compensating victims, this fund epitomizes the collaborative code shared among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. While its primary objective remains the facilitation of cooperation, the Criminal Asset Fund also serves as a flexible resource for addressing unforeseen training needs. Frequently, these training opportunities arise spontaneously, spurred by courtesy invitations from fellow law enforcement agencies. Embracing this collaborative spirit, KPD actively participates in sharing and hosting specialized training sessions, a common practice among police departments across the State of Hawai‘i. Through these engagements, KPD not only enhances its operational capabilities but also reinforces the bonds of partnership vital for effective law enforcement in our communities. KPD’s financial resilience is further strengthened by a third source of supplemental funding, comprising state and federal grants, along with support from the Hawai‘i Enhanced 911 Board. Currently, KPD manages a diverse portfolio of six grants, encompassing 19 active projects, most of which are recurring—collectively providing approximately $1.7 million annually. These grants strategically offset 22% of operational costs and are allocated for specific public safety initiatives. Key grant funding includes: • Hawai‘i High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) – $160,000 dedicated to drug enforcement and prevention efforts. • Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Grant – Approximately $31,000 awarded in FY24, rolling into FY25, to support the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program, as well as equipment, training, and travel expenses. • Department of Transportation Grants – A recurring annual allocation of approximately $593,000 to enhance highway enforcement efforts, including speed control, seat belt compliance, and distracted driving enforcement. • Hawai‘i Enhanced 911 Board Funding – A substantial $935,000 allocation supporting Kaua‘i’s Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) and statewide E911 service enhancements. This funding enables investments in advanced technology, comprehensive training programs, and infrastructure improvements across 911 PSAPs, ensuring seamless coordination among public safety agencies, wireless carriers, technology vendors, and local telecommunications providers. Additionally, this funding sustains three Emergency Service Dispatchers, ensuring efficient Police, Fire, and EMS call handling and response. 5 By strategically leveraging these external funding sources, KPD continues to enhance public safety operations while reducing the financial burden on the County. 2. MAJOR CHANGES AND/OR VARIANCES IN OPERATIONS BUDGET The Kaua‘i Police Department's FY 2026 operations budget reflects an increase from FY 2025, driven by salary and benefits adjustments, vehicle replacements, facility maintenance, and expanded training. Key changes include increases in salaries, benefits, and operational vehicles. While some costs decreased, investments focus on recruitment, officer training, and operational efficiency to address staffing shortages, aging infrastructure, and growing community needs. KPD FY 2026 Budget comparison reflects an overall increase of 5.9% from FY 2025. Chief’s Office Operating Budget overall increase of $2,985,241 includes: Salary and Wages increase $588,104, 3% over FY25: Benefits increase $1,448,119, 7% over FY25 $ 21,151 Social Security Contribution $ (358,156) Health Fund Contribution $ 341,702 Retirement Contribution $ 1,443,422 Other Post-Employment Benefits To ensure we are adequately positioned to meet future obligations, we have made a strategic decision to increase the allocation of our Other Post-Employment Benefits account across the board. This will provide for flexibility in addressing any potential increases. Utilities increase $21,428, 6.6% over FY25 $ 4,306 Electricity $ 80 Water $ 245 Sewer $ 12,338 Telephone, Internet, Cable, & Data Vehicle/Equipment, Lease increase $375,000, 16.8% over FY25 Operations budget decrease ($18,840), (3.3) % over FY 25 primarily includes: $ 375,000 (4) Operational vehicles replacements $ (287,676) Standard salary decreases, (1) Position transfer to HR, and (8) 6-month short-funded positions $ 875,780 Standard salary increases $ 35,250 Increase due to Bi-Annual Facility Deep Cleaning & Maintenance Repairs $ 3,500 Increase due to Annual Kawaihau Substation Split AC System Maintenance $ 7,511 Increase for PowerDMS AI/Action Subscription Renewal $ (58,838) Decrease due to Camera Upgrade & Additional Safe Zones (Periodic) $ 16,372 Increase for 3 of 3-year Contract for Gallup Employee Engagement Assessment $ 7,365 Crimestoppers (line moved from CID to Chief’s) $ (30,000) Decrease due to HSLEOA Conference (every 4 years) 6 Support Services Bureau Operating Budget increase of $314,723, 9.1% over FY25 includes: Criminal Investigation Division increase of $53,758, 9.0% over FY25 includes: $ 11,441 Increase for subscription increases in contracts $ 35,196 Increase in supplies for Crisis Negotiations, Less Lethal and SRT sections needed for training and operations $ 7,121 This amount represents the remaining portion of the total industry-wide cost increases The Patrol Services Bureau overall increase of $6,869, 1.3% over FY25 includes: $ 6,869 This amount represents the industry-wide cost increases 3. OPERATIONAL CHALLENGES DEPARTMENT VACANCIES / RECRUITMENT / RETENTION Prolonged and increasing vacancy rates within the Kaua‘i Police Department (KPD) are creating significant operational challenges. These include negative impacts on intra-department $ (2,000) Decrease due to movement of in-house trainings to travel lines $ 6,158 Increase costs for outside services $ 5,082 Increase minimalized due internal movements within account due to increased costs in subscriptions $ 1,120 Increase for background services $ 2,658 Increase to replace (2) old gym equipment $ 5,000 Increase for removal/installation of radios/lights $ 20,071 Increase training’s airfare for various bureau’s: Taser Instructor, Crisis & Terrorism (ICTOCT), Intelligence Unit & Analysis (LEIU/IALEIA), and Internal Affair’s Investigator’s (NIAIA) Trainings $ 23,235 Increase trainings per diem for various bureau’s: Taser Instructor, Crisis & Terrorism (ICTOCT), Intelligence Unit & Analysis (LEIU/IALEIA), and Internal Affair’s Investigator’s (NIAIA) Trainings $ 4,575 Increase training’s transportation for various bureau’s: Taser Instructor, Crisis & Terrorism (ICTOCT), Intelligence Unit & Analysis (LEIU/IALEIA), and Internal Affair’s Investigator’s (NIAIA) Trainings $ 8,415 Increase training’s lodging & registration for various bureau’s: Taser Instructor, Crisis & Terrorism (ICTOCT), Intelligence Unit & Analysis (LEIU/IALEIA), and Internal Affair’s Investigator’s (NIAIA) Trainings $ 37,498 Increase in costs for section supplies which includes crime lab, drone, radio parts & accessories, range & training supplies $ 10,942 Increase in Apex Next Radio equipment $ 66,722 Increase in costs for biennial physicals per CBA and ammunitions $ 125,247 This amount represents the remaining portion of the total industry-wide cost increases 7 functions (such as reduced promotions and transfers), difficulties in maintaining the continuity of certain community services (particularly non-essential services), and limitations on the department’s ability to expand services, such as community engagement efforts and the School Resource Officer program. The personnel shortages require employees to assume the workload of the vacant positions to ensure continuity of operations. The additional responsibilities add workplace stress to employees, causing delays in completing assignments, and reducing the opportunity to focus on the management of personnel and services. In March 2024, the department had 16 non-sworn vacancies and 21 sworn vacancies. As of March 2025, the department faces 27 non-sworn vacancies and 39 sworn vacancies. The most common reasons for employee separations are retirement, failure to complete training, and relocation due to the high cost of living and lack of affordable housing on Kaua‘i. Although the department maintains continuous recruitment for many of these positions, the low number of qualified applicants has not been sufficient to offset the department’s attrition rate. AGING FACILITIES AND INSUFFICIENT FUNCTIONAL WORKSPACE As Kaua‘i’s residential and visitor populations have grown, so too have the responsibilities of the Kaua‘i Police Department (KPD). To meet the increasing demands of public safety, KPD has expanded both in personnel and the scope of its services. However, the department’s primary facility, the Līhu‘e Police Station, has reached its capacity, creating operational challenges that will need to be addressed in the near future. Originally designed to accommodate KPD’s projected growth, portions of the facility were reassigned to other agencies before construction was completed. Over the past two decades, operational needs have outpaced available space, leading to overcrowding and the repurposing of storage areas and other non-traditional workspaces. Some personnel are working in spaces originally designed for single occupancy, while advancements in law enforcement technology and forensics require additional secure areas that were not anticipated when the facility was built. While KPD has adapted to these challenges, ongoing maintenance and modernization efforts are essential to ensuring operational efficiency. The department has taken steps to address immediate infrastructure concerns, such as replacing the aging air conditioning system with funds allocated in the FY25 budget. However, as public safety needs continue to evolve, KPD will need to assess long-term facility improvements to support its growing responsibilities. Additionally, the department continues to explore options for expanding its operational footprint to better serve the community. The proposed Kawaihau substation is one such initiative aimed at alleviating space constraints at the Līhu‘e station while enhancing public safety services in one of Kaua‘i’s most populated areas. While the project has faced delays due to planning considerations, KPD remains committed to working with stakeholders to identify solutions that will meet the island’s long-term policing needs. As KPD looks ahead, ensuring that facilities align with modern policing standards will remain a priority. Strategic planning and investment in infrastructure improvements will be key to maintaining efficiency, supporting personnel, and meeting the expectations of the Kaua‘i community. 8 REPLACEMENT OF UNMARKED POLICE VEHICLES The ongoing budgetary support from the Mayor’s Administration and County Council to replace marked patrol vehicles and maintain a replacement plan has given the department a valuable opportunity to address the deteriorating condition of KPD’s marked vehicle fleet, which was severely impacted by COVID-19 supply chain disruptions. As a result, KPD has received and deployed 25 new patrol vehicles, while continuing to prioritize repairs and preventive maintenance on older vehicles still in service that are on the replacement list. However, the department’s unmarked fleet has remained in service well beyond the department’s policy guidelines and the vehicles' serviceable lifespan. In 2024, KPD introduced a six-year plan to address this issue by replacing two unmarked vehicles annually and repurposing others that are still serviceable. Additionally, the department’s operational needs require replacing two canine vehicles and acquiring a light armored special utility vehicle. KPD utilizes two canines for drug enforcement operations, and their handlers are issued department vehicles for transporting and deploying the canines. The current vehicles, which are nearly ten years old, need replacement due to their age and inadequacy for extended travel. Furthermore, these vehicles expose the canines to high temperatures, creating a health risk and the potential for heat-related death. The department intends to replace the current vehicles with SUVs that will provide an interior air-conditioned space for the canines. During a recent fugitive manhunt for an armed and dangerous murder suspect, the department realized that its sole armored vehicle (the Lenco BearCat) was insufficient for providing the necessary protection needed in high-risk situations. Additionally, the BearCat does not allow for a covert tactical response, which is essential for safely approaching armed subjects without detection. Acquiring a light armored vehicle would give tactical officers the ability to deploy and arrive at high-risk encounters undetected, reducing the potential for armed confrontations and increasing the safety of officers and the public. 4. OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS FROM FY 2025 The department is deeply grateful for the Mayor’s and Council’s continued commitment to KPD’s budgetary needs. The funding provided in the FY2025 budget enabled the department to partner with the nation’s leading law enforcement recruiting agency and acquire cutting-edge training technologies that will better prepare our officers and ultimately save lives. DEVELOPMENT OF A COMPREHENSIVE RECRUITING PLATFORM The department enlisted the services of EPIC Recruiting to create a comprehensive platform aimed at expanding our efforts to fill vacancies. During FY2025, the department first collaborated with EPIC to develop a recruitment strategy tailored specifically to our community. Next, EPIC’s video production team conducted on-site interviews to capture the essence of our employees and highlight what makes serving the Kaua‘i community unique. These interviews were then used to produce high-quality videos and design a recruitment website aimed at attracting more applicants to KPD. The department and EPIC are now in the final stages of rolling out the digital recruiting platform, which will leverage online recruiting and media management tools to target potential 9 applicants and drive engagement with KPD’s recruitment website. IMPLEMENTATION OF 12-HOUR PATROL SCHEDULE After two years of unsuccessful negotiations with SHOPO, the department successfully negotiated a 12-hour patrol schedule in November 2024. This schedule change was critical to address the department’s ongoing reliance on cancelled days off and overtime to meet patrol staffing needs due to vacancies. The implementation of the 12-hour shifts on January 12, 2025, brought benefits for both the department and the officers. In December 2025, the department had to cover vacant patrol shifts with 128 overtime shifts. However, in the 30 days following the 12-hour shift implementation, the number of overtime shifts dropped dramatically to just 33. Notably, only one of these 33 overtime shifts was due to low staffing, while the remaining 32 were used to cover mandatory training. Moreover, the 12-hour schedule immediately increased the number of patrol officers on duty, strengthened squad/team integrity and supervision, enhanced the ability to conduct training during both workdays and days off, and enabled critical transfers and promotions that had been delayed since 2023. For patrol officers, the 12-hour shifts also provide more family and personal time. Although the shifts increased by 3 hours, the new schedule provides officers with 49 additional days off per year, every other weekend off, greater opportunities for use of vacation time, and increased manpower, all of which contribute to better officer wellness and safety. DEPLOYMENT OF ADVANCED OFFICER TRAINING AND TECHNOLOGY PLATFORMS In March 2025, KPD will become the first police department in the world to deploy the Axon Training Pod, a self-contained, portable training platform. This state-of-the-art Virtual Reality (VR) training system will enable officers to engage in immersive VR scenarios focused on de-escalation tactics, firearms training, mental health crises, and community engagement. Additionally, the department will introduce AXON’s new Taser 10 less-lethal energy weapon, providing officers with a more effective tool for de-escalating dangerous situations and reducing the need for deadly force. In July 2025, KPD will receive and deploy a 100-foot modular, 4-lane live-fire and VR shooting range. This new facility will enhance firearms training and qualification by allowing officers to train with both traditional targets and VR simulations in a secure, climate-controlled environment. Both the ATP and MILO training platforms will be centrally located at the Lihue Station, giving officers 24/7 access to training before, during, and after their scheduled shifts. The department's achievements in FY2025 represent the most significant organizational changes for KPD in over 40 years. The positive impacts of these changes will benefit both the department and our community for many years to come.