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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFY 2027 (Kaua‘i Police Department) KAUA‘I POLICE DEPARTMENT FY 2027 BUDGET AND OPERATIONS SYNOPSIS Elliott K. Ke Rudolph G. Tai Chiefs of Police 1 1. FY 2026 to FY 2027 BUDGET COMPARISON Fund: GENERAL FUND Department: POLICE 48% 36% 1% 5% 10% FY 2026 Operating Budget Salary and Wages Benefits Utilities Vehicle/Equip, Lease Operations 50% 34% 1% 4% 11% FY 2027 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 2026 and FY 2027 Comparison FY 2026 FY 2027 FY 2026 FY 2027 $ + / - % + / - Salary and Wages 24,513,552 27,100,790 2,587,238 10.6% Benefits 18,633,794 18,650,817 17,023 0.1% Utilities 326,424 326,424 0 0.0% Vehicle/Equip, Lease 2,477,278 2,376,278 -101,000 -4.1% Operations 5,166,843 6,267,377 1,100,534 21.3% 51,117,891 54,721,686 3,603,795 7.0% 2 Fund: CRIMINAL ASSET FUND Department: POLICE FY 2026 FY 2027 $ + / - % + / - 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 2026 Operating Budget Salary and Wages Benefits Utilities Vehicle/Equip, Lease Operations 0%0% 0% 0% 100% FY 2027 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 2026 and FY 2027 Comparison FY 2026 FY 2027 3 The Kaua‘i Police Department’s (KPD) proposed FY 2027 operating budget reflects a 7% increase over FY 2026. This increase is primarily attributable to contractual salary adjustments, statutory investigative requirements, vendor price increases, and necessary operational services. The proposed budget sustains core public safety operations and does not represent significant expansion of programs. Instead, it maintains service levels while addressing unavoidable cost pressures, workforce stabilization efforts, and legally mandated investigative expenses. KPD’s General Fund constitutes the largest portion of KPD's proposed operating budget, accounting for 84% of the expenditure, which primarily encompass Salaries, Overtime, and Fringe Benefits. The remaining 16% is allocated for all other operational expenses. Compared to the prior year, the proposed budget reflects a net increase of 7%, amounting to $3,603,795. 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 15 active projects, most of which are recurring—collectively providing approximately $1.7 million annually. These grants strategically offset 19% of operational costs and are allocated for specific public safety initiatives. Key grant funding includes: • Hawai‘i High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) – $188,000 dedicated to drug enforcement and prevention efforts. • Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Grant – Approximately $50,216 awarded in FY26, 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 $453,251 to enhance highway enforcement efforts, including speed control, seat belt compliance, and distracted driving enforcement. • Hawai‘i Enhanced 911 Board Funding – A substantial $1,024,525 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 4 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. 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 2027 operating budget reflects a measured increase over FY 2026, primarily driven by contractual salary adjustments, statutory obligations, and rising operational service costs. The overall increase does not represent a significant expansion of services, but rather the Department’s effort to sustain current operations amid inflationary pressures, workforce stabilization efforts, and legally mandated investigative expenses. KPD FY 2027 Budget comparison reflects an overall increase of 7% from FY 2026. Chief’s Office Operating Budget overall increase of $3,085,461 (6%) includes: • Salary and Wages increase $2,587,238, 10% over FY26: • Benefits increase $17,023, 0% over FY26 $ 21,151 Offset of increases in Health Fund & ERS • Utilities no increases 0% over FY26 -- Utility costs remain status quo for FY 2027. No significant increases are projected in this category. • Vehicle/Equipment Purchase & Leased decrease $(101,000), -4 % over FY26 -- The Vehicle and Equipment category reflects a net decrease compared to FY 2026. Certain previously planned purchases were deferred; however, funding is included for essential replacements of aging operational vehicles, including: o A replacement cellblock transport vehicle o A Traffic Safety Section vehicle These replacements address fleet assets that have exceeded their service life and are critical to detainee transport, patrol readiness, and officer safety. The Department continues implementing a structured fleet replacement strategy to reduce long-term repair costs and prevent service disruptions. $ (160,000) (2) Canine Trucks W/Canine SUVs $ (170,000) (1) Light Armored Vehicle $ 130,000 (1) Replacement Cellblock Transport Vehicle $ 99,000 (1) Replacement Traffic Safety Section Vehicle $ 26,328 Standard salary increases, (1) Position Administrative Assistant I (50%)** $ 2,560,910 Standard salary increases 5 • Operations budget increased $582,200, 53% over FY 26: Support Services Bureau Operating Budget increase of $277,239, 7% over FY26: • Death investigation costs continue to rise due to case volume, vendor rate increases, and statutory requirements under Hawai‘i Revised Statutes. These services are mandatory and outside of departmental discretion. • Similarly, forensic outsourcing ensures evidentiary integrity and prosecutorial compliance in complex investigations. These services are essential to maintaining investigative effectiveness and legal defensibility. • Operational increases reflect cost escalation in required services rather than new initiatives. Criminal Investigation Division increase of $217,649, 27% over FY26: Patrol Services Bureau increase of $23,446, 3% over FY26: $ 23,446 Increase costs for various contracts with price increases 3. OPERATIONAL PRIORITIES: The Kaua‘i Police Department’s (KPD) FY27 priorities remain aligned with established best practice principles: 1) Improve Employee Safety, Wellness, and Resiliency, 2) Enhance Organizational Efficiency, and 3) Increase Community Engagement. This continued focus enables KPD to effectively serve the public, strengthen relationships, and improve the quality of life for both our employees and the community we serve. In addition, results from last year’s Gallup survey identified key areas for organizational improvement. The feedback provided valuable insight and reinforced the Department’s commitment to address these issues as we move forward. While not all concerns can be fully addressed at once, three priorities that emerged from the Gallup workshop: aligning leadership teams, strengthening internal relationships, and increasing department-wide engagement are now guiding the Department’s actions and budget priorities. $ 549,584 This reflects internal reallocation of employee benefit line 001-1001- 551.05-10 items to align with updated accounting structure and does not represent new spending. $ 32,616 Various contract price increases $ 150,950 Increase to Autopsies due to increased services and pricing $ 46,250 Increase to Body Removal due to increased services and pricing $ 20,449 Increase costs for various contract with price increases $ 52,500 Added Outsourced Forensic DNA Testing $ 36,000 Added Advanced Chemical Testing $ 39,416 Added Other Media Platforms for Recruitment $ 43,912 Increase to Evidence Towing due to increased vehicles $ 17,528 Increase to Fleet Maintenance Parts & Repairs $ 87,883 Increase costs for various contract with price increases 6 In response, KPD has established a new departmental goal: to increase engagement through Teamwork, Training, and Technology. These focus areas were selected because they provide a practical and sustainable foundation for addressing the concerns raised, while supporting stronger collaboration, communication, and long-term organizational effectiveness across the Department. RECRUITMENT and WORKFORCE STABILIZATION: Recruitment and retention of qualified sworn and non-sworn personnel will remain a major priority for the Kaua‘i Police Department in FY27. The Department continues to face persistent recruitment challenges driven by nationwide law enforcement staffing shortages, a limited local labor pool, geographic isolation, and the high cost of living on Kaua‘i. KPD’s primary focus is to attract and cultivate local and Hawai‘i based candidates who have a vested interest in serving their home community and contributing to the long-term stability and sustainability of the Department. In addition, recruitment efforts are intended to reach individuals with ties to Kaua‘i who may have relocated elsewhere for education, military service, or employment and are seeking opportunities to return home and serve the community through a meaningful public service career. To address ongoing vacancies, the Department must maintain a balanced recruitment strategy that strengthens community pride and awareness locally while also reaching qualified candidates statewide and beyond. Prioritizing recruitment in FY27 is essential to stabilizing staffing, reducing operational strain on existing personnel, and ensuring KPD can continue to provide safe, effective, and reliable police services to the community. WORKFORCE SUPPORT, TRAINING, AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Supporting and developing KPD’s workforce through targeted training, team building and professional development is a critical FY27 priority. Feedback from the Gallup engagement process reinforced the importance of equipping employees at all levels with the skills, tools, and support necessary to work effectively as teams, strengthen internal relationships, and improve communication across the organization. In response, KPD is prioritizing investments in training programs that enhance leadership development, field training, investigative proficiency, communications operations, and specialized skills required for modern policing. FY27 budget priorities emphasize maintaining required certifications, expanding access to advanced and scenario-based training, and supporting professional growth for sworn and non-sworn personnel alike. These investments are directly tied to improving employee confidence, decision-making, and job satisfaction, while also strengthening succession planning and long-term organizational stability. Continued focus on training supports safer operations, improves service delivery, and reinforces KPD’s commitment to professionalism and accountability. TECHNOLOGY, EQUIPMENT, and OPERATIONAL READINESS: Approximately 14% of KPD’s annual budget is allocated for operational costs. Ensuring that KPD personnel have reliable equipment, resilient technology, and sufficient redundancy remains essential to sustaining day-to-day operational readiness and public safety. Many of KPD’s FY27 budget requests are driven by rising costs, aging assets, and the need to maintain mission- critical systems that are required for essential public safety services. Investments in technology and equipment support officer safety, investigative effectiveness, evidence integrity, emergency communications, and compliance with legal and accreditation requirements. 7 FY27 priorities include sustaining modern training technologies, modernizing the police vehicle fleet, supporting forensic and evidence-processing capabilities, and ensuring that essential systems remain operational and secure. These technology and equipment investments enable KPD to work more efficiently, reduce operational risk, and support coordinated teamwork across the department. Maintaining operational readiness through technology is a foundational component of the Department’s broader goal to increase engagement through Teamwork, Training, and Technology. ORGANIZATIONAL EFFICIENCY and SUPPORT CAPACITY: Improving organizational efficiency by aligning staffing resources with functional needs remains an important FY27 priority. KPD continues to evaluate opportunities to shift non-police administrative, technical, and support functions away from sworn personnel and into appropriately classified non-sworn positions. This approach allows sworn supervisors to focus on core law enforcement duties, leading and coaching teams, providing real-time operational oversight, improving workflow efficiency and reducing strain on existing staff. FY27 budget priorities support this effort by addressing workload imbalances, strengthening administrative support capacity, and ensuring that essential operational and compliance functions are adequately resourced. Enhancing organizational efficiency through proper staffing alignment supports teamwork across divisions, improves accountability, and contributes to a more sustainable and effective organizational structure. 4. OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS FROM FY 2026 The Department is deeply grateful for the Mayor’s and Council’s continued commitment to KPD’s public safety priorities. The FY2026 funding enabled KPD to partner with the nation’s leading law enforcement recruiting agency, advance critical facility and capital improvements, expand youth and community engagement initiatives, and acquire cutting-edge training and technologies that better prepare our officers, enhanced safety, and ultimately saved lives. RECRUITMENT EFFORTS: In FY2026, the Kaua‘i Police Department modernized its recruitment strategy through a comprehensive digital outreach initiative in partnership with Epic Recruiting, a nationally recognized law-enforcement recruitment agency. Through the “JoinKauaiPD” platform, KPD expanded applicant reach using targeted digital advertising, professional branding, and data- driven campaigns across major platforms including Google, YouTube, Meta, and streaming services, significantly strengthening visibility in a highly competitive labor market. The Department prioritized recruiting local, homegrown, and Hawai‘i-based applicants by emphasizing service to community, island values, and long-term career stability. Recognizing Kaua‘i’s limited population base and ongoing attrition, recruitment efforts were strategically expanded statewide and nationally to maintain a strong and qualified applicant pool. Complementary television and streaming campaigns with Spectrum reinforced community awareness and local pride, ensuring residents remained informed about career opportunities within their own police department. 8 KPD also implemented a new partnership initiative with County HR that allows for “Early Contact” with all applicants immediately upon submission of their application. This process enables KPD to engage candidates before they are formally vetted for minimum qualifications (MQs) and initial suitability by HR. Early communication allows the Department to build rapport, provide transparency regarding the hiring timeline, and educate applicants about the additional requirements unique to law enforcement positions, including comprehensive background investigations, polygraph examinations, and pre-employment psychological evaluations. Recognizing that government hiring timelines are longer than many private sector opportunities, and even more extensive for police positions, this proactive engagement helps maintain applicant interest and reduce attrition during the selection process. Through continued communication, as well as opportunities such as ride-along or sit-along, applicants remain connected to the Department and better understand the hiring process, as well as the professionalism and standards expected of KPD employees. These integrated recruitment efforts have seen an increase in applicants at all vacant positions. KPD’s goal is to continue and expand these efforts with the goal of enhancing workforce stabilization, strengthening staffing resiliency, and support KPD’s ability to maintain essential public safety services for the residents and visitors of Kaua‘i. FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS: Outdoor Firing Range improvements at Kīpū: Fire mitigation, drainage, and berm stabilization efforts were completed. These upgrades have enhanced ground stability, improved all weather accessibility, and mitigated wildfire risk, ensuring this critical training resource remains viable to supplement the indoor range. Parking Lot / Security Gate Improvements: To enhance facility security, address space constraints, and improve operational workflow at headquarters, the Department completed the installation of two electronic rolling gates, two manual rolling gates, and one electronic pedestrian access gate. These improvements establish secure entry and exit points for employees while strengthening overall campus security. The parking lot expansion increased capacity, supporting more efficient briefings, deployments, and administrative operations, while alleviating previously congested parking conditions for KPD employees as well as neighboring campus departments, including the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney (OPA), Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency (KEMA), and the Transportation Agency. Department Wide LED Lighting Conversion: In response to Act 225, which phases out the sale of certain mercury-containing fluorescent lamps in Hawai‘i, KPD participated in the KIUC Commercial Incentive Lighting Program, securing substantial grant assistance, including a 50% material incentive for the Līhu‘e Main Station and 100% material coverage for several substations. The project is expected to generate approximately $60,000 in annual department-wide energy savings. Based on the total initial investment, including labor and net material costs, the anticipated recovery window is approximately 3.3 years, after which ongoing annual savings are expected to reduce long-term operating expenses. Targeted Office Renovations: Targeted office renovations were completed to better align facility capacity with operational growth and organizational restructuring. The Līhu‘e Patrol Sergeants’ 9 Office was expanded from three to four workstations to support the addition of a fourth sergeant position under the new 12-hour patrol schedule, strengthening supervisory coverage and patrol oversight. The Fiscal Office was reconfigured and expanded from two open workstations to six partitioned workstations to accommodate increased staffing associated with departmental efficiency initiatives. In addition, a secondary Fiscal Office area previously configured with three workstations was transitioned into a dedicated conference and meeting space, improving collaboration and centralizing operations. Acquisition of Former Kōloa Court House: KPD made strategic progress in enhancing service delivery and community accessibility through the acquisition of the former Kōloa Courthouse for conversion into a permanent South Shore substation. This acquisition is expected to improve response times, expand investigative presence, and potentially reduce long-term costs associated with leased facilities. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: KPD’s longstanding commitment to community engagement and youth prevention continues through the expansion of the Kaua‘i Police Activities League (K-PAL). In August 2025, KPD hosted a groundbreaking and blessing at Vidinha Stadium for the future K-PAL Sports Complex, a 4,000- square-foot facility designed to serve as a central hub for mentorship and athletic programming, including boxing, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and fitness activities. Anticipated for completion in May 2026, the complex represents a significant investment in prevention focused public safety infrastructure that promotes teamwork, skill development, and drug-free lifestyles among Kaua‘i’s youth. This effort is complemented by the July 2024 groundbreaking for the renovation of the former Big Save space at the Līhu‘e Civic Center, a 25,000 square foot project expected to be completed in summer 2026. The renovated facility is envisioned to support various youth programs, including K-PAL activities of engraving, bowling, gaming, and programing. Together, these projects reflect a strategic commitment to transforming underutilized facilities into community serving assets while strengthening long term youth engagement and crime prevention efforts. Reinforcing KPD’s commitment to youth education and public safety awareness, the Department successfully brought back its Junior Police Academy after a six-year hiatus. The immersive five- day program offered high school students in grades 9–12 a hands-on introduction to law enforcement and public safety careers. Participants engaged in interactive classroom sessions and practical activities covering topics such as the criminal justice system, crime scene investigation, evidence collection, forensic science, firearms safety, first aid, physical fitness, and active shooter response training. The comprehensive curriculum was designed not only to educate students about police operations but also to cultivate life skills in leadership, communication, and teamwork. The relaunch of this popular program, enthusiastically received by participants and their families, underscores the Department’s long-term strategy to inspire and empower the next generation of community leaders. Together, K-PAL and the Junior Police Academy reflect the Department’s sustained emphasis on proactive, prevention-focused public safety initiatives. These programs foster meaningful engagement with area youth, support positive development, and build mutual trust between law enforcement and the community it serves, outcomes that are vital to public confidence, long- 10 term crime prevention, and the holistic mission of the Kaua‘i Police Department. TRAINING & TECHNOLOGY: Deployment of the Axon Body-Worn Camera 4 (BWC4) and TASER 10 upgrades: The Department deployed the Axon Body-Worn Camera 4 (BWC4) platform and transitioned from the TASER 7 to the TASER 10 conducted energy weapon as part of a comprehensive technology modernization initiative. The BWC4 platform’s enhanced battery life, expanded storage capacity, live-stream capability, and AI-enabled reporting tools have strengthened the Department’s ability to comply with evolving constitutional recording standards and modern evidentiary expectations. The legal significance of modernized BWC technology was underscored by recent constitutional due process rulings emphasizing the requirement to comprehensively record custodial interactions. The BWC4 upgrade positions KPD to consistently meet or exceed these standards, reducing evidence suppression risk while reinforcing prosecutorial integrity and public trust. Complementing these accountability advancements, the TASER 10 deployment significantly enhances officer safety and de-escalation capability. Compared to prior models, the TASER 10 provides an extended effective range of approximately 45 feet, nearly double that of the previous model, allowing officers greater time and distance to assess and resolve critical incidents. The TASER 10 device allows for up to ten individually targetable probes, improving accuracy and effectiveness while reducing the likelihood of escalation to lethal force. Enhanced warning alerts, improved probe deployment flexibility, and expanded data-capture capabilities further support accountability and transparency. Collectively, these upgrades reflect KPD’s commitment to equipping officers with tools that prioritize preservation of life, reduce risk to the community, and strengthen responsible use of force practices. MILO Range: Training capacity was significantly expanded with the deployment of the MILO 100- foot modular live-fire and virtual training range. Designed as a rifle-rated, climate-controlled system capable of accommodating centerfire rifle munitions, the modular struc ture provides a controlled 25-yard (75-foot) shooting distance with ballistic protection, lighting, sound absorption, and integrated HVAC systems. Unlike the Department’s prior reliance on an outdoor range subject to weather limitations, flooding, and access constraints, the MILO system operates 24/7 on Department property, ensuring uninterrupted qualification, requalification, and tactical training capability. The system integrates live fire functionality with advanced virtual simulation technology, allowing officers to train in dynamic, scenario-based environments that replicate real world decision making under stress. This hybrid platform enhances firearms proficiency, low light operations, and judgment-based use of force training while reinforcing de-escalation principles and threat assessment skills. The ability to conduct pre and post shift training reduces the need for full day pull outs from patrol assignments, minimizes overtime expenditures, and increases overall training frequency without compromising staffing levels. Beyond operational efficiency, the MILO Range strengthens KPD’s long-term self-sufficiency. With prior range access agreements subject to termination and environmental limitations, the installation of a modular onsite range secures the Department’s ability to meet mandatory firearms certification requirements, conduct evidentiary test fires, and maintain readiness 11 without reliance on external facilities. Collectively, this investment enhances officer preparedness, supports constitutional and policy-based use-of-force standards, and reinforces the Department’s commitment to modern, accountable, and life-preserving training practices.