Statement from KPD Chief Todd Raybuck, Prosecuting Attorney Justin Kollar on operation Keiki Shield

Statement from KPD Chief Todd Raybuck, Prosecuting Attorney Justin Kollar on operation Keiki Shield

Through a partnership with the Department of the Attorney General, its Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, along with numerous federal and military law enforcement partners, the Kaua‘i Police Department and the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney in November participated in an operation aimed at protecting children from online sexual predators. The operation, known as “Keiki Shield,” resulted in three arrests this weekend on Kaua‘i.

Names and mugshots of the individuals arrested are currently not available, but will be available at a later time.

At a press conference held Monday by the Department of the Attorney General, Kaua‘i Police Chief Todd Raybuck issued the following statement.

“I am proud to be here today standing in solidarity with my fellow law enforcement partners, prosecutors, and protectors of Hawai‘i. As the Chief of Police for the Kaua‘i Police Department, but more importantly, as a father and husband, there is nothing more important to me than the safety of our Keiki.

“I would like to thank the Department of the Attorney General, and the more than a dozen county, state, federal and military law partners for their aggressive and steadfast mission to seek and arrest child predators through the Keiki Shield operation. I am grateful that Kaua‘i was the first operation Keiki Shield conducted outside of O‘ahu which resulted in three arrests and several additional persons of interest.

“Child predators are something we never want to think about. But as parents, guardians, family and community members, we must be aware of the dangers our children face on the internet. We must monitor our children’s online activities. We must protect them from the unthinkable. And we must not be afraid to take a stand and talk to our children about these risks.

“This message today is not just for our families. We are also speaking directly to current and potential sexual predators. Soliciting children for sex and sexual activities will not be tolerated. And we will not stop in the pursuit of justice and protection of our Keiki and our community.

“The Kaua‘i Police Department will remain vigilant and committed to stop these illegal activities on our island. I want to assure our community that our officers and staff are dedicated to this unified mission, and together we will make our island a safer place for us all.”

Additionally, Kaua‘i Prosecuting Attorney Justin F. Kollar issued the following statement.

“Our office is committed to protecting our most vulnerable members,” said Kollar. “We will not rest in that mission and we will continue using the best technology available to remain well ahead of online predators.”

For more information on the Keiki Shield operations, visit https://ag.hawaii.gov/ to view the Department of the Attorney General’s press release.

For tips on staying safe for children, teens, and adults, visit https://ag.hawaii.gov/hicac/safety-tips/.