The Kaua‘i Police Department announced on October 22, 2026 that it is introducing automated license plate readers to support criminal investigations across the island. Police say the technology will help officers identify vehicles potentially linked to stolen vehicles, missing persons and other public safety incidents.
The system records number plate information and associated vehicle images at designated locations. The department describes it as another tool for investigators, with access to the records restricted to authorised Kaua‘i Police Department personnel.
“The introduction of ALPR technology represents another step toward providing our officers with modern tools to better serve and protect our community,” Chief of Police Rudy Tai said in the department’s announcement.
“Our goal is to use this technology responsibly to assist investigations, improve public safety, and help to keep Kaua‘i a safe place for our residents and visitors.”
How Kaua‘i Police Plan To Use Automated License Plate Readers
Automated License Plate Reader technology, known as ALPR, captures information from vehicles as they pass camera locations. Police say these records can help investigators identify vehicles of interest and develop leads more efficiently.
If you drive on Kaua‘i, one distinction is worth noting: KPD says the cameras are not designed for continuous live video monitoring of public areas. Their stated purpose is to capture plate information and vehicle images for authorised law enforcement use.
The system is intended to support existing investigative methods, not replace them. Police describe faster vehicle identification and more efficient development of leads as the intended benefits in the announcement.
Police Say Access Will Stay Within the Department
KPD draws a distinction between its system and Flock Safety’s ALPR technology. It describes Flock as a private company that stores information on its own servers, while saying records collected by KPD’s cameras will be accessible only within KPD.
“KPD recognizes the importance of balancing public safety with individual privacy, and the department is committed to using the technology responsibly for legitimate law enforcement purposes,” Tai said.
He said access will be restricted to authorised personnel: “Access to information collected through the ALPR system will be restricted to authorized KPD personnel and governed by departmental policies and applicable laws.”
The department also pledged to maintain transparency, accountability and community trust as it brings the technology into its day-to-day operations.
