Oahu’s top cop working to earn public’s respect

The relationship between police officers and the public they’re sworn to serve and protect can often be a rocky one that swings quickly from respect to scorn for authority.

That’s why it was both important and heartening for Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha to say after an officer was arrested for shoplifting that the department holds its own "to a higher standard than the general public."

When he was named chief almost a year ago, Kealoha promised to bring "a new vision" to the job.

Action matters most, of course. But Kealoha’s declaration of the high expectations HPD is placing on its officers under his leadership is an assuring step in the right direction.

We can win this one

The CBS Television Network is hosting a contest for the best video performance of the "Hawaii Five-0" theme song by a university marching band.

The University of Hawaii has signed up, along with about 40 other colleges.

Of course, the very idea that lesser universities will try to best UH in the performance of its own quasi-official fight song seems, well, impertinent.

But beginning today, you can see them all at cbscollegesports.com and vote for your favorite.

Your favorite will not be the University of Maryland spelling out "Book ’em Danno." It will not be Indiana University’s magical morphing from crisp uniforms to shorts and leis.

No, your favorite will always be the University of Hawaii. Vote early and vote often.