As a legislator at the city, state and federal level for more than three decades, Neil Abercrombie charmed voters with what came across as his unrestrained candor. After less than a year as governor, Abercrombie has made numerous mistakes in rhetoric and decision-making. His popularity has sunk well below the water line among state executives in the nation and now, profound changes — beyond staff makeup — are needed to guide the governor’s metaphorical canoe toward recovery.

That first step in political recovery came Monday afternoon, when the bullish Abercrombie struck an uncharacteristic, circumspect tone in acknowledging a problem. "I take the blame — totally," he said, in describing his low job approval rating as a spur to regain the public’s confidence.

The new poll by Public Policy Polling, a respectable firm of Raleigh, N.C., showed that Abercrombie’s approval rating has dropped from 48 percent in March to only 30 percent; some 56 percent disapprove of his performance. He is now the most unpopular governor in the nation. Even Democrats have turned on Abercrombie: the poll showed that 43 percent of Democrats approve of his job performance, down from 66 percent in March.

Among Abercrombie’s early missteps: He ended public disclosure of the Judicial Selection Commission’s slates from which he would choose state judges. He clumsily asked for the resignations of all sitting appointees to state commissions and boards. He switched the Officer of Information Practices head in mid-controversy, and the new person in charge would declare that the office lacks the power to enforce its rulings.

The new governor also raised eyebrows when, during an early childhood education news conference, he called the Pro Bowl’s yearly return to Aloha Stadium wasteful and bashed National Football League "multibillionaire" owners for requiring the state to put up a $4 million "bribe." The all-star game accounts for close to $30 million in visitor spending, generating more than $3 million in state taxes, plus valuable television time.

THERE have been glimmers of success, as when Abercrombie helped Mayor Wright Housing install, finally, a reliable hot water system. He also achieved an amicable contract with the Hawaii Government Employees Association but, in frustration with the Hawaii State Teachers Association, imposed a "last, best and final" offer, which the union in contesting. The rift may have damaged the governor’s support from his most loyal sector.

Abercrombie’s unfocused attempt to convince legislators to accept his economic remedies during the post-recession era went flat. He promised during his campaign not to increase the general excise tax, then said he would accept such legislation, finally reverting back to his campaign pledge after considerable pushback. Also seemingly from left field, he proposed a tax on soda and sugary drinks — but without much supportive groundwork or well-articulated justification, that fizzled.

Abercrombie’s most controversial legislation, a proposed tax on pensions, was accompanied by misleading information and his angry responses to legislators’ questions. That proposal was rejected, and Abercrombie on Monday said it would not be broached in the next Legislature.

Most recently, the public was informed by the administration last month — three months after the fact — that Abercrombie had signed an emergency proclamation exempting the Army from land-use rules to gain access to several areas to remove unexploded World War II munitions. Again, the cause might have been just but his penchant to suddenly spring, rather than sell, his initiatives only breeds mistrust.

FINALLY, even Abercrombie’s four top young advisers — including his chief of staff and deputy chief of staff — had had enough, and their mass departure earlier this month is troubling.

Whether Abercrombie can deliver on his election-landslide potential remains a key question, especially with the new Legislature a mere three months away. His broad campaign slogans have not resulted in focused public policies openly shared with, let alone supported by, the people.