Picking up the Connector pieces

There is a kind of freedom in being the interim boss, at least in theory. You get to focus more on the tough work of problem-solving, without quite the worry about repercussions that a permanent appointee might face.

That’s one possibility, and Tom Matsuda, the interim chief of the troubled Hawaii Connector health insurance exchange, surely hopes that’s what’s ahead.

But there’s also the McClain Syndrome to ponder. David McClain’s stint as "acting" and then "linterim" chief exec at the University of Hawaii stretched out for five years, remember?

So, best of luck to interim executive director Matsuda, and to the Connector board in the search for a permanent hire. Who knows? If the Connector chaos is quickly resolved — it really needs to be — it may end up being the same guy.

Ho, ho, ho — and merry ethics to all

The state Ethics Commission is reminding public school teachers and administrators that they can’t use their work time and government resources for non-state-related business purposes. That would generally exclude promoting or supporting private charities.

It seems some Department of Education employees were encouraging students and teachers to participate in a letter-to-Santa campaign that raises money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

While the commission might come off like the Grinch in this case, its reminder is both timely and correct. Ethics rules apply during the holidays just as they do the rest of the year.