Ethics committee fails to do its duty

Seriously? The Hawaii County Board of Ethics deferred a complaint about Mayor Bill Kenoi’s use of a government-issued credit card, personal spending that even Kenoi’s own lawyer characterized as misuse. The ethics commissioners — appointed by Kenoi — postponed any hearing until after the state attorney general finishes a separate criminal investigation.

The Hawaii island resident who initiated the complaint is understandably outraged at the lack of action. The standards for a criminal investigation and an ethics probe are different, and the commissioners should have moved ahead.

First Mariota, then Iosefa: Local talent shines

While much of the NFL Draft spotlight rightly went to Hawaii-born quarterback Marcus Mariota, let’s give a shout-out to Joey Iosefa, who’s also seeing his pro dream coming true.

Just last fall, running back Iosefa was thrilling University of Hawaii die-hard fans, injecting much-needed excitement into a lackluster team season. Now, after being drafted in the seventh round, he’s signed a four-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That contract could end up totaling nearly $2.26 million, but Iosefa is staying grounded. Of his $68,000 signing bonus, the only amount guaranteed now, he said: "It’s going straight to my savings (account)."

Take note, fans: Sept. 13 is when Iosefa’s Bucs and Mariota’s Tennessee Titans clash. And just for added drama: Jameis Winston, who was drafted No. 1 to Mariota’s No. 2, is on tap as the Bucs’ QB.