Psych! Just when it thought it had a new leader, the state Public Charter School Commission was dealt a major setback: The finalist who was offered the job decided not to take it.

This, after a months-long search process that started in March, and whittled down 20 candidates to the final six, then final two, then lone finalist. Talk about a waste of time. Now, it’s back to the hiring board, to fill a job that’s been notorious for retention — and now, for recruitment, it seems. Wonder if that runner-up is still available, and interested?

Kuhio Avenue gets a fancy makeover

Kuhio Avenue is puttin’ on the Ritz — Ritz-Carlton, that is — changing the character of what had been a grim portion of one of Waikiki’s main thoroughfares. The Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach tower opened to hotel guests Friday; its second tower, now under construction, is slated to open in 2018. However, not everyone is a fan. Area residents complain that the luxury resort/condo will block views and sun. Proponents said the towers would gentrify a blighted portion of Kuhio, improve safety and provide needed hotel rooms and jobs.