Maui's police chief has been sidelined while investigators examine his handling of a unit whose leader is accused of taking bribes — bad news for the department's credibility.

• The Maui Police Commission voted unanimously to put Chief John Pelletier on paid leave until an independent investigation wraps up.
• The inquiry centers on his oversight of the now-disbanded criminal intelligence unit, which reported straight to him.
• The lieutenant who ran that unit faces federal charges for allegedly taking cash to shield drug traffickers, illegal cockfighting, and fireworks dealers.
• Deputy Chief Wade Maeda defended Pelletier, pointing out he has not been accused of any crime or rule violation, and was away at an FBI conference during the vote.
• Maeda was named acting chief.

Outlook: Pelletier stays off the job with no set end date, since the commission gave no timeline for finishing its investigation.