Maui's police chief has been put on leave and stripped of his badge, gun, and building access, a move that splits the community between relief and suspicion.

• Chief John Pelletier was placed on administrative leave by the police commission over his oversight of a now-disbanded criminal intelligence unit.
• The unit's commander was arrested months ago on federal charges; a lieutenant was at an illegal fireworks party the night a home was hit by an explosion.
• One victim family says nothing happened for nine months because of ties between the chief and the lieutenant.
• Critics question the timing and say Mayor Richard Bissen holds too much sway over who sits on the commission; the commission chair denies the mayor influenced the vote.
• Pelletier is blaming the mayor, and keeps his pay and benefits while the review runs.

Outlook: An investigation will decide whether the leave turns into discipline or reinstatement, with pressure building to shift appointment power from the mayor to the county council.