Maui's mayoral race has been thrown into confusion days before ballots go out, which is bad news for Mayor Richard Bissen and good news for his challenger.

• Police Chief John Pelletier said the mayor is the suspect in a felony criminal investigation, but gave no proof and no details.
• Bissen says the claim is false and points to the timing, right as the campaign enters its final weeks.
• Pelletier made the accusation at a press conference where he also claimed the mayor pressured the police commission to put him on leave, which the mayor and the commission deny.
• Undecided voters are the ones most likely to be swayed, either staying home or backing challenger Yuki Lei Sugimura, whose campaign is getting heavy union PAC ad money.
• Voters will not have the facts before they vote, since many will mail their ballots in immediately.

Outlook: With three weeks until election day and no resolution in sight, the fight between the mayor and his police chief will likely shape the race more than any policy debate.