There's nothing wrong with seeing that those inspecting O'ahu's bar scene are suited up, trained and equipped to defend themselves when things get ugly. By itself, though, the current initiative by the Honolulu Liquor Commission to improve the professionalism of its investigators represents only a small and superficial step toward the ultimate goal: restoring the agency's credibility.

The commission, plagued by scandal in recent years, has begun a long trek back from disgrace. Eight former investigators have been convicted of racketeering, bribery, extortion and other charges; they are gone now, as is soon-to-retire administrator Wallace Weatherwax. Chief investigator John Carroll also plans to retire by year's end. Many taxpayers would have preferred to see them fired.

Perhaps the gentle housecleaning at the top is the commission's attempt to move on with minimal risk of legal complications. While it may be financially prudent to proceed in this way, it leaves the public waiting for a clear sign of commitment to the course of reform.

The sight of investigators wearing quasi-police uniforms and carrying expensive gear won't appease critics. Commission officials say it's a necessary, incremental improvement. The investigators' job is to hand out the citations for liquor law violations, they say, but because criminal activity can be in plain view at the same time, the plan is for investigators to do more joint operations with police — which drives the need for training and gear.

That may prove to be an effective approach, but there's a risk. The line between investigators and police could be blurred easily. Police handle criminal offenses, and they have substantial training to deal with potentially explosive situations. Investigators handle administrative offenses, and while their new training regime will be helpful, the more confrontational situations ought to be left to police. Investigator training should draw clear lines and discourage aggressive dealings with bar employees and patrons that could escalate to violence.

The real challenge lies ahead and, to their credit, commission officials say they recognize this. They're looking to hire people who are interested in maintaining high standards of ethics and managers who will give adequate oversight and professional encouragement. In the past, investigators worked too detached from management and too attached to the businesses they were supposed to regulate.

This kind of sloppiness can no longer be tolerated. When the commission's strategic plan is completed in the coming weeks, it must delve beneath the cosmetic layer of uniforms and police gear to address these concerns. Only a plan that gets down to basic issues of professional conduct will make any gains toward rebuilding public trust.