A lot to admire in Colt Brennan

It’s hard not to root for Colt Brennan.

Here’s a young man, who as a University of Hawaii quarterback, was celebrated as the greatest player in UH football history, set several NCAA records and was named a finalist for the 2007 Heisman Trophy. Along the way, he thrilled the fans and infused the UH program, and the state, with pride and spirit.

Longshot though the NFL usually is, Brennan got his foot through the door. But injuries, then a serious car accident, dashed much of the fairy-tale potential.

Now, though, Brennan will be back doing what he loves, having signed a two-year deal with the Canadian Football League’s Saskatchewan Roughriders. It might not be the fabled career — yet — that only the elite achieve. But fans can certainly admire the hard drive to excel, at whatever life offers as opportunities. Colt, we’re rooting for you.

Living in Hawaii: It feels good

Hawaii should be close to being the nation’s permanent state of health and well-being, having rated No. 1 for three years in a row by the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index.

The only down side was in the workplace, where barely half feel like they are partners with their boss, compared with 57 percent nationally. "Workers in Hawaii are more bossed around than they are in other states, said Daniel Witters, Gallup’s lead index researcher.

Oh well. Hawaii is tops for emotional health and healthy behavior and runner-up for life evaluation — categories that reflect physical, emotional and financial health. Definitely things to feel good about.