AGP Executive Report

Hurricane Lowell recovery: Kauaʻi crews started repairing the only cargo port as power restoration continued after the storm skirted Hawaii’s west; officials say Lanai’s harbor that supplies food and fuel is inoperable and will take about two weeks, while tourism leaders urged visitors to reschedule. Disaster funding: The Hawaiʻi Community Foundation added $265,000 through its Stronger Hawaiʻi Initiative for Kauaʻi and Niʻihau response, including support for local nonprofits and the 211 helpline. Federal court fight: The U.S. Department of Justice sued Hawaii over state rules that allow in-state tuition for undocumented students, challenging UH residency standards and regents policy as conflicting with federal law. Local services: Honolulu opened its 11th DMV self-service kiosk on Oʻahu, now at Kailua Foodland, aiming for same-day registration renewals. Community & culture: Maui’s Hula O Nā Keiki youth competition is moving upcountry to Kamehameha Schools Maui for its 34th year, with performances livestreamed. Public events: GASLIT documentary screenings and panel discussions on LNG’s risks drew sold-out interest in Hawaiʻi.

Hurricane Lowell recovery: Kauaʻi and Lanai are still dealing with major damage after the storm skirted Hawaii’s west, with crews repairing Kauaʻi’s only cargo port and officials warning visitors to stay away while power and roads are restored; at least two deaths were linked to the storm. Insurance & disaster aid: The state’s Insurance Commissioner issued a memorandum urging insurers to be mindful of policyholders affected by Hurricane Lowell, Tropical Storm/Hurricane Lala, and the Kona low as residents face trouble accessing records, making premium payments, and filing claims. Kauaʻi tourism warning: Hawaii’s Tourism Authority and local voices say the island isn’t ready for visitors, citing widespread outages and resource strain. Politics & elections: Hawaii Supreme Court filings challenge primary outcomes decided by lauhala-basket drawings, with ballot printing looming. Health policy: A local doctor explains how GLP-1 use is changing eating patterns in Hawaii, while a separate national item notes $500 Obamacare refunds are set to go out starting October, including Hawaii. Community remembrance: Lāhainā Think Space is set to bring its wildfire remembrance experience to New York City on Sept. 18. Local business & culture: Waimea’s 74th Paniolo Parade kicks off a week of Hawaiian cowboy heritage celebrations starting Sept. 14.

Hurricane Lowell Aftermath: Kauaʻi took the hardest hit as Lowell’s waves and winds damaged roads, piers, and boats, leaving tens of thousands without power; officials say storm surge likely killed a man and many areas still face closures and cleanup. State & Federal Response: Gov. Green requested an expedited major disaster declaration as Hawaii emergency officials urged residents to stay prepared and Kauaʻi power outages continued. Local Governance & Resilience: The state and counties kept updating the public on reopenings and closures, including Ala Moana Regional Park staying shut while crews work. Public Health & Misinformation: A new measles update highlights how misinformation about the MMR vaccine is being blamed for unvaccinated cases, including deaths in Pennsylvania. Healthcare Costs: Trump announced $500 ACA rebate checks for about 1 million people in 30 states who used Healthcare.gov, framing it as a refund for alleged overcharges. Tech for Hawaii: UH launched a free online “Artificial Intelligence for Hawaiʻi” course aimed at practical, responsible AI skills for the public. Elections & Democracy: A national look at 9/11 teaching shows at least 40 states now require or encourage schools to address the attacks in some way. Business & Travel: Southwest says it will open airport lounges by late 2027, including a Honolulu location at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.

Hurricane Lowell Fallout: Gov. Josh Green asked President Trump for an expedited major disaster declaration after the storm knocked out power and disrupted access across Kauaʻi and Maui, arguing federal help shouldn’t wait for a full damage tally. Local Politics: A pro-development PAC tied to the Hawaii carpenters union reported $654,478 in county council spending through the primary, with Maui at the center of growth-versus-environment fights. State Consumer Watch: Hawaiʻi warned residents about misleading door-to-door solar sales claims, stressing the state doesn’t offer free solar systems and doesn’t do cold-calling outreach. Education & Workforce: UH West Oʻahu won a $302,487 NSF grant to expand a dual-degree pathway to train more secondary math teachers through 2029. Shipping Costs: “Covering the Cost” broke down why Hawaii’s prices can’t be blamed on ocean freight alone, pointing to the full mainland-to-port-to-island supply chain. Sports: UH Mānoa’s Panna Ratkai earned Mountain West Offensive Player of the Week as the Rainbow Wahine prepare to host Central Arkansas to close their homestand.

Hurricane Lowell Aftermath: Hurricane Lowell has left at least one death and widespread damage across Hawaii, with Kauaʻi hit hardest—power outages affecting about 90% of customers and flooding and debris reported as the storm moved away. Local Elections: The Hawaii Supreme Court ordered a new vote after a Republican primary tie in House District 43 was decided using Easter-egg-style capsules, saying the tie wasn’t truly settled and the procedure was invalid. County Governance: Hawaiʻi County voters will decide in November whether the auditor can appoint a deputy auditor to prevent future gaps that can freeze audit work. Endangered Species Legal Fight: Vermont and Oregon attorneys general joined multi-state lawsuits challenging new federal Endangered Species Act rules that narrow habitat protections and make it easier to alter or degrade protected areas. Energy & Prices: Oil pushed above $100 a barrel as Middle East shipping attacks escalated, raising pressure on fuel costs. Business & Tech: A Hawaii-related update includes a state election and storm response, while broader coverage also highlights new AI tools for food safety and a major scholarship announcement for veterans.

Hurricane Lowell Aftermath: Hawaiʻi agencies say Lowell is moving north but heavy rain, flooding risk, and dangerous surf continue, with Kauaʻi still reeling after widespread KIUC power outages affecting about 90% of customers; Kauaʻi residents are being told to document storm damage using county online forms to support possible state or federal aid. Local Government & Schools: Gov. Josh Green says Oʻahu state and county offices and HIDOE schools will reopen Wednesday, while Kauaʻi closures run through Friday as crews restore power and clear debris; Ala Moana Regional Park remains closed as City crews remove sand and storm debris. Business & Connectivity: Hawaiian Telcom announced upgrades to its Fioptics Business Internet, adding symmetrical speeds and a “future-ready” fiber network engineered for up to 10 Gig. Housing Affordability Research: UHERO research on a mixed-income tower near Ala Moana finds “housing filtering” can free up hundreds of vacancies locally and help cost-burdened tenants, even when new units are pricier. Environment & Wildlife: A new study flags fishing debris in stranded short-finned pilot whales, raising concerns about ocean pollution impacts on Hawaiʻi’s marine life. Politics & Courts: Colorado AG Phil Weiser filed an amicus brief urging a federal appeals court to uphold limits on ICE warrantless arrests. Regional Spotlight: Conservation groups sued to stop deep-sea mining lease actions in the Marianas, arguing the federal review ignored impacts on threatened species and habitat.

Hurricane Lowell: Hawaii is under a state of emergency as Lowell batters the islands with life-threatening rain, flash-flood risk, extreme surf, and damaging winds. Kauaʻi and Niʻihau faced hurricane warnings, with rainfall rates reported up to 2 inches per hour and widespread power outages; officials warned of mudslides and possible tornadoes in Kauaʻi County. NOAA & local response: NOAA’s Hurricane Hunters flew into Lowell’s eye to help forecasters, while state and county leaders issued closure orders and urged residents to prepare for worsening conditions. Health access: The Hawaii Department of Health is offering free breast and cervical cancer screenings for eligible women ages 40–64 who are uninsured or underinsured, using an online eligibility form. Science from Hawaiʻi: New telescope images from the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope captured tiny solar vortices that may help explain how solar flares get their energy. Business & travel: Southwest says it’s starting airport lounges, with Honolulu among the first locations planned for late 2027.

Hurricane Lowell Disruptions: Oahu will close non-essential offices, public schools, and UH and Judiciary facilities Tuesday as Lowell nears, with state employees on administrative leave unless they’re essential responders. Kauaʻi also faces Tuesday closures for schools and government services as the storm threat ramps up. El Niño Watch: The world is bracing for what could be the strongest El Niño on record, with early and unusually intense warming raising concerns for global weather impacts. Volcano Science: NASA captured a rare infrared view of Mount Michael’s persistent lava lake beneath Antarctic-area ice and snow, offering fresh clues on ongoing volcanic activity. Local Impacts on Food: A Waiahōle farm says Waikāne Stream overflow flooded and damaged crops for the third time this year, and a GoFundMe is underway for debris removal and replanting. Education Data: NCES figures show UH Mānoa’s Black student bachelor completion rate at 46.7% within six years, with other groups higher. Hospital Access: A national analysis warns rural hospital obstetrics closures mean longer drives for Medicaid patients, highlighting pressure on maternity care.

Hurricane Lowell Response: Kauai and Niihau were placed under hurricane warning as Category 3 Lowell neared, with officials urging residents to finish emergency planning fast; NOAA “Hurricane Hunters” are flying into the storm to feed better forecasts. Maui Road Impacts: State DOT road work will bring lane closures on Honoapiʻilani Highway (Route 30) through Sept. 11, with details for Waikapū, Māʻalaea and Lahaina. Big Island Health & Growth: Windward Planning Commission approved a $90M Keaau Benioff outpatient clinic project, with construction expected to start in spring 2027. Wastewater Costs Debate: Hawaii County lawmakers are weighing a bill that would create a higher sewage treatment class for hotels, drawing pushback from the hospitality industry. Local Economy & Housing: Oahu condo resales saw price pressure in August as inventory rose, while single-family home prices climbed. Agriculture Tech Funding: $250,000 was released for a Tropical AgTech Center greenhouse nursery in Hilo to expand tissue-culture capacity for farmers. Native Hawaiian Legal Fight: A conservative legal challenge targets blood-quantum rules tied to Hawaiian Home Lands, with broader attacks on Native Hawaiian programs described as part of a coordinated effort. Sports: Hawaii’s Rainbow Wahine stayed undefeated in the Outrigger Invitational with a comeback win over UC San Diego.

Hurricane Lowell Watch: Hawaii emergency officials are urging residents to get ready as Lowell nears, with Kauaʻi facing the highest risk; PMRF set TCCOR 2 and closed guest access and recreation on base, while airlines issued waivers and suspended some Hilo service. Weather & Climate: NOAA warns a rapidly strengthening El Niño could become one of the strongest on record, with potential knock-on effects for winter weather patterns. Local Public Safety: Honolulu Ocean Safety reported an 88-year-old man died after being found unresponsive while snorkeling off Ko Olina—just 11 days after another fatal snorkeling incident nearby. Education & Workforce: UH launched a free “AI for Hawaiʻi” course for everyone, and new UH completion-rate figures show mixed progress for students of two or more races across campuses. Community & Culture: A free walking tour at ʻIolani Palace retraces the 1893 overthrow this Sunday, and Kauaʻi’s Hanapepe labor history is marked with a Sept. 10 talk on Pablo Manlapit and the 1924 massacre. Sports: Hawaii women’s volleyball finished undefeated in the Outrigger Invitational.

Hurricane Lowell Preparedness: Hawaiʻi emergency officials are urging residents to review plans as Hurricane Lowell nears, with Tropical Storm Watches for Kauaʻi and Niʻihau and forecasts of heavy rain, dangerous surf, and flash-flood risk—especially for the western islands. Local Business Disruption: Kauaʻi food truck owners are choosing to shut down ahead of Lowell to protect staff and customers, even if it means losing a day or more of income. State Business Registration Delays: A growing complaint says DCCA’s business registration office is taking months to approve new entities even with expedited fees, leaving founders unable to open bank accounts, sign leases, or hire—linked to problems after a new system launch. County AI Data Center Fight: Hawaiʻi County’s Windward Planning Commission deferred action on a bill that would tighten zoning distinctions for AI data centers, sending it back for more review. Health & Community: Hundreds joined the Out of the Darkness suicide prevention walk at Ala Moana, supporting prevention research and honoring loved ones. Airline Fees: EVA Air announced higher excess baggage fees starting Sept. 29, citing rising operating costs.

Hurricane Lowell: The National Hurricane Center warns Lowell could bring life-threatening surf and heavy rain as it skirts the islands’ west side, with Kauai and the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in the storm-watch zone. Disaster aid deadline: Hawaiʻi County earthquake victims have until Nov. 1 to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance tied to the May 22 Kona quake. State land review: DLNR granted the Navy and NASA a 15-day extension on a Final Environmental Impact Statement for PMRF and the Kōkeʻe Park Geophysical Observatory, keeping public testimony on the table. Food safety research: UH Mānoa received $2 million from the NSF to build AI tools that can flag threats to aquaculture, livestock, and agriculture before they become outbreaks. Consumer protection: State officials say scammers are spoofing DCCA phone numbers to pressure regulated professionals into paying “to resolve” fake license investigations. Local business/heritage: Honolulu’s Chinatown Wo Fat Building sold for $2 million; new owners plan renovations, homes, and a museum. Energy costs: Verizon will waive call/text/data charges on Kauaʻi through Sept. 14 as Lowell approaches.

Elections Watch: The Hawaii Supreme Court ordered a special election for House District 43 after a tied GOP primary was decided by a “draw” that the court said didn’t give voters a fair outcome. Public Safety & Disaster Prep: Kauai’s Office of Economic Development urged businesses and farmers to secure equipment and plan for Hurricane Lowell impacts now, as the storm remains a moving threat. Storm Response on the Ground: Esaki’s Produce in Kauai says it’s ready to serve as an emergency food hub again, offering cold storage for residents and standing by once it’s safe to operate. Community Relief: The Salvation Army is asking for donations to replenish Hawaiʻi Island food pantries as Hurricane Lala fallout and new storm uncertainty drive demand. Education & Opportunity: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa reported a 57.6% six-year bachelor’s completion rate for Hispanic/Latino students for the 2018 cohort, while UH-West Oʻahu reported a 61.1% rate for Asian students. Local Business & Jobs: Young Brothers named new leaders for government affairs and marketing/communications, aiming to strengthen stakeholder engagement. Crime: A Maui man pleaded guilty in federal court to robbing a Kihei First Hawaiian Bank branch at gunpoint.

Hurricane Lowell Watch: Gov. Josh Green says Hawaiʻi is taking Category 4 Hurricane Lowell “extremely seriously,” with state and county partners pre-positioning personnel and equipment, lowering reservoirs, clearing waterways, and preparing for possible Kauaʻi and Niʻihau impacts. Big Island Earthquake Recovery: Federal disaster help is now moving for the May 22 Kona earthquake, with community resource centers opening in Captain Cook to help residents apply for FEMA and SBA assistance. Oʻahu Small-Business Relief: DBEDT’s Oʻahu Kona Low Business Recovery program is opening $3M in one-time grants ($5,000 or $10,000) for eligible Oʻahu businesses, with applications starting Sept. 9. State Election Ruling: The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court ordered a new election for House District 43 after a tied GOP primary was thrown out due to ballot irregularities and an invalid tie-break process. Public Health: DOH is promoting free breast and cervical cancer screenings for eligible uninsured women, with an online eligibility form and a “Go and Know” mammogram PSA campaign. Local Housing Glimpse: A tour for young professionals showed how affordable homes are built and financed across Oʻahu, including Hoopili and other developments. UH Pride in Snacks: A Kalihi chip maker is rolling out an officially licensed UH Mānoa snack line for the Rainbow Warriors’ season opener.

Cancer Access: Hawaiʻi DOH is rolling out “Go and Know,” offering free breast and cervical cancer screenings for eligible uninsured women, with an online eligibility form and connections to screening services. Education Outcomes: New federal data show UH West Oʻahu’s Hispanic/Latino bachelor’s completion rate at 37.1% for the 2018 cohort, while UH Hilo’s white student completion rate is 44.1% and UH Mānoa’s Asian student rate is 74.9%—all measured through 2024. Maui Water Infrastructure: Maui County Council’s Water and Infrastructure Committee advanced a plan to develop three new Waiʻōhuli groundwater wells and a transmission system for DHHL homestead housing, sending Bill 97 to the full Council. Disaster Relief: Gov. Josh Green announced FEMA approved a major disaster declaration for the May 22 Kona earthquake, unlocking Individual Assistance for eligible Hawaiʻi County residents. Hurricane Watch: Three Pacific hurricanes—Karina, Lowell and Marie—are active as El Niño intensifies, with Lowell forecast to potentially bring impacts to Hawaiʻi. Local Business: Hawaiian Bros opened its first brick-and-mortar in Indiana with free lunch and giveaways, highlighting continued growth of Hawaiian-style plate lunch chains beyond Hawaiʻi.

Hawaiʻi Disaster Response: Gov. Josh Green announced FEMA approved a major disaster declaration for the May 22, 2026 6.0 Kona earthquake, unlocking federal Individual Assistance for eligible Hawaiʻi County residents, including temporary housing, basic home repairs, and help for damaged water-catchment systems. Storm Readiness: Green also declared a statewide emergency and pre-positioned resources ahead of multiple September systems, including Hurricane Lowell and Hurricane Karina, with high-water vehicles headed to Kauaʻi and National Guard activation authorized. Healthcare Merger Watch: The governor met privately with HMSA and Hawaiʻi Pacific Health leaders as regulators review their proposed “One Health Hawaii” combination—while another executive opposed the deal. Education & Cost of Living: A new report says Hawaiʻi teachers average $75,860 (ranked 16th nationally) but high living costs are still squeezing paychecks and hurting recruitment and retention. Public Land Collaboration: OHA and the City of Honolulu began talks about the former Look Lab site in Kakaʻako Makai, aiming to pair ocean-safety needs with a Native Hawaiian cultural center vision. Local Courts & Crime: A Maui man, Justin Nelson, pleaded guilty to robbing a First Hawaiian Bank branch in Kihei in 2025; sentencing is set for Dec. 18.