AGP Executive Report

Immigration Anxiety: A new AP-NORC/AAPI Data poll finds most AAPI adults say the U.S. is no longer a great place for immigrants, with about half reporting major disruption from detention, deportation, or being forced to carry proof of status. Local Courts & Housing: An 83-year-old Honolulu widow is suing the city after a rental-listing glitch led to $10,000-a-day fines that ballooned to nearly $600,000, with a lien placed on her home. Permitting Tech: Honolulu says an AI tool now prescreens residential building permits, cutting review time from months to about a week, while raising the question of who’s responsible when AI clears flawed plans. Hawaiian Culture & Small Business: The Ho’omau Market in Honolulu drew shoppers despite inflation, highlighting local makers and the push to keep Hawaiian art and culture thriving. Public Safety: Honolulu police arrested a suspect after a Hopaka Street shooting left two men injured, with detectives investigating whether it’s linked to another nearby shooting. Tourism Milestone: Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on Hawai‘i Island marked 60 years and finished a $240 million renovation. Environment & Science: Researchers captured first-ever footage of goblin sharks in the wild, including sightings tied to the Tonga Trench.

Health & Safety: Hawaii’s sunscreen spotlight is back as melanoma cases rise and experts urge daily SPF 15+ use, with reminders that people often skip it on faces, lips, and hairlines. Local Land Use & Culture: A lawsuit challenges Kamehameha Schools’ Keauhou Bay management plan, arguing the plan’s hearing should address a consultant’s role as the sacred site faces heavy visitor pressure. Climate & Energy: Gov. Josh Green’s executive order restoring renewable-energy tax credits offers only a temporary bridge, while advocates warn Hawaii still risks missing key solar and clean-power targets. Housing & Community Development: OHA is reconsidering whether to fund due diligence for a possible KITV/KIKU acquisition, reviving a narrowly rejected proposal. Food Security & Farming: A new Haleiwa farm run through Pacific Gateway Center expands opportunities for immigrant and refugee farmers, with land access and business support. Healthcare Access: Kaiser mental health patients in Hawaii still report long waits for therapy appointments after a major strike, as negotiations continue. Ports & Infrastructure: Hilo Harbor expansion faces delays as the state struggles to acquire adjacent properties, raising the specter of eminent domain. Public Health: Blood Bank of Hawaii is asking for more donations as summer ramps up and supplies were sent to the mainland. Business & Federal Programs: SBA proposes changes to Hawaii-relevant 8(a) rules affecting individually owned firms’ social disadvantage presumptions, while tribal eligibility would remain intact.

Hawaii Politics & Courts: A free-speech lawsuit is challenging Hawaii’s political spending ban, putting the state’s campaign rules in the spotlight. Local Housing & Enforcement: An 83-year-old Honolulu widow says a “trivial error” in an online rental listing triggered nearly $600,000 in fines while she was recovering from a crash, raising questions about how the city handles tech glitches and penalties. Energy Policy: Gov. Josh Green issued an executive order preserving Hawaii’s 2026 solar tax credit, aiming to ease concerns from the solar industry while setting guardrails for later changes. Invasive Species Watch: Maui officials confirmed three dead coconut rhinoceros beetles from detection traps and are ramping up surveys after earlier detections. Marine & Environment: Trump’s proclamation would reopen parts of Papahānaumokuākea and other Pacific marine monuments to commercial fishing, drawing praise from fishery managers and criticism from Native Hawaiian groups. Community & Business: Sen. Mazie Hirono and the Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i hosted the 10th annual “Hawai‘i on the Hill,” bringing more than 200 local businesses and nonprofits to Capitol Hill. Agriculture & Grants: Hawai‘i County opened applications for its $450,000 Impact Grant Program for nonprofit projects, with proposals due Aug. 10. Science & Recognition: Hawai‘i Sea Grant’s “Voice of the Sea” won a record 10 Telly Awards, highlighting marine work including the Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project.

Deep-Sea Science: UH Mānoa researchers say they’ve studied a rare goblin shark alive in its natural habitat for the first time, including sightings near Jarvis Island and footage from the Tonga Trench, reshaping what we thought we knew about the species in the Central Pacific. Workplace Rights: A former UH football recruiting director is suing, alleging discrimination tied to a narcolepsy diagnosis after she says she was treated differently than coworkers. Local Courts & Cost of Living: An 83-year-old Honolulu woman is suing the city after a website error led to $590,000 in fines over an online rental listing that allegedly violated the 30-day minimum rule. Clean Energy Policy: Gov. Josh Green issued an executive order preserving Hawai‘i’s 2026 renewable energy solar tax credit, aiming to stabilize decisions for installers and customers. Marine Protections vs. Fishing: Trump signed a proclamation reopening parts of Papahānaumokuākea and other Pacific marine monuments to commercial fishing, drawing praise from fishery managers and sharp criticism from conservation and Native Hawaiian groups. Housing & Community: Hawai‘i County opened applications for its $450,000 Impact Grant Program, and a Mililani workforce housing project for teachers is moving forward toward construction.

Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death Fight: DLNR and the U.S. Forest Service are using a beetle repellent (SPLAT® Verb) in Kauaʻi to slow the spread of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death by disrupting the ambrosia beetle disease cycle. Invasive Species Response: Oʻahu’s Kāneʻohe Bay is seeing continued coordinated efforts to contain and eradicate an invasive sea anemone, using tarps and chemical control while multiple agencies and community partners coordinate. Molokaʻi Ranching Under Pressure: Ranchers say a long-running TB quarantine is strangling Molokaʻi’s cattle industry, even as they report no confirmed cases since 2021, and they’re calling for changes to testing, communication, and culling rules. Clean Energy Policy: Gov. Josh Green issued an executive order to preserve Hawaiʻi’s 2026 renewable energy tax credit, aiming to protect distributed solar investments while addressing concerns from installers and customers. Tourism & Community: Lahaina Homecoming is planned for July 17–19 on Front Street to support healing and recovery, with cultural events and vendor opportunities. Harbor Watch: Honolulu Harbor construction and maintenance work continues, with officials emphasizing dredging, pier upkeep, and hurricane-season readiness. UH Athletics Funding: UH Mānoa athletics secured $5 million for NIL recruiting and retention, backed by Bank of Hawaiʻi and other major local partners.

Hawaiʻi Ocean & Environment: UH Hilo professor Chatham Callan is leading Hawaiʻi’s role in a $13.5M federal aquaculture consortium, aiming to expand safer, more resilient seafood production with a Pacific perspective. Deep-Sea Science: A goblin shark was filmed alive in its natural deep-ocean habitat, with Hawaiʻi researchers involved in the study that also points to a wider known range for the elusive species. Marine Life & Pollution: A sperm whale washed ashore in Kauaʻi, and a necropsy found fishing nets and household plastics in its stomach—another stark reminder of how human debris can end up in the food chain. Local Governance & Public Safety: After a May 22 magnitude-6.0 earthquake damaged about 150 structures, UH researchers deployed temporary seismic sensors near Puʻuhonua o Honaunau to better track aftershocks and refine understanding of the quake’s source. State Leadership: Hawaii’s budget and finance director Seth Colby is set to serve as acting governor while top officials are off island, raising fresh questions about continuity in the line of succession. Maui Wildfire Legal Update: A judge’s order caps legal fees in the $4.03B Lahaina wildfire settlement, and victims are expected to start receiving payments in waves soon. Credit & Cost of Living (National, with local relevance): New data shows Americans’ credit card debt remains elevated and delinquency is rising, even as total balances have edged down—fueling concern for households already squeezed by inflation. Travel & Consumer Issues (Hawaiʻi impact): A family says a Vrbo policy didn’t cover their Hawaii trip cancellation after a state emergency, leaving them out $12,000.

Marine & Fisheries Policy: President Trump signed a proclamation reopening parts of three Pacific marine national monuments to U.S. commercial fishing, including zones near Hawaiʻi’s Papahānaumokuākea, a move supporters say will boost seafood supply and coastal jobs while conservation groups warn it could undermine long-protected ecosystems. University of Hawaiʻi & Economy: UH researchers were named core members of a new $13.5 million federal aquaculture consortium, aiming to strengthen U.S. seafood research and markets with Hawaiʻi-based ocean expertise. Sports & Local Philanthropy: Five Hawaiʻi donors pledged $5 million to UH Mānoa athletics NIL opportunities over five years, including $1 million annually to retain local talent and expand equitable athlete support. Public Safety: Hawaiʻi Police and the Judiciary warned residents about a new Hawaiʻi District Court text scam using official-looking links and threats of license suspension or impoundment; officials say messages are fraudulent unless you opt in. Community & Culture: Moana Waikiki in Waikiki announced it will close after nearly five years, while the Wailuku Film Festival kicks off June 17 with Jack Johnson’s “SURFILMUSIC.” Maui Recovery & Heritage: Maui County is developing a Lahaina Royal Complex master plan, identifying key historic parcels tied to Mokuhinia Pond and Mokuʻula Island. Cold Case Update: Human remains found in a Washington sleeping bag in 2000 were identified as Joseph Louis Serrao Jr., a missing Hawaii man, after 26 years using forensic genealogy.

Gas Prices Relief Watch: Gov. Josh Green says Hawaii is considering a pause on state and county gasoline taxes for part of the summer after pump prices surged amid the Iran war, with AAA putting Hawaii among the highest-priced states. Climate Risk: NOAA confirmed El Niño has officially begun and could intensify into a “very strong” or “Super” event, raising odds of extreme heat, drought, floods, and wildfires across the Pacific and beyond. Local Environment & Cleanup: Honolulu says soil testing at a former storm debris pile at Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park found no harmful contamination, clearing the way for a full reopening later this summer. Homelessness Response: City and partners cleared floating encampments at Kahauiki Village, removing mangroves and debris after months of pollution concerns. Education & Kids: A new KIDS COUNT snapshot shows Hawaii ranking 25th overall, but still struggling in children’s economic well-being and education outcomes, especially reading and math proficiency. Public Safety: A Montana man was arrested over alleged antisemitic threats against Gov. Josh Green, including voicemails threatening harm to the governor and family. Sports Business: UH athletics secured a $5 million NIL commitment to keep local talent home, with major local financial backers.

Hawaiʻi Higher Ed & Sports: Bank of Hawaiʻi, First Hawaiian Bank, Matson, and longtime UH supporters Jack Tsui and Walter Dods are pledging $5 million to UH Mānoa Athletics for NIL opportunities—$1 million a year for five years—to keep local talent and strengthen Title IX-compliant recruiting. Local Governance & Courts: A Honolulu immigration judge was reportedly abruptly removed via a “Termination” email, raising questions about due process and how federal leadership is reshaping the immigration bench. Health & Housing: A new federal report says homelessness fell in California and nationwide for the first time in years, offering fresh ammunition for advocates arguing current policy changes aren’t failing. Economy & Cost of Living: Inflation hit 4.2% in May, the highest in three years, driven largely by energy costs tied to the Iran war—complicating hopes for interest-rate cuts. Environment & Science: Chinese researchers say they found the world’s largest, deepest whale graveyard in the Indian Ocean, with fossils dating back 5.3 million years. Community & Culture: UH Hilo students launched a medicinal garden to study Pacific and Hawaiian plants through hands-on agriculture and Hawaiian studies learning. Business & Travel: Hilton’s new Hale Hōkūala Kaua‘i (Curio Collection) is taking reservations for an Oct. 1 opening, adding another Hilton Honors option near Kalapaki Beach.

Hawaii News & Policy: A federal lawsuit has been filed challenging Hawaii’s new campaign spending activity law (Act 11), arguing it unlawfully restricts political speech ahead of a July 1, 2027 effective date. Disaster Relief: FEMA reminded Hawaii residents that Saturday is the deadline to apply for individual assistance for March Kona-low storm damage that wasn’t covered by insurance. Healthcare Access: HMSA delayed a major provider payment model change until 2027 after doctors and patients warned it could worsen Hawaii’s already-tight access to care. Elections & Enforcement: A Maui resident, a noncitizen, was arraigned in federal court on charges of voting illegally in the 2022 general election and an August 2024 primary. Local Economy & Education: UH Hilo is joining a $13.5 million national aquaculture research effort to strengthen the U.S. seafood supply, while Hawaiʻi Community College launched a new onsite wastewater systems certificate aimed at cesspool conversion work. Community & City Hall: Honolulu City Council approved moving toward acquiring and restoring the Queen Theater in Kaimuki, though the mayor’s administration says it still isn’t pursuing the takeover.

Kauai Public Safety: A newly filed TRO petition says Kauai murder suspect William “Billy” Sinclair brought “difficult” conditions to a home, alleging domestic violence, harassment, and drug activity—after police say the victim was found dead following a dispute. Local Governance: OHA is revisiting whether to buy KITV and KIKU, with a new agenda item seeking up to $172,500 for due diligence after last month’s close vote. Education & Workforce: Hawaiʻi Community College’s Kō Education Center in Honokaʻa launches “First Year Here at Kō,” offering local first-year general education with advising and tutoring for up to 20 students. Economy & Food Business: The Ulupono Fund is backing Hawaiʻi food makers with grants to use Leeward CC’s high pressure processing system, helping small producers clear costly validation testing. Environment & Research: UH is joining a $13.5 million NOAA aquaculture consortium (CIFARM) aimed at strengthening U.S. seafood supply through sustainable research and partnerships. Arts & Culture: A Honolulu exhibit, “Hawaiian Landscapes: Earth Within Us,” uses paintings and mixed media to connect geology and biology, with proceeds supporting youth conservation. Politics & Accountability: Hawaiʻi’s Department of Taxation filed criminal charges against Oʻahu real estate agent Alexander Wright Ferguson for willfully failing to file tax returns. Housing Watch: A KIDS COUNT Data Book ranks Hawaiʻi 25th overall for child well-being, but near the bottom on economic well-being, driven by housing affordability.

H-1B Legal Win: Illinois and employers just got a major boost after a federal judge vacated the Trump administration’s $100,000 “tax” on new H-1B petitions, a move that threatened staffing for education, healthcare and other specialty roles. Public Safety & Governance: A new Public Citizen tracker highlights how threats, harassment, doxxing and even violence are pushing officials to serve under fear—while Hawaii is among states already passing protections. Homelessness Response: Honolulu formally unveiled its Kōkua Command Center at the Department of Community Services, aiming to centralize data and coordinate services for people experiencing homelessness. State Election Speech Fight: Grassroot Institute of Hawaii filed a federal lawsuit challenging Act 11, which restricts campaign spending activity by certain entities tied to business in Hawaii. DLNR Leadership Change: Gov. Josh Green announced Dawn Chang’s retirement and named Ryan Kanaka‘ole to lead DLNR, with David Day as first deputy. Health Care Update: HMSA delayed a primary care reimbursement shift until January after Gov. Green stepped in amid doctor concerns. Local Business/Community: Honolulu’s tattoo scene is seeing rising demand for Polynesian designs, with studios emphasizing custom consultations and cultural storytelling.

Homelessness Response: Honolulu blessed its new Department of Community Services headquarters and unveiled the Kōkua Command Center, a coordination hub meant to improve information-sharing and triage for people experiencing homelessness. Health Care Policy: HMSA extended the primary care payment model transition by six months, keeping doctors on the current setup until Jan. 1, 2027, while the insurer and Gov. Josh Green work through impacts on practices. Maui Wildfire Recovery: A court ruling limits attorney fees in Maui wildfire settlement claims, aiming to push more money to survivors and families; Maui County also approved a $1.6B FY2027 budget with disaster recovery and affordable housing priorities. Food Economy: The Ulupono Fund launched a grant program to help Hawaii food entrepreneurs cover costly food-safety validation testing, with support for about a dozen businesses. State Land & Water: Gov. Green announced DLNR leadership changes, with Ryan Kanakaʻole set to take over as chairperson and director and David Day as first deputy. Consumer Protection: A crypto kiosk bill (HB 1642) heads to the governor, proposing a ban on using cash to buy cryptocurrency at kiosks while still allowing cash-out. Public Safety & Infrastructure: DOT is moving forward with emergency safety work on the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, including an open-graded friction course to improve traction after fatal collisions.

Maui Wildfire Recovery: A court ruling limits attorney fees in Maui wildfire settlement claims, boosting the odds that more money reaches survivors and families directly. Local Business: Island Restaurant Group is revamping the 100-year-old Kona Inn Restaurant and Kona Canoe Club, with a June 18 launch featuring a new menu and refreshed dining space. Healthcare & Policy: Hawaii lawmakers advanced bills targeting youth vaping and medical-debt relief, while other healthcare proposals—like addressing the doctor shortage—fell short. Public Safety Leadership: Honolulu’s interim police chief, Rade Vanic, says his biggest impact came from training hundreds of recruits over years. State Budget & Fraud: Hawaii moved fast after federal officials decertified its Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, seeking reconsideration while forming a fraud “strike force.” Energy Costs: Many Hawaii electric bills are easing in June after earlier oil-driven spikes. Ecosystems: Rapid ʻōhiʻa death efforts continue, with new tools like fencing and a beetle repellent offering hope. Defense & Diplomacy: U.S. and Chinese military officials met in Hawaii to reduce risks at sea.

Housing & affordability: Honolulu single-family home sales rose 8.5% year-over-year in May, but the median price stayed around $1.5 million, while condo sales lagged. Homebuyer help: The Hale Kamaaina Mortgage Program is offering below-market rates for first-time buyers, with early success stories highlighted. Cost pressures for everyday life: Hawaii businesses say matcha prices are jumping due to global supply strain and demand, and a new pizza affordability survey found Hawaii has the priciest medium-cheese slice in the U.S. Local government & public safety: Maui County approved a $1.6 billion budget and added $50,000 for campus security after a terroristic threatening arrest; the Maui mayoral race remains tight in polls. Disaster relief deadline: Kona-low storm victims have until June 15 to apply for disaster unemployment assistance. Tourism hit: Waimea Valley says spring visitor numbers are down 25% to 30% as storm impacts and traffic restrictions continue. Community & services: Honolulu’s sewer bill credit program CARES is asking for federal and state returns to verify eligibility, while energy bill assistance applications are open for low-income HECO customers.

Maui Wildfire Relief: A court ruling limits attorney fees tied to Maui wildfire settlement claims, with Gov. Josh Green saying more money should reach survivors; the state says the One ʻOhana Fund and Maui Wildfires Compensation Program have already distributed $111.5 million. Disaster Aid Deadline: Kona-low storm victims have until June 15 to apply for disaster unemployment assistance, with weekly payments ranging from $346 to $868. Public Safety: Hawaii Island police charged two people in connection with a Kailua-Kona Pier assault involving alleged sexual assault, robbery, and a knife. Housing & Local Policy: Oahu home sales ticked up in May while condo sales lagged; meanwhile, Hawaii County council members voted down a proposal to shift power from the mayor to a county manager. Tourism Economy: Visitor arrivals fell in April but spending rose, and North Shore tourism is still feeling Kona-low fallout. Healthcare Costs: HMSA’s move back to fee-for-service could mean tighter reimbursements and more admin burdens for doctors. Community & Culture: NPS is offering up to $100,000 in tribal heritage grants, and a new Marine Stewards Program aims to train tourism workers to better protect marine animals.