AGP Executive Report

Maui Water: Maui County is moving toward buying two private West Maui water systems for up to $6 million, a step toward public control in Launiupoko and Olowalu, with final approvals and a target closing date not expected until April 2027. Power Costs & Outages: Honolulu’s Topa Financial Center towers lost power after an air-conditioning chiller leak damaged the electrical system, potentially displacing about 100 businesses for weeks, while separate reporting highlights how HECO’s oil-linked generation costs are pushing up Oʻahu and Maui electric bills. Housing & Homesteads: Nearly 500 Native Hawaiians received project lease awards for future DHHL homestead lots on Oʻahu, and Kakaʻako energy capacity limits are reportedly delaying at least some affordable housing towers. Environment & Restoration: DLNR is seeking proposals for community-based restoration projects funded through the Green Fee, and Puakō residents are advancing a low-pressure sewer model to protect coastal reefs. Agriculture Relief: Hawaii farmers hit by Kona Low storms have until Friday to apply for Emergency Conservation Program assistance. Local Politics: East Oʻahu voters are still waiting on what happens with Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters after a judge barred him from seeking a third term. Business/Markets: Investor-rights firms are flagging potential shareholder concerns tied to several major deal announcements, including MarketAxess and CBIZ. Everyday Affordability: National reporting shows grocery “sticker shock” is forcing Americans to change shopping habits as food prices jump sharply.

Local Public Safety: Honolulu Police Chief David Lazar says he wants to cut HPD’s hiring timeline from 6–12 months to about 90 days by moving exams online, using Zoom interviews, and recording agility tests—aimed at easing staffing shortages as vacancies climb. Waste & Environment: Mayor Rick Blangiardi is eyeing Kapaʻa Quarry on Windward Oʻahu as a potential next landfill site after Nānākuli closes in 2028, but Windward lawmakers warn it would require major legal changes and cite concerns including wetlands and cultural sites. Wildlife & Science: UH Hilo researchers report the first known blacktip shark nursery in Hawaiian waters, finding juvenile sharks in Hilo Bay year-round, with guidance that habitat impacts can be as harmful as fishing. Community & Resilience: DLNR announced $1.8 million in Green Fee-funded wildfire mitigation grants across five islands, backing fuel reduction, evacuation planning, and preparedness projects. Health & Justice: A Laie woman, a former social worker, was sentenced to 10 years after pleading guilty to assault tied to her adopted daughter’s death. Homesteads: State funding of $350,000 supports design and initial site prep for the Panaʻewa Hub, a Hawaiian homestead multipurpose community center in South Hilo. Aging Services: Molokaʻi Drugs received an Age-Friendly Pharmacy recognition for training staff to better serve seniors.

Hawaiʻi Housing & Homelessness: Maui’s first kauhale, Kīpūola Kauhale in Kahului, hit full capacity in June, and county officials are now eyeing it as a template for more deeply affordable housing on Maui. Local Development: Central Oʻahu’s Koa Vista II opened with a Hawaiian blessing for its 97 affordable rentals under a 2022 state program aimed at middle-income households. Public Health & Biosecurity: The state Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity expanded the coconut rhinoceros beetle infested area in West Hawaiʻi, tightening rules on moving host material to slow the pest’s spread. State Government Accountability: U.S. Rep. Ed Case says federal scrutiny of Hawaiʻi’s COVID-19 contracts may follow the indictment of Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and others, raising the prospect of a FEMA-related audit or review. Environment & Wildlife: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service moved Hawaiʻi’s aeʻo from endangered to threatened, while some conservationists warn protections could loosen further. Crime & Safety: State Airports Administrator Ford Fuchigami was placed on paid leave after an indictment tied to an alleged bribery conspiracy involving COVID-19 testing funds.

Hurricane Readiness: Honolulu restaurants are already tightening disaster plans—bringing food inside, stocking ice and dry ice, and keeping staff safe—as the first named storm approaches. Local Business Disruption: Tenants at Topa Financial Center in downtown Honolulu are dealing with a power outage now in its sixth day, with reopening timelines of about two weeks for one tower and about a month for the other. State Parks Leadership: DLNR selected Alan B. Carpenter to lead the Division of State Parks, overseeing 55 state parks and major coastal and cultural resources. Workforce Outlook: Hawaiʻi’s Department of Labor projects about 28,000 net new jobs by 2034, led by healthcare and food services. Maui Recovery Watch: New UH research finds Maui wildfire recovery is “uneven,” with mental health and social support concerns lingering three years after the Aug. 2023 blaze. Public Health & Environment: The state approved an expansion of the coconut rhinoceros beetle quarantine area on Hawaiʻi Island, effective July 29.

Honolulu Politics: A judge ruled Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters is ineligible to seek a third term, setting up major fallout for the Aug. 8 primary and raising questions about how already-printed ballots will be handled. Maui Wildfire Recovery: A new report says many Maui wildfire survivors are back to work and getting more stable housing, but thousands still face food insecurity, mental health strain, and lingering physical health problems nearly three years after the Aug. 2023 disaster. Public Safety & Fraud: Wahiawa ranked among Hawaii’s top cities for scam reports in June, according to BBB Scam Tracker, a reminder that local fraud risk remains persistent. State Government & Corruption: Hawaii’s Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and others were indicted in a political bribery case tied to COVID-era activity, prompting calls for leadership changes while the case moves forward. Education & Federal Policy: U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz joined a bipartisan push for evidence-based reading instruction, aiming to steer federal literacy funding toward the “Science of Reading.” Business & Finance: Bank of Hope announced a branding campaign tied to a BTS event in New York, while Bank of Hawai‘i released its latest quarterly results. Climate & Risk: UN climate officials warned that wildfire and heat impacts are escalating globally, underscoring the growing costs of the climate crisis.

Hawaii Politics: Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke used state sheriff deputies to turn herself in after a grand jury indictment tied to an alleged COVID testing pay-to-play scheme, with Gov. Josh Green calling for her resignation. Local Governance: Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters was ruled ineligible to seek a third consecutive term, setting up a legal fight over how the city charter counts his time in office. Maui Recovery: A UHERO study finds Maui wildfire survivors have made progress since 2023—more work, insurance, and services—but still face uneven recovery, including food insecurity, unstable housing, and mental health strain. Jobs & Economy: The Hawaii Career Expo returns July 29 at Neal Blaisdell Center with 100+ employers and free admission for job seekers. Environment & Public Health: Surfrider reports cigarette butts are the most common litter found in Hawaii cleanups, while a separate study warns wildfire evacuation safety improves when communities have more than six major escape routes. Business & Finance: Bank of Hawaii’s Q2 results highlight resilient performance, with revenue growth and improving asset quality.

Hawaii Politics & Courts: Hawaii’s Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke faces indictment in a COVID testing bribery probe, as Gov. calls for her resignation and prosecutors lay out a sweeping political corruption case. Federal Funding Fight: AG Jones joins a coalition suing the Trump White House over counterterrorism and emergency grant conditions that would require states to share voter data with DHS and help enforce federal immigration policy. Local Economy & Housing: The housing crisis is framed as an economic crisis for Hawaii, with affordability pressures driving out residents and widening regional gaps. Banking Watch: Bank of Hawai‘i reported solid Q2 results, with net interest margin expanding and credit quality staying strong. Education & Literacy: Sen. Brian Schatz and Sen. Ted Cruz unveiled the Improving America’s Literacy Act, aiming to steer federal education dollars toward “Science of Reading” literacy pillars. Business & Tourism: Hawaii Convention Center food-and-beverage operations move in-house under Legends Global after Levy’s contract ended, aiming to streamline service and cut costs. Health & Science: Otsuka will present two-year eGFR results for VOYXACT in IgA nephropathy at GlomCon Hawaii 2026. Community: Nonprofits continue pushing to develop and preserve affordable housing amid new political realities.

Hawaii Politics: Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and four others were indicted on bribery and related charges tied to an alleged COVID-19 testing “pay-to-play” scheme, prompting Gov. Josh Green to call for Luke’s resignation as the investigation continues. Local Government & Cost of Living: Maui County reminded residents the first installment of real property taxes for fiscal year 2026-27 is due Aug. 20, with penalties and interest for late payments. Food Security & Research: A new University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology study suggests Hawaii could grow rice again using traditional irrigation, with short-grain varieties maturing in about 97 days. Community & Culture: L&L Hawaiian Barbecue will give away free SPAM musubi on Aug. 8 for National SPAM Musubi Day at participating Maui locations. Hawaiʻi Environment & Science: UH Mānoa researchers say the Hawaiian mantle plume has gotten hotter over tens of millions of years, helping explain changes in volcano size along the chain. Hurricane Watch: Hurricane Genevieve strengthened to Category 4 in the North Pacific, with forecasts highlighting heavy rain risks inland.

Hawai‘i Politics Corruption Case: Hawai‘i Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke was indicted by an O‘ahu grand jury in a bribery conspiracy tied to alleged COVID-19 testing contract influence, with prosecutors alleging campaign contributions and falsified reports; Gov. Josh Green publicly urged Luke to consider resigning as legal observers warn her case may be harder to prove than some co-defendants. Local Governance: The Hawai‘i County Council narrowly killed a measure that would have changed the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation maintenance fund cap, keeping the current structure after a 5-4 vote. Tourism Leadership: The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s search for a new president and CEO has drawn about 60 applicants, with a smaller-than-usual field as lawmakers debate the agency’s future and how tourism should be managed. Public Safety: A state-funded push will expand the Rescue Tube Foundation’s lifesaving rescue tubes across Hawai‘i, targeting drowning risk at dangerous coastal spots. Rural Representation: Ka‘ū District candidates for the Hawai‘i County Council seat laid out priorities for remote areas, including infrastructure and public safety concerns. Economy & Cost of Living: A new national poll finds housing costs are the top issue for young voters, with Hawai‘i highlighted among the fastest places for a $1 million retirement nest egg to run out.

Local Corruption Case: Hawaii’s Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and four others were indicted by an Oahu grand jury in a bribery conspiracy tied to alleged COVID-19 testing contract payments, with Gov. Josh Green calling for Luke’s resignation as the case heads into a potentially long court fight. Energy & Infrastructure: A downtown Honolulu office tower, Topa Financial Center, has been without power for days after an air-conditioning chiller leak damaged critical electrical equipment, displacing nearly 100 tenants and forcing temporary workspace plans. Volcano Watch: USGS monitoring says Mauna Loa remains at NORMAL alert, with scientists relying on GPS surveys and long-term benchmarks to track changes over time. Housing & Transit Costs: HART advanced a $53 million change order for Skyline’s primary core systems contractor, citing schedule extensions and owner-directed scope changes for Segment 3. Local Environment: Molokaʻi officials are urging people to stay out of south-shore waters near a whale carcass after a humpback died, with tissue samples collected as the community helps monitor the site. Business & Tech: Home battery installs are surging in high-cost electricity states including Hawaiʻi, as more homeowners add storage to cut bills and handle outages.

Public Corruption: Hawaii’s Democratic Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and four others were indicted by an Oʻahu grand jury in a bribery conspiracy tied to COVID-19 testing contracts, prompting Gov. Josh Green to call for Luke’s resignation. Local Transit: The HART board advanced a $53 million change order for Skyline’s primary core systems contractor, tied to schedule delays and owner-directed scope changes for Segment 3. Molokaʻi Health & Safety: DLNR warned residents and visitors to stay out of Molokaʻi’s south-shore waters near whale remains after a humpback died July 10; tissue samples may help determine the cause. Housing Affordability: A letter urges Hawaii to keep housing affordable after affordability covenants expire, arguing for tools like community land trusts, leasing extensions, and buyout options. Federal Energy Grants: The Trump administration acknowledged in court filings that it canceled $7.6 billion in clean-energy grants based on the political identity of recipient states—sparking charges of “weaponizing” federal power. Immigrant Justice: Hawaii advocates celebrated new immigrant justice laws aimed at reducing the local fallout from ICE enforcement, citing impacts on workers and businesses.

Oahu Corruption Case: A state grand jury indicted Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and four others in a political bribery probe tied to Hawaii’s COVID-19 community testing program, with charges including bribery, conspiracy, falsifying reports, and obstruction. Immigration Enforcement Backlash: Human rights advocates say new Hawaii landmark immigrant-justice laws are aimed at easing the chilling effects of ICE raids on families, schools, and local businesses. Federal Funding Fight: Oregon and a coalition of states sued the Trump administration over disaster and homeland security grant conditions that critics say would force election changes and immigration enforcement. Clean Energy Grants: The Trump administration acknowledged in court filings that it canceled $7.6 billion in clean-energy grants based on states’ political identity, drawing fresh claims of political retaliation. Hawaii’s Economy & Tourism: A new Wailea activity guide highlights how visitors can go beyond beach time with outrigger canoeing and local food experiences, while a separate report warns spinner dolphins may be struggling to reproduce amid tourism pressure. Community Wins: Lualualei Beach Park’s comfort station reopened after renovations following an arson attack, backed by community support and local officials.

FEMA/DHS Funding Fight: A coalition of 24 states, including Hawaii, sued the Trump administration over disaster and homeland security grants that require states to adopt election and immigration policies and let DHS cut off funds on vague terms. Truck Bed Safety: Hawaii raised the minimum age to ride in pickup truck beds from 12 to 16, aiming to curb injuries as roads get faster. Local Elections Mail Confusion: A Kailua Post Office sign telling voters to hand-deliver ballots to a clerk was removed after complaints, with USPS saying it doesn’t reflect postal policy. School Planning Overhaul: Gov. Josh Green signed a law creating an independent commission to recommend public school realignments and closures. Energy/Environment: Hawaii and environmental groups challenged the EPA’s partial rejection of the state’s regional haze plan, arguing Hawaiian Electric is backing away from pollution-reduction commitments. Hawaii Business: First Hawaiian reported strong Q2 results and declared a dividend; Bayer filed WARN notices for about 76 layoffs tied to seed operation consolidations. Maui Culture & Economy: The inaugural Wailuku Film Festival drew thousands, 100+ films, and major media reach, positioning Maui as a global indie cinema hub.

Tsunami readiness for Oʻahu: Honolulu rolled out a new Oahu Hazard Explorer map to help residents quickly spot evacuation zones after last year’s long tsunami warning disruption. Local emergency funding fight: Hawaiʻi’s attorney general coalition news highlights lawsuits challenging Trump-era conditions tying FEMA and DHS disaster money to election and immigration demands. Hawaiʻi jobs and economy: Bayer filed a WARN notice tied to farm operation consolidations on Maui and Oʻahu, affecting about 76 employees. Air cargo boost for the islands: Alaska Airlines plans four new 737-800 freighters dedicated to Alaska and Hawaiʻi, doubling its cargo fleet capacity by 2027. Community conservation: Waikiki Aquarium launched its Adopt-A-Polyp fundraiser to rebuild the Edge of the Reef exhibit and support coral research and education. State policy: Gov. Josh Green signed a law raising the minimum age for riding in pickup truck beds from 12 to 16. Sports: LPGA announced the Nanea Cup debuting in 2027 at Nanea Golf Club with a $4 million purse.

TPS Fight: Hawaii’s AG Kwame Raoul joined a coalition urging Congress to extend Haitian Temporary Protected Status after a Supreme Court ruling left TPS holders facing uncertainty and possible loss of judicial review. Local Water Priorities: Honolulu launched the Oʻahu Clean Water Survey to set long-term wastewater and stormwater investment priorities, shaping a city Integrated Plan as funding and aging systems strain capacity. Hawaiian Language Education: Kapolei Middle School suspended its Kaiapuni immersion program after failing to fill two teaching jobs, while Niʻihau language charter KANAKA faces a court fight over a steep rent hike and eviction threat. Consumer Safety & Scams: A Honolulu federal case targets a gold bar fraud scheme aimed at a kupuna using fake “Apple Support” and law-enforcement impersonation. Utilities & Wildfire Costs: Kauaʻi’s KIUC is seeking early 2027 wildfire mitigation surcharges, starting with a monthly charge estimated at about $12.87 for an average customer. Elections & Accountability: OHA is ramping up voter education after high blank-ballot rates in trustee races; meanwhile, a complaint alleges Rep. Ed Case used taxpayer-funded email for self-promotion. Defense & RIMPAC: U.S. forces demonstrated Apache-fired SPIKE NLOS missile capability during RIMPAC, and partner navies conducted live-fire sinking exercises off Kauaʻi.

Truck-bed safety law: Hawaii quietly raised the minimum age to ride in pickup truck beds from 12 to 16, as lawmakers respond to growing concerns about crashes and lack of seat belts—especially on faster, busier Oahu roads. Clean air fight: Hawaiʻi Attorney General Anne Lopez and conservation/public health groups are challenging the EPA’s partial rejection of the state’s regional haze plan, arguing it would leave major pollution sources from Hawaiian Electric plants to keep harming visibility at Haleakalā and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes national parks. Medical debt relief: Gov. Josh Green signed SB 3025, creating a program that could automatically buy and erase medical debt for up to about 50,000 residents, with notices sent to eligible people based on income. Consumer scams: State officials warn of a surge in fake vacation rental listings that copy real ads and push victims to pay fast via wire, payment apps, gift cards, or crypto. Community & culture: Kīhei’s free 4th Friday Town Party returns July 24 at Azeka Shopping Center, and the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Maui Calls gala is set for Aug. 22. Local logistics: Maui County’s first installment of FY 2026-27 property taxes is due Aug. 20.