AGP Executive Report

Maui Police Scrutiny: Maui’s police chief is on paid leave after saying Mayor Richard Bissen is under criminal investigation; residents have questioned the decision to strip the chief of police powers. Kona Ironman: About 2,500 athletes took on the World Championship in rainy, rough conditions Saturday, with pros and age-group racers starting the 140.6-mile course in Kailua-Kona. Storm Recovery: Hawaiian Council is offering eligible households hosting storm-displaced residents $500 per person monthly, up to $2,000 per household. Honolulu Crash: An 84-year-old woman died after her car plunged from a downtown parking garage; witnesses described the crash. Housing Oversight: A state audit flagged $13.7 million in unauthorized spending on Hawaiʻi homeless housing. Kīlauea Safety: Volcanic activity and more than 200 aftershocks have prompted trail closures at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Deep-Sea Expedition: Ten local scientists, students and educators are exploring uncharted seafloor habitats around the Hawaiian Islands and Papahānaumokuākea.

Honolulu Safety: An 84-year-old woman died after her vehicle plunged from a downtown parking garage onto Hotel Street. Police are also investigating phone threats to six Oʻahu private schools; officers checked each campus. Kīlauea: Elevated volcanic activity prompted trail closures at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, while scientists say another summit eruption could occur in the coming days to weeks. Storm Recovery: Kauaʻi businesses say they’re running out of time as they await disaster aid for damage from Hurricane Lowell; federal assistance approved so far covers eligible nonprofits, not businesses or individuals. Hawaiian salt makers in Hanapēpē are also organizing to restore storm-damaged harvest beds. Public Spending: A state audit flagged $13.7 million in unauthorized spending on Hawaiʻi homeless housing. Health: The state reported its eighth travel-related dengue case of the year, on Oʻahu, and says the risk of local transmission is low. Elections: General election ballots are arriving by mail; they must be received by 7 p.m. Nov. 3.

Storm Recovery: Federal disaster declarations for Hurricanes Lala and Lowell bring aid as Hawaiʻi continues rebuilding; heavy rain eased, but showers may linger before drier trade winds return. Housing and Accountability: A ballot measure would let counties fund infrastructure for new housing through bonds repaid with future property-tax revenue. Separately, a state audit questioned more than $13 million in Kauhale homeless-housing spending; builder HomeAid says the review overlooks donations and the program’s value. Public Safety: Maui’s police chief is on paid leave pending an investigation involving an FBI probe of a department unit commander. On Hawaiʻi Island, the police chief says a suspect’s fatal shooting by an officer in Ocean View appears justified. Community: Kailua’s Hoʻokuaʻāina received a $100,000 grant to advance Indigenous food justice and youth programs.

Disaster Recovery: Federal aid is approved for Hawaiʻi’s recovery from Hurricanes Lala and Lowell, with FEMA covering at least 75% of eligible costs. Severe Weather: Heavy rain flooded stretches of Kamehameha Highway on Oʻahu’s North Shore, while Kīlauea’s shifting underground activity has made eruptions harder to predict and prompted park trail closures. Public Safety: A 33-year-old man turned himself in after an alleged Ewa Beach shooting that left a man seriously injured. On Hawaiʻi Island, police say a reported sunglasses theft preceded an officer’s fatal shooting of a fugitive in Ocean View. Housing Oversight: A state audit questioned more than $13 million in spending on Gov. Josh Green’s kauhale housing initiative; builder HomeAid Hawaii says it corrected accounting errors and disputes claims of intentional misuse. Education: Hawaiʻi public schools are nearing pre-pandemic proficiency in language arts and math, and attendance has improved for four straight years. Ocean Cleanup: Crews removed 47,000 pounds of marine debris from Papahānaumokuākea, freeing five entangled green sea turtles. Accountability: A Maui jury found Clembert Kaneholani guilty of first-degree murder in the 2025 killing of Officer Suzanne O.

Storm Recovery: Federal disaster declarations unlock FEMA aid for Hawaiʻi communities hit by Hurricanes Lala and Lowell, while a flood watch remains in effect for Niʻihau, Kauaʻi and Oʻahu amid heavy showers. Housing Oversight: A state audit questions more than $13.7 million in spending on Gov. Josh Green’s kauhale homeless-housing initiative; Green says the program is working, while a builder argues the audit overlooks donations. Public Safety: A Hawaiʻi Island police officer fatally shot a theft suspect in Ocean View; authorities say the suspect had thrown rocks. Volcano Safety: Increased seismic activity near Kīlauea’s summit has prompted closures at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, including some trails. Island Recovery: Hurricane Lowell destroyed a dune protecting Kauaʻi’s ancient Hanapēpē salt ponds, and the Hawaiian Council has launched a statewide housing-support program for families displaced by recent storms. Health: With flu activity rising early in the islands, state health officials are urging residents to get vaccinated.

Kīlauea Safety: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park closed more summit trails after earthquakes and new ground cracks linked to a shallow magma intrusion raised rockfall concerns; scientists say conditions can change quickly. Housing Oversight: A state audit questioned $13.7 million in kauhale spending. Gov. Josh Green says the program has accepted all 11 audit recommendations while disputing parts of the report. Maui Police: The Maui Police Commission placed Chief John Pelletier on paid leave while investigating his oversight of a now-dissolved intelligence unit; he has not been accused of a crime. Environmental Settlement: Hawaiʻi reached a settlement worth up to $45 million with Monsanto and affiliates over alleged PCB contamination of waterways and natural resources. Big Island Development: A County Council committee recommended against advancing the proposed Waikōloa housing project, citing water infrastructure and evacuation concerns; the full council may still consider it. Election Debate: U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda and challenger Brenton Awa clashed over the Jones Act, with Awa linking changes to affordability and Tokuda defending its role in shipping and jobs.

Flood Watch: Forecasters warn heavy rain could bring flash flooding to Kauaʻi and Oʻahu through Thursday afternoon. Residents should watch for updates and be ready for road closures. Public Health: Hawaiʻi health officials urge residents to get flu and COVID-19 vaccines as cases rise; flu activity began unusually early this season. Transit: Hawaiʻi County’s Hele-On bus agency is adopting a new system to manage fleet maintenance, rider complaints and phone support, with the goal of improving service reliability. Housing: Demolition is underway at 436 Ena Road in Waikīkī for an affordable housing project. Oʻahu’s single-family home prices also weakened in September. Landmark: The centuries-old Hōlei Sea Arch at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has collapsed into the Pacific after rough storms.

Kauaʻi Education: Priscilla Chan’s fund is sending $330,000 in flexible grants to all 23 Kauaʻi public and charter schools, letting principals target the most urgent needs. Public Safety & Justice: A Maui officer-killing murder trial has moved to jurors after closing arguments in the Kaneholani case. Health Watch: The state Department of Health says flu activity is rising and urges Hawaiʻi residents to stay current on flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Local Governance: Honolulu’s Liquor Commission pilot allowing some bars to apply for 4 a.m. closing is drawing concerns from police about more fights and assaults. Land Use Fight: In Laie, a zip line project is back in the spotlight after city officials said it began without required permits. Volcano Update: Kīlauea remains at WATCH with minor spattering at the summit but no major activity outside the summit area. Education Costs: UH held its first public meeting on a proposed tuition schedule, with flat tuition for two years then campus-based increases starting in 2029–30. Community & Culture: Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Auana is holding open casting for hula dancers Oct. 24. Environment: More than 10,000 gallons of wastewater spilled on Lanai after a force main leak; officials say no wastewater reached state waters.

Storm Recovery in Hawaiʻi: Hawaiian Council launched a statewide Host Housing Support Program paying hosts $500 per displaced person per month, up to $2,000 per household, to help families shelter storm survivors from Hurricanes Lala and Lowell; applications are due Oct. 14, with extra focus on Hawaiʻi Island and Kauaʻi. Food Safety: Flowers Foods recalled Nature’s Own Hawaiian Bread in select states after some packages failed to declare milk, raising allergy risks for people with milk sensitivities. Hawaiʻi Tourism & Culture: The iconic 550-year-old Hōlei Sea Arch collapsed into the Pacific after storms battered the island, prompting renewed NPS warnings about unstable cliffs. Local Community & Water: East Maui Water Authority will hold a rescheduled board meeting Tuesday, Oct. 13, in Kula, with a community conversation on upcountry water history. Sports (Hawaiʻi ties): The LPGA announced the LOTTE Championship will move to Kapalua Resort in 2027, adding another Hawaii stop to the tour.

Hawaiʻi Health: VA awarded more than $2.18M in suicide-prevention grants to three Hawaiʻi nonprofits for Veterans, with funding set to start FY2027. Medicare Watch: HMSA is closing two Medicare Advantage plans for about 16,000 members, forcing 2027 plan changes during the Oct. 15–Dec. 7 enrollment period. Public Safety: Police arrested a Pāhala man after an alleged pellet-gun confrontation at a shopping complex, charging him with terroristic threatening and assault. Water & Utilities: Hawaii County issued an “essential water use only” restriction for parts of South Kohala as crews repair wells and maintain storage. Biosecurity: The state’s new Biosecurity Academy is enrolling up to 20 students starting in November to train future invasive-pest inspectors. Local Economy/Travel: The LPGA will move the LOTTE Championship to Kapalua in 2027 with a $3M purse, pairing it with a new Hawaii swing. Sports (HNL): Clippers’ Max Strus is out at least four weeks after a plantar fascia injury in Honolulu.

Maui Recovery: Maui County launched a Housing Navigator program for wildfire survivors, taking over case management from the state and aiming to match households with navigators by Oct. 23 so families don’t have to restart recovery planning. Public Health: PepsiCo recalled about 122,000 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade (Lemon Lime, Lemon Lime Zero, Orange, Orange Zero) in 37 states, including Hawaii, due to undeclared Yellow No. 5 and/or Yellow No. 6; the FDA classed it as Class II. Weather: Breezy trade winds bring mostly dry conditions today, with light showers possible; rain chances rise Wednesday through Friday as a low-pressure system develops north of the islands. Local Safety/Infrastructure: Hawaiʻi Island posted lane-closure schedules for early October roadwork, including striping and utility pole/conductor work on Route 11. Sports & Community: Honolulu-area college football coverage highlights Hawaii’s upcoming matchup vs. Arizona State, while local briefs also note Pride Month activities and community events.

LPGA Spotlight: Jeeno Thitikul held off a late wobble to win the Lotte Championship at Hoakalei on Oʻahu for her fourth LPGA Tour title of the season, finishing 3 strokes ahead of Ina Yoon after a birdie-birdie finish. Pride in Waikīkī: Honolulu Pride Month kicked off with a sunrise chant at the Kapaemahu Healer Stones, followed by community events at Queen’s Beach and a Pride Parade set for Oct. 17. Housing & Recovery: The Nareit Foundation awarded $100,000 grants to help rebuild Lahaina homes, and to renovate Hale Koko in Makiki for transitional housing for former foster youth and young adults. Weather Watch: Breezy trades Monday give way to more showers late Wednesday into Thursday, with a First Alert for potentially heavy rain. Local Fire & Safety: Honolulu firefighters extinguished a 40-foot shipping container fire in Maili; no injuries reported, investigation ongoing. Public Service/Community: Aloha Aviators’ Mele KEIKImaka campaign aims to fly gifts and meals to about 3,000 children statewide in December, including keiki with a parent in prison.

Pearl Harbor DNA ID Effort: The U.S. Navy is hiring genealogists, including a Tooele researcher, to use DNA technology to identify sailors and soldiers killed on the USS Arizona nearly 85 years ago. Big Island Infrastructure: Two Kaʻū condo communities are effectively stranded after Hurricane Lala damaged the Punaluʻu utility that provides water and sewer, leaving residents without drinking water and wastewater service for weeks. Hawaiʻi Weather & Safety: The Holei Sea Arch in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park collapsed after centuries, prompting warnings to keep visitors away from unstable cliffs. Puna Alternate Route Study: Hawaiʻi County launched a public online survey to shape an alternate route plan for Puna, focusing on traffic, emergency access, and resilience. Local Sports: San Jose State held off Hawaii 20-16 in Honolulu, with Luke Weaver returning to face his former team and the Spartans securing the Dick Tomey Legacy Trophy. Health Alert: A major Gatorade recall is affecting products sold in Hawaii after FDA flagged undeclared food colorings.

Hurricane Update: Hurricane Nolo has strengthened to a Category 3 with 115 mph winds, moving west about 210 miles south-southwest of Maro Reef; a tropical storm warning is in effect for the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. Public Health & Safety: The state Department of Health ordered ABC Junkyard in Pearl City to stop operations and clean up after a two-day fire raised concerns about hazardous substances. Local Weather: Small surf continues statewide with breezier conditions Sunday and more trade-wind showers in windward areas; box jellyfish warnings begin for south and some west Oahu beaches. Road Tragedy: A single-car rollover on North Kulani Road in Mountain View killed a driver; police cited possible speed, no seatbelt, and alcohol/drugs. Community: Imua Family Services launched “100 Voices,” Maui’s first community-based youth choir for ages 11–18, with applications open until Feb. 28. Sports: Jeeno Thitikul took a three-stroke lead into the final round of the Lotte Championship in Honolulu; Hawaii volleyball stayed perfect in conference play with another sweep of Grand Canyon.

Holei Sea Arch Collapse: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park says the 90-foot Holei Sea Arch on the Big Island collapsed into the Pacific between Sept. 23 and Sept. 27, likely during Tropical Storm Nolo, and warned visitors to stay away due to unstable cliffs and falling hazards. Local Public Safety: Honolulu Police ended a license-plate camera data-sharing deal with the IRS after Chief David Lazar took over, after federal agents reviewed more than 2,000 files. Scam Watch: Pearl City ranked among Hawaii’s top cities for scam reports in August, with BBB Scam Tracker citing a $60 online purchase scam loss. Sports—Local & National: San Jose State visits Hawaii for a Mountain West opener Saturday night, while Warriors camp coverage highlights Yaxel Lendeborg’s NBA start and Clippers guard Bradley Beal’s return from hip surgery. Health & Community: DOH ordered ABC Towing to halt operations and clean up hazardous materials after a facility issue. Travel & Events: Ironman World Championship details for Kona’s Oct. 10 race day highlight the swim-bike-run route from Kailua Bay to Ali’i Drive.

DOH Enforcement: The state Department of Health ordered ABC Towing & Parts to halt operations and clean up hazardous materials after a Sept. 30 fire at its facility, citing an imminent public health and environmental risk. Waipahu Fire: Firefighters extinguished an early-morning blaze at Leeward Drive-Inn in Waipahu; no injuries were reported, and investigators are still working to determine the cause. Travel Update: Hawaiian Airlines is changing some neighbor island and international flight logistics starting Saturday, including earlier baggage drop-off (50 minutes) and moving international check-in to Terminal 2. Public Safety: A bicyclist died after being struck on Sand Island Access Road; police say speed, drugs or alcohol are not suspected at this stage. Food Safety: Legend Seafood Restaurant in Honolulu Chinatown reopened after fixing multiple DOH violations, including a roach infestation. Molokaʻi Assistance: SNAP households on Molokaʻi can apply for replacement benefits ahead of planned outages from Oct. 3–8. Hōlei Sea Arch: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park says the iconic Hōlei Sea Arch has collapsed into the ocean, with the exact collapse timing still unknown. Sports: Jeeno Thitikul and Polly Mack share the lead at the LOTTE Championship after Friday’s second round.