AGP Executive Report

Hurricane Lowell Aftermath: Lowell has weakened to a tropical storm and is moving away from Hawaii, but Kauaʻi is still dealing with major damage—about 90% of KIUC customers lost power, with crews starting transmission repairs and expecting longer outages for some areas. Oʻahu Recovery: Hawaiian Electric restored power to about 13,100 Oʻahu customers, with roughly 7,900 still without service; storm surge also buried Ala Moana Regional Park roads in sand, limiting access while cleanup continues. Public Health: The state Department of Health issued brown water advisories for Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, and parts of Maui and Hawaiʻi island, urging people to avoid murky waters after storm runoff. Local Safety: A motorcyclist died in a Hilo crash after losing control and striking a utility pole; police are investigating. Business/Tech: Hawaiian Telcom announced faster business fiber options with symmetrical speeds and upgraded Wi‑Fi. Sports & Community: UH women’s soccer will play remaining home matches on the UH Lower Campus field with free admission.

Hurricane Lowell: Hawaii is bracing as Lowell batters the western islands with damaging winds, heavy rain, flash-flood risk, mudslides, and dangerous surf. Kauai and Niʻihau are under hurricane warnings, with a tornado watch issued for parts of Kauai; Oʻahu is under a tropical storm warning. Local Closures: Gov. Josh Green ordered closures of schools and government offices on Oʻahu and in Kauai County as conditions deteriorate. Health & Safety: The state is also offering free breast and cervical cancer screenings for eligible women, and Hawaii’s DOH is urging residents to prepare for impacts. Community & Services: Hawaii County’s Lincoln Park Tennis Courts reopened with repairs and a new online reservation system. Tech & Science: UH researchers are using the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope to capture tiny solar vortices that may help explain solar flares. Business/Travel: Southwest announced its first-ever airport lounges, including Honolulu, with openings starting late 2027.

Hurricane Lowell: Hawaii is in emergency mode as Lowell nears the western islands, with a Hurricane Warning for Kauaʻi and Niʻihau and Tropical Storm Warning for Oʻahu. The storm is moving north-northeast with 110 mph winds, bringing 6–10 inches of rain (up to 16 inches in spots), flash flooding, damaging surf, and possible tornadoes. Closures & preparations: UH Oʻahu campuses and Kauaʻi CC closed Tuesday, along with state and county offices on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi, and Hawaiʻi State Judiciary operations on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi; courts will reschedule Tuesday hearings. The City suspends permitted camping and outdoor park activities and opens a hurricane refuge area at Nānākuli Elementary. Local impacts: Road closures are already underway on Kauaʻi and Oʻahu as flooding and high surf worsen. Science & alerts: UH’s Hawaiʻi Mesonet launched a real-time Lowell rainfall and wind site updated every 15 minutes, urging residents to follow NWS and emergency management guidance.

Hurricane Lowell: Kauaʻi and Niʻihau are under a hurricane warning as Lowell stays a Category 3 with 115 mph winds, while a tropical storm watch is up for Oʻahu and a flood watch covers all islands through Tuesday. Forecasters warn of heavy rain, flash flooding, possible mudslides, dangerous surf, and rip currents, with the storm’s track shifting closer to the western islands. Local Preparedness: Hawaii officials have urged residents to finish preparations now—charge devices, refill prescriptions, stock water and food, and expect possible power and road disruptions. Maui Road Work: HDOT scheduled lane closures on Honoapiʻilani Highway (Route 30) from Sept. 8–11 for storm drain cleaning, guardrail repair, and guardrail replacement, with no closures on Labor Day unless permitted. Local Governance: A City Charter Clean Water and Natural Lands Fund is accumulating cash—about $65 million unreserved at the end of FY2025—raising questions about how the money is being used for beaches, coasts, and outdoor recreation. Sports & Community: UH and local athletes keep busy as college rosters roll in, including Bishop OʻDowd alumni showing up on multiple college teams for the week ending Sept. 6.

Hurricane Lowell: Hawaii is bracing for another round of dangerous weather as the Category 3 storm moves north, with a hurricane watch for Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau and tropical storm conditions expected late Monday. Surf and flooding risks are front and center, including high surf warnings for south- and west-facing shores and heavy rain that could trigger flash flooding and mudslides. Local impacts: Kamehameha Highway on Windward O‘ahu reopened after flooding temporarily shut parts of the road, with Waiahole Stream levels reported at more than 16 feet at the peak. Kaua‘i water prep: The Kaua‘i Department of Water urged residents to store at least one gallon per person per day in case water service is disrupted. Public safety at PMRF: Pacific Missile Range Facility set TCCOR 2 and closed guest access and recreation facilities as Lowell approaches. Traffic and health: A motorcyclist died in Hilo after a crash into a utility pole, and an 88-year-old snorkeler died off Nanakuli after being found unconscious. Community: Aloha Festivals marked its 80th anniversary with a royal court investiture in Waikīkī.

Hurricane Lowell: Hawaii declared a state of emergency as Category 3 Lowell nears the islands, with the center expected to pass west of Niʻihau and Kauaʻi late Monday into Tuesday. Even without a direct hit, officials warn of life-threatening surf, rip currents, heavy rain, and a statewide flood watch. Kauaʻi readiness: Tropical storm watches and hurricane warnings are in effect for Kauaʻi and nearby waters, and residents are urged to prepare for possible outages and flooding. After Hurricane Lala: Volunteers on the Big Island kept helping recovery after Lala, including shelter support, supply runs, and a benefit concert. Local services: Honolulu EMS is adding ambulances to modernize its fleet, and the city is monitoring storm impacts and response needs. Health & community: Hawaii patients continue to express frustration over doctor shortages on Oʻahu, while UH launched a free AI course aimed at building literacy across the islands. Education out of state: Several reports tracked extremely small numbers of Hawaiian students in mainland schools, underscoring how rare representation can be.

Hurricane Lowell: Hawaii is under a state of emergency as Category 4 Lowell churns toward the western islands, with officials warning that even an “edge of the cone” track can still mean dangerous winds, storm surge, heavy rain, and life-threatening surf. Flood & surf alerts: A statewide flood watch runs Sunday evening through Tuesday afternoon, and a Big Island high surf advisory has been extended through Tuesday morning, with swells expected to rapidly rise to warning levels Sunday night into Monday. Kauaʻi preparations: Kauaʻi and Niʻihau are under a tropical storm watch (not an evacuation order), with officials urging residents to finish preparations while conditions are still good. Local safety & response: Honolulu Fire Department crews rescued two lost hikers on the Kaaawa trail, guiding them out on foot after locating them within about an hour. Public health & planning: UH Manoa received $2 million from the NSF to develop AI tools to detect threats to food production before they become outbreaks. Crime update: A Kaimuki man was found guilty on assault and firearm charges tied to a 2024 shooting. Roads & weather impacts: HDOT is coordinating statewide stream cleanups to improve drainage and reduce future flooding risk. Sports (home opener): Hawaii hosts UNLV in a Mountain West opener at Ching Complex, with kickoff set for late afternoon.

Hurricane Lowell Watch: Hawaii is bracing for rough seas, gusty winds and heavy rain as Hurricane Lowell—fluctuating between Category 4 and 5—tracks toward the western islands late Monday, with a risk of storm surge and wind impacts especially for Kauaʻi County; a high surf advisory is extended through Sunday night for south and east shores, with swells building up to 12–14 feet and dangerous currents. Local Politics: The Hawaii Supreme Court ordered a special election for House District 43 after a tied Republican primary, following a dispute over how the winner was chosen. Education & Equity: UH-West Oʻahu reports a 61.1% six-year bachelor’s completion rate for Asian students for the 2018 cohort through 2024, below the statewide pooled rate. Community & Schools: Lahainaluna High School became Hawaii’s first recipient of the America’s Healthiest Schools award, recognizing staff well-being and student health programs. Business & Jobs: The Maui Chamber of Commerce will host an employment law seminar Sept. 11 covering wage-and-hour rules, leave requirements, contractors, AI, equal pay and workplace investigations.

Hurricane Lowell: Hawaii is on high alert as Lowell surges back to Category 5 with 160 mph winds, moving west near 7 mph, and forecasters warn it could turn sharply north toward the islands early next week—bringing heavy rain, flash-flood and mudslide risk, plus dangerous surf and rip currents, with Kauaʻi and Niʻihau the biggest concern. Local preparedness: Gov. Josh Green and Kauaʻi leaders urged residents to finish preparations now, preposition resources, clear waterways, lower reservoirs, and stay away from floodwaters and hazardous coasts. Community response: Kauaʻi towns are leaning on “ohana” networks—sharing food, checking on neighbors, and securing supplies—echoing memories of Iniki. Health updates: The West Coast Health Alliance is urging updated 2026-27 respiratory virus vaccines and other protections, as cases rise. Public safety: A dump truck crash under the Waiawa overpass snarled H-1 eastbound traffic before lanes reopened. Politics: Hawaiʻi Supreme Court ordered a new election for Oʻahu House District 43 after a GOP primary tie and ballot issues. Volcano watch: Kīlauea’s summit eruption is paused, with scientists forecasting a possible next lava-fountaining episode window in early September.

Hurricane Lowell watch: Hawaii is bracing for major impacts as Hurricane Lowell remains a Category 3 system and is expected to make a sharp northward turn toward the western islands, bringing damaging winds, heavy rain, coastal flooding and dangerous surf; officials say to keep monitoring official forecasts. Local emergency response: Gov. Josh Green has issued a statewide emergency proclamation and counties are coordinating with state and federal partners as the storm threatens. Kona earthquake relief: Trump approved a major disaster declaration for the May 22 Kona earthquake, making FEMA Individual Assistance available to eligible Hawaiʻi County residents. Maui water progress: Maui County Council’s Water and Infrastructure Committee advanced a bill to authorize an agreement with DHHL to develop three new Waiʻōhuli groundwater wells and a transmission system for homestead housing. Public safety: Hawai‘i Island police arrested two people tied to a string of Kona vehicle break-ins and recovered stolen items during the investigation.

Hurricane Lowell Watch: Honolulu and Oʻahu officials are closely monitoring a powerful Category 4 Lowell south of the islands, warning residents not to tune out as the storm may shift north late Sunday into early next week, with Kauaʻi and Niʻihau closer to the potential turn. Public Safety: Honolulu firefighters rescued two people from a tent fire in Nanakuli; both were treated for burns, with the woman in critical condition. Investigations: Big Island police are investigating unidentified remains found along Waipiʻo Valley’s shoreline; toxicology is pending and detectives are using DNA and fingerprints to identify the woman. Environment & Wildlife: NOAA is offering up to $20,000 for tips in the death of a Molokai monk seal, citing preliminary findings of blunt-force head trauma. Health: Hawaii’s COVID positivity rates are rising again, with higher rates in Kauaʻi and Honolulu and an uptick in hospitalizations. Local Governance: Honolulu says it’s reopening Patsy T. Mink Central Oʻahu Regional Park after restoration work tied to Kona Low debris management. Crime: HPD shut down an illegal game room in Moiliili, arresting a man after machines and cash were seized. Cost of Living: AAA reports Labor Day gas prices are surging toward a record, with the national average around $4.14 a gallon.

Hurricane Lowell Watch: Category 4 Lowell (140 mph) remains a major hurricane and could turn north toward Hawaii early next week, with wind advisories (gusts up to 55 mph) and high surf/rip-current risk along south and southeast shores; Honolulu officials urge residents to secure supplies and be ready for possible power outages. Local Public Safety: Honolulu is expanding its MH3 program for severe mental illness and substance abuse crises, adding more involuntary interventions to close gaps when people can’t recognize they need help. Maui Police Indictment: A Maui Police Department officer was indicted on multiple sexual assault counts tied to an encounter after a single-car crash; prosecutors say the investigation is ongoing and ask for anyone with information to come forward. Hawaii Island Injury Case: Police are investigating a Volcano traffic incident where an 11-year-old fell from a pickup bed and was run over by a food wagon, sending him to Hilo Benioff then Kapiolani. Culture & Community: A new exhibit at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center spotlights aloha shirt designer John Keoni Meigs, tracing how island textile patterns became a lasting style symbol. Travel/Business: Southwest plans its first airport lounges, including one in Honolulu, opening in late 2027.

Hurricane Watch: Major Hurricane Lowell has intensified to Category 5 south of Hawaiʻi, with swells and rough surf already spreading and officials urging residents to keep plans and supplies ready as the long-range track remains uncertain. Local Emergency Response: FEMA is sending more than $18 million for disaster-related electrical grid work after Hurricane Lala knocked out power for 60% of Hawaiian Electric customers, as leaders press for answers on grid resilience. Public Health: The state Department of Health detected dengue virus in a wastewater sample from Hawaiʻi Island; no active cases are being tracked so far, and officials note dengue is typically travel-related here. Justice & Safety: Maui prosecutors indicted veteran MPD officer Devin Schoeppner on multiple sexual assault counts tied to an encounter after a crash; investigators are asking anyone with information to come forward. Community & Recovery: The Hawaiʻi Food Basket says it moved nearly 1 million pounds of food and water across Hawaiʻi Island after Hurricane Lala, reaching all nine districts. Local Crime: Federal agents raided a Pearl City poke business, arresting the owner, with the investigation ongoing. Business/Travel: Southwest Airlines announced its first-ever airport lounge network, including a planned lounge at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport opening in late 2027.

Hurricane Lowell watch: Category 4 Lowell is passing well south of Hawaiʻi but is expected to bring stronger, gusty trade winds and more windward/mauka showers, with swell building into the Labor Day weekend. Local travel disruptions: HDOT says nightly runway closures at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport run Sept. 8 through April 2027, with possible extended delays as aircraft reroute. Road work: Haleakalā Highway/Crater Road traffic will be slowed Sept. 3 for pole replacement, with no electrical outages expected. Firearms ruling: A federal court upheld Hawaiʻi’s minimum age of 21 for firearm ownership, rejecting a Second Amendment challenge. Business & community: A free Innovate Maui Nui conference is set for Sept. 23-24, and Honolulu expands its MH-3 program for people in severe mental health/substance abuse crises. Oʻahu visitor economy: A new Google AI travel search update adds flight price tracking and rewards-style searches.

Hurricane Watch: Honolulu is tracking Hurricane Lowell as it strengthens to a Category 4 with 130 mph winds, with swells expected to start affecting parts of the islands Wednesday and bring dangerous surf and rip currents, while Hurricane Karina remains a Category 4 and Tropical Storm Marie strengthens farther east. Local Public Safety: The City says it’s monitoring a tied Makakilo primary race after admitting two ineligible voters were mistakenly issued ballots and voted, with the outcome now challenged at the Hawaii Supreme Court. Health & Homelessness: Honolulu’s MH-3 mental health program is now permanent and expanding, linking police and outreach teams with behavioral health services and citing help for 150 people since launch. Community Services: Hawaiʻi Meals on Wheels hit a record 100 delivery routes on Oʻahu and is asking for more volunteers. Zoo & Family Fun: Honolulu Zoo reopened upgraded African penguin and hippopotamus exhibits, adding new water systems and unveiling plans that include negotiations toward bringing giant pandas to Hawaiʻi. Missing Person: Big Island police are asking for help locating endangered 29-year-old Brandon Cranfield, last seen in Kailua-Kona Aug. 28. Gun Law: A court upheld Hawaiʻi’s age-21 minimum for acquiring or possessing firearms. Transit: Skyline set a new weekday ridership record as Oʻahu’s back-to-school rush drives demand.

Tropical Weather: Hurricane Lowell is expected to pass south of Hawaiʻi late Wednesday into Thursday, with strong, gusty trade winds and showers mainly hitting windward and mauka areas; swells could bring life-threatening surf and rip currents starting Wednesday, while officials say no coastal watches or warnings are in effect. Local Environment: The state Board of Land and Natural Resources rejected proposed rules that would have reopened commercial aquarium fish collection in West Hawaiʻi, keeping the ban in place for now. Public Health: COVID-19 infections are rising across much of the U.S. as students return, with federal data showing growth or likely growth in 49 states and a few school disruptions already reported. Community & Culture: PTC NextWave will debut at PTC’27 in Honolulu in January 2027, connecting early-stage digital infrastructure companies with operators, investors, and infrastructure leaders. Sports & Culture: Carissa Moore is set to host a fundraiser in Huntington Beach, and Five for Fighting announced a return to the road with its string quartet tour.