AGP Executive Report

National Intelligence Shake-Up: Tulsi Gabbard resigned as President Trump’s director of national intelligence, effective June 30, saying she must step away to support her husband, who has been diagnosed with an extremely rare bone cancer; Trump says her principal deputy, Aaron Lukas, will serve as acting DNI. Hawaiʻi Public Safety: The U.S. Coast Guard is still searching for an overdue fisherman west of Oʻahu near Waianae. Local Government & Community: Maui County is taking public input through June 14 on plans for a new Lahaina community center and field house. Education Access: Hawaii’s Preschool Open Doors tuition help opens May 29, with applications accepted online through May 31, 2027 (or until funding runs out). Weather Readiness: Gov. Josh Green and emergency officials urged residents to prepare early for hurricane season. Water Disruption: Hawaiʻi County reported a Kulaʻimano Road main break in Pepeʻekeo with no service until about 1 p.m.

Hurricane Readiness: Hawaii leaders are warning residents to brace for a “very busy” Central Pacific season, with NOAA forecasting 5 to 13 cyclones near the islands and El Niño driving the odds—officials say storms can still mean flooding and damage even without landfall. Wind & Surf Alert: Gusty trade winds are already making Memorial Day weekend rough, with small craft and gale warnings and a high surf advisory for east-facing shores. Local Government: On Hawai‘i Island, the County Council unanimously approved property tax rate changes aimed at closing a roughly $15 million budget gap, including higher rates for nonresidents and second homes. Statehouse Moves: Gov. Josh Green signed four bills into law supporting public services and working families. Memorial Day Logistics: Honolulu is laying out holiday service schedules and traffic rules, while Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii released parking and participation guidance for Monday’s ceremony.

Hawai‘i Weather & Power Watch: High winds and dry conditions have prompted a Public Safety Power Shutoff watch for parts of Hawai‘i Island, with a wind advisory in place and Hawaiian Electric warning outages could follow if fire risk spikes. Surf Hazard: A high surf advisory keeps east-facing shores on alert, with waves reported around 7–10 feet and dangerous currents making swimming risky. Local Incident: Two workers were injured in Kailua after a low-hanging cable was snagged by a pickup truck. Tourism Leadership: The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority has launched a search for a new president and CEO as Mufi Hannemann prepares to retire. Legislation: Lulu’s Law cleared the U.S. House and heads to the president, expanding wireless shark-attack alerts. National Climate Outlook: NOAA says the Atlantic hurricane season is likely below normal, but forecasters warn the Pacific could be busier. Sports/Entertainment: Kendall Jenner and Jacob Elordi dating rumors keep swirling after more Hawaii sightings, while Kamau Bell returns to stand-up on his “Who’s With Me?” tour.

Honolulu Police Leadership: The Honolulu Police Commission has selected David Lazar as the city’s next chief, naming him the 13th HPD chief after a months-long search that included community input and finalist interviews—while union and local leaders immediately pledged to focus on retention, morale, and fixing aging infrastructure. Public Safety Alerts: Honolulu EMS is warning of a spike in child near-drownings, urging constant supervision and “water watcher” habits around pools and beaches. Storm Recovery Deadline: FEMA is pushing Kona Low victims to apply before the fast-approaching cutoff for help with housing, repairs, and other disaster costs. Road and Medical Calls: Two men were seriously hurt in a head-on crash on Kamehameha Highway, and a helmetless e-bike rider was hospitalized after crashing into a truck in Waianae. Weather Watch: Gusty trade winds and rough ocean conditions are driving wind and small-craft advisories across parts of the islands.

Internet Archive Crackdown: A new Nieman Lab analysis says more than 340 U.S. local news outlets are now blocking the Internet Archive, threatening long-term access to local reporting. Local Politics: Hawaii Gov. Josh Green signed a law challenging Citizens United by treating corporations as “artificial persons” with no constitutional right to political donations. Hawaiʻi Island Public Safety: A South Kona domestic dispute ended after a 43-year-old barricaded man surrendered following hours of negotiations; no injuries were reported. Courts Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court is entering decision season, with major rulings expected over the next six weeks. Health Care: UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center added two providers, including an otolaryngologist and an internal medicine/pediatrics doctor. Business & Travel: Hawaiian Airlines is electrifying more Honolulu ground equipment to cut emissions, while Southwest is launching new routes in June. Honolulu Crime: HPD shut down an illegal gambling-type game room in McCully, seizing 18 machines and $11,000.

EMS Week Honors Rescuers: Honolulu leaders marked National EMS Week by spotlighting paramedic Will Batalon and EMT Alexis De Costa, who helped rescue seven people—including four children—from a North Shore home during March’s Kona Low flooding. Public Safety & Health: NOAA identified a Nanakuli-area Hawaiian monk seal, Kaʻale (R-H 32), found dead May 6, while the state DOH said it’s monitoring a Bundibugyo virus (Ebola strain) outbreak in Congo and Uganda, with Hawaiʻi risk “very low.” Local Government: The city will look for new sites after Kaimuki residents pushed back against Oʻahu’s first public kyudojo at Mau‘umae Nature Park. Weather Watch: Gusty trade winds are building, with a Small Craft Advisory for Maui County and the Big Island and surf running about 2–6 ft depending on exposure. Crime & Courts: A Hilo woman was charged after an alleged domestic incident that included threats with a 45-pound weight and an assault on an officer. State Leadership: DHS director Ryan Yamane announced retirement effective immediately; deputy Joseph Campos II will serve as acting director.

Local Roads & Safety: A water main break shut down upper Pupukea Road, with the Board of Water Supply repairing a 12-inch line and setting up a water wagon for about 300 customers while drivers are told to avoid the area. Big Island Crash: Police are investigating a fatal motorcycle crash in Hawaiian Paradise Park after a speeding Suzuki collided with a Tesla turning into a driveway; speed and reckless driving are believed to be factors. Public Health & Wildlife: NOAA identified the Hawaiian monk seal found dead off Nanakuli as Ka‘ale, with a post-mortem exam underway. Federal Pressure on Student Aid: Democratic attorneys general and governors sued the U.S. Department of Education over new rules that narrow “professional” student-loan eligibility, arguing it could cut off funding for many healthcare programs. National Safety Watch: The NTSB opened hearings into last year’s UPS Louisville crash after an engine separated from the wing, killing 15. Weather: Trade winds keep Hawaii unsettled with passing showers, and breezier conditions are expected later this week.

NTSB UPS Crash Probe: The NTSB will hold a two-day hearing starting Tuesday into last November’s deadly UPS cargo crash in Louisville, focusing on why a wing-mounted engine separated and what Boeing and regulators missed. Local Environment: Honolulu crews are responding to an oil spill at Ala Wai Harbor after red-dye diesel was reported near the docks; officials say no injuries or wildlife impacts have been reported. Housing Watch: On Kauai, a luxury condo developer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy over a “predatory lending agreement,” pausing a lawsuit over drainage runoff that opponents say could threaten nearby beaches. City Moves: Waikiki’s Kuhio Avenue gets a 52-day rehab starting June 8, with lane closures and detours expected. Workforce & Tech: Honolulu launches a free “AI for Everyone at Work” pilot to train small-business and nonprofit leaders to bring AI into the workplace responsibly. Weather: Expect humid trade-wind showers and pockets of heavy rain through Tuesday night, easing later in the week.

EMS Promotions: Honolulu Emergency Medical Services held its third annual promotional ceremony, elevating nine paramedics and one EMT into leadership roles, including two new District Chiefs and seven Unit Supervisors. Road Work: The city says Kūhiō Avenue rehab starts June 8 between Lewers Street and Royal Hawaiian Avenue, with about 52 days of phased asphalt reconstruction and safety upgrades. Travel Costs: AAA warns Memorial Day travelers face the highest gas prices since 2022, with Hawaii among the priciest markets. Army Dining Overhaul: The U.S. Army is expanding its “campus-style dining” pilot overseas, with proposals tied to Schofield Barracks and Fort Shafter. Education Testing: NAEP civics results could become state-by-state for grade 8 starting in 2028, a major shift from the current national-only approach. Local Culture & Pride: Honolulu Hale and Blaisdell Arena will be lit gold for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Weather & Safety: Coastal flooding advisories remain in effect into Monday afternoon, with minor flooding possible at peak tides.

Flooding Fallout: Back-to-back storms have left Oʻahu’s North Shore farms struggling after the state’s worst flooding in two decades, with mud hardening over fields and officials warning growers not to give up as hundreds of farms report tens of millions in damage. Celebrity Buzz: Kendall Jenner and Jacob Elordi were spotted on a “private” Hawaii beach hangout, reigniting romance rumors. Faith & Politics: DNI Tulsi Gabbard urged humility, fasting and prayer during Rededicate 250, a nationwide day tied to the 1776 Continental Congress anniversary. Army in the Pacific: U.S. Army Pacific leaders say transformation is moving into real changes—new command structures, long-range fires and AI—geared for an Indo-Pacific fight. High School Sports: Moanalua and Kapolei made history by winning HHSAA state flag football titles, while Moanalua also topped Punahou in DI volleyball and multiple track-and-field championships were crowned after weather delays. Public Safety: A 75-year-old died after becoming unresponsive while surfing in Hawaii Kai, and a 73-year-old woman died after a medical emergency during a scuba dive off Kewalo Basin.

UFC Spotlight: Conor McGregor is officially back—Dana White announced he’ll face Max Holloway at UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas, a rematch of their 2013 fight. Local Public Safety: Honolulu police are investigating a Kakaako attempted murder after a 23-year-old showed up at a hospital with a gunshot wound; the suspect was last seen on a yellow motorcycle. Traffic & Utilities: Hawaiian Electric crews will do work along Piʻilani-Kula Highway near ʻUlupalakua Ranch Road on May 19, with alternating lane closures; separate emergency rock removal on Hāna Highway at Maliko Gulch runs May 18–22 with intermittent holds. Volcano Watch: Kīlauea’s summit eruption is paused, but USGS models point to the next high lava fountaining episode sometime May 22–27. Community & Culture: Skyline riders on May 18 will help fund Boys & Girls Club of Hawaiʻi programs, with Great Futures Day statewide on May 20. Wildlife Case: A tourist charged after allegedly throwing a rock at endangered monk seal Lani is facing a defense that says he didn’t understand the animal’s significance.

UFC Spotlight: Conor McGregor is officially back—UFC CEO Dana White announced he’ll fight Max Holloway on July 11 at UFC 329 in Las Vegas, a rematch of their 2013 bout that McGregor won despite a torn ACL. Flood Fallout: In Waialua, catastrophic March flooding left small farmers scrambling—mud wiped out crops, and without insurance many are hunting for seeds and starter plants while trying to restart food production. Local Safety: Police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run on Highway 130 in Keaʻau, where a pedestrian was struck multiple times by unknown vehicles and the drivers fled. Pearl Harbor Watch: A wastewater pipeline rupture at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard spilled about 2,250 gallons of untreated wastewater near the piers, with officials saying it was stopped by noon. Weather & Power: Heavy rain has eased but showers linger, while Oʻahu saw lightning-related outages after a strike sparked damage at the Kahe Power Plant switchyard.

Traffic Tragedy: A man was killed on Hawai‘i Island Friday night after being struck multiple times by hit-and-run drivers near Highway 130 and Orchidland Drive; police say he may have been crossing outside a marked crosswalk and have opened a negligent homicide investigation. Crash Wave: The death follows a separate head-on crash on Daniel K. Inouye Highway that killed two and injured four, the second double-fatality in a 13-mile stretch in 10 days. Weather Watch: A statewide flood watch was canceled early Saturday as the storm threat eased, though brief heavy showers and thunderstorms had earlier popped up—especially on the windward side and parts of the Big Island. Local Events: Maui AgFest returns May 30 in Wailuku, spotlighting the county’s livestock and agriculture with a full day of activities. EV Push: A new fast-charging station opened at Kapalua Airport, adding four 150-kilowatt chargers for public use.

Police & Courts: Honolulu’s October officer-involved shooting near Queen’s Medical Center has been ruled “suicide by cop,” with prosecutors saying the suspect confronted officers while armed and under the influence. Hawaiʻi Island Crime: Police are investigating a Hilo murder after 57-year-old Michael Alan Torres Jr. died from injuries suffered in an assault on Operations Street; the case is now second-degree murder and tips are being sought. Weather & Travel: Oʻahu and the islands are dealing with an upper disturbance and lingering showers; a flood watch remains in effect as storms also triggered road closures, flight delays, and power outages across Oʻahu. Local Governance: Honolulu will reopen contraflow on the North Kalaheo Avenue Bridge starting Monday, with daytime two-way access and evening restrictions. Public Safety/Health: The state is moving to erase about $91M in medical debt for roughly 50,000 Hawaii families, if the governor signs the bill. Community & Culture: The 3rd Mindanao Book Festival runs May 21–23, celebrating Mindanao through books and public conversations.

Gas Prices: April saw a sharp jump in pump costs, with the national average rising to about $4.52 a gallon and Hawaii listed among the priciest states at roughly $5.64—LendingTree flags April 2026 as the sixth-highest month for gas prices on record. Military Readiness: Air Force top leaders visited Team Hickam to stress “fly and fix” readiness, including an F-22 flight with the Hawaiian Raptors and a push on total-force integration in the Pacific. Weather Watch: Trade-wind rain and possible thunderstorms kept a Flood Watch in play across parts of the islands, with conditions expected to ease by Sunday. Local Politics: Hawaii Gov. Josh Green signed a law aimed at challenging Citizens United by treating corporations as “artificial persons,” setting up a new fight over corporate political spending. Public Safety & Community: Flags will fly at half-staff statewide for Peace Officers Memorial Day, honoring fallen officers. Wildlife: A rare dolphin case—“Koa,” missing tail flukes—has conservation groups asking the public to help protect it as summer boating ramps up.

Kīlauea Update: Lava fountaining is back at Halemaʻumaʻu as Kīlauea’s 47th episode ramps up, with activity reported from the north vent and periodic overflow at the south vent, plus possible light ashfall depending on winds. Weather Watch: A Weather Alert Day is in effect Friday as an upper disturbance brings heavier rain and isolated thunderstorms, raising the risk of localized flooding across the islands. Public Safety: Hawaii ocean-safety officials are testing remote-controlled “Dolphin 3” robots to help with rescues in hard-to-reach areas, aiming to cut drownings. Controversy: Kash Patel’s “VIP snorkel” at the USS Arizona memorial is under fresh scrutiny after reports and emails suggest he took part in a restricted excursion while on official business. Local Governance: Honolulu Police chief finalists are taking public questions in a live forum, as the department’s leadership search narrows. Community & Culture: The City of Honolulu is inviting residents to sew and donate lei for Memorial Day, with thousands of fresh leis planned for the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.