AGP Executive Report

Pacific Security: China tested a submarine-launched ballistic missile in the southern Pacific, with analysts saying it’s aimed at sharpening nuclear deterrent operations and signaling reach that could include Guam and Hawaii. Hawaiʻi Conservation: Gov. Josh Green signed measures recognizing a Hawaiʻi Conservation Sanctuary model and strengthening governance, including extending the statute of limitations for bribery cases to nine years. Public Health: Hawaiʻi DOH reported a new travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu; officials say local transmission risk is low but urge residents to eliminate standing water. State Politics: Democrats are building support to impeach Education Secretary Linda McMahon over claims of dismantling parts of the Department of Education without approval. Local Culture: The 49th Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards return Saturday, celebrating Hawaiʻi’s top music talent. Business & Travel: AAA says gas prices are rising again, with Hawaii among the highest statewide averages.

Hawaii Earthquake Update: A magnitude-4.5 quake struck off the west coast of the Big Island July 9, with light shaking reported and no tsunami threat; HVO says it’s likely related to ocean-crust bending and that aftershocks are possible. Gun Policy Shift: HPD says medical marijuana permit holders won’t be automatically disqualified from firearm permits after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling, with decisions based on individualized assessment. Local Public Safety & Health: The Hawaii Island Fentanyl Task Force invites the community to the Walk for Lives on July 11, with routes in Hilo and Kona. State Politics: The Campaign Spending Commission referred Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke to the attorney general for potential criminal prosecution over alleged campaign finance violations. Community & Environment: Gov. Josh Green signed bills to expand community partnerships for land and natural resource stewardship, including watershed and native ecosystem restoration. Hawaii Economy: Fuel-price shocks tied to Iran-related tensions are pushing Hawaii airfares higher, adding pressure to summer travel. Sports & Community: Kona’s Kamakahonu Swim wrapped the 2026 Triple Crown series with 332 swimmers.

HPD Enforcement: Honolulu police shut down three alleged illegal gambling operations in a Moiliili apartment complex, seizing 57 gaming machines, more than $12,000 in cash, and drugs; no arrests were reported. Health Policy: Gov. Josh Green signed measures to expand healthcare access and relieve medical debt, including steps aimed at earlier colorectal cancer detection for uninsured residents. Public Safety Training: Honolulu first responders are taking part in a mass casualty incident training program in Waikiki, with 180 attendees expected and experts from across the mainland. Environmental Compliance: The state Department of Health ordered ABC Towing & Parts and a Pearl City property owner to stop accumulating solid waste and clean up a site, issuing penalties totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars. Ocean Safety (Kaua‘i): Officials warned residents not to swim or do ocean activities at Hanalei Bay due to heavy runoff and brown water. Infrastructure: The H-1 will fully close overnight Saturday for pedestrian bridge work, with ramp closures and detours in place. Volcano Science: USGS scientists collected tephra samples from Kīlauea’s crater wall to improve understanding of the volcano’s behavior. Local Culture & Community: Wing Luke Museum’s new executive director outlined plans to reinvigorate the museum and its mission.

Human Trafficking Law: Gov. Josh Green signed HB1960 requiring hotels and other transient lodging operators to train staff to spot trafficking warning signs, keep training records, and post public awareness materials. City Politics: Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi blasted the City Council’s override of his line-item vetoes, saying it will effectively dismantle the Office of Economic Revitalization and cut 15 jobs. Elections Security: Hawaii lawmakers pressed for a “Plan B” if the USPS can’t deliver ballots on time, as questions linger ahead of ballots going out. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Straub Benioff construction debris fell onto S. King Street, shutting parts of the road; police said no one was hurt. Environment & Health: Green also signed a bill creating a fund for low-interest or forgivable loans to help homeowners convert cesspools to septic systems or sewers. Local Health Care: The UH Cancer Center opened a new $19.5 million clinical research facility to expand Phase 1 and 2 trials for patients in Hawaii.

Shoreline Safety & Restoration: Crews are starting hazardous-debris removal at Sand Island State Recreation Area on July 9, after erosion exposed WWII-era remnants; the DLNR says the park stays open with possible partial weekday closures through October. Public Service & Community: Mayor Rick Blangiardi hosted a public Declaration of Independence reading at Honolulu Hale as part of the city’s America 250 celebrations, with youth leaders and performances by the Royal Hawaiian Band and Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaii. State Health Watch: Hawai‘i health and agriculture officials say the risk to the islands from a New World screwworm outbreak detected on the mainland remains very low, with inspections and surveillance in place. Local Fire Response: Honolulu firefighters extinguished an early-morning Kapolei warehouse blaze; no injuries were reported and investigators will determine the cause. Environment & Economy: Gov. Josh Green signed film and marine economy bills, including a new Office of Marine Affairs to coordinate Hawai‘i’s “blue economy.” Marine Life Concern: A UH study found unexpectedly low calf numbers among Hawaii Island spinner dolphins, raising worries about long-term survival and pointing to human disturbance.

Hawaii-Indonesia ties: Hawaii National Guard leaders and the 111th Army Band Na Koa marked the 20th anniversary of the Hawaii-Indonesia State Partnership Program with military, disaster-response and cultural exchanges in Surabaya and Jakarta. Public safety & elections: Honolulu reported no July 4 fireworks injuries, and Oahu ballot drop boxes have started arriving ahead of the Aug. 8 primary. Local government: Honolulu City Council is set to consider overriding Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s vetoes restoring funding and positions for the Office of Economic Revitalization. Homeless services: A Honolulu homeless outreach audit was halted because the CORE program keeps changing and can’t produce reliable data. Energy policy: UHERO temporarily withdrew an energy report after errors were flagged, as Hawaii weighs solar, geothermal and LNG options. Transportation: Crews are installing a temporary pedestrian bridge for the H-1 widening project, triggering a full eastbound closure Saturday night near Likelike/Gulick. Economy & tech: Hawaii County advanced a bill to ban industrial-scale data centers, and Honolulu plans $1.5M to revive the Biki bike-share system.

Fisheries & Federal Appointments: Hawaiʻi longline leaders Eric Kingma and Roger Dang were tapped for seats on the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, a move supporters say brings expertise while conservation groups warn it further favors commercial fishing as the Trump administration reopens parts of Papahānaumokuākea and other Pacific monuments to fishing. Local Fire Safety: Honolulu Fire Department crews responded to two separate Gulick Avenue fires, rescuing two residents in each case and securing several dogs; investigations are underway. Food & Consumer Alerts: The Hawaiʻi Department of Health issued a recall notice for Pedigree High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck wet dog food after reports of possible metal and plastic pieces. Community & Energy: Honolulu’s park upgrades under a $39 million efficiency contract earned a national Energy Leader Award, with work aimed at cutting utility costs and protecting sea turtle nesting. Hawaiʻi Agriculture Relief: Applications opened for emergency recovery grants for farmers and ranchers hit by the March Kona Low, with deadlines set for July 31. Sports & Culture: A Hawaii-tied contestant lineup was announced for “Big Brother 28,” and local cheer athletes earned UCA All American distinctions.

RIMPAC Update: The Philippine Navy and Coast Guard are set to be fully integrated into RIMPAC’s at-sea phase, with U.S. officials highlighting Manila’s growing role as drills expand to live-fire, amphibious operations, anti-sub warfare training and unmanned systems. Local Public Safety: Honolulu’s Department of Customer Services says the new veteran motor-vehicle registration discount took effect July 1 for eligible veterans 65+ (not dishonorably discharged), with exemption verification required in person. Maui Nonprofits: Maui United Way awarded $900,000 in Community Resiliency Grants to 13 nonprofits across Maui, Molokai and Lanai, including support for Molokai’s domestic violence shelter after federal funding losses. Maunakea Oversight: UH is urging the Maunakea Oversight and Stewardship Authority to extend observatory subleases as the summit master lease transfer process moves forward. Housing/Infrastructure: Oahu home sales hit a new June median record of $1,242,500, while Hilo’s Banyan Drive bayfront redevelopment advances with new funding for planning and demolition steps. Environment: A study warns coral reef decline could cost Hawaii billions in lost reef-related activities by 2100, with impacts hitting lower-income communities hardest.

Child Exploitation Case: An 18-year-old woman, Reaiah Murray, was arraigned in Honolulu on an indictment alleging she used social media to sell child pornography involving a minor, with prosecutors citing multiple felony counts including promoting child abuse and use of a computer. Police Crackdown: HPD raided an illegal gambling room in Waipahu, seizing 17 gaming machines and more than $6,000 in cash. Airport Security: TSA says a knife was found hidden in a prosthetic leg at Honolulu International Airport, after an officer spotted the attempt and alerted agents. Elections Logistics: Official ballot drop boxes for the 2026 election began arriving on Oʻahu, with 17 locations planned and the Honolulu Hale box expected later this week. Local Planning: Honolulu is seeking public input on proposed rules for a city-run spay-and-neuter program, with an in-person hearing set for July 9. Road Work: Kilauea Ave traffic changes begin Monday for Safe Routes to Waiakea Schools, with lane closures and shifts through 2027.

Hawaii Economy & Jobs: Hawaii’s labor force hit a 6-year high as leisure and hospitality added 1,400 nonfarm payroll jobs in May, lifting total employment by 1,900 for the month; the unemployment rate stayed at 2.5%. Public Safety: A national pedestrian report found urban Honolulu improved, ranking 68th out of 101 metro areas for pedestrian fatalities, though officials stressed that any death is unacceptable. Aviation Pipeline: Hawaii is fast-tracking pilot recruiting as retirements loom, with an Aug. 1 Hawai‘i Aviation Expo planned to connect students with flight schools and airlines. Local Governance & Planning: On Kaua‘i, the Garden Island Boogie Board Classic returns July 17-19 at Prince Kuhio Beach, while on Hawai‘i Island, a Windward planning panel deferred a bill that would ban new paid parking lots. Community & Environment: World Ocean Day cleanup efforts across the islands removed more than 6,074 pounds of marine debris, with dive teams pulling hidden gear from reefs. Veterans & Community Stories: A WWII and Korea veteran led a Slidell golf cart parade on July 4, reflecting how service stories keep echoing across communities.

Local Infrastructure: Honolulu crews are repairing a 12-inch water main break at Kapiolani Blvd. and Isenberg St., closing two Ewa-bound right lanes and affecting 38 services; a water wagon is available nearby. Public Safety: Honolulu Ocean Safety reported 46 rescues and 7,772 preventative actions across O‘ahu over the Fourth of July weekend, urging beachgoers to watch for strong currents and shorebreak. Crime Update: HPD arrested a 41-year-old man for allegedly assaulting an elder in Waianae, and a 52-year-old man for allegedly stabbing a woman in the Ala Moana area. Weather & Regional Impact: Super Typhoon Bavi is battering the Marianas, with catastrophic winds and heavy rain prompting cancellations and travel disruptions. Community & Health: AlohaCare Foundation awarded $54,000 in scholarships to 12 students across six islands pursuing health and social-service careers. Education Workforce: Hawai‘i’s J-1 Visa Teacher Program welcomed a record cohort, adding 237 teachers to help close vacancy gaps statewide. Sports (Hawaii ties): Kelsey Pfendler completed a record solo row from California to Hawai‘i, arriving in Honolulu to cheers.

Public Safety: Honolulu Ocean Safety reported 46 rescues and thousands of preventative actions during Independence Day, including help for people hit by a canoe in Waikiki and Narcan administered after a near-drowning at Ala Moana. Road Safety: A woman died after crashing into the H-1 center median in Nuuanu; police said she wasn’t wearing a seat belt and lanes were closed for hours. Local Government & Infrastructure: A $10 million Safe Route to Waiakea Schools project will add sidewalks, drainage work, curb ramps and driveway reconstruction along Kilauea Avenue in Hilo, with weekday lane shifts through 2027. Community & Health: The UH Cancer Center opened its Ho‘ola Early Phase Clinical Research Center in Kakaako, aiming to bring Phase 1 and 2 trials to Hawaii patients closer to home. Environment: A monk seal pup was born at Kalaeloa’s Nimitz Beach, prompting calls for tighter protection as volunteers report people and unleashed dogs getting too close. Police Leadership: New Honolulu Police Chief David Lazar hit the streets for a “listening and learning” tour during the holiday.

Fire Safety & Response: Honolulu Fire Department crews extinguished a fire at William P. Jarrett Middle School in Kaimuki; no one was hurt and investigators are now looking for the cause. Rescue Operations: After a search was paused overnight, HFD rescued a stranded Nuuanu hiker on the Kapalama Trail and airlifted him to safety. Volcano Watch: Kīlauea’s summit eruption is paused with USGS at ADVISORY; models point to possible lava fountaining between July 9 and 14. Local Sports & Events: The PGA Tour is ending the Sony Open’s main-tour Hawaii swing, but the tournament returns in 2027 as a PGA Tour Champions stop at Waiʻalae. Hawaii Culture & History: Hawaiʻi State Archives donated two major collections to America250, including WWII “Turner Letters” and new Selma-to-Montgomery civil rights photos now on display at the Capitol. Outdoor & Community: The Hawaii Conservation Conference runs July 14–16 in Waikiki, bringing together native species and ecosystem protection efforts. Travel & Tourism: A Grand Canyon river guide, Kelsey Pfendler, completed a record solo row from California to Hawaii, drawing a big local welcome.

Local Governance: Gov. Josh Green signed a statewide ban on passenger and cargo ropeways, a direct rebuke to the controversial North Shore Kamananui Ranch gondola project and a broader “Pandora’s box” warning for future development. Education & Workforce: Hawaii DOE is welcoming a record 237 J-1 visa teachers, bringing the program to more than 600 international educators as vacancies drop below 100 statewide. Economy & Community: Hawaii becomes the first state to guarantee funded, tax-advantaged savings accounts for eligible foster children, pairing federal seed money with state and philanthropic support. Culture & July 4: Honolulu and communities across the islands mark America’s 250th with parades, fireworks and events, while many Native Hawaiians also center resistance and ‘Ilau Ka Hula at Bishop Museum. Public Safety & Weather: Residents in the U.S. Pacific territories brace for Super Typhoon Bavi after April’s Sinlaku recovery struggles. Science & Environment: UH says Maunakea’s UKIRT telescope will end operations Sept. 15 and be decommissioned by 2030. Sports & Local Pride: Visually impaired runner Marri Murdoch tackles the Kona Marathon with guide Eric Helms.

Foster Care Savings: Gov. Josh Green announced Hawaii will be the first state to guarantee every eligible foster child (newborns through age 17) a funded, tax-advantaged savings and investment account under the “Fostering the Future” program, using federal seed money plus support from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and Ed Freedman’s Stable Road Foundation. Lahaina Recovery: Maui County and the Hawaiian Council unveiled plans for ‘Ulu o Lele, a new Front Street outdoor marketplace meant to bring back storefronts and programming after the 2023 wildfire, with 17 retail units, food trucks, and nightly entertainment. Hawai‘i America250 Prep: Honolulu police issued Waikiki road-closure updates for Saturday’s Hawai’i America250 celebration at Kapiolani Park and the fireworks show. Kīlauea Update: USGS Volcano Watch marked Kīlauea’s 50th lava-fountaining episode at Halemaʻumaʻu, including a 1,030-foot fountain on June 27. Maui Fireworks Safety: HIEMA urged residents to follow fire-safety guidance for the July 4 weekend and dry-season conditions.

Honolulu Police Leadership: David Lazar was sworn in as Honolulu’s 13th police chief, pledging to rebuild trust inside HPD and with the community. Public Safety—Fireworks: A Waipahu man, Jeremy Calizo, was sentenced after pleading no contest to homemade explosive-device charges tied to a 2024 incident; the judge deferred acceptance of the plea for four years with community service. Local Services—DMV Now: Honolulu County says DMV Now kiosks can handle late registration renewals up to 10 months after expiration, but you can’t use a kiosk if your notice shows outstanding traffic violations or a needed safety inspection. Hawaii Politics: The Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission filed a civil complaint against Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke’s campaign alleging 251 campaign-finance violations and seeking a $28,300 fine. Community & Culture: The city plans Hawai‘i America250 celebrations honoring O‘ahu’s history and diversity, including events tied to the 250th anniversary. Disaster Watch: Residents in U.S. Pacific territories are bracing for possible super typhoon impacts as Typhoon Bavi approaches the Marianas.