AGP Executive Report

Kalaupapa Water Restored, Power Still a Problem: Hawaiʻi DOH says Kalaupapa’s drinking water system repairs are complete and water has been tested, but a power line was damaged by Hurricane Nolo’s winds, delaying the return of patients and staff; residents also report theft while they’re away. State Digital Win: Hawaiʻi earned its first-ever “A” grade in the Center for Digital Government’s Digital States Survey, the highest rating since 2010. Honolulu Pride Plans: The Pride flag will fly outside Fasi Municipal Building throughout October, with rainbow lighting at Honolulu Hale and Blaisdell during Pride weekend (Oct. 16–18). Whistleblower Case in Tourism: A jury awarded former HTA executive Isaac Choy $500,000 for retaliation after he raised contracting irregularities, and he hopes the ruling encourages other whistleblowers. Kailua Shooting Charges: A 24-year-old woman faces second-degree murder and firearm charges in the fatal Kailua Target-area shooting. Local Sports & Community: Clippers players practice in Honolulu this week ahead of a preseason opener; Warriors coaches ran a free youth basketball clinic at Palama Settlement. Business After Storms: Hawaiian Telcom says it’s accelerating fiber upgrades after recent storms to restore service faster.

SNAP Update: Starting Oct. 1, Hawaii’s SNAP benefit amounts rise, with the state listed at $1,655 for eligible households, reflecting the federal cost-of-living adjustment. Weather & Flooding: Kauai remains under a flash flood warning as Tropical Storm Nolo moves west; Hanalei Bridge is closed due to river flooding, and the island also faces a flood advisory. Water Conservation: Hawaiʻi Department of Water Supply replaced an Essential Water Use notice for Wai‘ōhinu-Nā‘ālehu customers with a Water Restriction Notice, asking for at least a 25% cut while repairs continue after Hurricane Lala. Airline Tech Buzz: Skytrax ranked airlines for in-flight Wi‑Fi, with Hawaiian Airlines placing in the top tier; meanwhile, Elon Musk and Delta’s CEO traded barbs over Starlink service. Local Business & Culture: Ono Hawaiian BBQ is opening its second Texas location in McKinney on Oct. 2, continuing its North Texas expansion. Big Island Grants: Hawaiʻi County awarded $450,000 in FY26-27 R&D Impact Grants across 23 projects, including agriculture, business, film, and regenerative tourism.

Hurricane Nolo Aftermath: Hawaiʻi County shelters have closed, but the Department of Water Supply is still under strain in Naʻālehu, Waiʻōhinu, Discovery Harbour and South Point, shifting from “essential use only” to a broader 25% water reduction order as repairs continue. Local Public Health: Crews and health officials are finally clearing spoiled food from the closed Happy Days Chinese Seafood Restaurant in Kaimukī after a partial roof collapse, with limited access to the kitchen and pest-control monitoring expected to wrap by Oct. 2. Gun Violence & Minors: Police say three teens face firearm charges after gunfire in Waikiki, adding to recent cases involving minors and reigniting debate over how young people get guns despite Hawaii’s storage and parental-responsibility laws. Kailua Shooting Vigil: Loved ones remembered Thomas Malone, 30, killed after a fight spilled over from the Kailua Fall Festival; police say a 24-year-old suspect turned herself in. Sports & Community: The NBA returns to Oʻahu with Clippers and Warriors training camps, while Steph Curry adjusts his offseason routine to protect his knee. LPGA in Ewa Beach: The Lotte Championship tees off Oct. 1 local at Hoakalei Country Club with a $3 million purse and Hwang Yu-min defending.

Hurricane Nolo Update: Trade winds ease but Kauaʻi and Niʻihau face heavier showers and elevated surf risks as Nolo weakens and tracks about 300 miles west of Kauaʻi; localized flooding is possible, with conditions expected to improve later this week. Big Island Water: Hawaiʻi County Water Supply issued a 25% water reduction order for Kalapana and “essential use only” limits for several nearby areas due to flooding impacts and possible water system damage. Tourism Recovery: Kauaʻi’s North Shore gets another boost as 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay reopened after Hurricane Lowell left it without power for more than two weeks. Air Travel Upgrade: Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines unveiled new premium suites and premium economy “Premium Reserve” cabins, with rollout beginning in 2028 and sales expected in summer 2027. Local Housing Snapshot: Zillow reports Kapolei’s typical home value rose 0.7% to $841,057 in August 2026. Community & Health: Exclusive Hawaii Rehab highlighted the need for dual-diagnosis care, while a separate report notes PFAS detected at Fort Shafter’s water system. Entertainment: ‘Saved by the Bell’ star Dennis Haskins (Mr. Belding) died at 75.

Kailua Fall Festival shooting: Honolulu’s medical examiner identified the victim as 30-year-old Thomas C. Malone of Kaneohe, killed in a shooting that erupted after an argument spilled from the festival into a nearby Target parking lot; HPD is asking for photos and video from the event area. Kaimuki neighborhood health concern: Neighbors say the abandoned Happy Days Chinese Seafood Restaurant is still emitting a strong stench after a roof collapse, prompting calls for action to address public health risks. Power and storm recovery: Hawaiian Electric ended its PSPS watch as conditions improved, restoring power to nearly all West Maui customers; Maui County also closed the Lahaina Civic Center emergency shelter at 4 p.m. Local public safety: A 15-year-old was charged in an attempted murder case in Halawa, while police continue seeking help in a separate Kailua fatal shooting investigation. Warriors update: Stephen Curry re-signed with Golden State on a two-year, $116 million extension, and Kristaps Porzingis is out indefinitely with a health issue ahead of training camp. Community news: Ward Village broke ground on two new residential towers, ‘Ilima and Melia, adding 369 homes and retail space.

Hurricane Nolo & Hawaii impacts: Hurricane Nolo remains a powerful Category 4 far southwest of the islands, with dangerous surf and a hurricane warning for the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument; forecasters say the core should stay well offshore, but moisture could bring more showers to Kauai, Niihau and possibly Oahu later this week. Maui power & storm recovery: After Nolo, thousands of customers remain without power on Maui as crews work to restore service, and Lahaina schools stay closed while the county warns about prolonged outages. Hurricane Polo & Mexico: Hurricane Polo barrels toward Mexico’s Baja California with life-threatening flood risk, as Baja communities brace and evacuations and preparations ramp up. Atlantic weather watch: Tropical Storm Hanna formed in the Atlantic but is not expected to threaten land, while other disturbances continue to be monitored. Local environment & courts: A Washington man accused of throwing a rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal has had travel restrictions eased ahead of trial. Warriors camp update: Golden State center Kristaps Porzingis is out indefinitely with a health issue and won’t travel to Hawaii for the start of training camp. SpaceX: Starship reached orbit for the first time, deployed new Starlink satellites, then flight controllers cut the test short with a splashdown north of Hawaii.

Hurricane Nolo Update: Nolo has strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane but is moving well southwest of the main Hawaiian Islands, with a high-wind warning, wind advisory and high-surf advisory still in effect for parts of the Big Island through Sunday evening; forecasters warn outer rain bands could still bring life-threatening flooding and mudslides. Local School Impacts: Hawaii’s Department of Education says four Lahaina schools will stay closed Monday due to ongoing power outages, the nearby Olowalu brush fire and water-service uncertainty, while most Hawaii Island and Maui schools reopen as roads and campuses are assessed. Maui Power/PSPS Response: The County of Maui and Hawaiian Electric say West Maui outages are expected to continue overnight, with a PSPS activated in Pukalani affecting about 485 customers; a temporary service site opens at the Hannibal Tavares Community Center (4:30–10 p.m.) with charging and Starlink, and residents are urged to prepare for prolonged outages. Volcanoes National Park Reopens: Most areas of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park have reopened after Nolo, with a short list of remaining closures around Kīlauea summit and Kahuku Unit trails pending staff assessments. Health & Community: HMSA named Trini Kaopuiki Clark vice president of strategic communications and marketing, effective Nov. 2. Elsewhere in the Pacific: Analog astronauts met President Marcos in the Philippines, highlighting continued support for space science and technology.

Hurricane Nolo: The storm has moved farther west away from Hawaiʻi Island, but the danger isn’t over. Flooding, strong winds and hazardous surf continue, with high wind and high surf advisories and road closures still affecting parts of the Big Island, especially Kaʻū. Local Impact: Heavy rain overnight triggered flooding near Kaʻū roads and Highway 11, while officials warned additional downpours could worsen conditions and mudslide risk. Aviation Incident: Hawaiian Airlines said seven flight attendants became ill after a mystery odor on an A330 flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu; the aircraft returned to service about 10 hours later. Courts & Public Safety: An appeals court backed Hawaii’s gun permit rules, including a deadline and inspection mandate. Community & Health: Hawaii pharmacies are offering COVID vaccines amid an uptick, and the state is also rolling out SNAP rule changes starting Oct. 1. Sports: UH football fell to Wyoming 27-10, with Micah Alejado and the Warriors missing key chances.

Hurricane Nolo Update: Nolo has pulled farther west, and Hawaii’s coastal watches and warnings were discontinued, but gusty winds, heavy rain, and dangerous surf continue. On the Big Island, a flood advisory was extended and Highway 11 closures remained in place as flooding hit areas including Kaʻū and parts of Nāʻālehu/Waiʻōhinu. Local Emergency Response: Hawaiian Electric reported isolated outages statewide, including about 30 customers in Lower Puna and roughly 200 in Ewa, with crews restoring power. Maui Fire Threat: In West Maui, an evacuation order was issued for Olowalu Village due to a brush fire; Honoapiʻilani Highway was closed, and by evening the fire had burned about 300 acres and was ~40% contained, with shelters open. Community Resilience: A report on “disaster fatigue” in Hawaii highlights the emotional strain of back-to-back storms and urges mental-health check-ins as part of preparedness. Sports: Wyoming beat Hawaii 27-10 in Mountain West play, reclaiming the Paniolo Trophy. Mail: USPS holiday shipping deadlines were announced for Hawaii and other territories.

Hurricane Nolo Watch: Nolo remains nearly stationary south of Hawaiʻi Island as a Category 2 storm with 105 mph winds, but forecasters say it could strengthen into a major hurricane by tonight or early Sunday; a Hurricane Watch and Tropical Storm Warning stay in place for Hawaiʻi County, with heavy rain, gusty winds, and dangerous surf expected through the weekend. Local Preparedness: Hawaii County and Maui County are urging residents to get ready for flooding and wind impacts, while officials and utilities monitor conditions and plan for possible outages. Federal/Regional Response: The U.S. Postal Service is also reminding Hawaiʻi customers to ship early for holiday delivery, with USPS Ground Advantage recommended by Dec. 16 for Alaska, Hawaii and territories. Community Spotlight: The Hawaiʻi State Public Library System says more than 25,000 people statewide joined the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, with a Kahului resident winning grand-prize airline tickets. Public Safety: The FBI is seeking possible victims in the case of former Moanalua wrestling coach Sean Sakaida, charged federally with child pornography. Economy Update: UHERO forecasts slower growth for Hawaiʻi in 2026 as high oil prices and storms weigh on tourism and jobs.

Hurricane Nolo: Category 2 Nolo churned about 145 miles south of Kaʻū with 105 mph winds, moving north at 3 mph, as a hurricane watch and tropical storm watch stayed in place for Hawaii County and Maui. Forecasters warn the biggest threat is heavy rain and life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides, with strong gusts and possible tornadoes/waterspouts mainly near the storm track. Federal help: President Trump approved a pre-landfall emergency declaration for Hawaii, letting FEMA coordinate disaster response and provide federal support for emergency protective measures across Honolulu, Hawaii, Maui and Kauai. Local readiness: Hawaiian Electric reported no major outages so far but urged customers to prepare for possible power disruptions; HDOT crews cleared drains and checked bridges and slopes along the Hana Highway. Community response: In Kaʻu, grassroots groups are stockpiling supplies for remote neighborhoods after lessons from Hurricane Lala. Public safety and services: Shelters were opening/expanding and officials urged residents and visitors to avoid unnecessary travel. Health and environment: Low levels of PFAS were detected at Fort Shafter’s water system on Oʻahu, and the Army notified DOH; officials said the levels are unlikely to pose a public health risk. Other local news: A former Moanalua High School girls wrestling coach was charged with receiving and possessing child pornography; the FBI is seeking possible victims.

Hurricane Nolo: Hawaii is bracing as the storm strengthens to a Category 1 with Tropical Storm Warnings and a Hurricane Watch posted for the Big Island, where forecasters warn of 10–15 inches of rain (isolated 25 inches) and catastrophic flash flooding and mudslides; Maui faces lower totals but still dangerous flooding risk. Local response: Hawaiian Electric urged customers to prepare for possible extended outages, while Big Island and Maui officials opened shelters and issued closures and guidance for residents to stock up, plan for power loss, and get ready for severe weather. Relief and safety: The Disaster Distress Helpline is available 24/7 for anyone overwhelmed by the storm, and food banks are preparing supplies for families. Other Hawaii items: UHERO says war-driven oil prices and the active storm season are slowing Hawai‘i’s economy, with gradual improvement expected as energy and recovery costs ease. Community health: Exclusive Hawaii Rehab is promoting neurofeedback and trauma-informed support for addiction and complex PTSD.

Hurricane Nolo: The storm has upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane in the Pacific and is expected to rapidly intensify as it nears Hawaiʻi, with a hurricane watch and tropical storm warning for the Big Island and flood and high-surf concerns expanding across the islands. Officials warn of life-threatening, catastrophic flooding and mudslides from heavy rain, plus damaging waves along exposed coasts. Local preparedness: Hawaiʻi County is opening additional shelters and crews are clearing flood channels and reinforcing vulnerable areas, while Hawaiian Electric says customers should prepare for possible extended power outages. Maui and Kauaʻi recovery pressure: Maui residents and businesses are bracing while still dealing with recent storm impacts, and Kauaʻi families are worried about another hit as they continue cleanup after Hurricane Lowell. Health and travel disruptions: Honolulu EMS responded to reports of an unknown odor on an incoming flight, evaluating seven people for nausea and headaches; all declined ER care. Community support: The Hawaiʻi Community Foundation has deployed $45,000 to help local groups with Nolo preparedness outreach and emergency supplies, and also provided $500,000 for Hurricane Lowell recovery.

Tropical Storm Nolo: Hawaii Island is under a Hurricane Watch as Nolo strengthens, with forecasters warning of heavy rain and possible catastrophic flooding and mudslides through the weekend; Big Island and Maui could see life-threatening downpours, while schools and offices are closing in the affected areas. Storm spillover: The same Pacific weather system is also tied to Hurricane Polo battering Mexico’s coast, raising broader concerns about flooding and landslides across the region. Local public safety: Hawaii Island police canceled the Kawamoto Classic Swimming Event due to the storm, and residents are being urged to prepare for changing conditions. Health policy: Attorney General Raoul and other AGs are pushing the Trump administration to keep federal vaccine guidance science-based, warning recent moves have sown confusion. Data breach settlement: AG Tong led a multistate $2.3 million settlement with LabCorp over the AMCA data breach that exposed millions of people’s sensitive information. Consumer logistics: USPS released 2026 holiday shipping deadlines, with Hawaii/territories’ earliest recommended mailing date set for Dec. 16.

Tropical Storm Nolo: Hawaii leaders are urging residents to prepare now as Nolo strengthens and threatens the Big Island and Maui with heavy rain, flooding and mudslides; the National Weather Service warns of potentially catastrophic totals, and the Big Island remains under a hurricane watch while shelters and closures roll out. Local Closures & Shelters: Gov. Josh Green ordered Hawaii Island schools and offices closed Thursday and Friday, with Maui County closures starting Friday; Hawaii County opened multiple refuge shelters and urged people to avoid roads and follow emergency guidance. Merrie Monarch Conservation: The Merrie Monarch Festival is calling for a three-year pause on harvesting scarce native plants used for lei and hula, asking for mālama ʻāina to let forests recover. Defense Construction Reform: NAVFAC Pacific says the Navy needs faster, more flexible defense construction in the Pacific, moving away from long sequential timelines. YMCA Kailua Center: The YMCA of Honolulu held a Hawaiian blessing for its new Kailua infant, toddler and preschool center, with enrollment now open. WWE Returns to Oahu: WWE will bring two live shows to the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena Oct. 16-17 and also plans talent tryouts in Hawaii. Politics & Campaign Finance: A new report alleges a Hawaii-based defense contractor funneled money tied to Susan Collins’s 2020 reelection while steering federal contracts his way.

Tropical Threat: Tropical Depression 15-E has reformed south of Hawaiʻi and is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane, with Big Island and Maui bracing for heavy rain and possible damaging winds late Friday into the weekend; officials say a hurricane or tropical storm watch may be needed as the track remains uncertain. Volcano Update: Kīlauea’s summit activity restarted with lava flows from a north vent, prompting a Volcanic Activity Notice while the alert level stays at WATCH. Energy & Resilience: Hawaiian Electric’s Waena battery storage project hit a major milestone as the first Tesla Megapacks arrived and were installed, part of a 40 MW/160 MWh system aimed at stabilizing Maui’s grid. Courts & Safety: The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court eased toxic-tort proof rules in a Dow herbicide case, saying plaintiffs don’t have to pinpoint exact exposure amounts—only that they have a disease that could be caused and were in areas where it was used. Local Governance: Maui County Council members advanced the South Maui Community Plan update, focusing on legal fiscal estimates and strengthening emergency evacuation provisions. Business & Travel: USPS released recommended 2026 holiday mailing deadlines, including earlier dates for Hawaiʻi and Alaska.