AGP Executive Report

Hurricane Lala Aftermath: Hurricane Lala skirted Hawaii’s Big Island without making landfall, but still brought Category 1 winds near 75 mph, torrential rain, flash-flood emergencies in Kaʻū (including Naalehu), and a storm-related death in a car crash; officials reported homes swept off foundations, downed trees and power lines, and widespread road closures. Power and Recovery: Hawaiian Electric said more than 88,000 customers lost power across Hawaii Island, Maui and Oʻahu, with outages still affecting large portions of the islands as crews worked amid dangerous conditions. Storm Shift West: Lala weakened to a tropical storm early Sunday, but tropical-storm warnings remained for Maui, Oʻahu, Kauaʻi and others as damaging winds and heavy rain moved west. Local Preparedness: State and county officials urged residents to stay home, shelter in place, and file insurance claims promptly, while transportation disruptions continued. Other Hawaii News: Hawaiʻi Department of Health authorized reopening of Baan Thai Family Cuisine in Kailua-Kona after review.

Hurricane Lala: Category 1 hurricane winds up to 75 mph are battering Hawaiʻi Island, with forecasters warning of life-threatening flooding and mudslides as 10–20 inches of rain (up to 25) are possible, plus dangerous surf. Power & water: Hawaiian Electric reported tens of thousands without power on the Big Island, with crews assessing downed lines and possible “load shed,” while the Board of Water Supply urged Oʻahu residents to cut water use and prepare for outages. Travel & ports: Airlines canceled and reduced flights statewide, airports shut down on Hawaiʻi Island, and the Coast Guard closed commercial ports as conditions worsened. Local response: Maui County opened temporary evacuation points, and the City of Honolulu and other agencies urged residents to shelter in place and stay off roads and beaches. Other Hawaii news: A Kapolei man was hospitalized after an apparent stabbing, and a Maui doctor convicted of attempted manslaughter is seeking a retrial over claims of juror misconduct.

Hurricane Preparedness: Tropical Storm Lala is expected to strengthen into a hurricane before reaching Hawaii’s Big Island this weekend, with a rare hurricane warning in effect for Hawaii County and tropical storm warnings elsewhere; forecasters warn of life-threatening flooding from heavy rain (up to 8–12 inches broadly, with isolated higher totals), damaging winds, and dangerous surf that could also raise wildfire risk. Local Impacts: As Lala closes in, officials and residents across the islands are bracing for storm conditions, with closures and travel disruptions already underway, including major park shutdowns and flight cancellations. Public Health Watch: The state Department of Health confirmed a fifth cyclosporiasis case in Hawaii in 2026, tied to travel history, while stressing the risk to the public remains low. Community & Culture: Hawaii’s tourism and culture scene continues to adapt as storm plans shift, while local events and visitor guidance are being updated for the weekend’s weather.

Tropical Storm Lala: Hawaii is bracing for a rare, potentially historic hit as Lala strengthens toward hurricane strength, with a Hurricane Warning for the Big Island and Tropical Storm Warnings for Maui plus watches for other islands. Officials say the biggest threats are life-threatening flooding, damaging winds, and dangerous surf, with heavy rain expected to begin affecting the Big Island Saturday and spread through the weekend. Emergency response & shelters: The state and counties are opening shelters and refuge areas, including Honolulu’s eight hurricane refuge sites Saturday morning and Hawaii County shelters starting Friday at 6 p.m. Power & wildfire risk: Hawaiian Electric is monitoring wildfire conditions and warns outages could last days; it may use a Public Safety Power Shutoff in high-risk areas, while the Honolulu Fire Department is preparing for both storm emergencies and increased wildfire danger. Public guidance: Ocean Safety is urging people to stay out of the water as surf and currents change quickly. Health alert: DOH confirmed a 5th cyclosporiasis case in Hawaii residents, tied to recent travel, with risk to the public described as low.

Hurricane Lala Watch: Hawaii is bracing for Tropical Storm Lala to strengthen into a hurricane as it nears the Big Island, with a hurricane warning for Hawaiʻi County and a tropical storm watch for Maui County. Forecasters warn of life-threatening flooding, mudslides, and dangerous surf, with rainfall totals on the Big Island potentially reaching up to 20–30 inches in spots due to steep terrain. Local prep: The state DLNR is clearing stream channels and coordinating dam safety checks, while the Coast Guard is scheduled to raise port heavy-weather conditions statewide. Community impacts: Hawaii County officials are preparing shelters and emergency operations as the storm’s worst effects are expected to arrive first on the Big Island. Other Hawaii items: Waipahu scam reports rose to among the state’s top cities for July, and Honolulu Ocean Safety is ramping up rescues ahead of high surf.

Tropical Storm Lala: Gov. Josh Green declared a statewide state of emergency as Lala nears Hawaii at near-hurricane strength, with heavy rain, damaging winds, flash flooding and dangerous surf possible starting Friday. Big Island school and park updates: Big Island public schools stay open Friday (in-person instruction), then close after 5:30 p.m. through the weekend; Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is rolling into closures, including Mauna Loa summit and key roads/trails starting noon Friday. Ocean safety: Honolulu Ocean Safety is urging visitors and residents to be extra vigilant as Lala brings higher surf and life-threatening ocean conditions, with lifeguards extending hours and ramping rescues readiness. Local planning and infrastructure: The City is offering a courtesy review of the Final Environmental Assessment for the Ala Wai Pedestrian Bridge to improve Waikīkī-McCully-Mōʻiliʻili connectivity and emergency access. Health and environment: DOH and DAB warn that migratory birds returning to Hawaii raise avian influenza risk, urging backyard flock owners to boost biosecurity. Business and travel: Mokulele Airlines expands inter-island service with three new Cessna 208 Caravans and a renovated Honolulu terminal. Volcano watch: Kīlauea’s Episode 53 ended early Thursday after about 9.6 hours of lava fountaining.

Tropical Storm Lala Watch: Tropical Storm Lala has formed in the central Pacific, and a hurricane watch is now in effect for Hawaiʻi County as the storm could strengthen near the Big Island this weekend, bringing heavy rain, high surf, and damaging winds. Civil Defense & Roads: Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense says Daniel K. Inouye Highway will stay closed today in the fire area, while Kīlauea’s Episode 53 continues with tephra and elevated gas expected near the park and possibly visible on Highway 11 near the crater. Coast Guard Port Rules: The Coast Guard is raising port heavy-weather conditions for commercial ports statewide, with pleasure craft told to seek shelter and larger vessels urged to plan departures as restrictions may tighten. Local Safety Reminder: Hilo-area officers held a cleanup at Richardson Ocean Park and found signs animals had been brought onto the beach; the county reminds residents animals are prohibited at beach parks and violations can lead to charges. Volcano Update: Kīlauea’s Episode 53 lava fountaining at the summit ended early today after about 9.6 hours, with the alert level lowered to advisory. Honolulu Licensing Closed: The City and County of Honolulu is canceling special Saturday licensing hours on Aug. 15 due to potential severe weather.

Kīlauea Update: The USGS raised Kīlauea’s alert level to watch as Episode 53 ramped up, with lava fountains transitioning to high activity at Halemaʻumaʻu and tephra/gas likely drifting southwest depending on winds. Storm Prep: Honolulu and Maui officials are urging residents to prepare as a developing tropical system could strengthen before possible impacts later this week, with heavy rain, flooding, and dangerous surf concerns. High Surf Advisory: A high surf advisory is set for south-facing shores starting Thursday evening through Friday morning, with 8–12 foot surf and unsafe swimming conditions. Local Government: Honolulu City Council confirmed Krishna Jayaram as the new Managing Director, effective immediately, as he takes over day-to-day city operations. Infrastructure: Honolulu will rehabilitate the Numana Road Bridge over Kalihi Stream starting Aug. 17, with lane changes and a full closure expected later in the project. Public Safety: HPD shut down two alleged illegal gambling operations in Halawa, seizing gaming machines, cash, and drugs; no arrests were reported. OHA Forums: OHA plans televised candidate forums for the 2026 trustee election, pre-recorded Oct. 3 and broadcast statewide in mid-October. Economy/Cost of Living: U.S. inflation cooled to 3.4% in July, but food prices—especially groceries—remain a strain for Hawaii shoppers.

Tropical Storm Prep: Honolulu officials are urging residents to get ready for a potentially developing system that forecasters say has a 90% chance of becoming a tropical depression or storm by Wednesday, with possible strong winds, heavy rain, and dangerous surf this weekend. Coastal Flood Update: A coastal flooding statement for parts of the Big Island was canceled after water levels fell just below thresholds. Local Jobs: The City and County of Honolulu is hosting a free career fair for East Oʻahu on Aug. 13 at Kaimuki High School, with about 30 employers and workforce resources. Infrastructure Milestone: Honolulu marked completion of the Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant’s Secondary Treatment Phase One, boosting treatment capacity and helping protect beaches and ocean waters. Environment & Wildlife: A 3-month-old Hawaiian monk seal was found dead on Oʻahu’s North Shore, entangled in an abandoned lay net. Maui Land-Use: Haʻikū Fire Station plans stalled as a Maui County Council panel hit a land title dispute, pushing consideration back two weeks. Shipping: Young Brothers says Port of Kawaihae will resume normal gate hours after Aug. 13, with modified cargo acceptance on Aug. 20.

Violent Crime: Honolulu police arrested a 52-year-old man tied to a stabbing on Kalanianaole Highway, charging him with second-degree attempted murder after a 58-year-old victim was stabbed multiple times early Sunday. Elections: A recount is underway at the State Capitol for two close GOP primary races—Senate District 20 (7-vote lead) and House District 43 (1-vote lead)—with ballot review expected to run into Wednesday. Weather & Safety: City officials urged Oʻahu residents to prepare for a developing Central Pacific tropical system this weekend, while Kauaʻi crews repaired an emergency water line that closed a Kūhiō Highway lane and Hawaii Island firefighters battled brush fires that shut parts of Daniel K. Inouye Highway near Waimea and South Kohala. Environment & Infrastructure: Honolulu leaders held a blessing for a new Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant membrane bioreactor facility aimed at modernizing Oʻahu’s wastewater system. Civic Life: OHA announced televised candidate forums for the 2026 Board of Trustees election, bringing candidates together to discuss issues facing Native Hawaiians. Public Interest Tech: Local groups protested Palantir’s presence in downtown Honolulu over concerns about surveillance technology.

Local Infrastructure & Community: Aloha Stadium’s demolition is in its final stages, with only two original pieces left as crews clear the way for a new New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District expected to start in November and open in 2029. Public Safety & Health: Hawaii’s papaya growers say drought, weather swings, and rising costs are squeezing production in Puna, with fruit also facing expensive mainland shipping and fruit-fly treatment. Environment & Science: Researchers using Hawaii’s Inouye Solar Telescope helped reveal tiny solar vortices reshaping how scientists understand the Sun’s magnetic energy. Water & Food Safety: Trace selenium was detected in the Wailuku water system, while county health inspections highlighted which local eateries earned perfect scores. Crime & Courts: A former OnlyFans model, Courtney Clenney, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the 2022 stabbing of her boyfriend and received a six-year sentence. Politics & Elections: General election matchups are set after Saturday results, with multiple races headed for recounts after razor-thin margins.

Maui Recovery & Mental Health: The state Department of Health launched Project Hoʻoulu, a face-to-face resiliency outreach with crisis counselors supporting children, youth and adults affected by Kona Low flooding across Maui, Molokaʻi, Oʻahu and Lānaʻi. Drinking Water Watch: DOH says trace selenium was found in parts of Maui’s Wailuku water system, but levels (2.4 to 6.5 ug/L) are below the state and federal limit and “unlikely” to pose a public health risk. Wildfire Preparedness: A Makaha Valley firebreak project is nearing completion on Oʻahu, clearing vegetation to protect more than 200 structures and 572 condo units, with another Kahuku-area firebreak set to start next week. Red Hill Community Update: The Navy Closure Task Force-Red Hill will hold a Sept. 17 town hall and open house on decommissioning and drinking water safety at Ewa Beach. Hawaiʻi Weather & Tropics: Forecasters are watching two Pacific disturbances that could develop into tropical cyclones, with one potentially threatening Hawaii as soon as this weekend. Local Public Safety: Honolulu police are investigating a Halawa Housing parking-lot shooting with no reported injuries. Community & Culture: Lahaina’s O-Bon Festival returns Aug. 14 at Lahaina Jodo Mission, continuing a tradition rebuilt after the 2023 fires.

Gun Safety Fight: New York AG Letitia James co-led a 22-state pushback against the Trump administration’s plan to roll back decades of federal firearm safety rules, arguing the ATF proposals are unlawful and would make communities less safe. Hawaii Courts & Justice: A Toronto man, Dallas Pokornik, pleaded guilty to wire fraud after posing as a commercial pilot to get free flights; he was extradited to Hawaii and faces further charges, with restitution to U.S. airlines. Hawaii Weather Watch: Hawaii News Now says trade-wind conditions will hold through next week while forecasters monitor a possible tropical cyclone about 1,100 miles east-southeast of the islands. Local Food & Community: Kona-Kohala Chefs are handing out free recipe pads at island stores and markets to encourage cooking with locally produced foods. Housing Pressure: A new analysis says Hawaii has one of the highest shares of million-dollar homes, as rising values reshape what counts as “luxury.”

Maui Politics: Yuki Lei Sugimura celebrated her primary win and vowed to fight for November, while addressing the shock federal public corruption case involving Maui Police Department Lt. Michael Vaituulala that’s now front and center for voters. Local Crime: Honolulu police are investigating an alleged Kalihi tent arson after a man reportedly used a torch lighter during an argument; he was later arrested. Molokai Tragedy: A serious UTV crash near Halawa Valley Park killed two young women and injured four others; speed and alcohol are suspected, and investigators say no one was wearing helmets or seat belts. Maui Assault Charges: Two men were charged with murder after a Kahului attack left a 71-year-old man dead; police say pepper spray was used during the initial confrontation and the suspects allegedly tried to take a vehicle. Ocean Safety: Box jellyfish were spotted at Waikiki and Pokai Bay, prompting a beach advisory. Weather Watch: Trade winds stay breezy with minor coastal flooding possible, while a tropical system could develop east-southeast later this week. Tech/Legal: Meta is set for another major U.S. trial over alleged harms to children, brought by four states.

Hawaii Politics: Rep. Ed Case beat progressive state Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole in Hawaii’s 1st District Democratic primary, winning about 57% to 34%, while Jill Tokuda cruised to renomination in the 2nd District with about 84%—a reminder that Hawaii’s Democratic establishment is still holding strong. State Elections: Gov. Josh Green and Lt. Gov. nominee Derek Kawakami also advanced to the Nov. 3 general election after dominant Democratic primary wins. Local Government: In Honolulu’s District 4 City Council race, Trevor Ozawa led after Tommy Waters was disqualified over term limits, setting up a likely two-candidate general election. Weather & Safety: Minor coastal flooding is possible on low-lying shores through midweek during high tides, with officials warning drivers not to enter flooded roadways. Science & Environment: Researchers using seagrass-inspired “seaweed balls” say they can trap microplastics across a wide size range. Tourism & Culture: Puʻukoholā Heiau on Hawaiʻi Island will host its 54th anniversary free Hawaiian Cultural Festival Aug. 15-16.

Election Update (Oʻahu): With Hawaii’s primary election day underway, Oʻahu voters still showed up in low numbers, with Honolulu and Kapolei voter service centers reporting just 471 total in-person voters by midday as officials urged people to use the state’s digital voter guide. Ballot Counting (Statewide): Ballots are being verified and processed at the state Capitol, with some ballots duplicated for machine readability and results expected in stages after polls close. Maui Recovery (3 Years Later): Maui officials marked the third anniversary of the wildfires, citing progress like hundreds of homes rebuilt or under construction, debris removal completed, and key infrastructure restored, while noting recovery remains uneven. Public Safety (Kalihi): Firefighters contained a fire at a vacant Kalihi commercial building, with investigators now working to determine the cause. Volcano Watch (Kīlauea): New research suggests magma chemistry could help explain why Kīlauea’s lava fountain heights rise and fall, potentially pointing to whether taller fountains may return. Marine Life (Humpbacks): UH Mānoa researchers are using drones to deploy noninvasive suction-cup tags on humpback whales, aiming for safer, more efficient tracking. Sports (Pearl City): Pearl City Little Leaguers won the Senior League Baseball World Series, beating Curacao 5-0.