AGP Executive Report

Local Public Safety: Honolulu police are rolling out drones as first responders in two districts, aiming to speed up response to crime scenes. Local Politics: Hawaiʻi County District 3 is headed to an Aug. 8 primary with incumbent Dennis “Fresh” Onishi facing challenger Kelton Chang for the open seat. Hawaiʻi Business & Community: Hawaiʻi County is accepting applications for a new Event Sponsorship Program, with $250,000 available for events running Oct. 1, 2026–June 30, 2027. Sports: Season tickets are now on sale for the Hawaiʻi Hilo Vulcans’ fall soccer and volleyball home events. Federal/Regional Watch: A 25-state coalition led by Oregon has filed a lawsuit challenging Trump forced-labor tariffs, with Washington and California among the plaintiffs. National/Global: Jetstar says it will start charging for larger overhead carry-ons beginning Feb. 2027.

Invasive Species Funding: The U.S. House Natural Resources Committee approved Rep. Ed Case’s bipartisan bill to fund invasive-species response across Hawaii, including Oahu refuges, with $10 million a year starting in 2027. Corrections Update: Honolulu police are searching for alleged OCCC escapee Joseph Tauilemua, 20, last seen without a shirt or shoes near Kalihi. Maui Court Case: A Wailuku man was arrested after a barricade incident tied to an order of protection, with police using an SRT and K-9 unit to resolve it. Waianae Arson Probe: Police are investigating a flare thrown into a parked car that damaged a vehicle and nearby home. Local Sports Honors: Volleyball stars Erik and Kawika Shoji were named to Stanford’s 2026 Athletics Hall of Fame class. Science from Maui: New high-detail images of the sun’s surface were captured using the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope on Maui. Community & Culture: Aloha Kendama Tournament drew kids and families to Kapolei, bringing the classic skill toy back to Hawaii.

Weather Watch: Light trade winds keep most of Hawaii steady, with passing showers mainly hitting windward and mountain areas; an upper disturbance may boost Oahu and Kauai showers through Friday, then more moisture could reach Maui and the Big Island by the weekend. Maui Water Policy: A Maui County Council panel voted to send a revised subdivision bill back to the Board of Water Supply after questions about whether it truly changes anything the water department can already do. Honolulu Short-Term Rental Crackdown: Honolulu is warning illegal vacation rental operators—first violations can hit $5,000, and repeat or even just advertising an unregistered rental can bring up to $10,000 a day, with officials saying the goal is protecting housing for local families. Housing Costs: New data shows home prices rose in 80% of U.S. metro areas in Q2, with affordability still squeezed by higher mortgage rates. Sun Science (Maui): Using the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope on Maui, researchers captured the sun’s surface in unprecedented detail, revealing new patterns that may help explain why the corona is so much hotter than the surface. Tariff Fight: Hawaii is among 25 states suing the Trump administration over new tariffs, arguing they’re a pretext after the Supreme Court struck down earlier tariff authority.

Local Infrastructure: Windward Oʻahu crews are back at work on the North Kālaheo Avenue Bridge over the Kawainui Canal, extending daytime contraflow hours (7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Mon–Thu) and adding overnight detours for Kailua-bound drivers. Public Safety: Hawaii Island police issued nearly 300 citations during a Daniel K. Inouye Highway enforcement push, including 174 for speeding, and made one DUI arrest. Health: The CDC says cyclosporiasis cases have surged to 47 states, with 10,468 lab-confirmed infections since May 1 and an outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms. Environment & Wildlife: DLNR proposed updates to HAR 13-124 to strengthen protections for indigenous wildlife, including limits on “take,” habitat harm, and feeding. Permitting Tech: Starting Sept. 1, Honolulu’s DPP will require CivCheck Guided AI for eligible residential projects, or applications will be rejected in pre-review. Crime: Police arrested a Mountain View man, Kawika Ah Nee, after a Hilo shooting left a 53-year-old critically injured; investigators are seeking a search warrant. Research: UH Mānoa researchers report gut bacteria are associated with the pace of biological aging, while stressing the study doesn’t prove cause.

Local Weather: Light to moderate trade winds stick around through Friday, with most showers hitting windward and mauka areas in the morning; a bit more rain may favor Kauai midweek, and moisture could increase toward Maui and the Big Island by the weekend, with surf trends improving but a new south swell expected early next week. Entertainment & Community: Honolulu-based Filipino actress Mary Rivera, who played Ned Leeds’ grandmother “Lola” in “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” died at 82 after a stroke and coma; her family said they removed her from life support and she was cremated. Housing & Cost of Living: A National Association of Realtors report says home prices rose in 80% of metro areas in Q2 2026, with the national median single-family existing-home price up 1.5% year over year to $434,900. Legal Fight Over Tariffs: A coalition of 25 states, including Hawaii, sued the Trump administration over new forced-labor tariffs, arguing the duties are unlawful and a pretext to replace earlier measures struck down by the courts. Science in Hawaii: UH Mānoa oceanographers report Hawaiian corals may be able to adapt to future heat stress, using high-resolution projections to assess reef risk across the islands.

Tariff Fight: A coalition of 25 Democratic-led states, including Hawaii, sued the Trump administration in federal trade court over new tariffs on 60 trading partners, arguing the forced-labor claim is a pretext and the president lacks legal authority. Local Wildlife: Hawaii officials opened an investigation after two men allegedly threw a rock at a young Hawaiian monk seal pup near Diamond Head. Ocean Safety: Kauai Ocean Safety Bureau warned swimmers after a 15-foot tiger shark was spotted off Kekaha Beach, with signs to be removed if no more sightings occur. Education & Tech: Hawaii’s new statewide cell phone policy takes effect as students return, limiting phone use during school hours (with high school rules varying by instructional time). Housing: Demolition began at the former Dee Lite Bakery site in Kalihi to clear the way for about 150 affordable housing units near the future Skyline station. Community Support: Kauai schools are receiving more than $330,000 in unrestricted grants for the new school year, plus a major back-to-school supply giveaway.

Local Politics & Elections: Two more in-person voting sites opened today in Wahiawa and Kaneohe, as Honolulu-area election logistics continue to ramp up. Education & Facilities: Hawaii teachers say aging school buildings are disrupting classrooms statewide, renewing pressure for repairs and upgrades. State Housing: DHHL turned down a city gift of Kailua land, keeping the focus on how land decisions shape future housing options. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Park access is disputed in Hawaii Kai as three condo projects clash over entry, while Moanalua Freeway lanes reopened after a crash. Community & Culture: A new Blooms Café opened in Hilo, turning a former skateboard shop ramp into a community spot centered on colorful orchids and homemade food. Military & Service: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency identified Korean War Cpl. Jackie Lee Thurman, and his remains are set to return home with full honors. Regional Spotlight: Pool play at the 2026 Senior League Softball World Series in Delaware begins for the Bulacan Dreamers, representing the Asia-Pacific region, with Hawaii also in the tournament field.

Road Safety: A serious crash shut down three westbound lanes on H-1 at the Halawa interchange Sunday, while another motorcyclist was hospitalized after losing control on H-2 near the Ka Uka off-ramp. Emergency Alerts: Hawai‘i will run its monthly statewide outdoor warning siren test Aug. 3, with a live audio alert test timed alongside it. Power/Weather: Hawaiian Electric ended its Public Safety Power Shutoff watch after winds eased and humidity rose; officials also canceled a Big Island wind advisory as conditions improved. Local Recognition: Hawaii Business Magazine named Catherine Ngo its inaugural Wahine of the Year. Community & Culture: The 85th annual Nā Hula Festival brought free music and dance to Kapi‘olani Regional Park. Politics/Tribal Gaming: U.S. senators pressed the CFTC over prediction markets, arguing the agency must meet government-to-government tribal consultation standards. Research: UH researchers used drones to tag humpback whales, aiming to reduce disturbance while expanding data for conservation.

Honolulu City Politics: Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke’s bribery and conspiracy indictment is already reshaping Hawaii’s party primaries, with GOP challengers arguing it proves Democrats’ dominance needs a real two-party shakeup. Local Governance: Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters has appealed a judge’s ruling that he’s ineligible for a third term; the City Clerk says votes for him will still be counted only to determine whether an eligible candidate reaches “50% plus one.” Big Island Weather & Safety: A wind advisory for parts of Kohala and Ka‘ū was canceled after winds dropped, but officials still warn about gusty conditions and wildfire-related power shutoff monitoring. Hawai‘i County Elections: Five newcomers are vying for the open District 5 seat in the Aug. 8 primary, focusing on traffic, infrastructure, and cost of living. Environment & Research: UH Hilo researchers say they’ve identified the first known blacktip shark nursery habitat in Hilo Bay, with young sharks living there year-round. Consumer Protection: Hawaii’s new law banning crypto “transaction kiosks” takes effect Oct. 1, but advocates urge people to avoid them now due to rising crypto ATM fraud.

Traffic & Safety: A multi-car crash blocked three northbound lanes of Oʻahu’s H-2 Freeway before the Ka Uka Blvd exit, with HPD, EMS and HFD on scene. Water & Infrastructure: Board of Water Supply crews are repairing a 16-inch water main break in Waialua Beach Road, closing the road and leaving about 40 customers without water. Big Island Weather/Fire Risk: A wind advisory was extended for parts of the Big Island (excluding summits), with gusts up to 50 mph and Hawaiian Electric monitoring wildfire-prone areas. Local Crime: HPD is investigating an armed Pearl City robbery of a 16-year-old boy; police also opened a negligent homicide probe after a fatal Kau rollover collision. Politics: Honolulu Elections Division says City Council Chair Tommy Waters is disqualified from the District IV race, but his name will still appear on ballots already printed. Community & Culture: Hawaiʻi lawmakers and advocates marked new immigrant justice laws at the state Capitol.

School Safety on Oʻahu: Honolulu Police and the state Department of Education are expanding a School Resource Officer pilot to Nanakuli High & Intermediate, adding retired officers and building on early results like fewer behavior incidents and stronger student-officer relationships. Tourism Watch: Hawaii’s visitor industry is seeing shorter stays—June averaged 7.9 days, down from 8.9 last year—though spending per visitor rose enough to keep total spending slightly up. Weather & Travel Prep: A windy stretch is easing as trade winds return, with scattered showers possible later as Tropical Storm Genevieve’s moisture filters in; officials urge residents to stay alert for changing conditions. Native Hawaiian Business & Sovereignty: Local entrepreneurs are pushing “economic sovereignty,” including a palaka-focused accelerator effort that helps Native Hawaiian and local business owners grow and seek investment. Health Alert: The state Department of Health confirmed a fourth travel-related cyclosporiasis case in Hawaii residents.

Wildfire & Power Prep: Hawaiian Electric is monitoring high winds and dry conditions on Hawaiʻi Island under a Public Safety Power Shutoff “watch,” warning outages could happen if fire risk spikes; the Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply is also urging residents to plan for possible water impacts if power is cut. Wind Advisory: A wind advisory is in effect through Saturday evening, with gusts up to 60 mph possible near Maunakea and Mauna Loa, bringing down trees and difficult driving. Public Health: The state DOH confirmed a 4th cyclosporiasis case in 2026 tied to a Hawaii-based military member who traveled internationally; officials say community risk remains low. Local Crime: Honolulu police charged a suspect in an Ala Moana-area illegal gambling bust involving 11 machines and cash; on Maui, a 14-year-old turned himself in over a Kāʻanapali resort riot, and a 17-year-old turned himself in over an $80,000+ Wailea retail theft. Transit Update: Mokulele Airlines will resume twice-daily Kona–Kahului flights starting Oct. 1, with reservations opening Aug. 3.

Hawaiʻi Weather & Surf: Trade winds are expected to strengthen into the weekend, with breezy conditions and rising east shore surf; a wind advisory could be needed for some areas, and trades may ease Sunday as Genevieve’s remnants linger nearby. Volcano Watch: Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense administrator Talmadge Magno is retiring Aug. 1 after years steering response efforts through eruptions, storms, fires, and other major hazards. Local Health & Safety: Hawaii’s blood supply is under strain, with Blood Bank of Hawaiʻi seeking donations; meanwhile, the state’s DOH issued a red placard to Pier 21 Lunchroom in Honolulu. Governance & Accountability: OHA trustees are clashing over an independent investigative report tied to CEO allegations, as the agency also looks for a new CEO amid legal fights. Community & Infrastructure: Honolulu is lowering speed limits to 20 mph in school zones during school days, and the city is also dealing with a downtown power outage affecting twin office towers. Sports (Hawaii ties): The Mets traded lefty reliever A.J. Minter to the Twins; Hawaii native Bruin Agbayani is among the prospects coming to New York.

Pedestrian Safety: A 65-year-old woman is in critical condition after being hit by a car in an Iwilei parking lot near Alakawa Street and Nimitz Highway around 1:50 p.m. Thursday; police haven’t said whether speed, alcohol or drugs were factors. Fire & Displacement: Maui firefighters battled a blaze that destroyed a home on Kahekili Highway, leaving three residents displaced; damage is estimated at $350,000 to $500,000. Courtroom Corruption Case: Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and three other officials pleaded not guilty to bribery and conspiracy charges tied to alleged COVID testing pay-to-play; prosecutors face questions from defense attorneys as a key defendant remains at large. Public Safety Policy: Honolulu lowered school-zone speed limits on Oahu from 25 to 20 mph during school days when children are present, with new signage planned near more than 200 schools. Maui Theft Probe: Police are investigating a luxury theft at Wailea where suspects allegedly stole $80,000+ in handbags and other items; a search warrant turned up more handbags, cash, and suspected cocaine. Housing Progress: Gov. Josh Green marked completion of Hoʻokahi Leo Kauhale Phase Two in Kalihi, adding 30 deeply affordable homes with supportive services. Wildfire Mitigation: Hawaiʻi Island groups received $1.8 million for wildfire fuel-reduction and preparedness projects through the 2026 Urban Interface grant program. Local Crime: Honolulu police are investigating an arson at an unoccupied Alewa Heights home where a basement fire was intentionally set.

Hurricane & Weather Watch: Trade winds are expected to return after Tropical Cyclone Fausto weakens and moves away, with muggy conditions lingering and surf trends shifting as swells from the wider Pacific build. Public Health: Federal officials say food-illness surveillance is “working better than ever” even as cyclosporiasis cases climb to 45 states, with outbreaks tied to contaminated produce. Local Disaster Response: TRICARE is authorizing emergency prescription refills for Main Island, Hawaii, through Aug. 6 due to the Kawaihae Road Fire. Community & Services: Child & Family Service will hold a blessing for its new permanent Hilo location, expanding help for domestic violence, counseling, and family support. Honolulu Infrastructure: A downtown power outage at twin office towers highlights ongoing strain as Kakaako’s electricity capacity becomes a bottleneck for major projects. RIMPAC & Defense: RIMPAC 2026 continues around Hawaiʻi with dozens of nations and new autonomous systems trials, including unmanned maritime experiments.

Kīlauea Update: Episode 52 at Halemaʻumaʻu ended early Wednesday after lava fountaining that sent the north vent up to about 500 feet, with tephra mostly limited to the closed area of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Maui Justice: Maui Police arrested three more teens tied to the July 17 Kāʻanapali resort riot, bringing the total to six juveniles; investigators say charges may include bias or gang-related conduct. Hilo Drugs Case: A 45-year-old Hilo man was charged after police seized about 1.75 pounds of cocaine in a vice operation at a public park; bail set at $500,000. Storm Water Training: Honolulu’s Storm Water Quality Division will hold its BMPS workshop July 30–31 at Sheraton Waikiki to help improve storm water management. Ocean Science: UH Hilo researchers identified the first known blacktip shark nursery habitat in Hilo Bay, with juveniles present year-round. Community & Culture: State Sen. Lorraine Inouye announced $350,000 for design and initial site prep for the Panaʻewa Hub, a homestead-driven community center in South Hilo. Local Business: Kam Bowl reopened as Ali’i Diner, keeping longtime favorites like loco moco and chicken katsu.