AGP Executive Report

Violent Crime: A Keaʻau man was arrested after a fatal shooting in Hawaiian Paradise Park, where 41-year-old Jose Adame Romero died from multiple gunshot wounds; police say 49-year-old Bryant Scott Guevarra is charged with second-degree murder. Police Investigation: Honolulu police opened an attempted murder probe after a 60-year-old man was found with puncture wounds at Heʻeia Kea Pier in Kāneʻohe; no arrests reported. Fire Safety: Honolulu firefighters battled a high-rise blaze on South King Street, extracting two residents and treating a woman in serious condition and a man for possible smoke inhalation; investigators are still determining the cause. Aviation Incident: Delta diverted a Maui-to-Seattle flight to Honolulu after fumes were reported post-takeoff; several passengers were treated for headaches and nausea. Weather Watch: Breezy trade winds continue Monday and Tuesday, with a First Alert for possible heavier rain and isolated thunderstorms later this week as Tropical Depression 15-E’s remnants are monitored. Community & Culture: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park ecologist Stacey Kehaulani Torigoe is set to receive the National Park Service 2026 Director’s Award for Natural Resource Management. Public Safety: Lifeguards revived an unresponsive swimmer in Waikiki using an AED before Honolulu EMS took over.

Red Hill Water Safety: Honolulu City Council urged state and federal regulators to require expanded groundwater testing around the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, citing lingering contamination concerns and the need for more frequent, broader PFAS and petroleum monitoring. Storm Costs: Hawaii Emergency Management Agency estimates severe weather has caused more than $212 million in public infrastructure damage, with schools facing an additional $174.5 million in storm-related repair needs. Elections Anxiety: After the Supreme Court rejected Trump’s push to block mail-in ballots, Hawaii election officials and voter-rights groups warn of possible intimidation and urge voters to return ballots early. Kauai Tourism Fallout: Hurricane Lowell damage left many would-be visitors unsure about Kauai trips; HTA says reschedule or consider other islands, while hotel leaders say travelers should go if lodging is operating. Weather Watch: Trade winds stay breezy through tomorrow, then moisture increases next Tuesday into midweek with a higher chance of heavier rain. Community & Culture: Mōʻiliʻili’s new Waiānuenue ma Kapaʻakea retail hub is set to bring major brands like Paris Baguette and Wingstop alongside local eateries. Sports (Local/Regional): Rainbow Wahine volleyball rebounded with a five-set win over Iowa State, and Honolulu-area sports schedules highlight upcoming high school matches.

Hurricane Lowell recovery: Kauai Island Utility Cooperative says power restoration is at 96% for members, with crews still working North Shore outages between Moloaa and Hanalei and addressing pocket outages between Kapaa and Kekaha; vegetation and debris clearing in Wainiha/Haena and Kokee continues, with repair timing expected over the next week. Waikiki fire update: Honolulu Fire Department ruled a Waikiki commercial building blaze accidental, tracing it to a lithium-ion battery-powered light charging in a storage room; damage was estimated at about $1.91 million and no one was hurt. Public safety—shooting: HPD is investigating an attempted murder after a 15-year-old was shot in the Halawa Housing area; police are asking for tips and describe the suspect’s car as a possible light red four-door sedan. Local community: More than 20,000 rubber duckies filled the Ala Wai Canal for the Great Hawaii Rubber Duckie Race, raising about $65,000–$70,000 for keiki with cerebral palsy. State help for storm impacts: Gov. Josh Green approved tax relief for Hurricane Lowell victims, waiving penalties and interest for certain GET and TAT filings through November 2026. Traffic/utility work: Hawaiian Electric extended Likelike Highway lane closures for storm-damaged equipment repairs through Sept. 25.

Micronesia & Federal Policy: Guam Gov. David Apatang says he won’t ask the U.S. Interior Department to pause the Marianas deep-sea mining lease sale before an Oct. 19 deadline, pointing instead to separate public comments due in the Federal Register and ongoing lawsuits. Local Governance: Hawai‘i County Council unanimously advanced Bill 184 on first reading, moving toward requiring native plants in county landscaping while allowing flexibility for safety, engineering, irrigation, and cost. Sports & Identity: USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino said Noahkai Banks was “honest” about choosing Germany, with FIFA approving the one-time switch; Banks, born in Honolulu, will represent Germany’s youth teams. Emergency Management (Maui): Francis Kau was selected deputy administrator of the Maui Emergency Management Agency, bringing disaster recovery and logistics experience from the 2023 Maui wildfires. Hawai‘i Environment: Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park ecologist Stacey Kehaulani Torigoe received the National Park Service Director’s Award for Natural Resource Management. Business: American Savings Bank priced an upsized IPO at $16 per share, with shares beginning trading on the NYSE.

DOJ vs. Tuition Policy: The U.S. Department of Justice sued Hawaiʻi over state in-state tuition and aid for undocumented immigrants, arguing it violates federal law and discriminates against U.S. citizens; UH says it hasn’t been formally served. Courts & Public Safety: A judge denied a retrial for Maui doctor Gerhardt Konig, convicted in the Pali Puka Trail attack on his wife; the defense plans to appeal. Hurricane Lowell Recovery: Kauaʻi power restoration hit 95% of KIUC members, with remaining outages mainly on the North Shore and in Kokee. Local Crime: HPD charged a 12-year-old in Ewa Beach after an alleged gun threat toward a 13-year-old; no injuries reported. Energy Costs: The Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission begins statewide hearings Sept. 22 on Hawaiian Electric’s proposed rate rebasing that could raise typical bills starting in 2027. Environment & Accountability: A dye test confirmed a wastewater connection between Pūpūkea Beach Park restrooms and Sharks Cove tidepools, with follow-up water testing planned. Community & Culture: Pacific Fashion Week debuted at Kaimana Beach Hotel, and the state marked the life of former Gov. George Ariyoshi with ceremonies at the Capitol.

Housing Affordability: A new Realtor.com report ranks Des Moines No. 1 for affordability and homebuilding, while Los Angeles lands dead last—also dragging down Honolulu, which is listed among the worst large metros. Earthquake Update: A magnitude-4.1 quake struck 3 miles south of Pāhala on Hawaiʻi Island; USGS says no apparent impact to Maunaloa or Kīlauea, though aftershocks are possible. Flood Watch Lifted: The National Weather Service canceled the flood watch for all Hawaiian Islands as heavy rain threats eased. Kauaʻi Recovery & Tourism: Kauaʻi small businesses say visitor cancellations after Hurricane Lowell are hurting demand, even as power and water return. Local Safety: Hawaiʻi Island police arrested a man tied to a Hilo firearms incident involving terroristic threatening statements. State Economy: Hawaiʻi’s August unemployment rate held at 2.7%, with nonagricultural jobs up month over month. Energy Work: Hawaiian Electric scheduled utility pole maintenance on Dairy Road and Alamaha Street with lane closures but no expected service interruption. Sports & Culture: Noahkai Banks, born in Hawaiʻi, chose Germany’s U-21 program, a blow to USMNT hopes; and the Bills opened Highmark Stadium with a 41-31 win over Detroit.

Flooding & Storm Impacts: Another flood advisory is in effect for parts of the Big Island until 8:15 p.m., with heavy rain and minor flooding expected in Hilo, Hāmākua, Puna and Kaʻū; a statewide flood watch remains through Friday morning. Kauaʻi Recovery: KIUC reports power restored to more than 91% of members after Hurricane Lowell, with crews focused on Hanalei, Princeville and Kilauea Town, while some areas like Kokee remain dark; businesses say the visitor slowdown is hurting small operators. Maui Fire: Firefighters responded to a brush fire near Kuihelani Highway in Waikapu, prompting temporary lane closures; no structures were threatened. Violence Update: Honolulu police opened an attempted murder investigation after a man allegedly fired a rifle toward another in Kahaluu; the suspect was arrested. Health & Community: Kapiʻolani Medical Center’s radiothon pushes to raise $1M for Hawaii keiki, and Hale Makua on Maui marks its 80th anniversary while moving forward with expansion. Local Culture: The Hawaiian Music Series returns in Lahaina with Ron Kualaʻau at Waiola Church on Sept. 24.

Flood & Storm Watch: A flood advisory is active for Kaʻū on Hawaiʻi Island until 7:15 a.m. Thursday, while it’s canceled for the Hāmākua Coast; a statewide flood watch remains through Friday as Norbert’s remnants bring heavy rain and minor flooding risk. Local Transportation: The Maui Bicycling League is urging coordinated planning for nearly $600 million in West Maui transportation projects, aiming to connect roads, bike routes, sidewalks, and transit after wildfire recovery. Airline Upgrades: Southwest says its first airport lounges—opening in late 2027 at Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu and Nashville—will arrive alongside a new premium co-branded credit card. Education & Literacy Debate: A new analysis links weaker early-literacy outcomes to stronger teachers’ unions, listing Hawaii among the states with the poorest early-literacy policy scores. Business & Community: A new report on starting small businesses in the CNMI highlights limits like market size, infrastructure costs, and labor/immigration constraints. Volcano Update: Kīlauea’s summit sees new vents open and ongoing activity, with deflation noted.

Local Courts: The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court rejected Sen. Kurt Fevella’s bid to overturn a West Oʻahu GOP Senate primary tie, saying he missed the statutory deadline. Storm Recovery: Kauaʻi power restoration reached about 91% for KIUC members on the North Shore, while officials warn visitors to avoid the unstable North Shore “disaster zone.” Public Safety: DLNR says all Kauaʻi lands remain closed indefinitely, urging people to stay away from Kōke‘e State Park and Kōke‘e Road. Weather Watch: A statewide flood watch is in effect as remnant moisture from former Tropical Storm Norbert brings moderate to heavy showers and a flash-flood risk. Housing & Costs: UHERO reports Hawaii’s housing voucher program reaches far fewer families than needed, with funding largely absorbed by higher rents. Tech for Policing: Hawaii unveiled permanent drone docking stations for law enforcement, aiming to speed aerial views during emergencies. Health Alert: Hawaii DOH issued a recall for So Delicious dairy-free salted caramel cluster frozen dessert pints due to possible foreign objects. Business/Community: HPU announced the state’s first collegiate surf team launching in spring 2027.

Hurricane recovery and resilience: The Hawaiʻi Community Foundation says it has awarded nearly $667,000 to 12 nonprofits through its Stronger Hawaiʻi Initiative, funding response and future preparedness after Hurricane Lala. Public safety and weather: Breezy trade winds are expected today, with more moisture from Tropical Storm Norbert bringing scattered showers, possible heavy downpours, and flooding risk later tonight into Friday. Local government: Honolulu City Council approved stricter laws for stray-dog owners, aiming to tighten enforcement and protect residents. Courts and legal fights: Hawaii Supreme Court is set to hear a dispute over Maui wildfire attorney fees, as the case continues to ripple through the justice system. Crime update: Hawaii County Police identified a 76-year-old man found deceased in Hilo as a homicide victim after preliminary results showed a gunshot wound. Education and staffing: Gov. Green recognized UH Hilo’s Darren Lerner as Manager of the Year, while separate reporting highlights ongoing enrollment gaps for Native Hawaiian students in out-of-state schools. Food security: More than 1 million eggs are being distributed statewide over nine weeks after a federal antitrust settlement, with logistics support from the Hawaiʻi Foodservice Alliance and the state AG.

Hurricane Lowell recovery: Kauai’s KIUC says power is back for about 300 more customers, bringing restoration to roughly 83%, with North Shore work preparing for possible initial returns this week; Kokee still has no power and no timeline. Kauai storm deaths identified: Police identified 69-year-old Mark Chambers as the second Kauai death tied to Lowell and confirmed 74-year-old Steven Palama as the Nomilu Fishpond guardian killed in the storm surge. Election rules in focus: Hawaii lawmakers discussed the U.S. Supreme Court decision keeping mail-in ballot rules in place, with retired Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald warning disputes between federal and state officials can still affect voters. Local safety investigation: Hilo police are investigating after a 76-year-old man was found dead near Kuawa Park with suspicious injuries, and an autopsy found a gunshot wound. Community rebuilding: After Hurricane Lala flooding, a beloved Waiohinu book shack sits in ruins, threatening the next chapter for the nonprofit that ran it. Civic logistics: Gulick Avenue in Kalihi will close weekdays starting Sept. 21 for H-1 overpass reconstruction, with a temporary pedestrian bridge planned. Volcano update: Kīlauea’s summit activity continues with new vents opening and scientists watching for possible changes in lava fountaining.

Midterm Voting: The U.S. Supreme Court rejected Trump’s push to restrict mail ballots, clearing the way for states to keep using existing mail-voting rules as voting is already underway. Hawaiʻi Weather: Trade winds strengthen today into Wednesday with mostly typical conditions, then moisture from Tropical Storm Norbert’s remnants brings wetter weather and possible heavy showers later in the week. Maui Wildfires Recovery: FEMA approved about $8.2 million for Public Assistance and hazard mitigation, including more than $1.1 million reimbursed to the County of Maui for emergency protective measures. Native Hawaiians & Medicaid: Native Hawaiians were left out of Medicaid work-requirement exemptions granted to other Indigenous groups, raising concerns about access to care starting in January. Local Crime: Police arrested three people in Kona tied to multiple store thefts. Public Safety: Hawaiʻi County Police are investigating a death after an unidentified man was found with suspicious injuries in Hilo. Culture: HIFF46 opens with the world premiere of “The Navigator,” a made-in-Hawaiʻi documentary about Nainoa Thompson.

Supreme Court & Voting: The U.S. Supreme Court rejected Trump’s mail-voting restrictions for the midterms, keeping the status quo so USPS can deliver ballots normally. Hawaiʻi Public Safety: Police are investigating the death of an unidentified man found with suspicious injuries near Kūawa Park in Hilo; an autopsy is scheduled. Health & Environment: UH researchers won a $3.6M NIH grant to study how legacy plantation-era pollution may still be affecting health today, including “forever chemicals.” Shoreline Protection: Hawaiʻi is testing a “living breakwater” off Kalaeloa—60 concrete reef structures meant to reduce wave energy and erosion. Kauaʻi Recovery: One week after Hurricane Lowell, Kauaʻi schools reopened for most students as power restoration reached about 82%, with pockets still dark. Crime: On Hawaiʻi Island, a multi-agency operation led to the arrest of a 45-year-old man tied to meth and firearms charges; in Kona, three people were arrested in connection with store thefts. Community & Culture: Winners were announced for the 20th Annual Kū Mai Ka Hula Competition at Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Insurance Help: Hawaiʻi officials promoted a free online tool to help families find unclaimed life insurance and annuity benefits.

Hurricane recovery and schools: Hawaiʻi’s congressional delegation is urging President Trump to quickly approve Presidential Major Disaster Declarations for communities hit by Hurricanes Lowell and Lala, aiming to unlock faster federal help for response and rebuilding. Local education updates: On Kauaʻi, Kīlauea Elementary and Hanalei Elementary are set to reopen on a staggered schedule after Hurricane Lowell—Kīlauea returns Tuesday, Hanalei to employees Tuesday and students Wednesday—while transportation routes remain disrupted. Weather watch: Moisture from Tropical Storm Norbert is expected to bring more showers and muggy conditions, with the heaviest rain risk Wednesday through Friday, especially windward and mauka areas. Public health alert: The CDC says rabies inquiries and post-exposure treatment use have risen this summer and reminds clinicians when to administer vaccines and immunoglobulins. Immigration legal fight: New York and other states are suing to block a Trump DHS “public charge” rule that could make green cards harder for people using public benefits. Air service: Mokulele won a four-year, $19.4 million federal contract to keep scheduled Lanai service connecting to Honolulu and Kahului through August 2030.

Hurricane Lowell recovery: Kaua‘i communities keep rallying as power returns—KIUC says about 81% of members have electricity, with North Shore restorations expected to start within days, while businesses like Big Nick’s in Hanalei give away hot meals to prevent food waste. Courts & public services: Honolulu District Court at Kauikeaouli Hale closed Monday due to loss of water and air conditioning; hearings shift to Kaneohe District Court or Honolulu Circuit Court, and the filing deadline extends to Tuesday. Earthquake watch: A magnitude-4.0 quake struck south of Pāhala Sunday morning; HVO says light shaking was reported and damage is not expected, though aftershocks are possible. Weather: Norbert is weakening and expected to fall apart well east of Hawai‘i; remnants may bring on-and-off showers and a possible Flood Watch Thursday–Friday. Health & community events: Kapi‘olani Medical Center’s 20th annual Radiothon for Kids runs Sept. 17–18, raising funds for care for keiki. Local safety: Honolulu firefighters rescued an injured hiker from Manoa Falls Trail after a 30-foot fall. Sports: The Lions opened the season with an overtime win over the Saints.

Hurricane Lowell recovery in Kauai: Power restoration and cleanup efforts continue as outside crews join restoration work, with county updates and ongoing advisories for residents and visitors. Tourism and public safety: Hawaii tourism officials urged travelers to postpone Kauai trips while damage assessments and repairs disrupt parts of the island. Local governance and services: Honolulu’s office building overhaul adds affordable rental units, while Oahu and statewide agencies keep responding to storm impacts and infrastructure needs. Environment and science: Hawaii researchers are using land-based coral nurseries to bring back a rare Kaneohe Bay coral species after it vanished from the wild, and NOAA’s El Niño research mission resumes with drones diverted around Lowell. Sports: UH snapped a losing streak with its first win of 2026 over New Mexico State, and Hawaii’s volleyball and Hilo volleyball also posted wins. Culture: Disney Lorcana World Championships are set for Aulani on Oahu in December.