AGP Executive Report

Gas Prices Relief Watch: Gov. Josh Green says Hawaii is considering a pause on state and county gasoline taxes for part of the summer after pump prices surged amid the Iran war, with AAA putting Hawaii among the highest-priced states. Climate Risk: NOAA confirmed El Niño has officially begun and could intensify into a “very strong” or “Super” event, raising odds of extreme heat, drought, floods, and wildfires across the Pacific and beyond. Local Environment & Cleanup: Honolulu says soil testing at a former storm debris pile at Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park found no harmful contamination, clearing the way for a full reopening later this summer. Homelessness Response: City and partners cleared floating encampments at Kahauiki Village, removing mangroves and debris after months of pollution concerns. Education & Kids: A new KIDS COUNT snapshot shows Hawaii ranking 25th overall, but still struggling in children’s economic well-being and education outcomes, especially reading and math proficiency. Public Safety: A Montana man was arrested over alleged antisemitic threats against Gov. Josh Green, including voicemails threatening harm to the governor and family. Sports Business: UH athletics secured a $5 million NIL commitment to keep local talent home, with major local financial backers.

Hawaiʻi Higher Ed & Sports: Bank of Hawaiʻi, First Hawaiian Bank, Matson, and longtime UH supporters Jack Tsui and Walter Dods are pledging $5 million to UH Mānoa Athletics for NIL opportunities—$1 million a year for five years—to keep local talent and strengthen Title IX-compliant recruiting. Local Governance & Courts: A Honolulu immigration judge was reportedly abruptly removed via a “Termination” email, raising questions about due process and how federal leadership is reshaping the immigration bench. Health & Housing: A new federal report says homelessness fell in California and nationwide for the first time in years, offering fresh ammunition for advocates arguing current policy changes aren’t failing. Economy & Cost of Living: Inflation hit 4.2% in May, the highest in three years, driven largely by energy costs tied to the Iran war—complicating hopes for interest-rate cuts. Environment & Science: Chinese researchers say they found the world’s largest, deepest whale graveyard in the Indian Ocean, with fossils dating back 5.3 million years. Community & Culture: UH Hilo students launched a medicinal garden to study Pacific and Hawaiian plants through hands-on agriculture and Hawaiian studies learning. Business & Travel: Hilton’s new Hale Hōkūala Kaua‘i (Curio Collection) is taking reservations for an Oct. 1 opening, adding another Hilton Honors option near Kalapaki Beach.

Hawaii News & Policy: A federal lawsuit has been filed challenging Hawaii’s new campaign spending activity law (Act 11), arguing it unlawfully restricts political speech ahead of a July 1, 2027 effective date. Disaster Relief: FEMA reminded Hawaii residents that Saturday is the deadline to apply for individual assistance for March Kona-low storm damage that wasn’t covered by insurance. Healthcare Access: HMSA delayed a major provider payment model change until 2027 after doctors and patients warned it could worsen Hawaii’s already-tight access to care. Elections & Enforcement: A Maui resident, a noncitizen, was arraigned in federal court on charges of voting illegally in the 2022 general election and an August 2024 primary. Local Economy & Education: UH Hilo is joining a $13.5 million national aquaculture research effort to strengthen the U.S. seafood supply, while Hawaiʻi Community College launched a new onsite wastewater systems certificate aimed at cesspool conversion work. Community & City Hall: Honolulu City Council approved moving toward acquiring and restoring the Queen Theater in Kaimuki, though the mayor’s administration says it still isn’t pursuing the takeover.

Kauai Public Safety: A newly filed TRO petition says Kauai murder suspect William “Billy” Sinclair brought “difficult” conditions to a home, alleging domestic violence, harassment, and drug activity—after police say the victim was found dead following a dispute. Local Governance: OHA is revisiting whether to buy KITV and KIKU, with a new agenda item seeking up to $172,500 for due diligence after last month’s close vote. Education & Workforce: Hawaiʻi Community College’s Kō Education Center in Honokaʻa launches “First Year Here at Kō,” offering local first-year general education with advising and tutoring for up to 20 students. Economy & Food Business: The Ulupono Fund is backing Hawaiʻi food makers with grants to use Leeward CC’s high pressure processing system, helping small producers clear costly validation testing. Environment & Research: UH is joining a $13.5 million NOAA aquaculture consortium (CIFARM) aimed at strengthening U.S. seafood supply through sustainable research and partnerships. Arts & Culture: A Honolulu exhibit, “Hawaiian Landscapes: Earth Within Us,” uses paintings and mixed media to connect geology and biology, with proceeds supporting youth conservation. Politics & Accountability: Hawaiʻi’s Department of Taxation filed criminal charges against Oʻahu real estate agent Alexander Wright Ferguson for willfully failing to file tax returns. Housing Watch: A KIDS COUNT Data Book ranks Hawaiʻi 25th overall for child well-being, but near the bottom on economic well-being, driven by housing affordability.

H-1B Legal Win: Illinois and employers just got a major boost after a federal judge vacated the Trump administration’s $100,000 “tax” on new H-1B petitions, a move that threatened staffing for education, healthcare and other specialty roles. Public Safety & Governance: A new Public Citizen tracker highlights how threats, harassment, doxxing and even violence are pushing officials to serve under fear—while Hawaii is among states already passing protections. Homelessness Response: Honolulu formally unveiled its Kōkua Command Center at the Department of Community Services, aiming to centralize data and coordinate services for people experiencing homelessness. State Election Speech Fight: Grassroot Institute of Hawaii filed a federal lawsuit challenging Act 11, which restricts campaign spending activity by certain entities tied to business in Hawaii. DLNR Leadership Change: Gov. Josh Green announced Dawn Chang’s retirement and named Ryan Kanaka‘ole to lead DLNR, with David Day as first deputy. Health Care Update: HMSA delayed a primary care reimbursement shift until January after Gov. Green stepped in amid doctor concerns. Local Business/Community: Honolulu’s tattoo scene is seeing rising demand for Polynesian designs, with studios emphasizing custom consultations and cultural storytelling.

Homelessness Response: Honolulu blessed its new Department of Community Services headquarters and unveiled the Kōkua Command Center, a coordination hub meant to improve information-sharing and triage for people experiencing homelessness. Health Care Policy: HMSA extended the primary care payment model transition by six months, keeping doctors on the current setup until Jan. 1, 2027, while the insurer and Gov. Josh Green work through impacts on practices. Maui Wildfire Recovery: A court ruling limits attorney fees in Maui wildfire settlement claims, aiming to push more money to survivors and families; Maui County also approved a $1.6B FY2027 budget with disaster recovery and affordable housing priorities. Food Economy: The Ulupono Fund launched a grant program to help Hawaii food entrepreneurs cover costly food-safety validation testing, with support for about a dozen businesses. State Land & Water: Gov. Green announced DLNR leadership changes, with Ryan Kanakaʻole set to take over as chairperson and director and David Day as first deputy. Consumer Protection: A crypto kiosk bill (HB 1642) heads to the governor, proposing a ban on using cash to buy cryptocurrency at kiosks while still allowing cash-out. Public Safety & Infrastructure: DOT is moving forward with emergency safety work on the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, including an open-graded friction course to improve traction after fatal collisions.

Maui Wildfire Recovery: A court ruling limits attorney fees in Maui wildfire settlement claims, boosting the odds that more money reaches survivors and families directly. Local Business: Island Restaurant Group is revamping the 100-year-old Kona Inn Restaurant and Kona Canoe Club, with a June 18 launch featuring a new menu and refreshed dining space. Healthcare & Policy: Hawaii lawmakers advanced bills targeting youth vaping and medical-debt relief, while other healthcare proposals—like addressing the doctor shortage—fell short. Public Safety Leadership: Honolulu’s interim police chief, Rade Vanic, says his biggest impact came from training hundreds of recruits over years. State Budget & Fraud: Hawaii moved fast after federal officials decertified its Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, seeking reconsideration while forming a fraud “strike force.” Energy Costs: Many Hawaii electric bills are easing in June after earlier oil-driven spikes. Ecosystems: Rapid ʻōhiʻa death efforts continue, with new tools like fencing and a beetle repellent offering hope. Defense & Diplomacy: U.S. and Chinese military officials met in Hawaii to reduce risks at sea.

Housing & affordability: Honolulu single-family home sales rose 8.5% year-over-year in May, but the median price stayed around $1.5 million, while condo sales lagged. Homebuyer help: The Hale Kamaaina Mortgage Program is offering below-market rates for first-time buyers, with early success stories highlighted. Cost pressures for everyday life: Hawaii businesses say matcha prices are jumping due to global supply strain and demand, and a new pizza affordability survey found Hawaii has the priciest medium-cheese slice in the U.S. Local government & public safety: Maui County approved a $1.6 billion budget and added $50,000 for campus security after a terroristic threatening arrest; the Maui mayoral race remains tight in polls. Disaster relief deadline: Kona-low storm victims have until June 15 to apply for disaster unemployment assistance. Tourism hit: Waimea Valley says spring visitor numbers are down 25% to 30% as storm impacts and traffic restrictions continue. Community & services: Honolulu’s sewer bill credit program CARES is asking for federal and state returns to verify eligibility, while energy bill assistance applications are open for low-income HECO customers.

Maui Wildfire Relief: A court ruling limits attorney fees tied to Maui wildfire settlement claims, with Gov. Josh Green saying more money should reach survivors; the state says the One ʻOhana Fund and Maui Wildfires Compensation Program have already distributed $111.5 million. Disaster Aid Deadline: Kona-low storm victims have until June 15 to apply for disaster unemployment assistance, with weekly payments ranging from $346 to $868. Public Safety: Hawaii Island police charged two people in connection with a Kailua-Kona Pier assault involving alleged sexual assault, robbery, and a knife. Housing & Local Policy: Oahu home sales ticked up in May while condo sales lagged; meanwhile, Hawaii County council members voted down a proposal to shift power from the mayor to a county manager. Tourism Economy: Visitor arrivals fell in April but spending rose, and North Shore tourism is still feeling Kona-low fallout. Healthcare Costs: HMSA’s move back to fee-for-service could mean tighter reimbursements and more admin burdens for doctors. Community & Culture: NPS is offering up to $100,000 in tribal heritage grants, and a new Marine Stewards Program aims to train tourism workers to better protect marine animals.

Maui Wildfire Recovery: Gov. Josh Green praised a court ruling that limits attorney fees tied to Maui wildfire settlement claims, aiming to push more money to survivors and families; the state says the Maui Wildfires Compensation Program has distributed over $111.5 million to 79 claimants. Food Safety Enforcement: Hawaiʻi DOH authorized Ohana Sub & Deli, Inc. in Wahiawā to reopen after a follow-up inspection found critical violations were fixed, including repairs to a handwashing sink and restoring hot water for proper sanitizing. Marine Protection & Tourism: Hawaiʻi Marine Animal Response launched its Hawaiʻi Marine Stewards Program to train hospitality and tourism workers to better protect monk seals, sea turtles, and seabirds—after a Maui incident involving a visitor throwing a rock at a monk seal. Local Business & Food Innovation: DBEDT will host the fourth annual Hawaiʻi Made Conference (June 23) focused on turning local food ideas into market-ready products, with support spanning food safety, product development, financing, and distribution. Economy Watch: A new report argues inflation isn’t a “red vs. blue” story—gas, shipping, and other costs are driving price pressure across states.

Medicaid Fraud Crackdown: Hawaii is setting up a Medicaid fraud task force with the state AG after federal officials cut funding, citing the state’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit’s failure to secure convictions or even indictments from 2022 to 2025. Local Food Safety: The state DOH cleared Ohana Sub & Deli in Wahiawā to reopen after a follow-up inspection found critical violations—like a nonfunctional handwashing sink and insufficient hot water—were fixed. Flood Insurance Update: New Oʻahu flood insurance rate maps take effect June 10, with thousands of properties shifting into higher-risk zones that may trigger mandatory coverage. Housing & Economy: A new report says Hawaii construction spending surged early this year to more than $2 billion, but private housing construction fell year over year—raising concerns amid a housing shortage. Public Safety: Police arrested two suspects in connection with an alleged sexual assault and robbery at Kailua-Kona Pier on June 1. Workforce Pipeline: Applications are open for a new Maui and Hawaiʻi Island wastewater workforce certificate aimed at helping replace aging cesspools. Science & Space: China’s Tianwen-2 is expected to encounter Kamoʻoalewa, an asteroid discovered by UH researchers on Haleakalā. Community Support: Kaukau 4 Keiki is distributing locally sourced meal boxes to help Oʻahu families feed children through summer.

Food Safety: Hawaiʻi DOH cleared Ohana Sub & Deli, Inc. to reopen after a June 4 shutdown for critical violations, including a nonfunctional handwashing sink and insufficient hot water—inspectors confirmed repairs on June 5. STEM & Local Research: UH Mānoa CTAHR researchers Taren Bouwman and Landon Wong won 2026 ARCS Scholars honors for algae biofuel work and coffee pest research. Space Science: China’s Tianwen-2 is set to encounter Kamoʻoalewa, the near-Earth asteroid discovered by UH astronomers on Haleakalā—the first Hawaiian-named object visited by a spacecraft. Homestead Fight: Hawaii Republican Party leaders denounced a lawsuit challenging DHHL homestead lease eligibility, calling it a trust obligation rather than a race issue. Summer Meals: Kaukau 4 Keiki is distributing locally sourced meal boxes across Oʻahu to help feed children during summer break. Health & Community: Grace’s Inn LSY in Honolulu was allowed to reopen with a conditional yellow placard after DOH found the raw-sewage issue fixed, though other violations remain. Volcano Watch: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported 170 earthquakes under Mauna Loa’s summit region in May and noted ongoing slow inflation.

Medicaid crackdown: Hawaii is setting up a Medicaid fraud task force after federal officials cut $3 million and decertified the state’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, citing years of no convictions or indictments. Local governance in court: A Honolulu judge ruled closed-door Hawaii House committee meetings before the 2025 session were unconstitutional, reopening questions about how lawmakers handle public business. Ethics leadership: The Honolulu Ethics Commission named attorney Sandy Ma as its new executive director, putting a fresh face on the city’s ethics enforcement. Homestead fight: Gov. Josh Green and the attorney general vowed to fight a federal lawsuit challenging Hawaiian Homes eligibility rules tied to blood quantum. Honolulu politics: Council Chair Tommy Waters is seeking a third term, but a voter is challenging whether the charter’s two-term limit applies to his partial first term. Public safety: A pedestrian died after being struck in Kalihi’s private parking lane, with the investigation ongoing. Business & tourism: Hawaii dive operators are pitching the islands to mainland travelers at the Long Beach Scuba Show, betting on high-spending diving visitors.

Honolulu Budget Fight: Honolulu City Council approved a nearly $4B operating budget as part of a $5B package, cutting the Office of Economic Revitalization staff funding before partially restoring it—while Mayor Rick Blangiardi signals he intends to veto. Housing Access in Nanakuli: A new self-help affordable housing subdivision broke ground in Nanakuli, with 87 lots where low-income families can build their own homes for a $496,000 fee-simple price, supported by federal funds and technical assistance. Medicaid Fraud Crackdown: Gov. Josh Green says Hawaiʻi will seek reconsideration after HHS questioned the state’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and he announced an independent Medicaid Fraud Strike Force to strengthen oversight. Public Transit Spotlight: Honolulu was ranked among the top U.S. public transit cities by Travel + Leisure, citing TheBus and Skyline reliability. UH Manoa Leadership: UH Board of Regents unanimously approved Vassilis Syrmos as the next chancellor of UH Manoa. Cyber Scam Warning: The FBI says AI is making scams harder to spot, and Hawaii is seeing fraud losses surge. Lahaina Royal Complex Planning: Maui officials shared updates and launched a statewide survey to guide restoration of Lahaina’s Royal Complex.

Local Politics & Housing: Honolulu City Council approved a nearly $5B FY2027 budget package, but the fight over the Office of Economic Revitalization (OER) is far from over—Mayor Rick Blangiardi says he’ll veto parts that cut staff and funding. Courts & Families: A new look at eviction shows how landlord-tenant cases ripple through families, with nonpayment of rent driving most filings and court processes affecting stability even when people don’t ultimately lose homes. Campaign Finance: Hawaii passed a first-of-its-kind law redefining corporations as unable to spend in elections statewide, setting up a potential state-by-state pushback against Citizens United. Public Safety: A Honolulu man was charged for threatening Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Capitol. Environment & Health: Researchers are using Hawaii-based telescopes to study distant planets’ magnetic fields, while DLNR continues work to fight rapid ʻōhiʻa death. Economy & Agriculture: North Shore farmers say Kona-low cleanup efforts are leaving them behind, and Oahu farmers urged emergency storm relief funding. Business & Legal: An Oahu hemp business sued Hawaii over state hemp rules that it says conflict with federal standards. Community Spotlight: Maui educator Janyce Omura earned a nomination for National History Day Teacher of the Year. Food: Maui chef Lee Anne Wong won a $100,000 Food Network cooking competition.

Hawaiian Homes Lawsuit: A federal lawsuit in Honolulu challenges the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act’s 50% Hawaiian blood-quantum eligibility, arguing the century-old program is unconstitutional; Gov. Josh Green says the state will vigorously defend it. Housing Affordability Crunch: Honolulu condo owners are facing a wave of deferred maintenance and rising fees/assessments, while another report highlights the “disappearing affordable condos” problem in the city. Storm Recovery Updates: FEMA is opening in-person recovery centers for residents hit by the March Kona low, with a June 14 deadline for applications and nearly $10 million approved for individual assistance. Local Governance & Budgets: Honolulu’s budget fight is heating up, with Mayor Rick Blangiardi threatening a veto over funding for the Office of Economic Revitalization. Permitting Reform: New state bills aim to speed up housing permitting by addressing staffing shortages and streamlining reviews. Criminal Case: Two Florida men accused of bribing a Hawaii Army official over $1.25 million pleaded not guilty in federal court.