AGP Executive Report

Lahaina Recovery: Maui County and the Hawaiian Council unveiled an $8 million pilot marketplace, ʻUlu o Lele, to bring the first Front Street storefronts back in September—an early sign of commercial reinvestment after the 2023 wildfire slowed approvals and rebuilding. Water & Infrastructure: Hawaiian Ocean View Estates in Ka‘ū says emergency well repairs are done; the “Essential Needs Only” notice is canceled and standpipes reopen for commercial hauling Monday. State Politics & Campaign Finance: Hawaii’s Campaign Spending Commission filed a civil complaint against Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke’s campaign, alleging 251 violations and seeking referral for potential criminal prosecution plus a $28,300 fine. Public Safety: A new federal “Lulu’s Law” backs emergency shark-attack alerts to mobile phones; states must implement, and Hawaii has posted warning signage after sightings. Business & Tourism: Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau and Hawaiian Council are pushing a North Shore shuttle with a “North Shore Passport” to help Hale‘iwa and Waialua businesses still recovering from March flooding. Regional & Global Ties: Oklahoma opened a Taiwan regional trade office to expand investment and trade, highlighting energy, defense, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing links. Honoring Service: State Sen. Lorraine R. Inouye received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i for decades of work on economic development, infrastructure, healthcare, and public safety.

Lahaina Recovery: The interim ʻUlu o Lele marketplace is set to open in September at the former Outlets of Maui site, aiming to bring back storefronts with 17 retail units, eight food trucks, and nightly entertainment—part of a broader, phased economic recovery effort. North Shore Relief: The Hawaiian Council launched a new shuttle to move visitors from Waikiki/Ko Olina to Waialua and Haleiwa, helping businesses still recovering from March’s Kona low storms without worsening local traffic. Housing Watch: A UHERO analysis says housing affordability has hit its peak decline, but Honolulu remains among the nation’s least affordable markets, with median prices far outpacing what median-income households can reasonably spend. Water Update: Emergency repairs to a well in Ocean View have been completed, ending “essential needs only” restrictions and reopening normal water use, with hauling operations resuming on a set schedule. Health & Compliance: The state issued a NOVO to a community care foster family home operator after a no-contest plea in a related criminal case, with orders to discharge clients and close unless a hearing is requested. Energy Oversight: Jon Itomura, newly chairing the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission, says he’ll balance affordability and reliability while pushing toward the state’s 100% renewable goal. Wildfire Safety: HIEMA is urging fire safety over the July 4 weekend as wildfire season ramps up, especially in high-risk areas.

Maui Homelessness & Local Governance: Maui County Council pressed Mayor Richard Bissen’s administration for answers on why a safe parking pilot still hasn’t opened nearly four years after approval, with a planned Puʻunē site and a contractor contract now in focus. Honolulu Rail Reliability: Skyline’s third anniversary came with a sour note—Civil Beat obtained data showing persistent station outages plus frequent escalator and elevator problems. Tourism Economy: Hawaii visitor stays are getting shorter—May averaged 7.6 days, the lowest since 2019—raising concerns about long-term strain on the tourism-driven economy even as spending per day rose. Housing & Water Infrastructure: Hawaii County’s Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade is now four months overdue after a settlement, with potential daily taxpayer costs. Politics & Campaign Finance: The Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission filed a 39-page complaint accusing Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke’s 2022 campaign of finance reporting and fund-handling violations. Business & Courts: A Hawaii real estate mogul faces allegations tied to years-long sexual misconduct at client properties, as lawsuits move forward. Public Safety & Aviation: New NTSB filings detail inspection failures before a fatal UPS cargo crash, and UPS says it followed Boeing guidance. Statewide Health & Environment: A UCLA study links chlorpyrifos on produce to more than double Parkinson’s risk, pointing to a biological mechanism. Sports & Local Economy: The Sony Open in Hawaii is set to shift into a PGA Tour Champions event at Waialae as the “Sony Championship” starting in January 2027.

PGA Tour Update: The Sony Open in Hawaii is switching to PGA Tour Champions in 2027, becoming the “Sony Championship Hawaii” at Waialae (Jan. 14-16) with a $3 million purse and a continued charity tie to Sony’s $27M-plus support for local nonprofits. Local Politics: Hawaii’s Office of Elections set a special election for the vacant Senate District 18 seat (Pearl City area) after Sen. Michelle Kidani retired, with the vote on Nov. 3. University Watch: UH Mānoa welcomed new chancellor Vassilis Syrmos, who says his first focus is student success and plans campus-wide listening in his first 100 days. Public Safety & Courts: A 69-year-old man was charged in connection with two Makiki bank robberies. State Services: Hawaii raised juror pay from $30 to $50 per day for the first time since 1989. Business & Compliance: DCCA reminded businesses that third-quarter annual business reports are due by Sept. 30. Economy/Consumer: DOJ and 17 states announced a $3.3M settlement with major egg producers over alleged price-fixing, with Hawaii slated to receive eggs as part of the distribution.

Lahaina Recovery: Hawaii Community Lending, Kaibigan ng Lāhaina and the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii finished a lottery distributing $50,000 in Amazon gift cards to wildfire-impacted Lahaina workers and small businesses. Egg Price-Fixing Fallout: Three major egg producers agreed to a $3.3 million settlement tied to alleged price manipulation, with millions of eggs headed to food banks nationwide—Hawai‘i is among the states included. Food Labeling at the Counter: A new Hawai‘i law will require clearer country-of-origin labeling for raw processed ahi at fish counters, including Costco, starting this week. Local Business & Community: Hawai‘i Community Foundation marked 25 years of giving in Waimea through its Richard Smart Fund, awarding $500,000 in 2026 grants to 29 programs. Education Leadership: UH-Manoa named Vassilis Syrmos as its new chancellor, stepping into a CEO role for the flagship campus. Public Safety & Policy: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to take up challenges to “assault weapons” bans, a ruling that could further reshape gun rules affecting Hawai‘i.

Waimanalo Housing Fight: A nonprofit running a Waimanalo kauhale for homeless residents says it plans to move and expand from 59 tiny homes for 106 people to 300 homes for 600, but neighbors have launched a petition, citing scale concerns and flooding worries after Kona Low storms. Egg Price-Fixing Fallout (Hawaii): Hawaii is expected to receive up to 1 million eggs from a DOJ- and multi-state settlement with major egg producers accused of manipulating egg price benchmarks; the deal totals $3.3 million and 53 million donated eggs across 17 states, with Hawaii’s exact allocation still being worked out. Local Governance: Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi vetoed City Council cuts that would have eliminated about $2 million and 20 positions from the Office of Economic Revitalization, setting up a public hearing July 8. Public Safety: A 69-year-old man was arrested in connection with two Makiki bank robberies reported Monday. Economy/Travel: Maui visitor spending rose 26.4% in May to $523.2 million as arrivals neared pre-wildfire levels, according to DBEDT. Business Closure: Nordstrom Rack in Waikiki will close July 27, affecting 34 employees.

Hawaii Energy & Reliability: Hawaiian Electric still doesn’t have a firm fix date for the flickering power problem reported in Hawaii Kai and other Windward Oʻahu areas, saying multiple factors are involved and updates have been sent to affected customers. Maui Recovery & Housing: Lahaina’s rebuilt Kaiāulu o Kupuohi affordable housing community is back to full occupancy after the 2023 wildfires, with 89 units welcoming residents again. Maui Tourism Outlook: UHERO forecasts early 2026 hotel occupancy on Maui near 70% and projects 7.5% visitor growth for the year, signaling a steady comeback for resorts. State Budget & Governance: Gov. Josh Green says he may veto a $50 million “rainy day” fund deposit, arguing the reserve is already at a record balance while other needs remain. Oʻahu Transit Funding: The HART board adopted a $1.07 billion operating and capital budget for FY2027, clearing a procedural delay and setting spending up for the next fiscal year. Food Security: Hawaii AG Anne Lopez announced an egg price-fixing settlement that could bring about 1 million eggs to local food banks, with the final amount still being worked out. National Courts With Local Ripples: The U.S. Supreme Court rejected Trump’s birthright citizenship push and allowed states to ban transgender student athletes, while also dealing major rulings on other federal issues. Medicaid Fight: Wisconsin and other Democratic-led states sued over Trump administration Medicaid work requirements, challenging a narrower “medically frail” exemption.

Gun Policy After SCOTUS: Hawaii businesses are scrambling after the Supreme Court struck down parts of the state’s concealed-carry rules, leaving property owners to decide whether to allow guns and to post clear “no firearms” signs. Local Crime: Honolulu police arrested a 69-year-old man tied to two Makiki bank robberies minutes apart, with no injuries reported. Elections (District 5): Civil Beat published Q&As for State House District 5 candidates Jeanne Kapela and Dalene McCormick, spotlighting competing priorities for Puna, Kaʻū and South Kona. Food & Consumer Watch: Ahi origin labeling takes effect July 1, requiring country-of-origin labels for raw processed ahi at covered retailers. Hemp Retail Fight: Hawaii’s hemp and CBD sellers are heading to court as enforcement of new rules begins Wednesday, with many shops saying they may be forced to close. Maritime & Federal Presence: The U.S. Coast Guard changed command in Honolulu, installing a new Oceania District commander. Environment: A new study says vehicle collisions are the leading cause of documented pueo deaths in Hawaiʻi. Business & Infrastructure: Palau’s PNCC is in the middle of a major mobile overhaul and a $34.9 million fiber-to-the-premises buildout. Public Safety Reminder: Hawaii will run its monthly outdoor siren and Emergency Alert System live-audio test July 1 at 11:45 a.m.

U.S. Supreme Court: The court ruled Trump’s firing of Fed governor Lisa Cook unconstitutional, while also allowing Trump to remove leaders of independent agencies; it also rejected his bid to overturn an E. Jean Carroll verdict and upheld counting some late-arriving mail ballots. Hawaii Gun Law Fallout: Hawaii’s concealed-carry rules were struck down after the Supreme Court’s gun decision, prompting state review and fresh debate over what changes come next. Energy & Grid: Oil prices edged higher after U.S.-Iran strikes, and a new report says utility-scale battery storage hit record levels in Q1—Hawaii saw big quarter-to-quarter gains. Local Wildlife: A statewide study found most documented pueo deaths over 32 years were linked to vehicle trauma, with cats and wind turbines also playing roles. Interisland Aviation: BETA and Surf Air launched an electric aircraft demonstration in Hawaii to test routes, costs, and infrastructure for future electric regional service. Community & Economy: Hawaii’s America250 commission is running events statewide on a shoestring, while a separate report highlights how costly weddings can be relative to local income—Honolulu ranks among the priciest.

Wildlife & Safety: A new University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa study says vehicle collisions are the leading cause of documented pueo deaths statewide, with 242 deaths logged from 1993–2024 and about two-thirds of trauma cases tied to roadsides. Local Economy & Tourism: A North Shore shuttle pilot, “North Shore Huakai,” is set to run for 90 days starting June 29 to help Oʻahu’s Haleʻiwa and Waialua businesses recover after March Kona Low storms. State Politics: Civil Beat published candidate Q&As for Hawaiʻi House District 39, including Corey Rosenlee, Danny de Gracia, Loren Keola Doctorlero and Wayne Kaiwi, as they lay out priorities on issues like housing, affordability, wildfire and infrastructure. Climate Data for Residents: UH’s Hawaiʻi Climate Data Portal is rolling out free monthly, neighborhood- and coastline-specific climate summaries delivered by email. Public Safety & Community: A Tumon rescue station in Guam is moving forward despite a 24% May decline in arrivals, with the board approving infrastructure tied to emergency response needs.

Native Hawaiian Perspective on July 4: As Hawaiʻi marks the U.S. 250th anniversary, a new piece highlights why the holiday can feel painful for Native Hawaiians, tied to the 1893 overthrow and unlawful annexation of the Hawaiian Kingdom. UH Sports Media Deal: Hawaii News Now is taking over local TV rights for UH sports for the next four years, with broader free over-the-air access via K5 and plans to “innovate” production. North Shore Tourism Push: After March’s Kona-low storms and access problems, a 90-day shuttle pilot called North Shore Huaka‘i aims to bring visitors and kamaʻāina back to Haleʻiwa and Waialua. Food Safety & Consumer Transparency: A column backs a July 1 law requiring retailers to disclose the country of origin of raw ahi used in poke and sashimi, while warning labeling won’t fix supply issues for Hawaii’s longline fleet. Maui Wildfire Research Funding: UH Mānoa received a $2.2M NIH grant for the next phase of the Maui Learnings to Overcome Adversities study, focusing on long-term health and well-being impacts. Local Accountability: Honolulu police arrested a suspect in a Nanakuli stabbing that injured multiple people, and separate reporting details a former city employee accused in alleged Hawaiʻi Foodbank fraud tied to pandemic relief funds.

Local Public Safety: Honolulu police arrested a suspect after a Nanakuli stabbing at Zablan Beach left four people injured, including three women taken to the hospital with serious stab wounds; authorities say the suspect was located and charged with attempted murder. Health & Research: University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa received a $2.2 million NIH grant for the next phase of the Maui Learnings to Overcome Adversities study, focusing on long-term health and well-being impacts from the 2023 Maui wildfires. Local Governance & Accountability: A Honolulu story highlights how the city spent $450,000 on plans for a flood-prone stream but “did nothing,” raising questions about follow-through on flood risk. Native Hawaiian Interests: Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees voted to advance due diligence on a potential acquisition that could expand Native Hawaiian ownership in KITV and KIKU, a major media opportunity. Community & Philanthropy: Hawai‘i Community Foundation marked 25 years of giving in Waimea with $500,000 in 2026 Richard Smart Fund grants supporting 29 local programs. Economy & Infrastructure: Honolulu’s new public transit fare increase takes effect July 1, affecting riders across the city.

RIMPAC 2026 Military Drills: South Korean KAAV-7A1 amphibious assault vehicles trained with U.S. Marines at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows in Hawaii, rehearsing armored ship-to-shore operations and highlighting growing allied interoperability for contested coastal warfare. Local Infrastructure & Community Impact: Coconut Island (Mokuola) remains closed because a pedestrian bridge collapsed last November; county officials say pedestrians won’t return for years, with a permanent repair targeted for 2029. Public Safety & Justice: Honolulu Police executed two search warrants tied to sex trafficking and prostitution, recovering cash and offering services to alleged sex workers instead of arresting them. State Budget & Cost of Living: Gov. Josh Green signed Hawaii’s $21 billion two-year budget, preserving tax breaks for most residents while funding climate fees and restoring support for SNAP, Medicaid, and Affordable Care Act benefits. Hawaii Courts & Guns: The Hawaii Supreme Court and related federal rulings continue reshaping concealed-carry rules, with Hawaii reviewing the latest U.S. Supreme Court gun decision. Agriculture & Business: Kauai Coffee secured a long-term land lease after months of uncertainty, extending operations and aiming to preserve local jobs.

Supreme Court & Guns: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Hawaii’s law restricting firearms in stores and hotels, a ruling that also hits California—prompting renewed debate over what changes may come next. State Budget Watch: Gov. Josh Green signed two 2026 budget bills and put four more measures on his intent-to-veto list, with final decisions due by July 15. Maui Housing Legal Fight: Hawaii’s Supreme Court let a Maui Lani grading-permit “good cause” challenge move forward, reinforcing protections tied to ancestral burial-site concerns. Local Economy & Recovery: Hawaii County opened applications for a Kona Low Business Recovery Grant Program, offering up to $10,000 for eligible storm-impacted businesses. Marine & Community News: Kaʻūpūlehu Marine Reserve reopening was delayed to later in 2026 as DLNR and partners finalize a fisheries management plan and co-management agreement. Tech & Clean Aviation: BETA Technologies and Surf Air Mobility began electric aircraft demonstration flights in Hawaii, with Hawaiian Airlines supporting feasibility work. OHA Media Move: The Office of Hawaiian Affairs advanced a possible purchase of KITV and KIKU, aiming to expand Native Hawaiian ownership in media.

U.S. Supreme Court & Guns: The court struck down Hawaiʻi’s law requiring permission to carry guns onto private property like stores and hotels, a 6-3 ruling that gun-rights groups hailed and that could force businesses to rethink signage and policies. Hawaiʻi Politics: The Hawaiʻi attorney general said the state will review the decision but expects current law to be followed in the meantime. State Budget: Gov. Josh Green signed Hawaiʻi’s $21 billion budget, keeping tax breaks for most residents while funding climate fees and restoring key health and SNAP support. Native Hawaiian Media: OHA revived plans to explore buying Honolulu TV stations KITV and KIKU, approving up to $172,500 for due diligence after a board vote shift. Volcano Watch: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory marked the retirement of volcanologist Bruce Houghton and reflected on his impact on understanding explosive eruptions and hazards. Local Economy/Travel: Hawaiʻi’s electric aircraft trials are set to begin, with BETA and Surf Air Mobility launching flights as RIMPAC activity ramps up. Public Safety/Health: NOAA reported a Hawaiian monk seal death in Nanakuli tied to parasite infection.

U.S. Supreme Court Gun Ruling: SCOTUS struck down Hawaiʻi’s “default rule” requiring licensed concealed-carry holders to get explicit permission before carrying on private property open to the public, with lawmakers and gun-rights groups already weighing in. Local Government: Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi vetoed parts of the city budget to restore funding to the Office of Economic Revitalization, setting up a potential City Council override after the Council cut staff and dollars over an audit. Economy & Jobs: Hawaiʻi’s unemployment rate ticked up to 2.5% in May, with nonfarm jobs up slightly and leisure/hospitality leading gains. Land & Housing: The CHamoru Land Trust Commission approved two previously voided leases, reviving disputes tied to how applicant rights were transferred. Public Safety: Maui Fire Department warned residents about scam calls asking for money or personal info in the name of the fire department. Disaster & Science: A 3.1 quake hit Hawaiʻi Island, and the state also marked the latest Pacific Climate Summit push for regional resilience. Business: Royal Kona Coffee Center closed its visitor center and laid off staff after earthquake damage.