AGP Executive Report

Maui Investigation: Prosecutor Andrew Martin says Mayor Richard Bissen was not the target of the criminal probe cited by suspended Police Chief John Pelletier; the investigation concerned possible misuse of county grant funds. Honolulu Ballot: A proposed charter amendment would introduce ranked-choice voting, though it would not take effect before 2032 and would require state legislative action. Another measure would dedicate 0.5% of property-tax revenue to an Oʻahu food-security fund. Cost of Living: A University of Hawaiʻi survey of 10,000 residents found well-being improved, but nearly half have considered leaving the islands, with young adults especially concerned about housing costs. Wildfire Safety: Hawaiian Electric is deploying drones to inspect power lines and other infrastructure in wildfire-risk areas on Hawaiʻi Island through December. Kauaʻi Update: Hā‘ena State Park reopens Oct. 15, with day hikes and shuttle service resuming; camping and trail access beyond two miles remain closed.

Quality of Life: A new University of Hawaiʻi survey finds 88% of residents are satisfied with life, up from 82% in 2024, but 46% considered leaving the state, often because of the cost of living. Agriculture: Dole plans to end coffee farming on Oʻahu and lay off nine workers as it seeks a buyer for its Waialua farm, shifting its focus to pineapple. Tourism: Holiday hotel bookings are running about 15% behind last year, with high airfare and vacation costs weighing on demand. Local Business: The historic Manago Hotel in South Kona sold for $3.145 million after rooms stopped being rented; its restaurant remains open. Civil Rights: Hawaiʻi joined 13 other states in guidance affirming that antidiscrimination laws can address policies that disproportionately harm protected groups.

Water Service: Hawaiʻi’s Public Utilities Commission will hold an Oct. 19 meeting on continuing water and sanitation disruptions in Punaluʻu after Hurricane Lala, asking the utility to explain its restoration plans. Quality of Life: A statewide survey of more than 10,000 residents found 88% are satisfied with life, up from 82% in 2024, yet nearly half considered leaving Hawaiʻi, with living costs a major factor. Maui Politics: Police Chief John Pelletier says Mayor Richard Bissen is a suspect in a criminal investigation, but offered no details; Bissen calls the allegation false and politically timed as he faces a challenger. Housing Oversight: A state audit flagged $13.7 million in unauthorized spending on homeless housing, renewing scrutiny of Hawaiʻi’s response to homelessness. Honolulu’s council, meanwhile, advanced a 400-foot Ala Moana hotel proposal amid affordable-housing concerns. Business: Matson christened the first of three new containerships for its Hawaiʻi and Pacific services. The three-vessel project represents an investment of about $1 billion, with the first ship expected to enter service in 2027.

Honolulu Development: The City Council unanimously advanced a proposed 400-foot Ala Moana hotel and residential project, including 69 affordable rentals; hotel workers argue the housing contribution falls short. Farm Relief: Hawaiʻi Agricultural Foundation and Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau awarded $552,380 in grants to producers hit by the 2026 Kona Low storms, after receiving more than 300 applications. Hawaiian Language: A planned immersion preschool beside Hilo’s ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center aims to serve up to 80 keiki and train Hawaiian-language teachers when it opens in 2028. Jobs and Energy: Hawaiian Airlines plans to downsize its Oʻahu operations by laying off nonunion employees, while Hawaiian Electric is seeking approval for a 20-megawatt Maui solar farm expected to power 10,000 homes. Homeless Housing Oversight: A state audit flagged more than $13 million in unauthorized spending on homeless housing, prompting plans for a Senate hearing on the kauhale project.

Airline Jobs: Hawaiian Airlines plans to cut 13 nonunion positions in Hawaiʻi in December and January. Road Safety: A 27-year-old woman remains in critical condition after a hit-and-run on Farrington Highway in Waiʻanae, where serious pedestrian crashes have also occurred in recent weeks. Maui Oversight: Federal bribery charges against a former Maui police intelligence officer and the police commission’s move to place the chief on leave have renewed calls for accountability and transparency. Housing Accountability: A state audit questioned more than $13.7 million in spending on Hawaiʻi’s kauhale homeless-housing initiative, citing unauthorized and questionable expenses. Disaster Recovery: Officials say multiple funding sources will be needed to repair damage from recent disasters. Island Research: Ten Hawaiʻi-based scientists, students and educators have joined an expedition to explore deep-sea habitats around the islands, while researchers test whether reef sounds can help coral and fish return.

Haleakalā Telescope Plans: The Air Force’s confirmation that the U.S. has weapons in orbit has renewed Maui community concerns over plans for up to seven more telescopes atop the sacred summit. Disaster Recovery: Hawaiʻi expects about $686 million in repairs after four federally recognized disasters; the state is weighing multiple funding sources, including its emergency reserve, as federal reimbursements may take time. University Costs: The University of Hawaiʻi proposes holding tuition steady for two years, then raising rates in 2029–31, including 5% annual increases at Mānoa. Housing Oversight: A state audit questioned more than $13.7 million in spending on Gov. Josh Green’s kauhale housing initiative, citing unauthorized and questionable costs. Honolulu Elections: Voters are weighing ranked-choice voting for city races, but the proposed change would also require approval from the state Legislature.

Medicare Costs: HMSA is ending two Medicare Advantage plans affecting about 16,000 Hawaiʻi seniors on Dec. 31. Replacement plans cost more, and members have until Dec. 7 to choose coverage or risk being moved to Original Medicare without prescription-drug coverage. Public Spending: A state audit flagged more than $13.7 million in unauthorized or questionable spending on kauhale homeless housing, raising fresh questions about oversight. Maui Politics: Maui’s police chief says Mayor Richard Bissen is under criminal investigation; further details were not provided. Local Economy: Kauaʻi small businesses are struggling while waiting for financial aid, as housing, wages and childcare remain central concerns for residents trying to build a future in Hawaiʻi. Maui Energy: Hawaiian Electric is seeking PUC approval for a 20-megawatt Pulehu solar farm, which the company says could power 10,000 Maui homes.

Health Coverage: HMSA is ending two Medicare Advantage plans serving about 16,000 Hawaiʻi seniors on Dec. 31. Members must choose new coverage during enrollment, Oct. 15–Dec. 7, or risk being moved to Original Medicare without prescription coverage. Maui Investigation: Maui’s police chief says Mayor Richard Bissen is under criminal investigation; further details were not included in the report. Homelessness Spending: A state audit flagged $13.7 million in unauthorized spending on homeless housing. Meanwhile, a Hawaiʻi County bill to extend its homeless fund through 2029 advanced, though some council members want the audit before approving it. Storm Recovery: Hawaiian Council will provide eligible households hosting people displaced by recent storms up to $2,000 a month. Maunakea: The stewardship board deferred a position on proposed changes that could allow former observatory sites to be reused; the UH Board of Regents will decide. Local Business: HTA is offering workshops to help Hawaiʻi businesses and community groups reach visitors and develop sustainable tourism offerings.

Honolulu: A woman in her 80s died after a car drove off a downtown parking structure and landed on its roof Friday; no other injuries were reported. Maui Politics: Police Chief John Pelletier says Mayor Richard Bissen is the subject of two criminal investigations and claims his own leave is connected to them. Bissen denies wrongdoing; an independent inquiry into Pelletier is underway. Disaster Recovery: Kauaʻi businesses hit by Hurricane Lowell say they’re running out of cash as aid for businesses and individuals remains unannounced. Approved SBA loans currently cover eligible nonprofits in Maui and Kauaʻi. Homeless Housing Audit: A state audit questioned or flagged $13.7 million in spending on Gov. Josh Green’s kauhale initiative, including payments to contractor HomeAid Hawaiʻi. Business Costs: USPS delivery estimates for Hawaiʻi have lengthened, with Ground Advantage packages now expected to take at least 10 days, raising concerns for local retailers and other businesses.

Conservation: A new framework co-developed with University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa will help managers weigh whether moving endangered species beyond their historic ranges can prevent extinction, with input from more than 250 people across the Pacific. Housing: Hawaiʻi voters will decide whether counties can use bonds, repaid through future property-tax revenue, to fund infrastructure for new housing districts—a tool supporters say could help tackle the state’s housing shortage without raising taxes. Public Spending: State audits questioned more than $13.7 million in spending on Gov. Josh Green’s kauhale housing initiative, citing unauthorized or questionable expenses. Disaster Recovery: President Trump approved major disaster declarations for damage from hurricanes Lala and Lowell, unlocking federal cost-sharing for recovery in affected counties. Schools: The Department of Education is seeking $80.6 million in additional funding for fiscal 2028–29, largely to maintain services and cover rising costs. Biosecurity: New CNMI rules require small vessels arriving from Guam to show they were inspected for brown treesnakes, a major concern for Hawaiʻi because of the species’ potential economic and ecological damage.

Disaster Recovery: President Trump approved federal disaster declarations for Hawaiʻi, unlocking FEMA cost-sharing for storm damage in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, Maui and Kauaʻi counties after Hurricanes Lala and Lowell. Homelessness Oversight: A state audit found at least $13.7 million in unauthorized or questionable spending on Gov. Josh Green’s kauhale housing initiative, citing weak oversight by the state and its nonprofit contractor. Economic Outlook: UHERO’s latest forecast warns Hawaiʻi’s economy is stagnating, with job losses expected this year amid high energy costs, affordability pressures and storm impacts. Congressional Race: U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda and state Sen. Brenton Awa clashed over foreign aid, disaster spending and immigration enforcement; Awa said he would serve only one term if elected to represent Hawaiʻi’s 2nd District. Clean Energy: Hawaiian Electric is asking regulators to approve a 20-megawatt Maui solar project with battery storage, which could supply power equivalent to nearly 10,000 homes.

Disaster Recovery: FEMA approved assistance for Hawaiʻi’s recovery from Hurricane Lala, making federal funds available for emergency work and repairs in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi and Maui counties. Kauhale Oversight: A state audit questioned more than $13.7 million in spending on Gov. Josh Green’s homeless housing initiative, citing unauthorized, unsupported or questionable payments. Green’s office accepted the audit’s recommendations but disputes some findings. Hilo Development: The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is considering a 146-acre Panaʻewa business park, with lease revenue intended to support homesteading and build homes for beneficiaries. Storm Support: The Hawaiian Council is offering monthly payments of up to $2,000 to households sheltering families displaced by recent storms. Local Agriculture: The Hawaiʻi Farmers Union’s annual convention returns to Oʻahu Oct. 16–18, with its Oct. 17 public gathering at the Waimānalo CARES Center open to all.

Kauhale Oversight: A state audit flagged more than $13.7 million in unauthorized, unsupported or questionable spending on Gov. Josh Green’s housing initiative, citing weak contract and reimbursement controls. Green’s office says it has accepted all 11 recommendations and disputes parts of the report. Election 2026: Congressional candidates Jill Tokuda and Brenton Awa clashed in an online forum over the Jones Act, with Awa arguing it raises costs and Tokuda defending its role in reliable shipping and maritime jobs. LPGA in Hawaiʻi: The tour’s 2027 schedule includes two Hawaiʻi events, a record $147 million purse and 12,000 fewer travel miles. Senior Costs: A UHERO analysis estimates a healthy older renting couple in Hawaiʻi needs $4,585 a month for basic expenses, well above the national estimate of $3,918, largely because of housing costs. Business Services: Hawaiʻi’s licensing division will begin emailing applicants updates on application status, missing information and next steps. West Maui Reef: A 253-year coral record shows land-based impacts increased over time, with major changes during the plantation era and coral growth declining around the late 1960s.

Public Transit: Hawaiʻi County’s Hele-On is partnering with Spare to centralize fleet maintenance, rider complaints and phone support, aiming to improve service without adding staff. Taxes and Storm Relief: State taxpayers should note Oct. 20 deadlines for several filings, including monthly GET and TAT returns; disaster-related relief is also available to people affected by Hurricanes Lala and Lowell. Housing and Development: Oʻahu’s September single-family median resale price fell 3.9% year over year to $1.11 million, while Honolulu’s council is reviewing a proposed Ala Moana project with hotel, market-rate homes and 69 affordable rentals. County Rules: Hawaiʻi County’s Bill 147, which would adjust vacation-rental regulations, advanced with a negative committee recommendation amid concerns about added burdens on residents. Schools and Recovery: A fund established by Priscilla Chan gave $330,000 in flexible grants to all 23 Kauaʻi public and charter schools. A court ruling also clears the way for payouts from the Maui wildfire settlement. Climate and Housing: The Supreme Court may hear a case that could shape climate lawsuits, including Honolulu’s. A new report also points to the housing shortage as a major driver of poverty in Hawaiʻi.

Housing Ballot Testing Ground: Voters in California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Rhode Island will weigh six housing measures in November, pushing different ideas like loosening lot rules, speeding environmental reviews, and funding new homes. Local Politics—CD2 Housing: In Hawaii’s 2nd District race, Brenton Awa and Jill Tokuda agree the military should build more housing on Oʻahu, but differ on how to get there. Energy & Utilities: Jefferies cut its Hawaiian Electric price target to $7 from $8.75, citing a lower utility income outlook. Tourism Pressure: Hawaiʻi’s latest visitor data shows declines in both visitor numbers and spending since 2025, with airfare costs and storm uncertainty weighing on travel plans. Public Safety—Waikiki Bar Hours: Honolulu’s Liquor Commission is considering extending some Waikiki bar hours to 4 a.m., with police warning it could mean more fights and violence. Community & Education: Priscilla Chan’s fund sent $330,000 in flexible grants to all 23 Kauaʻi public and charter schools. Disaster Housing: DHS will hold an Oct. 8 community meeting on interim disaster housing in Nāʻālehu for Hurricane Lala displaced residents. Environment—Stop the Ants: October’s “Stop the Ant Month” asks residents to collect invasive ants to help DLNR and partners track little fire ants and other threats.

Biosecurity & Jobs: Hawaiʻi’s Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity is launching a new Biosecurity Academy with Leeward Community College to train up to 20 future inspectors, aiming to strengthen airport and harbor screening for invasive pests. Higher Ed Costs: UH Manoa is set to hear testimony on a proposed two-year tuition freeze, followed by 5% increases in 2029 and 2030–31, with other campuses facing smaller or similar hikes. OHA Leadership: The Office of Hawaiian Affairs named three finalists for its Administrator/CEO role—Todd Apo, Kaulana Park and Summer Sylva—with a community “talk story” session scheduled Oct. 15. Disaster Relief Housing: Hawaiian Council rolled out a Host Housing Support Program paying eligible hosts $500 per displaced person per month (up to $2,000), focused on Hawaiʻi Island and Kauaʻi after Hurricanes Lala and Lowell. Local Economy & Community: Maui Food Bank named Maui native Kaleena Wakamatsu Fryer as chief operating officer, citing her operations leadership and Maui wildfire recovery experience. Sports (Hawaiʻi ties): LPGA’s LOTTE Championship is moving to Kapalua Resort in 2027, and Hawaiʻi-born golfer Kihei Akina is halfway to a PGA Tour card after a top-10 finish.