AGP Executive Report

VA Housing Update: New VA data shows Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans (IRRRL) are rising, with Hawaii’s average Q1 2026 loan hitting $790,905 (+11.9%)—far above the national feel of steady increases, while Arkansas averaged $302,589 (+2%) and Indiana $304,491 (+5.5%). State Communications: Gov. Josh Green announced Makana McClellan became the first Hawaiʻi communications director to win the National Association of Government Communicators’ 2026 Communicator of the Year honor. Mental Health After Disasters: Floatation tanks are being shipped to Maui to help address PTSD and anxiety after the 2023 wildfires, with free sessions planned for survivors and first responders. Biosecurity Push: Hawaiʻi’s Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and UH secured $322K+ for plant pathogen detection, including a nursery/survey effort and a machine-learning risk tool. Education Watch: NAEP civics results could go state-by-state starting with the 2028 grade 8 test.

Bingo Fraud Fallout: Michael Marasigan, still a fugitive, was sentenced in Guam to nearly 22 years (262 months) for his leadership role in a $34M Hafa Adai Bingo charity fraud, with restitution and forfeiture ordered for the Aloha Shriners. Budget Travel Shock: Spirit Airlines’ collapse is already rippling into summer plans, with lawyers apologizing to customers and travelers bracing for pricier, harder-to-find low-cost options. Local Health Fight: Hawaii’s AG pushed back on claims about Medicaid fraud enforcement, saying the state has secured more than $14M in recoveries since 2021. Homelessness Shift in Waikiki: Waikiki core homelessness dropped about 91% since 2022, credited to coordinated outreach, medical care, and enforcement. Climate & Food Stress: Back-to-back storms left Hawaii’s farms struggling after the worst flooding in two decades, threatening fewer veggies at market. Wildlife Mystery: Tourists’ sightings are helping scientists study why humpback whales sometimes gape their mouths for no clear reason.

National Mall Prayer Rally: Thousands packed Washington’s National Mall for “Rededicate 250,” where Trump read from 2 Chronicles and leaders including Vance, Rubio, Hegseth, Gabbard and Johnson joined the faith-focused push ahead of America’s 250th anniversary. Hawaiʻi Graduation & Funding: UH Mānoa held spring commencement for about 2,800 grads, while Gov. Josh Green released $200,000 in bonds for upgrades to the East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center in Hilo. Monk Seal Case: A federal attorney for a man accused of throwing a rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal says the client was protecting turtles. Kīlauea Watch: USGS says the next summit episode of high lava fountaining could come between May 22 and 27. Flood Fallout for Farmers: Back-to-back March storms left Oʻahu farms replanting after the state’s worst flooding in 20 years, with fewer veggies expected at markets. Tariff Refunds: Hawaii businesses are being urged to apply for refunds after the Supreme Court struck down the tariffs’ legal basis.

Kona’s Billfish Blow: The Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament is canceled for 2026, with organizers pointing to shifting travel patterns and hoping to bring it back. Flood Fallout for Farms: Hawaii’s worst flooding in decades is still hitting growers hard, with hundreds of farms reporting major damage and fewer veggies showing up at market. Climate Courtroom Pressure: A judge rejected Big Oil’s bid to delay Honolulu’s climate lawsuit, keeping the fight over fossil-fuel responsibility in motion. Solar Tax Credit Fight: Lawmakers moved to cap and end Hawaii’s solar tax credit, a change critics say will raise costs and slow adoption. Medicaid Fraud Tension: The state’s Medicaid fraud enforcement debate is flaring again after new federal pressure, with Hawaii’s attorney general pushing back. Local Nature Science: UH research suggests honu may help control invasive algae—good news for reefs, if the balance holds. Ethics Watch: Separate from Hawaii policy, scrutiny continues over FBI Director Kash Patel’s “VIP snorkel” near USS Arizona.

FBI Ethics Firestorm: Emails obtained by the AP say FBI Director Kash Patel’s Hawaii trip included a “VIP snorkel” near the USS Arizona memorial—despite strict rules around the sacred site—adding to mounting questions about his use of government resources and whether his official travel is mixing with luxury outings. Local Governance: Hawaii’s new law (SB 2471) aims to curb corporate and “dark money” spending on politics, setting up a major test of how far the state can go after Citizens United. Health Policy: Single-payer momentum keeps building in Massachusetts as affordability pressure rises. Climate & Safety: Kīlauea’s summit fountaining is picking up again, with scientists noting the eruption pattern is changing as lava output shifts. Economy Watch: UHERO warns Hawaii’s outlook is darkening as higher oil prices squeeze consumers. Community Notes: FEMA approved $113M for Arizona recovery, while Hawaii families affected by Kona Low can apply for disaster aid.

Pearl Harbor Ethics Firestorm: New reporting says FBI Director Kash Patel took a “VIP snorkel” near the USS Arizona memorial—an off-limits area by memorial rules—sparking fresh ethics scrutiny and renewed questions about whether the trip followed restrictions. Campaign Money Crackdown: Gov. Josh Green signed a Hawaii law (SB 2471) aimed at limiting corporate and “dark money” political spending, setting up a July 1, 2027 start and a direct challenge to the post–Citizens United political money model. Kīlauea Update: HVO says Kīlauea’s summit fountaining is picking up again—nearly weekly—because recent episodes have been lower-volume, letting the magma system recover faster. Solar Fight: The Hawaii Solar Energy Association is pushing lawmakers to revisit a bill that would retroactively tighten rooftop solar tax credits for 2026. Housing Cost Squeeze: UHERO reports condo prices are slipping while carrying costs keep climbing, with HOA fees and insurance repricing driving affordability down. Medical Debt Relief: A bill would erase about $91M in unpaid medical bills for Hawaii families if signed.

Kona Low recovery + Native aid: OHA is opening applications Saturday for Native Hawaiian families hit by March Kona Low storms—up to $15,000 for homeowners and $7,500 for renters—with in-person help across Oʻahu, Maui, and Molokaʻi. Fraud warning for kupuna: Hawaii TV pioneer Linda Coble is speaking out after a scam cost her nearly $60K, as state fraud losses topped $80M last year. Economy pressure: UHERO says Hawaii’s outlook has darkened as Iran-linked oil prices raise costs and add uncertainty for the tourism-heavy economy. Local education boost: HawaiiUSA and Southwest are continuing their Maui student program, sending students to Oʻahu for hands-on financial education. Ethics storm: New reporting and emails keep spotlighting FBI Director Kash Patel’s “VIP snorkel” near the USS Arizona memorial, reigniting questions about respect and rules. Policy fight: Hawaii Gov. Green signed a law targeting corporate political spending after Citizens United, setting up a new legal challenge. Business & culture: A new wave of small-business spotlights and a honey-and-harvest feature underscore the state’s local resilience.

FBI “VIP snorkel” blowback: New reporting says FBI Director Kash Patel took a “VIP snorkel” near the USS Arizona war grave at Pearl Harbor—an outing the FBI initially framed as routine official business—sparking fresh criticism and a pushback from the agency. Medicaid fraud fight: Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez fired back at VP J.D. Vance’s claims that the state isn’t serious about Medicaid fraud, pointing to millions recovered since 2021. Local politics & housing: ILWU Local 142 endorsed Pāʻele Kiakona for House District 14, citing Lahaina recovery and SB 2919 short-term rental rules. Energy: Hawaiian Electric is seeking proposals for a major renewable, dispatchable solar-plus-storage project on Lānaʻi with community benefit requirements. Disaster readiness: Hawaii expanded in-person Kona Low case management and reminded residents of FEMA deadlines as hurricane season approaches. Retirement pressure: A new study ranks Hawaii the priciest state to retire, while warning more Americans fear they’ll outlive their savings.

FBI Scrutiny in Hawaiʻi: New Associated Press reporting says FBI Director Kash Patel took a “VIP snorkel” around the USS Arizona—an off-limits Pearl Harbor war grave—days after the bureau insisted his Hawaiʻi trip was strictly work, renewing questions about mixing official travel with leisure. Local Accountability & Safety: Hawaiʻi officials are also warning disaster victims to avoid rebuilding scams after Kona Low damage, stressing proper permits and “build to code” rules. State Policy Push: Gov. Josh Green signed new laws on license-plate visibility and limits on corporate political spending, and unveiled a long-term “Vision for Hawaiʻi’s Future” plan covering housing, homelessness, energy resilience, and food security. Community Food Access: Honolulu expanded SNAP and WIC use at Oʻahu farmers markets and food hubs, aiming to cut barriers for families. National Watch: Across the U.S., lawmakers remain divided over assault weapons bans as Minnesota debates stall.

Medicaid Crackdown: The Trump administration is threatening to withhold Medicaid money from states that don’t aggressively prosecute fraud, with VP J.D. Vance calling out Hawai‘i for having “zero” Medicaid fraud convictions or indictments in recent years. Native Hawaiian Education: A federal funding reprieve keeps Native Hawaiian Education Program grants alive for at least another year, preserving about $46 million annually for early childhood sites and family support. Local Politics: Honolulu’s police chief search is down to three finalists, with candidates promising more tech and transparency while disagreeing on how far the department should go in helping federal immigration enforcement. Housing/Planning: Hawai‘i County lawmakers are racing to approve a new general plan before November elections, but the council is split between two competing drafts. Environment & Enforcement: A tourist accused of throwing a rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal faces federal charges. Economy/Trade: Hawai‘i released a new Hawai‘i–Japan economic impact report highlighting visitor spending, real estate, defense contracting, and captive insurance ties. Infrastructure: Kailua residents brace for “Carmageddon Kailua” as a bridge lane closure continues through late July.

Tech & Secrecy: A new report claims Mark Zuckerberg is building a $270 million Hawaii bunker—blast doors, self-sustaining supplies, and a secret escape hatch—while other AI titans quietly plan exit routes as they keep pushing forward. Defense Spending Shock: The Congressional Budget Office says Trump’s “Golden Dome” missile defense could cost about $1.2 trillion over 20 years, with a layered system meant to cover Alaska and Hawaii—though it may still be overwhelmed in a major attack. Healthcare Crackdown: VP JD Vance says the federal government will defer $1.3 billion in California Medicaid payments over alleged fraud, and warns states could lose anti-fraud funding. Hawaiʻi Policy: Hawaii lawmakers advance a bill to restrict corporate political activity, and the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority opens applications for its 2026 Community Tourism Collaboratives.

AI & Billionaire Exit Plans: A new report says Mark Zuckerberg is building a $270 million Hawaii bunker with blast-proof doors, self-sustaining supplies, and a secret escape hatch—while other tech leaders reportedly prepare similar “civilization collapse” plans as AI accelerates. Politics & Rhetoric: Trump’s overnight Truth Social blitz again pushed a demand to arrest Barack Obama, reviving claims the Justice Department previously said lacked support. Defense Spending Shock: The proposed “Golden Dome” missile shield is now projected to cost up to $1.2 trillion over 20 years, with critics warning it may still be overwhelmed. Hawaiʻi Watch: Hawaii is sticking with mail-in voting despite Trump’s order, and lawmakers are moving toward automatic Young Brothers rate hikes that could raise interisland cargo costs. Local Justice: In Guam’s Hafa Adai Bingo case, Jose Arthur Chan, 77, was sentenced to five years while others avoided prison. Health Alert: Colorectal cancer diagnoses are rising in younger adults, with doctors urging earlier screening.

UH & Community Wins: UH’s William S. Richardson Law School is set to graduate its 50th class, marking decades since the islands’ legal education began in makeshift Quarry classrooms. Campus & Culture: UH men’s volleyball returned home as NCAA champions after beating UC Irvine, while Kapiʻolani CC’s SURF 2026 drew 350 student presentations—research and kuleana on full display. Local Recovery: North Shore businesses say they’re “open for business” after Kona Low, but rebuilding and staffing strain are still behind the scenes. Energy & Rates: Hawaiian Electric is seeking proposals for a major Lāna‘i renewable project—solar plus storage—aiming for service by December 2030. Safety & Infrastructure: Honolulu is moving ahead with ADA upgrades at Peter Buck Mini Park, and the state is pushing new protections for public employees facing harassment. Big Picture: A CBO estimate puts Trump’s “Golden Dome” missile shield at about $1.2 trillion over 20 years.

AI + Billionaire Exit Plans: A new report claims Mark Zuckerberg is building a $270M Hawaii bunker with blast doors, self-sustaining supplies, and a secret escape hatch—while other tech leaders reportedly prepare similar “civilization collapse” getaways, even as they keep pushing AI forward. Venezuela Statehood Talk: Donald Trump says he’s “seriously considering” making Venezuela the 51st U.S. state, a move that legal experts say runs into major constitutional roadblocks. Guam Justice: Christine Chan was sentenced to nearly 6 years and ordered to pay $10M+ in restitution in the Hafa Adai Bingo fraud case. FDA + Vaping: AG William Tong led a coalition urging the FDA to reverse draft guidance that would ease flavored e-cigarette approvals. Maui Recovery: The Maui Charity Walk raised $1.62M for 74 nonprofits, but a key Maui wildfire survivor study faces a $1.5M funding gap after a bill failed. Local Governance: Honolulu’s managing director Mike Formby is set to leave for the private sector, with deputy Krishna Jayaram stepping in.

Crypto Crackdown: Hawaii lawmakers passed HB1642 CD1 to tighten rules on crypto ATMs—cash can’t be used to buy crypto, though people can still cash out what they already own—aimed at stopping scams that have cost residents about $240 million nationally in early 2025. Public Safety & Infrastructure: The Wahiawā Dam Rehabilitation Project kicked off with a blessing, as officials say March/April storms made the dam’s safety urgency impossible to ignore. Disaster Relief: OHA launched the March 2026 Kona Low General Disaster Assistance Program, offering up to $15,000 for homeowners and $7,500 for renters, with applications opening May 16. Health Care: UH’s men’s volleyball team won its third NCAA national championship, beating UC Irvine 3-1, and a new DOH update says PFAS were detected in Haleakalā’s park water system (not expected to pose significant risk). Justice Watch: In Guam’s $34M Hafa Adai bingo fraud case, resentencing starts this week for defendants—while Michael Marasigan remains a fugitive on the FBI’s most wanted list.

AI Billionaire Bunkers: A new report says Mark Zuckerberg is building a $270 million, blast-resistant Hawaii bunker with its own supplies and a secret escape hatch—while other tech leaders reportedly plan similar “exit strategies” as AI risks rise. Energy & Gas Prices: U.S. gas prices fell nearly 3 cents over the weekend, even as U.S.-Iran war-ending talks stall. Hawaiʻi Tourism Recovery: Hawaiʻi’s tourism agencies launched a statewide push to rebuild visitor confidence after the March Kona Low storms, backed by $2 million from Gov. Josh Green. Local Politics & Housing: Lawmakers approved a bill to redevelop Hilo’s Banyan Drive, creating a new community development district and redevelopment agency. Consumer Travel: Consumer Reports ranked Hawaiian Airlines No. 1 for first-class experiences, with Alaska and Delta also scoring highest. Health & Community: The Susan G. Komen Hawaii Pink Tie Ball raised about $75,000 for breast cancer research.