AGP Executive Report

Wildfire policy: Hawaii’s Public Utilities Commission is shaping a future wildfire “liability cap” for electric utilities, with preliminary public input due June 30—a key step under Act 258 meant to define how responsibility and any recovery framework work before the next disaster. Local accountability: A former Hawai‘i Foodbank employee, Dexter Kishida, was arrested and charged in an alleged $800,000 scheme tied to claiming CARES Act reimbursement for food purchases. Energy & climate: A new index from Bernardi Securities ranks Hawaii among the highest environmental risk states for municipal bond investors, using disaster hazard data plus insurance non-renewal rates. Community needs: Helping Hands Hawaii is seeking help to fill 3,000 backpacks for keiki going back to school, with distribution starting mid-July. Public safety: A new 50-state analysis says Hawaii saw a 76% increase in nighttime speeding-related fatalities, placing it among the biggest risers. University free speech: UH is considering protest-rule changes as it tries to avoid clashes with federal grant requirements and First Amendment limits.

Foreign Aid Oversight: ProPublica reports Trump administration officials are largely ignoring Congress’s foreign-aid orders after lawmakers blocked an attempt to shut down USAID, with delays and “unallocated” humanitarian funds raising legal questions. Gun Litigation Shield: A new federal bill, the SHOT Act, would strengthen protections for firearm makers against “public nuisance” lawsuits in states that have relied on vague liability standards. Invasive Species Watch: Hawaii’s agriculture officials are responding to new reports of stinging nettle caterpillars, including on windward Oʻahu and Maui, using parasitoid wasps to curb the pest. Defense Funding: The Pentagon is seeking about $80 billion for the Iran war effort as lawmakers question the administration’s plan and broader Pentagon budget increases. Local Accountability: Honolulu’s Dexter Kishida faces felony charges tied to an alleged $800,000 Hawaii Foodbank fraud scheme involving CARES Act reimbursement claims. State Economy: DBEDT says Hawaiʻi’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 2.5% in May, with jobs up year over year. Housing & Campaigns: Civil Beat candidate Q&As for State House District 26 spotlight housing costs, affordability, and ethics or fiscal analysis proposals. Health & Research: UH researchers are building a clean seed pipeline for heritage ʻuala sweet potatoes to protect the local industry from viruses. Community Events: Honolulu’s Office of Economic Revitalization is hosting a free Kalihi career and resource event to connect residents with employers and workforce services.

University & Research: UH Manoa landed in the top tier of global research universities in the 2026-27 U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities rankings, placing No. 110 nationally and No. 482 worldwide, with standout subject rankings in marine biology and meteorology. Local Community & Food Security: Kaukau 4 Keiki’s summer meal program is stretched thin on Oʻahu, with volunteer shortages driving long lines and a hard cap of 750 families a week at its biggest Ewa Beach site. Tourism & Infrastructure: The Hawaiʻi Convention Center is pressing ahead with leak repairs during its shutdown, but lawmakers’ rejection of a $55 million request means many upgrades will slip, threatening competitiveness when it reopens. Culture & Community Events: The Nā Kamehameha Commemorative Pāʻū Parade and Hō‘olaule‘a returned to Central Maui June 20, drawing crowds and honoring Hawaiian culture through parade awards and performances. Public Safety & Health: The Supreme Court agreed to revisit whether federal prisoners can still sue over deliberate indifference to serious medical needs, a case tied to an inmate’s medical care after an attack at a Honolulu federal prison. Business & Finance: Maui County FCU and the Salvation Army kicked off their Adopt a Backpack school supply drive, collecting donations through July 18 at multiple Maui branches.

Local Elections: Civil Beat published Q&As with Hawaiʻi County Council District 6 candidates Jason Masters, Guy Enriques, Justin Canelas, and Zed Kaʻapana Aki, spotlighting housing near jobs, Puna’s need for a secondary permanent route, and short-term rental rules. Research & Health: UH researchers won a $12M NIH grant to launch PAC-AID, a Pacific Center for AI and Data Science in Medicine at the UH Cancer Center and JABSOM, including a Medical AI Core and data center renovations. Environment & Wildlife: NOAA and partners relocated a famous monk seal pup from busy Kaimana Beach to a quieter Oʻahu shoreline after weaning, health checks, and tagging. Community & Business: The Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce set its June 30 annual meeting and luncheon, featuring updates and a focus on Native Hawaiian business leadership. Tourism & Culture: Hawaiian Airlines unveiled new “Moana” aircraft liveries ahead of the July 10 release.

State Politics: Sen. Michelle Kidani announced she’s retiring from the Hawaii State Senate effective June 30, setting up a new scramble for leadership in District 18. Legislature Watch: Sen. Karl Rhoads is set to end a 20-year Senate career this November, with colleagues describing him as an “institutional conscience” rather than a power player. Local Governance: Honolulu’s Biki bikeshare is drawing heavy complaints over broken stations, missing bikes, and customer service, even as the city plans a $1 million Climate Resiliency Fund push to get 600 bikes back online. Public Safety & Infrastructure: The Puna Alternate Route Study—meant to ease Highway 130 congestion and improve evacuation options—has been delayed at least six months. Health & Research: UH’s Cancer Center and John A. Burns School of Medicine received more than $12 million to build Hawaii’s first AI data center to improve cancer detection and care across the Pacific. Community & Food Security: Pacific Gateway Center blessed its new 80-acre Haleiwa farm to help immigrant and refugee farmers grow sustainable businesses and strengthen Hawaii’s food supply. Education: UH student regent Eric Pomaika‘i Gee was appointed to a two-year term starting July 1, aiming to boost student awareness and engagement with the Board of Regents.

Local Culture & Community: Hawaiian Mission Houses and Makawao Cemetery Association bring back Cemetery History Theatre for its 15th anniversary, with performances July 18-19 at Makawao Cemetery honoring Emily Whitney Alexander Baldwin, Dr. Iga Mōri, and Lucy Kaiaka Ward in a theme of “Caring for Our Community.” Public Safety & Aviation Oversight: A new national spotlight is on safety rules for skydiving and sightseeing flights after fatal crashes, with investigators again pointing to a regulatory “loophole” and calls for tougher standards. State Land & Housing: The Department of Land and Natural Resources extended the Puʻuhonua O Waiʻanae (POW) move-out deadline to Oct. 16, 2026, and says the state will help accelerate cleanup and new construction. Hawaii Business & Food Innovation: The Hawaii Made Conference returns June 23 in Waikiki to help local food innovators with packaging, product development, and market connections. Health Costs Watch: New Medicaid spending figures show rising local bills in Waipahu and Makawao, including big jumps in medical/surgical supplies and evaluation/management categories. Politics & Civility: A threatening hateful message posted online about Big Island Sen. Joy San Buenaventura’s community party is drawing backlash and renewed attention to online harassment.

Rail Budget Snag: Honolulu’s rail board has approved HART’s $1.07B operating and capital budgets for FY2027, but the HART board still hasn’t formally signed off after a procedural mix-up left the item off-limits for a vote. Mental Health Workforce: DCCA is gearing up for July 1 to launch Act 93, creating provisional licenses for associate psychologists and other emerging mental health professionals to expand access statewide. Local Tech & Jobs: UH West Oʻahu selected 10 projects for “Invest in UH West,” awarding $55,000–$100,000 start-up grants to boost student success and workforce partnerships. Business & Community: HTDC announced new innovation and manufacturing support, including Manufacturing Assistance Program awards to 26 companies. Health Alert: Blood Bank of Hawaiʻi is urgently asking for AB plasma donations after supply levels dropped to about 1.5 weeks. Public Safety: Honolulu prosecutors charged a 19-year-old second suspect in the Hopaka Street shooting with attempted murder and firearm offenses.

Mental Health Workforce: Hawaiʻi’s DCCA is gearing up for July 1 under Act 93, creating provisional licenses for associate psychologists, associate marriage and family therapists, and associate mental health counselors—aimed at easing barriers and expanding access statewide. Local Government Watch: Maui County Council’s Government Relations, Ethics and Transparency committee meets Monday on Leo Caires’ whistleblower lawsuit, including fraud-risk claims and proposed ethics changes. Innovation & Jobs: HTDC announced new grant awards to strengthen Hawaiʻi’s manufacturing and tech sectors, including Manufacturing Assistance Program funding for 26 companies. Public Health Alert: Blood Bank of Hawaiʻi is urgently calling for AB plasma donations, warning supplies could run out in about three days. Community & Culture: Nā Hōkū Hanohano nominees and past awardees will be celebrated at Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Nā Hōkū Hou concert June 27; Chinatown held blessings for a dragon mural and dragon decal at Kekaulike Mall. Food Security: The Church of Jesus Christ says its America250 food effort has reached all 50 states, with a first truckload arriving in Hilo.

Animal Rights in Hawaiʻi: The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court is set to weigh a lawsuit seeking constitutional rights for two Honolulu Zoo elephants, with plaintiffs arguing their enclosure violates their autonomy and welfare—an outcome could force Mari and Vaigai to move to a sanctuary. Housing & Teacher Shortage: Hawaii’s first teacher-focused workforce housing project, Kumelewai Hale (95 units) at Mililani High School, cleared a key environmental assessment step, paving the way for permitting and construction aimed at mid-2029 move-ins. Local Development: The Hawaii County Leeward Planning Commission approved a roughly $5 million renovation plan for Kona Seaside Shops, including new dining and vendor kiosks, after years of economic strain along Ali‘i Drive. Legal Fight at City Hall: Former Honolulu Council member Trevor Ozawa sued to block Council Chair Tommy Waters from running for a third consecutive term, arguing Waters is ineligible under the city charter. Whistleblower Allegations: A Hawaiʻi whistleblower lawsuit accuses Abbott Laboratories of firing him after he reported alleged kickbacks tied to outpatient clinic equipment use.

Clock-Change Push: A bipartisan U.S. House transportation bill would permanently “lock the clock,” ending twice-yearly daylight saving time—supporters say it’s the best chance yet, with the big remaining question being standard time vs. daylight time year-round. Hawaiʻi Water & Food Security: The state Agribusiness Development Corporation approved final terms to bring the Wahiawā irrigation system under state ownership, aiming for public oversight and upgrades to protect local agriculture. Hopaka Street Case: Honolulu police arrested a 19-year-old in Waianae as an additional suspect in the Hopaka St. attempted murder investigation, where a firearm was allegedly fired at two victims. Tourism & Local Products: Hawaii tourism is expected to grow only about 2% this year; business groups are leaning on food and “Hawaiʻi-made” events to boost hotel and restaurant demand. Disaster Help Still Possible: FEMA says some residents who missed the Kona Low registration deadline may still qualify for late individual assistance if they can show good cause. Health Equity: UH research finds Native Hawaiians report mobility limits at higher rates and younger ages than other groups. Animal Rights in Court: Hawaiʻi Supreme Court will consider whether zoo elephants should gain constitutional protections and be relocated.

Gas Prices: AAA says the U.S. average for regular hit $3.999 a gallon June 18—back under the $4 “psychological” mark as oil prices ease after a U.S.-Iran deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Hawaii Energy Costs: Economists say the same Iran agreement could eventually lower gas and electricity costs for Hawaii, where energy is largely imported. Earthquake Science: UH Mānoa researchers report California’s San Andreas–San Jacinto fault junction is at the highest stress level in 1,000 years, raising concerns about a potentially bigger quake near the Los Angeles region. Hawaiʻi Recovery: FEMA is in South Kona for preliminary damage assessments after the May 22, 6.0 quake, aiming to unlock federal aid for homes and water systems. Local Planning: The state DOT holds another community meeting on the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport master plan update, with alternatives review and Q&A. Courts & Rights: Hawaiʻi Supreme Court will consider whether Honolulu Zoo elephants should be granted legal personhood. Community & Culture: Wailuku Film Festival opens with 100+ films, including Maui wildfire documentary screenings.

Hawaiʻi Health & Safety: The state Department of Health confirmed a new travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu tied to a visitor, with officials saying the risk of local spread is low; DOH teams are doing mosquito control and outreach, and residents are urged to remove standing water. Oʻahu Infrastructure & Theft: The Board of Water Supply says thieves are targeting temporary water meters across Oʻahu, with about 22 illegally removed over two and a half years and eight thefts in just the past three months—each device costs roughly $3,000 to replace. SNAP Food Policy: Hawaiʻi will restrict sugar-sweetened beverages for SNAP recipients, a change that will affect more than 500 retailers statewide and is expected to shift what shoppers buy. Maui Local Government: A Maui County Council panel rejected a charter amendment that would have set aside 20% of transient accommodations tax revenue for climate initiatives. Native Hawaiian Health: A new UH study finds Native Hawaiians report mobility limits at younger ages than other groups, pointing to earlier screening needs. Economy & Housing: UH Manoa researchers are building a clean seed pipeline to protect Hawaiʻi’s sweetpotato industry, while James Campbell Company completed its purchase of The Element, a 318-unit apartment community in West Oʻahu. Community Support: Maui County Federal Credit Union launched its Adopt a Backpack school supply drive with Salvation Army partners, running through July 18.

Housing Affordability: Harvard’s “State of the Nation’s Housing” finds persistent affordability problems are still blocking household formation, with only 1.1 million new households in 2025 and relocation at an all-time low—while millions of renters and homeowners remain cost-burdened. Local Elections & Civic Access: The Office of Hawaiian Affairs approved up to $250,000 for a statewide primetime congressional debate and live-broadcast trustee forums ahead of Hawaiʻi’s Aug. 8 primary. Military & Geopolitics: The U.S. Department of War says Indo-Pacific Command will revert to U.S. Pacific Command, a name change officials call symbolic but that’s already drawing attention in India. Climate & Coastal Risk: Hawaiʻi’s king tides plus strong swells are showing what higher seas could mean, with erosion and flooding impacts prompting a community science push. Hawaiʻi Legal Fight: The U.S. asks a judge to reconsider dismissal of its case against Hawaiʻi over the state’s fossil-fuels lawsuit. Mauna Kea/TMT: TMT opponents send a “cease and desist” letter warning of sustained opposition and risks if construction continues. Invasive Species: Hawaiʻi officials report coconut rhinoceros beetles detected again on Maui, urging residents to watch for feeding damage and report findings. Economy Watch: DBEDT projects Hawaiʻi’s economy will grow 1.6% in 2026, calling it resilient despite a slower pace than 2025.

Maui Safety & Accountability: A second-story balcony collapsed at the Shores of Maui Condominiums in South Kihei, injuring six people and prompting building inspection as some residents remain in units. Local Business Displacement: Ward Centre is closing after more than 40 years, with 25 businesses—including Aliʻi Coffee—needing to relocate by June 30 for the Melia and ʻIlima condo project. Public Safety—Kalihi Death Investigation: Honolulu police and homicide detectives are investigating the unattended death of a 68-year-old man found outside a Kalihi business on North School Street. Ocean Protection Fight: The Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument’s future is again in legal and environmental limbo after a new presidential proclamation aimed at reopening parts of protected waters to commercial fishing, even as a Hawaii debris-removal nonprofit says it’s still clearing massive amounts of marine waste. Hawaiʻi Economy Watch: DBEDT projects moderate growth—1.6% for 2026—after 2025’s 2.5% expansion. Community & Culture: The Hawaiʻi State LGBTQ+ Commission is recognized nationally in the 2026 LGBTQ+ State Business Climate Index.

Hawaiʻi Energy Policy: Gov. Josh Green signed an executive order preserving Hawaiʻi’s solar tax credits for 2026, aiming to protect more than $400 million in ongoing projects after lawmakers reduced and capped credits. Local Economy: DBEDT projects Hawaii’s economy will grow 1.6% in 2026, citing resilient tourism and construction but warning inflation and slower job growth could cool momentum. Community & Safety: Hawaii County issued an “essential needs only” notice for Ocean View public water spigots after a well failure, with water haulers stepping in while repairs are underway. Environment & Wildlife: Researchers report endangered false killer whales are losing weight as food grows scarcer, with competition from nearshore fishing and warming seas adding pressure. Science Funding: Hawaiʻi advocates warn a proposed federal rule could politicize scientific research funding and restrict researchers’ ability to publish and attend conferences. Local Crime: Honolulu police charged a suspect in the Hopaka Street shooting with attempted murder and firearms offenses; Kona police also seek help identifying suspects in a stolen-vehicle and credit-card fraud case. National Context: A new AP-NORC poll finds many AAPI adults say the U.S. is no longer a great place for immigrants. Earth & Weather: NOAA confirmed El Niño is here, with scientists warning of potentially historic impacts.

Hawai‘i Justice: The state Department of the Attorney General filed additional felony charges against former Honolulu attorney Robert Chapman in a second estate-fraud case, alleging he used forged documents to unlawfully obtain about $40,000; he pleaded not guilty and faces a new trial date set for Aug. 17. Maui Biosecurity: Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity confirmed another coconut rhinoceros beetle detection on Maui, with surveys and coordination through the Maui CRB Working Group underway after earlier detections. Local Crime: Hawaii Police asked the public to help identify suspects in a Kona vehicle theft and credit-card fraud investigation tied to stolen vehicles and fuel purchases. Community Closures: Ward Centre’s Taj Clubhouse is closing after 50 years, and Paʻauilo Store is shutting down after 70+ years serving the Hamakua Coast. Public Safety/Health: The Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission extended the deadline for stakeholder input on its liability cap rulemaking to June 30, and Hawai‘i State Hospital reported decompression efforts that allow additional civil commitments.