AGP Executive Report

Hawaii Politics: A corruption scandal involving Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke is casting a long shadow over Saturday’s Hawaii primary, with nine candidates competing to replace her after she pleaded not guilty to bribery charges tied to her 2022 campaign. Maui Housing & Zoning: A Maui Council panel recessed without voting on hotel-district rezoning measures after hours of testimony, with opponents arguing the changes would lock in short-term rental priorities over long-term housing. Native Hawaiian Civic Engagement: Two Big Island college students launched “Kuleana ʻŌiwi: Democracy is Indigenous” to boost Native Hawaiian voter turnout for the Aug. 8 primary and beyond. Marine Economy: Hawaii signed S.B. 2907 to create an Office of Marine Affairs and a governing board aimed at coordinating marine policy, tourism, and recreational boating growth. OHA Leadership: The Office of Hawaiian Affairs opened a nationwide search for its next administrator/chief executive officer. Public Health: The Senate confirmed Erica Schwartz as CDC director, restoring a Senate-approved leader after nearly a year. Science: A new study maps how humpback whale song structure lines up with dive depth, using non-invasive tags on whales off Maui.

Hawaiian Electric Clarifies Oʻahu Power Plan: The utility says it did not seek PUC approval for a proposed 500 MW power plant on Oʻahu, after confusion from a Star-Advertiser report; the PUC instead flagged it as “imprudent” to move ahead without proving need. Maui Wildfire Relief: Gov. Josh Green says the One ʻOhana Fund has offered the full $175 million to eligible Maui wildfire families and injury claimants, with $155.7 million delivered so far. Airline Upgrade Shake-Up for Hawaiʻi Routes: American Airlines will end complimentary economy-to-business upgrades for AAdvantage elites on select long-haul routes, including Dallas-Fort Worth to Honolulu/Kona/Maui, starting Aug. 25—upgrades will top out at premium economy. Solar Science in Hawaiʻi: Using the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, researchers captured the sharpest-ever views of the sun’s surface, including tiny whirlpool-like patterns, adding to understanding of solar activity. Public Health Alert: Hawaiʻi DOH warns of a Sun Noodle recall for a hot and sour flavor product that may contain fish allergen due to mispacked sauce base. Local Community Event: Lights for Lahaina returns Sept. 11–12 with free remembrance gatherings and a Light March through historic Lahaina town.

Hawaiʻi Safety Survey: The Hawaiʻi State Commission on the Status of Women and partners launched a statewide, anonymous survey on stalking, harassment, and domestic/sexual violence to gauge how protective order and stalking laws are working and to shape recommendations for the Legislature. Local Politics: A Hawaii Supreme Court ruling striking down a gun-permission requirement for carrying firearms into private businesses open to the public could ripple to similar laws in other states, including those affecting houses of worship. Hawaiʻi County Elections: Incumbent Dennis “Fresh” Onishi faces challenger Kelton Chang in the Aug. 8 primary for Hawaiʻi County Council District 3. State & Community Programs: Hawaiʻi County is accepting proposals for a $250,000 Event Sponsorship Program supporting economic development, culture, health and wellness, and visitor attraction. Science & Tech (Maui): Using the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope on Maui, researchers captured the sharpest-ever images of the Sun’s surface, spotting never-before-seen vortex-like plasma patterns.

Sun Science in Hawaii: Scientists using the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope on Maui unveiled the sharpest images yet of the Sun’s surface, spotting feathery, vortex-like swirls and tiny Kelvin-Helmholtz patterns that could help explain how solar flares and eruptions start. Local Accountability & Safety: Waipahu residents say Walmart deliveries marked “delivered” never arrived, with delivery photos they say don’t match their homes—Walmart refunded them after complaints. Hawaii Politics: U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz criticized Republicans and President Trump on the Senate floor, arguing policies are driving up the cost of “everything.” Hawaiʻi County Governance: Lawmakers are moving to clarify the role of the county’s Department of Research and Development, including more public data access and at least $1 million a year for grants. Community & Culture: Lahaina Cannery’s Keiki Hula Festival returns Aug. 15 with free hula performances, lessons, and hands-on activities.

Hawaiʻi Broadband: Hawaiʻi is moving ahead with a $150 million fiber-optic push for underserved communities, with UH and the governor’s office deploying BEAD funding to connect about 5,800 unserved homes via Hawaiian Telcom. Education Policy: Senate Democrats, including Sen. Mazie Hirono, are pushing back hard on the Education Department’s plan to shift special education and civil rights enforcement to other agencies, arguing families will lose needed expertise. Local Politics: Maui’s Aug. 8 Democratic primary is roiled by the arrest of congressional candidate Kirill Basin after a beach confrontation caught on video, adding to earlier campaign scrutiny. Sun Science: Using the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope on Maui, researchers captured the sharpest-ever images of the sun’s surface, showing swirling plasma patterns that could improve understanding of solar storms. Housing & Infrastructure: Maui’s Water and Infrastructure Committee sent a revised subdivision bill back for more review after questions about whether it changes what the Board of Water Supply can already do. Defense & Pacific: RIMPAC wrapped up with U.S. Pacific Command leaders discussing the rising cost and stakes of defending the region amid competition with China.

Tariff Fight Hits Hawaiʻi: A coalition of 25 states, including Hawaiʻi, sued the Trump administration over a new round of tariffs under Section 301, arguing it’s a pretext to reimpose costs the courts already rejected. Hawaiʻi Politics Turns Contentious: Democratic congressional candidate Kirill Basin was arrested after a Maui beach confrontation that escalated into an alleged knife threat and a knockout captured on video, just ahead of the Aug. 8 primary. Local History Meets Rail Work: Honolulu rail construction uncovered an old Chinatown-era pit tied to the City Mill area—then workers cemented it over for the upcoming station. Wildlife Protection Update: The state DLNR proposed amendments to HAR 13-124 to strengthen protections for indigenous wildlife, including limits on “take,” habitat harm, and feeding. Broadband Push: Hawaiʻi begins $149.5 million in BEAD projects to expand fiber service to about 5,800 rural and underserved homes. Community Calendar: Maui County will host a passport application acceptance fair Aug. 7 for West Maui residents.

Tariff Fight Hits Hawaii: Hawaii is among 25 states suing the Trump administration over new forced-labor tariffs, arguing the move is an illegal pretext to raise costs after earlier tariff defeats. Maui Housing Update: Hawaiian Community Assets says its first four “Ua Hale Aʻela” Maui Strong homes will be ready for wildfire survivor families starting Aug. 28, with 17 homes planned through a $6.34 million Maui Strong Fund award. Hawaii’s Climate Research: UH Mānoa oceanographers report Hawaiian corals may be able to adapt to future heat stress, using high-resolution modeling to assess reef impacts across the islands. Local Economy Watch: A new report finds home prices rose in 80% of metro areas in Q2 2026, while Honolulu ranks 25th globally for liveability in the EIU index. State Politics & Privacy: Separate lawsuits target federal efforts to access sensitive data tied to TANF benefits, with Hawaii included in the broader legal push.

Tariff Fight: Twenty-five states, including Hawaii, sued the Trump administration in federal trade court over new 10%–12.5% tariffs on goods from 60 partners, arguing the forced-labor rationale is a pretext to revive duties the Supreme Court struck down. State Services: Hawaii’s Public Utilities Commission expanded the Universal Service Fund for print disability, requiring telecom providers to contribute 0.095% of gross annual revenue so eligible blind and low-vision residents can get no-cost newspapers and magazines. Local Education: The Chan Zuckerberg Kauai Community Fund is sending more than $330,000 in unrestricted grants to Kauai public and charter schools, plus Kumu’s Cupboard for classroom supplies. Food Security Research: UH West Oʻahu faculty published an open-access research collection on food system resilience and disaster preparedness, building on Hawaiʻi’s lessons from events like the Lahaina wildfires. Military & Infrastructure: InSynergy Engineering won a $30 million Navy contract for utility system studies across Guam, Hawaii, and the Pacific, with work expected to run through 2031. Community Safety: Kauai police are investigating suspected teen vandals who caused major damage at a furniture store, including a broken sprinkler line and vandalism to artwork.

Hawaiʻi Corruption Case: Four current and former Hawaiʻi officials charged in a bribery scheme pleaded not guilty, with Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, former Rep. Ryan Yamane, DOT airport administrator Ford Fuchigami, and planning official Leo Asuncion all entering pleas and a Sept. 28 trial date set. Oʻahu Housing & Access Fight: A Hawaii Kai condo dispute is reigniting questions about park access, with owners alleging a “sidewalk to nowhere” and years of blocked shared pathways. State Appointments: Gov. Josh Green announced new appointments tied to the Hawaiian Homes Commission, Campaign Spending Commission, and Hawaiʻi State Ethics Commission. Public Records Clash: A watchdog group says the University of Hawaiʻi unlawfully withheld records about whether climate activists and legal advocates influence climate lawsuits. Education Infrastructure: Teachers across islands report aging electrical systems and limited air conditioning are leaving many classrooms too hot to learn. Local Economy & Community: New Hilo café Blooms Café opened with a menu built from local recipes and orchids, adding to the island’s small-business momentum. Science & Space: UH researchers helped find how humpback whale songs map to dive cycles, and separate UH-linked work suggests lunar vibrations could reveal hidden water ice. Consumer Safety: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Pearl City tied for 11th in June scam reports among Hawaiʻi cities.

Currency Shock in the Pacific: Japan and the U.S. carried out their first coordinated yen-buying intervention in 15 years, warning they could act again after the yen slid to a 40-year low—an effort tied to alliance “economic security” and fears over Japan’s fiscal path. Hawaiʻi Leadership Watch: The Office of Hawaiian Affairs has launched a nationwide search for its next Administrator/CEO, with priority applications due Sept. 4. Tribal Gaming Oversight: U.S. senators pressed the CFTC over prediction-market rules, arguing the agency must meet government-to-government consultation standards with tribal nations and clarify how federal oversight could affect tribal gaming authority. Local Science, Less Disturbance: UH researchers used drones to deploy suction-cup tags on humpback whales off Maui, aiming to gather movement and energy data while staying farther away. Time-Change Fight: The Senate still hasn’t moved on making daylight saving permanent, meaning the Nov. 1 “fall back” clock change is still likely—despite medical groups urging elimination of clock changes. Politics & Work: AFGE endorsed Hawaiʻi Reps. Jill Tokuda and Ed Case for re-election, highlighting support for federal workers.

Lahaina Recovery: Front Street reopened to the public for the first time since the Aug. 8, 2023 wildfire, a major milestone for businesses and rebuilding efforts—though many families still can’t return home. Local Politics: Honolulu Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke’s bribery and conspiracy indictment is already shaping the mood heading into Hawaii’s party primaries, with some GOP candidates framing it as proof the state needs a more competitive two-party system. Campaign Finance: The Carpenters Union’s political spending is dominating this election cycle, with a super PAC raising and spending millions to back candidates including Kauaʻi Mayor Derek Kawakami. OHA Leadership: Office of Hawaiian Affairs has launched a national search for a new CEO amid a lawsuit. Public Safety & Health: Hawaii’s new law on crypto kiosks takes effect Oct. 1, but consumer advocates warn to avoid them now as scams using “crypto ATMs” keep costing residents millions. Environment & Science: UH researchers say they’ve identified the first known blacktip shark nursery habitat in Hilo Bay, with juveniles spending their early years there. Infrastructure & Housing: Hawaii County Council District 5 candidates are campaigning on traffic, infrastructure, and cost of living ahead of the Aug. 8 primary.

Lahaina Recovery Milestone: Lahaina’s Front Street reopened to traffic for the first time in nearly three years after the wildfire, a moment residents and business owners described as heavy with grief but also a real step toward bringing “Old Town” back. Honolulu Election Court Fight: Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters appealed a judge’s ruling that he’s ineligible for another term; the City Clerk says votes already cast for Waters will be counted only to see whether other eligible candidates can win outright, otherwise the top two head to a November runoff. Hawaii Tourism Pressure: New state tourism data shows visitors are staying fewer days—7.9 days on average in June, down from 8.9 last year—while daily spending rose enough to keep total spending from falling as sharply. Cybersecurity Watch: The scope of cyberattacks targeting U.S. water systems widened to multiple states, with officials warning the pattern increasingly points to Iran, even as they stress no water has been confirmed unsafe. Local Environment & Waste: Hawaiʻi County announced free household hazardous waste collection events in Hilo (Aug. 8) and Kona (Aug. 15), with rules on what residents can bring. Research Spotlight: UH Mānoa researchers reported links between gut bacteria patterns and biological aging, adding to growing interest in how microbiomes may affect long-term health.

Hawaiʻi Tourism Watch: June visitor spending in Hawaiʻi inched up, but the average stay fell to 7.9 days—down from 8.9 last year—marking a third straight month of shorter stays that hotel leaders say they need to reverse. Local Politics & Housing: Three newcomers are competing for the open Kona District County Council seat, with candidates debating different paths to affordability—from middle-class housing ideas to developer-realtor conversations and upgrades to aging wastewater and solid-waste infrastructure. Oʻahu Health Costs: Medicaid billing data show Aiea’s “Surgery” claims hit $225,313 in 2024 (up 11.8%), while Ewa Beach’s “Dental Services” claims rose to $125,512 (up 9.9%). State Legal Fallout: Gov. Josh Green urged Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke to resign after she and three others pleaded not guilty in a bribery conspiracy tied to COVID-19 testing contracts. Research Spotlight: A new UH Mānoa study links gut bacteria patterns to biological aging rates, suggesting microbiome signals may help explain longevity. Air Travel Disruption: WestJet began canceling flights and grounding planes after a strike notice, wiping out 81 flights as labor talks with flight attendants hit an impasse.

Ongoing Bribery Case in Honolulu: A state employee tied to Hawaii’s alleged bribery conspiracy is still working in a taxpayer-funded role while co-defendants have resigned or taken leave, as the case heads forward with not-guilty pleas. OHA Leadership Search: The Office of Hawaiian Affairs has launched a nationwide search for its next Administrator/Chief Executive Officer, with applications prioritized by Sept. 4. State Appointments: Gov. Josh Green announced new appointments to the Hawaiian Homes Commission, Campaign Spending Commission, and Hawaiʻi State Ethics Commission. Domestic Violence Safety Survey: Hawaiʻi’s Commission on the Status of Women, the Judiciary, and the Coalition Against Domestic Violence are launching a statewide survivor survey to assess how well current protective order and stalking laws work. Public Safety Weather Alert: A wind advisory is in effect across multiple islands through the weekend, with possible impacts to homes and water service if power is disrupted. Transit Win for Oʻahu: Skyline earned a national APTA Innovation Award for advanced rail technology improving safety and rider experience.

Oʻahu Politics: Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and three co-defendants pleaded not guilty in the state bribery case tied to COVID-19 testing contracts, as Gov. Josh Green renewed calls for Luke to resign. Health & Safety: Blood Bank of Hawaii says it’s feeling the national blood supply crisis after the American Red Cross declared a blood shortage, urging Hawaiʻi donors to book appointments for red blood cells and platelets. Maui Elections: Maui County mayoral rivals Richard Bissen and Yuki Lei Sugimura each topped $100,000 raised in July, setting up a high-spend Aug. 8 primary. Local Governance: OHA trustees clash over an independent investigative report connected to CEO allegations, as the agency looks for a new CEO amid the legal fight. Economy & Housing: A look at Hawaiʻi’s biggest commercial real estate firms and its 100 largest residential mortgage lenders highlights who’s driving the market. Community & Culture: A new 70s-inspired tavern opens in Honolulu’s West Village, while Hawaiʻi’s Oʻahu and beyond stories also spotlight local food and community events.

Public Corruption: Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and three co-defendants pleaded not guilty in a COVID-contract bribery case, with prosecutors alleging Luke took campaign money and accepted bribes tied to getting more contract funds. OHA Governance: OHA trustees clashed over whether to publicly release an independent investigative report tied to CEO Stacy Kealohalani Ferreira’s retaliation allegations, with a failed executive-session vote keeping the report secret for now. Local Safety: A 65-year-old pedestrian died after being hit in Iwilei, and a Kona man was arrested on harassment and resisting-arrest charges after allegedly trying to provoke a fight. Housing & Homelessness: Gov. Josh Green celebrated completion of Hoʻokahi Leo Kauhale Phase Two in Kalihi, adding 30 deeply affordable homes with supportive services. State Parks: DLNR reopened Pālāʻau State Wayside Park on Molokaʻi after major improvements. Business & Education: Hawaii Medical College earned USA TODAY’s top vocational-school recognition; AARP awarded $139,200 in grants for community upgrades including digital literacy in Hilo. Media: Hawaii News Now and Hawaii Business Magazine racked up multiple SPJ Excellence in Journalism awards.