AGP Executive Report

Honolulu Politics: A judge ruled Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters is ineligible to seek a third term, setting up major fallout for the Aug. 8 primary and raising questions about how already-printed ballots will be handled. Maui Wildfire Recovery: A new report says many Maui wildfire survivors are back to work and getting more stable housing, but thousands still face food insecurity, mental health strain, and lingering physical health problems nearly three years after the Aug. 2023 disaster. Public Safety & Fraud: Wahiawa ranked among Hawaii’s top cities for scam reports in June, according to BBB Scam Tracker, a reminder that local fraud risk remains persistent. State Government & Corruption: Hawaii’s Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and others were indicted in a political bribery case tied to COVID-era activity, prompting calls for leadership changes while the case moves forward. Education & Federal Policy: U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz joined a bipartisan push for evidence-based reading instruction, aiming to steer federal literacy funding toward the “Science of Reading.” Business & Finance: Bank of Hope announced a branding campaign tied to a BTS event in New York, while Bank of Hawai‘i released its latest quarterly results. Climate & Risk: UN climate officials warned that wildfire and heat impacts are escalating globally, underscoring the growing costs of the climate crisis.

Hawaii Politics: Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke used state sheriff deputies to turn herself in after a grand jury indictment tied to an alleged COVID testing pay-to-play scheme, with Gov. Josh Green calling for her resignation. Local Governance: Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters was ruled ineligible to seek a third consecutive term, setting up a legal fight over how the city charter counts his time in office. Maui Recovery: A UHERO study finds Maui wildfire survivors have made progress since 2023—more work, insurance, and services—but still face uneven recovery, including food insecurity, unstable housing, and mental health strain. Jobs & Economy: The Hawaii Career Expo returns July 29 at Neal Blaisdell Center with 100+ employers and free admission for job seekers. Environment & Public Health: Surfrider reports cigarette butts are the most common litter found in Hawaii cleanups, while a separate study warns wildfire evacuation safety improves when communities have more than six major escape routes. Business & Finance: Bank of Hawaii’s Q2 results highlight resilient performance, with revenue growth and improving asset quality.

Hawaii Politics & Courts: Hawaii’s Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke faces indictment in a COVID testing bribery probe, as Gov. calls for her resignation and prosecutors lay out a sweeping political corruption case. Federal Funding Fight: AG Jones joins a coalition suing the Trump White House over counterterrorism and emergency grant conditions that would require states to share voter data with DHS and help enforce federal immigration policy. Local Economy & Housing: The housing crisis is framed as an economic crisis for Hawaii, with affordability pressures driving out residents and widening regional gaps. Banking Watch: Bank of Hawai‘i reported solid Q2 results, with net interest margin expanding and credit quality staying strong. Education & Literacy: Sen. Brian Schatz and Sen. Ted Cruz unveiled the Improving America’s Literacy Act, aiming to steer federal education dollars toward “Science of Reading” literacy pillars. Business & Tourism: Hawaii Convention Center food-and-beverage operations move in-house under Legends Global after Levy’s contract ended, aiming to streamline service and cut costs. Health & Science: Otsuka will present two-year eGFR results for VOYXACT in IgA nephropathy at GlomCon Hawaii 2026. Community: Nonprofits continue pushing to develop and preserve affordable housing amid new political realities.

Hawaii Politics: Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and four others were indicted on bribery and related charges tied to an alleged COVID-19 testing “pay-to-play” scheme, prompting Gov. Josh Green to call for Luke’s resignation as the investigation continues. Local Government & Cost of Living: Maui County reminded residents the first installment of real property taxes for fiscal year 2026-27 is due Aug. 20, with penalties and interest for late payments. Food Security & Research: A new University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology study suggests Hawaii could grow rice again using traditional irrigation, with short-grain varieties maturing in about 97 days. Community & Culture: L&L Hawaiian Barbecue will give away free SPAM musubi on Aug. 8 for National SPAM Musubi Day at participating Maui locations. Hawaiʻi Environment & Science: UH Mānoa researchers say the Hawaiian mantle plume has gotten hotter over tens of millions of years, helping explain changes in volcano size along the chain. Hurricane Watch: Hurricane Genevieve strengthened to Category 4 in the North Pacific, with forecasts highlighting heavy rain risks inland.

Hawai‘i Politics Corruption Case: Hawai‘i Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke was indicted by an O‘ahu grand jury in a bribery conspiracy tied to alleged COVID-19 testing contract influence, with prosecutors alleging campaign contributions and falsified reports; Gov. Josh Green publicly urged Luke to consider resigning as legal observers warn her case may be harder to prove than some co-defendants. Local Governance: The Hawai‘i County Council narrowly killed a measure that would have changed the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation maintenance fund cap, keeping the current structure after a 5-4 vote. Tourism Leadership: The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s search for a new president and CEO has drawn about 60 applicants, with a smaller-than-usual field as lawmakers debate the agency’s future and how tourism should be managed. Public Safety: A state-funded push will expand the Rescue Tube Foundation’s lifesaving rescue tubes across Hawai‘i, targeting drowning risk at dangerous coastal spots. Rural Representation: Ka‘ū District candidates for the Hawai‘i County Council seat laid out priorities for remote areas, including infrastructure and public safety concerns. Economy & Cost of Living: A new national poll finds housing costs are the top issue for young voters, with Hawai‘i highlighted among the fastest places for a $1 million retirement nest egg to run out.

Local Corruption Case: Hawaii’s Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and four others were indicted by an Oahu grand jury in a bribery conspiracy tied to alleged COVID-19 testing contract payments, with Gov. Josh Green calling for Luke’s resignation as the case heads into a potentially long court fight. Energy & Infrastructure: A downtown Honolulu office tower, Topa Financial Center, has been without power for days after an air-conditioning chiller leak damaged critical electrical equipment, displacing nearly 100 tenants and forcing temporary workspace plans. Volcano Watch: USGS monitoring says Mauna Loa remains at NORMAL alert, with scientists relying on GPS surveys and long-term benchmarks to track changes over time. Housing & Transit Costs: HART advanced a $53 million change order for Skyline’s primary core systems contractor, citing schedule extensions and owner-directed scope changes for Segment 3. Local Environment: Molokaʻi officials are urging people to stay out of south-shore waters near a whale carcass after a humpback died, with tissue samples collected as the community helps monitor the site. Business & Tech: Home battery installs are surging in high-cost electricity states including Hawaiʻi, as more homeowners add storage to cut bills and handle outages.

Public Corruption: Hawaii’s Democratic Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and four others were indicted by an Oʻahu grand jury in a bribery conspiracy tied to COVID-19 testing contracts, prompting Gov. Josh Green to call for Luke’s resignation. Local Transit: The HART board advanced a $53 million change order for Skyline’s primary core systems contractor, tied to schedule delays and owner-directed scope changes for Segment 3. Molokaʻi Health & Safety: DLNR warned residents and visitors to stay out of Molokaʻi’s south-shore waters near whale remains after a humpback died July 10; tissue samples may help determine the cause. Housing Affordability: A letter urges Hawaii to keep housing affordable after affordability covenants expire, arguing for tools like community land trusts, leasing extensions, and buyout options. Federal Energy Grants: The Trump administration acknowledged in court filings that it canceled $7.6 billion in clean-energy grants based on the political identity of recipient states—sparking charges of “weaponizing” federal power. Immigrant Justice: Hawaii advocates celebrated new immigrant justice laws aimed at reducing the local fallout from ICE enforcement, citing impacts on workers and businesses.

Oahu Corruption Case: A state grand jury indicted Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and four others in a political bribery probe tied to Hawaii’s COVID-19 community testing program, with charges including bribery, conspiracy, falsifying reports, and obstruction. Immigration Enforcement Backlash: Human rights advocates say new Hawaii landmark immigrant-justice laws are aimed at easing the chilling effects of ICE raids on families, schools, and local businesses. Federal Funding Fight: Oregon and a coalition of states sued the Trump administration over disaster and homeland security grant conditions that critics say would force election changes and immigration enforcement. Clean Energy Grants: The Trump administration acknowledged in court filings that it canceled $7.6 billion in clean-energy grants based on states’ political identity, drawing fresh claims of political retaliation. Hawaii’s Economy & Tourism: A new Wailea activity guide highlights how visitors can go beyond beach time with outrigger canoeing and local food experiences, while a separate report warns spinner dolphins may be struggling to reproduce amid tourism pressure. Community Wins: Lualualei Beach Park’s comfort station reopened after renovations following an arson attack, backed by community support and local officials.

FEMA/DHS Funding Fight: A coalition of 24 states, including Hawaii, sued the Trump administration over disaster and homeland security grants that require states to adopt election and immigration policies and let DHS cut off funds on vague terms. Truck Bed Safety: Hawaii raised the minimum age to ride in pickup truck beds from 12 to 16, aiming to curb injuries as roads get faster. Local Elections Mail Confusion: A Kailua Post Office sign telling voters to hand-deliver ballots to a clerk was removed after complaints, with USPS saying it doesn’t reflect postal policy. School Planning Overhaul: Gov. Josh Green signed a law creating an independent commission to recommend public school realignments and closures. Energy/Environment: Hawaii and environmental groups challenged the EPA’s partial rejection of the state’s regional haze plan, arguing Hawaiian Electric is backing away from pollution-reduction commitments. Hawaii Business: First Hawaiian reported strong Q2 results and declared a dividend; Bayer filed WARN notices for about 76 layoffs tied to seed operation consolidations. Maui Culture & Economy: The inaugural Wailuku Film Festival drew thousands, 100+ films, and major media reach, positioning Maui as a global indie cinema hub.

Tsunami readiness for Oʻahu: Honolulu rolled out a new Oahu Hazard Explorer map to help residents quickly spot evacuation zones after last year’s long tsunami warning disruption. Local emergency funding fight: Hawaiʻi’s attorney general coalition news highlights lawsuits challenging Trump-era conditions tying FEMA and DHS disaster money to election and immigration demands. Hawaiʻi jobs and economy: Bayer filed a WARN notice tied to farm operation consolidations on Maui and Oʻahu, affecting about 76 employees. Air cargo boost for the islands: Alaska Airlines plans four new 737-800 freighters dedicated to Alaska and Hawaiʻi, doubling its cargo fleet capacity by 2027. Community conservation: Waikiki Aquarium launched its Adopt-A-Polyp fundraiser to rebuild the Edge of the Reef exhibit and support coral research and education. State policy: Gov. Josh Green signed a law raising the minimum age for riding in pickup truck beds from 12 to 16. Sports: LPGA announced the Nanea Cup debuting in 2027 at Nanea Golf Club with a $4 million purse.

TPS Fight: Hawaii’s AG Kwame Raoul joined a coalition urging Congress to extend Haitian Temporary Protected Status after a Supreme Court ruling left TPS holders facing uncertainty and possible loss of judicial review. Local Water Priorities: Honolulu launched the Oʻahu Clean Water Survey to set long-term wastewater and stormwater investment priorities, shaping a city Integrated Plan as funding and aging systems strain capacity. Hawaiian Language Education: Kapolei Middle School suspended its Kaiapuni immersion program after failing to fill two teaching jobs, while Niʻihau language charter KANAKA faces a court fight over a steep rent hike and eviction threat. Consumer Safety & Scams: A Honolulu federal case targets a gold bar fraud scheme aimed at a kupuna using fake “Apple Support” and law-enforcement impersonation. Utilities & Wildfire Costs: Kauaʻi’s KIUC is seeking early 2027 wildfire mitigation surcharges, starting with a monthly charge estimated at about $12.87 for an average customer. Elections & Accountability: OHA is ramping up voter education after high blank-ballot rates in trustee races; meanwhile, a complaint alleges Rep. Ed Case used taxpayer-funded email for self-promotion. Defense & RIMPAC: U.S. forces demonstrated Apache-fired SPIKE NLOS missile capability during RIMPAC, and partner navies conducted live-fire sinking exercises off Kauaʻi.

Truck-bed safety law: Hawaii quietly raised the minimum age to ride in pickup truck beds from 12 to 16, as lawmakers respond to growing concerns about crashes and lack of seat belts—especially on faster, busier Oahu roads. Clean air fight: Hawaiʻi Attorney General Anne Lopez and conservation/public health groups are challenging the EPA’s partial rejection of the state’s regional haze plan, arguing it would leave major pollution sources from Hawaiian Electric plants to keep harming visibility at Haleakalā and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes national parks. Medical debt relief: Gov. Josh Green signed SB 3025, creating a program that could automatically buy and erase medical debt for up to about 50,000 residents, with notices sent to eligible people based on income. Consumer scams: State officials warn of a surge in fake vacation rental listings that copy real ads and push victims to pay fast via wire, payment apps, gift cards, or crypto. Community & culture: Kīhei’s free 4th Friday Town Party returns July 24 at Azeka Shopping Center, and the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Maui Calls gala is set for Aug. 22. Local logistics: Maui County’s first installment of FY 2026-27 property taxes is due Aug. 20.

Inter-Island Air Upgrade: Alaska Airlines says it will replace Hawaiian Airlines’ aging 717s with Boeing 737-800s starting in 2028, promising more capacity and faster, more reliable neighbor-island service. State Identity & Security: Honolulu begins issuing redesigned Hawaii driver’s licenses and state IDs with more than 50 security features aimed at reducing counterfeiting and identity theft. Permitting Pressure: A Honolulu debate over Bill 7’s slow progress spotlights permit processing delays, with critics pointing to long timelines and defenders arguing much of the lag comes from applicant revisions rather than city review. Native Species Milestone: The aeʻo (Hawaiian stilt) has been reclassified from endangered to threatened after decades of wetland restoration and conservation, with numbers rising from about 200 to more than 1,500. Public Health Watch: The CDC reports cyclosporiasis cases have topped 4,000 across 41 states, underscoring how fast outbreaks can spread. Local Governance: Gov. Green says action on Lt. Gov. Luke’s situation is “imminent” after the AG’s public corruption investigation. Education & Community: UH announced exhibition volleyball matches and free admission details, while other local items track how Hawaii is expanding screening and support programs.

Air Travel & Capacity: Hawaiian Airlines is moving to larger Boeing 737s for interisland service by 2028, doubling first-class seats (8 to 16), expanding premium (17 to 36), and boosting economy (98 to 109), with more cargo room and Wi‑Fi on flights between Honolulu, Lihue, Kahului, Kona and Hilo. Interisland Fleet Overhaul: Alaska Airlines, which acquired Hawaiian in 2024, is also rolling out 737-800s to replace the 717 fleet, starting with a phased transition likely beginning in 2028. Hawaiʻi Politics: Honolulu’s charter amendments are set for the November ballot, including a ranked-choice voting question and a proposed Food Security Fund, while some notable ideas were left out. Primary Election Watch: Gov. Josh Green says voting has started and he’s cast his ballot, urging support for the lieutenant governor candidate he believes will focus on housing and “healing,” and says he’ll bring Hawaiʻi National Guard troops home from Washington, D.C., before Labor Day. Public Health: The CDC reports cyclosporiasis cases have topped 4,000 across 41 states, with thousands more pending lab confirmation. Community & Culture: The 32nd Ole Longboard Classic in West Maui crowned Joie Kaiu in multiple divisions, while siblings Mau and Mahealani Ah Hee also took top honors.

Prison Health & Compassionate Release: Hawaiʻi prisoners granted compassionate release can still end up stuck behind bars because long-term care facilities won’t accept them, leaving people in infirmaries after parole boards approve early release. Jobs & Local Economy: Maui County’s unemployment climbed to 3.2% in June, up from 2.5% in May, while statewide unemployment rose to 2.6%. Climate Science & Litigation: A new National Academies report ties human-caused climate change to extreme weather, and its acknowledgments include people connected to lawsuits against oil companies—potentially boosting claims. Immigration Policy: DHS rolled out new rules that create gray areas targeting Black and Brown immigrants, including limits tied to perceived reliance on government assistance and tighter terms for international students and scholars. Maui Community & Culture: The inaugural Wailuku Film Festival drew more than 5,300 attendees and boosted local business activity, with screenings across dozens of venues. Native Hawaiian Housing: DHHL processed 477 project lease awards for future homestead lots on Oʻahu, including Ewa Beach, Waimānalo and Nanakuli. Defense & Hawaii Connections: The Pentagon identified a North Carolina soldier killed in Iraq during a controlled detonation of an Iranian drone, underscoring Hawaii’s role in the widening Iran conflict.

Middle East Escalation: The U.S. launched its 10th straight night of strikes on Iran as Iran attacked another tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, keeping pressure on a key shipping route. Local Impact—Fallen Service Members: The Pentagon identified two soldiers killed in Jordan—1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan of Ewa Beach, Hawaiʻi, and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales of Texas—while a third remains missing. Hawaiʻi Health: The Hawaiʻi Department of Health will host the Hawaiʻi Colorectal Cancer Summit 2026 July 24 at the ʻAlohilani Resort, inviting patients, caregivers, providers, and the public to boost screening and address disparities. Native Hawaiian Community: The 25th Annual Native Hawaiian Convention returned to Honolulu, featuring workshops and a marketplace, with events running at the Blaisdell Center. Maui Relief Update: The Maui Relief Program is moving into its next phase Aug. 1, shifting support toward eligible households with minor dependent children as state funding phases out. Workforce Training: In Kapolei, Blood Bank of Hawaiʻi and C2C Workforce USA graduated 13 from an adult accelerated phlebotomist technician program, leading to job offers. Elections Spotlight: Civil Beat’s candidate Q&As spotlight the Aug. 8 primary race for governor (Josh Green) and multiple state House and county council districts, with themes centered on cost of living, housing, homelessness, and local infrastructure.