AGP Executive Report

Federal Court Win for Hawaii Climate Case: A U.S. District Court dismissed the federal government’s bid to block Hawaii from pursuing climate change tort claims in state court, finding the government failed to show standing. Gun Law Fallout: The Supreme Court’s rulings striking down Hawaii’s “vampire rule” gun restrictions keep reverberating as Hawaii officials review what comes next. Local Governance & Planning: A Maui planning commission meeting drew heavy public frustration over how the DLNR agenda was handled, with critics saying the room setup and logistics couldn’t match the turnout. Public Safety Policy: “Lulu’s Law” is now in effect, enabling emergency cellphone alerts for shark attacks—states still decide how to implement. Environment & Research: A Maui Nui study is testing whether humpback whales’ nutrient “whale pump” measurably enriches Hawaiian waters. Community & State Services: DLNR reported major statewide World Ocean Day cleanups, removing thousands of pounds of debris and invasive plants. Honolulu Zoo Leadership: The One O‘ahu Podcast spotlights new Honolulu Zoo director John Berry and the mission to protect native species. Maui Politics: A mayoral candidate says more than 18 campaign signs were stolen across Lahaina, Wailuku, and Maui Meadows.

US Supreme Court: The Court rejected Trump’s bid to end birthright citizenship, ruling his executive order violates the 14th Amendment, while also issuing other major rulings touching campaign finance, immigration, executive power, and gun rights. Campaign Finance/State Ethics: Hawaii’s Campaign Spending Commission filed a civil complaint against Sylvia Luke and her 2022 lieutenant governor campaign, alleging false reports and mishandling of funds tied to “Friends of Sylvia Luke,” as she faces a separate AG public corruption bribery probe. Maui Water & Local Governance: Mayor Richard Bissen proposed buying two West Maui water systems for $6M to expand public stewardship and address long-running water woes. Land, Culture & Burial: Hawaii Island Burial Council voted down a burial treatment plan for iwi kūpuna found at Hawaiian Paradise Park, with debate over buffer zones and infrastructure impacts. Consumer Protection: State officials warned of scam text messages using fake traffic-ticket details and Hawaiian-sounding names to pressure drivers into paying. Elections: A special election was scheduled for the vacant Hawaii Senate District 18 seat (Pearl City area) after Sen. Michelle Kidani retired. Military Readiness: RIMPAC HADR training at Ford Island highlighted multinational disaster-response partnerships. Transportation: Honolulu marked Skyline’s third anniversary, touting 5M+ riders and 99%+ reliability.

Gun Law Fallout: The U.S. Justice Department is threatening lawsuits over state gun restrictions that “mirror” Hawaii’s recently struck-down “default ban,” after the Supreme Court ruled Hawaii’s carry rules unconstitutional; Second Amendment Watch: The Supreme Court is also set to hear major challenges to “assault weapons” bans, with Illinois and Connecticut cases flagged as potential nationwide signals; AI Transparency: Sen. Brian Schatz is pushing bipartisan federal legislation requiring clear labeling and disclosure for AI-generated content and AI chatbots; Consumer Protection: Hawaii’s AG and Office of Consumer Protection joined a coalition of attorneys general opposing a federal bill that would weaken consumer financial protections; Wildfire Preparedness: Hawaii launched its 2026 Wildfire LOOKOUT! campaign, urging residents to prepare as wet-season growth can raise fire risk; Charity Compliance: Hawaii’s AG announced a 60-day amnesty (July 1–Aug. 31) for delinquent charitable organizations to get back into compliance; Local Food Policy: A new Hawaii ahi country-of-origin labeling requirement takes effect July 1, with retailers updating fish counter labels; Health Access: Laws strengthening Hawaii’s shield protections for reproductive and gender-affirming care take effect today.

SCOTUS & Hawaii Gun Law: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Hawaiʻi’s “vampire rule,” expanding where concealed guns can be carried on private property open to the public, and Hawaii officials and gun-rights groups are now parsing what changes next. Election Law: The Court also expanded political spending rules, coming right after Hawaiʻi passed a corporate political spending curbs law—another reminder that Hawaii’s election reforms are colliding with national court shifts. Ahi Labeling: Starting July 1, Hawaiʻi retailers must disclose ahi origin, with local fishers pushing the change as a way to steer consumers toward locally caught product. Wildfire Preparedness: Honolulu and state leaders launched the 2026 Wildfire LOOKOUT! campaign ahead of July 4, warning of a potentially longer fire season. Public Safety in Courts: A Hawaii Island officer apologized and was sentenced in an unlawful search/perjury case, keeping his job and firearm rights. Local Resilience: Volunteers installed free water catchment diverters for 30 Volcano homes to protect tanks from Kīlauea ash contamination. Federal/Regional Watch: DOJ and 17 states reached a $3.3M egg price-fixing settlement tied to coordinated bidding, with 53 million eggs headed to food banks. Defense & Training: Valiant Shield 2026 wrapped after 10 days of multi-domain drills across the Pacific, reinforcing alliance readiness.

Gun Policy at SCOTUS: The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear challenges to AR-15-style “assault weapons” bans in Connecticut and Cook County, Illinois, setting up another major Second Amendment fight after recent rulings that struck down parts of Hawaii’s gun restrictions. Hawaii Food Labeling: Act 238 takes effect July 1, requiring country-of-origin labels for raw processed ahi sold at covered retail, aiming to stop “local” from being misleading and to protect Hawaii fisheries. Hawaii SNAP Scrutiny: A federal report says Hawaii’s SNAP payment error rate in FY2025 was slightly above the national average, raising the risk of millions in additional costs under new federal rules. Tourism Numbers: DBEDT reports May 2026 visitor spending rose to $1.77B (+5.3%), with more visitors but a shorter average length of stay. Public Safety & Community: MADD Hawaiʻi honored law enforcement and community leaders at its statewide ceremony, spotlighting impaired-driving enforcement. Military in the Pacific: RIMPAC-related updates include international helicopter exchanges and new Marine systems received for littoral defense. Environment & Federal Power: AG Raoul led a coalition opposing an EPA proposal that would weaken pre-construction air pollution permitting, arguing it limits public input and harms health.

Gun Law Fallout: Hawaii businesses are bracing for new rules after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down parts of the state’s concealed-carry limits, with owners now deciding whether to allow firearms and whether “No Firearms” signs will be visible enough to matter. Ahi Labeling: A new Hawaii law requiring country-of-origin labeling for raw processed ahi takes effect July 1, pushing retailers to clearly identify where tuna was landed. Hemp Crackdown: Hawaii’s hemp and CBD retailers face enforcement starting Wednesday, and some shops are rushing to court to block new restrictions they say could wipe out most inventory. Local Courts: A former Honolulu Foodbank employee, Dexter Kishida, pleaded not guilty to theft and forgery charges tied to alleged misuse of $800,000 in pandemic relief funds. RIMPAC & Military: RIMPAC 2026 continues across Oʻahu and beyond, with multinational participation and renewed attention to the exercise’s regional security role. Climate Cooperation: Hawaiʻi and California joined other Pacific jurisdictions in a new Pacific Climate Summit pledge focused on adaptation and resilience. Elections Q&A: Civil Beat published candidate Q&As for State House District 5 (Jeanne Kapela and Dalene McCormick). Fourth of July: Honolulu and other counties are clarifying fireworks permit rules and enforcement ahead of the holiday.

Gun Rights Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Hawaii’s “vampire rule,” ruling the state can’t require gun owners to get express permission to carry on private property open to the public—an immediate shake-up for concealed-carry rules statewide. Medicaid Fight: Hawaii’s AG Peter Neronha joined a coalition suing the Trump administration to block new Medicaid work requirements, arguing the interim rule unlawfully forces medically frail recipients into paperwork barriers that could cost coverage. RIMPAC Logistics in Hawaii: NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Pearl Harbor is executing over $1M in contracting support for RIMPAC 2026, including transport, cranes/tugs, sanitation, and reception services across the islands. Local Courts & Policy: A Hawaii-related legal challenge over gun carry rules continues to ripple after the Supreme Court’s decision, while national gun-rights coverage frames what comes next for state lawmakers. Community & Safety: Lulu’s Law—expanding FCC emergency alerts for shark attacks—was enacted into federal law, adding another layer of beach safety messaging for summer.

Hawaii Elections Commission Chair Fight: The Hawaii Elections Commission’s planned June 24 vote to pick a chair was canceled, and commissioners are now disputing whether the panel can elect its own leadership or whether the Hawaii Supreme Court’s Chief Justice must step in after a deadline. Gun Rights Fallout: The U.S. Supreme Court’s latest rulings striking down Hawaii’s “vampire rule” and other concealed-carry limits are reshaping how firearms can be carried on public and private property, with lawmakers and legal observers weighing what comes next. Local Campaign Spotlight: Civil Beat published Q&As for State House District 39 candidates, laying out competing priorities on cost of living, wildfire and water resilience, housing, and government transparency. Coastal Erosion Watch: Officials and Maui resort operators are backing a sand-replenishment plan for Ka’anapali Beach, but locals worry it could worsen access and impacts from erosion. RIMPAC in Hawaii: Military readiness and community-facing events continue around Rim of the Pacific, including open-ship tours and multinational helicopter exchanges at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

U.S. Supreme Court & Hawaii Guns: The Court struck down Hawaii’s “vampire rule” and related concealed-carry limits, with state and national reactions centering on how much private property owners can restrict firearms and what “historical tradition” means for modern gun rules. Elections Commission Chair Fight: Hawaii Elections Commission members dispute whether the panel can elect its own chair after a June meeting was canceled, raising questions about who fills the seat and when. OHA Media Push: The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is weighing buying Honolulu TV stations, sparking debate over whether it strengthens Native Hawaiian media influence or tilts toward political messaging. Campaign Finance Scrutiny: Kaua‘i Mayor Derek Kawakami is facing questions for not returning political donations tied to a convicted briber’s federal case. Public Safety & Health Policy: A “Kokua Line” update outlines the new Hawaii driver’s license design; another column urges lawmakers not to veto SB 847, arguing it would expand access to mental health prescribing. Local Government: Hawaii County Windward Planning Commission considers a bill to ban new paid parking lots. Military/Indo-Pacific: U.S. Marines received NMESIS and MADIS in Okinawa as part of Indo-Pacific posture amid Taiwan tensions. Transportation: DOT posted Big Island lane closures through July 3.

Gun Rights in Court: Hawaii’s “vampire rule” on carrying firearms was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court, and the Hawaii AG says it will review the decision—another sign the Roberts Court is tightening the path for state gun restrictions. Local Governance: On Kauai’s North Shore, Gov. Josh Green signed HB 1881 into law banning motorized gondolas, ski lifts, and aerial tramways, effectively ending the Kaukonahua Ranch gondola plan while other project pieces remain under review. Native Hawaiian Media: OHA trustees advanced due diligence on a potential acquisition of KITV and KIKU, weighing whether Native Hawaiians can expand ownership and leadership in the state’s media landscape. Military & Readiness: RIMPAC 2026 continues to build momentum with multinational participation, including ship-to-shore drills and a live-fire sinking exercise during Valiant Shield 2026. Community & Culture: AARP awarded $15,000 to the Ho’olehua Homesteaders Association on Molokai for kupuna home repairs, plus support for a community garden aimed at food security.

U.S. Supreme Court Gun Ruling Hits Hawaiʻi: In a 6-3 decision, the Court struck down Hawaiʻi’s “vampire rule,” blocking the state from requiring concealed-carry permit holders to get express permission before carrying onto private property open to the public—setting up fresh legal and political fallout for gun policy. State Budget & Tax Cuts: Gov. Josh Green signed Hawaiʻi’s $21B budget, keeping tax breaks for most residents while funding climate fees, SNAP/Medicaid/Affordable Care Act support, and other priorities. Local Policing & Trafficking: Honolulu Police shut down two brothels in Aiea and Pearl City, seizing cash and pursuing sex trafficking/prostitution-related cases with victim services offered during raids. University of Hawaiʻi Hilo Facilities: UH-Hilo athletics facilities are slated for an $11.6M renovation starting early next year, including new locker rooms, training/sports medicine, and weight rooms. RIMPAC 2026 Readiness: Multiple defense-related updates from Hawaiʻi-focused drills highlighted allied amphibious training and distributed manufacturing experiments tied to the exercise. Kauai Coffee Lease Secured: Kauai Coffee Co. announced a new long-term land lease after months of uncertainty, aiming to preserve jobs and keep the farm operating.

U.S. Supreme Court Gun Ruling: The Court struck down Hawaiʻi’s “vampire rule,” saying licensed concealed-carry holders can bring guns onto private property open to the public unless owners expressly bar them—prompting renewed debate over what comes next for state gun policy. Gov. Green Budget Moves: Gov. Josh Green signed two budget bills and released an intent-to-veto list for four measures from the 2026 session, with final decisions due by July 15. Local Public Safety: Honolulu police shut down an illegal Kakaako game room, seizing 19 gambling machines and about $7,000 in cash. Maui Fireworks Rules: Maui Fire and Public Safety announced where to buy Fourth of July fireworks and reiterated permit and safety limits, including legal firing hours and penalties. RIMPAC Logistics & Training: As RIMPAC 2026 expands to 30 nations, Navy logistics teams in Pearl Harbor are coordinating sustainment for visiting forces, while Hawaiʻi Island residents are warned to expect increased aircraft noise during training near Pōhakuloa. Wrongful Death Case: Settlement talks are set for the state and the family of Peter Boy Kema in a long-running wrongful death lawsuit. Community Health Access: Shriners Children’s Hawaii’s Guam outreach clinic filled to capacity again, with bookings closed and families directed to waitlists for future outreach/telehealth. Sports: Hawaii’s Little League team won the U.S. bracket and will play Curacao in the LLWS championship.

U.S. Supreme Court & Hawaii Guns: In a 6-3 ruling, SCOTUS struck down Hawaii’s “permission” rules for carrying concealed guns into stores and hotels, rejecting the state’s “vampire rule” approach and setting up new fights over what’s next for gun restrictions. State Response: Hawaii’s attorney general said the decision will be reviewed, as local gun-rights groups hailed the outcome and warned more rollbacks could follow. Red Hill Fallout: The U.S. Justice Department announced a new $17 million batch of Red Hill settlement payments for hundreds of Central Oʻahu plaintiffs tied to the 2021 fuel contamination, with more claims still in the pipeline. Military & Indo-Pacific: RIMPAC 2026 continues to draw international participation, including Sri Lanka’s growing maritime role and additional drills involving U.S. and partner forces. Hawaiʻi Innovation in Aviation: Surf Air Mobility and BETA Technologies launched electric aircraft demonstration flights in Hawaiʻi, with Hawaiian Airlines supporting feasibility and community engagement. Local Watch: Akakū Maui Community Media will televise and livestream the Makawao Parade, and Hawaiʻi’s volcano scientists marked a career milestone in “Volcano Watch.”

Second Amendment Shockwave: The U.S. Supreme Court (6-3) struck down Hawaii’s “vampire rule,” ending the state’s requirement that concealed-carry permit holders get property-owner permission to bring guns onto private property open to the public; the ruling also changes how businesses must handle “No Firearms” rules, with lawmakers and advocates reacting. Local Public Safety: Honolulu police carried out two sex trafficking/prostitution-related search warrant operations in Aiea and Pearl City, seizing cash and offering victim services; no arrests were reported. Elections & Voting Rights: The USPS says it won’t deliver mail ballots to states that won’t provide voter lists under a proposed rule, escalating a national fight over mail voting access. OHA & Land/Community: OHA trustees advanced due diligence on a potential KITV/KIKU media acquisition to expand Native Hawaiian ownership; the CHamoru Land Trust Commission approved two previously voided leases. Military & Regional Security: RIMPAC 2026 ramps up in Hawaii with participation from multiple nations, including Sri Lanka and Australia. Climate & Resilience: Hawaii helped launch the First Pacific Climate Summit, pushing regional resilience and adaptation commitments.

Supreme Court Gun Ruling: In a 6-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Hawaii’s “vampire rule,” ruling that concealed-carry permit holders can bring guns onto private property open to the public unless the owner clearly objects—an immediate setback for Hawaii’s post-2022 gun restrictions and a potential ripple effect for similar laws nationwide. Elections by Mail: Sen. Tammy Baldwin and colleagues urged USPS to abandon a proposed rule tied to Trump’s executive order restricting vote-by-mail, warning it could disenfranchise millions as legal fights continue. Immigration Courtroom Win: The Supreme Court also cleared the way for the Trump administration to revive “metering” limits on asylum processing, reshaping how and when asylum-seekers can access procedures. RIMPAC Logistics: Military Sealift Command ships and personnel are arriving in Pearl Harbor to support RIMPAC 2026, with replenishment and supply operations planned throughout July. Energy Grid Tech: Sunrun, Tesla, and Renew Home announced a framework to aggregate home batteries, thermostats, and other devices into large virtual power plants, including in Hawaii. Aviation Trial Watch: Electric aircraft trials are set to begin in Hawaii for six to eight weeks, with Beta Technologies and Surf Air Mobility leading demonstrations tied to future interisland service.

Hopaka Street Case: An Oahu grand jury indicted Musiq Tago (19) and TJ Dison Tatashy (28) for the June 14 shooting, with prosecutors citing alleged use of a semiautomatic “ghost gun.” Housing & Elections: Rep. Jill Tokuda criticized Trump’s delay of a bipartisan housing affordability bill and warned reports suggest federal Homeland Security election funding could be tied to new election requirements. RIMPAC 2026: The Rim of the Pacific exercise kicked off with 31 nations, 25,000+ service members, and major unmanned-systems activity—while protesters gathered at Pearl Harbor. Corruption Disclosure Push: Hawaii lawmakers and officials tied to the state bribery probe are being urged to disclose any involvement as the case expands. Voting by Mail Fight: A federal judge permanently blocked key parts of Trump’s elections executive order, while USPS leaders testified they would not deliver ballots to states that refuse to turn over voter lists. Public Health & Consumer Alerts: DOH issued a recall alert for MorningStar Farms items due to possible plastic pieces; Attorney General Anne Lopez welcomed Shopify’s ban on all e-cigarette sales.