AGP Executive Report

Emergency Management Leadership: Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency Administrator James Barros is stepping down June 30, with David Lopez taking over day-to-day operations as the state braces for a potentially intense hurricane season. Elections Commission: The Hawaiʻi Elections Commission is still stuck finding a new chair, with “election integrity” disputes continuing to derail consensus ahead of the 2026 primary. Homestead Settlement Wrap-Up: A court-appointed effort to identify DHHL settlement heirs is nearing an end, with hundreds of cases still pending and some beneficiaries likely never found. Climate & Energy Policy: Gov. Josh Green’s executive order preserves 2026 renewable energy tax credits for now, but advocates warn it doesn’t fully fix the gap created by earlier changes that could slow rooftop solar and renewables targets. Local Governance & Pay: A Civil Beat report spotlights Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters’ reelection fight as voters weigh the 2023 64% pay raise controversy. Hilo Harbor: The Hilo Harbor expansion faces delays tied to state acquisition talks for adjacent properties, raising the prospect of eminent domain. Food Security: Attorneys general, including California’s Rob Bonta, are urging Congress to restore SNAP cuts in the Farm Bill, warning hunger and state costs will rise. Community Agriculture: Pacific Gateway Center’s Haleiwa farm blessing highlights new land access and support for immigrant and refugee farmers. Mauna Kea Access: NOIRLab is offering free Kamaʻāina observatory experiences for Hawaiʻi residents to see summit work up close.

Solar Policy: Gov. Josh Green issued Executive Order 26-02 to preserve Hawaii’s 2026 rooftop solar tax credit after Act 24 changed the program, giving installers and customers near-term certainty while changes for 2027 and beyond are still in play. Local Public Safety & Courts: A federal lawsuit challenges Honolulu’s $600,000 fine against an 83-year-old widow after an online listing glitch allegedly triggered $10,000-a-day penalties while she was recovering from a crash. Hawaiian Culture & Funding: King Kamehameha Day celebrations drew attention to ongoing federal funding cuts that are straining Native Hawaiian cultural programs, including hālau operations. Community Services: Hundreds joined U.S. Vets Steps for Vets in Honolulu, raising money to prevent veteran homelessness through U.S. Vets Barber’s Point. Governance & Speech: A free speech lawsuit targets Hawaii’s political spending ban, arguing it restricts speech in ways that may not hold up in court. Public Libraries: Friends of the Library of Hawaii kicked off its 77th annual booksale at Ward Centre, with proceeds supporting literacy and library programs statewide.

Solar Tax Credits: Gov. Josh Green signed Executive Order 26-02 to preserve Hawaii’s 2026 solar tax credit after Act 24 changed the rules, giving installers and customers “immediate relief” while changes for 2027 and beyond move forward. Local Policing & Civil Rights: Maui Council approved $1.7M for AI-assisted surveillance tools, including cameras and drones tied to a real-time operations center—an approach raising alarms from civil rights advocates. Courts & Animal Rights: The Hawaii Supreme Court will hear arguments in a Nonhuman Rights Project case seeking legal liberty for Honolulu Zoo elephants Mari and Vaigai. Housing/Consumer Shock: An 83-year-old Honolulu woman sued the city after a website error allegedly triggered nearly $600,000 in fines over a short-term rental listing glitch. Disability Discrimination Lawsuit: A former University of Hawai‘i football recruiting director sued, alleging discrimination tied to her narcolepsy diagnosis. Disaster Preparedness: Vibrant Hawaii kicked off a two-day resilience conference at UH Hilo focused on disaster preparedness and recovery. Agriculture & Budgets: North Shore farmers say proposed City Office of Economic Revitalization cuts could slow recovery from March flooding. Military Community: Fort DeRussy hosted Army’s 251st birthday celebrations with helicopter landings and community displays.

Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Leadership: HIEMA will see a leadership transition July 1, with Administrator James Barros stepping down and David Lopez taking over day-to-day operations, after leading long-term recovery planning following the Maui wildfires. Policing & Civil Rights: Maui police won approval for a $1.7M expansion of AI-assisted cameras and drones, a move that civil rights advocates say could raise serious concerns about surveillance and accountability. Local Courts: The Hawaii Supreme Court will hear a case brought by the Nonhuman Rights Project arguing Honolulu Zoo elephants Mari and Vaigai should be protected under habeas corpus principles. Energy Policy: Gov. Josh Green issued an executive order preserving the 2026 solar tax credit after Act 24 changed it, aiming to protect projects already underway while changes continue into 2027. Agriculture & Budgets: Oʻahu North Shore farmers say they’re still recovering from March flooding and worry proposed cuts to the City’s Office of Economic Revitalization will slow help. Federal Contracting Rules: The SBA proposed major changes to its 8(a) program for individuals, saying tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations won’t be directly affected—though advocates warn it could still ripple through Native contracting.

Food Safety: Azuma Foods International recalled 545 cases of Tako Wasabi—seasoned octopus with wasabi—after it “may contain undeclared fish,” with distribution including Hawaii. Federal Nutrition Policy: California AG Rob Bonta and a multistate coalition urged Senate leaders to restore SNAP benefits and eligibility protections in the Farm Bill, warning cuts are driving hunger and shifting costs to states. Gambling & Courts: Bonta also joined an amicus brief backing Ohio’s authority to enforce state sports-gambling laws against prediction-market firm Kalshi. Gun Policy: More states moved to restrict 3D-printed, untraceable firearms, as lawmakers consider additional rules. Hawaiʻi Governance: Hawaii Community Foundation appointed Janice Ikeda to its Board of Governors. State Leadership: Acting Governor updates noted Seth Colby temporarily leading the state while top officials travel. Homeland Security Funding: A draft DHS bill advanced with Hawaii and Pacific emergency-prep and law-enforcement funding, alongside some program cuts. Marine Protections: Trump’s proclamation reopening parts of Papahānaumokuākea and other marine monuments to commercial fishing sparked vows of legal challenges from conservationists and cultural practitioners. Local Public Safety: Honolulu highlighted a rise in child near-drownings ahead of summer.

Marine Policy Shake-Up: President Trump signed a proclamation reopening parts of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument near Hawaiʻi—and other Pacific monuments—to commercial fishing, a move welcomed by industry but already drawing conservation lawsuits. Veterans Care: Sen. Brian Schatz used a Hawaii town hall to highlight upgrades at the Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center, including shorter pharmacy waits and expanded telehealth for neighbor-island veterans. Gun Mail Pushback: Rep. Jill Tokuda joined lawmakers urging USPS to withdraw a proposed rule that would allow handguns to be mailed, arguing it bypasses Congress and undermines safety laws. Court Scam Warning: The state Judiciary warned of text scams impersonating District Court/DMV about unpaid traffic citations and threatening license or registration suspension. Sports Governance: New Zealand Rugby says a decision on Moana Pasifika’s future and potential license takeover is due by June 30, with a Hawaii-based Kanaloa Consortium among bidders. Local Spotlight: Hawaii-linked AP journalist David Briscoe, who covered the Philippines’ democratic transition, died in Kapolei at 82.

Hawaiʻi Energy Relief: Gov. Josh Green is considering pausing state and county gas taxes for part of the summer after pump prices surged, aiming for roughly 30 cents per gallon relief. Big Island Politics: A new roundup maps the 2026 races and who’s running to unseat Gov. Green and other state and federal seats, including multiple East Hawaiʻi candidates. Public Safety Leadership: Kent Police Chief Rafael Padilla was named president of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, a statewide role representing hundreds of law enforcement leaders. Elections Administration: A proposed USPS mail-in ballot rule could force major voter-by-voter reporting and new barcode systems, with potential ripple effects for mail-heavy states including Hawaiʻi. Veterans Hiring: Oʻahu bases will host job fairs for veterans and military spouses next week, with Disabled American Veterans and RecruitMilitary bringing employers for face-to-face recruiting. National Security: The U.S. Navy reactivated Submarine Squadron 3 in Australia to strengthen AUKUS undersea operations in the Indo-Pacific. Weather Watch: NOAA declared El Niño officially formed, with forecasts warning it could intensify and drive more extreme weather.

Public Safety: Honolulu police say they’ve stepped up traffic enforcement on the Daniel K. Inouye Highway after 5 deaths so far in 2026, with 316 drivers contacted and 269 speeding citations issued June 4–7. Disaster Response: FEMA approved more than $2.2M for Hawaii flood mitigation and Kona Low recovery, including nearly $1.2M for a new flood forecasting system. Health Access: Hawaii Island will get no-cost medical, dental, and optometry care June 19–28 through a Tropic Care mission, with services offered without insurance or citizenship paperwork. Local Community: Honolulu and the state capped the 2026 Hawaiʻi Foodbank drive with a convoy at Honolulu Hale, citing ongoing food insecurity statewide. Government & Courts: A Montana man was charged federally for antisemitic threats against Gov. Josh Green and his family, tied to threatening voicemails left with the governor’s office. Law Enforcement Recognition: HPD Sgt. Corbin Matsumoto received a Mental Health of America of Hawaii award for Crisis Intervention Team leadership.

Hawaii Courts & Rights: A federal lawsuit challenges Hawaii’s new campaign spending activity law, while another case targets a federal HHS Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program, alleging it violates civil rights rules by requiring race/ancestry-based eligibility. Public Safety & Justice: Hawaii is joining the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, speeding up links between shell-casing images in gun-crime investigations; a judge also set a timeline for a Maui monk seal attack case after a rock-throwing incident. Local Politics: HGEA endorsed Green Party candidate Pāʻele Kiakona for House District 14, backing a platform focused on housing and West Maui recovery. Maui & Federal Accountability: A Honolulu man was sentenced to 24 months for FEMA wire fraud tied to false Lahaina and Pacific Palisades wildfire claims. Military & Health: Experts say the U.S. military’s presence in Hawaiʻi amounts to a public health disaster, arguing the true costs are being undercounted. National/World: Trump vowed renewed attacks on Iran after the latest exchange of strikes, and a 9th Circuit panel upheld an Alaska Airlines lawsuit dismissal—raising broader questions about carrier power.

UH Governance: Gov. Josh Green appointed UH Mānoa student Eric Pōmaikaʻi Gee to the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents, filling a seat that opens June 2026 and requiring Senate confirmation. Public Safety Tech: Hawaii law enforcement unveiled the state’s first National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), named for fallen Maui Officer Suzanne O, to link shell casings across counties and help track guns moving between islands. Traffic Enforcement: Hawaii Police reported high-visibility crackdowns on Daniel K. Inouye Highway (June 4–7), issuing 269 speeding citations and making one arrest, as reckless-driving calls rose. Maui Child Safety: The Maui County Commission for Youth and Children urged community members to complete free statewide mandated-reporter training during summer when school reporting drops. Health Care Staffing: Hawaii State Hospital staff say overcrowding has reached unsafe levels, with union leaders weighing a grievance and possible legal action. Maui Nonprofit Leadership: Jack Dowling and Erin Mukai joined the Maui Economic Opportunity Board as the agency continues housing-focused work. Honolulu Zoo: Mayor Rick Blangiardi appointed John Berry as Honolulu Zoo director, citing his conservation and federal leadership background. Philippines Earthquake Impact: Filipinos in Hawaiʻi are checking on family after a 7.8 quake triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific. State Tax Enforcement: The Department of Taxation announced criminal charges against Oʻahu real estate agent Alexander Wright Ferguson for willful failure to file tax returns. Food Business Expansion: Ulupono Fund grants are helping local food makers use Leeward Community College’s high pressure processing system to get products into major retailers.

DLNR Leadership Shake-Up: Gov. Josh Green announced Dawn Chang will retire as chair and director of the Department of Land and Natural Resources effective July 1, with Ryan Kanaka‘ole tapped to lead and David Day named first deputy starting July 7. Hawaii Election Law Challenge: Grassroot Institute of Hawaii filed a federal lawsuit attacking Act 11, a new state law aimed at limiting campaign spending activity by companies, labor unions, and other groups tied to election influence and ballot measures. Public Servant Safety Tracker: Public Citizen launched a tracker on state laws protecting elected officials from threats, harassment, doxxing, and political violence, noting Hawaii is among states that already passed such measures. Military Command Update: Lt. Gen. David Iverson was nominated to become deputy commander of Pacific Air Forces at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, if confirmed by the Senate. NOAA & Ocean Policy: NOAA launched CIFARM, a new aquaculture research and markets initiative hosted by the University of New Hampshire, with Hawaii Sea Grant among partners. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: NOAA approved TMC The Metals Company’s expanded ocean-mining exploration license, renewing scrutiny from environmental groups.

Military & Security: The USS Theodore Roosevelt will lead U.S. participation in the 2026 Rim of the Pacific exercises, with tens of thousands of personnel and dozens of nations operating around Hawaiʻi and San Diego. State Labor: Gov. Josh Green signed an expansion of Hawaiʻi’s family leave law starting July 1, letting eligible workers take up to four weeks of unpaid leave for military-related exigencies involving close family, with job protections for covered employers. Maui Recovery & Courts: A Maui judge ruled on attorneys’ fees in the $4B wildfire settlement, lowering fee percentages and setting up higher payouts for survivors; separately, Daylyn Harris was sentenced for FEMA disaster-relief fraud tied to Lahaina and Pacific Palisades. DLNR Leadership: Green announced Dawn Chang’s retirement from DLNR effective July 1 and named Ryan Kanakaʻole as chair/director, with David Day as first deputy. Local Enforcement: Honolulu still hasn’t moved forward on a short-term rental foreclosure case approved a year ago, leaving nearly $3M in fines uncollected. Consumer Protection: A crypto kiosk cash-purchase ban bill is headed toward Gov. Green’s veto decision, as supporters cite scam losses and opponents warn of harm to low-income residents and small businesses. Aviation & Travel: Hawaiian Airlines is ending free economy meals on most mainland routes and shifting to a pre-order dining program.

Supreme Court Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule this month on major gun-rights and transgender-athlete cases, including a Hawaii law restricting handgun carrying on private property open to the public. Local Elections & Turnout: A new report says Hawaii primary turnout remains low, with only about 32% of registered voters voting in 2024, raising concerns that nonvoters effectively hand power to those who do vote. Energy Costs: Hawaiian Electric says typical Oahu residential bills are edging down for June after April and May oil-driven spikes, with possible further small decreases later this summer. Health Care & Medicaid Fraud: Hawaii is scrambling after federal decertification of its Medicaid Fraud Control Unit threatened $3 million in annual funding, while lawmakers also advanced vaping and some health measures but left gaps on doctor shortages and patient protections. Homesteads & DHHL: A federal lawsuit challenges limits on Hawaiian Home Lands homestead leases, and Hawaii Republicans denounced an Oahu resident’s DHHL lawsuit. City Hall & Waste: Honolulu City Council removed funding tied to a proposed West Oahu landfill site at Makaiwa Hills, a move framed as a win for West Oahu residents. Military & Indo-Pacific: U.S. and Chinese military officials met in Hawaii under a maritime risk-reduction forum to reduce dangerous encounters.

Earthquake & Tsunami Watch: A powerful offshore 7.8 quake struck the southern Philippines near General Santos, damaging buildings and a key access bridge, knocking out power in some areas, and triggering a tsunami warning/advisory across parts of the Pacific; officials urged people to move to higher ground, with the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center later saying the main threat had largely passed while sea levels could fluctuate. Local Public Safety: Kauai Police continued a manhunt for an “armed and dangerous” homicide suspect, William “Billy” Sinclair, last seen near Kapa’a with a distinctive motorcycle and clothing description. Nuclear Policy in the Pacific: The Pacific Center for Island Security raised concerns about a fiscal 2026 defense provision that could deploy a small modular reactor in the Indo-Pacific by 2030, warning it could make Guam a target. Community & Pride: The Hawaii Filipino Lawyers Association is set to host NFALA-ganza! (June 19-21) to support LGBTQIA+ law students and raise scholarship funds, highlighting recent state protections for people seeking medical care. Aviation & Costs: Hawaiian Airlines CEO Diana Birkett Rakow said summer travel fare pressure is tied to recent fuel-cost shocks and could worsen if global oil disruptions continue.

Maui Politics: Polls show a tight, high-stakes Maui County mayoral race, with incumbent Richard Bissen and challenger Yuki Sugimura battling in a crowded 10-candidate field ahead of the Aug. 8 primary. U.S. Courts & Hawaii: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule in major cases that include a Hawaii gun-law challenge, with justices also weighing disputes over transgender athletes and other national “culture wars.” Federal Funding Fight: A judge blocked New Jersey and other states from enforcing new USDA conditions tied to SNAP funding, pausing requirements states say are vague and unrelated to food assistance. Local Governance: The Hawaii County Council voted down a proposal to shift executive power from the mayor to a new county manager, while a Windward planning panel deferred a vacation rental overhaul after pushback from “farmstay” operators. Housing Watch: Oahu home sales ticked up in May, but condo closings stayed sluggish. Public Safety & Courts: HPD and an officer involved in a 2024 Hilo teen death are seeking dismissal of a wrongful-death lawsuit. Disaster Relief Deadline: Kona-low storm victims have until June 15 to apply for disaster unemployment assistance. Community Services: Honolulu’s CARES sewer bill credit program is asking for federal and state tax returns to verify eligibility, with a limited pool of maximum credits. Environment: A new study finds alarming nutritional stress in Hawaii’s endangered false killer whales, linking declines to shifting ocean conditions.

Maui Wildfire Recovery: Gov. Josh Green praised a court ruling that limits attorney fees tied to Maui wildfire settlement claims, aiming to push more money to survivors and families; the state says the Maui Wildfires Compensation Program has distributed $111.5M to 79 claimants. Local Government: Hawaii County Council approved the General Plan 2045 (Bill 66) in a 5-3 vote despite fierce opposition that called it a land grab, with Mayor Kimo Alameda signaling he won’t sign or veto, effectively letting it pass. Food Safety & Health: The state Department of Health authorized the conditional reopening of Ohana Sub & Deli after a follow-up inspection found critical violations corrected. Community & Culture: Hundreds packed the Hawaii State Library for the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, with ʻUmeke Kāʻeo as the theme and prizes including airline tickets. Environment & Wildlife: A study warns Hawaiʻi’s endangered insular false killer whales are facing nutritional stress linked to rising ocean temperatures, while Volcano Watch reports defoliation around Kīlauea’s summit. Invasive Species: Maui residents say they finally killed two tiny invasive coqui frogs after two nights and 80 gallons of citric acid, highlighting how hard it is to keep up with spread.