AGP Executive Report

Tropical Storm Lala Aftermath: Hawaii Island officials walked back earlier fears after aerial and ground checks showed several key bridges in Kaʻū appear structurally sound, though flooding and mud damage remain severe and cleanup is ongoing. Emergency Operations: The state Joint Information Center for Lala has been shut down, with media directed to agency public information offices, while the Hawaii National Guard is supporting county response with high-water vehicle teams and road-clearing help. Public Health & Utilities: DOH issued a statewide brown water advisory and warned about food safety after outages; two Kaʻū water systems also issued precautionary boil water notices. Local Government Closures: Gov. Josh Green said Big Island schools and state/county offices will stay closed Tuesday due to power constraints and to let crews restore access. Community Relief: OHA approved the first round of emergency funding for Native Hawaiians in Kaʻū and Ka Lae, including cash support and gift cards. Regional Security: The U.S. Coast Guard and Fiji are running joint maritime law enforcement operations to bolster safety and crack down on transnational crime. Business & Economy: DBEDT will sponsor the Made in Hawaiʻi Festival, featuring a Hawaiʻi Made Pavilion with 28 local businesses.

Hurricane Lala Aftermath: Honolulu moved into full cleanup and recovery as Tropical Storm Lala pulled away, with no new weather alerts for Oahu but continued hazards from saturated ground, downed lines, and localized flooding; the Board of Water Supply urged essential water use while pumping was affected by outages. Big Island Damage: Hilo and nearby communities reported flooding, toppled trees onto power lines, and thousands still without electricity as Lala’s rare hurricane-strength pass left major destruction. Travel Disruptions: Airlines and airports kept adjusting—Seattle-Tacoma saw delays/cancellations tied to Hawaii recovery, and Hawaiian Airlines/Alaska cancellations were reported during the storm period. State Government: The Hawaii Insurance Division issued Memorandum 2026-6A clarifying how it will judge public adjuster compensation as “unreasonable” under state law. Local Honors: Plans are set for mid-September Honolulu services honoring former Gov. George R. Ariyoshi, including a lie-in-state and state service. Policy & Courts: A bipartisan coalition of attorneys general began opening statements in a federal trial against Meta over alleged addictive features harming children. Energy Costs: AAA reported record mid-August gas prices, with Hawaii and California nearing or exceeding $5.40 a gallon amid ongoing global shipping disruption.

Hurricane Lala Aftermath: Hurricane Lala skirted Hawaii’s Big Island without a direct hit, but still left widespread damage and outages—Hawaiʻi County reported flash-flood emergencies in Naalehu with two homes swept away, while state and county leaders said recovery is now the priority as power restoration and road clearing continue. Government Closures: Gov. Josh Green and all four county mayors coordinated closures for Monday, Aug. 17, including most state and county offices and public schools, with administrative leave for non-essential staff. Transportation Impacts: Hawaiʻi DOT reported major highway washouts and blocked routes on multiple islands, plus airport and harbor disruptions tied to storm conditions. Connectivity Response: T-Mobile activated satellite texting via T-Satellite with Starlink and mobilized network teams and power banks to keep residents and first responders connected during outages. Public Safety Stories: Kalihi residents described roof loss and other storm damage as Lala’s winds and rain moved through the islands. Federal/Defense Watch: Separate from Hawaii, U.S. senators demanded answers over reported mental health and deteriorating conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, while Trump ordered the Pentagon to scale back joint exercises with South Korea.

Hurricane Lala Aftermath: Lala skirted Hawaii’s Big Island without landfall but still delivered hurricane-force gusts and torrential rain, with reports of at least one death, widespread damage, and power outages affecting more than 100,000 customers as the storm weakened to a tropical storm and moved west. Emergency Response: Hawaii officials and agencies launched search-and-rescue after flash flooding swept through communities near Na‘alehu and Wai‘ohinu, while airports and ports shut and road closures hit travel and recovery. State Policy & Courts: U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono joined Alex Padilla and other Democrats in pushing back on Trump administration proposals to raise naturalization fees and eliminate reduced-fee options and waivers. Local Governance & Nonprofits: New IRS Form 990-based rankings show some Honolulu and Lahaina nonprofits relying heavily on government grants, including Hui Mauli Ola in Urban Honolulu and Piko in Lahaina. Legal Fight Over Hemp: Hawaii officials are defending a crackdown on hemp products in a lawsuit brought by industry. Maritime/China Claims: A report says China used a false legal premise to support claims about international waters, drawing pushback from Taiwan and Indonesia.

Hurricane Lala Response: Hawaii braced for a rare, first-possible direct Big Island hurricane hit in 155 years as Lala strengthened to Category 1 with 75 mph winds, bringing life-threatening flooding and mudslides, widespread outages, and airport/port closures; Hawai‘i County reported major road and power impacts, crews pulled back as conditions worsened, and the Coast Guard shut commercial ports statewide. Power and Flooding: Reports pegged tens of thousands without electricity, with Hawaiian Electric warning prolonged outages and NWS urging Ka‘ū residents to seek higher ground after two Nā‘ālehu homes were swept away. O‘ahu Disruption: In Waikiki, falling debris forced a closure of Kalakaua Avenue near the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani. State Politics: Two West O‘ahu GOP primary ties were decided by random drawing at the Capitol, ousting incumbents—Bob McDermott and Sheila Medeiros won the Senate District 20 and House District 43 contests, respectively. Public Safety Events: Maui’s recovery office announced Hot Kūpuna Nights in Lahaina for Wednesday, offering music, food, and senior resources. Defense/Regional Security: RIMPAC 2026 highlighted AUKUS Pillar II undersea warfare testing with autonomous and seabed systems deployed alongside U.S. Navy capabilities.

Hurricane Lala: Tropical Storm Lala has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane as it nears Hawaiʻi’s Big Island, with officials warning of damaging winds, extreme rainfall, flash flooding, and dangerous surf. Emergency Response: Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green declared a state of emergency; Hawaiian Electric reported thousands without power as outages spread, and the Department of Water Supply issued “Essential Needs Only” guidance. Travel Disruptions: The state DOT closed Hilo International Airport and will close Kona (KOA) at 2 p.m., while commercial ports were shut and Coast Guard port closures expanded. Flood Risk: The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for parts of the Big Island as heavy rain bands moved onshore. Local Politics: Hawaiʻi Office of Elections will hold a livestreamed drawing by lot to break ties in State Senate District 20 and State House District 43. Public Health: DOH confirmed a fifth cyclosporiasis case in Hawaiʻi.

Tropical Storm Lala: Hawaii is bracing for a rare, potentially historic hurricane landfall threat as Lala strengthens toward the Big Island, with hurricane warnings for Hawaii County and tropical storm warnings for Maui; officials warn flooding risk could be severe even without a direct hit, and state agencies have activated emergency response plans. Travel Disruptions: Airlines have canceled dozens of flights across the islands, including major suspensions out of Hilo and cutbacks at Kona, Kahului, and Lihue, with waivers urging travelers to check status before heading to airports. State Emergency Response: Gov. Josh Green signed an emergency proclamation and the Hawaiʻi National Guard stood up Task Force Hawaiʻi, positioning personnel and high-wheeled vehicle teams statewide. Water Policy Fight (East Maui): The BLNR took action on two East Maui water issues tied to contested cases over long-term water licensing, including a public auction sale of a water license and delegation to manage hearings. Public Health: DOH confirmed a fifth cyclosporiasis case in Hawaiʻi residents tied to a military member’s recent travel; officials say the public risk remains low and there’s no known connection between cases. Maui Court Update: A judge ordered jurors to return in the Gerhardt Konig attempted-manslaughter case as the defense argues juror confusion and outside influence may have tainted the verdict. Elections: Two close GOP legislative primary races ended in historic ties after ballot cures, with winners to be decided by a drawing at the State Capitol.

Tropical Storm Lala Response: Hawaiʻi officials have stood up emergency operations as Lala nears, with the state HI-EMA activating its Joint Information Center and Honolulu launching its Emergency Operations Center and Joint Operations Center, urging residents and visitors to finish preparations. Port & Shipping Disruptions: The Coast Guard and Hawaiʻi harbors moved to higher heavy-weather port conditions across the Big Island, Maui, Kauaʻi, and Honolulu, with operators of larger vessels told to depart early and port closures possible under Zulu conditions. Local Transportation & Capacity: Mokulele Airlines added three Cessna 208 Caravans and opened a renovated Honolulu Terminal 3 facility, aiming to boost inter-island reliability and capacity. Federal Privacy Fight With Hawaii in the Mix: A coalition of 22 states—including Hawaii—sued to block the Trump administration from accessing CDL driver personal data, arguing privacy and authority violations; a judge issued a stay. OHA/Politics Note: Hawaii’s OHA at-large race and related election fallout continues to draw attention after a very tight primary outcome. Military & Health Care: A military gynecologist accused of secretly recording patients pleaded not guilty in Texas; the case includes alleged misconduct tied to Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaiʻi.

Honolulu City Council: The Hawaii Supreme Court set Aug. 25 oral arguments in the legal fight over Tommy Waters’ eligibility, after many judges recused themselves; neighbor-island judges will hear the case and the expedited schedule is tied to ballot printing. Storm Readiness: Tropical Storm Lala is tightening its approach, with Hawaiʻi Island under a hurricane warning and Oʻahu bracing for strong winds, heavy rain, flash flooding, and dangerous surf; officials are issuing closures, shelter info, and emergency guidance. Military & Land: The U.S. Navy has started the process to return nearly 44 acres to Hawaiʻi, including Kalaeloa and Molokai training support facility land. Water & Infrastructure: Navy awarded a $309M contract for a permanent Red Hill water treatment facility, targeting 10 million gallons per day by 2029. Transportation & Travel: Mokulele Airlines is expanding inter-island service with three new Cessna 208 Caravans and a renovated Honolulu terminal. Courts & Elections: The Supreme Court also took up Waters’ eligibility appeal with a fast briefing timeline after a circuit court found him ineligible. Public Safety: Hawaii DCCA reminded residents to review insurance policies ahead of inclement weather, noting flood coverage is usually separate.

Military & Foreign Policy: Gov. Green says the Navy is starting the process to return nearly 44 acres of federal land to Hawaiʻi, including Kalaeloa and a Molokaʻi training facility parcel—an effort aimed at local stewardship. Local Transportation & Economy: Lāna‘i Air launched daily Molokaʻi–Oʻahu service, adding more options for residents who rely on flights for work and care. Public Safety & Health: Hawaiʻi officials report a live opossum captured at a freight warehouse near Hilo Harbor; it was euthanized and sent for rabies testing, with the state emphasizing it remains rabies-free. Government & Privacy: Multiple state attorneys general, including Virginia’s Jay Jones and New York’s Letitia James, sued to block the Trump administration from demanding access to sensitive CDL records tied to 17 million drivers. Infrastructure: NAVFAC Hawaii awarded a $309M contract to Hensel Phelps for the Red Hill Water Treatment Facility, targeting restoration of potable service by 2029. Community & Business: DBEDT will again sponsor the Made in Hawaiʻi Festival with a Hawaiʻi Made Pavilion featuring nearly 30 local businesses.

Honolulu Politics: The Honolulu City Council confirmed Krishna Jayaram as the new Managing Director, effective immediately, as Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s administration continues to push priorities like housing, public safety, and government efficiency. Courts & Elections: Trevor Ozawa asked the Hawaii Supreme Court for an emergency ruling on whether Tommy Waters can overturn his City Council disqualification before general-election ballot printing, with multiple judges having recused themselves. OHA Governance: The Office of Hawaiian Affairs will host statewide televised candidate forums for the 2026 Board of Trustees election, pre-recorded Oct. 3 and broadcast statewide the week of Oct. 12. Maui Public Safety: Maui Police said it had no knowledge of corruption allegations against a commander accused in a federal bribery case, as the department addresses the fallout from the arrest. Storm Readiness: State and county crews are preparing for an approaching tropical system, clearing waterways and urging residents to secure loose items and stay informed. Local Services: HPD launched a summer forensic science internship for college students, offering hands-on crime scene experience. Rural Travel: Lanai Air began daily round-trip flights between Molokai and Honolulu, adding more interisland options. Crypto Law: Hawaii’s cash-to-crypto kiosk ban takes effect Oct. 1, limiting cash deposits for buying digital assets.

Red Hill Cleanup Contract: NAVFAC Hawaii awarded a $309.65M firm-fixed-price contract to Hensel Phelps for the Red Hill Water Treatment Facility (P-716), targeting completion by Aug. 2029. Public Safety & Military Ops: The U.S. Army warned Big Island residents that aircraft training noise could increase today across Pōhakuloa and nearby areas, with a community concern line for complaints. State Consumer Protection: Hawaii’s new law banning cash deposits at cryptocurrency ATMs/kiosks takes effect Oct. 1, aiming to curb scam losses tied to anonymous, hard-to-trace machines. Elections Watch: A recount in two tight GOP primary races found no changes in the initial results, but final totals hinge on resolving signature issues by Friday. Procurement & Small Business: NAVFAC Hawaii held its 4th annual Government Procurement Industry Forum in Honolulu, drawing 200+ contractors and focusing on how small businesses can compete for Navy work. Aviation Oversight: Rep. Frank Pallone pressed major airlines, including Hawaiian Airlines, to explain whether “surveillance pricing” uses personal data to set ticket prices. Regional Security Concern: A Chinese icebreaker reportedly entered Palau’s waters, raising suspicions that “research” could support intelligence gathering in the Pacific. Hawaiian Energy & Climate Litigation: A new report highlights Hawaii’s dual role in climate lawsuits—suing oil companies while still relying heavily on fossil fuels.

Maui Water & Land Oversight: DLNR says a circulated “edited” BLNR agenda draft is not official, clarifying that a key East Maui item would authorize a public auction for a water license and separate approvals for the County of Maui and operation/monitoring of the East Maui Irrigation System. Public Safety: Honolulu police and EMS report fewer illegal e-bike and electric dirt bike problems on Oahu after education, enforcement, and new state laws. Maui Wildfire Recovery: UHERO finds housing stability has improved three years after the Maui wildfires, but financial assistance has dropped sharply and many survivors still struggle to navigate resources. Native Hawaiian Affairs: OHA will produce statewide televised candidate forums for the 2026 Board of Trustees election, covering Oʻahu, Maui, and at-large seats. Criminal Justice (Maui): A federal judge denied bail for Maui Police Lt. Michael Vaituulala in an FBI bribery case, citing danger to the community and obstruction concerns. Housing & Homelessness (Oʻahu): A Waiʻanae community relocation effort is nearing its Oct. 16 deadline, moving people from Puʻuhonua O Waiʻanae into tiny homes. Environment: NOAA confirmed deaths of endangered monk seal pups after entanglement in unattended lay nets, renewing calls for strict lay-net rules. Indo-Pacific Security: U.S. Pacific Command leadership and Taiwan war games remain in focus as China and North Korea conduct missile and naval activity tied to regional tensions. Elections: A recount is underway at the State Capitol for two GOP primary races decided by 7 and 1 votes.

Federal Courts & Climate: The Ninth Circuit refused to rehear a youth-led climate case (Lighthiser v. Trump), leaving in place a ruling that the young plaintiffs lacked standing to challenge Trump fossil-fuel executive orders; plaintiffs include youth from Montana, Oregon, Hawaii, California and Florida. Maui Justice: Maui police arrested brothers Axel and Brandon Camey Chajil and a Maui grand jury indicted them on eight counts tied to alleged labor trafficking of a man from Guatemala, plus extortion and document-related charges; the probe involved the state AG’s Special Investigation and Prosecution Division and the U.S. Department of Labor’s inspector general. Public Safety & Health: A new CDC-linked report says a large share of U.S. e-cigarette sales are unauthorized, with many sales targeting young people; Hawaii is not included in the scanner-data sample. Workforce Training: Hawaii Medical College and ALU LIKE are launching a supported cohort for an Advanced Nurse Aide program to expand access to high-demand healthcare careers. Local Government & Nonprofits: New rankings highlight how major Honolulu-area nonprofits rely heavily on government grants, with Housing Providers of Hawai‘i Inc leading in 2024 grant revenue. Military & Community: The Army opened a food truck at Fort Shafter to address a dining “food desert” affecting about 500 soldiers.

Pacific Security: China’s nuclear-capable missile test into the Pacific has undercut Pacific leaders’ push for an “Ocean of Peace,” with ministers unable to agree on a joint condemnation even as countries like Papua New Guinea called the launch “totally inappropriate.” Local Government & Elections: Hawaiʻi County Council primaries left three District races headed to the Nov. 3 general election, while Hawaiʻi Democrats regrouped after a bruising primary with warnings that voters are “angry” over cost of living and government functioning. State Election Admin: An automatic recount is set for Tuesday in two very close Hawaiʻi GOP primary races—one decided by seven votes and another by a single vote. Housing for Kūpuna: Hawaiian Council is urging eligible kūpuna on the DHHL waiting list to apply for the DHHL Kūpuna Rental Subsidy Program, funded with $10 million from federal Native American housing dollars. Utilities & Regulation: The Public Utilities Commission welcomed back Kris Nakagawa as Chief Counsel to oversee its legal section and utility regulatory proceedings. Civil Liberties: Civil rights groups protested Palantir in downtown Honolulu, arguing government surveillance tools raise due process and privacy concerns. Water Safety: Maui County’s Wailuku water system saw trace selenium detected for the first time, with health officials saying levels are unlikely to pose a public health risk. Public Safety: The Coast Guard suspended a 10-day search for nine missing boaters near the Federated States of Micronesia.

Gun Policy Fight: Maryland dropped its bid to get the U.S. Supreme Court to review a “vampire rule” firearms ruling, while the Firearms Policy Coalition’s cert petition stays alive. Federal Overreach on Gambling: Hawaii-relevant national policy watch: AG Aaron Ford led a bipartisan coalition urging the CFTC to back off proposed prediction market rules, arguing states should keep control over sports betting. Press Access at the Pentagon: Sen. Chris Coons advanced a bill to protect journalists’ Pentagon access and limit political interference in credentialing. Hawaiʻi Governance: Honolulu’s Charter Commission is pushing 20 proposals to the November ballot, including several that would create or expand “special funds” funded by earmarked property tax shares. Public Safety & Courts: A Kaʻū officer was honored for a warrant arrest after a brief foot pursuit. Military Tech in Hawaiʻi: Navy and partners supported RIMPAC 2026 with AI sonar testing and other readiness efforts around the islands.