AGP Executive Report

Defense & Politics: Two delayed F-16V Block 70 jets finally arrived in Taiwan, but the DPP’s celebration is being questioned as only 2 of 66 aircraft land after years of delay and rising delivery uncertainty. Local Governance & Courts: Hawaii County is facing an appeal over a proposed Verizon cell tower in Papaikou, with residents arguing the permit process and siting are flawed. Housing & Poverty: A new Pew analysis says housing shortages are driving higher poverty, with Hawaii among the states where poverty is far worse than it would be at national-average housing costs. Public Safety: DOH ordered ABC Towing & Parts to halt operations and clean up hazardous substances after a Sept. 30 fire, citing imminent risk to public health and waterways. Police & Community: HPD cracked down on illegal electric dirt bikes in West Oahu, issuing citations and arresting two juveniles. Elections & National Politics: Polling shows President Trump underwater in 39 states ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms, shaping the political environment for races nationwide. Transportation: Hawaiian/Alaska flight changes start Oct. 3, including earlier bag drop timing (50 minutes) and a terminal shift for international check-in at HNL.

Hawaiʻi Aviation & Travel: Alaska Airlines begins three daily Honolulu–Kahului 737 flights Saturday, and Hawaiʻi DOT says Neighbor Island passengers must check in and drop bags at least 50 minutes early; also, all Hawaiian international departures move to HNL Terminal 2, Lobby 4. State & Local Courts: Hawaiʻi Supreme Court upheld Maui wildfire attorney-fee caps, clearing the way for settlement payments. Public Safety & Law Enforcement: Hawaiʻi Department of Law Enforcement swore in 18 new deputy sheriffs, including two assigned to Maui. Energy & Environment (Hawaiʻi in national fight): A coalition including Hawaiʻi sued the Trump administration over EPA’s rollback of power-plant greenhouse-gas limits. Military & Foreign Policy: Taiwan received the first two of 66 F-16V Block 70 jets, with deliveries routed via Hawaiʻi and Guam. Consumer/Competition: FTC settled with Southern Glazer’s over claims it discriminated against smaller alcohol sellers. Health/Community: A feature highlights Ellise Kakazu speaking out on perinatal mental health.

Maui Wildfire Legal Fight: The Hawaii Supreme Court rejected an appeal that would have blocked initial settlement payments to about 21,750 Maui wildfire victims, upholding a lower-court decision capping attorneys’ fees and clearing the way for payouts. State Appeals Ex-HTA Ruling: Hawaii is set to appeal a jury award of more than $500,000 to former Hawai‘i Tourism Authority exec Isaac Choy, after jurors found retaliation tied to alleged whistleblowing. Kalaupapa Update: Water repairs are done, but a new power outage is delaying the return of two patients and about 50 staff to Kalaupapa. Hurricane Lowell Recovery: Kaua‘i officials posted ongoing debris pickup and resource center hours, plus SNAP replacement help for households hit by outages. Moloka‘i Grid Outage: Hawaiian Electric plans an eight-hours-a-day outage for grid upgrades, drawing pushback from residents worried about subsistence food spoilage. Consumer Protection: A state explanation says Hawaii’s gift-card cash-out rule for balances under $5 applies to national chains operating in Hawaii. Public Safety: HPD Detective Jenny Lee was named 2026 Officer of the Year for a major child sexual abuse investigation. Defense & Pacific: Taiwan received the first two of 66 new U.S.-made F-16V Block 70 jets, delivered via Hawaii and Guam, as China tensions persist.

Hurricane Lowell recovery drags on in Kauaʻi: County crews are resuming debris pickup where roads allow, with items required to be placed along public right-of-way; resource centers remain open and unemployment help is available, while residents say federal disaster funds are still stuck in paperwork. Kalaupapa crisis update: After drinking-water repairs, patients and staff still can’t return because Hurricane Nolo knocked out a key power line; residents also report theft concerns while the settlement remains largely evacuated. Honolulu data-sharing controversy: HPD says it has ended a license-plate reader data-sharing agreement with the IRS, though thousands of files were accessed earlier this year. OHA Maui trustee race: Keʻeaumoku Kapu challenges incumbent Carmen Hulu Lindsey for the Maui seat, with both campaigns highlighting wildfire-era recovery and OHA funding priorities. State governance tech win: Hawaiʻi earned its first-ever “A” grade in the Center for Digital Government’s Digital States Survey. Local courts and accountability: A former Waiakea basketball figure, Alika Smith, was sentenced in a theft case tied to funds meant for team travel. Health policy ripple: Trump administration began mailing $500 ACA “refund” checks to eligible enrollees, including Hawaiʻi residents. Community fundraising: Scouting America’s Aloha Council launched a Camp Alan Faye Recovery Fund after Lowell damaged the Kokee camp. Public safety: Firefighters contained a blaze at ABC Junkyard in Pearl City; cause remains under investigation.

Hurricane Nolo Update: Kaua‘i’s flash flood warning was canceled, but a flood advisory remains until 1:30 p.m. as the storm passes west of the islands, with moderate rain and specific flooding-prone areas listed. Hawai‘i Economy: DBEDT reports August 2026 visitor spending fell to $1.59B (-9.7%) and arrivals dropped to 772,039 (-5.6%) after storms including Hurricane Lala and Tropical Storm Moke disrupted travel. Health Policy: SNAP benefit changes take effect Oct. 1, with Hawaii’s monthly maximum set at $1,655; elsewhere, most households see modest inflation-based increases. Federal Politics/Health Care: Trump’s administration begins mailing $500 ACA refund checks to nearly 1 million people in 30 states using HealthCare.gov, including Hawaii, tied to alleged federal exchange user-fee overcharges. Native Affairs: The Senate Indian Affairs Committee advanced Native housing and tribal land bills, including S. 5354 to modernize NAHASDA. Military/Readiness: NAVSUP FLC Pearl Harbor leadership emphasized readiness and execution as the Navy continues major deployments, including the USS Theodore Roosevelt heading toward the Middle East.

Utility & Cost of Living: The Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission is taking public input on Hawaiian Electric’s request for higher base rates, seeking about $170M in added annual revenue over the next two years, with typical bills rising $8–$12 in 2027 (then smaller increases in 2028) as residents also press for clearer answers on storm-related outages. Public Safety & HPD: Honolulu Police Chief David Lazar laid out plans to tackle officer vacancies and low morale, emphasizing recruitment/retention, pay, and modernization as he starts a new strategic push for HPD. Local Courts: A Hawaii County case over the 2024 death of teen Samuel “Sammy” Mwarey is in focus, with the county arguing police immunity while the family argues negligence. Hawaiʻi Politics & Community: Candidates for Hawaiʻi County Council District 5 in Puna are centering resilience needs like roads, gathering spaces, and evacuation routes. Telescope Policy: TMT is sticking with Mauna Kea after declining Spain’s proposed €1B financing package, keeping the stalled project’s funding question front and center. Gun Violence & Youth Access: Police reported a Waikīkī shooting involving three teens, adding to renewed scrutiny of how minors are getting guns despite Hawaii’s storage and parental-responsibility laws. Hurricane Response: Hawaiʻi National Guard operations for Hurricane Nolo included high-water rescues across multiple islands, underscoring pre-storm readiness.

Airline Premium Push: Alaska Air Group is pouring money into lie-flat suites, premium-economy cabins, and new lounges—adding Aurora on Alaska and Leihōkū on Hawaiian, plus Premium Reserve starting in 2028, with Honolulu and Seattle among the lounge stops. Local Appointments: Gov. Josh Green named Cyrus Johnasen to the Hawaiʻi Land Use Commission and Kristen Lum Brummel plus J. Elise Hannigan to the Hawaiʻi Teacher Standards Board. Immigration Court Access: Honolulu’s immigration judges are requiring more in-person hearings, raising costs and barriers for neighbor-island and out-of-state families facing deportation. Policing & Recruitment: Honolulu Police is signing on to a 30×30 pledge aiming for women to reach 30% of the force by 2030, amid ongoing hiring vacancies. Climate & Resilience Recognition: Honolulu’s Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency won a 2026 Government Climate Advocate Award. Emergency Preparedness: Hawaiʻi will run its monthly siren and Emergency Alert System live-audio test Oct. 1 at 11:45 a.m. Food Safety: DOH authorized Blazin Steaks in Mililani to reopen after cold-holding violations were fixed.

Hurricane Response: Hurricane Nolo is moving farther from the main islands, but its outer bands are forecast to bring 3–6 inches of rain to Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau through Thursday, with dangerous surf and flood/mudslide risk. Molokai Biosecurity: Rules meant to protect Molokai from the coconut rhinoceros beetle are expected to be reinstated after a misinterpretation of precedent/law; the interim transport ban was adopted in 2025. Immigration Courts: Honolulu’s immigration judges are requiring more in-person hearings, increasing costs and barriers for low-income families—especially those on neighbor islands—raising stakes of in-absentia removal. Public Safety: Two more alleged victims have come forward in the FBI case against a former Moanalua High School girls wrestling coach charged with child pornography. Defense & Diplomacy: Taiwan says it’s in continuous talks with the U.S. over delayed F-16V deliveries, with no late-delivery penalties but possible support/compensation discussions. Local Economy: Qualcomm highlighted Saudi AI growth at a Hawaii summit, pointing to demand for low-power computing and sovereign data centers.

Cultural & Trade Policy: Twenty-four Māori carvings by master carver Rangi Kipa reached the Lyon Biennale after last-minute CITES permit delays, highlighting how wildlife-protection rules can block taonga travel even for cultural exhibitions. Defense & Infrastructure: NAVFAC Hawaii finished an $8.3 million Military Working Dog kennel at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, replacing an aging facility to boost readiness for handlers and the dogs. Ocean & Fisheries Governance: The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council is developing an experimental permit for bottom fishing in Papahānaumokuākea to gather data for sustainable commercial fishing access. Public Safety & Courts: A Washington man accused of throwing a rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal in Maui saw travel restrictions eased ahead of trial. Elections & Federal Enforcement: DOJ announced charges tied to alleged illegal voting and ballot destruction, including a case involving Hawaii. Hurricane Preparedness: Hawaii agencies and counties continue updating residents as Hurricane Nolo’s impacts shift, with shelter and recovery planning underway.

Hurricane Nolo Watch: Hawaii braced as the storm moved farther south but still brought heavy rain, strong winds, high surf and flooding risk, with high-wind and high-surf advisories lingering for parts of the Big Island and schools/parks closing in advance. Courtroom Fight (HTA): A jury is set to continue deliberations in the Isaac Choy wrongful termination/whistleblower case, with the state arguing misconduct after an independent investigation and Choy alleging retaliation. Molokai Biosecurity: An interim rule protecting Molokai from invasive coconut rhinoceros beetles expired, leaving residents pushing for a new approach as the Board of Agriculture considers another interim rule. HPD Crackdown on Illegal Gambling: Honolulu Police shut down three Hausten Street gambling rooms again after they reopened following earlier raids, seizing machines and cash. Native Hawaiian Homesteads: In Tokuda vs. Awa, the candidates clash over whether to lower the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act blood quantum requirement now or wait. Gun Policy in the Courts: Hawaii’s gun permit rules face renewed scrutiny as a case could reach the U.S. Supreme Court, potentially affecting enforcement of ownership provisions. Honolulu Policing & Hiring: HPD signed a 30×30 pledge to raise women’s representation to 30% by 2030, while the department still faces high vacancies. Community Safety: A Honolulu Waikīkī/McCully gunfire incident led to arrests of three teens, with charges including reckless endangering. Disaster Scam Warning: Local officials and experts urged residents rebuilding after storms to watch for contractor fraud and scams.

Gun Rights Ruling: The 9th Circuit upheld Hawaii’s “shall-issue” handgun rules, including a 30-day permit-to-purchase window and requirements for some new guns to be inspected at police stations. Election Law: A Hawaii Supreme Court remedy for a tied GOP primary in House District 43 is now being questioned, with concerns it could let non-GOP voters dilute GOP-only rematch ballots. Privacy & Surveillance: U.S. senators raised Fourth Amendment concerns over Flock’s nationwide AI camera network, arguing it can track movements without warrants. Hurricane Response: Kaua‘i and the Big Island are bracing for Tropical Storm/Hurricane Nolo impacts, with wind and surf risks driving closures and emergency updates. Local Governance & Housing: Hawaii voters will decide in November on a constitutional amendment allowing counties to issue housing infrastructure growth bonds to speed up housing-related public works. Animal Welfare: Hawaii County named Regina DoDaro as administrator of its animal control and protection agency, continuing the county’s shift toward dedicated animal services. Aviation Incident: Hawaiian Airlines crew members were evaluated after a mystery odor sickened seven flight attendants on a flight into Honolulu.

West Oahu Senate Race: Former GOP Rep. Bob McDermott and first-time Democrat Markus Owens are sharply divided on priorities, with McDermott emphasizing election security and culture-war concerns while Owens spotlights traffic and crime ahead of the Nov. 3 contest for Senate District 20. Housing Finance Vote: A Star-Advertiser editorial urges voters to approve a Nov. 3 constitutional amendment letting counties issue “housing infrastructure growth bonds” to fund roads and utilities for housing districts. Gambling Ban Enforcement: A letter argues Hawaii’s gambling ban is unevenly enforced, saying closures stick only when property owners face consequences. Animal Services Leadership: Hawaii County’s Animal Control and Protection Agency administrator Regina DoDaro returns to lead the department she helped create. Education Governance: Hawaii County’s BOE seat is vacant after Sylvia Lee resigned, citing lack of transparency and oversight. SNAP Changes: SNAP benefits rise with the Oct. 1 COLA, but states face higher administrative-cost responsibility starting Oct. 1. Hurricane Nolo Prep: Hawaii County continues sheltering and road closures as Nolo brings heavy rain, flooding, and strong winds. Public Safety Infrastructure: Honolulu EMS broke ground on a new Kahuku station, replacing a cramped 1997 facility with a larger, safer build. National Surveillance Debate: U.S. senators raised constitutional concerns about Flock surveillance cameras during a hearing.

Hurricane Nolo Watch: Heavy rain, flash flooding risk, and extreme surf are expected to hit the Hawaiian Islands as the storm churns south of the Big Island; Hawaii County opened multiple shelters and Hawaiian Electric reported no major outages so far, while UH athletics and roads saw disruptions. Local Governance: Hawaii County’s representative on the Hawaii State Board of Education, Sylvia Lee, resigned, citing lack of transparency and oversight, after a contentious bylaw shift expanded the chair’s agenda-setting power. Public Safety/Infrastructure: Honolulu EMS broke ground on a new Kahuku station to replace a cramped 1997 facility, boosting space for tandem ambulance garages and decontamination needs. Energy Policy: Hawaiian Electric says it still plans to retire Maui’s Kahului and Mā‘alaea fossil plants even after EPA eased greenhouse gas rules for power plants. Economy: UHERO forecasts slower Hawaii growth in 2026 amid high oil prices and storm impacts, with gradual improvement expected in 2027. State Services: Honolulu is helping Kaua‘i residents replace driver’s licenses after a fire disrupted DMV systems at the Kapule Building. HI-5 Recycling: The HI-5 beverage container fund has grown to $105M as redemption rates decline, with lawmakers hearing that limited space for redemption centers is a key bottleneck.

Hurricane Nolo Response: Gov. Josh Green announced FEMA approved a pre-landfall presidential emergency declaration for Hurricane Nolo, unlocking federal help for Honolulu and Hawaiʻi, Maui and Kauaʻi ahead of dangerous flooding, mudslides and damaging waves. Big Island Prep: Civil Defense and other county officials are tracking the storm’s critical westward turn and preparing shelters and road closures as Nolo nears, with Hawaiʻi Electric warning saturated ground raises the risk of downed trees and power damage. Kauaʻi Recovery: Kauai Shrimp will close after Hurricane Lowell severely damaged its Kekaha facilities; the company says rebuilding isn’t financially feasible, though it’s exploring a partner to keep local aquaculture alive. Transit Budget: HART is reviewing a tentative $651.8M FY2028 budget, with a major shift away from capital spending as it funds Pearl Highlands and park-and-ride projects. Education Governance: Hawaii County BOE member Sylvia Lee resigned, citing lack of transparency and oversight by board leadership. Public Safety/Justice: The FBI is seeking possible victims after arresting former Moanalua girls wrestling coach Sean Sakaida on child pornography charges. Federal Voting Crackdown: A national report details federal cases targeting noncitizen voting, including an alleged Hawaii case involving a noncitizen voter. Deep-Sea Mining Protest: Greenpeace activists boarded New Zealand’s research vessel Tangaroa in Wellington Harbour, protesting seabed mining tied to Pacific mineral extraction.

Hurricane Nolo Watch: Hawaii is bracing for potentially life-threatening flooding and extreme surf as Nolo strengthens south of the islands, with the Big Island expected to see the worst conditions and state and county leaders closing schools and parks while activating National Guard resources. Election Law: The U.S. Supreme Court temporarily allows states to use the Trump administration’s revamped SAVE system to check voter eligibility ahead of November, though Hawaii officials say they won’t participate and a 90-day purge limit likely limits near-term impact. Data Privacy & Health Care: Attorneys general, including Nevada’s Aaron Ford, announced multistate settlements with Labcorp tied to a 2019 patient-data breach, emphasizing that vendor data security is a “non-delegable duty.” Local Tech & Services: Honolulu received three awards at the Hawai‘i Digital Government Summit, including recognition for the Kōkua Command Center’s shelter-capacity platform. Native Hawaiian Governance: OHA’s board adopted updates to its Mana i Mauli Ola strategic plan, centering Ea—Native Hawaiian self-determination and self-reliance. Military Infrastructure Oversight: A GAO report says the Navy’s shipyard modernization plan could exceed $200 billion and run decades longer than first estimated.

Hurricane Nolo Preparedness: Hawaiʻi County and the state are ramping up closures, shelters, and storm tracking as Nolo strengthens into a hurricane, with forecasts calling for 15–25 inches of rain (up to 35 in spots), damaging winds, flooding, and mudslides; Hawaiʻi County opened shelters Wednesday and plans more Friday, while Hawaiian Electric warns customers to prepare for extended outages. Local Governance & Resilience: The storm comes after earlier disasters that Gov. Josh Green says have topped $1B in combined damage and resilience costs, and UH researchers project Hawaii’s economy will grow just 0.6% this year as storms disrupt tourism, businesses, schools, roads, utilities, and homes. Public Health & Safety: Separate from the storm, Honolulu EMS responded to an unknown odor on an Alaska Airlines flight arriving from Los Angeles; seven flight attendants reported nausea and headaches, but none of the 252 passengers were affected. Civic Oversight in Education: The Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission decided DreamHouse ʻEwa Beach will avoid closure for now, but it will undergo major leadership changes after its governing board members resigned amid pressure from funders and an outside nonprofit. AI Policy Push (National, With Local Link): Washington AG Nick Brown joined a coalition urging Congress to set federal safety standards and oversight for AI development; Hawaii is listed among participating attorneys general. Tourism & Community: The Hawaiʻi Tourism Conference highlighted disaster resilience and workforce needs as HTA formalized agreements to increase purchases from local producers. Marianas Seabed Mining Scrutiny: NRDC says the federal government is moving too fast on a CNMI seabed mining lease sale, leaving residents without enough time or information to weigh impacts.