AGP Executive Report

Hawaii Primary Election: Hawaii voters head to the polls Saturday, Aug. 8, with ballots due by 7 p.m. and early results expected soon after. The guide highlights major races including governor, lieutenant governor, U.S. House, and state legislative seats. East Oʻahu Council Fight: Tommy Waters’ eligibility appeal is still alive after the Intermediate Court of Appeals set Sept. 15 for opening briefs, with ballots already printed—Waters argues a win could trigger a new election. Corrections & Public Safety: An investigation is underway after inmate Godwyn (Denise) Foster died following an apparent assault at Halawa Correctional Facility; an autopsy will determine the cause. Homelessness Policy in Action: A new MH-3 program outcome is spotlighted after a longtime Chinatown street resident was transported for a mandatory medical/mental health evaluation and placed into a respite center room. Maui Wildfire Recovery: Maui County released a four-part update ahead of the third anniversary of the Lahaina/Kula wildfires, citing hundreds of rebuilt homes and a shift toward commercial permitting. Regulatory Enforcement: DOH/OMCCR issued notices of violation and fines totaling $13,000 to a Wahiawa hemp retailer for refusing lawful inspections. OHA Legal Update: A judge dismissed claims against OHA trustees individually and allowed a whistleblower retaliation case by former CEO Stacy Ferreira to proceed. Local Crime Case: Honolulu police arrested a Waianae couple on allegations of child torture, with child welfare taking three children into protective custody.

Invasive Species: Rep. Ed Case says a U.S. House Natural Resources Committee panel unanimously advanced his bill to fund federal invasive-species strike teams, including $10 million a year from FY2027 through 2033, after Oʻahu research on how invasive plants and animals are harming native ecosystems. Hawaiʻi Elections: Hawaii voters head to a closely watched state primary with the lieutenant governor race dominating coverage after Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke pleaded not guilty to bribery charges tied to her 2022 campaign; five Democrats and four Republicans are seeking her party’s nomination. Maui Housing Zoning: A Maui County Council panel recessed without voting on measures that would move thousands of apartment-zoned units toward hotel zoning, after hours of testimony and concerns tied to Bill 9 implementation. Marine Economy: Hawaii enacted S.B. 2907 to create an Office of Marine Affairs and a governing board to coordinate marine policy, support recreational boating, and back marine tourism and infrastructure planning. Civic Engagement: Two Big Island students launched “Kuleana ʻŌiwi: Democracy is Indigenous” to boost Native Hawaiian voter turnout ahead of the Aug. 8 primary. Transportation: Southwest announced its first regularly scheduled nonstop service between Hilo and Las Vegas, starting with three weekly flights.

OHA Court Win: A Hawaii judge dismissed all claims against Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees and struck an unauthorized filing, leaving OHA as the sole defendant and clearing the way for the agency’s board-approved legal team to steer the case. Corrections Accountability: After an Oahu Community Correctional Center inmate escaped, newly obtained timelines show hours-long communication delays between state and city officials before the public alert—while the escape also spotlights staffing shortages and long shifts in Hawaii prisons. Mental Health Policing: HPD doubled its Crisis Intervention Team and expanded the MH-3 program across Oahu, increasing outreach and offering evaluations through CORE instead of handcuffed patrol transport. Elections Watch: Hawaii election officials urged last-minute voting as primary turnout lagged, pointing voters to drop boxes and service centers ahead of the deadline. Maui Corruption Case: A Maui police lieutenant was charged in a bribery scheme tied to protecting illegal chicken fights and drug operations, including alleged sharing of confidential law enforcement information. Local Politics: Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters’ eligibility ruling is under appeal after a judge found him ineligible to run again, adding uncertainty for District 4 voters. Military & Tech: RIMPAC 2026 highlighted AI-enabled submarine detection efforts, while the 25th Infantry Division held a change of command at Schofield Barracks.

Maui Corruption Case: Federal prosecutors charged Maui Police Lt. Michael Vaituʻulala with allegedly taking cash to protect illegal chicken fighting and drug trafficking, including sharing confidential law-enforcement info. Elections Access: Hawaii’s Office of Elections says voter service centers stay open through Aug. 8 for registration and accessible voting, urging people to vote early and noting ballots must be in by the Aug. 8 7 p.m. deadline. Domestic Violence Policy: Hawaiʻi launched a statewide “Hawaiʻi Safety Survey” to assess how protective order and stalking laws are working and to feed recommendations to the Legislature. Public Safety & Environment: DLNR is holding a public hearing Aug. 13 on proposed rule changes to increase protections for native wildlife. Military Readiness: Colorado Air National Guard’s 140th Mission Support Group is in Hawaii for home-station readiness training with U.S. Pacific Command. Local Courts/Accountability: Families of Kauai helicopter-tour crash victims filed a wrongful death lawsuit alleging failures in emergency exit safety.

Oahu Public Safety: Honolulu police used drones and K-9s in a manhunt after a 20-year-old escaped Oahu Community Correctional Center custody; he was later found and arrested on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam property. Maui Wildfire Politics: Maui Mayor Richard Bissen will pause his re-election campaign Saturday to mark the three-year anniversary of the wildfires, shifting to remembrance events. Lahaina Rebuild & Permits: Maui County is seeking $50 million in federal recovery funds for buyouts of iconic Lahaina shoreline properties, while some businesses still face permit delays. Hawaii Federal Legislation: The U.S. House Natural Resources Committee advanced Rep. Ed Case’s bipartisan invasive-species bill, setting up $10M yearly funding for refuge strike teams starting in 2027. Local Tech for Policing: HPD launched a “Drone as First Responder” pilot for select high-priority 911 calls in Downtown and Kalihi to speed up scene awareness. Campaign Flashpoint: Hawaii’s 2nd District candidate Kirill Basin was arrested after a viral beach confrontation that escalated into threats and a physical altercation. Science (Inouye Telescope): New solar observations from Hawaii’s Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope captured ultra-detailed vortex patterns on the Sun, helping explain how solar eruptions may form.

Hawaiʻi Broadband: The state is moving ahead with a $150 million fiber expansion, with UH deploying $149.5 million in BEAD projects to bring high-speed service to about 5,800 unserved homes, aiming to close the digital divide statewide. Education Department Fight: Sen. Mazie Hirono led a panel of advocates and former officials criticizing Education’s plan to shift special education and civil-rights enforcement to other agencies as part of the Trump push to dismantle the department. West Maui Water: A Maui Council committee voted 7-1 to recommend spending up to $6 million to buy West Maui water systems, sending the measure to the full Council and then the state Public Utilities Commission. Military & Pacific Readiness: RIMPAC 2026 wrapped up with U.S. logistics support across the Pacific, while U.S. Pacific Command leaders warned about rising competition with China and the cost of defending the region. Tariffs in Court: Multiple states, including Virginia’s AG, sued to block new Trump tariff rounds, arguing they’re unlawful and raise costs for consumers. Local Politics: Maui congressional candidate Kirill Basin was arrested after a beach confrontation escalated into alleged terroristic threats.

Indigenous Wildlife Protections: DLNR proposed HAR changes to better protect Hawaiʻi’s indigenous, threatened, and endangered wildlife, including bans on “take” (harm/harass), habitat modification, and feeding injurious wildlife—sparking debate over feral cats. Public Safety Tech: Honolulu Police launched a Drone as First Responder pilot for certain 911 calls, aiming to reach incidents in about 30 seconds while limiting drones to specific missions. Maui Politics: The Aug. 8 primary for Maui County mayor narrowed a 10-candidate field to two, with incumbent Richard Bissen defending his wildfire recovery record and Yuki Lei Sugimura attacking the vacation-rental phaseout law. Congressional Race Fallout: Democratic candidate Kirill Basin was arrested after a Maui beach confrontation over loud music escalated into an alleged knife threat and fight. Hawaiʻi Government Services: Child and Family Service opened a new permanent Hilo office to expand domestic violence, sexual abuse treatment, and mental health support. Federal Legal Battles: Hawaii joined a 25-state lawsuit challenging Trump’s latest tariffs as illegal “pretext,” while other states sued to block TANF data-sharing. Community & Workforce: Kupu won a $1.75M AmeriCorps grant to expand conservation career training across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.

Disaster Relief for CNMI: Trump approved a major disaster declaration for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, opening FEMA Individual Assistance for eligible Rota residents after Super Typhoon Bavi, while Public Assistance covers eligible work on Rota and emergency measures for Saipan and Tinian. National Guard Cost Debate: A Defense Department estimate says extending the National Guard deployment in Washington, DC through January 2029 will cost about $1.4B, drawing criticism that it militarizes the capital and strains taxpayers. Tariffs in Court (and Hawaii in the mix): More than 20 states, including Hawaii, sued to block Trump’s latest tariffs, arguing they exceed legal authority and are a pretext after earlier tariff efforts were struck down. Mail Voting Fight at the Supreme Court: Democratic states urged the Supreme Court to keep paused a Trump order that would overhaul mail-ballot rules and expand federal involvement in election administration. Hawaii Economy Watch: Honolulu-based Matson reported strong Q2 results, with profit up and China service demand driving performance. Local Politics: Maui County Council appointee Kauanoe Batangan picked up 15 labor union endorsements ahead of his race. Hawai‘i Tax Case: O‘ahu provider Virginia Quilates Smith entered a no-contest plea to willfully failing to file state tax returns (2018-2021), facing community service and restitution.

Tariff Lawsuits: A coalition of 25 Democratic-led states, including Hawaii, sued the Trump administration in the U.S. Court of International Trade over new “forced labor” tariffs under Section 301, arguing the move is an unlawful attempt to recreate tariff regimes courts already struck down. Local Impact: The lawsuits say the costs will hit families and businesses nationwide, with the case seeking to block the tariffs and order refunds. Head Start Overhaul Worries: Hawaii advocates are warning that federal changes to Head Start could weaken classroom safety and staffing standards as control shifts to states. Hawaiʻi Courts: The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court held an investiture ceremony for Chief Justice Vladimir Devens, formally recognizing his commission. Consumer Protection: Hawaii’s Commerce and Consumer Affairs urged eligible Mercedes diesel owners to schedule approved emission fixes and claim incentives before upcoming deadlines. Pacific Security: North Korea condemned RIMPAC, calling it a “war rehearsal,” as the exercise wrapped after more than a month across the islands. Aviation Link: The Marshall Islands and Nauru moved toward regular Honolulu air service, aiming to expand Pacific connectivity.

Tariff Lawsuits: Hawaii joined a coalition of states suing the Trump administration over new tariffs, arguing they’re unlawful and will raise costs for families and businesses. Privacy vs. Federal Overreach: Hawaii also joined legal action challenging attempts to expand federal access to sensitive TANF and other benefits data, with attorneys general saying states—not Washington—should control eligibility checks. Honolulu Election Chaos: A judge ruled Honolulu City Council District 4 candidate Tommy Waters is ineligible on term limits, but the decision is under appeal as confusion continues ahead of the Aug. 8 primary. Hawaiʻi Corruption Case: Four current and former Hawaiʻi officials pleaded not guilty in a bribery scandal; a trial date was set for Sept. 28. State Tax Relief Deadline: The Hawaiʻi Department of Taxation reminded Kona Low storm-affected taxpayers that Aug. 20, 2026 is the deadline to request waivers of penalties and interest. Local Logistics: The Office of Elections moved into the state Capitol to process ballots for the Aug. 8 primary, with counting operations set for election night.

OHA Leadership Shake-Up: The Office of Hawaiian Affairs has launched a nationwide search for a new CEO while its current chief executive, Stacy Kealohalani Ferreira, remains on paid leave amid a whistleblower and sunshine law lawsuit; interim CEO Summer Sylva is running day-to-day operations as trustees debate how to handle an independent investigation. Campaign Money Watch: A PRP-linked PAC, “For A Better Tomorrow,” reported nearly $5M spent in the primary cycle, including $2M+ backing Derek Kawakami for lieutenant governor and six-figure support for Maui and Kauai mayoral bids plus multiple state legislative candidates. Hale Koa Culture Protest: Native Hawaiian protesters in Waikiki accused the Hale Koa Hotel of misusing Hawaiian culture in its military luau, arguing the event honors America in ways they find offensive. Federal-Indian Gaming Oversight: Senators led by Brian Schatz and Lisa Murkowski pressed the CFTC for government-to-government tribal consultation over prediction markets, warning the rule could affect tribal gaming authority and revenues. UH Marine Research: UH Manoa researchers used drones to tag humpback whales noninvasively, aiming to reduce disturbance while improving data for conservation and management. Emergency Alerts: Hawai‘i will run its monthly statewide outdoor warning siren test Aug. 3, coordinated with an Emergency Alert System live audio test.

Honolulu Elections: Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke’s bribery/conspiracy indictment is already shaping the GOP primary mood, while Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters is appealing a judge’s term-limits ruling that disqualified him from District 4—yet ballots will still count his votes to determine whether an eligible candidate hits “50% plus one.” Hawaiʻi County Politics: New faces are vying for Hawaiʻi County Council District 5 in the Aug. 8 primary, with candidates focusing on Puna road traffic, infrastructure, and cost of living. Maui/Lāhainā Recovery: Front Street in Lāhainā reopened to traffic for the first time since the 2023 wildfire, but hundreds of households still rely on FEMA housing assistance. State Government & Ethics: Lawmakers are pushing a special session idea to tighten donor rules after the Luke bribery case spotlighted a contractor-family campaign loophole. Public Safety/Health: DOH confirmed a 4th travel-related cyclosporiasis case in Hawaii residents. Community Services: Hawaiian Homes Commission appointments were announced, and a rescue-tube expansion grant aims to add hundreds more flotation devices statewide.

Honolulu City Politics: Tommy Waters’ bid for another term was ruled ineligible after a Circuit Court decision, but his name will still appear on already-printed ballots; votes for Waters will only be used to see whether an eligible candidate reaches a majority, otherwise the top two eligible candidates advance to a second special election. Public Safety & Courts: A 24-year-old man was indicted for an alleged stabbing at a Wahiawa McDonald’s, with charges including first-degree assault and resisting arrest. Immigrant Justice: Hawaiʻi lawmakers and advocates celebrated new state laws expanding protections around immigration enforcement, including language access and rights notifications. Health: The state Department of Health confirmed a fourth travel-related cyclosporiasis case in Hawaii residents. Aviation & Workforce: The third annual Hawaiʻi Aviation Expo drew aspiring pilots and job seekers, with proceeds supporting flight training scholarships for women. Local Policing: HPD graduated 37 new officers in its 220th recruit class. Defense & Security: RIMPAC’s top gunnery ship award went to South Korea’s Daejeon, highlighting ongoing Pacific readiness.

School Safety Expansion: Hawaii’s DOE and HPD are expanding the school resource officer pilot to Nanakuli High & Intermediate, adding retired officers and boosting Kaimuki and Waianae to three each, aiming for fewer incidents and stronger student-officer relationships. Tourism Watch: DBEDT data shows visitors are staying fewer days—7.9 days in June, down from 8.9 last year—while total spending rose slightly, a trend industry leaders want to reverse. Local Environment: Hawaii County will hold free household hazardous waste drop-offs in Hilo (Aug. 8) and Kona (Aug. 15), with rules excluding business and certain materials. Medicaid Billing Snapshot: New data shows Waianae providers billed $662,805 for non-oral drug administration in 2024, while Ewa Beach dental services claims rose to $125,512. Hawaiian Civic Life: OHA is launching a national search for a new CEO amid its ongoing legal battle. Military Policy: The Army approved service-wide authorization for the Jungle tab, including retroactive eligibility for jungle training done in Hawaii and Panama. Elections & Governance: In Kona District (Aug. 8 primary), three newcomers—Mark Henriques, Edgar “Eddie O” Ombac, and Manu Powers—are pitching different approaches to affordability and infrastructure.

Public Health: Hawaiʻi DOH confirmed a fourth cyclosporiasis case in 2026, involving a military servicemember based in the islands who traveled internationally before getting sick; officials say it’s unclear where infection was acquired, there’s no sign of local spread, and the public risk remains low. Local Elections: The East Honolulu City Council District 4 race is now down to three candidates after a judge barred Tommy Waters from seeking another term; Trevor Ozawa, Tara Malia Gregory, and Jason Liang are focusing on affordability and rising property taxes. State Government Appointments: Gov. Josh Green appointed Maui affordable housing manager Laura Valenzuela to the Hawaiʻi State Ethics Commission and named other leaders to the Hawaiian Homes and Campaign Spending commissions. OHA Leadership Search: OHA launched a nationwide search for its next Administrator/CEO, with applications prioritized through Sept. 4. Housing & Community Tensions: A Waimanalo kauhale proposal tied to a private volunteer development group is drawing protests and a petition over concerns including public health, flooding, and iwi impacts. Military & Regional Security: RIMPAC continues around Hawaiʻi with Pacific-focused infrastructure and readiness updates, while North Korea condemned NATO’s fuel network overhaul as war preparation. Maui Public Safety: Police say a 14-year-old turned himself in in connection with the Kāʻanapali resort riot, bringing arrests to seven teens and one adult.

Hawaiʻi Politics: Four top Hawaiʻi officials tied to a major bribery scandal pleaded not guilty, with Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and three alleged co-conspirators entering pleas and a Sept. 28 trial date set. Local Governance: Maui County Council reviewed a non-binding memorandum that could expand public control of West Maui drinking water by buying infrastructure from Maui Land & Pineapple, while members pushed back on links to zoning changes. Elections & Courts: A Filipino national with ties to Oʻahu and Maui was charged with unlawfully voting as an alien. Public Safety: Oʻahu saw the first felony arrest under “Duke’s Law” after illegal hunting on private ranch land; the case is still developing. Health Policy: A federal judge denied Democratic-led states’ bid to pause new Medicaid work requirements, setting a Jan. 1 implementation deadline. Culture & Community: Maui’s ʻŌiwi Resources opened grant applications for nonprofits (July 31–Aug. 31) to protect cultural resources and strengthen community connections.