AGP Executive Report

Hurricane Lala Recovery: Honolulu reported a major Tantalus Drive closure after a retaining wall failure near the 4.5-mile marker, with repairs requiring full wall reconstruction and roadway restoration. Power & Utilities: On Hawaiʻi Island, Hawaiian Electric said restoration is progressing but about 17,000 customers still lack power, with Kaʻū and other districts facing longer timelines and water impacts. Food Safety: Hawaiʻi DOH authorized the reopening of HI SHACK (772 TXS) in Honolulu after a follow-up inspection found corrected temperature control and handwashing issues. Local Development & Housing: Honolulu ethics leaders moved to tighten rules on taxpayer-funded election mailers, while another report highlighted how developers “sweeten the deal” with community benefits for higher-density projects. Environment & Agriculture: A Maui invasive axis deer problem is being turned into dinner, and a new scholarship supports design work for the Waiohuli Makai homelands plan. Consumer/Health Alerts: DOH issued a recall alert for Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream Outshine Fruit Bars due to possible glass contamination.

Hurricane Lala Power Recovery: Hawaiian Electric reported strong overnight progress, restoring power to 99% of affected customers on O‘ahu, 98% on Maui, and 75% on Hawai‘i Island, but about 19,670 customers still remain without power, with some Puna, Kohala, Ka‘ū and Na‘alehu areas facing at least two more weeks of restoration work. Local Water Governance: Hawai‘i’s Board of Land and Natural Resources rejected a 30-year East Maui commercial water license auction and advanced a contested-case hearing involving revocable permits held by Mahi Pono and East Maui Irrigation Co., after testimony from kalo farmers and Native Hawaiian advocates. Permitting & Housing Tech: Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting will require many residential projects to use Clariti’s CivCheck Guided AI process starting Sept. 1, with non-compliant applications rejected in pre-application review. Manufacturing & Jobs: Grillo’s Pickles opened a $54 million refrigerated pickles facility in Indiana, adding about 150 jobs and citing demand growth; the company is also near King’s Hawaiian’s planned production site. Food Industry Growth: Bad Ass Coffee of Hawai‘i ranked No. 4034 on the Inc. 5000, pointing to 28% year-over-year systemwide sales growth and 12 new store openings planned for 2026. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Environmental groups sued to stop the first-ever commercial sale of deep-sea mining leases in American waters, arguing the process violated the Endangered Species Act.

Hurricane Lala Recovery: Congresswoman Jill Tokuda toured Kaʻū as crews bulldozed debris to reopen roads and restore access to food, water, and cleanup supplies, while Hawaiian Electric warned many Hawaii Island areas could face outages for at least two weeks, with restoration maps pointing to remote South Hawaii Island taking longer. Grid Resilience: Waikiki residents reported prolonged blackouts that also cut off building water systems, renewing pressure on the state’s electrical infrastructure and emergency readiness. Tourism Impact: Despite flight cancellations and storm disruptions, Hawaii’s visitor industry said tourism infrastructure saw limited damage, shifting focus to economic impact assessments and getting reopened attractions back online. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Environmental groups and community advocates sued to stop the first commercial sale of deep sea mining leases tied to American Samoa, challenging a federal finding that mining wouldn’t harm protected species—an issue that also draws in Hawaii-based stakeholders. Local Health & Services: A National Kidney Foundation of Hawaiʻi mobile clinic purchased with city funds has sat unused for years, raising questions about how public dollars support early screening and outreach. Consumer Safety: Hawaii residents were reminded to document storm damage and file insurance claims promptly as insurers and adjusters begin assessments. Power & Daily Life: Kalihi Valley residents said they’ve been without power for days, relying on community battery support while waiting for grid repairs.

Hurricane Lala Recovery: Hawaii island residents are still tallying damage and preparing for a long grid repair stretch after the storm knocked out power for tens of thousands, with Hawaiian Electric warning some customers could face months without service; crews are working on transmission lines and communities are relying on food distributions as roads and bridges remain compromised. Energy & Infrastructure: The outage fallout is hitting businesses and essential services, including a wastewater discharge tied to power loss at a water treatment plant, underscoring how quickly operations stall when the grid goes down. Legal & Consumer Protection: A bipartisan coalition of state attorneys general is taking Meta to trial over claims the company designed addictive features for kids and misled parents, with Hawaii included among the states pursuing changes and penalties. Local Education Governance: UH is exploring a leadership restructure that would integrate the seven community colleges more directly into the UH System, aiming to give campuses stronger representation in systemwide decisions. Water & Deep-Sea Mining: An environmental group sued the U.S. government to block plans to auction seabed water leases around American Samoa for deep-sea mining, arguing federal agencies must better protect habitats and endangered species.

Hurricane Lala Recovery (Hawaiʻi Island): Gov. Josh Green and Mayor Kimo Alameda toured Kaʻū after flooding hit harder than wind, with officials warning of weeks-long recovery in remote areas as power and water strain local operations. Utilities & Infrastructure: Hawaiian Electric reported about 117,000 customers without power, with mainland utility reinforcements coming; meanwhile the Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply said backup power can’t fully replicate normal pumping, driving shortages in parts of North Kona and other communities. Roads, Waste & Permitting: Highway 11 access toward Hilo reopened for emergency vehicles as crews clear debris, while Honolulu reopened convenience centers, transfer stations, and the Waimānalo landfill; the city also waived certain permit fees and allowed limited emergency repairs to start sooner. Local Business Support: DBEDT will sponsor the Made in Hawaiʻi Festival’s Hawaiʻi Made Pavilion, featuring 28 early-stage and food entrepreneurs. Manufacturing & Industry: Construction Management Inspection expanded its HawaiiBuildingExpert.com resource center for building safety and maintenance planning. Public Safety & Policy: Honolulu is considering fines and jail for people using shopping carts outside store premises, reigniting debate over criminalizing homelessness.

Hurricane Lala Recovery: Hawaiian Electric reported about 117,300 customers statewide without power as of Monday morning, with 39,400 still out on Hawaiʻi Island (Puna, Kona, Kohala, Hāmākua, South Hilo) after wind gusts up to 91 mph toppled trees and damaged lines; crews repaired three major transmission lines and engineers from Oʻahu are joining restoration, while Maui still has about 6,300 customers dark in Upcountry areas. Disaster Response & Insurance: Hawaiʻi officials urged residents to file insurance claims promptly after storm damage, and the Salvation Army deployed meal services and supplies to county shelters and remote areas where roads are washed out. Transportation Damage: On Hawaiʻi Island, flooding damaged or destroyed at least six bridges in Kaʻū and wiped out a section of Route 11 near Pahala, with emergency access restored along Route 11 but some areas still restricted. Energy Transition Push: SunSource Power launched “Solar for All,” pitching zero-upfront solar for Hawaii residents as utility rates rise. Local Land Use: The Land Board authorized transfer of 300+ acres to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, advancing homestead-related land management. Military & Industry: Australia and the U.S. tested AUKUS Pillar II undersea capabilities during RIMPAC 2026 off Hawaiʻi.

Hurricane Lala Recovery & Resilience: Lala skirted Hawaii’s Big Island as a tropical storm, but cleanup is underway amid flooding, downed trees, road closures, and widespread outages; Gov. Josh Green said officials are still checking whether any storm-related deaths occurred, while Hawaiian Electric warned many customers should prepare for extended outages. Energy & Renewables: Hawaiian Electric reported 3,429 new rooftop solar systems (about 36 MW) added statewide in the first half of 2026, plus 55 MW of battery storage, with Oahu hitting 50% solar penetration in single-family homes. Wastewater & Environment: Honolulu’s Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant completed a five-year secondary treatment upgrade, and ENV also responded to a sewage spill at the facility. Biosecurity & Agriculture: Hawaii County urged the state to better enforce the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) rule, saying implementation has lagged since it took effect. Local Economy: The Honolulu Office of Economic Revitalization shut down after a contentious funding fight between the mayor and City Council. Innovation & STEM: A Hawaii student’s coconut-husk fungi research suggests a path to break down microplastics and sunscreen compounds. Defense Tech: A Maui firm tested basalt-fiber composite 3D-printed drones and a RHIB hull during RIMPAC.

Hurricane Lala Aftermath: Hurricane Lala downgraded to a tropical storm as it rolled past Hawaii’s Big Island, but officials warned dangers continue during cleanup—downed lines, chainsaws, and generators. Gov. Josh Green said investigators are checking whether any storm-related deaths occurred, after one fatal car crash near South Point. Utilities & Infrastructure: The storm still knocked out power for tens of thousands of customers and forced Hawaii airport closures (Hilo and Kona) with flight disruptions statewide. Insurance Claims: The state Insurance Division urged residents to document damage, prevent further loss, and file claims promptly with receipts and photos. Energy Grid Complaints: Kokua Line revisited HECO’s flickering/strobing lights issue—PUC says it requested details from Hawaiian Electric, and customers should report each occurrence to HECO and can file informal complaints with the PUC. Agriculture Pipeline: Hawaiʻi Farmers Union opened applications (through Oct. 15) for a free Farm Apprentice Mentorship Program for aspiring farmers on Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi. Local Materials Research: UH Mānoa is testing whether Hawaii’s managed eucalyptus plantations can produce construction-grade lumber, aiming to cut reliance on imported wood. Environmental History: A new look at mosquitofish introductions highlights long-running impacts on native freshwater insects, including threatened damselflies.

Hurricane Lala Response & Power Disruptions: Hurricane Lala hit Hawaii’s Big Island with Category 1 winds up to 75 mph, bringing heavy rain, dangerous waves, flooding, and widespread outages; officials reported thousands of rescues/stranded residents and road closures, while Hawaiian Electric said up to 88,000 customers were without power and warned it may need “load shed” as crews work through downed lines and storm damage. PUC Oversight on Grid Quality: In East Oahu, residents continue reporting flickering/strobing lights; the PUC says it has requested details from Hawaiian Electric and tells customers to file informal complaints after reporting each occurrence to HECO. Water System Prep: The Board of Water Supply urged Oʻahu residents to conserve water ahead of severe weather, warning storm impacts and power outages can limit pumping and reservoir levels. Local Insurance Claims: DCCA’s Insurance Division reminded residents to document damage, file claims quickly, and avoid permanent repairs before insurer approval. Hawaii Construction Materials: UH Mānoa researchers are testing whether Hawaii-grown managed eucalyptus can become structural lumber, aiming to cut reliance on imported wood. Tourism Management: A column argues HTA’s Destination Management Action Plans should focus on managing visitor impacts, not just growing arrivals. Data Centers Policy: Another op-ed urges Hawaii to set rules before large AI data centers arrive, citing pressure on electricity, water, and infrastructure.

Hurricane Preparedness & Infrastructure: Hurricane Lala strengthened to Category 1 and is bearing down on Hawaii’s Big Island, with forecasts of up to 25 inches of rain, life-threatening flooding and mudslides, and dangerous surf—prompting a statewide emergency posture and major travel disruptions. Energy Reliability: Hawaiian Electric lifted a Public Safety Power Shutoff watch after conditions eased, but the episode underscored how fast wildfire risk can threaten power access across parts of Hawaiʻi Island and Maui. Water Governance: The Board of Land and Natural Resources blocked a long-term East Maui water license path for Mahi Pono and authorized a contested-case hearing tied to stream diversion permits, keeping a decades-long fight over plantation-era irrigation in play. Air Travel & Consumer Costs: Congress is pressing major airlines—including Hawaiian—over whether AI and consumer data influence the fares people see, with a response deadline of Aug. 25. Local Agriculture & Food Systems: A Kauaʻi project is growing Japanese rice varieties (Koshihikari and Hitomebore) using upland methods on a dry field, aiming to test how the crops perform outside traditional paddy systems. Marine Debris & Coastal Economy: Maui artist Michiko Smith is turning ghost nets and other marine debris into art, while local groups continue collecting and shipping debris for research and recycling.

East Maui Water Fight: The state Board of Land and Natural Resources blocked a long-term East Maui water license path for Mahi Pono and moved toward a contested case hearing over stream diversion permits, after hours of testimony from farmers, cultural practitioners, and residents. Hawaiian Homesteads Land Transfer: BLNR authorized transfer of more than 300 acres in the Waiākea area of Hilo to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, advancing Act 14 obligations and adding land for homesteading and potential income uses. Tropical Storm Lala Readiness: Tropical Storm Lala is expected to strengthen to hurricane strength near the Big Island, with heavy rain, flooding risk, dangerous surf, and wildfire-fueling winds; Hawaii agencies, Honolulu, and telecom providers are mobilizing generators, staffing, and backup power. Utility & Infrastructure Watch: Hawaiian Electric’s Q2 earnings call highlighted wildfire-related accounting shifts and a large approved mitigation recovery plan, alongside a proposed multi-year base rate increase. Shipping Disruption: Young Brothers adjusted cargo acceptance and schedules as Lala approaches, including limits on refrigerated, hazardous, and livestock cargo at specific ports. Local Air Access: Lānaʻi Air launched a new Molokaʻi–Honolulu route, restoring more than one carrier option for residents.

Defense & Shipbuilding: Trump ordered the Navy to revert aircraft carriers to steam catapults and hydraulic systems, aiming to boost the “maritime industrial base” and expand shipbuilding capacity. Local Industry & Business Services: Eide Bailly will acquire MUN, adding a Lihue, Hawaii office and expanding its California and Nevada footprint for tax, assurance, and advisory work. Tourism & Hospitality: Cruise itineraries in Hawaii are being rerouted as Tropical Storm Lala strengthens, with Norwegian Spirit and Pride of America among affected sailings. Weather & Risk for Hawaii: A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the Big Island, with Tropical Storm Warnings for Maui County and watches for Oahu and Kauai as Lala approaches. Community & Visitor Economy: Waimea Valley on Oʻahu is starting a $5.5M renovation focused on visitor amenities plus new educational spaces, including a traditional hale and agroforestry garden. Workforce & Privacy: A coalition of 22 states, including Hawaii, sued to block the Trump administration from accessing a database with sensitive CDL driver personal information; a federal judge issued a stay. Aerospace Logistics: DLA Energy delivered a turnkey oxygen supply system to Moody Air Force Base, building a dedicated supply chain after pandemic-era shortages. Food Supply Chain: Aramark Student Nutrition rolled out its 2026-27 school year limited-time offer lineup, leaning into global flavors and meatless options. Energy & Infrastructure: Hawaii’s climate funds spending is highlighted as the state prepares for more renewable buildouts.

Tropical Storm Lala Readiness: Gov. Josh Green declared a state of emergency as Lala strengthens and the Big Island faces a hurricane warning, with damaging winds, heavy rain, and flooding risk; Honolulu and Maui also moved into higher operational posture and urged residents to finish preparations now. Water & Infrastructure: The Navy awarded a $309M contract to build a permanent Red Hill water treatment facility (10 million gallons/day), with completion expected by 2029. Land Use for Industry: The Navy and Marine Corps proposed transferring 44 acres on Oʻahu and Molokaʻi to the state, including Barbers Point Naval Air Station parcels for creative-industry production infrastructure. Agriculture Prep: Maui County’s agriculture department urged ranchers and farmers to secure animals, fuel, equipment, and documentation ahead of Lala. Public Health & Consumer Protection: DCCA Insurance Division reminded residents to document property damage and note that most policies don’t cover flood damage (separate NFIP coverage). Aviation & Logistics: Mokulele Airlines expanded inter-island service with three new Cessna 208 Caravans and renovated Honolulu Terminal 3. Vaping Crackdown: Hawaiʻi lawmakers approved a major youth-focused ban on disposable vapes starting Jan. 1, 2027, and tighter limits on rechargeable products. Wildlife Biosecurity: DOH and DAB urged backyard poultry owners to boost biosecurity as migratory birds return, citing prior HPAI detection in Oʻahu flocks.

Privacy & Data Governance: Hawaii AG Nick Brown joined a coalition suing the Trump administration over demands that states hand over sensitive CDL data tied to 17 million drivers, with threats to cut $10M+ in federal funding to AAMVA. Workforce & Energy Training: UH Maui College and Hawaiian Electric graduated the second Maui Power Pathways cohort, expanding free ten-week power-plant training to Maui, Molokai, and Lānai. Disaster Readiness: Honolulu is in final preparations for Tropical Storm Lala, warning of hurricane watch conditions for Hawaiʻi Island and potential wind, flooding, and dangerous surf statewide. Aviation & Interisland Travel: Alaska Airlines says Hawaiian’s 717 fleet will be replaced by Hawaiian-branded 737-800s starting in 2028, reshaping Neighbor Island capacity planning. Local Business Development: DBEDT will return as official sponsor of the Made in Hawaiʻi Festival, backing a Hawaiʻi Made pavilion for nearly 30 local firms. Biosecurity at Ports: Hawaiʻi DAB captured and euthanized an opossum found in a Hilo Harbor freight warehouse container, sending tissue for rabies testing. Defense Land Transfers: Gov. Green announced the Navy is starting the process to return nearly 44 acres on Oʻahu (Kalaeloa) and Molokaʻi (Hoʻolehua) for state stewardship. Energy Affordability Debate: A new report argues renewable-heavy policies in “Blue states” are driving higher electricity prices, raising affordability concerns. Aviation Safety/Operations: A U.S. Navy/Lockheed Martin RIMPAC effort is testing AI sonar systems near Hawaiʻi, pointing to next-gen undersea capabilities.

Undersea Defense Tech: The U.S. Navy and Lockheed Martin tested an AI sonar system (SensorMAX) during RIMPAC 2026 near Hawaii, using AI to process data from multiple sonar buoys faster to improve submarine-hunting. Local Governance & Environment: Honolulu is pushing the state to ban aquarium fishing, joining similar county actions as DLNR reviews fishery rules; the city wants both a board ban and a statewide legislative ban. Storm Readiness & Public Safety: A developing tropical system (Potential Tropical Cyclone One-C, expected to become “Lala”) is forecast to bring heavy rain, dangerous surf, and high winds starting Friday, with Honolulu and Hawaii County urging residents to prepare now. Infrastructure: Honolulu begins rehabilitation of the Numana Road Bridge over Kalihi Stream with lane closures then a full closure for major work. Agriculture & Conservation: USDA and East Hawaii Soil and Water Conservation District invite the public to a Hilo meeting to shape local conservation priorities. Hemp & Health Regulation: Hawaiʻi’s DOH cracked down on THC hemp products, with sellers challenging the move in federal court. Space & Research: UH astronomer Rohan Naidu is linked to a new “black hole star” discovery using JWST, tied to the mystery of early-universe “little red dots.” Politics & Elections: A special election is set for a Hawaii Senate seat after Sen. Michelle Kidani stepped down for health reasons.

Defense & Infrastructure: NAVFAC Hawaii awarded Hensel Phelps a $309.65M firm-fixed-price contract for the Red Hill Water Treatment Facility (P-716), targeting completion by Aug. 2029, with major upgrades including a new 10-million-gallon-per-day treatment plant. Wastewater & Ocean Protection: Honolulu marked completion of Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant Secondary Treatment Phase 1, boosting capacity to keep beaches and the ocean cleaner. Food Safety & Small Business Support: Hawaiʻi Commercial Kitchens is running a free hazard analysis critical control point workshop (in-person in Hilo or via Zoom) plus one-on-one technical help to help food businesses pass inspections. Consumer Protection: A new Hawaii law banning cash deposits at cryptocurrency ATMs/kiosks takes effect Oct. 1, aiming to curb kiosk-driven fraud. Workforce & Hiring: Honolulu and Kaimukī High School host a free East Oʻahu career fair Aug. 13 with about 30 employers and training partners. Procurement & Local Industry: NAVFAC Hawaii held its 4th annual Government Procurement Industry Forum, drawing 200+ contractors and small businesses. Aviation Policy: Rep. Frank Pallone pressed major airlines, including Hawaiian, over “surveillance pricing” and whether personal data and AI affect ticket prices. Energy Context: A report highlights how rooftop solar additions are growing on Hawaiian Electric grids in the first half of 2026.