AGP Executive Report

Lahaina Recovery & Local Commerce: Nearly three years after the 2023 wildfires, Maui officials and the Hawaiian Council announced ʻUlu O Lele, a temporary Front Street marketplace at the former Outlets of Maui site, with 17 retail spaces, eight food truck stalls, and a stage for nightly entertainment; it’s budgeted at about $8M, expected to open in October/September, and is meant to jump-start jobs and business activity while permanent rebuilding continues. Honolulu Transit: Skyline marked three years of service, with the HOLO card still carrying riders across the city; the city says ridership has quadrupled since October 2025 and plans “open payments” so riders can tap with any credit/debit card within the year. Food Industry & Antitrust: The U.S. DOJ and 17 states reached settlement terms with egg producers Cal-Maine Foods, Versova, and Hickman’s Egg Ranch over alleged price-fixing tied to Urner Barry egg price quotations; the deal totals $3.3M and 53 million eggs for donation, with companies not admitting wrongdoing. Public Safety & Enforcement: Honolulu-area explosives case: Jeremy Calizo avoided jail after a no-contest plea, receiving a four-year deferred acceptance and 240 hours of community service for illegal explosive devices. Energy & Grid: A new analysis highlights how residential batteries are increasingly used for grid management as electricity costs rise. Housing Market: UHERO research says affordability has hit its peak decline nationally, but Honolulu remains among the least affordable markets. Science on Maunakea: UH will end science operations at the UKIRT telescope this fall and begin decommissioning.

Maunakea Telescope Decommissioning: UH says science operations at the UK Infrared Telescope (UKIRT) will end Sept. 15, 2026, with decommissioning planned to start later, making it the third Maunakea telescope to be retired. Defense & Manufacturing: RIMPAC 2026 will use advanced manufacturing to produce replacement parts and support distributed logistics across the Hawaiian Islands, with AI and unmanned systems folded into the demo. Local Water & Housing: Maui Mayor Richard Bissen proposes buying Launiupoko and Olowalu water assets for $6M to expand public stewardship and support housing, agriculture, and emergency preparedness. Homelessness Services: Maui County Council is still pressing for answers on why a safe parking pilot approved in 2022 hasn’t opened, with a site at 43 Hansen Road targeted next. Food Safety Ops: A new look at supermarket “grocerant” risks highlights temperature monitoring as a key driver of foodborne illness and health-code violations. Legal Climate Fight: A federal court dismissed the U.S. government’s attempt to block Hawaii’s climate change lawsuit against oil and gas companies in state court. Business Leadership: Hawaii Leadership Academy opens registration for a fall 2026 director-level executive program.

Water & Power Struggle in West Maui: Japan’s richest man, Uniqlo founder Tadashi Yanai, is pulled into a Kapalua water fight tied to drought, irrigation limits, and West Maui water control—an escalating clash that reaches beyond golf. Retail & Commercial Growth: Shake Shack is coming to Ala Moana Center, signaling another major mainland brand push into Oʻahu’s core mall market. Tourism & Golf Calendar: With the Sony Open ending, Hawaii lands a PGA Tour Champions replacement at Waialae Country Club starting in 2027. Disaster Recovery & Construction Oversight: After the Lahaina fire, state and local leaders move to crack down on unlicensed contractors, with allegations of unsafe, unfinished work. Public Nutrition: HIDOE reports nearly 145,000 free summer meals served statewide, using more locally inspired menu items. Local Infrastructure: Honolulu DTS begins traffic safety upgrades in Pearl City, ʻAiea, and Punchbowl starting July 6. Food Industry Legal Fallout: DOJ and states settle egg price-fixing claims, with major producers paying $3.3M and donating 53 million eggs. Cultural Land Use Conflict: Hawaii Island Burial Council votes down a burial treatment plan for iwi kūpuna found at Hawaiian Paradise Park, keeping the dispute in motion.

Local Retail & Food: 7-Eleven Hawaii is turning 48 with a July 11 SLURPEE giveaway (no purchase) plus a July 1–10 “Dollar Deals” run, and limited-edition SPAM musubi deals tied to store purchases and app promos. Consumer Protection: Hawaii’s Office of Consumer Protection and AG joined other states to oppose a federal bill they say would weaken consumer financial safeguards. Tech & Media: UH Athletics is expanding its streaming reach with MW+ and Hawaii News Now as the official broadcast partner, bringing 200+ UH games to the new platform. Public Safety: Hawaiʻi’s monthly outdoor warning siren test is set for July 1 at 11:45 a.m., coordinated with an Emergency Alert System live audio test. Energy Costs: New data shows record home battery installs in early 2026, with Hawaii among the leading states—helped by a $400 per kilowatt incentive. Agriculture & Labeling: A new Hawaii ahi country-of-origin labeling law takes effect July 1, requiring clearer fish counter labels for raw processed ahi. Legal/Antitrust: The DOJ and 17 states, including Hawaii, reached a settlement with major egg producers over alleged price-fixing; the companies will pay $3.3M and donate about 53M eggs to food banks. Healthcare Access: Kaiser Permanente Hawaii and Maui Health plan a new Lahaina clinic to replace the one destroyed in the 2023 wildfires. Community & Culture: Maui Nui’s inaugural ʻAha Niu coconut festival focused on niu protection and invasive beetle prevention through hands-on workshops and education.

Ahi Labeling Law (July 1): Hawaii retailers must start disclosing where ahi comes from, with supporters saying it will help shoppers spot imported fish that can be cheaper than locally caught product. Antitrust & Eggs: The DOJ and 17 states reached a settlement with major egg producers accused of rigging the egg price index; the companies will pay $3.3M and donate 53 million eggs, with Hawaii potentially receiving up to 1 million for food banks. Local Retail Closure: Pearlridge Texaco in Aiea permanently closed after 60 years when lease talks with Kamehameha Schools failed. Ocean Mapping Tech: Nautilus departed Honolulu for Guam with a new multibeam sonar system that boosts deep-seafloor mapping capability. Tourism Demand Watch: DBEDT reported Maui visitor spending rose 26.4% in May, with arrivals up 18.4% versus last year. Infrastructure/Access: Keawaʻula at Kaʻena Point State Park will reopen July 1 after storm repairs, though some trail sections remain closed.

Food & Retail Compliance: Hawaii’s new Act 238 ahi labeling law kicks in July 1, requiring raw processed ahi sold at covered retail to show the country where it was landed—aimed at protecting local fisheries and giving shoppers clearer info. Public Health & Food Safety: The state Department of Health shut down four food establishments but reopened three after follow-up inspections found cleaning and sanitization issues were fixed. Consumer Protection & Antitrust: Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez secured a multistate egg price-fixing settlement—53 million eggs and $3.3 million in penalties—after DOJ and states alleged coordinated manipulation of a daily egg price index; Hawaii could receive about 1 million eggs for food banks. Housing & Recovery: Lahaina’s rebuilt Kaiāulu o Kupuohi affordable housing community (89 units) is back at full occupancy after reopening June 23. Energy & Infrastructure: HART adopted a $1.07B budget for Skyline construction, while separate reporting says Oʻahu may not need a new power plant and UHERO argues for more solar instead. Local Crime: In Kona, two men were injured in an altercation—one with stab wounds, the other with a head injury—under an ongoing investigation. Industry & Labor: C&H Sugar warehouse workers entered a third week of strike over overtime pay, retirement benefits, and related contract terms.

Antitrust & Food Supply: Hawaii’s attorney general announced a multistate settlement tied to illegal egg price-fixing, requiring major producers to pay $3.3 million and donate 53 million eggs nationwide, with Hawaii expected to receive about 1 million for food banks. Hawaiʻi Seafood Compliance: Ahi Origin Labeling requirements kick in July 1, forcing retailers to display country-of-origin labels for raw processed ahi. Hemp Retail Crackdown: Hawaii’s new hemp/CBD rules begin enforcement Wednesday, and some small shops say they may be forced to close as regulators target products deemed illegal under the updated law. Energy & Shipping: With Persian Gulf output ramping after Hormuz reopening, Asian refiners are offering crude cargoes to the U.S. and potentially Hawaii, signaling possible new Middle Eastern supply routes. Aviation & Tech: Delta is lagging competitors on faster in-flight Wi‑Fi, while Qualcomm set its Snapdragon Summit for Sept. 22–24 in Hawaii. Local Business & Infrastructure: Hawaii’s driver’s licenses and IDs get a security-focused redesign starting this year, with new anti-counterfeit features.

Defense Logistics in the Pacific: The US Army is looking to buy up to 100 drone boats to patch a watercraft shortage, with testing eyed as early as next summer in the US Pacific Command area. RIMPAC Support in Hawaii: NAVSUP FLC Pearl Harbor contracting is pushing more than $1M in services for RIMPAC 2026 across Oʻahu and beyond, including buses, cranes/tugs, and sanitation. Electric Aviation Trial: BETA Technologies and Surf Air Mobility launched a Hawaii electric aircraft demonstration program, supported by Hawaiian Airlines, to gather operational and cost data for interisland cargo and passenger service. Housing Rebuild in Lahaina: Hunt Capital Partners marked the reopening of Kaiāulu o Kupuohi, an 89-unit affordable complex rebuilt after the 2023 Maui wildfires. Wildlife Safety: A new statewide study says most pueo deaths are linked to vehicle collisions, with wind turbines also a factor. Energy & Costs: AAA reports national gas prices falling ahead of the July 4 weekend, while Hawaii remains among the priciest markets. Public Power Pressure: A new discussion highlights rising reliability and affordability challenges for community-owned utilities.

Coastal Erosion & Tourism: Maui’s Ka’anapali Beach is losing shoreline fast, and state officials plus resort hotels are backing a plan to truck in thousands of yards of sand—locals worry it could worsen access and impacts. Wildlife & Transportation Safety: A new UH Mānoa statewide study finds most documented pueo deaths come from trauma, with two-thirds tied to vehicle collisions or roadsides—researchers urge safer driving and better rodenticide practices. Local Emergency Preparedness: Maui County will hold a Lahaina Community Meeting focused on evacuation management, wildfire mitigation, school rebuild updates, and buyout programs, with agencies on hand for Q&A. Holiday Fireworks Compliance: Hawaii County and Maui officials are issuing Fourth of July fireworks permits with strict purchase rules and safety limits, while consumer fireworks don’t require permits. Defense & Industrial Base: Reports say Boeing is exploring restarting C-17 Globemaster production after an 11-year shutdown, as U.S. airlift needs remain a strategic concern. Aviation/Tech Industry: Anduril, a fast-growing defense tech firm, is highlighted for its autonomous weapons push and rapid scaling. Energy/Infrastructure: Autonomous resupply vessels are being pitched as a way to address the Army’s watercraft shortage across the Indo-Pacific.

Wildlife & Safety: A new University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa statewide study says most Pueo (Hawaiian short-eared owl) deaths are from vehicle collisions (62% of documented mortalities), with wind turbines next (13%), pointing to preventable risks for a culturally important species. Tourism & Transport: After March’s Kona-low storms, the North Shore Huaka‘i 90-day shuttle pilot is set to launch to move visitors and kamaʻāina back toward Haleʻiwa and Waialua, with a $200,000 budget and support from the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority and partners. Local Governance: Gov. Josh Green signed Act 172 banning commercial gondolas, cable cars and ropeways in Hawaiʻi, effectively ending the Kaukonahua Ranch gondola plan while other parts remain under review. Environment & Infrastructure: Hawaiʻi Pacific University researchers are testing whether recycled fishing nets and plastic waste can be turned into asphalt for roads, aiming to cut landfill use and marine debris. Energy & Buildings: A decarbonization push argues the biggest wins come from fixing home air leaks and improving insulation, with energy recovery ventilators as a practical next step. Food Supply Chain: A new state law starting July 1 requires retailers to disclose the country of origin of raw ahi used in poke and sashimi, as local supply pressures remain a concern. Sports Media: Hawaii News Now is taking over UH sports TV rights for four years, expanding free over-the-air access via K5.

Tourism & Land Use: Gov. Josh Green signed Act 172, banning commercial gondolas, cable cars and ropeways statewide, effectively ending the Kaukonahua Ranch gondola plan on Oahu’s North Shore. Waste-to-Infrastructure: Hawai‘i researchers are testing whether recycled fishing nets and plastic waste can be turned into asphalt roads, aiming to cut landfill use and marine debris while keeping up with local road-building needs. Native Hawaiian Media Ownership: OHA trustees voted to advance due diligence on a potential KITV/KIKU acquisition that could expand Native Hawaiian ownership in Hawai‘i’s media industry, while stressing it’s not a final decision. Local Community Funding: The Hawai‘i Community Foundation marked 25 years of Waimea giving with $500,000 in 2026 Richard Smart Fund grants supporting 29 programs across culture, education, health and safety. Construction & Materials Innovation: Electric aircraft testing is moving forward in Hawai‘i, with BETA Technologies and Surf Air Mobility starting trials that could support future green cargo flights. Agriculture & Pest Control: Coffee berry borer expansion is continuing, with infested areas now reported to include additional islands, raising stakes for local growers.

OHA & Media Ownership: Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees voted to advance due diligence on a potential acquisition of KITV and KIKU, aiming to expand Native Hawaiian ownership and influence in Hawaii’s media—while stressing it’s not the end of the process. Maui Waste & Local Services: Central Maui’s UHMC recycling center is set to permanently close Tuesday, raising concerns about access to recycling and pushing residents toward farther drop-off options. Molokai Housing Repairs: AARP awarded $15,000 to the Ho’olehua Homesteaders Association to help kupuna repair leaking homes, plus another $15,000 for a community garden tied to food security. Agriculture & Pests: Hawaii’s Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity approved expanding coffee berry borer infested areas to include Lanai and Kauai, and coffee berry borer zones were also reported as expanding. Coffee Industry: Kauai Coffee secured a new long-term land lease after months of uncertainty, extending operations on the island’s major coffee farm. Energy/Defense Manufacturing: 3YOURMIND and Phillips Corporation are participating in a RIMPAC-linked distributed manufacturing test using additive production planning to coordinate parts delivery across naval units. UH Hilo Facilities: UH Hilo athletics facilities are slated for an $11.6M renovation starting early next year, adding training, sports medicine, and upgraded spaces.

Aloha Stadium Redevelopment: Demolition is about a month ahead of schedule, with steel being cut for recycling and some concrete planned for reuse in the new 31,000-seat bowl—aiming to keep debris out of landfills and reduce costs. Local Business Pressure: Oahu businesses are preparing to close as rising labor and operating costs squeeze restaurants and other employers, raising worries about job losses and knock-on effects for families. Electric Aviation Trials: BETA Technologies and Surf Air Mobility kicked off a six-to-eight-week electric aircraft demonstration in Hawaii, with Hawaiian Airlines supporting route and feasibility work—an early step toward electrifying interisland cargo and passenger service. RIMPAC Logistics & Partnerships: The Navy’s Rim of the Pacific exercise is expanding to 30 nations, while NAVSUP’s Pearl Harbor team is highlighted as the “quiet engine” coordinating port visits and sustainment for visiting ships. Maui Housing Court Update: Hawaiʻi Supreme Court lets a Maui Lani Phase 9 grading “good cause” challenge move forward, reinforcing protections tied to ancestral burial sites. Hawaii Fireworks Rules (Maui): Maui Fire Department set sale dates and locations for Fourth of July fireworks and reiterated strict permitted use times and penalties. Kona Small Business Recovery: Hawaii County opened applications for a Kona Low Business Recovery Grant with $475,000 available for eligible storm-impacted non-ag businesses.

Aviation & Energy: BETA Technologies and Surf Air Mobility kicked off Hawaiʻi electric aircraft demonstration flights for about six to eight weeks, with Hawaiian Airlines supporting feasibility work and local stakeholder engagement. Tourism & Hospitality: Blue Hawaiian named a new executive leadership team to better integrate its helicopter tours and concierge services, while Binhi at Ani honored 20 top housekeepers of Filipino ancestry from major Maui and Oʻahu hotels. Local Business & Retail: Waiakea water began distribution in Japan, and Kauaʻi Coffee secured a long-term lease for its historic farm. Food & Consumer Markets: Hawaiʻi’s DOH issued MorningStar Farms recalls over potential plastic risk, and the state is also set to enforce hemp retailer and distributor registration rules starting July 1. Labor & Travel Industry: UNITE HERE flagged a hotel strike in Seattle during the World Cup, pointing to prior labor disruption impacts on hotel performance. Public Safety & Events: Hawaiʻi Fire Department announced Fourth of July fireworks permit locations and rules statewide. Housing & Infrastructure: Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi County updates included emergency repairs to Tantalus Drive and a Kona Seaside Shops renovation permit approval.

Aviation Electrification: Mokulele Airlines will test fully electric cargo aircraft with BETA Technologies on interisland routes, a first-of-its-kind Hawaii trial that could reshape local air freight—pending FAA approval. Native Hawaiian Media Ownership: OHA trustees advanced due diligence on a potential KITV/KIKU acquisition, aiming to expand Native Hawaiian leadership and ownership in media and communications. Construction Workforce Boost: The Hui Kapili Accelerator is credited with helping Haloa Construction grow about 50%, showing how mentoring and contractor connections can ease Hawaii’s labor and bidding pressures. Agriculture & Jobs: Kauai Coffee secured a 15-year lease for its historic Kalaheo farm, protecting local employment and key certifications while planning modernization. Water & Wastewater Financing: Hawaii is pushing to replace about 80,000 cesspools by 2050, and lawmakers are setting up a new low-interest loan/grant program to help homeowners convert. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Honolulu launched a dedicated webpage on CORP field restoration after March Kona Low debris storage, sharing soil testing and reopening timelines. Consumer Protection: A Journey concert promoter warned of speculative ticket listings before official Hawaii sales, urging fans to use Ticketmaster. Weather/Climate Tools: UH’s Hawaii Climate Data Portal starts free monthly, neighborhood-level rainfall and drought updates on July 1.

Aviation & Cargo: Beta Technologies and Surf Air Mobility are starting six to eight weeks of electric aircraft trials in 26 states, with Hawaii getting a first look via cargo-configured Beta Alia CX300 demo flights supported by Hawaiian Airlines—an early step toward interisland electric service. Energy & Grid: Sunrun, Tesla, and Renew Home unveiled a plan to aggregate home batteries, thermostats, and EV-linked flexibility into virtual power plants, targeting up to 16.8 GW for large off-takers, including devices in Hawaii. Food & Agriculture: Hawaiʻi expanded coffee berry borer infestation areas to include Lānaʻi and Kauaʻi, easing some permit needs for moving green coffee beans and equipment between most islands while keeping tighter rules for coffee plants and seeds. Public Safety & Policy: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Hawaii’s “no-carry default” gun law for private property open to the public, shifting the burden to property owners to opt in. Climate & Resilience: Honolulu’s Office of Climate Change, Sustainability, and Resiliency highlighted progress in its annual sustainability report and opened public comment on the first Oʻahu Food Systems Plan. Maritime Logistics: Military Sealift Command ships are arriving in Pearl Harbor to support RIMPAC 2026 with fuel, food, and equipment replenishment services.