AGP Executive Report

OHA Leadership: The Office of Hawaiian Affairs named three CEO/administrator finalists—Todd Apo, Kaulana Park and Summer Sylva—kicking off a public comment period through Oct. 16 as the board moves toward a key executive transition. Red Hill Aftermath: The Navy plans to reopen a Red Hill-linked well near the ʻAiea-Hālawa Shaft, a step that could bring parts of the water system back online but is drawing fresh community concern over lingering trust and health impacts. Food Safety: PepsiCo recalled 122,021 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade (Lemon Lime, Lemon Lime Zero, Orange, Orange Zero) in 37 states, including Hawaii, after FDA flagged undeclared Yellow No. 5/Yellow No. 6; consumers are urged to check lot codes. Energy & Costs: A new analysis says federal policy shifts could raise U.S. household energy bills through 2040, while separate reporting notes gas prices have started to ease after recent fuel-tax moves. Permitting & Grid Buildout: A Senate permitting reform bill would limit permit rollbacks and expand federal authority for transmission projects—aimed at speeding grid expansion and data-center power upgrades. Cultural Resource Risk: Archaeologists found two human teeth at a proposed Chick-fil-A site in Kailua; construction would pause and the Oʻahu Island Burial Council will decide next steps.

Biosecurity & Jobs: Hawaiʻi Dept. of Agriculture and Biosecurity is launching a new Biosecurity Academy with Leeward Community College, aiming to train up to 20 future inspectors starting in November through March 2027 to strengthen airport/harbor screening for invasive pests. Energy Resilience: HDOT, Sustainability Partners and Hensel Phelps have started building Oʻahu and Kauaʻi microgrids with solar PV canopies and battery storage to keep critical transportation facilities running during storms and multi-day blackouts. Water Safety: The U.S. Navy got conditional approval to reopen the ʻAiea-Hālawa Shaft after the Red Hill fuel spill, with state rules on drinking-water quality still required. Health & Environment: A UH study finds Maui wildfire survivors had elevated concentrations of multiple metals months after the 2023 fires, raising concerns about longer-lasting contamination impacts. Public Safety Tech: Hawaii County will get 75 automatic license plate reader cameras statewide deployment, with data kept for 90 days and targeted at theft and illegal hunting affecting farming and ranching. Food & Consumer: PepsiCo recalled about 122,000 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade in 37 states due to undeclared yellow food dyes on labels. Governance & Industry: OHA trustee race could reshape board decisions, including potential moves tied to Kakaʻako Makai development and a TV station acquisition discussion.

Tourism & Real Estate: Hilton Grand Vacations opened Ka Haku, a long-delayed $490M Hilton Club tower in Waikiki, adding 205 timeshare units and more than 100 jobs. Energy & Utilities: A think tank says federal clean-energy pullbacks could push U.S. household energy bills up about $6,500 on average through 2040, with big jumps in several states. Public Health & Food: UH at Mānoa researchers launched a $3.3M NIH-funded study tracking PFAS (“forever chemicals”) and microplastics from pregnancy through infancy to see how they may affect early brain development. Local Infrastructure After Storms: Kaʻū condo communities Colony I and Kalana Estates remain without drinking water and sewer weeks after Hurricane Lala damaged the Punaluʻu utility. Healthcare: HMSA is overhauling 2027 Medicare Advantage plans, closing two options and leaving about 16,000 seniors needing to switch during open enrollment. Law & Safety: Hawaii’s Department of Law Enforcement plans to install 75 automatic license plate reader cameras on the Big Island to target agricultural and equipment theft. Culture & Community: The Polynesian Cultural Center broke ground on a 4.5+ acre Hawaiʻi Village expansion expected to finish in 2028. Sports & Events: Kona’s Co-Ed Ironman World Championship returns Oct. 10 after a seven-year split, with men and women racing on the same day.

Tourism & Real Estate: Hilton Grand Vacations opened Ka Haku, a long-delayed $490M Hilton Club tower in Waikiki, adding 205 timeshare units and more than 100 jobs, with ramp-up hiring and about 40% of units sold. Community & Culture: Polynesian Cultural Center broke ground on an expansion of Hawaiʻi Village, aiming to deepen guests’ understanding of traditional Hawaiian life, agriculture, and the upland-to-sea connection. Public Safety for Agriculture: Hawaii’s Department of Law Enforcement plans to deploy about 400 automatic license plate reader cameras statewide, starting with 75 on the Big Island, targeting theft and illegal hunting while keeping data for 90 days. Housing Oversight: Kauhale homeless housing audits are looming; HomeAid Hawaiʻi is facing scrutiny over billing practices, with the CEO repaying nearly $18K after state auditor warnings about improper use of public funds. Health Insurance: HMSA is overhauling Medicare Advantage for 2027, closing two plans and leaving about 16,000 seniors to re-enroll or switch coverage during the Oct. 15–Dec. 7 window. Energy & Reliability: The Public Utilities Commission will hold statewide informational meetings on Hawaiian Electric storm outages, with residents invited to submit written comments tied to “Outage 2026.” Food Assistance: Hawaiʻi expanded SNAP replacement for refrigerated or frozen food lost to Hurricane Nolo outages and the Olowalu wildfire, extending reporting through Oct. 15. Workforce & Education: Hawaii Energy hired Spencer Alexander to lead clean-energy and STEM initiatives for students and young adults. Research: UH Mānoa received a $3.3M NIH grant to study PFAS and microplastics’ effects on infant brain development.

Energy & Utilities: The Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission will hold statewide public informational meetings on Hawaiian Electric’s storm-related power outages, with dates set for Oʻahu and East Hawaiʻi but none yet for Maui County, Molokaʻi, or Lānaʻi; residents can also submit written comments tied to Docket No. 2021-0024 (“Outage 2026”). Food Security: Hawaiʻi DHS opened an extended SNAP replacement window for households in Hawaiʻi County, Maui County, and Oʻahu’s Kahuku area that lost refrigerated or frozen groceries due to Hurricane Nolo outages and the Olowalu fire, with reports accepted through Oct. 15. Local Telecom & Land Use: On Hawaiʻi Island, a Papaikou resident has appealed Verizon’s approved 60-foot cell tower plan, arguing the project should be halted and citing concerns about the use permit. Agriculture & Community Resilience: Kauaʻi’s 11th annual Chocolate and Coffee Festival is set for Oct. 18 at Kilohana Plantation under a “Supporting Recovery” theme after Hurricane Lowell. Research & Health: UH Mānoa received a $3.3M NIH grant to study how PFAS (“forever chemicals”) and microplastics may affect infant brain development. Tourism & Hospitality: Hilton opened Hale Hōkūala Kauaʻi, its first Curio Collection resort in Hawaiʻi. Public Safety & Environment: NPS warned visitors after the Holei Sea Arch in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park collapsed, citing unstable cliffs and falling hazards.

AI & Energy Infrastructure: Hawaii County is weighing a bill to curb AI data centers by tightening the county code’s definitions, aiming to close a loophole that could let large power-hungry AI facilities slip in as “data processing.” Telecom & Permitting: A Big Island resident has appealed Verizon’s Papaikou cell tower approval, arguing the permit and location don’t match newer county rules and that documents may contain errors. Public Health: The Hawai‘i Department of Health is warning shoppers about a Sierra Nevada Cheese Company recall of raw milk cheeses due to possible E. coli O26:H11 contamination; no Hawaii illnesses reported so far. Local Recovery & Ports: Kaua‘i’s Port Allen Small Boat Harbor launch ramp reopened after DLNR inspections and a sonar survey confirmed safety, though harbor slips remain closed from Hurricane Lowell damage. Tourism & Hospitality: Hilton opened Hale Hōkūala Kauaʻi, a 210-room Curio Collection by Hilton resort, bringing a new cultural programming and dining lineup to Nāwiliwili Bay. Housing Rebuild: Lahaina’s historic district is seeing the first new homes go up more than three years after the fire, with construction expected to start this month. Solar Market Signal: A new national report finds battery storage is now paired with 37% of new U.S. residential solar installs—Hawai‘i remains among the highest attachment-rate states.

Energy Reliability & Rates: The Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission will hold statewide public meetings starting Oct. 5 on Hawaiian Electric’s storm-related outages, with residents invited to submit comments tied to “Outage 2026.” Molokaʻi Food Security: Hawaiian Electric plans an eight-hours-a-day, six-day outage on eastern Molokaʻi for grid upgrades, and residents say the schedule threatens subsistence food stocks. Local Power Infrastructure: Hawaiʻi is also pushing solar microgrids at DOT facilities to boost resilience. Workforce Pipeline: The state’s new Biosecurity Academy will train frontline inspectors to fight invasive species, while DLIR honored 2026 workforce development “heroes.” Agriculture Supply Chain: ʻUlu demand is outpacing local supply, with the Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative urging more farmers as schools and food buyers expand use. Consumer & Business Compliance: Hawaiʻi’s gift-card cash-out rule applies to national chains operating in the state, and the Office of Consumer Protection can handle complaints. County Land Use: Hawaii County is reviewing a bill to define and potentially restrict large AI data centers. Hurricane Recovery: Kauaʻi continues Lowell recovery updates, including debris pickup and resource center support. Manufacturing & Tech: US manufacturing surveys point to renewed growth tied to machinery and AI-related investment.

Tourism & Retail: Hawaii’s visitor industry lost momentum in August as arrivals fell 5.6% to 772,039, spending dropped 9.7% to $1.59B, and average stays shrank to 7.55 days—storms and hurricane threats added pressure to an already-softening market. Energy & EVs: Hawaiian Electric says EV charging grew in the first half of 2026, with commercial charging electricity use more than doubling and fast-charging sites up 20%, as more drivers look for reliable public charging. Disaster Recovery (Kaua‘i): Kaua‘i is still waiting on federal disaster relief after Hurricane Lowell; officials say additional paperwork and preliminary damage assessments were submitted, with estimated damage around $112M. Local Construction/Retail: Foodland Dillingham redevelopment is drawing excitement in Kalihi, but residents are raising traffic and pedestrian-safety concerns as the new store is slated to open in Feb. 2028. Agriculture: The state announced a one-time reimbursement covering 75% of approved Coffee Berry Borer and Coffee Leaf Rust products, with applications opening Oct. 1. Environment (O‘ahu): Volunteers with the Coqui Frog Task Force have hand-captured nearly 4,000 invasive coqui frogs and are urging more help to slow spread.

Energy & Infrastructure: HDOT, Sustainability Partners and Hensel Phelps broke ground on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi microgrids that pair solar PV canopies with battery energy storage and EV charging to boost resilience at key transportation sites. Local Clean Tech: The projects are designed to generate about 2.2 MWh of renewable power daily, including two 1 MW battery systems. Health Costs & Consumer Impact: The Trump administration began mailing $500 ACA refund checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Hawaiʻi, tied to alleged federal exchange user-fee overcharges. AI & Education: Kulia Academy says AI and data-science enrollment is rising after it expanded hands-on AI instruction, supported by private donations while it seeks more federal funding. Food Safety: FDA issued a Class I recall for Salata Salad Kitchen Jalapeño Avocado Dressing over possible Salmonella contamination, affecting products distributed in Georgia, North Carolina and Texas. Agriculture Research: UH Mānoa researchers found how Mozambique tilapia adapt to extreme salt stress, pointing to molecular changes that help the fish regulate salt and water balance. Tourism Pressure: A Hopper analysis says holiday airfares for Thanksgiving and Christmas are at the highest levels in a decade, with Hawaii showing up among trending destinations.

Utility Rates & Reliability: The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission is taking public input on Hawaiian Electric’s request for higher base rates, seeking about $170M in added annual revenue (mostly $125M in 2027, plus $45M in 2028), with typical bills rising roughly $8–$12 next year and $2–$3 in 2028; residents are also pressing HECO for clearer explanations about storm-related and seemingly random outages. Local Recovery & Federal Aid: Kauai is still waiting on a federal disaster relief decision after Hurricane Lowell, with HIEMA saying it submitted damage paperwork and preliminary assessments totaling about $112M, but no response yet. Community Infrastructure: Two Puna District 5 candidates are centering resilience needs—paved roads, gathering spaces, and evacuation routes—amid long-running access and emergency-response concerns. Energy Transition Context: Hawaii’s HECO planning continues to retire Maui fossil fuel plants even as federal greenhouse gas rules ease, keeping pressure on the grid and timelines. Data Privacy: Hawaii joined a multistate settlement over a 2019 Labcorp data breach tied to a debt collector, with the state’s share at $17,628 and requirements for stronger vendor security. Tourism & Business: Lahaina’s Front Street remains largely empty more than three years after the wildfire, as rebuilding debates continue over ocean-side reconstruction and permit delays. Waste & Circular Economy: Honolulu expands its G.R.O.W. composting program islandwide starting Oct. 1, letting residents add food scraps to green compost carts.

Aviation & Tourism: Alaska Airlines is pushing deeper into premium travel, unveiling a new 41,000-square-foot Alaska Lounge/Aurora Lounge complex at Seattle-Tacoma (opening late 2027) plus a new Hawaiian Airlines lounge at Honolulu (early 2028), as fuel costs squeeze margins and airlines chase higher-fare demand. Local Construction: Honolulu will start emergency drainage repairs on Magellan Ave. on Oct. 12, closing a stretch between Miller St. and Alapa‘i St. 24/7 for about four months while a collapsed underground drain line is replaced. Food Safety & Retail: Hawai‘i DOH authorized Blazin Steaks in Mililani to reopen after a red placard closure tied to insufficient cold holding was fixed. Energy & Resilience: The Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission will hold public informational meetings on Hawaiian Electric’s service reliability and weather-related impacts, with community Q&A on resiliency options and costs. Climate & Community: Honolulu’s Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency won a 2026 Government Climate Advocate Award, highlighting local decarbonization and resilience work. Business & Trade: DBEDT will host a public policy forum on comprehensive Hawai‘i–Japan economic data, spotlighting trade and investment ties. Industry Watch: UH researchers report how Mozambique tilapia adapt to extreme salt stress—useful for aquaculture and food security planning.

Hurricane & Resilience: Hurricane Nolo is passing west of the main Hawaiian Islands, but outer bands are forecast to bring 3–6 inches of rain to Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau plus dangerous surf, with flooding and mudslide risk; Big Island residents are also pushing for more than “band-aid” road clearing after repeated storm impacts. Energy & Grid Reliability: A letter argues East O‘ahu’s power outages are driven by distant generation, vulnerable transmission lines through the Koolaus, and helicopter-dependent repairs—calling for more local solar plus storage and standby generation. Biosecurity: Molokai’s rules to prevent coconut rhinoceros beetle spread are expected to be reinstated after a misinterpretation of precedent/state law delayed enforcement. Food & Farming: Hawai‘i’s ‘ulu summit highlights a local supply problem and broader Pacific efforts to fix breadfruit supply chains and make the crop more widely eaten. Local Industry: Koloa Rum names Duke Yadao head of distillery operations, while Hawai‘i grocery prices are rising as fuel and air-cargo costs squeeze distributors. Health & Environment: UH research finds toxic metals in Maui residents’ urine months after the 2023 wildfires, linked to abnormal lung function. Tech & Space: SpaceX’s Starship reached orbit and deployed 26 Starlink satellites, but the mission ended early after engine trouble.

Hawaiʻi Energy Costs: Hawaiʻi hearings begin on a HECO proposal that could raise electric bills by $11 to $15 a month, putting more pressure on households already facing higher energy demand. Wildfire Health Fallout: A UH Mānoa study finds toxic metals in Maui residents’ urine months after the 2023 wildfires, linking higher metal mixtures to abnormal lung function and underscoring that recovery needs to last beyond the smoke. Military Infrastructure: NAVFAC Hawaii completed an $8.3 million Military Working Dog kennel at MCBH, replacing aging facilities with upgraded indoor/outdoor areas and support spaces for readiness. Data Security: A coalition of 44 state attorneys general reached a settlement with Labcorp over a 2019 patient data breach, requiring stronger vendor security controls and internal reporting. Workforce Training: Johnson Controls announced $3 million in grants to community colleges to expand skilled trades pipelines for manufacturing and construction. Energy Storage Watch: Coverage highlights how grid-scale battery systems like Tesla Megapacks could reduce reliance on fossil-fuel peaker plants during renewables shortfalls.

Telecom & Permitting: A Papa‘ikou resident has filed an appeal to halt a planned 60-foot Verizon cell tower, arguing Hawaii County’s use permit may have been issued for the wrong project and that construction already began despite the dispute. Biosecurity & Agriculture: Molokai residents and the state agriculture board are debating rules after an interim ban meant to protect the island from invasive coconut rhinoceros beetles expired, with advocates pushing for a more permanent fix. Disaster Recovery & Consumer Protection: A Honolulu Civil Beat/Inside Climate News report warns that contractor fraud often spikes after storms and wildfires, urging Hawai‘i residents to be cautious during rebuilding. Aviation & Worker Safety: Seven Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants became ill after an odor was reported aboard an A330 flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu; the aircraft returned to service after crew evaluation. Local Infrastructure: Kauaʻi’s Wailua Mauka Bridge is set to close for a full-day paving project, rerouting traffic to the Bryan Baptiste Memorial Bridge. Energy Costs: Gas prices keep climbing nationally, with AAA citing volatility tied to global oil markets—an added pressure point for Hawai‘i businesses reliant on transportation. Food Industry Tie-In: World Poke Day coverage spotlights Norwegian salmon as a key ingredient in the continued growth of poke bowls.

Aviation & Safety: Seven Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants fell ill after an unknown odor during an LAX-to-Honolulu A330 flight; the jet landed normally and returned to service about 10 hours later, with the source still unclear. Tourism & Finance: Royal Caribbean agreed to buy a 50% stake in Sandals/Beaches for about $3 billion, a major land-and-sea expansion that has analysts split on what it means for earnings. Infrastructure & Construction: Kauaʻi’s Wailua Mauka Bridge shuts Sunday (6 a.m.–6 p.m.) for paving, rerouting traffic to the Bryan Baptiste Memorial Bridge. Local Public Works: Honolulu broke ground on a new Kahuku EMS station (nearly $5.3M), replacing a cramped 1997 facility and targeting completion in late 2028. Environment & Health: NRDC says deep-sea mining decisions around the Marianas shouldn’t move fast without meaningful local participation. Consumer & Waste: Oʻahu’s free Household Hazardous Waste drop-off in November is fully booked; the city says events cap at 200 participants and the Nov. 7 date is the last one for 2026. Storm Watch: Hurricane Nolo continues to threaten Hawaii with flash-flooding, high surf, and strong winds, with Big Island shelters and closures in effect.

Hurricane Nolo Response: Hawaii County says Nolo’s outer bands are still bringing flash-flood risk, strong winds, and extreme surf, with heavy rain hitting Puna and Kaʻū and flooding/closures reported around Naalehu and Waiʻōhinu. Public Health: Honolulu pharmacies are offering COVID vaccines as statewide positivity rises, with DOH reporting 8.5% positivity and higher hospitalization and ICU averages. Emergency Services Infrastructure: Honolulu broke ground on a new Kahuku EMS station to replace a cramped 1997 facility, with a $5.3M contract and a planned late-2028 completion. Community Recovery: Naalehu cemetery recovery continues after Hurricane Lala flooding, with crews working alongside archaeologists and the National Guard to identify displaced burials. Housing Finance: A ballot measure would let counties issue “housing infrastructure growth bonds,” aiming to fund roads, water, power, and sewage for housing districts. Recycling & Waste Services: Lawmakers are looking at ways to improve HI-5 as redemption rates decline, while Oʻahu’s Household Hazardous Waste drop-off slots are fully booked for Nov. 7. Tourism & Travel: A new World Tourism Day website launches with a global events directory, and Hawaii’s visitor industry leaders are set to gather for a conference focused on disaster response.