AGP Executive Report

Shipping: Honolulu-based Matson christened Makua, the first of three LNG-fueled Aloha-class containerships in an approximately $1 billion investment to expand its fleet. Hawaiʻi Brands: Hawaiian Bros signed a deal to develop 52 Florida restaurants, while L&L Hawaiian Barbecue plans five locations in Alberta, Canada, starting in 2027. Agriculture: Dole will end its Oʻahu coffee-farm operations as Maui’s Mahi Pono plans a major expansion of avocado production. Energy: Hawaiian Electric is seeking approval for a 20-megawatt Pulehu solar farm on Maui, projected to power 10,000 homes. Airlines: Hawaiian Airlines is cutting 13 more nonunion jobs amid a costly outlook for holiday travel. Construction & Recovery: Lahaina’s first commercial rebuild is underway on Front Street; tariffs have added $314,000 to the planned West Maui fire station project.

Agriculture: Dole will end Oʻahu coffee operations Nov. 30, lay off nine workers and sell its 154-acre Waialua farm, refocusing on pineapple. On Maui, Mahi Pono plans 1,000 acres of avocados, with production projected to top 10 million pounds a year at maturity. Tourism: Some Hawaii hotels report holiday bookings about 15% behind last year as high airfares and vacation costs weigh on demand into early 2027. Transportation: Hawaiian Airlines plans 13 more non-union job cuts as it integrates with Alaska Air Group; Matson has christened Makua, the first vessel in its Aloha-class containership fleet. Construction: Tariffs added $314,136 to the planned West Maui fire station, pushing completion to next year. Lahaina’s first commercial rebuild on Front Street is underway, with an opening targeted for summer 2027. Development: A Hawaii County committee voted against advancing a favorable recommendation for Waikoloa Green, a proposal for nearly 400 apartments and 300 homes; the full council could still consider it. Local Manufacturing: Kalihi’s Diamond Bakery marked 105 years in business.

Agriculture: Hawaiʻi Agricultural Foundation and Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau awarded $552,380 in disaster grants to producers hit by the 2026 Kona Low storms, with grants of up to $10,000. Workforce Development: A new Maui internship program brought 20 students into advanced manufacturing and maritime projects at Pāʻia Sugar Mill, with a scholarship fund planned to support future cohorts. Construction: Honolulu’s City Council unanimously advanced a proposed 400-foot Ala Moana hotel and residential project with 69 affordable rentals, though hotel workers say the housing plan falls short. Clean Energy: Hawaiian Electric is seeking approval for a 20-megawatt Pulehu solar farm on Maui, projected to supply power for 10,000 homes. Travel: Southwest has named Honolulu among its first four planned airport lounges, part of a network expected to begin opening in late 2027. Shipping: USPS recommends mailing holiday packages to Hawaiʻi by Dec. 16 for Ground Advantage, Dec. 17 for First-Class Mail and Dec. 18 for Priority Mail.

Energy: Puna Geothermal Venture plans to drill two wells and restore two damaged in the 2018 Kīlauea eruption, with future output projected to reach 60 megawatts. Hawaiian Electric is also seeking approval for a 20-MW Maui solar farm. Coastal Infrastructure: A $23 million pilot reef is being installed off Kalaeloa. Its 60 concrete structures are designed to reduce wave damage while supporting coral and fish. Healthcare Services: A new virtual intensive outpatient program brings mental health and substance-use treatment to residents statewide, addressing shortages of psychiatrists on neighbor islands. Housing: State senators plan a November review of the kauhale housing program after an audit questioned more than $13.7 million in spending; lawmakers say they want tighter oversight without halting construction. Island Logistics: USPS now estimates Ground Advantage shipments to and from Hawaiʻi may take 10 days or more, a change with potential costs for local businesses.

Marine Research: Ten Hawaiʻi-based scientists, students and educators have joined a 20-day expedition mapping little-explored deep-sea habitats around the islands and Papahānaumokuākea. In Kāneʻohe Bay, researchers are also testing whether recordings of healthy reefs can attract fish larvae and support coral recovery. Island Logistics: USPS has reset delivery estimates for mail and packages to and from Hawaiʻi, with some Priority Mail and Ground Advantage shipments now expected to take 10 days or more. Construction Workforce: Hawaiʻi Island’s first FORGE Awards recognized Takamine Construction’s Mark Damaso as skilled employee of the year and Isemoto Contracting as skilled company of the year, highlighting the local workforce behind essential projects. Energy & Utilities: Hawaiian Electric’s proposed 20-megawatt Pulehu solar farm on Maui is moving forward, while the utility has scheduled public meetings on its response to recent storms. Disaster Recovery: The state faces an estimated $686 million in repairs after a series of storms and an earthquake, with funding drawn from state accounts and further federal reimbursement anticipated.

Disaster Recovery: Hawaii faces an estimated $686 million bill to repair public facilities damaged by four disasters. Gov. Josh Green has tapped state accounts and proposed a $300 million Rainy Day Fund withdrawal; major repairs could take years. Power Reliability: The PUC will hold three Big Island meetings on Hawaiian Electric’s storm response, giving residents a chance to raise concerns after Hurricane Lala outages. Energy & Climate: U.S. Supreme Court arguments in a similar case could shape Honolulu and Maui County’s lawsuits against oil companies over climate-related damage; Hawaii’s high court previously allowed Honolulu’s case to proceed. Tourism & Small Business: HTA is offering workshops to help farmers, makers and community groups develop products and experiences for visitors. Clean Energy: Hawaiian Electric is seeking approval for a 20-megawatt Maui solar farm expected to power 10,000 homes. Visitor Economy: Kona’s Ironman championship drew thousands of athletes and spectators, filling local restaurants and shops.

Energy Reliability: Hawaiʻi’s Public Utilities Commission will hold three Big Island meetings this month on Hawaiian Electric’s storm-related outages, inviting residents to weigh in on service reliability and future planning. Tourism and Small Business: The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is offering workshops to help farmers, makers and community groups market and price products and experiences for visitors. Renewable Power: Hawaiian Electric has advanced the proposed 20-megawatt Pulehu Solar project on Maui, pairing solar with battery storage; a typical household could pay about $4.49 more per month under the proposed deal. Ocean Research: Ten local scientists, students and educators are aboard the Nautilus for a 20-day expedition mapping unexplored deep-sea habitats around the islands.

Tourism: Hawaiʻi’s visitor business is heading into a soft fourth quarter, with July bookings weaker than usual and October and November not expected to rebound strongly. Hotel operators may need sharper pricing and marketing as storm damage and high travel costs weigh on demand. Shipping: Longer USPS delivery estimates to Hawaiʻi could raise costs for local businesses that depend on mail for packages, invoices, checks and permits; Ground Advantage shipments may take at least 10 days. Clean Energy: Hawaiian Electric is seeking PUC approval for a 20-megawatt Pulehu solar farm on Maui, expected to power about 10,000 homes. Agriculture: A new Hawaiʻi academy is training biosecurity inspectors to help stop invasive pests, while Maui farmers can apply for travel scholarships to attend an industry convention on Oʻahu.

Workforce Housing: Maui construction firm Goodfellow Bros. is seeking approval to build 30 homes in Waiehu for employees, addressing housing costs that are making it harder for local workers to buy homes. Housing Infrastructure: Hawaiʻi voters will decide whether counties can issue bonds, repaid through property-tax revenue from redeveloped areas, to fund infrastructure for new housing without raising taxes. Maui Energy: Hawaiian Electric is seeking approval for a 20-megawatt Pulehu solar farm, proposed to power 10,000 homes. Hawaiʻi Business: DHHL is eyeing a 146-acre business park in Panaʻewa, while Flying Food Group has opened an inflight-catering facility on Maui, expanding local operations. Disaster Recovery: The Hawaiʻi National Guard has wrapped up weeks of support on Kauaʻi after Hurricane Lowell, including helping clear roads and reopen Līhuʻe Airport. Geothermal: Puna Geothermal Venture plans new wells to increase output, adding to Hawaiʻi’s renewable-energy development.

Storm Recovery: Federal major-disaster declarations unlock cost-shared aid for communities hit by Hurricanes Lala and Lowell, as Kauaʻi residents and local businesses help clear roads and repair homes. Energy: West Oʻahu residents challenged Hawaiian Electric’s reliability at a PUC meeting, despite the utility’s quick storm restoration claims; meanwhile, HECO seeks approval for a 20-megawatt Maui solar-and-battery project expected to serve the equivalent of nearly 10,000 homes. Business Outlook: UHERO warns Hawaiʻi’s economy is stagnating, with job losses forecast this year as high energy costs, affordability pressures and storm damage weigh on growth. Shipping Costs: Diesel prices remain a strain on freight, with Hawaiʻi among the most expensive states—adding pressure to supply-chain costs. Agriculture: Tropical fruit growers honored six contributors to the local food industry, while farmers, fishers and ranchers prepare to gather in Waimānalo for the Hawaiʻi Farmers Union convention. Food Safety: DOH shut down Honolulu’s Golden Coin Bake Shop over refrigeration, sanitation, packaging and hot-water violations.

Renewable Energy: Hawaiian Electric is seeking PUC approval for a 20-megawatt Pulehu solar farm with battery storage on Maui, projected to supply power for nearly 10,000 homes. Disaster Recovery: Federal assistance is now available to Hawaiʻi, Honolulu and Maui counties for emergency work and repairs after Hurricane Lala. Housing Oversight: A state audit found at least $13.7 million in kauhale program spending was unauthorized or questionable, citing weak controls over the nonprofit contractor. Agriculture: Travel scholarships will help Maui farmers, ranchers and fishers attend the Hawaiʻi Farmers Union convention on Oʻahu, returning there for the first time since 2017. Development: Honolulu’s City Council advanced the Ala Moana tower project, while DHHL is eyeing 146 acres in Panaʻewa for a business park. Food Safety: DOH shut down Golden Coin Bake Shop in Honolulu over refrigeration, packaging, cleaning and hot-water violations.

Land and Development: DHHL is considering a 146-acre business park in Pana‘ewa, with commercial, retail and industrial lots intended to generate revenue for Native Hawaiian homesteading. Public Spending: A state audit found more than $13.7 million in kauhale housing payments unauthorized, unsupported or questionable, citing weak controls as the initiative rapidly expanded. Construction and Housing: Honolulu’s City Council approved the Ala Moana project, including a 38-story hotel, a 17-story residential tower and 69 affordable rentals; the deal also requires 38 affordable units elsewhere. Environment: Hawai‘i reached a settlement worth up to $45 million with Monsanto and affiliates over alleged PCB contamination of waterways and natural resources. Energy and Food Services: Puna Geothermal Venture plans new wells to boost output, while Flying Food Group has opened an inflight catering facility on Maui. Agriculture: Hawai‘i’s new biosecurity academy is training inspectors to help protect the islands from invasive pests.

Public Transit: Hawaiʻi County’s Hele-On is partnering with Spare to centralize fleet maintenance, rider complaints and phone support, aiming to improve reliability without adding staff. Housing Oversight: A state audit found more than $13.7 million in kauhale payments unauthorized, unsupported or questionable, raising new concerns about oversight of the fast-growing construction program. Navy Facilities: Navy Region Hawaiʻi has shifted 897 public works staff under installation command, bringing routine maintenance closer to base leaders while NAVFAC focuses on construction and engineering. Workforce: Hawaiian Electric manager Kazunori Hayashida received a state award for efforts to hire and retain local talent. Aviation and Tourism: Alaska Airlines is exploring another Seattle-to-Asia route as Hawaiian Airlines prepares to end its seasonal Auckland service. Maui’s Ritz-Carlton Kapalua was also named the island’s top resort in Condé Nast Traveler’s readers’ awards. Food Services: Flying Food Group has opened a new inflight-catering facility on Maui, expanding its Hawaiʻi operations.

Energy & Cost Relief: President Trump floated suspending the federal gas tax as a way to cut pump prices, following an executive order allowing tax-free dyed diesel on roads through year-end. Utility Reliability: Hawaii’s Public Utilities Commission is holding statewide public meetings on Hawaiian Electric storm outages so residents can weigh in as the review moves forward. Veterans Infrastructure: Sen. Brian Schatz announced up to $6.13M for East Hawaii Veterans Cemetery No. 2 in Hilo, including grave marker work and site upgrades. Disaster Recovery & Food Security: Kaua‘i crews continue Hurricane Lowell debris pickup through Oct. 7, while Malama Kauai received a $25,000 Rotary Disaster Response grant to cover urgent needs. Privacy vs. Public Safety: Hawaii Island may get automated license plate readers, but residents and ACLU Hawai‘i are pressing for clear rules on data storage, sharing, and disposal. Local Development & Housing: Honolulu City Council is set to review an Ala Moana Center plan that would add a 400-foot hotel tower, a 200-foot residential tower, and affordable rentals. Agriculture & Biosecurity: October’s “Stop the Ant Month” urges residents to collect invasive ants to help Hawaii’s invasive species teams detect and control threats. Food Recall: Flowers Foods recalled Nature’s Own Hawaiian Bread in multiple states due to undeclared milk.

Biosecurity & Jobs: Hawaiʻi’s Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity is launching a Biosecurity Academy with Leeward CC to train new inspectors for airports and harbors, aiming to strengthen the fight against invasive pests. OHA Leadership: The Office of Hawaiian Affairs named three CEO finalists—interim CEO Summer Sylva, former Honolulu City Councilmember Todd Kala Apo, and former DHHL director Kaulana Park—with a talk story session set for Oct. 15 and a board decision expected Oct. 22. Food Safety (Local Supply Chain): Flowers Foods recalled Nature’s Own Hawaiian Bread (20- and 40-ounce) due to undeclared milk, with distribution reported in multiple states; consumers are urged to check codes and return or discard. Aviation Catering Expansion: Flying Food Group opened a new inflight catering facility at Kahului Airport to support Hawaiian Airlines flights, extending its Hawaii coverage to all four islands. Defense & Maritime Industry: U.S. Marines rehearsed NMESIS sea-denial tactics in Hawaiʻi, while Navy work at Pearl Harbor advances Dry Dock 5 construction for long-term submarine maintenance capacity. Energy Costs: Gas and diesel prices continued to decline in many states, though pump prices remain elevated versus earlier years.

Energy & Power: Puna Geothermal Venture says it’s drilling new wells this month to lift output and efficiency on Hawaiʻi island, aiming to expand beyond today’s ~15 MW net production toward its Hawaiian Electric contract targets. Governance & Trust: OHA’s board will pick a new administrator/CEO Oct. 22 from three finalists—Todd Kala Apo, Kaulana Park, and interim CEO Summer Sylva—overseeing roughly $70M–$80M in annual budgets. Climate Litigation: The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in a major climate case over whether local governments can sue oil companies for climate harms, a ruling that could shape Hawaii’s own fossil-fuel lawsuits. Tourism & Infrastructure: Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport landed near the bottom in a large-airport satisfaction survey despite the modernization push, renewing calls for airport upgrades to stay on track. Local Business & Food Safety: Flowers Foods recalled Nature’s Own Hawaiian Bread in five states for undeclared milk; separately, a Kona woman accused in a “100% Kona coffee” tax and labeling case is set to plead not guilty. Biosecurity Workforce: Hawaiʻi’s new Biosecurity Academy is enrolling students to train as frontline inspectors against invasive pests, with graduates slated for Plant Quarantine Branch roles. Aviation/Defense Watch: Reuters reports China-Laos military training activity at a new joint facility based on satellite imagery. Public Safety: Honolulu firefighters extinguished a shipping-container fire in Maili with no injuries reported.