AGP Executive Report

Navy & Environment: A broken Navy pipeline ruptured at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, spilling about 2,250 gallons of untreated sewage into the harbor area before being stanched five hours later—another reminder of how quickly port infrastructure issues can turn into public-health and environmental headaches. Clean-Air Fight: The EPA partially rejected Hawaii’s regional haze plan, blocking the state’s long-term strategy to shut down oil-fired power units and raising grid-reliability concerns. Water Deal: Maui County reached an agreement with Maui Land & Pineapple to take control of most of West Maui’s water system, aiming to reduce drought risk and end long-running stream disputes. Local Infrastructure: Honolulu is set to rehabilitate Kūhiō Avenue (Lewers to Royal Hawaiian) starting June 8, with phased lane closures and detours. Culture & IP: Hawaii artists are pushing back on online marketplaces using their designs without permission, urging consumers to check where products come from. Weather: Heavy spotty rain and gusty trades continue into Tuesday, then conditions gradually improve.

Space & Tourism Buzz: Artemis II astronauts just fielded questions at a sold-out Place des Arts event, with audiences packing in to hear how the crew went “farther than anyone in history” and what it took to reach the far side of the Moon. Energy Policy Clash: The EPA rejected Hawaii’s plan to shutter two oil-fired plants near Volcanoes and Haleakalā, citing grid-reliability concerns after renewable timelines slipped. Local Cost Pressure: Hawaii County is moving toward a property-tax hike aimed at nonresidents and second homes to cover a roughly $15M budget gap, while many owner-occupied rates would slightly drop. Food Security Hit: Back-to-back storms have left Oʻahu farms struggling after the state’s worst flooding in two decades, threatening fresh produce supply. Aviation Shakeup: Spirit’s collapse is already raising fears of pricier summer flights, just as jet-fuel costs tied to the Iran war keep pressure on fares.

Hawaiʻi Flood Fallout: Back-to-back storms have left the state’s worst flooding in 20 years still rippling through farms—hundreds of farms reporting tens of millions in damage, with fewer veggies showing up at markets as growers scramble to restart. Local Travel & Airfare Pressure: Spirit’s sudden shutdown is forcing summer travelers to hunt for pricier or limited budget alternatives, while higher jet-fuel costs tied to the Iran war keep squeezing low-cost flying. Energy Policy Crossroads: Hawaii’s solar tax credit is getting capped and tightened starting 2027, even as lawmakers and advocates argue about what that means for bills, reliability, and climate progress. Climate & Insurance Cost Crunch: A near-miss on a major climate accountability bill shows how close Hawaii is to action—yet residents are still feeling the immediate hit through soaring insurance premiums. Road & Infrastructure Updates: Hāna Highway will see intermittent closures for emergency rock removal this week, adding more travel friction for residents and visitors. Wildlife Enforcement: A man accused of throwing a rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal is fighting the case, with his attorney arguing he was “protecting turtles.”

Hāna Highway Disruption: HDOT is warning of intermittent lane closures on Hāna Highway (Route 36) at Maliko Gulch for emergency rock removal, running 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Monday May 18 through Friday May 22, with both lanes closed intermittently near mile marker 10. Flood Fallout for Food Supply: After Hawaii’s worst flooding in two decades, North Shore farms are still replanting from scratch—officials say hundreds of farms reported tens of millions in damage, and markets are seeing fewer veggies. Housing Pressure in the Spotlight: Honolulu celebrated Makiki Banyan, a 90-unit affordable project under Bill 7, while Hawaii County is moving toward property tax hikes for nonresidents and second homes to close a roughly $15M budget gap. Energy & Climate Fight: Hawaii’s climate and energy debate stays hot—lawmakers fell short on major emissions action, while solar tax credit changes and ongoing legal pressure on Big Oil keep costs and policy uncertainty front and center.

Disaster Recovery: Hawaii’s worst flooding in 20 years is still hitting farms hard—mud has wiped out crops like lemongrass, cucumbers, okra, and more, with farmers scrambling to keep supply steady for markets. Housing Delivery: Honolulu leaders celebrated Makiki Banyan, a 90-unit affordable project under Bill 7, with rents starting at $1,950/month and construction completed in about 13½ months. Road & Construction Disruptions: HDOT says a guardrail project on Honoapiʻilani Highway will shift/close lanes May 18–22 (8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.), part of Maui wildfire recovery. Local Food & Agriculture Events: Maui AgFest & 4-H Livestock Fair returns May 30 in Wailuku, spotlighting county farmers and 4-H livestock. Tourism/Leisure Spotlight: A Wailea cocktail bar, Pilina at Fairmont Kea Lani, becomes the first Hawaiʻi bar to earn Pinnacle Guide recognition. Governance/Accountability: New emails renew scrutiny of FBI Director Kash Patel’s Hawaii trip, including a “VIP snorkel” at the USS Arizona memorial.

EV Charging Buildout: Hawaiʻi DOT dedicated a new $3.2M NEVI fast-charging hub at Kapalua Airport—four 150-kW chargers, open 24/7, with daytime rates lower when solar output is higher. Energy Policy Pressure: The Hawaiʻi Solar Energy Association is urging lawmakers to reconvene after SB 3125 would retroactively tighten rooftop solar tax credits, raising concerns about breaking faith with customers who already signed contracts. Local Traffic & Permits: Honolulu is reopening contraflow on the North Kalāheo Avenue Bridge starting Monday (daytime two-way, evening Kāneʻohe-bound only), while Hawaiʻi County’s Windward Planning Commission approved Falls on Fire to continue in Papaikou with conditions after years of disputes. Hurricane Readiness: State regulators reminded residents to review hurricane and flood coverage now as El Niño odds rise. Oil-Price Spillover: With U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks still shaky, gas prices remain volatile—UHERO warns higher energy costs are darkening Hawaiʻi’s near-term outlook for tourism and households. Fraud Watch: A Hawaii TV pioneer says a scam cost her nearly $60K, as fraud losses in the state jumped to about $80M last year. Weather: Rain-heavy conditions are expected across the islands through the weekend.

Infrastructure & Commuters: Honolulu says the North Kalaheo Avenue Bridge will reopen to daytime contraflow starting Monday, with set hours for two-way travel and a later shift to Kāneʻohe-bound-only after 5:30 p.m. Consumer Protection: The state is urging Hawaiʻi residents to review hurricane and flood coverage now that hurricane season starts June 1, warning many standard policies won’t cover storm or flood damage. Fraud & Seniors: Hawaii TV pioneer Linda Coble is sharing a scam nightmare that cost her nearly $60K, as fraud losses in Hawaiʻi topped $80M last year. Economy Watch: UHERO economists say Hawaiʻi’s outlook has darkened as Iran-driven oil price spikes raise costs and add uncertainty for tourism. Local Governance: Rep. Justin Woodson says new bills passed to protect DOE employees from harassment could shift how legal help is provided. Culture & Community: A Makawao lei shop highlights how local businesses keep cultural connections alive—one bouquet at a time.

Pearl Harbor Controversy: Emails say FBI Director Kash Patel took a “VIP snorkel” around the USS Arizona memorial—an access that’s normally off-limits—sparking outrage from veterans and renewed scrutiny of how the trip was handled. Wildlife Enforcement: A Seattle man accused of throwing a rock at endangered Hawaiian monk seal “Lani” faces federal charges; his attorney says he didn’t intend harm and didn’t know it was endangered. Energy & Rates: Hawaiian Electric is seeking proposals for a dispatchable renewable project on Lanai—solar plus storage—targeting service by December 2030, with new community outreach and benefit requirements. Maui Economy: UHERO says wildfire settlement payments will boost Maui household income in 2026, but not enough to fully offset rising costs. Local Governance: Hawaiian Paradise Park’s mailbox park plan was moved after iwi kūpuna were found at the original site. Hurricane Watch: Forecasts flag a potentially active Eastern Pacific season as El Niño develops.

FBI Scrutiny Hits Pearl Harbor: Emails say FBI Director Kash Patel took a “VIP snorkel” around the USS Arizona memorial—an outing the bureau didn’t disclose—adding fresh fuel to criticism over his travel and use of an FBI plane. Hurricane Readiness: Hawaiʻi’s insurance regulator urges residents to review hurricane and flood coverage now, warning many standard policies won’t cover storm damage. Local Resilience & Housing Rules: Honolulu lawmakers are moving to add flood-area construction requirements ahead of FEMA’s June 10 flood-map update, aiming to protect eligibility for federal disaster aid. State Broadband/Telecom: DCCA approved Spectrum Oceanic’s cable franchise renewal for Maui, clearing the way for continued infrastructure upgrades. Food Access: Honolulu expanded SNAP and WIC use at Oʻahu farmers markets and food hubs. Construction Safety: Building experts warn post-disaster rebuilding scams are rising—shop around and verify expedited permits.

AI & Local News Credibility: A South Florida “local news outlet” collapsed after reporters were revealed as AI-made identities and recycled stories, a reminder that information gaps can be filled fast—and faked faster. Tech Billionaire Fallout Prep: A new report says Mark Zuckerberg is building a $270M Hawaii bunker with blast-resistant doors and self-sustaining supplies, while other AI CEOs talk openly about catastrophe odds yet keep scaling. Hawaiʻi Defense & Readiness: At LANPAC in Waikīkī, the Army showcased AI tools aimed at speeding resupply and cutting paperwork, while U.S. forces also completed a prescribed burn at Schofield Barracks to reduce wildfire risk. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Sonic opens its first Oʻahu drive-in in Kapolei this Saturday, and Kailua drivers face “Carmageddon” delays as a bridge lane closure runs through late July. Environment & Wildlife: A tourist was charged federally for throwing a rock at an endangered monk seal on Maui. State Policy: Hawaiʻi’s long-term care approach is credited with easing future family costs, but funding and planning pressures remain.

Infrastructure Strain: Kailua drivers are stuck in brutal delays as North Kalaheo Avenue bridge repairs close the Kailua-bound lane on weekdays, with the worst rush-hour backups and business impacts expected to run through late July. Public Safety & Health: Hawaii’s overdose report shows fentanyl deaths down in 2025 (76 vs. 103), while meth-involved fatalities rose (up 8%), underscoring how Narcan access and fast response are helping—though meth has no antidote. Local Governance: Honolulu’s police chief search is down to three finalists, with Scott Ebner pitching “fresh perspective” and modernization experience to tackle recruitment and retention problems. Defense & Readiness: At LANPAC, Army leaders pushed “campaign forward” and allied burden-sharing, while Navy logistics teams keep building the backbone for RIMPAC 2026. Housing Enforcement: Honolulu officials say an HGTV “Renovation Aloha” couple owes $40,000 in unpaid fines tied to illegal short-term rentals. State Economic Development: Hawaiʻi announced an Opportunity Zones 2.0 Market Activation Summit June 1 to spur investment planning across the islands.

Hurricane insurance squeeze: A new guide explains the “hurricane tax” homeowners in high-risk states pay—often thousands more per year—driven by rising storm costs and insurers pulling back. Maui budget pressure: The Maui County Council is set to hold a public hearing on a $1.6B budget after trimming capital projects while boosting day-to-day funding, as recovery from wildfires and recent storms keeps straining the numbers. Neighbor-island shipping rates: Hawaii lawmakers are moving toward automatic inflation-linked rate hikes for Young Brothers, with a potential July increase after a prior 26% jump. Oʻahu flood rules at the deadline: Honolulu is racing to update flood zone construction requirements before FEMA’s June 10 map changes to protect federal funding. Healthcare cost fight: HMSA and Hawaii Pacific Health are pitching a new nonprofit partnership aimed at cutting costs by coordinating care more tightly. Tech and trust: A report says AI tools are increasingly used by doctors—raising new questions about transparency and patient awareness. Local community pull: Lahaina Homecoming launched its “E Hoʻi Mai” competition to bring displaced families back for a healing weekend. Big picture defense spending: The CBO pegs the “Golden Dome” missile shield at about $1.2T over 20 years, far above earlier Pentagon estimates.

Infrastructure Disruption: Maui’s Makawao Avenue gets weekend road closures from May 16 through June 21 (6 a.m. Sat to 6:30 p.m. Sun in set segments), with Memorial Day weekend exempt, as the county upgrades about 1.8 miles—pavement, drainage, sidewalks, guardrails, and striping—continuing weekdays until a planned finish in Feb. 2027. Energy & Grid: Hawaiian Electric is moving toward a Lāna‘i renewable procurement—up to 35,800 MWh a year of solar plus storage, targeted for service by Dec. 2030—starting with a June 2 community meeting. Public Health: The state DOH warns about “7-OH,” an opioid-like kratom concentrate sold in gummies and vape-shop style products, urging residents to treat it as a serious overdose and addiction risk. Tourism Recovery: North Shore businesses say visitors are back, but recovery is still behind the scenes after the Kona Low storms. Local Economy: Hawai‘i’s job count fell by about 1,700 year-over-year, while unemployment ticked up to 2.4% in March. Defense/Industry: At LANPAC in Honolulu, Army leaders stressed “industrial endurance” and sustainment as deterrence—while Washington debates the price tag of Trump’s “Golden Dome” missile shield.

Public Health vs. Vaping: California AG Rob Bonta and a bipartisan group of 21 attorneys general are urging the FDA to reverse draft guidance that would ease flavored e-cigarette approvals—arguing it worsens youth addiction while the market still teems with unauthorized flavors. Energy & Utilities: Hawaiian Electric parent HEI reported higher first-quarter profit despite storm-related costs from Kona-low damage and flooding, underscoring how extreme weather keeps hitting the grid and the balance sheet. Local Governance & Housing: Honolulu’s managing director Mike Formby will leave at month’s end for Pacific Marine; meanwhile, Hawaii County dedicated Na Hale Makoa, a $84.5M Waikoloa workforce rental project with 140 units. Island Economy & Access: Maui’s free summer meals expand to 10 schools, and the Maui Charity Walk is topping $1.62M for nonprofits. Business & Consumer: Ginsa’s Korean ginseng sparkling tonics are rolling into select Costco stores across LA, OC, and Hawaii. Infrastructure & Security: A new Honolulu medical-flight fund is in the mix, while Guam’s GAMMA additive manufacturing push targets faster, warfighter-focused production.

Energy & Cost Pressure: Hawaii gas is creeping back toward record highs—AAA Hawaii puts regular at $5.65, just pennies under last month’s statewide record, with experts warning global oil tensions (including Strait of Hormuz risk) could push costs higher across fuel, electricity, shipping, and everyday goods. Consumer Protection: The Legislature passed HB1642 CD1 to curb crypto-ATM fraud by banning cash purchases of crypto while still allowing cash-outs of existing holdings—aimed especially at kupuna targeted by scammers. Environment & Health Watch: DOH confirmed PFAS (PFBA) in Haleakalā National Park’s water system, with levels below state screening thresholds and “not expected” to pose significant public health risk, but it adds to Hawaii’s growing contamination monitoring load. Local Resilience & Infrastructure: Work begins on the Wahiawā Dam Rehabilitation Project with a blessing, while Hawaiian Electric starts targeted Lahaina pole hardening along Honoapiilani Highway to reduce wildfire risk. Business & Travel: Hawaiian Airlines ranks best for summer delays in national DOT-based data, and Hawaii’s visitor economy keeps leaning into recovery—plus a new ALOHA for HAWAIʻI flood relief fundraiser is set for May 12. Industry & Tech: TMC and Allseas ink the first commercial deep-sea nodule mining deal in the Clarion Clipperton Zone, signaling faster movement from concept to operations.

Tech & Doomsday Planning: A new report says Mark Zuckerberg is building a $270M Hawaii bunker with blast-resistant doors, self-sustaining supplies, and a secret escape route—while AI CEOs keep pushing forward despite admitting real catastrophe risk. Energy & Cost Pressure: Gas prices are edging up again as Iran-war uncertainty and Strait of Hormuz supply worries linger; lawmakers are also floating gas-tax suspensions, even as critics warn it could worsen the underlying oil squeeze. Hawaiʻi Visitor Recovery: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority and partners are launching a statewide push to rebuild visitor confidence after March Kona Low storms, backed by $2M in restricted funds. Local Environment: Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Awareness Month returns for its ninth year with webinars and community events targeting threats like rat lungworm and coconut rhinoceros beetles. Housing & Enforcement: Honolulu continues cracking down on illegal short-term rentals, including fines tied to “Renovation Aloha” operators.