AGP Executive Report

Hurricane Recovery Finance: Hawaiʻi State FCU is expanding its Emergency Member Relief Program for members hit by Hurricane Lowell (and previously Lala), offering up to $5,000 emergency assistance loans and short-term loan payment deferrals to help households absorb storm-driven costs. Local Infrastructure: Crews began pavement repairs in Honolulu’s Kakaʻako area with partial lane closures on Waimanu, Kawaiahaʻo, and Ilaniwai Streets, running 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. weekdays through mid-November. Energy & Planning: DBEDT says recovery work is shifting toward assessing storm economic impacts, with state agencies coordinating across agribusiness, housing, energy, technology, and tourism. Disaster Response Logistics: The Quad nations advanced a shared civilian logistics network for Indo-Pacific disaster response after a tabletop exercise in Tokyo, building on prior drills in Hawaiʻi and Guam. Maritime Security: USCGC Joseph Gerczak returned to Honolulu after a 52-day Blue Pacific patrol, conducting boardings with Pacific partners to counter illicit fishing. Housing Pressure Context: A national report highlights a 4.03 million-unit US housing shortage, intensifying debate over how housing stock is used, including vacation homes.

Disaster Response: Hawaiʻi’s congressional delegation urged President Trump to quickly approve Gov. Josh Green’s federal disaster declarations for Hurricanes Lowell and Lala, saying back-to-back storms have exceeded state and county capacity and could unlock additional aid. Maunakea Governance: UH is seeking public input on changes to its Mauna Kea summit master plan to allow future reuse of decommissioned observatory sites as management shifts toward the state’s MKSOA in 2029. Public Health & Legacy Pollution: UH Manoa won a five-year, $3.6M NIH grant to study whether plantation-era contaminants still affect residents’ heart and lung health, including how wildfires and disasters may re-expose them. Energy & Resilience: A new look at Hawaiʻi’s storm-stacked recovery argues the state needs more resilience planning as El Niño-driven extremes keep interrupting rebuilding. Local Industry & Tourism: Sea Life Park’s transformation under Native Hawaiian stewardship began with $1M in repairs and upgrades, including marine system fixes after Kona-low storm damage. Tech & Land Use: An editorial warns Hawaiʻi should carefully weigh AI data center risks and benefits as counties consider zoning changes. Consumer/Logistics: Amazon paused use of cargo carrier 21 Air after a deadly Miami crash, and said it will route shipments via other carriers including Hawaiian Airlines. Policy Watch: Hawaiʻi’s new law (Act 224) bans cash-deposit crypto kiosks/ATMs starting Oct. 1 to curb fraud.

Hurricane Lowell Recovery: Kaua‘i power restoration climbed to about 76% of KIUC customers, with crews prioritizing North Shore transmission repairs and about 100 outside personnel arriving to speed fixes; Kaua‘i County also reported growing damage assessments and debunked false Port Allen closure rumors. Affordable Housing in Honolulu: JL Capital converted a 52-year-old office building into 64 moderate-income apartments at Amana Lofts, with rents starting around $1,875 and applications opening next month. Local Agriculture Hit by Flooding: Waiāhole’s Seguin Family Farms is rallying volunteers after a third 2026 flood damaged crops and broke its water line, turning recovery into a community cleanup effort. Climate & Courts: A new report alleges a coordinated campaign to influence how judges understand climate litigation, raising questions about neutrality in climate-science training. Crypto Consumer Protection: Hawaii’s new law (Act 224) will bar cash deposits at crypto kiosks/ATMs starting Oct. 1, while still allowing cash-out of existing crypto. AI & Industry: Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei urges AI firms to slow frontier model progress to buy time for safeguards, while a separate story highlights a student method to make small AI models more empathetic. Weather & Surf: Trade winds stay drier with showers late week as remnants of Norbert move through, with surf energy shifting across island exposures.

Hurricane Lowell recovery: KIUC says power is back for about 76% of Kauai customers, with outages still concentrated on the north shore and parts of Lihue, Kalaheo, Koloa, Kekaha and Kokee, as outside crews and equipment continue arriving to speed restoration. Local food & farming resilience: Kauai Kunana Dairy reports major storm damage—loose goats, broken trees, and fruit losses—highlighting how power outages and crop disruption hit local agriculture fast. Affordable housing in Honolulu: A $25 million office-to-apartments conversion, Amana Lofts, is adding 64 moderate-income units near Pawaa, with leasing starting next month. Workforce training: Hawaiʻi Community College won a $920,238 NSF grant to expand drone-based geospatial remote sensing education for utilities, engineering, forestry and hazard mitigation. Climate & environment: UH is seeking public input on proposed changes to the Maunakea summit master plan, including future reuse of decommissioned observatory sites for astronomy. Coastal ecology: A look at red mangroves introduced in 1902 shows how the invasive species now clogs waterways and degrades habitat for endangered native waterbirds. Energy & land-use governance: Hawaii County is deferring an AI data center ban until October, while broader debates over major power-demand projects continue. Tourism policy: An editorial urges managing tourism to benefit locals, not just visitors. Public health & safety: A cease-and-desist order targets a hot sauce brand over botulism risk, underscoring food safety enforcement.

Health Policy: The White House says it will refund $500 per person to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Hawaii, claiming excess Obamacare “user fees” were collected during the Biden era. Local Economy & Jobs: A new analysis of six-figure postings finds Hawaii has a smaller share of high-paying roles than some states, but still shows meaningful demand—tempered by very high local costs. Tourism & Resilience: With Hurricane Lowell damage still shaping decisions, the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority urges Kauai-bound travelers to reschedule or consider other islands, while lodging leaders argue visitors should go if properties are open. Water & Agriculture: Maui County candidates are centering water scarcity, with debates over aquifer limits and priorities like housing and agriculture. Workforce & Education: Mililani High School opened a Pentagon-funded MEERA engineering and manufacturing lab aimed at building local skills for high-tech jobs. Legal/Consumer Risk: A lawsuit alleges Walmart’s Great Value Hawaiian automatic air freshener refills contain benzene at levels far above federal “risk-free” guidance. Arts & Environment: Hawaii Theatre hosts “Carnival of the Nearly Extinct Animals,” pairing giant puppetry with live symphonic music to spotlight endangered species.

Hurricane Lowell Recovery: Kauai marked 34 years since Iniki as crews from across Hawaiʻi helped restore power, clear roads, and assess damage; officials say Lowell left two deaths on Kauai and widespread outages. Tourism Disruption: The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority urged travelers with near-term Kauai plans to reschedule or shift islands, while lodging leaders pushed back if rooms are open. Food Assistance: USDA approved automatic replacement SNAP benefits for Kauaʻi households hit by Lowell, using a waiver to replace 60% without individual reporting. Local Infrastructure: Oʻahu’s Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor recreational parking lot reopened at 2 p.m. after Lowell debris and asphalt repairs. Workforce & Industry: Mililani High School opened a Pentagon-funded MEERA engineering and manufacturing lab with 3D printers and blueprint training. Defense Hiring: NAVFAC Pacific held a job fair to recruit engineers, construction managers, and contract specialists. Public Safety: DOJ sued Hawaii over in-state tuition and aid for immigrants, alleging conflicts with federal law. Crime: A Honolulu man was sentenced to 10 years for a fentanyl/meth trafficking conspiracy. Marine Energy: NLR and UH deployed a wave-energy device off Oʻahu to share data for commercialization.

Hurricane Lowell Recovery: Kauaʻi’s power and key infrastructure were hit hard, prompting Gov. Josh Green to request an expedited federal Major Disaster Declaration so repairs and disaster loans can move before damage is fully priced out. Food Security: USDA approved SNAP replacement for Kauaʻi households affected by Lowell, allowing Hawaii to automatically replace 60% of benefits for many residents instead of requiring individual reporting. Local Finance Relief: Hawaii State Federal Credit Union expanded its Emergency Member Relief Program with up to $5,000 emergency loans, loan payment deferrals, and penalty-free withdrawals for qualifying members. Port and Supply Chain Disruption: Lowell damaged Hawaii’s only cargo port on Lanai, expected to take about two weeks to repair, while Kauaʻi’s roads, harbors, and airport operations were compromised. Endangered Species Act Fight: California and a coalition of states sued to block Trump administration rollbacks to the Endangered Species Act, arguing habitat protections are being weakened for development and extraction. Air Travel Product: Hawaiian Airlines says it will add a true Premium Economy cabin on its A330s starting in 2028, citing past capital and fleet timing constraints. Endurance Sports in Kona: Salomon signed on as IRONMAN’s global premier partner and will become title partner for the 2027 Kona World Championship. Energy Transition Debate: Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi and Greenpeace USA hosted sold-out screenings of GASLIT, focusing on LNG’s risks as Hawaiʻi weighs fossil fuel infrastructure pressure.

Hurricane Lowell Recovery: Kauaʻi crews pushed power restoration to about 66% of KIUC customers (up from 32%), while the state and Kauaʻi County kept clearing roads and assessing damage; on Lānaʻi, the harbor that supplies food and fuel is inoperable and expected to take about two weeks to repair, and officials warned tourism to reschedule amid ongoing outages and storm impacts. Port & Logistics Disruption: Lowell also knocked out Hawaii’s only cargo port on one of the state’s smaller main islands, underscoring how quickly supply chains can stall when storms hit. Local Economy Outlook: DBEDT forecast Hawaii’s growth slowing to 1.3% this year, with private building permits down across all counties—an early sign that construction momentum may cool even as recovery spending ramps. Insurance & Claims Guidance: Hawaii’s Insurance Division issued a memorandum urging insurers to be mindful of policyholders affected by Lowell, Lāla, and the Kona low, including barriers to paying premiums and filing claims. Health Costs & Coverage: The White House announced $500 Obamacare refunds for nearly 1 million people in 30 states, including Hawaiʻi, tied to alleged federal exchange “user fee” overcharges. Business Spotlight: Matson topped Hawaiʻi’s Most-Profitable Companies list again, highlighting the role of ocean shipping in keeping local goods moving.

Hawaiʻi Economy Watch: DBEDT projects Hawaiʻi’s economy will grow 1.3% in 2026, easing from 2.5% in 2025, with construction, healthcare, and visitor spending still propping things up. Disaster & Infrastructure: After Hurricane Lowell, Hawaiian Electric says power restoration is nearing completion on Hawaiʻi Island, with crews set to mobilize to Kauaʻi next, while Ko Olina saw another serious lagoon incident in weeks. Coastal Safety: A 74-year-old was pulled from a Ko Olina man-made lagoon and rushed in critical condition—another reminder of how fast conditions can turn. Local Roads: Highway 11 in Kaʻū flooded again, trapping drivers and triggering shelters as flash flood warnings hit saturated ground. Workforce & Tech Training: Hawaiʻi CC won a $920,238 NSF grant to expand drone-based geospatial remote sensing training for utilities, civil engineering, agriculture, and hazard mitigation. Tourism & Culture: Outrigger Kāʻanapali Beach Resort hosts the 34th annual Hula O Nā Keiki on Oct. 9–10 at Kamehameha Schools Maui. Healthcare Policy Spillover: Trump announced $500 Obamacare refunds for about 1 million people in 30 states, including Hawaiʻi, with checks starting in October.

Hurricane Lowell Recovery: Kauaʻi is still reeling, with about 75% of customers without power as crews clear downed trees and restore a grid hit hard by vegetation and damage; the state also moved to request an expedited federal Major Disaster Declaration. Harbor Disruption: Lānaʻi’s only commercial harbor, Kaumālapaʻu, is closed for about two weeks after Lowell damage, triggering gas and supply shortages while barge deliveries are disrupted. Infrastructure Risk: Hawaiʻi experts warn that back-to-back storms are exposing how power outages can quickly threaten drinking-water systems and other critical services. Housing & Rents: A Honolulu apartment owner is taking a different tack—renovating while stabilizing below-market rents for current tenants instead of pushing them out. Environmental Legal Fight: Twenty states and Washington, D.C. sued the Trump administration over rules they say weaken Endangered Species Act protections, including for habitat “harm” and threatened species. Local Climate Arts: Five kamaʻāina artists were selected for the Hawaiʻi Climate Action Artist Residency to connect art with land stewardship, energy efficiency, and community resilience. Solar Sales Scam Warning: State agencies warned residents about misleading door-to-door solar pitches claiming “free” systems or false program access. Tourism Legacy: A 25-year look at “Sharing Aloha” highlights how Hawaii’s post-9/11 tourism initiative helped New York first responders and families build lasting connections. Industry & Shipping Cost: Coverage continues on the cost of shipping in Hawaiʻi and the role of the Jones Act. Invasive Grass History: A new historical look at Guinea grass traces how a once-useful pasture plant became a wildfire- and invasive-species problem across the islands.

Hawaiʻi County AI Policy: The Windward Planning Commission deferred a proposed ban on AI data centers (Bill 170) until October, aiming to separate large AI data centers from smaller “data processing facilities” in zoning rules. Consumer Protection & Telecom: A coalition of state attorneys general, including Hawaiʻi’s AG, urged the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to curb illegal robocalls. Local Infrastructure: Honolulu will partially close lanes on Waimanu, Kawaiaʻo, and Ilaniwai streets for pavement repairs starting Sept. 14 through Nov. 13, with work weekdays. Housing Oversight: Hawaiʻi County voters will decide in November whether the county auditor can appoint a deputy auditor to prevent future audit delays during vacancies. Endangered Species Act Fight: Hawaiʻi joined other states suing the Trump administration over rollbacks to Endangered Species Act protections, arguing habitat safeguards are being weakened. Hospitality Jobs: OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa named John Dominguez director of sales and marketing, tapping 25+ years of Hawaii resort experience. Disaster Logistics: Young Brothers said some sailings may shift after Hurricane Lowell as ports reopen and harbor restrictions are assessed.

Hurricane Lowell & Resilient Infrastructure: Kaua‘i Alum Farms raced to keep shrimp ponds alive after power was knocked out, while the storm also damaged fields and wiped out much of the banana crop; the state issued brown-water advisories across O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, Maui, and Hawai‘i island, warning residents to avoid murky waters. Energy & Utilities: Kaua‘i’s utility reported outages for about 90% of customers, and the state said restoration could take time as crews assess damage. Water Systems & Safety: Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam moved to reactivate the Navy Aiea-Halawa Shaft with DOH approval, aiming to strengthen drinking-water resiliency. Tech & Business Connectivity: Hawaiian Telcom rolled out faster, symmetrical business fiber speeds and “future-ready” 10 Gig capacity. Local Policy & Land Use: A Hawaii County planning panel deferred a bill that would tighten zoning distinctions to curb AI data center loopholes until October. Agriculture & Supply Chains: Ports of Hilo and Kawaihae reopened for normal operations, while Nāwiliwili and Kaumalapau stayed closed until cleared. Legal & Environment: Conservation groups sued to stop deep-sea mining lease actions in the Marianas, arguing NMFS improperly downplayed impacts to protected species and habitat. Workforce & Education: UH launched a free “AI for Hawai‘i” program/course aimed at building practical, ethical AI literacy.

Marianas Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation groups and Hawaiʻi partners sued in federal court to block the Trump administration’s plan to kick-start deep-sea mining off the CNMI and Guam, arguing the National Marine Fisheries Service wrongly downplayed harm to humpback whales, manta rays, and sea turtles—and that impacts could ripple to Hawaiʻi’s ocean ecosystems. East Hawaiʻi Healthcare Buildout: Windward Planning Commission approved a use permit for the $90M Keaau Benioff Health Center, a 40,000-square-foot clinic on agricultural-zoned land meant to ease a growing Puna backlog. Hurricane Lowell Aftermath in Kauaʻi: Lowell battered Kauaʻi with heavy rain, wind, flooding, and widespread outages, leaving nearly all residents without power as officials assess damage and plan a major restoration effort. Defense & Engineering Contract: NAVFAC Hawaii awarded a $75M architect-engineering contract to Jacobs and Architects Hawaii JV to support Navy facility design work through 2031. Solar Manufacturing Push: Suniva completed an $835M capital raise to build a second U.S. solar cell plant, targeting 5.5 GW of American-made capacity. Energy Costs Pressure: Diesel hit record highs in parts of the mainland, underscoring how fuel spikes can quickly feed into broader costs.

Shipbuilding & Maritime Jobs: Startup New Pacific Industrial won its first new construction order—two 122-foot oceangoing tugs for American Marine, with delivery targeted for Q3 2028. Healthcare & Local Economy: Hawaii County’s Windward Planning Commission approved the $90M Keaau Benioff Health Center, clearing the way for a spring 2027 groundbreaking and late-2028/early-2029 completion. Aviation & Consumer Services: Southwest began construction on its first-ever premium airport lounges, including Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International, aiming for openings by late 2027. Local Food Supply Chains: Parker Ranch has started monthly deliveries of about 4,000 pounds of locally raised ground beef to Hawaii Island public schools. Business Climate: Hawaiʻi’s new $2.1M Business Express registration system is drawing heavy complaints over document-processing delays as the state merges older systems. Public Safety & Weather: Kauai is bracing for heavy rain and strong winds as Hurricane Lowell approaches, with officials warning residents to take the threat seriously. Agriculture Resilience: Maui farmers are still recovering from earlier storms and Hurricane Lala damage while preparing for Lowell. Tech & Defense Manufacturing: Hawaii-based Voltage Vessels submitted a 3D-printed composite RHIB prototype for U.S. maritime defense evaluation, pushing locally sourced materials into the mix. Housing Policy: A new federal ROAD to Housing Act puts pressure on Hawaiʻi state and counties to update laws and streamline homebuilding.

Hurricane Lowell watch: Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau were hit with hurricane warnings and watches as Category 3 Lowell barreled north, with officials urging residents to finish emergency prep and shelters/closures ramping up. Maui farming hit again: After Hurricane Lala damaged crops, Maui growers say Lowell’s approach adds fresh risk—disease, bent plants, and recovery fatigue are already showing in fields. Road and traffic impacts: Hawai‘i DOT lane closures are scheduled on Maui’s Honoapi‘ilani Highway for storm-drain cleaning and guardrail work, with schedules weather-dependent. Local healthcare buildout: Windward Planning cleared a use permit for a Kea‘au outpatient clinic tied to Hilo Benioff Medical Center, targeting spring 2027 groundbreaking. AgTech funding: Hawai‘i Island’s Tropical AgTech Center in Hilo received $250,000 for a greenhouse nursery for tissue culture. Hospitality cost pressure: Hawaii County hotel operators pushed back on a bill that would raise wastewater rates for hotels, on top of broader sewer hikes. Space/aviation ripple: FAA cleared environmental review for expanded SpaceX Starship contingency landing areas near Hawaii, while license changes remain pending. Energy affordability: Multiple reports tie soaring Labor Day gas prices to the Iran war, with Hawaii among the highest-priced states. Maritime tech: Voltage Vessels says it submitted a 3D-printed composite RHIB prototype for defense evaluation and is pursuing next steps.

Energy Costs: A Brown University tracker says the US-Israel war on Iran has pushed consumers to pay an extra $100bn for petrol and diesel in six months, about $763 per household, with Labor Day gas averaging $4.15/gal and Hawaii among the highest states. Local Development: Honolulu’s City Council is set to consider a 90-day extension for the 1588 Ala Moana mixed-use plan, keeping a path open for a major hotel/residential concept at Ala Moana Center. Healthcare Construction: Windward Planning cleared the way for Keaau Benioff Health Center, a $90M outpatient clinic on agricultural-zoned land, with construction expected to start in spring 2027. Wastewater Rates: Hawaii County hotel operators are pushing back on a bill that would create a higher sewage customer class for hotels, arguing it stacks on top of broader rate hikes. AI Skills for Business: UH launched a free, open-access “AI for Hawaiʻi” course aimed at practical, ethical AI literacy for workers and small businesses. Tourism Signals: Guam Visitors Bureau flagged South Korean arrivals down 37.3% in early August, citing seat capacity, travel costs, and market pressure. Public Safety/Weather: High surf warnings and advisories are in effect across Hawaiian shores as Hurricane Lowell approaches, with dangerous currents and hazardous conditions expected through Monday night.