AGP Executive Report

Invasive Species Watch: Hawaiʻi County lawmakers backed a resolution urging the state to tighten and enforce rules on transporting coconut rhinoceros beetle host material after a CRB was found in Hilo, with officials citing detections expanding across West Hawaiʻi. Public Safety & Courts: A Molokai man convicted of murdering his girlfriend is fighting his life sentence, arguing police improperly obtained his confession; the Hawaii Supreme Court heard arguments. Roads & Local Life: Hawaiʻi raises the minimum age for riding in truck beds to 16 as roads get faster, testing a long-running island tradition. Hawaiʻi Crime & EMS: Honolulu police said an officer fired at a “large pit bull” in Kalaeloa; the dog later died. Separately, a man was treated for apparent stab wounds in Iwilei. Education & Tech: Mid-Pacific educators are tackling responsible AI use with students at an EdFuture Summit. Community & Jobs: 21 students graduated from the Hawaii Carpenters’ construction internship program. Weather: Hurricane Fausto is expected to bring increasing surf to east-facing shores, with trade-wind showers continuing.

UH-Mānoa Lab School Deal: The University of Hawaiʻi reached an agreement with University Laboratory School to keep it operating on the Mānoa campus through June 30, 2029, with rental fees phased in over three years as the school covers more of its own operating costs. Air Cargo Upgrade for Hawaiʻi: Alaska Airlines selected the Boeing 737-800 to replace Hawaiian’s interisland 717 fleet starting in 2028, with more cargo capacity and 737 freighters planned for Hawaiʻi under a new Hawaiian Air Cargo brand. Water Infrastructure Update: Consolidated Water received a limited notice to proceed for long-lead equipment for the Kalaeloa seawater desalination project, while also announcing a $10.1 million municipal water equipment order in Florida. Iran War Fallout: President Trump attended a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base for four service members killed in Iran-linked attacks, including 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan of Hawaiʻi. Second Amendment Ruling: The 3rd Circuit struck down New Jersey’s AR-15 and large magazine bans under the Bruen framework. Local Weather/Travel Notes: Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall in Louisiana, while Hawaiian Falls in Waco cooled off families with a 2,000-pound ice dump as heat index topped 110.

Hurricane Watch: Hurricane Fausto is strengthening in the eastern Pacific and is expected to reach Central Pacific waters late Saturday, with increasing surf possible for east-facing shores; forecasters say the storm’s track is still uncertain but models currently keep it north of Hawaiʻi. Local Schools: Hawaiʻi schools are set to reopen Aug. 3, with HIDOE rolling out a statewide cell phone policy—no phones for elementary and middle students, and restrictions for high school during instructional time—plus reminders on attendance and bus eligibility. Maui Recovery/Health: As Maui rebuilds after the 2023 fires, researchers behind the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study say they’re using long-term monitoring to build a new rural health model and better understand fire-related health risks. Aviation/Interisland: Hawaiian Airlines will move to larger 737 aircraft for interisland service by 2028, expanding seat counts and adding Wi‑Fi, as Alaska Airlines phases out the 717 fleet. Driver ID Backlash: Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi defended the new Hawaii driver’s licenses and IDs with added security features after public criticism and a petition. U.S. Military: Trump is set to attend a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base for four service members killed in the Middle East, including one identified as from Ewa Beach, Hawaiʻi.

LPGA in Hawaii: The LPGA unveiled the inaugural Nanea Cup—a $4 million event at Nanea Golf Club in Kailua-Kona running March 11-14, 2027, pairing 95 LPGA pros with 25 top college golfers from Stanford, Texas, Arkansas, Texas A&M and UCLA. Local Sports & Community: A Kailua-Kona stabbing at the Kona Imin Center led to attempted murder charges against two men, with victims flown to Oahu after critical injuries. Public Safety: H-1 eastbound lanes in Aiea were shut down after a crash near Kaonohi Street, with traffic diverted through the right shoulder. Energy: Hawaiian Electric filed a major procurement plan seeking renewable energy and storage for Oahu, Hawai‘i Island and Maui, targeting progress toward 100% renewables by 2045. National/Global Impact: The U.S. identified three service members killed in the Iran conflict, including 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan of Ewa Beach.

Homelessness & cleanup on Oʻahu: A Waimanalo man says he’s been living in a tent at “Baby Makapuu” for about a decade and raking the area nightly, after beachgoers posted videos alleging trash has been left for months; Hui Mahi’ai ‘Aina says it plans to move the community and add 116 units. Local fishing season: Halalu (baby akule) and oama (baby weke/goatfish) are showing up earlier than usual along Oʻahu’s shoreline, with fishers tracking bait balls and hoping the schools stick around. Hawaiʻi politics: Civil Beat published Q&As with multiple candidates ahead of the Aug. 8 primary, including State House District 49’s ‘Ale Rodas and State Senate District 17’s Nani Brown. Native Hawaiian arts: Playbuilders Hawaii is developing “Our Okinawan Ohana,” a new play built from interviews with local Uchinanchu community members. Science: UH Mānoa researchers report Hawaiʻi’s mantle plume has heated up by about 250°C over 47 million years, linking heat surges to the biggest volcanoes.

Middle East War: The Pentagon identified two U.S. service members killed in Jordan during Iranian missile and drone attacks: 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales of Carrollton, Texas; a third was reported missing. Local Impact: Gov. Josh Green ordered U.S. and Hawaiʻi flags lowered statewide through Wednesday in Feehan’s honor. Energy & Utilities: Hawaiian Electric submitted an Integrated Grid Planning request to the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission to expand competitively priced renewables and energy storage on Oʻahu, Maui and the Big Island. Local Environment: DLNR reports endangered Blackburn’s sphinx moth and a damselfly rediscovered on Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi after decades, with new confirmed sightings. Public Safety: Honolulu firefighters responded to a fatal Makakilo house fire and a Kalihi rollover that left a driver seriously injured. Health Alert: A national cyclospora outbreak linked to contaminated produce has health officials urging careful food handling and awareness of symptoms. Economy Watch: Hawaiʻi’s June unemployment rate held at 2.6%, while U.S. gas prices climbed back above $4 amid renewed Iran-related tensions.

RIMPAC Tensions: North Korea is denouncing the U.S.-led Rim of the Pacific drills in Hawaii, warning of “proportional countermeasures” and calling the exercise a “war rehearsal.” Local Education: UH Manoa hosted a Summer Counseling Institute for nearly 30 high school and transfer counselors, giving them hands-on campus experiences from marine biology to nursing simulations. Lanai Air Service: Airlines are jockeying for the Lanai essential air service contract, with Mokulele defending its performance record while Pacific Air Charters seeks routes. Energy & Power: Hawaiian Electric is moving ahead with a major O’ahu, Maui and Hawai’i Island renewables and storage procurement plan aimed at cutting oil use and meeting the 2045 clean-energy goal. Wildlife Update: Hawai’i’s pinapinao (Hawaiian damselfly) was rediscovered on Hawai’i Island after a century, adding hope for other rare insect finds. Weather: Trade winds stay breezy with mostly dry conditions, plus a surf alert for a new south swell.

Waikīkī Charges: Honolulu Police charged Batarti Gabbard, brother of former U.S. intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard, alleging he tried to lure children to his hotel room with gum and money; police say he also asked for kids’ names and wrote them down, while his family cites a mental health crisis. Maui Politics: Campaign filings show political newcomers leading fundraising in key Maui County Council races ahead of the Aug. 8 primary, with top totals reported for the Upcountry, Wailuku-Waihe‘e-Waikapū, and Kahului contests. Conservation Hope: Hawai‘i DLNR staff reported rediscovering two endangered native insects—a Hawaiian damselfly and Blackburn’s moth—on islands where they were thought to be gone, offering renewed hope for recovery. Weather Watch: Trade winds stay active through Monday night, then ease Tuesday before picking up again midweek, bringing more windward and mauka showers; officials are also monitoring a distant Pacific disturbance. Local Business & Community: A Maui food-culture piece highlights restaurants still carrying the torch after the 2023 wildfires, while Hawai‘i’s business climate drew fresh criticism after CNBC ranked the state last for doing business.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The U.S. plans to auction large sections of water around American Samoa for deep-sea mining, a move critics say could harm fragile marine life and sidestep the International Seabed Authority’s rules. Waikiki Criminal Case: A man accused of a brick attack at a Waikiki bus stop was indicted for murder after the victim died from injuries months later; he’s held without bail. Big Island Theft Charges: Two Hilo men face multiple charges tied to stolen credit card transactions totaling more than $3,000, with police citing surveillance video and arrests in early July. Puna DUI Death Update: A judge cut bail for a Puna man accused in a fatal Pahoa collision from $350,000 to $15,000; trial is set for Oct. 19. Local Sports & Community: New York Giants linebacker Darius Muasau hosted his first keiki football camp at Mililani High, aiming to inspire the next generation. Weather: Sunday looks breezy with trade-wind showers possible, plus a moderate south swell building for parts of the state.

Labor & Economy: Royal Kona Resort workers in Kailua-Kona will rally today outside the hotel, demanding a fair contract after 16 months of stalled negotiations with UNITE HERE Local 5. Volcano Watch: USGS says Kīlauea’s summit eruption at Halemaʻumaʻu remains paused, with preliminary models pointing to a possible timing window for the next episode between July 24 and Aug. 1. Native Hawaiian Community: The 25th annual Native Hawaiian Convention kicks off July 20 at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center, followed by the Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition and Festival. Local Planning: Hawai‘i Community Development Authority invites the public to an Aug. 10 open house to help shape a long-term master plan for Hilo’s Waiākea Peninsula. Safety & Environment: Lifeguards posted shark warning signs at Kewalo Basin after a non-aggressive 8–10 foot shark was spotted near shore. RIMPAC 2026: Philippine Coast Guard joined US Coast Guard and Mexico’s navy for coordinated boarding drills during RIMPAC in Hawaii.

ICE arrest outrage: Video shows ICE agents tackling and handcuffing an Australian man at Las Vegas airport, sparking condemnation and urgent inquiries from Australia, while DHS says the arrest didn’t proceed at the airport and happened later. Maui water update: County of Maui officials say trace selenium was found in the Makawao water system at levels far below drinking-water standards, and will keep monitoring. Local costs & roads: Honolulu City Council is weighing cuts to the motor vehicle weight-tax to lower registration fees, and Lahaina’s Front Street is set to reopen to traffic Aug. 1 after recovery work. Energy proposal: A Japanese firm filed intent to build a $2B LNG power plant on Oahu, drawing environmental pushback. Public safety staffing: Kauai Police Chief Rudy Tai outlines priorities amid a staffing shortage and a new cadet pipeline. Sports & culture: Kaneohe golfer Amanda Cunha wins at the U.S. Adaptive Open; Aloha Stadium dismantling is progressing toward a 2029 opening.

Earthquake & Tsunami Watch: A magnitude 7.3 quake off Mexico triggered tsunami bulletins for Mexico and the U.S./Canada West Coast, including Hawaii, but the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center says the tsunami threat to Hawaii has passed; minor waves were observed along Mexico’s coast. Elections in Maui: Primary Election ballots were mailed to Maui County voters, with drop boxes opening July 17 and a July 21 cutoff to contact the clerk if ballots don’t arrive. Local Environment Funding: Hawaiʻi’s DLNR is accepting proposals for about $8 million in Green Fee grants for community restoration of forests, watersheds, wetlands, anchialine pools and riparian areas. Maui Politics: Former mayors Linda Lingle, Alan Arakawa and Charmaine Tavares endorsed Mayor Richard Bissen for reelection. Public Safety & Justice: A Hilo man tied to an extremist terror network was sentenced in federal court to 10 years after pleading guilty to possessing child pornography. Voting Rights Fight: A conservative legal group is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to force Hawaii to turn over its statewide voter file. Hawaiʻi Culture & Media: “On Location in Hawaii” spotlights where major movies and TV were filmed across the islands.

HIDOE expands free school meals: Hawaiʻi will add nearly 12,000 more public school students to free breakfast and lunch eligibility for 2026-27 under Act 139, with families able to apply anytime through EZMealApp. Local Public Safety: A motorcyclist was killed on Kapiolani Blvd after a driver attempted a U-turn, renewing calls for safer road sharing. Weather & Surf: Breezy trade winds and passing windward showers continue into the weekend, with a Small Craft Advisory for parts of Maui County and the Big Island and surf building slightly Sunday-Monday. Tourism & Community: More than 100 former Lahaina residents are returning for Lahaina Homecoming, focused on healing and reconnection. Crime Update: The state AG charged three people in an alleged $1.2M fraudulent check scheme. Global/Defense: North Korea again condemned RIMPAC in Hawaii, calling it a “war rehearsal” and warning of “countermeasures.” Arts & Culture: A Hawaiʻi-born artist, Josh Tatofi, headlines a Guam concert series, marking a “full circle” for his family’s Kapena legacy.

Health Equity: A coalition of civil rights groups warns that cuts to Affordable Care Act premium tax credits and changes to Medicaid eligibility will worsen racial health disparities, projecting nearly 16 million more people uninsured by 2034. Housing & Renters: Civil rights complaints accuse Greystar—the nation’s largest apartment owner—of refusing Section 8 vouchers and violating fair housing laws, including in Hawaii. Maui Relief: Hawaiʻi REALTORS Charitable Foundation extended its Kona Low storm grant application deadline for Maui homeowners and renters to Aug. 3, with up to $1,000 per eligible applicant. Time Change Fight: The U.S. House passed the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent; the Senate vote is still uncertain, while Hawaii would stay on standard time. Local Events: Honolulu Night Market returns to Our Kaka‘ako on July 18, 5–10 p.m., with 70+ vendors and live entertainment. Tourism & Travel: OpenTable says hotel restaurant dining is rising and rolls out an AI Concierge that can operate from its homepage.

Health Alert: Cyclosporiasis hits Hawaii visitor — Hawaii confirmed its first 2026 cyclosporiasis case in a visitor who developed symptoms after arrival; officials say there’s no sign of local spread and urge extra vigilance and thorough produce washing amid a mainland outbreak. Ocean Safety: Portuguese man o’ war closes Anini Beach — Kauai lifeguards posted warnings after the jellyfish was spotted off Anini Beach Park; the area will be reassessed Thursday. Maui Rescue: Two pulled from Koki Beach — One woman died and another is in critical condition after a Wednesday morning ocean rescue in Hana. Local Infrastructure: HART previews Kakaako rail work — The city’s Skyline rail phase 3 is set to begin this fall near Halekauwila Street, but residents say they still lack clear schedules and details. State Government: Gov. Green signs 266 of 267 bills — Green completed the 2026 bill signing session, signing most measures and issuing one veto. Public Safety Training: Straub burn-care class for first responders — Nearly 20 responders trained on advanced burn life support to improve care in the first critical hours. Sports: UH honored at Mountain West media days — UH quarterback Micah Alejado and three teammates earned preseason all-conference recognition.

Local Business Growth: Hawaiian Bros Island Grill signed an eight-unit development agreement for the greater Louisville market, building on recent Kentucky deals. Tourism & Culture: Dave & Buster’s announced a “Rave & Buster’s USA Tour” that kicks off July 30 in Honolulu, bringing electronic dance music to select locations. Community & Wellness: Honolulu marked International Yoga Day with a free community wellness event at Waikiki Bandstand. State Policy: Gov. Josh Green signed measures to support kūpuna care and strengthen AI protections, including a dementia-focused program. Public Safety: CrimeStoppers Honolulu is seeking help identifying a church burglary suspect and a vehicle unlawful entry suspect. Sports & Talent: Hawaii quarterback Micah Alejado earned Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year in preseason honors, while UH’s Alejado is also highlighted in broader football coverage. Food & Leisure: Best Beach Bars topped 1,200 listings and launched a “Beach Bum Certified” badge for bars the founder has personally vetted. National Watch: The U.S. House passed the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent, sending it to the Senate.