AGP Executive Report

Food Safety & Retail: Azuma Foods International issued an FDA allergy alert recalling 545 cases of Tako Wasabi—seasoned octopus with wasabi—because it may contain undeclared fish, distributed to Hawaii and other states. Local Conservation: Crews are preparing to relocate a Waikīkī Hawaiian monk seal pup after strong weight gain, moving it to a more remote Oʻahu shoreline once weaning begins to reduce crowd-related risk. Aquaculture & Research: UH Hilo is a core member of a new $13.5M federal aquaculture consortium (CIFARM), aiming to expand responsibly harvested seafood and strengthen U.S. supply. Public Health & Food Access: Hawaii AG Anne Lopez joined multistate efforts urging Congress to restore SNAP benefits and protect food assistance in the Farm Bill. Energy & Costs: AAA reports gas prices fell for the third straight week as crude stays below $100/barrel, easing pressure on summer travel budgets. Climate Risk: NOAA confirmed El Niño is underway and could reach historic strength, raising odds of extreme weather that can disrupt Hawaii’s supply chains and tourism.

Pacific Fisheries Policy: President Trump signed a proclamation reopening parts of Papahānaumokuākea, the Mariana Trench, and Rose Atoll marine monuments to U.S. commercial fishing, lifting prior limits across nearly half a million square miles and aiming to boost seafood supply and coastal incomes—while conservation groups warn of damage to fragile, culturally significant ecosystems and say legal challenges are likely. Local Research & Food Security: The University of Hawaiʻi was named a core member of a new $13.5M NOAA-backed aquaculture consortium, with UH Hilo and Mānoa researchers leading work tied to strengthening U.S. seafood supply. Construction & Workforce: Maui’s Construction Industry of Maui awarded $20,000 scholarships to three students, including a project exploring native Hawaiian plants for wildfire-suppression foam. Community Planning: Maui County is developing a Lahaina Royal Complex master plan for Mokuhinia Pond and Moku’ula Island, focused on long-term cultural, ecological, and community healing after the 2023 fires. Weather & Risk: NOAA confirmed El Niño is underway and could reach historic strength, raising the odds of extreme Pacific and global weather.

Climate Watch: NOAA confirmed El Niño has begun, with a 63% chance it will intensify into a “very strong” event that could rival the 1997 record and turbocharge extreme weather worldwide. Local Energy Costs: Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green is considering a pause on state and county gasoline taxes for part of the summer as pump prices surge, with the state averaging about $5.58 a gallon. Housing & Finance: A national inflation report put May consumer prices at 4.2% (core 2.9%), complicating hopes for rate cuts. Consumer Debt: WalletHub says Americans now owe a record $1.35 trillion in credit card debt; Pearl City, Hawai‘i ranks among the highest-debt cities. Tourism & Travel: A cruise to Alaska was disrupted by a propulsion issue, forcing itinerary changes and refunds. Tech & Food Services: Supper at Home launched SupperTimeAI in Kailua-Kona to help guests arrive on time for private dinners and cut no-show waste. Workforce/Industry: Tractor Supply rolled out Father’s Day deals aimed at practical, project-ready outdoor and tool shoppers.

Hawaiian Business & Culture: The 10th annual “Hawaii on the Hill” in Washington, D.C. drew 100+ local companies, pairing lawmakers with an agricultural industry tour and a “Taste of Hawaii” showcase of island food and innovation. Local Community & Media: Honolulu will hold a Celebration of Life for Larry Price—Hawaiʻi radio personality and former UH coach—on June 28 at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center. Arts & Entertainment: Cirque du Soleil’s ʻAuana (its first Hawaiʻi resident show) released “Kele ka Moana,” a new single written entirely in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and built with Native Hawaiian language expertise. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Hawaiʻi Police stepped up traffic enforcement on the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, issuing 269 speeding citations between June 4-7 as the state installs an open-graded friction course after fatality spikes. Defense & Maritime Industry: USS Colorado returned to the fleet ahead of schedule after maintenance at Pearl Harbor, while Submarine Squadron 3 was reestablished for AUKUS rotations from HMAS Stirling in Australia. Energy & Construction: BYU-Hawaii launched Phase 2 of its solar project, targeting 100% campus electricity with added ground arrays, solar canopies, and up to five days of battery backup. Seafood & Workforce: UH Hilo agriculture students started a medicinal garden as part of hands-on sustainable labs, and UH joined a national effort to strengthen U.S. seafood supply.

Workforce & Environment: Hawaiʻi Community College and UH Maui College are launching a new Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Specialist Certificate to train workers for cesspool conversions needed by 2050, with applications open for the August 2026 cohort. Seafood & Research: UH Hilo is joining a new NOAA-funded aquaculture push, with UH Hilo researchers leading work inside the CIFARM consortium aimed at expanding sustainable U.S. seafood supply. Public Safety & Hospitality: A Hilo man was charged after 12 children were found unsupervised at a Kona hotel; police say a loaded firearm and about 440 grams of cocaine were recovered from the room. Local Development: Honolulu City Council approved steps that could let the city acquire and repurpose the Queen Theater in Kaimuki as a government building, though the mayor’s office says it’s not pursuing acquisition. Politics & Business Climate: A federal lawsuit challenges Hawaii’s new campaign spending activity law (Act 11), setting up a constitutional fight over how companies and unions can influence elections. Tourism & Infrastructure: Hilton Hawaiian Village completed its Rainbow Tower renovation, refreshing guestrooms with locally inspired art and design. Aviation Connectivity: Airlines including Emirates and Wizz Air are moving deeper into Starlink onboard internet, signaling faster, lower-latency connectivity as a competitive amenity.

Aquaculture & Food Security: The University of Hawaiʻi is joining a new $13.5M NOAA aquaculture research consortium (CIFARM) aimed at strengthening America’s seafood supply and expanding sustainable marine farming, with UH Hilo’s Chatham Callan leading the Hawaii team. Energy & Ocean Tech: A new explainer looks at Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) as a steady tropical power source that uses warm surface and cold deep seawater to generate electricity. Local Infrastructure: Hawaii County’s Beaver Dam Road is closed for a bridge project over Swift Creek, with detours in place and an expected reopening in late September. Public Safety: Police report high-visibility traffic enforcement on Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Saddle Road), issuing 411 citations and making one arrest from June 4–7, as reckless-driving calls rise. Hawaiʻi Business/Development: The final tripping of Aloha Stadium’s upper deck marks demolition progress for the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District, targeted for completion in spring 2029.

Aquaculture & Research: NOAA launched CIFARM, a new cooperative institute hosted by the University of New Hampshire, with Hawaii Sea Grant and the University of Hawaii among partners, aiming to boost U.S. marine aquaculture research and markets. Local Business Acceleration: Two Maui product makers—Island Essence (Kahului) and Vaui Social Liquids (Haʻikū)—were selected for Mana Up’s Cohort 11, joining a 6-month push for brand, e-commerce, and market expansion. Energy & Building Tech: Hawaiian Built Roofing says it’s now Idaho’s only certified installer of CertainTeed Solstice roof-integrated solar shingles, positioning the service for roof replacements and energy-efficiency upgrades. State Land Leadership: Gov. Josh Green announced Dawn Chang’s retirement from DLNR effective July 1, naming Ryan Kanakaʻole as chair/director and David Day as first deputy. Hawaii Elections Law Challenge: Grassroot Institute of Hawaii filed a federal lawsuit targeting Act 11, which restricts campaign spending activity by certain organizations tied to Hawaii business registration. Hurricane Preparedness: After recent Kona-low impacts, officials urged more hurricane retrofits and evacuation planning as the Central Pacific forecasts a busy season. Construction Safety: A Kona man was charged after an alleged road rage incident in a construction zone, including reckless driving and endangering charges. University Infrastructure: UH Hilo’s Performing Arts Center is set for a $6M renovation next year, including lobby, seating, LED lighting, and bathroom upgrades.

Military & Maritime Readiness: USS Theodore Roosevelt will lead 2026 Rim of the Pacific exercises, with the supercarrier and thousands of sailors, aircraft, and ships operating around Hawaiʻi and San Diego (June 24–July 31). State Labor Policy: Hawaiʻi expands its family leave law starting July 1, letting eligible workers take up to four weeks of unpaid leave for military-related exigencies affecting close relatives, with job protections for covered employers. Energy & Costs: AAA reports gas prices are slowly cooling nationally, while Hawaiʻi-specific updates show premium and diesel prices easing in recent weeks. Food & Local Industry: DBEDT’s 4th annual Hawaiʻi Made Conference (June 23) targets turning local food ideas into market-ready products, connecting farmers, manufacturers, and supply-chain partners. Consumer Protection & Crypto: Gov. Green is weighing whether to veto a bill that would ban cash purchases of cryptocurrency at kiosks, citing scam risk and arguing over impacts on low-income residents and small businesses. Housing Enforcement: Honolulu still has nearly $3M in uncollected illegal short-term rental fines a year after council-approved foreclosure, keeping pressure on city enforcement. Environment & Land: Central Oʻahu Regional Park restoration is nearing completion after soil testing cleared health standards, with reopening expected once grass establishes. Leadership Transition: Gov. Green announced DLNR leadership changes: Dawn Chang retires July 1; Ryan Kanakaʻole becomes chair/director, with David Day as first deputy. Legal/Workforce: A federal judge struck down Trump’s proposed $100,000 H-1B fee as an unlawful tax, a potential relief for U.S. employers relying on skilled foreign workers.

Drug Supply & Public Health: Hawaiʻi DOH warned residents about a voluntary Target recall of select Up&Up baby wipes due to potential Burkholderia contamination, noting serious infection risks for newborns and immunocompromised people (no Hawaiʻi illnesses reported yet). Housing & Real Estate: Realtors Association of Maui reported May 2026 single-family median prices at $1,174,500 (down 3.6% y/y) while condo medians fell to $597,000 (down 20.3% y/y), with days on market rising for condos. Energy Costs: Hawaiian Electric says typical Oʻahu residential bills are edging down 2.5% for June after April–May oil-driven spikes, with neighbor-island bills still higher but possible further small decreases later. Waste & Infrastructure: Honolulu City Council’s FY2027 CIP budget omitted funding for the Makaiwa Hills landfill site, effectively pausing West Oʻahu’s next waste facility plans. Road & Construction: HIDOT began Saddle Road (Daniel K. Inouye Hwy.) lane milling and resurfacing between mileposts 16–19, using contraflow and a 45 mph limit during work. Workforce & Education: U.S. Dept. of Education named Hawaiʻi a Connecting Talent to Opportunity Challenge semifinalist, aiming to build statewide talent marketplaces linking learners to jobs.

Hawaiʻi Leadership: Hawaiʻi Community College Chancellor Susan Kazama announced her retirement July 31 after four decades with the UH system, with an interim chancellor expected to be named soon. Local Business & Supply: Matcha shops across Oʻahu are feeling higher costs and tighter supply as global demand strains Japanese producers, with some prices up 40–50%. Tourism & Access: Waimea Valley’s visitor traffic is down 25–30% this spring as Kona-low storm impacts and road restrictions keep travelers away. Food Safety Enforcement: Hilo’s roadside “honor system” food stands are drawing scrutiny; DOH issued cease-and-desist orders in most April inspections. Housing/Short-Term Rentals: Hawaiʻi County planning deferred a bill over vacation rental rules after pushback from farmstays, with enforcement and zoning changes still in play. Energy/Policy: Honolulu’s sewer bill credit program (CARES) is requiring tax returns to verify eligibility, while H-HEAP energy credits are open for qualifying HECO customers. Regional Shock: A 7.8 quake hit the southern Philippines, triggering tsunami warnings for nearby coasts; no threat to Hawaiʻi reported.

Maui Budget & Security: Maui County Council approved a $1.6B fiscal 2027 budget, adding $50,000 for campus security after a terroristic threatening arrest at One Main Plaza in Wailuku. Local Politics: In the race for Maui mayor, polls show incumbent Richard Bissen and challenger Yuki Lei Sugimura battling in a crowded 10-candidate primary. Tourism Hit From Storms: Kona-low fallout continues to squeeze North Shore business, with Waimea Valley visitor traffic down about 25%–30% and lingering access limits from rockfalls and contraflow. Food Safety & Small Business: Hilo’s roadside bake stands are drawing state scrutiny—DOH issued cease-and-desist orders in most April inspections. Wastewater & Utilities Help: Oahu’s sewer discount program CARES is requiring federal and state returns to verify eligibility, while H-HEAP energy credits are open for low-income HECO customers. Workforce & Construction: Hawaii Carpenters Apprenticeship and Training Fund graduated 193 journeyworkers, including new high school interns. Marine Tourism Training: Hawaiʻi Marine Animal Response launched a Marine Stewards Program to train hospitality staff to protect monk seals and other marine animals. Food Innovation: DBEDT will host the Hawaiʻi Made Conference (June 23) focused on turning local food ideas into market-ready products.

Food Safety & Hospitality: Hawaiʻi DOH cleared Ohana Sub & Deli, Inc. to reopen after a June 4 closure tied to critical issues like a nonfunctional handwashing sink and insufficient hot water, with a follow-up inspection confirming repairs. Local Food Innovation: DBEDT will host the fourth annual Hawaiʻi Made Conference (June 23) focused on food innovation, aiming to connect farmers, value-added producers, and food manufacturers to training, product development, shared facilities, financing, and market access. Tourism Marine Safety: Hawaiʻi Marine Animal Response launched its Hawaiʻi Marine Stewards Program to train hospitality and tourism workers to help visitors safely share space with monk seals, sea turtles, and seabirds. Energy & Travel Costs: Alaska Air said jet-fuel volatility forced it to pull full-year guidance, but it’s watching for more stability as demand and fares help offset pressure. Aviation & Consumer Experience: Southwest ended open seating on its final unassigned flight from Honolulu to Los Angeles, marking a major shift in how the airline sells seats. Astronomy & Industry: China’s Saishiteng Mountain telescope build is set to surpass Mauna Kea’s light-gathering power, with LOT and MUST targeting practical use by 2030. Environment & Wildlife: A new study warns Hawaiʻi’s endangered false killer whales are losing major body weight amid nutritional stress and warming ocean conditions. Local Logistics: Move Happy Group expanded its moving and storage services from a new Kapolei base to boost capacity for residential, commercial, and military relocations.

Transportation & Safety: Hawaii DOT declared a traffic emergency zone on Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Saddle Road) after five fatalities this year, with crews starting Hilo-side improvements like open-graded friction pavement and other wet-weather traction upgrades. Construction & Jobs: A new report says Hawaii construction spending surged in the first quarter to over $2B, led by Oahu public projects, while private housing construction fell year over year. Water & Wastewater Workforce: Applications opened for a new Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Specialist Certificate on Maui and Hawaii Island to train workers for cesspool elimination and sustainable wastewater installs. Food Industry Compliance: DOH issued a green placard allowing Ohana Sub & Deli to reopen after correcting critical sanitation and hot-water issues. Local Logistics/Relocation: Move Happy Group expanded moving and storage services across Hawaii from a new Kapolei hub, targeting residential, commercial, and military relocations. Public Health Recall: Target recalled select Up&Up baby wipes in Hawaii due to possible Burkholderia contamination. Energy Costs: A national snapshot shows electricity prices rising fast in many states, with grid investment and demand pressures driving increases.

Workforce & infrastructure: Hawaiʻi Community College opened applications for a new one-year Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Specialist Certificate on Maui and Hawaiʻi Island, training students for cesspool conversion and sustainable wastewater installs after flooding exposed aging system vulnerabilities. Food safety: DOH cleared Ohana Sub & Deli, Inc. to reopen after a June 4 closure for critical violations, including a nonfunctional handwashing sink and insufficient hot water, once repairs were verified on June 5. Public health & recalls: Target recalled select Up&Up fragrance-free and fresh-cucumber baby wipes over possible Burkholderia contamination; DOH is coordinating to keep the product off shelves in Hawaiʻi. Energy & cost pressures: Gov. Josh Green says Hawaiian Electric and JERA are close to a deal for a 500 MW Oʻahu LNG power plant, with federal grid modernization funding also discussed. Road safety: After multiple fatal crashes, Hawaiʻi DOT declared a traffic emergency zone on Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Saddle Road) between mileposts 5.5 and 28, accelerating safety upgrades like rumble strips, high-friction pavement, and speed cameras. Ocean & science: E/V Nautilus returns June 10 for deep-sea missions in the Mariana region, including a mapping run from Hawaiʻi to Guam using a new sonar system and featuring local participants. Local agriculture & grants: Maui County’s Department of Agriculture announced free workshops for 2027 fiscal-year grant applications, with emphasis on Molokai and Lanai.

Lahaina Recovery Planning: The County of Maui is asking residents for input on a master plan for the Lahaina Royal Complex (including Mokuʻula and Loko o Mokuhinia), with a goal to finalize the plan in 2027. Volcano & Risk Signals: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports “stick season” at Kīlauea—less greenery tied to ongoing summit eruption plumes and volcanic gases. Cost-of-Living Pressure: A new national inflation snapshot shows prices rising again (3.8% in April), while AAA says gas is down nationally week over week. Energy Costs in the Spotlight: A new map shows Hawaii’s residential electricity price at about 42¢/kWh—more than triple North Dakota—highlighting how fuel and infrastructure drive household bills. Local Governance & Integrity: Honolulu’s Ethics Commission selected attorney Sandy Ma as its next executive director, and the city’s budget fight continues as mayor threatens a veto over economic revitalization funding. Land & Agriculture Legal Clash: Gov. Green and AGs vow to fight a lawsuit challenging Hawaiian homelands eligibility under the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act. Clean Energy Policy Debate: A panel discussion spotlights Hawaii’s LNG crossroads and concerns about long-term costs and contract lock-in. Broadcasting for UH Sports: UH says a new free over-the-air TV deal with Hawaii News Now will expand access to home games starting July 1.

City Budget Fight: Honolulu City Council approved a controversial $5B budget that cuts the Office of Economic Revitalization, with Mayor Rick Blangiardi signaling he intends to veto. Waste & Infrastructure: The council budget also omits funding for a proposed new West Oahu landfill at Makaiwa Hills, pushing Oahu toward an “ending landfills” task force review. Workforce & Training: Hawaiʻi Community College and UH Maui College launched an Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Specialist Certificate to build skills for cesspool conversions. Higher Ed Leadership: UH Board of Regents named Vassilis Syrmos as the next chancellor of UH Manoa. Public Safety & Fraud: An FBI warning says AI is making scams harder to spot, with Hawaii seeing sharp fraud losses. Local Business Growth: L&L Hawaiian Barbecue opened its 10th Texas location, extending the Hawaiʻi-based chain further into the mainland. Energy & Costs: Gas prices stayed volatile, with Maui County’s lowest reported premium at $5.39 in the week ending May 30. Maritime/Defense: A major Pacific exercise buildup continues, including NAVFAC Southwest and NAVFAC Hawaiʻi earning top military construction performance awards.