AGP Executive Report

Hurricane Lala Recovery & Resilience: Lala skirted Hawaii’s Big Island as a tropical storm, but cleanup is underway amid flooding, downed trees, road closures, and widespread outages; Gov. Josh Green said officials are still checking whether any storm-related deaths occurred, while Hawaiian Electric warned many customers should prepare for extended outages. Energy & Renewables: Hawaiian Electric reported 3,429 new rooftop solar systems (about 36 MW) added statewide in the first half of 2026, plus 55 MW of battery storage, with Oahu hitting 50% solar penetration in single-family homes. Wastewater & Environment: Honolulu’s Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant completed a five-year secondary treatment upgrade, and ENV also responded to a sewage spill at the facility. Biosecurity & Agriculture: Hawaii County urged the state to better enforce the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) rule, saying implementation has lagged since it took effect. Local Economy: The Honolulu Office of Economic Revitalization shut down after a contentious funding fight between the mayor and City Council. Innovation & STEM: A Hawaii student’s coconut-husk fungi research suggests a path to break down microplastics and sunscreen compounds. Defense Tech: A Maui firm tested basalt-fiber composite 3D-printed drones and a RHIB hull during RIMPAC.

Hurricane Lala Aftermath: Hurricane Lala downgraded to a tropical storm as it rolled past Hawaii’s Big Island, but officials warned dangers continue during cleanup—downed lines, chainsaws, and generators. Gov. Josh Green said investigators are checking whether any storm-related deaths occurred, after one fatal car crash near South Point. Utilities & Infrastructure: The storm still knocked out power for tens of thousands of customers and forced Hawaii airport closures (Hilo and Kona) with flight disruptions statewide. Insurance Claims: The state Insurance Division urged residents to document damage, prevent further loss, and file claims promptly with receipts and photos. Energy Grid Complaints: Kokua Line revisited HECO’s flickering/strobing lights issue—PUC says it requested details from Hawaiian Electric, and customers should report each occurrence to HECO and can file informal complaints with the PUC. Agriculture Pipeline: Hawaiʻi Farmers Union opened applications (through Oct. 15) for a free Farm Apprentice Mentorship Program for aspiring farmers on Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi. Local Materials Research: UH Mānoa is testing whether Hawaii’s managed eucalyptus plantations can produce construction-grade lumber, aiming to cut reliance on imported wood. Environmental History: A new look at mosquitofish introductions highlights long-running impacts on native freshwater insects, including threatened damselflies.

Hurricane Lala Response & Power Disruptions: Hurricane Lala hit Hawaii’s Big Island with Category 1 winds up to 75 mph, bringing heavy rain, dangerous waves, flooding, and widespread outages; officials reported thousands of rescues/stranded residents and road closures, while Hawaiian Electric said up to 88,000 customers were without power and warned it may need “load shed” as crews work through downed lines and storm damage. PUC Oversight on Grid Quality: In East Oahu, residents continue reporting flickering/strobing lights; the PUC says it has requested details from Hawaiian Electric and tells customers to file informal complaints after reporting each occurrence to HECO. Water System Prep: The Board of Water Supply urged Oʻahu residents to conserve water ahead of severe weather, warning storm impacts and power outages can limit pumping and reservoir levels. Local Insurance Claims: DCCA’s Insurance Division reminded residents to document damage, file claims quickly, and avoid permanent repairs before insurer approval. Hawaii Construction Materials: UH Mānoa researchers are testing whether Hawaii-grown managed eucalyptus can become structural lumber, aiming to cut reliance on imported wood. Tourism Management: A column argues HTA’s Destination Management Action Plans should focus on managing visitor impacts, not just growing arrivals. Data Centers Policy: Another op-ed urges Hawaii to set rules before large AI data centers arrive, citing pressure on electricity, water, and infrastructure.

Hurricane Preparedness & Infrastructure: Hurricane Lala strengthened to Category 1 and is bearing down on Hawaii’s Big Island, with forecasts of up to 25 inches of rain, life-threatening flooding and mudslides, and dangerous surf—prompting a statewide emergency posture and major travel disruptions. Energy Reliability: Hawaiian Electric lifted a Public Safety Power Shutoff watch after conditions eased, but the episode underscored how fast wildfire risk can threaten power access across parts of Hawaiʻi Island and Maui. Water Governance: The Board of Land and Natural Resources blocked a long-term East Maui water license path for Mahi Pono and authorized a contested-case hearing tied to stream diversion permits, keeping a decades-long fight over plantation-era irrigation in play. Air Travel & Consumer Costs: Congress is pressing major airlines—including Hawaiian—over whether AI and consumer data influence the fares people see, with a response deadline of Aug. 25. Local Agriculture & Food Systems: A Kauaʻi project is growing Japanese rice varieties (Koshihikari and Hitomebore) using upland methods on a dry field, aiming to test how the crops perform outside traditional paddy systems. Marine Debris & Coastal Economy: Maui artist Michiko Smith is turning ghost nets and other marine debris into art, while local groups continue collecting and shipping debris for research and recycling.

East Maui Water Fight: The state Board of Land and Natural Resources blocked a long-term East Maui water license path for Mahi Pono and moved toward a contested case hearing over stream diversion permits, after hours of testimony from farmers, cultural practitioners, and residents. Hawaiian Homesteads Land Transfer: BLNR authorized transfer of more than 300 acres in the Waiākea area of Hilo to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, advancing Act 14 obligations and adding land for homesteading and potential income uses. Tropical Storm Lala Readiness: Tropical Storm Lala is expected to strengthen to hurricane strength near the Big Island, with heavy rain, flooding risk, dangerous surf, and wildfire-fueling winds; Hawaii agencies, Honolulu, and telecom providers are mobilizing generators, staffing, and backup power. Utility & Infrastructure Watch: Hawaiian Electric’s Q2 earnings call highlighted wildfire-related accounting shifts and a large approved mitigation recovery plan, alongside a proposed multi-year base rate increase. Shipping Disruption: Young Brothers adjusted cargo acceptance and schedules as Lala approaches, including limits on refrigerated, hazardous, and livestock cargo at specific ports. Local Air Access: Lānaʻi Air launched a new Molokaʻi–Honolulu route, restoring more than one carrier option for residents.

Defense & Shipbuilding: Trump ordered the Navy to revert aircraft carriers to steam catapults and hydraulic systems, aiming to boost the “maritime industrial base” and expand shipbuilding capacity. Local Industry & Business Services: Eide Bailly will acquire MUN, adding a Lihue, Hawaii office and expanding its California and Nevada footprint for tax, assurance, and advisory work. Tourism & Hospitality: Cruise itineraries in Hawaii are being rerouted as Tropical Storm Lala strengthens, with Norwegian Spirit and Pride of America among affected sailings. Weather & Risk for Hawaii: A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the Big Island, with Tropical Storm Warnings for Maui County and watches for Oahu and Kauai as Lala approaches. Community & Visitor Economy: Waimea Valley on Oʻahu is starting a $5.5M renovation focused on visitor amenities plus new educational spaces, including a traditional hale and agroforestry garden. Workforce & Privacy: A coalition of 22 states, including Hawaii, sued to block the Trump administration from accessing a database with sensitive CDL driver personal information; a federal judge issued a stay. Aerospace Logistics: DLA Energy delivered a turnkey oxygen supply system to Moody Air Force Base, building a dedicated supply chain after pandemic-era shortages. Food Supply Chain: Aramark Student Nutrition rolled out its 2026-27 school year limited-time offer lineup, leaning into global flavors and meatless options. Energy & Infrastructure: Hawaii’s climate funds spending is highlighted as the state prepares for more renewable buildouts.

Tropical Storm Lala Readiness: Gov. Josh Green declared a state of emergency as Lala strengthens and the Big Island faces a hurricane warning, with damaging winds, heavy rain, and flooding risk; Honolulu and Maui also moved into higher operational posture and urged residents to finish preparations now. Water & Infrastructure: The Navy awarded a $309M contract to build a permanent Red Hill water treatment facility (10 million gallons/day), with completion expected by 2029. Land Use for Industry: The Navy and Marine Corps proposed transferring 44 acres on Oʻahu and Molokaʻi to the state, including Barbers Point Naval Air Station parcels for creative-industry production infrastructure. Agriculture Prep: Maui County’s agriculture department urged ranchers and farmers to secure animals, fuel, equipment, and documentation ahead of Lala. Public Health & Consumer Protection: DCCA Insurance Division reminded residents to document property damage and note that most policies don’t cover flood damage (separate NFIP coverage). Aviation & Logistics: Mokulele Airlines expanded inter-island service with three new Cessna 208 Caravans and renovated Honolulu Terminal 3. Vaping Crackdown: Hawaiʻi lawmakers approved a major youth-focused ban on disposable vapes starting Jan. 1, 2027, and tighter limits on rechargeable products. Wildlife Biosecurity: DOH and DAB urged backyard poultry owners to boost biosecurity as migratory birds return, citing prior HPAI detection in Oʻahu flocks.

Privacy & Data Governance: Hawaii AG Nick Brown joined a coalition suing the Trump administration over demands that states hand over sensitive CDL data tied to 17 million drivers, with threats to cut $10M+ in federal funding to AAMVA. Workforce & Energy Training: UH Maui College and Hawaiian Electric graduated the second Maui Power Pathways cohort, expanding free ten-week power-plant training to Maui, Molokai, and Lānai. Disaster Readiness: Honolulu is in final preparations for Tropical Storm Lala, warning of hurricane watch conditions for Hawaiʻi Island and potential wind, flooding, and dangerous surf statewide. Aviation & Interisland Travel: Alaska Airlines says Hawaiian’s 717 fleet will be replaced by Hawaiian-branded 737-800s starting in 2028, reshaping Neighbor Island capacity planning. Local Business Development: DBEDT will return as official sponsor of the Made in Hawaiʻi Festival, backing a Hawaiʻi Made pavilion for nearly 30 local firms. Biosecurity at Ports: Hawaiʻi DAB captured and euthanized an opossum found in a Hilo Harbor freight warehouse container, sending tissue for rabies testing. Defense Land Transfers: Gov. Green announced the Navy is starting the process to return nearly 44 acres on Oʻahu (Kalaeloa) and Molokaʻi (Hoʻolehua) for state stewardship. Energy Affordability Debate: A new report argues renewable-heavy policies in “Blue states” are driving higher electricity prices, raising affordability concerns. Aviation Safety/Operations: A U.S. Navy/Lockheed Martin RIMPAC effort is testing AI sonar systems near Hawaiʻi, pointing to next-gen undersea capabilities.

Undersea Defense Tech: The U.S. Navy and Lockheed Martin tested an AI sonar system (SensorMAX) during RIMPAC 2026 near Hawaii, using AI to process data from multiple sonar buoys faster to improve submarine-hunting. Local Governance & Environment: Honolulu is pushing the state to ban aquarium fishing, joining similar county actions as DLNR reviews fishery rules; the city wants both a board ban and a statewide legislative ban. Storm Readiness & Public Safety: A developing tropical system (Potential Tropical Cyclone One-C, expected to become “Lala”) is forecast to bring heavy rain, dangerous surf, and high winds starting Friday, with Honolulu and Hawaii County urging residents to prepare now. Infrastructure: Honolulu begins rehabilitation of the Numana Road Bridge over Kalihi Stream with lane closures then a full closure for major work. Agriculture & Conservation: USDA and East Hawaii Soil and Water Conservation District invite the public to a Hilo meeting to shape local conservation priorities. Hemp & Health Regulation: Hawaiʻi’s DOH cracked down on THC hemp products, with sellers challenging the move in federal court. Space & Research: UH astronomer Rohan Naidu is linked to a new “black hole star” discovery using JWST, tied to the mystery of early-universe “little red dots.” Politics & Elections: A special election is set for a Hawaii Senate seat after Sen. Michelle Kidani stepped down for health reasons.

Defense & Infrastructure: NAVFAC Hawaii awarded Hensel Phelps a $309.65M firm-fixed-price contract for the Red Hill Water Treatment Facility (P-716), targeting completion by Aug. 2029, with major upgrades including a new 10-million-gallon-per-day treatment plant. Wastewater & Ocean Protection: Honolulu marked completion of Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant Secondary Treatment Phase 1, boosting capacity to keep beaches and the ocean cleaner. Food Safety & Small Business Support: Hawaiʻi Commercial Kitchens is running a free hazard analysis critical control point workshop (in-person in Hilo or via Zoom) plus one-on-one technical help to help food businesses pass inspections. Consumer Protection: A new Hawaii law banning cash deposits at cryptocurrency ATMs/kiosks takes effect Oct. 1, aiming to curb kiosk-driven fraud. Workforce & Hiring: Honolulu and Kaimukī High School host a free East Oʻahu career fair Aug. 13 with about 30 employers and training partners. Procurement & Local Industry: NAVFAC Hawaii held its 4th annual Government Procurement Industry Forum, drawing 200+ contractors and small businesses. Aviation Policy: Rep. Frank Pallone pressed major airlines, including Hawaiian, over “surveillance pricing” and whether personal data and AI affect ticket prices. Energy Context: A report highlights how rooftop solar additions are growing on Hawaiian Electric grids in the first half of 2026.

Wastewater & Ocean Protection: Honolulu’s Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant hit a major milestone with completion of Secondary Treatment Phase One, adding membrane bioreactors, UV disinfection, and recycling solids into pellets to better protect beaches under the 2010 consent decree. Native Hawaiian Stewardship & Tourism: Hawaiian Council acquired Sea Life Park Hawai‘i, keeping operations running while shifting stewardship to Native Hawaiian leadership and planning upgrades to cultural programming, landscaping, and food offerings. Maui Recovery Watch: A new UHERO report finds Maui wildfire recovery has improved housing—about two-thirds of affected households are now in permanent homes—but displacement and economic strain (jobs and incomes) still lag. Water Policy: DLNR clarified that a circulated East Maui water-license agenda item is not an official BLNR agenda and said the item would authorize a public auction and related approvals, not directly award a 30-year license to Mahi Pono. Energy & Grid: Hawaiian Electric reported strong rooftop solar growth in the first half of 2026, adding 3,429 systems and 55 MW of battery storage, even after the federal tax credit ended. Broadband Buildout: Hawai‘i began active construction on its $30.7M BEAD fiber push via a $34M contract with Hawaiian Telcom for about 5,800 homes lacking modern broadband. Public Safety & Weather Readiness: Counties across Hawai‘i geared up for a potentially stormy weekend, clearing drainage and putting emergency operations centers on standby. Defense & Pacific Industry: U.S. Pacific Command leaders highlighted Taiwan war games and the push for more Pacific defense spending, while a Navy construction officer role in NAVFAC Hawaii-linked work underscored ongoing military infrastructure projects.

Hawaiʻi Education & Construction: ʻImiloa Hawaiian language preschool construction is set to start March 2027 in Hilo after the School Facilities Authority awarded an ~$11M contract to Nan Inc., with the design adjusted to fit budget. Energy & Utilities: The PUC approved Hawaiian Electric’s request to expand renewables and energy storage, while the utility also clarified it did not seek approval for a proposed 500 MW Oʻahu power plant. Healthcare Workforce: Hawaii Medical College and ALU LIKE launched a supported cohort for a 10-week Advanced Nurse Aide program, cutting participant costs to just over $400 to help meet statewide staffing demand. Agriculture Costs: Hawaiʻi papaya growers are facing rising costs and weather pressure, adding strain to an already tight supply chain. Sports & Talent Pipeline: UH hired QiongJie “Ajie” Drew as the new men’s and women’s diving coach, bringing NCAA champion experience back to the Rainbow Wahine program. Public Safety & Consumer Risk: A federal court rejected a youth-led climate lawsuit targeting Trump fossil-fuel actions, while separate national reporting highlights how scam activity and fraud losses remain a major consumer issue.

Utility & Grid Planning: Hawaiian Electric is accepting proposals for new renewable energy additions via competitive bids, aiming to add nearly 1,650 gigawatt-hours of renewables plus grid-forming resources and firm power, with selections expected in September 2027 and generation targeted for 2031–2034. Energy Market Watch: HEI’s reported Q2 profit jump (about 500%) is tied to an accounting shift tied to the Maui fire settlement approval, while the company still faces major liabilities and plans to fund settlement obligations through equity sales and borrowing. Local Infrastructure & Trails: DLNR is partnering with nonprofit Kupu to upgrade Big Island trails starting this fall, focusing on “sustainable trail standards” to reduce long-term maintenance and protect native plants and wildlife. Regulatory Leadership: The PUC welcomes back Kris Nakagawa as Chief Counsel, returning with decades of utility and regulatory experience, including prior PUC service. Agriculture & Education: CTAHR is expanding its Hawaii Island agricultural education and research through an MOU with Nani Mau Gardens, creating an outdoor classroom for work on pest management, soil health, and biosecurity. Food Safety: FDA recall alerts include a serious morphine labeling mix-up and additional drug, medical device, and food recalls tied to safety concerns, including Salmonella-related issues.

Energy Procurement: Hawaiian Electric won PUC approval for its Integrated Grid Planning RFP, aiming to competitively add nearly 1,650 GWh of variable renewables plus firm 24/7 resources (including battery storage) for Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island, with projects targeted for service in 2031–2034 to cut oil use and stabilize bills. Defense & Manufacturing: Firestorm Labs says it printed and assembled 12 3D-printed drones aboard the USS Essex at sea, producing 1,000+ components during a voyage toward Hawaii waters and later flying them in a RIMPAC 2026 counter-drone exercise. Food & Consumer Safety: DOH issued a recall notice for Sun Noodle Sura Tanmen Hot and Sour Flavor Premium Japanese Noodles & Soup Base due to an undeclared fish allergen. Local Tourism & Services: A walkable Oʻahu visitor guide spotlights how to explore Urban Honolulu on foot—from Waikīkī to Kakaʻako and Downtown—without needing a rental car. Climate & Risk: NOAA reported July 2026 as the hottest month on record for the contiguous U.S., underscoring heat and wildfire smoke pressures that can ripple into Hawaii’s tourism, construction, and energy demand.

Immigration & Workforce: The Trump administration is considering scrapping the 60-day grace period for laid-off H-1B (and other) visa holders, a move critics say would leave workers with little or no time to find new jobs or adjust status. Conservation & Trails: DLNR is partnering with nonprofit Kupu to upgrade Hawaii Island trails this fall, aiming to bring older routes in line with “sustainable trail standards” to cut long-term maintenance and protect local ecosystems. Tourism & Community: The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority released 2026-28 Destination Management Action Plans for all islands, focusing on hotspots under strain and actions shaped by resident input. Tech & Kids Safety: Meta is set for another major U.S. trial over alleged harms to children, with states seeking sweeping restrictions and massive penalties. Weather & Surf: Hawaii forecasters flag trade-wind breeziness, minor coastal flooding from higher tides, and a possible tropical system forming late in the week; surf outlook varies by exposure with south swells near average. Culture: Maui’s MACC opens “Keoni of Hawaiʻi: Art of the Aloha Shirt,” tracing the aloha shirt’s history through designer John “Keoni” Meigs’ textiles and sketches.

Tourism & Community Planning: The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority rolled out 2026-28 Destination Management Action Plans for every island, targeting “hotspots under strain” with actions shaped by resident and industry input. Housing & Land Use: A Kakaako warehouse plan is back in flux after the Hawaii Community Development Authority pulled a short-term tenant arrangement, reigniting debate over interim use and redevelopment priorities. Energy & Grid: State regulators questioned the need for more firm power on Oʻahu’s grid, adding pressure to utility planning. Telecom & Local Control: Hawaii Island residents challenged a proposed cell tower in Papaikou, saying they learned about it late despite long-running permitting steps. Public Health & Food Safety: DOH issued recall/violation notices tied to Sun Noodle Sura Tanmen and enforcement actions against Island Smoke and Vape. Science & Local Industry Spotlight: Maui’s Inouye Solar Telescope delivered the sharpest-ever Sun images, helping explain plasma vortices that can affect satellites and power systems. Shipping Policy Debate: A renewed push argues the Jones Act should be ended or reworked, citing high costs for Hawaiʻi families and broader price impacts.