AGP Executive Report

Volcano Watch: Kīlauea remains in a precursory phase at Halemaʻumaʻu, with USGS saying the onset of episode 55 fountaining is likely today or tomorrow if conditions stay favorable, after slow summit inflation continued. Earthquakes: A magnitude-4.0 quake struck 2 miles south of Pāhala (8 miles deep) Sunday morning; no damage or tsunami threat, but aftershocks are possible. Tropical Weather: Tropical Storm Norbert is expected to dissipate without becoming a hurricane, while Tropical Depression 15-E is forecast to become the next named storm; Norbert’s main local impact is larger swells later. Local Forecast: First Alert says drier trade winds and mostly sunny skies early, with rain chances rising midweek as Norbert remnants move through. Indigenous Education: Kamehameha Schools, Polynesian Voyaging Society, and Taiwan’s Council of Indigenous Peoples signed a Declaration of Austronesian Kinship and Pacific Unity to strengthen cultural education. Disaster Recovery: Hawaiʻi County is expanding South Kona earthquake assistance at Community Resource Centers with FEMA and SBA help starting Sept. 14.

Hurricane Lowell Recovery: Kauaʻi power restoration is at about 76% of KIUC customers, with outages still hitting the north shore and parts of Lihue, Kalaheo, Koloa, Kekaha and Kokee, as outside utility crews and equipment continue to arrive. Local Safety & Scams: Kauaʻi County says Port Allen is open and a fuel barge is expected to arrive Sunday, while police warn residents to watch for disaster-related scams. Native Hawaiian Community: Palikapu Dedman, founder of the Pele Defense Fund and a longtime defender of the Wao Kele O Puna rainforest, died at 80. Elections Logistics: Hawaii could face a costly scramble to deliver ballots if mail-in rules change, with lawmakers warning about the need for drop boxes and staffing voter centers. Climate Watch: Scientists are racing to study a potentially historic El Niño, including using NOAA’s Saildrone missions that were disrupted by Lowell. Sports (UH): The Rainbow Warriors got their first win of 2026, beating New Mexico State 29-19.

Hurricane Update: Tropical Storm Norbert is weakening as it moves west-northwest, with most models now showing it turning into a remnant low east of Hawaiʻi by midweek; a leftover moisture flood risk may linger Thursday into Friday. Kauaʻi Recovery & Schools: Gov. Josh Green says Kauaʻi state offices, most public schools, Kauaʻi Community College and courts will reopen Monday, with Kīlauea and Hanalei Elementary staying closed due to no power or potable water. Power Restoration: An airlift is moving Southern California Edison trucks, crews and equipment from Hawaiʻi island to Kauaʻi to speed restoration after Hurricane Lowell. Tourism Alert: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority officials urge visitors to adjust plans rather than cancel as Kauaʻi continues storm recovery, including long airport lines and generator issues. Local Health: Maui Health Foundation secured $4.1 million for a new high-field MRI at Maui Memorial Medical Center. Culture & Community: UH Mānoa opens a new Deaf history museum tied to Hawaiʻi’s royal bloodline.

Hurricane Lowell Recovery: Kauaʻi marks 34 years since Iniki as crews restore power, clear debris and assess damage after Lowell; Kauaʻi police say a 59-year-old man died in Wainiha flooding, and officials keep warning tourists to steer clear while the island rebuilds. Emergency Logistics: Rainbow Helicopters is flying generators and food to Kauaʻi with Salvation Army support, and Līhuʻe Airport’s power problems triggered long TSA lines and heat complaints even after electricity was restored. Local Governance & Safety Staffing: Hawaii County struggles to staff lifeguard towers, with applicants failing physical agility tests and delays between hiring steps causing candidates to take other jobs. Community & Culture: World Manta Day returns at Outrigger Kona, plus an Ulu Festival breadfruit event is set for Sept. 19 at Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden. Legal/Immigration: DOJ filed a lawsuit challenging in-state tuition and aid for immigrants in Hawaii and other states. Sports: UH hosts New Mexico State today after a rough start, while Rainbow Wahine volleyball keeps rolling with another sweep. 9/11 Remembrance: Hundreds gathered at Honolulu Hale for the 25th anniversary ceremony honoring Hawaii ties.

Hurricane Lowell recovery: Kauaʻi crews began repairing the island’s only cargo port while power restoration continued after the storm’s western-edge impacts, with officials warning visitors to stay away as infrastructure and tourism take a hit. Local animal help: The Hawaiian Humane Society is waiving adoption fees this weekend to make room for pets expected from Kauaʻi after Lowell, with special adoption events at multiple Oʻahu locations. Military in Hawaii: Indo-Pacific military leaders gathered in Pearl Harbor for the U.S. Naval War College’s flag-level maritime course, focusing on combined command-and-control concepts. 9/11 remembrance in Hawaiʻi: First responders and service members climbed Koko Head Crater Trail in full gear to honor victims and firefighters on the 25th anniversary. Health & weather watch: Officials also tracked Tropical Storm Norbert and another Pacific disturbance, with possible humidity and showers but low chances of development near Hawaiʻi. Obamacare refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Hawaiʻi, will receive $500 refunds tied to federal exchange “user fee” overcharges.

Hurricane Lowell recovery: Kauaʻi and nearby islands are still cleaning up after the storm, with power restoration continuing on Kauaʻi (about 66% of KIUC customers back online) and crews repairing key infrastructure; Lanai’s main harbor is damaged and expected to take about two weeks. Emergency preparedness: A Kauaʻi outage exposed a major gap—many radio stations lacked backup power, leaving residents “starved for information” during Lowell. Weather watch: Tropical Storm Norbert has formed in the Eastern Pacific and may strengthen into a hurricane, but models disagree on any Hawaii impacts—residents are urged to keep monitoring. Local life & culture: Hawaii’s Rainbow Wahine volleyball kept rolling with a sweep over Central Arkansas, while the state also marked the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with memorials and reflection. Health & safety tips: Hawaii Emergency Management Agency guidance outlines what to pack in a hurricane “go bag,” including water, high-energy food, radio/flashlight, meds, chargers, and cash. Business: Matson topped Hawaii Business Magazine’s Most Profitable list for the fifth straight year.

Hurricane Lowell aftermath: Hawaii’s western islands are still dealing with storm damage and deaths tied to the system, including a Kauaʻi man found dead after staying behind to protect a 100-year-old fishpond and reports of another fatality on Oʻahu after a tree fell. Power and recovery: OHA approved $362,800 in emergency help for Native Hawaiian families affected by Lowell, while Hawaiian Electric and Kauaʻi crews continue restoring service and assessing damage. Flooding and road impacts: On Hawaiʻi Island, Highway 11 in Kaʻū flooded again, trapping drivers as flash flood warnings triggered shelters. Ocean safety: Lifeguards posted shark warning signs at Pupukea’s Three Tables after a non-aggressive six-foot shark sighting. Local planning: Honolulu is holding a final community meeting on its wastewater and storm water Integrated Plan as climate-driven storms intensify. Economy update: DBEDT projects Hawaiʻi’s economy will grow 1.3% in 2026, with inflation pressure and fewer visitor days weighing on momentum. Weekend Oʻahu events: Markets and food events are set for Sept. 11, including Full Moon Market in Kapolei and Honolulu Harbor Nights in Kakaʻako. Sports/entertainment: A new “Hawaii Five-O” movie is in the works at Paramount with Destin Daniel Cretton directing.

Hurricane Lowell Aftermath (Kauaʻi): Kauaʻi officials confirmed a 74-year-old man died after storm surge, with an autopsy pending; power restoration is underway but many customers remain dark as crews work through damaged lines and vegetation. Power & Safety Staffing (Big Island): The County of Hawaiʻi is struggling to staff lifeguard towers, citing hiring delays and physical exam pass rates, leaving nine vacant water-safety officer positions. Local Government & Housing (Honolulu): The City Council advanced a rezoning plan for the Central YMCA at 401 Atkinson Drive, aiming to roll back restrictions tied to a stalled redevelopment so the nonprofit can pursue a future buyer. Community Help (Kauaʻi): Volunteers and local groups are stepping in to clear debris and demolish damaged homes, including on Poʻipu streets hit hard by Lowell. Homeless Clean-Up Service (Oʻahu): If you find an abandoned shopping cart, Honolulu residents can request removal via the city’s 311 system—call 808-768-4381 or use HNL 311 and select “Homeless — Clean Up (shopping carts, biohazard).” Sports (Volleyball & UH): Rainbow Wahine hitter Panna Ratkai stepped up as UH volleyball continued its season start, while Kamehameha swept Mid-Pacific in the ILH opener. Remembering 9/11 (Hawaiʻi): Hawaii marked the 25-year mark with stories of connection and remembrance, including the “Sharing Aloha” legacy linking New York first responders and families to the islands.

Hurricane Lowell recovery: Hawaiian Electric says power has been restored to another 1,060 Oʻahu customers, leaving about 440 still without electricity this morning—mostly in Makaha Valley—with crews expecting to finish later today; the utility also warns some customers may need an electrician before service can be safely reconnected. Kauaʻi mutual aid: With most repairs done on Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island, HECO is sending personnel, equipment and vehicles to Kauaʻi to help with damage assessments and recovery supplies. Local governance: Windward Planning Commission deferred a Hawaii County bill that would tighten rules on AI data centers until October, aiming to distinguish large AI data centers from smaller “data processing” facilities. Community & culture: A community events calendar runs Sept. 10–20, and Honolulu’s Oktoberfest listings include Howzit Brewing (Sept. 12) and Salt at Our Kakaʻako (Sept. 19 & 26). Sports: Olivia Wong, a Honolulu swimmer, commits to Tulane for fall 2027. National note with Hawaii tie-in: A WalletHub happiness study ranks Hawaii No. 1.

Hurricane Lowell Recovery: Kauai is still reeling after the storm knocked out power for about 90% of KIUC customers, with KIUC saying there’s no restoration timeline while crews assess “biggest hit” damage to distribution lines and equipment; some 466 customers were restored in Eleele and Hanapepe, and restoration work is expected to shift from transmission repairs to distribution circuits later this week. Local Impact on Kauai Agriculture: Kauai Alum Farms says the outage is a race against time for shrimp ponds and reports major damage to fields, structures, and banana plantings, with crews unable to reach some areas due to downed lines. Oahu Power Updates: Hawaiian Electric restored power to 13,100 customers by Tuesday morning and expects most Oahu customers to be back on by Tuesday night, with only pocket outages remaining. Community Damage Stories: West Oahu residents cleaned up after high surf flooded homes and tossed sand and debris, while a Poipu vacation rental family was rescued as waves gutted the first floor. Public Safety/Justice: A Maui Police Department officer accused of raping a crash victim pleaded not guilty and posted $150,000 bail; separately, a Hilo man’s bail was reduced to $300,000 in a deadly Daniel K. Inouye Highway motorcycle crash case. Local Governance: Honolulu’s City Council is set to review the YMCA’s request to rezone its Central property, lowering height limits and removing a tied redevelopment agreement. Sports: UH women’s soccer will move remaining home matches to the Lower Campus Field, and the Rainbow Wahine opened volleyball season with a win.

Hurricane Lowell: The storm is still battering Hawaii with strong winds, heavy rain, and dangerous surf, with Kauaʻi and Oʻahu seeing the worst of it as officials warn of flash flooding and mudslides. Power outages: Kauaʻi is reporting about 90% of customers without electricity, while Hawaiian Electric says roughly 21,000 Oʻahu customers are out, with restoration times pending damage assessments. Weather updates: The National Weather Service says Lowell is moving north and weakening, but flooding risk remains through Wednesday, and a tornado watch was issued as the storm passed near the western islands. Local impacts: City and county officials urged residents to stay vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel, while Kauaʻi crews begin damage assessments and cleanup. Health care expansion: In East Hawaiʻi, the Windward Planning Commission approved a use permit for the $90 million Keaʻau Benioff Health Center, aimed at easing pressure on Puna’s overburdened medical system. Education data: New federal figures show University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s six-year bachelor’s completion rate for White students was 55.6% for the 2018 cohort by 2024.

Hurricane Lowell Update: Kauaʻi and Niʻihau are under hurricane warnings as Lowell passes just west, bringing damaging winds, flash flooding, mudslides risk, and life-threatening surf; a tornado watch is in effect for Kauaʻi County, and Oʻahu remains under a tropical storm warning with heavy rain and dangerous ocean conditions. Local Response: Gov. Josh Green ordered closures of state/county offices and schools on Oʻahu and in Kauaʻi County (with essential services continuing), while Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi closed non-essential city operations Tuesday. Power & Impacts: Hawaiian Electric reported thousands of Oʻahu customers without power in areas including Kaimuki, Pearl City/Waiau, Makaha, and Wahiawa. Health & Policy: A Hawaii-based forensic pathologist could help Guam fill its chief medical examiner gap for autopsies. Community & Culture: Hawaii Concert Society unveiled its 65th season, and Pane Nudo in Hilo and the Kona Orchid Society fall show/sale offer weekend local picks.

Hurricane Lowell: Hawaii is bracing as Lowell nears the islands. Kauaʻi and Niʻihau are under hurricane warning, while Oʻahu remains under a tropical storm warning. Honolulu urged residents to finish preparations, secure outdoor items, charge devices, and stay weather-aware as tropical-storm conditions could hit Oʻahu later today or tonight. Kauaʻi closures: Gov. Josh Green ordered state and Kauaʻi County offices, DOE public schools, Kauaʻi Community College, and Judiciary facilities on Kauaʻi to close Tuesday, with essential services continuing. Local guidance: Kauaʻi Mayor Derek Kawakami held a press conference on preparations and public safety steps. Road safety: Officials warned of damaging winds, flash flooding, and hazardous surf/rip currents. Community & culture: LTSC’s Okaeri became the first LGBTQ+ group to march in Little Tokyo’s Nisei Week Grand Parade. Business opening: Grease Monkey Drive-In opened in Tamuning with limited hours while staffing and ordering systems are set up. Education outcomes: UH Hilo reported a 60.8% six-year bachelor completion rate for Asian students in 2024.

Hurricane Lowell Watch: Hawaii is bracing as Lowell, a Category 3 storm with 120 mph winds, tracks north and is expected to brush Kauaʻi and Niʻihau late Monday into Monday night, with a Hurricane Watch for Kauaʻi County, a Flood Watch statewide through Tuesday, and dangerous surf and heavy rain possible. Local Public Safety: Kauaʻi officials are urging preparation as conditions worsen, with warnings of flash flooding and coastal flooding tied to high tides. Native Hawaiian Legal Fight: A Kauaʻi resident at the center of a blood-quantum housing dispute is now part of a broader conservative push targeting Native Hawaiian programs, arguing the rules are being challenged in court and federal policy. UH & Tech Education: UH launched an open-access “AI for Hawaiʻi” course to teach practical, ethical AI skills for residents and the workforce. Police Tech: HPD released footage of its first drone-assisted arrest, helping track suspects tied to a crime spree and car break-ins. Sports: UH fell to UNLV 21-6 in the Island Showdown, while Hawaii Prep routed Kohala 28-7 for its first win of 2026.

Hurricane Lowell: Hawaii is in emergency mode as Lowell nears, with a Tropical Storm Warning for Kauaʻi and Niʻihau and a Hurricane Warning for the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument; heavy rain, flash flooding risk on Hawaiʻi Island, and dangerous surf are expected as the storm tracks just west of the islands. Local Preparedness: Kauaʻi County will brief residents Sunday on refuge options and response plans, with shelters identified but not yet open. Public Safety: A 31-year-old motorcyclist is in critical condition after rear-ending a stalled car on eastbound H-1 near Waimalu; police are investigating. Violent Crime: Seattle police report a woman died after a shooting in Belltown early Sunday; the suspect fled. Community & Culture: Kauaʻi’s Filipino labor history event marks the Hanapēpē Massacre anniversary and spotlights Pablo Manlapit’s organizing work. Education: UH-West Oʻahu reports a 47.4% six-year bachelor completion rate for students of two or more races by 2024. Health & Safety: An 88-year-old snorkeler died off Ko Olina, the second fatal snorkeling incident there in 11 days. Policy: Rep. Jill Tokuda pushes “REH 2.0” to help rural hospitals keep maternity and emergency services open.

Hurricane Lowell: Kauaʻi braces as the storm nears with a tropical storm watch for Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, a hurricane watch for the Papahānaumokuakea Marine National Monument, flood watch statewide, and major event cancellations including the Kauai Marathon/Half Marathon. Power & water impacts: KIUC crews trim trees and warn outages could last hours to days; on Hawaiʻi Island, about 60 customers still lack water in the Naalehu–Waiohinu area after Hurricane Lala, with repairs focused on the Mountain House Spring transmission line. Local health care strain: Oʻahu patients report frustration over doctor shortages, as a new Mililani Clinic & Urgent Care opens but primary-care doctors aren’t taking new patients. AI in Hawaii education: UH launches a free “Artificial Intelligence for Hawai‘i” course with local examples and ethics, plus a Windward push to ban AI data centers is deferred to October. Politics & voting: A column warns disruption of mail balloting could silence Hawaii voters amid a Supreme Court fight over mail voting rules. Sports: UNLV beats Hawaiʻi 21-6 in the Island Showdown; Hawaii Hilo volleyball sweeps its matches at the Hawaii Challenge.