AGP Executive Report

Hurricane Lala Recovery: Gov. Josh Green and Mayor Kimo Alameda toured Kaʻū after the storm, where a 90-year-old woman was found dead in floodwaters; officials say the damage is worse from flooding and mud than wind, and residents are still dealing with outages and disrupted access as crews clear debris and restore services. Power and Daily Life: Thousands remain without electricity, with families relying on generators and traveling for basic needs like food, ice, and cell service while officials warn some rural areas could face weeks-long restoration. Bridges and Access: After initial fears that six bridges were destroyed, county and state leaders say the bridges appear structurally sound, though engineering checks are still needed to prevent long-term isolation. State Response: The Hawaiʻi Joint Information Center has wrapped up its Lala media operations, directing future updates to county and state public information offices. Education Updates: HIDOE says most public schools will reopen Tuesday, but Hawaiʻi Island schools will stay closed to students while staff report for ongoing safety work. Local Community: OHA’s board approved an emergency relief fund for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries, with initial priority for Kaʻū. Sports: Rainbow Wahine volleyball coach Joshua Walker’s era began with a sweep over Chaminade. Public Safety Debate: Honolulu is considering fines and jail for people using shopping carts outside store premises, reigniting concerns about criminalizing homelessness.

Storm Recovery: Tropical Storm Lala has moved away, but Hawaiʻi is still dealing with major damage and outages. Hawaiian Electric says about 117,300 customers remain without power statewide as of 7 a.m. Monday, with the biggest gaps on Oʻahu (about 71,600) and Hawaiʻi Island (about 39,400); crews restored power overnight to nearly 55,000 customers in parts of East Honolulu, Mililani and Windward, while rural areas could face weeks-long restoration. Local Impacts: On the Big Island, Kaʻū Hospital in Pāhala was cut off by Highway 11 washouts; officials say emergency repairs are for first responders only as debris is cleared and bridges are assessed. Earthquake Update: A 4.1 quake near Hōnaunau-Nāpōʻopoʻo is likely an aftershock of a May event, with no expected damage. Community & Education: UH community colleges earned a top-11 national ranking from WalletHub. Business & Energy: HECO restoration continues as SunSource Power promotes “Solar for All” to reduce upfront barriers for homeowners. Culture: Moana star Auliʻi Cravalho joins documentary series “The Story of Everything” as narrator.

Hurricane Lala Aftermath: The storm skirted Hawaii’s Big Island as a Category 1 system, but recovery is underway with widespread damage, road closures, and major power outages—HECO reported about 178,400 customers without electricity Sunday afternoon, with rural areas facing weeks-long restoration in some spots. Local Government Closures: Gov. Josh Green and county mayors ordered state offices, public schools, and state courthouses closed Monday, Aug. 17, while Honolulu and other county services will shut down except for essential disaster-response staff. County Response (Maui): Upcountry Maui residents facing extended outages can use a charging-station shelter with WiFi at Eddie Tam Memorial Center starting 7 p.m. Sunday. Environment & Wildlife: DLNR’s proposed cat-management rule changes are sparking debate, while advocates say Hawaii County’s CRB enforcement push is still falling short on the state level. Energy & Science: Hawaiian Electric says nearly 3,500 rooftop solar systems were added statewide in the first half of 2026, and a Hawaii student’s coconut-husk fungi project may help break down microplastics. Politics & Elections: Federal “illegal voting” cases in Hawaiʻi have emerged from two Maui noncitizen voting allegations, and a new analysis finds PAC spending often translates into primary wins.

Hurricane Lala Aftermath: Lala has weakened to a tropical storm after a Category 1 pass near Hawaii Island, but dangerous flooding and gusty winds are still hitting the islands, with at least one death reported and widespread damage including downed trees, flooded roads, and homes swept from foundations in Na‘alehu and Wai‘ohinu. Power and Travel Disruptions: Hawaiian Electric says more than 200,000 customers were without power statewide, with outages expected to last weeks in hard-hit rural areas; O‘ahu and other areas saw road closures, and the Star-Advertiser print edition faced delayed or halted deliveries. Local Response: Mayor Rick Blangiardi is set to brief residents on O‘ahu’s response and recovery as the storm moves away, while Honolulu and other city agencies report ongoing incident response and shelter guidance. Weather Oddity: Snow was reported on the summit of Mauna Kea as Lala’s moisture and elevation effects combined.

Hurricane Lala Aftermath: Lala skirted Hawaii’s Big Island without landfall, but still brought hurricane-force winds, torrential rain, flash-flood danger, and widespread outages; Gov. Josh Green said at least one person died in a storm-related car crash, and Hawaii County reported homes swept away and major flooding as power outages hit tens of thousands. O‘ahu Preparedness: Honolulu opened eight hurricane refuge areas, urged residents to stay sheltered as conditions worsen overnight, and temporarily suspended TheBus service; officials also warned of heavy rain, flash flooding, and dangerous surf. Power & Grid Response: Hawaiian Electric reported storm-related disconnections and “load shed” risk on the Big Island, with more than 88,000 customers impacted statewide as crews work through downed poles and damaged lines. Local Disruption: In Waikiki, falling debris forced a closure of Kalakaua Avenue near the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani. Community & Accountability: A Kokua Line question on months-long flickering lights in Hawaii Kai pushed the PUC to seek details from Hawaiian Electric, while residents were told to report each occurrence. Sports: Sierra Canyon rallied to beat ‘Iolani for the Ann Kang Invitational title, and Hawaii Kai won the Cal Ripken 11U World Series.

Hurricane Lala Update: Lala has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane and is slowing while turning northwest as it begins interacting with Hawaiʻi Island. A hurricane warning remains for Hawaiʻi County, with damaging winds, heavy rain, and a major flooding/mudslide threat focused on the Big Island’s higher terrain. Power & Outages: Hawaiian Electric crews are responding to storm-related outages, with about 18,700 customers without power statewide as of late morning—especially across Hilo, Kohala, Hamakua, and Puna—while restoration work continues as conditions allow. Shelters & Preparedness: Honolulu opened eight hurricane refuge areas (pet-friendly) as Lala nears, urging residents and visitors to avoid shorelines and waterways and shelter safely. Local Crime: In Nanakuli, police arrested a 40-year-old man for Burglary in the First Degree after an alleged home invasion and assault. Elsewhere: A California teen accused of kicking a protected sea lion at a San Diego beach has pleaded guilty and faces sentencing in October.

Tropical Storm Lala: Hawaii is bracing for a rare hurricane threat as Lala is expected to strengthen before reaching the Big Island, with a hurricane warning issued there and tropical storm warnings for Maui County; forecasters warn of damaging winds, heavy rain that could reach life-threatening flooding, and dangerous surf, with shelters opening and events already being canceled. Emergency response: The state says it has mobilized resources ahead of the storm, while Hawaiian Electric is preparing for possible outages and a potential Public Safety Power Shutoff, and the Coast Guard is shutting down ports as conditions worsen. Local preparations: Maui Mayor Richard Bissen says county departments are ready and drains are cleared, and Honolulu is opening eight hurricane refuge areas Saturday while urging residents to prepare now. Health update: The Department of Health confirmed a fifth cyclosporiasis case in Hawaii, with the public risk described as low. East Maui water: BLNR blocked a long-term East Maui water license path for Mahi Pono and moved toward a contested case hearing. Courts: Jurors are being ordered back in the Maui doctor case after questions raised about possible jury tampering and outside influence.

Tropical Storm Lala: Hawaii is bracing for major impacts this weekend, with a hurricane warning for the Big Island and tropical storm warnings for Maui County as Lala is expected to strengthen before arrival. Officials warn that even without a direct hit, heavy rain, dangerous surf, and strong winds can still cause flooding and other hazards, with shelters opening and events canceled. Emergency Response: State and Honolulu officials have activated storm communication and operations hubs to coordinate first responders and keep the public updated as watches and warnings expand. Wildlife Protections: The state is seeking public input on proposed rules to better protect endangered, threatened, and indigenous wildlife, including stricter limits on feeding and releasing wildlife on state lands—though some animal advocates say the language could be too loose and ineffective. Local Education: Teach For America Hawaiʻi highlights Justin Brown, a Kealakehe High School CTE director recognized for expanding opportunities for students. Sports & Community: Hawaii’s Mariel Galdiano leads after a strong opening round at the Portland Classic, while Hawaii twins Maya and Maria Manzo are among more than 1,100 freshmen moving into Creighton University. Public Safety & Health: Consumers are being reminded to review insurance ahead of inclement weather as Lala approaches.

Tropical Weather Emergency: Gov. Josh Green declared a state of emergency as Tropical Storm Lala strengthens toward a possible hurricane landfall on Hawaiʻi Island, with a hurricane warning issued for the Big Island and a tropical storm watch for Maui; forecasters warn of heavy rain (up to 25 inches in worst areas), damaging winds, dangerous surf, and flooding risk across the islands. Local Storm Response: Hawaii County is taking applications for a new Civil Defense administrator after Talmadge Magno’s retirement, with Bill Brilhante serving as acting administrator while EMS and community groups prepare shelters and outreach. Courts & City Hall: The Hawaii Supreme Court agreed to expedite former Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters’ eligibility appeal, setting an accelerated briefing schedule and oral arguments later this month. Public Safety & Health: Hawaiʻi’s DCCA Insurance Division urged residents to review coverage now and prepare claim documentation, noting most policies don’t cover flood damage. Community & Culture: Punahou opened the Mary Kawena Pukui Learning Commons, a new 53,300-square-foot center blending archives, classrooms, tech spaces, and Hawaiian culture. Sports: UH women’s volleyball canceled a Big Island exhibition and clinic due to Lala, while UH men’s basketball released its inaugural Mountain West schedule.

Tropical Storm Lala Emergency: Gov. Josh Green signed an emergency proclamation as Lala nears Hawaiʻi at near-hurricane strength, with hurricane watch/tropical storm warnings for Hawaiʻi Island and threats of heavy rain, flash flooding, strong winds and dangerous surf starting as early as Friday. City Storm Prep: Honolulu moved into final preparations, urging residents to finish storm readiness and watch official updates as hazardous conditions could extend beyond the storm’s center. Ocean Safety: Lifeguards warned of elevated south swell and dangerous surf around Oʻahu, with rescues and preventative actions already ramping up and more swells expected from Lala. Local Housing Input: Hawaiʻi County is holding public hearings for its 2027 housing action plan, inviting residents to shape how HUD funds are spent. State Lands Return: The Navy is starting the process to return nearly 44 acres to Hawaiʻi, including Kalaeloa and a Molokaʻi training support facility. Business & Community: DBEDT will return as official sponsor of the Made in Hawaiʻi Festival, highlighting nearly 30 local businesses. Sports: UH men’s basketball released its inaugural Mountain West schedule for 2026-27. Health Policy: West Coast Health Alliance reaffirmed evidence-based immunization guidance despite a White House executive order. Legal Fight Over Driver Data: A coalition of attorneys general sued to block the Trump administration from demanding CDL records with sensitive personal information.

Tropical Storm Lala Watch: Hawaii is bracing as Potential Tropical Cyclone One-C strengthens and is expected to become Tropical Storm Lala, with forecasts calling for 5–10 inches of rain (up to 20 inches), flash flooding risk, and rough surf starting Friday into the weekend. Local Safety Planning: Honolulu and Oahu officials are urging residents to finalize storm prep, while the city is also rolling out safer-streets traffic changes for high-crash corridors like Wilder Avenue and upper Pi‘ikoi. Aquarium Fishing Fight: Honolulu City Council passed resolutions urging the state DLNR to ban aquarium fishing and the Legislature to ban it statewide, following similar county actions. UH Athletics Fundraising: UH launched the “Shoji Society,” a major-giving donor component named for volleyball legend Dave Shoji, with charter members committing $1M+ each. UH Sports Start: UH women’s soccer opens its season with a new conference and a roster heavy with local talent. RIMPAC Tech: The U.S. Navy and Lockheed Martin tested an AI sonar system (SensorMAX) on Seahawk helicopters during RIMPAC 2026 near Hawaii. Community & Culture: A Hilo community meeting is gathering ideas to revitalize Banyan Drive, while a Kupuna will perform a tribute song at the Kōlea Bird Festival.

Tropical Weather Watch: Hawaii is bracing for Potential Tropical Cyclone One-C (possible Tropical Storm Lala) after it strengthened in the central North Pacific, with forecasters warning of strong winds, heavy rain, flooding, mudslides, and dangerous surf later this week. Local Public Safety: Hawaii Island police charged 64-year-old Timothy Efird in two alleged sexual assaults, with investigators saying incidents occurred in Kailua-Kona and Waikoloa. Consumer Protection: A new Hawaii law banning cash deposits at crypto ATMs/kiosks takes effect Oct. 1, aiming to curb scams that lure victims into withdrawing cash for criminals. City Services: Honolulu marked completion of Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant secondary treatment upgrades, boosting ocean and beach protection. Business & Travel: American Airlines is changing complimentary upgrade rules for AAdvantage members on the longest domestic and Hawaii routes, shifting standard Main Cabin upgrades into Premium Economy first. Retail & Community: Ala Moana Center is welcoming new tenants, including POP MART’s first Hawaii store and a large Kids City Adventure indoor playground. Sports/Leisure: David McLay Kidd is reimagining Oahu’s North Shore Club golf course with a phased Arnold Palmer course renovation starting late 2026. Arts & Science: Astronomers say they found a new “black hole star” type that may help explain mysterious “little red dots” seen in the early universe.

O‘ahu Environment: The City celebrated completion of the Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant Secondary Treatment Phase One, adding UV disinfection and better filtration to help keep beaches and the ocean cleaner. Maui Recovery Watch: A new UHERO report says housing progress is real three years after the wildfires, with about two-thirds of affected households now in permanent homes, but jobs and incomes still lag. Maui Justice: Two brothers from Kihei pleaded not guilty to alleged labor trafficking of a man from Guatemala; a bail hearing is set for Thursday after a Maui grand jury indictment. Local Courts: Five of seven ICA judges recused themselves from Honolulu Council Chair Tommy Waters’ appeal over his city eligibility ruling, leaving more judges to be brought in. Tourism & Culture: Hawaiian Council bought Sea Life Park Hawai‘i, placing it under Native Hawaiian stewardship while promising no planned layoffs and continued reservations. Public Safety: Firefighters battled two wildfires near DKI in South Kohala; DKI was closed in both directions between Old Saddle Road and Hwy. 190. Weather & Alerts: Forecasters are tracking a potential tropical system for this weekend, with wind, rain and surf impacts possible depending on the track. Sports: UH football camp continues with receivers stepping up after Ashlock’s injury uncertainty; Rainbow Wahine soccer moved home matches to a new on-campus field.

Tropical Weather Watch: The National Hurricane Center is tracking a low pressure system east-southeast of Hawaiʻi (CP93) with a 70% chance of forming in 48 hours and 90% within a week, and forecasters warn of possible high winds, heavy rain, large surf, and even fire-weather impacts—Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi County officials say to prepare now. Local Housing Help for Kūpuna: The Hawaiian Council is urging eligible kūpuna on the DHHL wait list to apply for the DHHL Kūpuna Rental Subsidy Program, offering monthly rent support while they wait for a lease. Oʻahu Community & Parks: Honolulu’s Parks & Recreation is opening fall registration for hundreds of free and low-cost activities in city parks and gardens, with sign-ups starting Aug. 15. Honolulu Economy: The Honolulu Office of Economic Revitalization is shutting down this Friday after City Council funding cuts, drawing sharp criticism from Mayor Rick Blangiardi. Maui Justice: Maui police arrested two brothers and they were indicted for alleged labor trafficking of a man from Guatemala, with charges including first-degree labor trafficking and extortion. Crime Update (Oʻahu): A stolen box truck crashed into three parked vehicles and a wall in Moanalua; the driver fled, and a suspect was later arrested. OHA Election: Oʻahu voters largely set the order for the OHA at-large primary race, with six candidates advancing to the November general election.

Renewable Energy & Grid Planning: The state Public Utilities Commission approved another round of Hawaiian Electric renewable projects, with proposals due by late January and expected selections in September 2027; projects aim to add about 1,650 gigawatt-hours of variable renewables plus grid-forming and firm power starting 2031–2034. Public Safety—Fentanyl Response: A Hawaii County Council committee advanced measures to help fight fentanyl overdoses, including portable fentanyl-detection devices for HPD and naloxone distribution boxes at county buildings in Hilo and Kona. Maui Police Corruption Case: Maui Police disbanded its Criminal Intelligence Unit after its commander was charged in a federal corruption probe tied to alleged bribes and illegal activity. Elections—Close GOP Races: Two Republican primary races headed for recount after razor-thin margins, underscoring how a handful of votes can flip outcomes. Local Judiciary Info: The Judiciary says voting isn’t required to be summoned for jury duty; questionnaires are mailed statewide on a schedule, and official notices come by U.S. mail to avoid scams. Sports & Community: UH volleyball tickets are on sale for the Aug. 28 season opener, and Big Island trails are set for upgrades as DLNR partners with Kupu on sustainable trail standards.

Defense & Tech: Firestorm Labs says it 3D-printed drone components aboard the USS Essex at sea, assembling 12 Squall drones that were later used in a counter-drone exercise during RIMPAC 2026. Maui Recovery: Lahaina marks the three-year anniversary of the Aug. 8 wildfires, with residents and a local church describing how community ties and faith helped them rebuild. Local Safety: Honolulu police report a Waipahu 7-Eleven moped robbery early Monday; a 62-year-old was struck with a weapon and the suspects fled westbound. Hawaiʻi Civic Duty: The Hawaiʻi State Judiciary will mail juror questionnaires starting Aug. 14 for potential 2027 service, with about 333,400 statewide sent. Sports & Community: The Fort McMurray Giants set a Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people wearing Aloha shirts in one venue. Climate & Science: The National Academy of Sciences removed a climate-science chapter from a judicial evidence manual after backlash over how climate attribution was treated.