AGP Executive Report

Local Governance: Gov. Josh Green signed a statewide ban on passenger and cargo ropeways, a direct rebuke to the controversial North Shore Kamananui Ranch gondola project and a broader “Pandora’s box” warning for future development. Education & Workforce: Hawaii DOE is welcoming a record 237 J-1 visa teachers, bringing the program to more than 600 international educators as vacancies drop below 100 statewide. Economy & Community: Hawaii becomes the first state to guarantee funded, tax-advantaged savings accounts for eligible foster children, pairing federal seed money with state and philanthropic support. Culture & July 4: Honolulu and communities across the islands mark America’s 250th with parades, fireworks and events, while many Native Hawaiians also center resistance and ‘Ilau Ka Hula at Bishop Museum. Public Safety & Weather: Residents in the U.S. Pacific territories brace for Super Typhoon Bavi after April’s Sinlaku recovery struggles. Science & Environment: UH says Maunakea’s UKIRT telescope will end operations Sept. 15 and be decommissioned by 2030. Sports & Local Pride: Visually impaired runner Marri Murdoch tackles the Kona Marathon with guide Eric Helms.

Foster Care Savings: Gov. Josh Green announced Hawaii will be the first state to guarantee every eligible foster child (newborns through age 17) a funded, tax-advantaged savings and investment account under the “Fostering the Future” program, using federal seed money plus support from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and Ed Freedman’s Stable Road Foundation. Lahaina Recovery: Maui County and the Hawaiian Council unveiled plans for ‘Ulu o Lele, a new Front Street outdoor marketplace meant to bring back storefronts and programming after the 2023 wildfire, with 17 retail units, food trucks, and nightly entertainment. Hawai‘i America250 Prep: Honolulu police issued Waikiki road-closure updates for Saturday’s Hawai’i America250 celebration at Kapiolani Park and the fireworks show. Kīlauea Update: USGS Volcano Watch marked Kīlauea’s 50th lava-fountaining episode at Halemaʻumaʻu, including a 1,030-foot fountain on June 27. Maui Fireworks Safety: HIEMA urged residents to follow fire-safety guidance for the July 4 weekend and dry-season conditions.

Honolulu Police Leadership: David Lazar was sworn in as Honolulu’s 13th police chief, pledging to rebuild trust inside HPD and with the community. Public Safety—Fireworks: A Waipahu man, Jeremy Calizo, was sentenced after pleading no contest to homemade explosive-device charges tied to a 2024 incident; the judge deferred acceptance of the plea for four years with community service. Local Services—DMV Now: Honolulu County says DMV Now kiosks can handle late registration renewals up to 10 months after expiration, but you can’t use a kiosk if your notice shows outstanding traffic violations or a needed safety inspection. Hawaii Politics: The Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission filed a civil complaint against Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke’s campaign alleging 251 campaign-finance violations and seeking a $28,300 fine. Community & Culture: The city plans Hawai‘i America250 celebrations honoring O‘ahu’s history and diversity, including events tied to the 250th anniversary. Disaster Watch: Residents in U.S. Pacific territories are bracing for possible super typhoon impacts as Typhoon Bavi approaches the Marianas.

Honolulu Public Safety: David Lazar was sworn in as the Honolulu Police Department’s 13th chief, pledging more community trust, transparency, and a recruitment push to address more than 460 vacancies. UH & Maunakea: UH will end science operations at the UKIRT telescope on Maunakea in September as part of broader decommissioning plans. Local Governance & Accountability: The UH Board of Regents elected Lauren Akitake as chair for 2026–27 and welcomed five new regents, reshaping leadership for the 10-campus system. Fireworks & Wildfire Readiness: Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency and Maui Fire Department are urging strict July 4 fire safety, including legal fireworks hours and warnings about wildfire risk. Military & Community Ties: The USS Theodore Roosevelt hosted an international helicopter exchange at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam as part of RIMPAC 26, with sailors volunteering in local cleanups. Volcano Watch: Kīlauea’s summit eruption is paused, but scientists say deflation is adding uncertainty to when the next episode may begin.

Tourism Watch: Hawaii visitors are cutting trips short again, with May stays averaging 7.6 days—the shortest since 2019—raising concerns about slower growth for the tourism-driven economy. Public Safety & Community: Oahu’s Operation Shine the Light VII recovered 14 endangered, missing children in the biggest recovery effort in the operation’s history. Local Infrastructure: A $10 million Safe Route to Waiakea Schools project starts Monday on Kilauea Avenue, adding sidewalks, drainage work and curb ramps with weekday lane closures through 2027. Harbor Repairs: Long-awaited Laupahoehoe Small Boat Harbor breakwater repairs are moving ahead, with an upcoming public meeting on design proposals. Sports & Youth: Keauhou Canoe Club named Melina Kaupiko the Mary MacCheyne Humanitarian Achievement Scholarship, backing her path to archaeology studies. Permitting Update: Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting launched Priority Review to fast-track eligible building permits using its CivCheck screening tool.

PGA Tour Champions in Hawaii: Sony Championship is coming back to Waialae Country Club next year, with the event set for Jan. 14–16 and a $3 million purse, keeping the long-running charity partnership that has raised more than $27 million for Hawaii nonprofits since 1999. Coastal cleanup: Hawaiʻi marked World Ocean Day with a statewide coastal kuleana cleanup, reporting 6,074+ pounds of marine debris removed and 900+ volunteers across 19 groups. Moana casting spotlight: Catherine Laga‘aia, a 19-year-old Samoan Australian, made an emotional debut as Disney’s live-action Moana title star after a global search of 32,000 hopefuls. Public safety: A knife was found hidden in a prosthetic leg at Honolulu Airport during TSA screening, and police also reported an 18-year-old motorcyclist died in a Kapolei crash. Courts and community: Hawaii juror pay rises from $30 to $50 per day for the first time since 1989. Local government: Maui Mayor Richard Bissen advanced a $6 million proposal to buy Launiupoko and Olowalu water assets for public trust, aiming to expand stewardship and support housing. Missing children: Operation Shine the Light VII ended with 14 endangered minors recovered on Oʻahu.

Egg Price-Fixing Settlement: Hawaii is among states in a multistate DOJ deal forcing major egg producers to stop illegal coordination, pay $3.3 million, and donate 53 million eggs nationwide—about 2 million headed to food banks and community groups in participating states. Hawaiian Airlines & oneworld: Hawaiian Airlines unveiled a special oneworld-themed Airbus A330 livery in Honolulu as it marks its alliance entry, pairing the “Aloha a puni ka honua” message with the airline’s signature Pualani tail. Wildfire Preparedness: Hawaii’s statewide Wildfire LOOKOUT! campaign launched with officials warning that wet-season growth can raise fire risk, urging residents to prepare now. Tourism Pressure Point: New state data shows visitors are staying fewer days—7.6 in May, the shortest since 2019—raising concerns about long-term impacts on Hawaii’s tourism-driven economy. Local Governance: Hawaii County’s planning commission deferred a bill that would overhaul vacation rental rules after residents packed the meeting and voiced strong opposition. UH Leadership: UH-Manoa named Vassilis Syrmos as chancellor, setting a new leadership chapter for the flagship campus. Gun Law Fallout: Supreme Court rulings continue reshaping where guns are allowed in Hawaiʻi, with the latest coverage focusing on the “vampire rule” and related carry restrictions.

Kailua Road Rage Case: Police downgraded an alleged road rage shooting to terroristic threatening after a 56-year-old man was arrested and charged; bail was set at $50,000, and the investigation is ongoing. Pearl City Fire Hero: An off-duty HPD officer helped evacuate neighbors during a Pearl City house fire and is being recognized for quick action. O‘ahu Holiday Operations: City offices will close July 3 for Independence Day, with emergency services running, TheBus on a Sunday schedule, and details on parks, refuse, and parking rules. Kauai 4th of July Schedule: Kauai County outlined which offices and services are closed July 3-4, including pools, landfill and recycling sites, while refuse pickup stays on schedule. Makaha Shark Warning: Lifeguards posted signs after a shark was spotted about 150 yards offshore; no injuries reported. Gun Rights Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear challenges to AR-15-style assault weapons bans, a decision that could ripple across states and major cities. Medicaid Fraud Funding: HHS suspended federal funding for New York’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, citing poor performance. Local Permitting Tech: Honolulu’s DPP launched Priority Review to speed permitting for applicants using its CivCheck AI-guided software. Public Safety Crash: A 33-year-old e-motorcyclist is in critical condition after a collision in Kaimuki. Ahi Labeling: Hawaii’s ahi country-of-origin labeling law takes effect July 1.

Energy & Utilities: Ahi labeling rules kick in July 1, requiring country-of-origin labels for raw processed ʻahi at covered retailers, while Hawaiian Electric continues working on flickering power complaints in Hawaii Kai and Windward Oʻahu with no firm fix date. Public Safety & Courts: Hawaii Attorney General announced a multistate egg price-fixing settlement, with companies paying $3.3 million and donating eggs to food banks, and a separate case moves forward for a Honolulu man on probation accused of robbing an illegal game room. Local Governance & Infrastructure: HART’s board adopted a $1.07B budget for Skyline rail construction, and Maunakea Access Road proposals include ideas like a toll booth and cultural center as DHHL weighs options. Housing & Policy: Gov. Josh Green says he may veto a $50M “rainy day” fund deposit, and UH Hilo is launching new AI-focused offerings. Community & Culture: Kailua’s 77th Fourth of July parade returns, and a new Hānai Hawaiian BBQ pop-up story highlights how local-style plates are spreading beyond the islands.

Road Rage Violence: Honolulu police say a 56-year-old man was arrested for first-degree attempted murder after a Kailua road rage shooting in which a suspect displayed a handgun and fired at a vehicle; no injuries were reported and the investigation is ongoing. Food Aid Fraud Case: A former Honolulu employee, Dexter Kishida, pleaded not guilty to charges tied to an alleged $800,000 Hawaii Foodbank scheme during the pandemic, with prosecutors saying he used a bogus purchase order and fabricated emails; court is set to continue in August. Local Safety & Fire: Honolulu firefighters responded to a Manoa house fire Monday morning; officials say crews had it under control and details on injuries or cause are still pending. July 4 Planning: Kailua’s Fourth of July fireworks return with free shuttle service from 4:30 to 10:30 p.m., with the show starting at 8 p.m. State Services: Hawaii is redesigning driver’s licenses and ID cards for the first time since 2009, adding new security features and updated artwork. Community & Culture: Mothers Against Drunk Driving Hawai‘i honored law enforcement and community leaders, including a Maui Police Sgt. Stephen Kelly lifetime award and an HPD rookie award.

Hawaiʻi Politics & Governance: Gov. Josh Green will lead the Western Governors’ Association as chair, launching a “Health Beyond Healthcare” mental-health initiative while Lt. Gov. Keith Regan serves as acting governor during his Utah trip. Hawaiʻi Public Safety & Infrastructure: Hawaii Emergency Management Agency is set to roll out a $4 million pilot for residential hurricane retrofits funded by the Green Fee, prioritizing wind hardening for vulnerable homeowners. Local Land Use: Honolulu City Council’s Zoning and Planning Committee advanced Bill 37 tied to a proposed Haleiwa Backyards development, moving a key zoning change that would reclassify 7.29 acres from agricultural to urban. Environment & Community: A documentary, “Lahaina Rising,” screened at a Wailuku film festival, spotlighting uneven wildfire recovery and ongoing rebuilding challenges. Sports & Culture: Outrigger Kaua‘i Beach Resort and Spa reopened with a new Ocean House by Roy Yamaguchi, while paddlers competed in the Puna Canoe Club’s 6th island regatta of 2026.

RIMPAC in Hawaii: The Rim of the Pacific Exercise is ramping up with multinational drills and community access, including USS Theodore Roosevelt open-ship tours and an international helicopter warfighter exchange at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Wildlife & safety: A new University of Hawaiʻi study says vehicle collisions are the leading cause of documented pueo deaths, with trauma accounting for most fatalities—urging drivers to stay alert during peak owl activity. North Shore recovery: A new 90-day shuttle pilot, North Shore Huakai, launches June 29 to bring visitors and kamaʻāina to Haleʻiwa and Waialua and support local businesses after the March Kona Low storms. Crime updates: Honolulu police arrested a 26-year-old man accused in a Kalihi stabbing that left a victim severely injured. Road danger: A 17-year-old motorcyclist was critically hurt in a Moiliili hit-and-run; police say the driver fled after checking on the teen. Local climate tool: UH’s new monthly, personalized climate summaries will deliver neighborhood-level rainfall, temperature, and drought updates to inboxes. Hawaiʻi politics: The Hawaii Elections Commission chair vote has stalled, raising questions about who can legally lead the panel.

Local Crime & Courts: A former Honolulu city employee was arrested over an alleged $800,000 Hawai‘i Foodbank fraud scheme tied to claimed federal pandemic reimbursements. Public Safety: Hawaii’s updated driver’s license/ID design is rolling out soon with TSA-compatible security features, but exact timing for Honolulu appointments remains unclear. Volcano Watch: Kīlauea’s Episode 50 eruption hit about 1,000 feet of lava fountains and then ended after roughly seven hours, with ongoing monitoring and visitor guidance. Tourism & Traffic: North Shore Huaka‘i launches as a 90-day shuttle pilot to help Hale‘iwa and Waialua businesses recover after March’s Kona-low storms and access problems. State Policy: A bill would ban new paid parking lots on Hawai‘i Island, arguing they worsen congestion and land-use goals. Sports & Community: UH sports will reach a wider audience under a new TV rights deal with Hawaii News Now controlling telecasts for the next four years.

Kīlauea Update: Episode 50 of Kīlauea’s episodic summit eruption is underway at Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, with lava fountaining already around 100 feet and expected to climb above 600 feet soon; officials warn visitors to stay out of closed areas, watch for vog/tephra, and keep away from unstable cliff edges. Governor’s Role: Gov. Josh Green will chair the Western Governors’ Association, launching his “Health Beyond Healthcare” mental health initiative while Acting Lt. Gov. Keith Regan serves as acting governor. Public Safety: Honolulu police are investigating an attempted robbery in Mokuleia where two men approached a 43-year-old at gunpoint; one suspect assaulted the victim and the pair fled. Traffic/Crash: A motorcyclist was seriously injured in an H-1 crash near Palama Street early Saturday. Community & Culture: OUTRIGGER’s 10th annual Zone Day returns to Waikiki Aquarium with free ocean conservation activities and Genki Balls for the Ala Wai Canal. Local Giving: Hawaiʻi Community Foundation marks 25 years in Waimea with $500,000 in Richard Smart Fund grants supporting 29 programs.

U.S. Supreme Court Gun Ruling: The Court struck down Hawaii’s “vampire rule,” saying gun owners can’t be forced to get permission before carrying onto private property open to the public, and Hawaii’s AG is reviewing the decision. Local Crime: Honolulu police arrested a 26-year-old man in a Kalihi stabbing that left a 24-year-old in critical condition; investigators say an argument escalated before the suspect fled by car. Anti-Trafficking Enforcement: HPD shut down brothels in Aiea and Pearl City, seizing cash and evidence while offering services to alleged sex workers. Local Environment & Cleanup: The city launched a webpage tracking restoration of the Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park debris site after March Kona-low storms. Health Access: Shriners Children’s Hawaii filled its Guam outreach clinic slots for July 8-11, with families urged to use future telehealth or waitlists. Sports & Community: UH Hilo athletics is set for an $11.6M renovation, and Hawaii’s Little League team advanced to the championship after a 5-1 win over Tennessee.

U.S. Supreme Court Gun Ruling: The court struck down Hawaii’s “vampire rule,” ending the state’s requirement that gun owners get permission to carry firearms onto private property open to the public, a major Second Amendment win that also affects similar California rules. Hawaiʻi Legal Watch: Hawaii Supreme Court allowed a Maui Lani grading-permit challenge to move forward on “good cause,” reinforcing protections tied to ancestral burial sites. Kīlauea Update: USGS raised Kīlauea’s status to WATCH and the Aviation Color Code to ORANGE as Episode 50 is likely today, with possible ash/tephra downwind. Local Travel Disruptions: An excavator hit the Aala Street overpass, briefly shutting H-1 westbound lanes before reopening. Holiday Fireworks: Honolulu announced July 4 fireworks plans and a temporary closure of Pu‘uloa Beach Park to deter illegal fireworks. Electric Aviation in Hawaiʻi: BETA Technologies and Surf Air Mobility launched a six-to-eight-week electric aircraft demo with Hawaiian Airlines support, aimed at future cargo and interisland service. Molokai Access: Kalaupapa National Historical Park will offer guided public tours starting July 9. Public Safety: Police arrested a Honokaa man accused of using Snapchat to entice a 14-year-old.