AGP Executive Report

Wildfire Readiness: Hawaiʻi National Guard launched Operation Hoʻopauahi 2026 to keep Army aviation crews ready for aerial firefighting across the islands. Water & Infrastructure: Emergency repairs at a Hawaiian Ocean View Estates well mean public spigots are for essential use only, with water hauling in place. Mental Health Capacity: Hawaiʻi State Hospital says decompression efforts have enabled the most civil commitments in over 10 years. Electric Grid Oversight: Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission pushed its liability cap rulemaking comment deadline to June 30. Maui Airport Planning: HIDOT will hold a June 25 public meeting on the long-term reconstruction of Kahului Airport Runway 2-20. Ocean Safety: Lifeguards logged 276 rescues during Oʻahu high surf warning conditions, including help for a capsized vessel. Volcano Update: Kīlauea’s Episode 49 ended after about 7.5 hours of lava fountaining, with ashfall guidance tied to shifting winds. Honolulu Crime: HPD investigated two separate Sunday morning shootings, including one that later died.

Wildfire preparedness: Guam is hosting specialized wildfire training with Hawaii partners, including sessions on structural ignition and community mitigation, as dry conditions raise fire risk. Aviation tragedy: A skydiving plane crash in Missouri killed 12 shortly after takeoff; the FAA and NTSB are investigating possible power loss and a stall. Local policy: Hawaii’s Act 205 will require nonprofits to give written consent before GoFundMe can accept donations or allow fundraisers, with thousands of groups potentially affected starting July 1. Infrastructure & tourism: The Hawaiʻi Convention Center’s leak repairs continue, but lawmakers rejected a $55 million request, delaying upgrades and raising competitiveness concerns. Public safety & environment: Kīlauea’s Episode 49 ended after about 7.5 hours of lava fountaining; the alert level returned to advisory. Community & culture: Kona Canoe Club is running World Cup watch parties in Kailua-Kona, and Flag Day ceremonies drew military and civic leaders at Pearl Harbor.

Kīlauea Update: Episode 49 is underway at Halemaʻumaʻu, with lava fountains starting Sunday morning and expected to surge higher, while officials warn about possible ash and Pele’s hair drifting with winds. Coastal Safety: A high surf warning is in effect for south-facing Big Island shores, with coastal flooding possible during high tides; Kahaluʻu, Laʻaloa (Magic Sands) and Kohanaiki beach parks are closed. Honolulu Crime: HPD is investigating a shooting near Ala Moana that left one man critically injured, and a separate Hopaka Street incident where two men were shot during a large fight; both cases are active homicide investigations. Local Business & Culture: The Ho’omau Market at Blaisdell is spotlighting more than 100 Hawaii small businesses and Hawaiian-inspired art and products, with shoppers saying they’re still spending despite inflation. Tourism Spotlight: The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel marks 60 years with a $240 million renovation, blending its mid-century character with major upgrades.

Local Politics & Governance: OHA trustees are set to revisit whether to spend up to $172,500 on due diligence for a possible KITV/KIKU acquisition, after a narrow rejection last month. Public Health: Kaiser mental health therapists say patients still face long waits for appointments, even after a 172-day strike; Kaiser says it’s investing to improve access. Climate & Emergency Prep: Advocates warn Gov. Josh Green’s renewable-energy tax credit fix is temporary and won’t close the gap to hit Hawaii’s accelerated goals; with El Niño strengthening, officials urge households to prepare for a potentially busy hurricane season. Community & Culture: Pacific Gateway Center held a blessing for its new 80-acre Haleiwa farm aimed at boosting food security and helping immigrant and refugee farmers build businesses. Infrastructure & Local Economy: Hilo Harbor expansion faces delays as the state works to acquire nearby properties; the project would reshape traffic and force relocations. Sports & Education: UH pitching coach Keith Zuniga is leaving for USC. Health & Safety: Blood Bank of Hawaii is asking for more donors as summer ramps up.

Climate & Environment: NOAA says El Niño is expected to strengthen to “historic strength,” raising the odds of extreme weather, while scientists note 2025 hit 1.37°C above pre-industrial levels. Wildfire Watch: Honolulu firefighters responded to a Nanakuli wildland fire; officials reported it was 50% contained by late morning and 75% contained shortly after, with no evacuations or immediate structure damage reported. Volcano Update: Kīlauea’s summit remains in a paused phase, but USGS says the window for the next episode of high lava fountaining is open, with models pointing to June 13–15. Local Public Safety: A Kauai judge increased bail for a man accused in a homicide and attempted homicide case, raising it to $1.5 million after additional firearms-related counts. Community & Culture: U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono and the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi hosted the 10th annual “Hawaiʻi on the Hill,” bringing more than 200 local businesses and nonprofits to Capitol Hill. Arts & Education: UH Sea Grant’s “Voice of the Sea” set a record with 10 Telly Awards, including a Gold Telly for a Papahānaumokuākea marine debris episode. Weather Advisory: Minor coastal flooding is possible during high tides through Tuesday, June 16, especially near peak late-afternoon and early-evening tides.

Solar Policy: Gov. Josh Green signed Executive Order 26-02 to preserve Hawaii’s 2026 distributed solar tax credit after Act 24 changed the program, easing concerns from the solar industry while leaving later changes for 2027. Public Safety: Police expanded enforcement on Big Island’s DKI Highway after multiple traffic deaths, citing hundreds of drivers in the first days of stepped-up patrols. Courts & Crime: A 19-year-old accused in the May 30 mob beating of a North Shore lifeguard and a 15-year-old boy pleaded not guilty to first-degree attempted assault. Local Justice: A 32-year-old was charged with second-degree murder in the Liliha death of 70-year-old Jesus Black. Community & Culture: King Kamehameha Day celebrations continued with lei draping in downtown Honolulu and parade/ho‘olaule‘a plans for Saturday. Weather & Surf: A large south swell is expected to build this weekend, with king tides raising coastal flooding risk. Environment: State agriculture is investigating coconut rhinoceros beetles found dead in Maui traps, with surveys underway.

OHA & Culture: OHA Board Chair Kaialiʻi Kahele defended protections for Papahānaumokuākea, saying there’s “no compelling reason” to revisit safeguards as commercial fishing rules are debated. Tourism & Hospitality: Hawaiʻi Lodging & Tourism Association is set to honor top hospitality workers at the inaugural No Ka ʻOi Hospitality Awards on Hawaiʻi Island. Public Safety: HPD is asking for help identifying a gunman who stole an e-bike at gunpoint in Kalihi. Federal Contracting: SBA proposed changes to its 8(a) program that would remove the rebuttable presumption of social disadvantage for individually owned firms, with comments due July 13. Food Safety: Azuma Foods recalled Tako Wasabi—seasoned octopus—because it may contain undeclared fish, including distribution to Hawaiʻi. Local Environment: State officials say 950 acres of Kaneohe Pali land are now protected, with restoration and invasive tree control planned. Weather Preparedness: CNRH emergency management urged residents to stay ready for an above-normal hurricane season. Travel & Consumer Watch: A Massachusetts family says they lost $12,000 after canceling a Vrbo Hawaii trip tied to a “state of emergency.” Transportation: DOT scheduled alternating lane closures on Pali Highway for a new speed table near the Wyllie Street on-ramp.

El Niño Watch: NOAA says El Niño has formed and could intensify into one of the biggest on record, raising odds of extreme weather that could hit Hawaii and the Pacific. Marine Protections vs. Fishing: Trump’s proclamation reopens protected Pacific marine monuments to commercial fishing, drawing pushback from conservationists and Hawaiian cultural practitioners. Local Governance: Seth Colby is temporarily acting as governor while top state leaders are off island, an unusual overlap that’s sparked questions about continuity. Public Safety: HPD increased traffic enforcement on the Daniel K. Inouye Highway after five recent fatalities, citing speeding as the main issue. Community & Environment: Honolulu’s Kokua Command Center ramps up homelessness response, while HPD and community groups joined beach cleanups on Hawaii Island. Maui Fire Fallout: A Maui judge’s fee cap clears the way for payments from the $4.03 billion Lahaina settlement to begin flowing to victims. Culture & Sports: Island Fest kicks off as Hawaii hosts its first-ever international club volleyball tournament at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center. Human Interest: A sleeping-bag remains case in Washington tied to a missing Hawaii man is finally identified after 26 years.

El Niño Watch: NOAA confirmed El Niño has formed and forecasters say it could become “very strong,” with a 63% chance it ranks among the biggest on record—raising concerns for Hawaii-relevant risks like heat, heavy rain, drought, and wildfire conditions. King Kamehameha Day: Oʻahu’s King Kamehameha Day events continue, including the June 12 lei draping at Aliʻiōlani Hale and the June 13 Floral Parade and Hoʻolauleʻa in downtown Honolulu, with road closures starting early. Kauaʻi Fire Losses: Two separate Kauaʻi structure fires hit ‘Anini and Kapahi/Kapaʻa, with damages estimated at about $1.8 million total; causes remain under investigation. Pacific Fishing Shift: President Trump signed a proclamation restoring commercial fishing access in parts of the Pacific, including near Papahānaumokuākea, aiming to boost U.S. seafood competitiveness and coastal economies. Local Crime Case: A Honolulu woman was sentenced to 2 years for destroying cellphone evidence in a federal firearms case. UH Athletics NIL: Five major donors pledged $5 million to UH Mānoa athletics for NIL opportunities over five years, including $1 million annually.

Gas Prices & Relief: Gov. Josh Green is weighing a pause on Hawaii’s gasoline tax to give drivers about 30 cents a gallon relief as pump prices surge. Homelessness Response: Honolulu’s new Kokua Command Center is meant to coordinate services for people experiencing homelessness, with the latest Point-in-Time count showing 4,539 people homeless on Oahu. Housing Stability: Hawaii’s Pre-Eviction Mediation Program is reporting 85% of mediated households stay housed, offering tenants a fast chance to resolve unpaid-rent disputes. Public Safety: Honolulu police reclassified a Liliha attack as murder after a 70-year-old died; a 32-year-old suspect was arrested. Big Island Updates: FEMA Kona-low storm aid applications remain open through Saturday; and the city says soil testing cleared a former storm debris site at Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park for a later-summer reopening. Education & Youth: Hawaii’s KIDS COUNT report ranks the state 25th overall but flags weak reading and math outcomes, especially for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students. Community Health: Blood Bank of Hawaii is urging West Hawaii donors to book appointments for a June 16-18 drive in Kona. UH Athletics: A $5 million NIL commitment aims to boost UH student-athlete recruitment and retention.

Child Safety: Hawaii launched a free, 24/7 online training tool to help people recognize and report possible child abuse as summer brings fewer adults watching kids. Public Safety Crackdown: After five deaths on the Daniel K. Inouye Highway earlier this year, Hawaii Island Police ran a major enforcement push with 250+ speeding tickets and other citations. Wildfire Readiness: Hawaiian Electric is urging customers to prepare now and is hardening power infrastructure, including replacing 19 wooden poles in Lahaina with stronger composite poles. Courts & Rights: A coalition of Democratic senators urged a federal appeals court to block a ruling that could weaken protections for federal workers, citing the risk of politically motivated firings. Threats to Gov. Green: A Montana man was charged in federal court for allegedly sending antisemitic threats to kill Hawaii Gov. Josh Green and his family. Community & Culture: Honolulu’s MOCA postponed a Koʻolau botanical garden Lunch & Learn event, with a new date planned for July or August. Travel & Local Life: A new Curio Collection by Hilton hotel is taking reservations for Kaua‘i, opening Oct. 1 near Kalapaki Beach.

FEMA Deadline for Kona Low Aid: Federal officials say Hawaii residents still have until Saturday, June 14 to apply for disaster assistance for uninsured Kona Low storm losses, urging anyone with damage to file even if insurance claims are pending. Public Safety Tech: Hawaii has joined a national DOJ network that lets police compare ballistic evidence from shell casings faster, funded with $250,000 for near real-time links across counties. Local Governance: Honolulu City Council approved a plan to potentially acquire and restore the long-derelict Queen Theater in Kaimuki, though the mayor’s administration says it isn’t pursuing the site. Homelessness Response: Honolulu unveiled a new Kokua Command Center to coordinate homelessness services with better tracking and matching. Hawaii Courts & Politics: A lawsuit challenges Hawaii’s new election-related campaign spending activity law, arguing it violates free-speech protections. UH Athletics & NIL: UH announced $5 million in donor support to compensate student-athletes under NIL. Community & Culture: Jodo Mission launched a GoFundMe to restore a vandalized Jizo statue. Sports Spotlight: Filipina chef Rhoda Magbitang won Top Chef Season 23. Weather/Seismic: A 4.7 quake hit off Hawaiʻi Island near Hilo; showers continue in parts of the state.

Police Shooting: A man died after a police-involved shooting in Glendale, with Honolulu Avenue blocks shut for hours as investigators work. Local Leadership & Conservation: Mayor Rick Blangiardi named John Berry as the next Honolulu Zoo director, citing his federal and Smithsonian conservation leadership. Waikiki Safety Incident: Honolulu Fire Department responded to a Waikiki hotel report of an explosion; a worker was injured while mixing pool chemicals, and HazMat collected samples as the area was isolated. Waipahu Fire Response: HFD extinguished a three-alarm fire at Waipahu Towers, displacing residents and moving six people (including two infants) to EMS while investigators determine the cause. Community & Education: UH’s Kō Education Center in Honoka‘a launches a “First Year Here at Kō” pathway for North Hawai‘i students starting this fall. Housing Pressure: A new KIDS COUNT report ranks Hawai‘i 25th overall but flags housing affordability as a major drag on child economic well-being. Homelessness Services: Honolulu unveiled a new Kokua Command Center in Kalihi to coordinate resources and services for people experiencing homelessness. Missing Person: Hawai‘i Island police seek the public’s help locating a 15-year-old runaway last seen in Honoka‘a. National Policy Watch: A national survey finds maternal care failures hit women of color hardest, adding pressure as Medicaid cuts and restrictions worsen access. Business & Politics: Hawai‘i Department of Taxation filed criminal charges against O‘ahu real estate agent Alexander Wright Ferguson for willful failure to file tax returns.

Homeless Response: Honolulu unveiled its new Kokua Command Center at 222 N. School St., a central hub meant to coordinate homelessness services across Oahu, with a “pulse” of needs and faster connections to housing and support. State Land Leadership: Gov. Josh Green announced DLNR chair/director Dawn Chang will retire July 1, with Ryan Kanaka‘ole stepping in and David Day named first deputy. Elections Lawsuit: A federal challenge was filed against Hawaii’s new law (Act 11) aimed at restricting campaign spending by groups, setting up a major fight over political speech. Disaster Fraud: A Honolulu man was sentenced to two years in federal prison for submitting false FEMA claims tied to the Lahaina and Los Angeles wildfires. Public Safety: Hawaii Island police say they’re increasing enforcement on the Daniel K. Inouye Highway after deadly crashes, with a traffic emergency zone and targeted crackdowns. Community Events: “Cemetery Pupu Theatre” returns to Oahu Cemetery for its 15th anniversary run June 11-13 and 18-20. Weather/Travel: Officials also urged hurricane preparedness as the Central Pacific forecasts a very busy storm season.

Hawaiian Airlines Dining Change: Starting July 1, Hawaiian Airlines ends free economy meals on many flights between Hawaiʻi and the mainland, replacing them with a pre-order dining program through the airline website or Alaska-Hawaiian app. Local Health Care Update: HMSA physicians get more time to transition into a new fee-for-service payment model tied to the One Health Hawaii merger, with an extension through Jan. 1. Food Assistance Restrictions: SNAP rules are tightening nationwide, and Hawaiʻi is among the states moving to limit purchases of certain non-nutritious items like soda and candy. Public Safety: Kauaʻi police say a homicide suspect, William “Billy” Sinclair, was taken into custody after an ocean standoff near Kapaʻa; on Hawaiʻi Island, police report a fatal pedestrian crash in Kailua-Kona involving a suspected DUI driver. Community & Events: Midsummer Night’s Gleam returns July 18 to Foster Botanical Garden with lights, performances, and limited-capacity tickets. Space & Science: Gemini North on Maunakea captured a new image of the Crystal Ball Nebula, a dying star system.

Healthcare & Policy: Hawaii lawmakers advanced bills targeting youth vaping and set up a program that could help with medical debt, while the state also moved to cover expiring Affordable Care Act premium tax credits as federal cuts loom. Medicaid Fraud: A key warning says Hawaii’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit was decertified, putting $3 million in federal funding at risk unless the state shows it’s stepping up enforcement. Local Government & Public Safety: Honolulu’s interim police chief says he’s ready for another shot to protect the community, as the city continues to wrestle with policing leadership and budget pressures. Energy Costs: Many Hawaii electric bills are dipping in June after earlier spikes tied to oil prices. Roads & Infrastructure: Crews begin emergency roadwork on Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Saddle Road) with lane closures for resurfacing and drainage improvements. Community Health: Hawaii Health & Harm Reduction Center has reopened on Kauai, expanding local access to health and wellness services. Indo-Pacific Diplomacy: U.S. and Chinese military officials met in Hawaii to reduce risks at sea. World News With Hawaii Links: A 7.8 earthquake and tsunami warning hit the southern Philippines; Hawaii officials say there’s no tsunami threat. Crime Update: Police reclassified a Kona pedestrian crash as second-degree negligent homicide after the victim died days later.