AGP Executive Report

NTSB UPS Crash Probe: The NTSB will hold a two-day hearing starting Tuesday into last November’s deadly UPS cargo crash in Louisville, focusing on why a wing-mounted engine separated and what Boeing and regulators missed. Local Environment: Honolulu crews are responding to an oil spill at Ala Wai Harbor after red-dye diesel was reported near the docks; officials say no injuries or wildlife impacts have been reported. Housing Watch: On Kauai, a luxury condo developer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy over a “predatory lending agreement,” pausing a lawsuit over drainage runoff that opponents say could threaten nearby beaches. City Moves: Waikiki’s Kuhio Avenue gets a 52-day rehab starting June 8, with lane closures and detours expected. Workforce & Tech: Honolulu launches a free “AI for Everyone at Work” pilot to train small-business and nonprofit leaders to bring AI into the workplace responsibly. Weather: Expect humid trade-wind showers and pockets of heavy rain through Tuesday night, easing later in the week.

EMS Promotions: Honolulu Emergency Medical Services held its third annual promotional ceremony, elevating nine paramedics and one EMT into leadership roles, including two new District Chiefs and seven Unit Supervisors. Road Work: The city says Kūhiō Avenue rehab starts June 8 between Lewers Street and Royal Hawaiian Avenue, with about 52 days of phased asphalt reconstruction and safety upgrades. Travel Costs: AAA warns Memorial Day travelers face the highest gas prices since 2022, with Hawaii among the priciest markets. Army Dining Overhaul: The U.S. Army is expanding its “campus-style dining” pilot overseas, with proposals tied to Schofield Barracks and Fort Shafter. Education Testing: NAEP civics results could become state-by-state for grade 8 starting in 2028, a major shift from the current national-only approach. Local Culture & Pride: Honolulu Hale and Blaisdell Arena will be lit gold for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Weather & Safety: Coastal flooding advisories remain in effect into Monday afternoon, with minor flooding possible at peak tides.

Flooding Fallout: Back-to-back storms have left Oʻahu’s North Shore farms struggling after the state’s worst flooding in two decades, with mud hardening over fields and officials warning growers not to give up as hundreds of farms report tens of millions in damage. Celebrity Buzz: Kendall Jenner and Jacob Elordi were spotted on a “private” Hawaii beach hangout, reigniting romance rumors. Faith & Politics: DNI Tulsi Gabbard urged humility, fasting and prayer during Rededicate 250, a nationwide day tied to the 1776 Continental Congress anniversary. Army in the Pacific: U.S. Army Pacific leaders say transformation is moving into real changes—new command structures, long-range fires and AI—geared for an Indo-Pacific fight. High School Sports: Moanalua and Kapolei made history by winning HHSAA state flag football titles, while Moanalua also topped Punahou in DI volleyball and multiple track-and-field championships were crowned after weather delays. Public Safety: A 75-year-old died after becoming unresponsive while surfing in Hawaii Kai, and a 73-year-old woman died after a medical emergency during a scuba dive off Kewalo Basin.

UFC Spotlight: Conor McGregor is officially back—Dana White announced he’ll face Max Holloway at UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas, a rematch of their 2013 fight. Local Public Safety: Honolulu police are investigating a Kakaako attempted murder after a 23-year-old showed up at a hospital with a gunshot wound; the suspect was last seen on a yellow motorcycle. Traffic & Utilities: Hawaiian Electric crews will do work along Piʻilani-Kula Highway near ʻUlupalakua Ranch Road on May 19, with alternating lane closures; separate emergency rock removal on Hāna Highway at Maliko Gulch runs May 18–22 with intermittent holds. Volcano Watch: Kīlauea’s summit eruption is paused, but USGS models point to the next high lava fountaining episode sometime May 22–27. Community & Culture: Skyline riders on May 18 will help fund Boys & Girls Club of Hawaiʻi programs, with Great Futures Day statewide on May 20. Wildlife Case: A tourist charged after allegedly throwing a rock at endangered monk seal Lani is facing a defense that says he didn’t understand the animal’s significance.

UFC Spotlight: Conor McGregor is officially back—UFC CEO Dana White announced he’ll fight Max Holloway on July 11 at UFC 329 in Las Vegas, a rematch of their 2013 bout that McGregor won despite a torn ACL. Flood Fallout: In Waialua, catastrophic March flooding left small farmers scrambling—mud wiped out crops, and without insurance many are hunting for seeds and starter plants while trying to restart food production. Local Safety: Police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run on Highway 130 in Keaʻau, where a pedestrian was struck multiple times by unknown vehicles and the drivers fled. Pearl Harbor Watch: A wastewater pipeline rupture at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard spilled about 2,250 gallons of untreated wastewater near the piers, with officials saying it was stopped by noon. Weather & Power: Heavy rain has eased but showers linger, while Oʻahu saw lightning-related outages after a strike sparked damage at the Kahe Power Plant switchyard.

Traffic Tragedy: A man was killed on Hawai‘i Island Friday night after being struck multiple times by hit-and-run drivers near Highway 130 and Orchidland Drive; police say he may have been crossing outside a marked crosswalk and have opened a negligent homicide investigation. Crash Wave: The death follows a separate head-on crash on Daniel K. Inouye Highway that killed two and injured four, the second double-fatality in a 13-mile stretch in 10 days. Weather Watch: A statewide flood watch was canceled early Saturday as the storm threat eased, though brief heavy showers and thunderstorms had earlier popped up—especially on the windward side and parts of the Big Island. Local Events: Maui AgFest returns May 30 in Wailuku, spotlighting the county’s livestock and agriculture with a full day of activities. EV Push: A new fast-charging station opened at Kapalua Airport, adding four 150-kilowatt chargers for public use.

Police & Courts: Honolulu’s October officer-involved shooting near Queen’s Medical Center has been ruled “suicide by cop,” with prosecutors saying the suspect confronted officers while armed and under the influence. Hawaiʻi Island Crime: Police are investigating a Hilo murder after 57-year-old Michael Alan Torres Jr. died from injuries suffered in an assault on Operations Street; the case is now second-degree murder and tips are being sought. Weather & Travel: Oʻahu and the islands are dealing with an upper disturbance and lingering showers; a flood watch remains in effect as storms also triggered road closures, flight delays, and power outages across Oʻahu. Local Governance: Honolulu will reopen contraflow on the North Kalaheo Avenue Bridge starting Monday, with daytime two-way access and evening restrictions. Public Safety/Health: The state is moving to erase about $91M in medical debt for roughly 50,000 Hawaii families, if the governor signs the bill. Community & Culture: The 3rd Mindanao Book Festival runs May 21–23, celebrating Mindanao through books and public conversations.

Gas Prices: April saw a sharp jump in pump costs, with the national average rising to about $4.52 a gallon and Hawaii listed among the priciest states at roughly $5.64—LendingTree flags April 2026 as the sixth-highest month for gas prices on record. Military Readiness: Air Force top leaders visited Team Hickam to stress “fly and fix” readiness, including an F-22 flight with the Hawaiian Raptors and a push on total-force integration in the Pacific. Weather Watch: Trade-wind rain and possible thunderstorms kept a Flood Watch in play across parts of the islands, with conditions expected to ease by Sunday. Local Politics: Hawaii Gov. Josh Green signed a law aimed at challenging Citizens United by treating corporations as “artificial persons,” setting up a new fight over corporate political spending. Public Safety & Community: Flags will fly at half-staff statewide for Peace Officers Memorial Day, honoring fallen officers. Wildlife: A rare dolphin case—“Koa,” missing tail flukes—has conservation groups asking the public to help protect it as summer boating ramps up.

Kīlauea Update: Lava fountaining is back at Halemaʻumaʻu as Kīlauea’s 47th episode ramps up, with activity reported from the north vent and periodic overflow at the south vent, plus possible light ashfall depending on winds. Weather Watch: A Weather Alert Day is in effect Friday as an upper disturbance brings heavier rain and isolated thunderstorms, raising the risk of localized flooding across the islands. Public Safety: Hawaii ocean-safety officials are testing remote-controlled “Dolphin 3” robots to help with rescues in hard-to-reach areas, aiming to cut drownings. Controversy: Kash Patel’s “VIP snorkel” at the USS Arizona memorial is under fresh scrutiny after reports and emails suggest he took part in a restricted excursion while on official business. Local Governance: Honolulu Police chief finalists are taking public questions in a live forum, as the department’s leadership search narrows. Community & Culture: The City of Honolulu is inviting residents to sew and donate lei for Memorial Day, with thousands of fresh leis planned for the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.

Student Loans Under Fire: U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon faced sharp questions in a House hearing over new federal student-loan borrowing limits for graduate programs like nursing, teaching and social work, with lawmakers arguing the caps could hit students hardest even as McMahon says the goal is to “bring down the cost” of tuition. Monk Seal Case: A Washington tourist, Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, was arrested and federally charged after a viral video allegedly shows him throwing a coconut-sized rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal off Maui, narrowly missing its head. FBI Travel Scrutiny: New reporting says FBI Director Kash Patel’s Hawaii trip included a “VIP snorkel” around the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor—an outing not mentioned in earlier FBI releases. Local Business: Sonic is set to open its second Hawaii location in Kapolei this Saturday, with a drive-in format and opening-day giveaways. Volcano Watch: Kīlauea’s Halemaʻumaʻu area saw precursory lava overflows early Thursday, with lava fountaining possible at any time.

Monk Seal Case: A Covington, Washington tourist, Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, 38, was arrested by federal agents after a viral video showed him hurling a coconut-sized rock at endangered Hawaiian monk seal “Lani” off Lahaina; prosecutors say the rock narrowly missed the seal’s head and caused her to abruptly change behavior, and he’s now charged with harassing a protected animal, with court set in Seattle. Local Traffic: Oahu drivers face major headaches as North Kalaheo Avenue bridge repairs keep the Kailua-bound lane closed on weekdays through late July, with detours still adding long delays. Red Hill Work: A Navy noise advisory warns erosion-control boulder work at Red Hill will run from June 2026 into fall 2027, with more noise during normal hours. Health Policy: VP J.D. Vance again questioned Hawaii’s Medicaid fraud enforcement, saying there have been no indictments or convictions, while state officials note limits on beneficiary investigations. Food & Community: AANHPI Month at Orange Coast College highlighted Korean culture through gimbap and homemade kimchi, framed as a way to connect people.

Kīlauea Update: The U.S. Geological Survey raised Kīlauea’s alert level from ADVISORY to WATCH and bumped aviation status to ORANGE, saying Episode 47 lava fountaining could start any time between today and tomorrow, with stronger spattering and overflows expected first. Local Crime: Honolulu police arrested a 44-year-old man after an argument in Kalihi turned into a stabbing; the 17-year-old victim was later arrested after allegedly assaulting an EMS worker. RIMPAC Logistics: NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Pearl Harbor is laying the groundwork for RIMPAC 2026, coordinating multinational support and reserve forces well before ships set sail. Volleyball: Punahou is ranked No. 10 in the West in the latest boys volleyball regional rankings, with the Super 25 national list set to follow. Defense Watch: A new analysis says Trump’s “Golden Dome” missile shield could cost up to $1.2 trillion over 20 years, far above earlier promises. Business & Energy: Hawaii Renewables commissioned its renewable fuels plant at Par Pacific’s Kapolei refinery, moving toward renewable diesel and a transition to sustainable aviation fuel.

Childcare Costs: A new national study finds Massachusetts families pay the steepest childcare bill, spending 30.29% of median income on center-based care, while Mississippi is the most affordable at 12.36%. Military Land Leases: Sen. Mazie Hirono pressed the U.S. Army for more transparency on expiring Hawaii leases at Makua Valley and Pohakuloa, warning time is running out. Public Health Warning: Hawaiʻi DOH is alerting shoppers about “7-OH,” an opioid-like substance sold as “enhanced kratom,” saying it can drive addiction and overdose risk. Local Fire & Safety: Honolulu firefighters extinguished a Waianae house fire that displaced four people; on Hawaii Island, police say a string of fatal crashes is tied to speeding and impaired driving. Weather & Travel: Breezy trade winds keep Small Craft Advisories up for parts of Maui County and the Big Island, with passing showers mainly favoring windward areas. Crime & Courts: A Florida man was arrested in Honolulu over an alleged $1M scam, and a Chinatown shooting defendant was acquitted.

Gas Prices & Taxes: With crude still roiling after the Iran conflict, gas is up again in many states, and politicians are pushing gas-tax holidays or freezes—moves that may feel like relief but don’t fix the bigger supply-and-demand squeeze. Hurricane Season Prep: The National Hurricane Center will start issuing Atlantic tropical outlooks May 15, with the Eastern Pacific season also kicking off then, as forecasters watch an expected El Niño pattern. Shark Warning: Honolulu Ocean Safety posted signs after two non-aggressive 5–7 ft sharks were spotted at Kahe Point/Electric Beach. Local Recovery: Hawaii News Now’s ALOHA for HAWAII fundraiser is underway to keep Kona Low flood relief moving, even as some North Shore repairs slow down. Aviation Probe: The NTSB released the agenda for a public hearing into the deadly UPS 2976 crash near Louisville. Community & Culture: DLNR invites keiki and ʻohana to Kids to Parks Day at Lēʻahi May 16, and Spectrum is backing the Molokaʻi Homestead Farmers Alliance’s Molokaʻi Digital Hub.

NCAA Volleyball: Hawaii capped a historic season by beating UC Irvine 3-1 for the NCAA men’s title Monday night, with Kristian Titriyski’s 16 kills and Tread Rosenthal’s 44 assists helping the Rainbow Warriors rally after a slow start. Student Media Theft: UH Mānoa student outlets Ka Leo O Hawai‘i and MānoaNow reported more than $20,000 in stolen gear from Hemenway Hall, including new cameras, computers, and production drives; UH DPS and HPD are investigating. Public Safety Tech: Honolulu’s police chief search is down to three finalists—Scott Ebner, Mike Lambert, and David Lazar—who says he’d push modernization and transparency. Cost of Living: AAA Hawaii says gas is near record highs again, averaging $5.65 statewide as global oil tensions raise fears for electricity and shipping costs. Weather: Breezy trade winds and scattered showers are expected to keep favoring windward and mauka areas through the week. Local Crime Watch: Police are investigating a possible drowning in Hōnaunau Bay, while Hawaii Island also saw a fatal crash as a man was changing a tire on Kawaihae Road.

Tech & Power Prep: A new report says Mark Zuckerberg is building a $270 million Hawaii bunker with blast-resistant doors, self-sustaining supplies, and a secret escape hatch—while other AI titans reportedly plan their own “exit” routes as they keep pushing high-stakes AI development. Local Safety: Hawaiʻi Island police are investigating a fatal crash on Kawaihae Road where a man was killed while changing a tire; Honolulu police also report a serious Pearl City hit-and-run and a homemade firework explosion that injured a man at an Iwilei rest stop. State Watch: DLNR announced temporary morning closures of the Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail for maintenance through May. Community & Culture: The Lutheran Church of Honolulu unveiled a new mural featuring a rainbow, mountains, and a nēnē. Housing & Food Access: A bill headed to the governor would create a pre-release SNAP application process for inmates nearing release by 2028.