AGP Executive Report

Hurricane Nolo: Hawaii is bracing as the storm strengthens to a Category 1 with Tropical Storm Warnings and a Hurricane Watch posted for the Big Island, where forecasters warn of 10–15 inches of rain (isolated 25 inches) and catastrophic flash flooding and mudslides; Maui faces lower totals but still dangerous flooding risk. Local response: Hawaiian Electric urged customers to prepare for possible extended outages, while Big Island and Maui officials opened shelters and issued closures and guidance for residents to stock up, plan for power loss, and get ready for severe weather. Relief and safety: The Disaster Distress Helpline is available 24/7 for anyone overwhelmed by the storm, and food banks are preparing supplies for families. Other Hawaii items: UHERO says war-driven oil prices and the active storm season are slowing Hawai‘i’s economy, with gradual improvement expected as energy and recovery costs ease. Community health: Exclusive Hawaii Rehab is promoting neurofeedback and trauma-informed support for addiction and complex PTSD.

Hurricane Nolo: The storm has upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane in the Pacific and is expected to rapidly intensify as it nears Hawaiʻi, with a hurricane watch and tropical storm warning for the Big Island and flood and high-surf concerns expanding across the islands. Officials warn of life-threatening, catastrophic flooding and mudslides from heavy rain, plus damaging waves along exposed coasts. Local preparedness: Hawaiʻi County is opening additional shelters and crews are clearing flood channels and reinforcing vulnerable areas, while Hawaiian Electric says customers should prepare for possible extended power outages. Maui and Kauaʻi recovery pressure: Maui residents and businesses are bracing while still dealing with recent storm impacts, and Kauaʻi families are worried about another hit as they continue cleanup after Hurricane Lowell. Health and travel disruptions: Honolulu EMS responded to reports of an unknown odor on an incoming flight, evaluating seven people for nausea and headaches; all declined ER care. Community support: The Hawaiʻi Community Foundation has deployed $45,000 to help local groups with Nolo preparedness outreach and emergency supplies, and also provided $500,000 for Hurricane Lowell recovery.

Tropical Storm Nolo: Hawaii Island is under a Hurricane Watch as Nolo strengthens, with forecasters warning of heavy rain and possible catastrophic flooding and mudslides through the weekend; Big Island and Maui could see life-threatening downpours, while schools and offices are closing in the affected areas. Storm spillover: The same Pacific weather system is also tied to Hurricane Polo battering Mexico’s coast, raising broader concerns about flooding and landslides across the region. Local public safety: Hawaii Island police canceled the Kawamoto Classic Swimming Event due to the storm, and residents are being urged to prepare for changing conditions. Health policy: Attorney General Raoul and other AGs are pushing the Trump administration to keep federal vaccine guidance science-based, warning recent moves have sown confusion. Data breach settlement: AG Tong led a multistate $2.3 million settlement with LabCorp over the AMCA data breach that exposed millions of people’s sensitive information. Consumer logistics: USPS released 2026 holiday shipping deadlines, with Hawaii/territories’ earliest recommended mailing date set for Dec. 16.

Tropical Storm Nolo: Hawaii leaders are urging residents to prepare now as Nolo strengthens and threatens the Big Island and Maui with heavy rain, flooding and mudslides; the National Weather Service warns of potentially catastrophic totals, and the Big Island remains under a hurricane watch while shelters and closures roll out. Local Closures & Shelters: Gov. Josh Green ordered Hawaii Island schools and offices closed Thursday and Friday, with Maui County closures starting Friday; Hawaii County opened multiple refuge shelters and urged people to avoid roads and follow emergency guidance. Merrie Monarch Conservation: The Merrie Monarch Festival is calling for a three-year pause on harvesting scarce native plants used for lei and hula, asking for mālama ʻāina to let forests recover. Defense Construction Reform: NAVFAC Pacific says the Navy needs faster, more flexible defense construction in the Pacific, moving away from long sequential timelines. YMCA Kailua Center: The YMCA of Honolulu held a Hawaiian blessing for its new Kailua infant, toddler and preschool center, with enrollment now open. WWE Returns to Oahu: WWE will bring two live shows to the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena Oct. 16-17 and also plans talent tryouts in Hawaii. Politics & Campaign Finance: A new report alleges a Hawaii-based defense contractor funneled money tied to Susan Collins’s 2020 reelection while steering federal contracts his way.

Tropical Threat: Tropical Depression 15-E has reformed south of Hawaiʻi and is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane, with Big Island and Maui bracing for heavy rain and possible damaging winds late Friday into the weekend; officials say a hurricane or tropical storm watch may be needed as the track remains uncertain. Volcano Update: Kīlauea’s summit activity restarted with lava flows from a north vent, prompting a Volcanic Activity Notice while the alert level stays at WATCH. Energy & Resilience: Hawaiian Electric’s Waena battery storage project hit a major milestone as the first Tesla Megapacks arrived and were installed, part of a 40 MW/160 MWh system aimed at stabilizing Maui’s grid. Courts & Safety: The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court eased toxic-tort proof rules in a Dow herbicide case, saying plaintiffs don’t have to pinpoint exact exposure amounts—only that they have a disease that could be caused and were in areas where it was used. Local Governance: Maui County Council members advanced the South Maui Community Plan update, focusing on legal fiscal estimates and strengthening emergency evacuation provisions. Business & Travel: USPS released recommended 2026 holiday mailing deadlines, including earlier dates for Hawaiʻi and Alaska.

Tropical Threat: A Flood Watch is in effect for Hawaiʻi Island and Maui County as a developing system expected to become Tropical Storm “Nolo” may bring life-threatening rain and mudslides from Wednesday afternoon through Saturday afternoon. Hurricane Recovery: Kauaʻi power restoration hit 98% after Hurricane Lowell, but hundreds of members still face outages, with helicopters planned to assess remaining damage. Local Safety & Health: Kula Hospital on Maui is set to be restored and reopened after March storm damage, with about $65 million in repairs and upgrades. Community & Culture: Merrie Monarch Festival is calling for a three-year pause on wild harvesting of maile, palapalai and ʻōhiʻa lehua from native forests. Voting & Food Security: Oʻahu voters will consider Charter Amendment 1 on Nov. 3 to create a dedicated Food Security Fund. Public Service: USPS released holiday mailing deadlines, noting Hawaiʻi/Alaska/territories need earlier shipping for Ground Advantage. Business & Travel: Qantas confirmed the first-ever non-stop Sydney–New York flights under Project Sunrise, starting mid-2028. Crime: A Puna man was charged with murder in connection with the Sept. 19 Hawaiian Paradise Park shooting.

Voter-data fight: A federal judge rejected the Trump DOJ’s push to force Washington to hand over unredacted voter registration files, marking the DOJ’s 25th straight district court loss and leaving the case dismissed with prejudice. Diplomacy and safety: Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz joined bipartisan senators urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to prioritize the release of U.S.-Iranian journalist Reza Valizadeh, saying his health has deteriorated in Evin Prison. Hawaii weather watch: Forecasters say trade winds will strengthen through the week while a developing tropical system southeast/south of the Big Island could bring flash flooding later this week; a flood watch may follow. Big Island arrests: Police charged a Honomu man after an alleged rock-throwing incident that broke windows at a Hilo residence, and another Kea‘au suspect accused of assaulting two officers. Local business expansion: Alpha Omega Plumbing says it’s expanding island-wide access to no-dig LR3 trenchless sewer and drain repairs across Oahu.

Hurricane & Storm Readiness: Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense issued its first alert as remnants of Tropical Depression 15E could redevelop near the Big Island, bringing flooding rains and high winds as early as Wednesday, with officials urging residents to get ready. Disaster Costs & Recovery: Hurricane Lala damage is pegged at more than $67 million in preliminary public infrastructure costs statewide, with Hawaii County taking the biggest share. Energy & Grid Resilience: Hawaiian Electric’s Waena Battery project in Central Maui hit a major milestone as the first six Tesla Megapacks arrived and were installed, part of a 40-megawatt system meant to help Maui use more renewables. Health & Research: UH Mānoa won nearly $5.9 million from NIH to extend the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study through 2031 and expand it to include 800 children. Environment & Wildlife: A new federal bill backed by Rep. Ed Case would create invasive-species “strike teams” across U.S. wildlife refuges. Local Safety: Police are searching for a missing endangered man last seen in Kona. Education: Kaimuki High teacher Chu Hong was named Hawaii State Teacher of the Year for 2027. Judicial Notices: Comments are being accepted on whether District Judge Christopher M. Dunn should be retained, and applications are open for an anticipated Maui district family judge vacancy.

Tropical Weather: Tropical Storm Polo is expected to rapidly intensify into a hurricane, with its moisture raising flood risk in the U.S. Southwest, while Hawaii watches for possible redevelopment from another system that could bring heavy rain. Local Forecast: Honolulu-area conditions stay breezy with mostly dry weather today, but forecasters warn moisture later in the week could increase rain chances—especially for the Big Island. Big Island Roads: Hawaii Island lane closures were announced for the week of Sept. 21, including work on Route 11 and Mamalahoa Highway. Public Safety/Travel: TSA reports Real ID scanning problems tied to a production irregularity, with Hawaii drivers among those affected at airports nationwide. Community & Culture: Kepa Revelle-Aikala won first place at Maui’s 24th Richard Ho‘opi‘i Leo Ki‘eki‘e Falsetto Contest, highlighting the strength of Hawaiian-language mele. Local Business: Hilo’s Bite the Eye, once a food truck, now operates from shipping containers in Puna and continues as a weekend gathering spot. Health/Tech: GE HealthCare rolled out AI software aimed at predicting hospital care bottlenecks up to three days early.

Violent Crime: A Keaʻau man was arrested after a fatal shooting in Hawaiian Paradise Park, where 41-year-old Jose Adame Romero died from multiple gunshot wounds; police say 49-year-old Bryant Scott Guevarra is charged with second-degree murder. Police Investigation: Honolulu police opened an attempted murder probe after a 60-year-old man was found with puncture wounds at Heʻeia Kea Pier in Kāneʻohe; no arrests reported. Fire Safety: Honolulu firefighters battled a high-rise blaze on South King Street, extracting two residents and treating a woman in serious condition and a man for possible smoke inhalation; investigators are still determining the cause. Aviation Incident: Delta diverted a Maui-to-Seattle flight to Honolulu after fumes were reported post-takeoff; several passengers were treated for headaches and nausea. Weather Watch: Breezy trade winds continue Monday and Tuesday, with a First Alert for possible heavier rain and isolated thunderstorms later this week as Tropical Depression 15-E’s remnants are monitored. Community & Culture: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park ecologist Stacey Kehaulani Torigoe is set to receive the National Park Service 2026 Director’s Award for Natural Resource Management. Public Safety: Lifeguards revived an unresponsive swimmer in Waikiki using an AED before Honolulu EMS took over.

Red Hill Water Safety: Honolulu City Council urged state and federal regulators to require expanded groundwater testing around the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, citing lingering contamination concerns and the need for more frequent, broader PFAS and petroleum monitoring. Storm Costs: Hawaii Emergency Management Agency estimates severe weather has caused more than $212 million in public infrastructure damage, with schools facing an additional $174.5 million in storm-related repair needs. Elections Anxiety: After the Supreme Court rejected Trump’s push to block mail-in ballots, Hawaii election officials and voter-rights groups warn of possible intimidation and urge voters to return ballots early. Kauai Tourism Fallout: Hurricane Lowell damage left many would-be visitors unsure about Kauai trips; HTA says reschedule or consider other islands, while hotel leaders say travelers should go if lodging is operating. Weather Watch: Trade winds stay breezy through tomorrow, then moisture increases next Tuesday into midweek with a higher chance of heavier rain. Community & Culture: Mōʻiliʻili’s new Waiānuenue ma Kapaʻakea retail hub is set to bring major brands like Paris Baguette and Wingstop alongside local eateries. Sports (Local/Regional): Rainbow Wahine volleyball rebounded with a five-set win over Iowa State, and Honolulu-area sports schedules highlight upcoming high school matches.

Hurricane Lowell recovery: Kauai Island Utility Cooperative says power restoration is at 96% for members, with crews still working North Shore outages between Moloaa and Hanalei and addressing pocket outages between Kapaa and Kekaha; vegetation and debris clearing in Wainiha/Haena and Kokee continues, with repair timing expected over the next week. Waikiki fire update: Honolulu Fire Department ruled a Waikiki commercial building blaze accidental, tracing it to a lithium-ion battery-powered light charging in a storage room; damage was estimated at about $1.91 million and no one was hurt. Public safety—shooting: HPD is investigating an attempted murder after a 15-year-old was shot in the Halawa Housing area; police are asking for tips and describe the suspect’s car as a possible light red four-door sedan. Local community: More than 20,000 rubber duckies filled the Ala Wai Canal for the Great Hawaii Rubber Duckie Race, raising about $65,000–$70,000 for keiki with cerebral palsy. State help for storm impacts: Gov. Josh Green approved tax relief for Hurricane Lowell victims, waiving penalties and interest for certain GET and TAT filings through November 2026. Traffic/utility work: Hawaiian Electric extended Likelike Highway lane closures for storm-damaged equipment repairs through Sept. 25.

Micronesia & Federal Policy: Guam Gov. David Apatang says he won’t ask the U.S. Interior Department to pause the Marianas deep-sea mining lease sale before an Oct. 19 deadline, pointing instead to separate public comments due in the Federal Register and ongoing lawsuits. Local Governance: Hawai‘i County Council unanimously advanced Bill 184 on first reading, moving toward requiring native plants in county landscaping while allowing flexibility for safety, engineering, irrigation, and cost. Sports & Identity: USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino said Noahkai Banks was “honest” about choosing Germany, with FIFA approving the one-time switch; Banks, born in Honolulu, will represent Germany’s youth teams. Emergency Management (Maui): Francis Kau was selected deputy administrator of the Maui Emergency Management Agency, bringing disaster recovery and logistics experience from the 2023 Maui wildfires. Hawai‘i Environment: Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park ecologist Stacey Kehaulani Torigoe received the National Park Service Director’s Award for Natural Resource Management. Business: American Savings Bank priced an upsized IPO at $16 per share, with shares beginning trading on the NYSE.

DOJ vs. Tuition Policy: The U.S. Department of Justice sued Hawaiʻi over state in-state tuition and aid for undocumented immigrants, arguing it violates federal law and discriminates against U.S. citizens; UH says it hasn’t been formally served. Courts & Public Safety: A judge denied a retrial for Maui doctor Gerhardt Konig, convicted in the Pali Puka Trail attack on his wife; the defense plans to appeal. Hurricane Lowell Recovery: Kauaʻi power restoration hit 95% of KIUC members, with remaining outages mainly on the North Shore and in Kokee. Local Crime: HPD charged a 12-year-old in Ewa Beach after an alleged gun threat toward a 13-year-old; no injuries reported. Energy Costs: The Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission begins statewide hearings Sept. 22 on Hawaiian Electric’s proposed rate rebasing that could raise typical bills starting in 2027. Environment & Accountability: A dye test confirmed a wastewater connection between Pūpūkea Beach Park restrooms and Sharks Cove tidepools, with follow-up water testing planned. Community & Culture: Pacific Fashion Week debuted at Kaimana Beach Hotel, and the state marked the life of former Gov. George Ariyoshi with ceremonies at the Capitol.

Housing Affordability: A new Realtor.com report ranks Des Moines No. 1 for affordability and homebuilding, while Los Angeles lands dead last—also dragging down Honolulu, which is listed among the worst large metros. Earthquake Update: A magnitude-4.1 quake struck 3 miles south of Pāhala on Hawaiʻi Island; USGS says no apparent impact to Maunaloa or Kīlauea, though aftershocks are possible. Flood Watch Lifted: The National Weather Service canceled the flood watch for all Hawaiian Islands as heavy rain threats eased. Kauaʻi Recovery & Tourism: Kauaʻi small businesses say visitor cancellations after Hurricane Lowell are hurting demand, even as power and water return. Local Safety: Hawaiʻi Island police arrested a man tied to a Hilo firearms incident involving terroristic threatening statements. State Economy: Hawaiʻi’s August unemployment rate held at 2.7%, with nonagricultural jobs up month over month. Energy Work: Hawaiian Electric scheduled utility pole maintenance on Dairy Road and Alamaha Street with lane closures but no expected service interruption. Sports & Culture: Noahkai Banks, born in Hawaiʻi, chose Germany’s U-21 program, a blow to USMNT hopes; and the Bills opened Highmark Stadium with a 41-31 win over Detroit.

Flooding & Storm Impacts: Another flood advisory is in effect for parts of the Big Island until 8:15 p.m., with heavy rain and minor flooding expected in Hilo, Hāmākua, Puna and Kaʻū; a statewide flood watch remains through Friday morning. Kauaʻi Recovery: KIUC reports power restored to more than 91% of members after Hurricane Lowell, with crews focused on Hanalei, Princeville and Kilauea Town, while some areas like Kokee remain dark; businesses say the visitor slowdown is hurting small operators. Maui Fire: Firefighters responded to a brush fire near Kuihelani Highway in Waikapu, prompting temporary lane closures; no structures were threatened. Violence Update: Honolulu police opened an attempted murder investigation after a man allegedly fired a rifle toward another in Kahaluu; the suspect was arrested. Health & Community: Kapiʻolani Medical Center’s radiothon pushes to raise $1M for Hawaii keiki, and Hale Makua on Maui marks its 80th anniversary while moving forward with expansion. Local Culture: The Hawaiian Music Series returns in Lahaina with Ron Kualaʻau at Waiola Church on Sept. 24.