AGP Executive Report

Air Travel & Capacity: Hawaiian Airlines will add daily supplemental interisland flights using Alaska-branded Boeing 737-800s between Honolulu and Kahului, easing pressure on the aging 717 fleet and boosting reliability and cargo capacity. Hurricane Recovery & Taxes: Hawaii approved disaster tax relief for Hurricane Lowell impacts, waiving penalties and interest on certain GET and TAT filings through the August–November 2026 periods, with requests due by Jan. 20, 2027. State Operations: DAGS will automate payments at Honolulu’s Makai Garage Lot A starting Sept. 23, affecting most drivers and visitors while permit holders won’t be impacted. Hawaii Economy: DBEDT forecasts slower growth for Hawaii, citing higher inflation, modest job gains, and fewer tourist days, with construction and healthcare still providing support. Public Safety: Honolulu police are investigating a shooting of a 15-year-old in the Hālawa Housing area; no arrest has been reported. Local Business & Community: Kauai recovery continues after Hurricane Lowell, with county crews restoring infrastructure and state staff set to visit recovery resource centers next week.

State Legal Battle: The U.S. DOJ sued Hawaiʻi over state laws granting in-state tuition and aid to undocumented immigrants, arguing the benefits discriminate against U.S. citizens and conflict with federal law. Energy & Cost Pressure: The Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission is set to hold statewide hearings starting Sept. 22 on Hawaiian Electric’s proposed rate rebasing that could raise typical monthly bills by about $11–$15 depending on island. Local Housing Rules: Hawaii County again deferred a bill that would “clean up” vacation rental regulations, including clarifying short-term rental definitions, adjusting permit requirements, and setting management standards and enforcement funding. Disaster Recovery & Utilities: Kauai’s power restoration reached 95% after Hurricane Lowell, with remaining outages concentrated on the North Shore. Public Safety: A precautionary boil water notice for Wai’ōhinu–Nā‘ālehu on Hawaiʻi Island was canceled after additional testing. Cybersecurity: The FBI Honolulu warned about North Korean hackers using fake tech recruiting offers (“WaterPlum/Contagious Interview”) that have infected 30,000+ devices worldwide. Business & Tourism: Maui Hotel & Lodging Association announced its 2026–2027 board, while Pacific Fashion Week debuted at Kaimana Beach Hotel.

Hawai‘i Water Safety: The County Department of Water Supply has canceled a precautionary boil water notice for the Wai’ōhinu–Nā‘ālehu Water System on Hawai‘i Island after additional bacteriological testing found no coliform or other contaminants; residents can resume normal tap use, with a recommendation to flush plumbing and ice makers first. Hawai‘i Scam Watch: DBEDT and the Hawai‘i Green Infrastructure Authority warned of fraudulent mailers using HGIA’s name to push homeowners into fake home warranty and mortgage protection scams, urging residents not to call the numbers listed and to treat the letters as illegitimate. Hawai‘i Housing & Cost Pressure: A new report highlights how housing affordability is reshaping young adulthood, while separate analysis notes Hawaii’s ongoing struggle to save for down payments amid high home values and costs. State Insurance Oversight: Hawai‘i’s Insurance Commissioner issued a hurricane insurance data call worksheet to residential hurricane insurers, seeking Hawai‘i-specific coverage and rate-regulation information. Military Tech Scrutiny: Reports say an AI-driven intelligence document nearly led U.S. forces to board a Chinese ship in the Middle East, prompting the Pentagon to reiterate “rigorous verification” of intelligence and responsible use of emerging tech. Kaua‘i Recovery & Tourism Tension: Local small businesses say calls for tourists to “give the island space” after Hurricane Lowell are hurting demand and forcing layoffs, even as power and services return.

Hawaiian Electric Rate Hearings: Oahu’s public hearing on Hawaiian Electric’s request to raise rates is set for Oct. 2, in person and online, as the PUC considers a two-step rebasing plan that would lift typical monthly bills by about $11 on Oahu, Molokai and Lanai. Kaua‘i Recovery & Local Economy: After Hurricane Lowell, Kaua‘i crews report power restored for more than 91% of KIUC members, with North Shore restoration and Wainiha/Ha‘ena cleanup continuing while officials urge visitors to spend locally and avoid the hardest-hit areas. Tourism Pressure After Storm: Kaua‘i small businesses say the visitor slowdown is hitting cash flow hard, with layoffs and months of cleanup ahead, as leaders debate when tourists should return. Housing Vouchers Squeeze: A new UHERO study finds Section 8 voucher funding in Hawaii has risen, but rising rents and limited voucher availability are still leaving thousands of eligible families underassisted. Banking Milestone: American Savings Bank begins trading on the NYSE after its IPO, marking a new chapter for the Hawaii-based lender. O‘ahu Enforcement: Honolulu City Council advances higher fines for unlawful peddling, aiming to deter repeat violations in public areas. OHA Trust Fund Gains: OHA’s Native Hawaiian Trust Fund has nearly doubled over the past decade, topping $700 million, with 2026 gains reported as strong. Power & Roads Progress on Kaua‘i: Crews continue restoring power and key roads as recovery work ramps up ahead of more rain risks. Business Expansion: Ewa Moving Co. announces a 40% fleet increase and expanded climate-controlled storage to meet O‘ahu relocation demand. AI & Policy Debate: National coverage highlights renewed calls for AI regulation and scrutiny, echoing local interest in how tech policy could affect jobs and safety.

Consumer Protection: Hawaiʻi residents are being warned about fraudulent mailers that misuse the Hawaiʻi Green Infrastructure Authority’s name to push fake home warranty and mortgage protection scams, urging people not to call the numbers or share personal or financial info. Local Fraud Trends: Kapolei ranked among the top Hawaii cities for scam reports in August, with Honolulu leading statewide on BBB Scam Tracker. Auto Lending Crackdown: Acting AG Cori Mills and other states announced a $694 million multistate settlement with Credit Acceptance Corporation over predatory auto loans, including cash and debt relief and requirements to strengthen consumer protections. Housing Costs & Assistance: A University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization study says federal Section 8 spending in Hawaiʻi jumped to $170 million in 2024 (70% higher than 2003 after inflation) as rents rose, while voucher coverage grew far more slowly. Community & Business: Bizia Surf & Coffee Bar in Wahiawa is turning albizia—an invasive tree that costs millions to remove—into building materials and products, creating a local economy around a cleanup problem. Education & Workforce: Maui College Fair set for Sept. 30 at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center will bring 60+ colleges to help students and families plan after high school. Safety: Police opened a felony investigation after a 12-year-old allegedly threatened a teen with a firearm on Fort Weaver Road; no injuries were reported.

Hurricane Lowell recovery and power restoration: KIUC says it has restored power to more than 91% of Kaua‘i, with crews working to bring back service to the hardest-hit Wainiha and Ha‘ena areas; the earliest estimate for those remaining outages is end of next week, while Kaua‘i businesses report tourism slowdown and storm-related supply disruptions. Local economy and housing pressure: UHERO research finds more federal housing voucher money hasn’t helped enough renters because rising rents absorb the gains, leaving fewer families served; Kaua‘i also faces a Sept. 30 deadline for real property tax relief programs. Healthcare scrutiny: A new op-ed argues Hawaii’s healthcare giants deserve scrutiny amid concerns that insurer-provider consolidation worsened clinician shortages and costs. AI and corporate responsibility: Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff urged AI firms to regulate themselves or face lawsuits, tying the idea to Hawai‘i’s kuleana. Mail delivery dispute: Hawaii leaders object to USPS plans that would deny direct curbside mail delivery for some rebuilt Lahaina homes, pushing for restored service. Public safety and courts: A former Maui man was sentenced to 151 months for selling fentanyl and heroin shipped into Hawaii.

Telecom Infrastructure: Molokai’s planning commission cleared a key permit step for the Hawaiian Islands Fiber Link (HIFL), approving a Special Management Area Minor Permit to conduct an archaeological inventory survey before undersea cable work. US Postal Service & Disaster Recovery: Hawaii’s congressional delegation urged USPS to restore direct mail delivery to rebuilt Lahaina homes, arguing the agency is treating returns as “new developments” and routing mail to centralized community boxes instead. Utilities & Finance: Hawaiian Electric is watching the valuation of American Savings Bank as its IPO terms imply about a $1 billion equity value at the midpoint—raising questions about how that benchmark affects HE’s retained stake. Local Business & Community: Kauai’s reopening update highlights power restoration progress, which hotels and restaurants remain open, and what travelers should expect after Hurricane Lowell. Food & Supply Chain: A recall update tied to Everything Sprouts alfalfa seed lots expanded after an outbreak investigation involving Shiga toxin-producing E. coli and Salmonella. Policy & Consumer Protection: A new Kansas ATM law limits cash withdrawals when exploitation is suspected, including a $1,000 cap on the initial transaction and holds on subsequent transactions. Climate Risk Finance: The Nature Conservancy’s parametric coral reef insurance policy has already triggered payouts after Hurricanes Lala and Lowell, creating a financial safety net for reef restoration.

Maui Wildfire Legal Fight: Hawaii Supreme Court heard arguments over whether attorneys’ fees tied to a $4 billion Maui wildfire settlement can be capped or must follow the settlement agreement, with payouts paused pending the dispute. Kauai Storm Recovery: Crews cleared the only road to a Hawaiian homelands resident after Hurricane Lowell, while Port Allen’s harbor damage threatens livelihoods and could keep some boats out for years. Hurricane Outlook & Business Disruption: Norbert’s moisture may bring showers and a possible Flood Watch, adding pressure to already fragile operations across the islands. Energy & Power Reliability: A letter challenges JERA’s LNG messaging, arguing outages are driven by weather and grid infrastructure—not lack of LNG—while another column urges homeowners to consider battery backup for solar. Housing & Cost Help: Kokua Line answers whether the Hawaii Relief Program is still open and who qualifies for short-term rent and utility support. Local Policy Watch: Hawaii County deferred action again on a bill to simplify the vacation rental process. Health & Access: New state data shows medication abortion in Hawaiʻi has surged, now dominating reported abortions as federal restrictions loom. Business & Trade: U.S. deepens Pacific engagement with a shift toward private-sector-led growth and commercial diplomacy.

Hurricane Lowell recovery & consumer protection: Hawaiʻi’s attorney general is warning residents to watch for scams tied to storm damage and relief efforts, including fake charities, contractor/home-repair fraud, and impersonation of government and aid groups. Energy & coastal resilience: The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation is deploying a living “hybrid reef” off Kalaeloa—porous concrete structures with coral fragments—to reduce wave energy and strengthen shorelines. Local food security push: Oʻahu farmers and food groups are rallying support for a proposed food security fund that would set aside 0.5% of property tax revenue to buy and distribute locally grown food. Kauaʻi power still uneven: KIUC says about 81% of members had power restored, but North Shore outages remain the longest and most uncertain. Business & tech: Salesforce unveiled “AIForce” at Dreamforce, pitching a new enterprise AI interface layer while protesters targeted ICE-related contracts outside the event. Environment: PMRF on Kauaʻi is dimming lights under its “Dark Skies” program to protect fledgling seabirds during shearwater season.

Hurricane Lowell recovery & power restoration: Kauai is about a week out, with schools reopening and power back to roughly 82% of the island, but remote areas could take weeks; officials say damage assessments are topping 590 and urge residents to report losses to support federal disaster funding. Local governance & rail: Honolulu City Council approved a bill exempting HART from a city condemnation-notice rule, a move tied to ongoing legal fights with Servco Pacific over Skyline property acquisitions. Healthcare policy: Gov. Josh Green stayed neutral on the proposed HMSA–Hawaiʻi Pacific Health “One Health Hawaiʻi” partnership but warned of outside takeovers and urged local reforms. Insurance & consumer help: State officials promoted a free online life-insurance policy locator for Hawaiʻi families, noting $11.2 million has been recovered locally in the past year. Business climate pulse: A new BOSS survey finds 57% of Hawaiʻi business leaders say the state is a worse place to run a company than five years ago. Food & local openings: Korokoro Cafe opened in Hilo, bringing Hokkaido-style pastries and milk bread to the island. Disaster aid push: Hawaiʻi’s congressional delegation urged Trump to approve major disaster declarations for Lowell and Lala to unlock faster federal support. Legal/settlement watch: A Missouri judge is set to begin reviewing Bayer/Monsanto’s $7.25B Roundup settlement as plaintiffs argue against being pressured into acceptance.

Hawaiʻi Disaster Relief: Hawaiʻi State FCU expanded its Emergency Member Relief Program for members affected by Hurricane Lowell, adding options like up to $5,000 emergency assistance loans with a three-month payment pause and deferrals on eligible consumer loans. Local Business & Community: Hawaiian Council opened vendor applications for ʻUlu O Lele, the interim Lahaina marketplace at the former Outlets of Maui site, with priority for businesses hit by the Aug. 8, 2023 wildfires. Air Connectivity: Mokulele won a four-year Essential Air Service contract to keep Lānaʻi connected, with 63 round trips weekly (21 to Kahului, 42 to Honolulu) and about $19.4 million total in subsidies through 2030. Immigration Policy: A coalition of states including Hawaiʻi sued to block a Trump DHS “public charge” rule that would broaden what immigration officials can count when deciding green cards—setting up a major legal fight. Housing Pressure: A new report highlights the U.S. housing shortage (4.03 million units), intensifying debate over how vacation homes affect local inventory and affordability. Tourism Marketing: Sheraton Waikiki launched a football-themed “Road Warrior” package with breakfast and resort credit ahead of the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl. Aviation Safety/Manufacturing: Boeing said 737 MAX 10 flight testing is complete and fleet-wide retrofits tied to safety systems are cleared for rollout.

Healthcare Relief: President Trump says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Hawaiʻi, will get $500 Obamacare refunds tied to alleged Biden-era premium “user fee” overcharges. Local Accountability: A Honolulu City Auditor report faults the city’s use of $386M in federal COVID-19 relief, saying most funds shifted toward city operations and limited broader community and economic recovery. Disaster Funding Push: Hawaiʻi’s congressional delegation urges Trump to approve Gov. Josh Green’s requests for major disaster declarations after Hurricanes Lowell and Lala, arguing the cumulative damage has exceeded state and county capacity. Public Health Research: UH Mānoa wins a $3.6M NIH grant to study whether plantation-era pollutants still affect residents’ heart and lung health, including how disasters can reintroduce contaminants. Resilience & Planning: Hawaiʻi leaders and emergency officials discuss how back-to-back storms and El Niño are straining recovery systems, forcing more staffing and training for overlapping response efforts. Energy & Land Use: A new debate grows over AI data centers as stakeholders cite electricity and water constraints, with a bill proposed to clarify zoning for data centers. Tourism & Community: Sea Life Park begins a transformation under Native Hawaiian stewardship after a $1M initial investment, while Kauaʻi residents keep leaning on community support as power restoration continues after Hurricane Lowell.

Health Policy & Consumer Relief: President Trump says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Hawaiʻi, will get $500 refunds for Obamacare “overcharges” tied to federal exchange “user fees,” with payments aimed at people who paid full premiums without assistance. Women’s Health & Workforce: A new discussion highlights how women’s mid-life care (perimenopause/menopause) remains underfunded—only a small share of private health investment—despite major impacts on health and productivity. Local Business Expansion: Kam Bowl Restaurant opened a new Pearl City location, adding specials like mango guava barbecue and slow-roasted prime rib while spotlighting its signature oxtail soup. Disaster Assistance (Hawaiʻi County): Hawaiʻi County is expanding earthquake recovery help at Community Resource Centers, with FEMA and SBA representatives starting Sept. 14 for South Kona residents. Volcano Watch: USGS reports Kīlauea remains in a precursory phase for the next episode of lava fountaining, with timing “likely today or tomorrow” if conditions hold. Education & Talent Pipeline: UH Mānoa law school will host Big Island recruitment sessions covering admissions, financial aid, and programs including Native Hawaiian law and environmental law. Community & Resilience: Volunteers are mobilizing after Waiāhole flooding damaged Seguin Family Farms, with cleanup efforts underway and ongoing recovery needs.

Hurricane Lowell recovery: Kaua‘i power restoration climbed to about 76% of KIUC customers, with crews still focused on the north shore and parts of Lihue, Kalaheo, Koloa, Kekaha and Kokee; the state is coordinating outside help, including about 100 additional personnel from Hawaiian Electric, Southern California Edison and HMS Construction, plus military airlift support. Local business hit: The storm also wiped out Kaua‘i’s Bike Doktor in Hanalei after winds blew off its roof, underscoring how hard it is for small operators to bounce back. Disaster support: Hawai‘i expanded its Statewide Disaster Case Management Program to households affected by Hurricanes Lowell and Lala, adding more case managers and housing/benefits navigation. Election logistics: Hawaii still must hold its Nov. 3 election, but officials warn a shift away from mail returns could force costly in-person work and longer lines. Affordable housing: Honolulu’s Amana Lofts converted a former office building into 64 moderate-income apartments, with rents starting around $1,875. Workforce education: Hawai‘i Community College won a $920,238 NSF grant to expand drone-based geospatial training statewide. Weather watch: Tropical moisture from Norbert may bring more humidity and showers later in the week, with possible flooding.

Hurricane Lowell recovery: Gov. Josh Green and HEMA expanded Hawaiʻi’s Statewide Disaster Case Management Program to households hit by Hurricanes Lowell and Lala, adding housing navigation, financial recovery planning, and referrals via 80+ disaster case managers across the islands. Power restoration logistics: The U.S. Air Force, Hawaiʻi National Guard and Southern California Edison are airlifting utility trucks, crews and equipment from Hawaiʻi Island to Kauaʻi to speed up restoration after thousands remained without electricity. Tourism impact: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority urged travelers to avoid or reschedule Kauaʻi trips while the island recovers, while the Hawaii Hotel Alliance pushed back when lodging is open and operating. Local business investment: Maui Health Foundation raised the full $4.1 million for a new high-field MRI at Maui Memorial Medical Center, backed by a $2M matching grant and major gifts including Oprah Winfrey’s foundation. Workforce and education: Mililani High School opened a Pentagon-funded MEERA engineering/manufacturing lab with 3D printers and blueprint training, aiming to build local skills for high-tech jobs. Consumer/legal: A Long Island man sued Walmart over a Great Value Hawaiian automatic air freshener refill, alleging benzene contamination at levels far above federal risk thresholds.

Hurricane Lowell Recovery: Kauaʻi is at about 72% power restored as KIUC brings back transmission lines and Hawaiian Electric adds crews, while Līhuʻe Airport is back on commercial power and highway access is reopening. Tourism & Local Economy: With damage and outages still affecting parts of Kauaʻi, the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is urging visitors to reschedule or consider other islands, though lodging leaders say travelers should come if their accommodations are operating. Disaster Logistics: Rainbow Helicopters is flying generators and supplies to Kauaʻi for the Salvation Army, and the Hawaiʻi National Guard used a CH-47 to move dialysis patients when airport screening equipment failed. Federal Legal Pressure: The DOJ sued Hawaii (plus Arkansas, Utah and DC) over in-state tuition and aid for certain immigrants, arguing it violates federal law. Health Insurance Policy: Trump announced $500 Obamacare refunds for nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states including Hawaii. Local Business & Jobs: UH Mānoa got an officially licensed Mānoa Mix snack, and UH Hilo expanded NIL with Athlete’s Thread; Mililani High School opened a Pentagon-funded engineering/manufacturing lab. Community & Culture: The Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra is bringing “Mele For Maui” to celebrate Maui’s resilience.