AGP Executive Report

Water & Power Struggles: Maui’s drought fight is now tangled with billionaire influence after Japan’s richest man, Uniqlo founder Tadashi Yanai, became part of a Kapalua irrigation dispute tied to West Maui water controls. Coastal Cleanup Momentum: For World Ocean Day, Hawaiʻi groups pulled 6,074+ pounds of marine debris, removed 60+ pounds of invasive plants, and logged 900+ volunteers across islands—land to reef, including fishing line and abandoned nets. Wildlife Health Alert: NOAA says a beloved Hawaiian monk seal, Kaʻale, died from toxoplasmosis linked to feral animals—raising alarms about shoreline cat impacts on marine life. Wildfire Readiness: Honolulu launched the 2026 Wildfire LOOKOUT! campaign, warning that wet-season growth can still mean higher fire risk later, and urging defensible space and safer grill/campfire habits. Local Water in Public Trust: Maui Mayor Bissen advanced a $6M proposal to buy Launiupoko and Olowalu water assets, aiming to expand public stewardship while supporting housing and environmental stewardship. Marine Conservation Culture: The inaugural ʻAha Niu festival highlighted coconut protection and community action against invasive coconut rhinoceros beetles.

Wildfire Preparedness: Hawaii’s 2026 Wildfire LOOKOUT! campaign launched statewide as officials warn wet-season growth can raise fire risk through the rest of the year, with leaders urging homeowners and landowners to prepare now. Reef Protection: Reef-safe sunscreen is back in the spotlight as experts point to reef-harming chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, pushing mineral-based SPFs for ocean time. Invasive Species & Food Security: Maui’s inaugural ʻAha Niu festival highlighted community efforts to safeguard coconuts and curb the spread of invasive coconut rhinoceros beetles. Cultural Restoration: Plans moved forward to restore the Lahaina Royal Complex (Lua‘ehu), aiming to bring culturally significant sites back into the community’s healing. Climate & Risk Research: New science on Alaska’s Aleutian Islands traces dramatic uplift across a 1,000-mile chain, linking surface change to deep Earth forces. Local Resilience & Access: Keawaʻula section of Ka‘ena Point State Park is set to reopen July 1 after storm-damaged roadway repairs, with some trail closures still in place. Food System Revival: ‘Ulu (breadfruit) is framed as a regenerative path toward Hawaii food security, with a global summit planned in South Kona later this year.

Wildfire Preparedness: Honolulu and partners launched the 2026 Wildfire LOOKOUT! campaign, warning that a wet spring’s lush grass can become dangerous fuel later as conditions turn hotter and drier, with officials urging residents to review tips and make family plans. State Parks & Coastal Access: Keawa‘ula at Ka‘ena Point State Park will reopen July 1 after FEMA-inspected storm damage repairs, though parts of the trail remain closed and rerouted; Ka‘ena Point Natural Area Reserve is reachable from the north side. Air Quality Rollback Fight: Hawaii’s and other attorneys general joined coalitions opposing an EPA proposal that would weaken New Source Review permitting, arguing it would allow major pollution construction without required pre-permit controls and reduce public input. Public Health & Pesticides: A UCLA Health study links chlorpyrifos exposure to more than double Parkinson’s risk and points to how the pesticide may disrupt the brain’s cellular “garbage disposal,” renewing calls for a full federal ban. Local Environment Governance: DBEDT’s Small Business Regulatory Review Board named 2026–2027 officers and welcomed a new Maui County member, keeping small-business perspectives in rulemaking. Conservation Culture: A Hawaii native freediver and spearfisher, Kimi Werner, is set to present at a marine sanctuary event focused on sustainable fishing, conservation, and local food.

Air Pollution Permitting Fight: U.S. EPA’s proposed rollback would let major polluters start construction without New Source Review permits, cutting public input and modern pollution controls; a coalition led by AG Kwame Raoul says it would harm health and the environment. Maunakea Access & Stewardship: Hawaii’s Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is reviewing proposals for the Maunakea summit access road, including possible tolling, cultural center plans, tours, and environmental restoration, as a working group forms with DLNR and others. East Maui Water Control: A stalled decision over who manages East Maui’s century-old ditch system pits the East Maui Water Authority against Mahi Pono, with leadership changes at BLNR adding uncertainty for community water protections. Harbor Repair in Laupahoehoe: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is moving forward with breakwater repairs to reduce wave energy and improve navigation, with a public informational meeting set for July 8. Wildlife Safety (Pueo): Hawaiʻi reports that documented pueo deaths are primarily linked to vehicle collisions, renewing calls for safer roads and protections for the native owl. Regional Climate Cooperation: Hawaiʻi and Pacific partners wrapped the inaugural Pacific Climate Summit with a joint pledge to strengthen adaptation and resilience across island ecosystems and coastal communities.

Climate Adaptation: Hawaiʻi and partners just wrapped the inaugural Pacific Climate Summit in Honolulu, with a joint pledge to boost regional resilience and adaptive capacity as rising temperatures intensify hazards for island communities and ecosystems. Local Climate Data: UH is rolling out a free monthly climate summary service for Hawaiʻi subscribers, letting residents track drought, watershed health, rainfall, and temperature by place. Wildlife Conservation: A new statewide study finds most pueo deaths are linked to trauma, with vehicle collisions near roads driving the majority; researchers also flag wind turbines and call for collision prevention and better rodenticide awareness. Community Recycling: A Return & Earn Fiji program is turning recycling into student learning and income, with a Hawaiian advocate pushing for cleaner coastlines and waters. Governance & Accountability: A former Honolulu Foodbank program employee pleaded not guilty to alleged theft and forgery tied to $800,000 in pandemic relief funds. Military & Environment: Marine Corps Base Hawaii marked a change of command while emphasizing stewardship of cultural sites and environmental protection along its peninsula.

Wildlife & Roads: A new statewide UH Mānoa study finds most documented pueo deaths in Hawaiʻi are preventable trauma, with 62% tied to collisions or occurring near roadways; wind turbines account for 13% of trauma-related deaths, and researchers urge safer driving and better rodenticide awareness. Clean Energy & Water Safety: A University of Hawaiʻi tool now offers free personalized climate summaries for residents, including “warmest day of the year” mapping to help communities plan for heat. Electric Aviation in Hawaiʻi: BETA Technologies and Surf Air Mobility launched a two-month electric aircraft demonstration program using its Alia, aiming to gather data on commercial-scale needs for routes, charging, and infrastructure across the interisland network. Lahaina Recovery: Hunt Capital Partners marked the reopening of Kaiāulu o Kupuohi, a rebuilt LEED Gold affordable housing community in Lahaina now fully occupied by returning residents and wildfire victims. Military Logistics & Environment: The U.S. Army is exploring drone boats to ease watercraft readiness and logistics in the Pacific, with testing potentially starting next summer. RIMPAC Support: NAVSUP FLC Pearl Harbor is funding key contracted services for RIMPAC 2026 across Hawaiʻi, from transport and cranes to sanitation and reception support.

Wildlife & Public Safety: A new statewide UH Mānoa study says vehicle collisions are the leading cause of documented pueo (Hawaiian short-eared owl) deaths, with 242 cases logged from 1993–2024 and about two-thirds of trauma-linked deaths tied to roadsides—urging drivers to stay alert and residents to rethink rodenticide use. Coastal Erosion: Maui’s Ka’anapali Beach is shrinking fast, with palm trees sliding into the surf; state officials and resort hotels are backing a sand-rebuild plan, while locals worry it could worsen impacts and harm access. Climate Data Access: UH’s Hawaiʻi Climate Data Portal is rolling out free, personalized monthly climate summaries starting July 1, letting residents track rainfall, temperature, and drought by moku and ahupuaʻa. Marine Conservation: Coral restoration at Kahaluu Bay is showing signs of recovery, including coral spawning after major heat-wave damage years earlier. Plastic Pollution: Hawaiʻi researchers are testing whether recycled fishing nets and plastic waste can be used in asphalt roads to cut landfill and ocean impacts. Local Governance & Recovery: Honolulu launched a webpage updating the public on restoration of the CORP field in Waipio after it was used for debris storage following the March Kona Low. Ocean Health in Action: OUTRIGGER’s 10th annual Zone Day returns to Waikiki Aquarium with community partners and Genki Ala Wai efforts to improve Ala Wai Canal water quality.

Climate Data for Hawaiʻi: UH’s Hawaiʻi Climate Data Portal is rolling out free monthly, personalized climate updates starting July 1, translating local rainfall, temperature, and drought conditions into plain-language summaries tailored to moku and ahupuaʻa. Wildlife Safety: A statewide UH Mānoa-led study finds most documented pueo deaths (62%) are trauma, with two-thirds tied to vehicle collisions or road-adjacent areas—plus wind turbines (13%)—and highlights collision prevention and rodenticide awareness. Coral Recovery: Kahaluu Bay’s cauliflower coral is rebounding after past heat-wave bleaching, with restoration groups reporting heavy spawning and renewed reproduction after major losses in 2015 and 2019. Plastic-to-Infrastructure: Hawaiʻi Pacific University researchers are testing whether recycled fishing nets and plastic waste can be used in asphalt roads, aiming to cut landfill and ocean impacts. Local Environment Updates: Honolulu launched a webpage tracking restoration of the CORP field in Waipio after March Kona Low storm debris, including soil testing and a reopening timeline. Ocean Conservation: OUTRIGGER’s 10th annual Zone Day returns to Waikīkī Aquarium with Genki Ala Wai mud-ball making to improve Ala Wai Canal water quality. Volcano Watch: Kīlauea’s episodic summit eruption (Episode 50) is underway, with park guidance urging visitors to stay out of closed areas and monitor for vog and tephra.

Plastic-to-roads push: Hawaiʻi researchers are testing whether discarded fishing nets and other plastic waste can be turned into asphalt for local roads, aiming to cut landfill and ocean impacts. Storm cleanup transparency: Honolulu launched a dedicated webpage updating restoration of the Patsy T. Mink Central Oʻahu Regional Park field in Waipio, which served as a temporary debris storage site after the March Kona Low storms. Ocean conservation in Waikīkī: OUTRIGGER’s 10th annual Zone Day at Waikīkī Aquarium will include hands-on exhibits and Genki Balls to support the Genki Ala Wai Project and improve Ala Wai Canal water quality. Kīlauea visitor safety: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park says Episode 50 lava fountaining is underway at Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, with guidance to avoid closed areas and protect against vog and tephra. Central Maui recycling concern: A UH Maui College recycling center in Kahului is set to permanently close Tuesday, raising worries about access to recycling options. Monk seal death update: NOAA reports a Hawaiian monk seal found off Nanakuli died from toxoplasmosis/parasite infection. Ala Wai restoration support: The city’s CORP debris-site updates and the Ala Wai water-quality effort both point to ongoing local cleanup and resilience work.

Recycling Access Under Threat (Central Maui): Maui County says the UH Maui College recycling center in Kahului (Wahinepio Ave) is set for permanent closure Tuesday, raising concerns about residents losing a long-running drop-off option and pushing people to farther sites. Marine Life & Health (Hawaiian monk seals): NOAA confirmed the death of Hawaiian monk seal RH32 (Ka‘ale) off Nānākuli was caused by toxoplasmosis, a major threat to monk seal recovery and also linked to risks for native wildlife. Drinking Water Safety (Lead): The EPA awarded Hawaiʻi $27.5 million to help identify, remove, and replace lead service lines through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. Coastal Recovery (CORP debris site): Honolulu launched a dedicated webpage tracking restoration at the Patsy T. Mink Central Oʻahu Regional Park field that served as a temporary disaster debris storage site after March Kona-low storms. Marine Reserve Update (Kaʻūpūlehu): DLNR pushed the Kaʻūpūlehu Marine Reserve reopening to end of 2026, citing final plan work and co-management agreements after a 10-year “Try Wait” closure. Climate Collaboration (Pacific): Hawaiʻi and regional partners wrapped the inaugural Pacific Climate Summit with a joint commitment to strengthen adaptation and resilience across the Asia-Pacific. Local Governance & Housing Impacts (Maui Lani): Hawaiʻi Supreme Court let a Maui cultural/environmental group revive part of its challenge to a Maui Lani Phase 9 grading permit extension, reinforcing protections tied to ancestral burial sites. Budget & Climate Fees (State): Gov. Josh Green signed Hawaiʻi’s $21B budget, including funding for climate fees (mostly tourist-paid) and restoring key health and SNAP/Medicaid-related support. Invasive Species Watch (Kona vines): A local gardening column warns that fast-spreading vines after Kona’s rains are not kudzu, but a mix including ivy gourd and other species.

Drinking Water Safety: The EPA awarded Hawaiʻi $27.5 million to help communities identify, remove, and replace lead service lines, aiming to cut exposure to the neurotoxin. Wildlife Health: NOAA confirmed Hawaiian monk seal RH32 (Kaʻale) died from toxoplasmosis, a parasite spread through cat feces that can silently devastate native wildlife. Marine Conservation: Hawaiʻi Island’s Kaʻūpūlehu Marine Reserve reopening has been pushed to later in 2026 as partners finalize a fisheries management plan and co-management agreement after a decade-long closure. Clean Tech in the Air: BETA Technologies and Surf Air Mobility launched an electric aircraft demonstration in Hawaiʻi with Hawaiian Airlines support, running trial flights for 6–8 weeks to test operations and infrastructure needs for zero-emission interisland cargo and passenger service. Legal & Land Use: Hawaiʻi Supreme Court allowed a Maui Lani Phase 9 “good cause” challenge to proceed, reinforcing protections tied to ancestral burial sites while upholding dismissal of another legal theory. RIMPAC Logistics & Training: Navy leaders highlighted how RIMPAC builds relationships and readiness, with logistics teams coordinating port visits and sustainment for ships from 30 nations.

Electric Aviation in Hawaiʻi: BETA Technologies and Surf Air Mobility launched a six-to-eight-week electric aircraft demonstration in Hawaiʻi, with Hawaiian Airlines supporting route and infrastructure feasibility—an early step toward lower-emission interisland cargo and passenger service. Monk Seal Health: NOAA confirmed Kaʻale (RH32) died of toxoplasmosis after a necropsy, underscoring how cat-linked parasites can threaten Hawaiian monk seals and other native wildlife. Climate Collaboration: The First Pacific Climate Summit wrapped with a joint commitment to strengthen climate adaptation and resilience across the Asia-Pacific, including Hawaiʻi and other island partners. Coastal Resilience Planning: Final conceptual designs for the Olowalu-Ukumehame coastline—aimed at sea-level rise adaptation, coastal resilience, and ecosystem restoration—will be presented July 9 at Maui Ocean Center. Volcano Science Legacy: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory marked the retirement of volcanology leader Bruce Houghton, reflecting on decades of hazard-focused research at Kīlauea. World Ocean Month Spotlight: Palmyra Atoll was highlighted as a tiny but globally important hub for ocean conservation science and ecosystem protection. Local Conservation Pressure: Volunteers say more protections are needed for Rocky and her monk seal pup at Kalaeloa beach, where public access and behavior are a growing concern. Disaster Preparedness Debate: An editorial argues Hawaii’s “catastrophic wildfire liability cap” should protect residents by reducing costly, drawn-out litigation while keeping utilities financially stable.

Monk Seal Health: NOAA confirmed the Nanakuli monk seal Ka‘ale (RH32) died from toxoplasmosis, a parasite threat to Hawaiian monk seals and other wildlife, with cat feces contaminating water and prey. Clean Aviation Push: BETA Technologies is running Hawaii’s first operational electric cargo aircraft test flights with Mokulele, aiming for zero tailpipe emissions while still awaiting FAA certification. Climate Data for Residents: UH launched a free Hawaii Climate Data Portal that delivers monthly, neighborhood-level rainfall, temperature, and drought updates starting July 1. Coast Resilience Planning: The public will see final conceptual designs for the Olowalu-Ukumehame coastline at a July 9 event as part of a sea-level rise and ecosystem restoration effort. Local Environmental Accountability: Honolulu ENV is posting online updates on CORP field restoration after March Kona Low storm debris storage, including soil testing and a reopening timeline. Waste & Air Quality: Hawaii’s Department of Health ordered a Pearl City junkyard shutdown after violations and neighbor complaints about dust impacting Waiawa Stream. Regional Climate Collaboration: Hawaiʻi joined a First Pacific Climate Summit with partners across the Pacific to coordinate adaptation and resilience.

Interisland Clean-Tech Aviation: Beta Technologies’ all-electric Alia CX300 is beginning short Hawaii demonstration flights with Surf Air Mobility and support from Hawaiian Airlines, aiming to gather data on infrastructure and operational needs for future interisland service. Local Sustainability & Food Systems: On the One O‘ahu Podcast, Dr. Kealoha Fox (Honolulu’s Office of Climate Change, Sustainability, and Resiliency) discusses the City’s 2026 Annual Sustainability Report and a draft Oʻahu Food Systems Plan open for public comment through June 30. Water Safety After Red Hill: DOJ paid about $17 million to hundreds of people tied to the 2021 Red Hill jet fuel spill, while attorneys say thousands of claims are still unresolved. Wastewater Costs in Hawaii County: The Hawaii County Environmental Management Commission pushed back on proposed sewer rate hikes that could raise typical bills by 20% this November and more than double over five years. Marine Research Spotlight: A Q&A aboard the R/V Marcus G. Langseth highlights how UH and Lamont-Doherty scientists connect ocean research to classroom learning. Climate-Linked Health Risk: NASA is working to improve long-range dengue risk forecasting for Puerto Rico, noting cases have appeared in Hawaii and other mainland states. Wildlife Protection at the Source: A Civil Beat explainer breaks down how wildlife managers identify which predators kill Hawaiʻi seabirds, pushing back on cat-blame speculation. RIMPAC Returns to Hawaii: The Navy’s Rim of the Pacific exercise kicked off with 30 countries and thousands of personnel, underscoring the region’s ongoing environmental and security pressures.

Military & Environment: The Navy is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement for homeporting up to nine Medium Landing Ship-class vessels at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, with a July 13 public meeting and a June 24–July 24 comment window. Ocean & Community Impacts: RIMPAC 2026 kicked off in Hawaii with 31 nations, 25,000+ service members, and major training activity—while protesters warned it “destroys our ocean” and harms marine life. Water Justice: DOJ distributed about $17 million in Red Hill jet fuel settlement payments to 629 people harmed by the 2021 contamination. Invasive Species Control: Hawaii agriculture officials are releasing thousands of parasitic wasps to fight the invasive stinging nettle caterpillar, with new surge reports on windward Oʻahu and parts of Maui. Wildlife Conservation: A new study finds puffin numbers are dropping around Kodiak, adding urgency to seabird conservation planning. Local Food & Farming: DBEDT wrapped up the fourth Hawaiʻi Made Conference, highlighting support for local food innovation and product development. Public Health & Consumer Protection: AG Anne Lopez welcomed Shopify’s ban on all e-cigarette sales on its platform, citing youth access concerns. Pollution Prevention: Virginia moved to expand its Styrofoam container ban, adding to a growing list of states including nearly all of Hawaii. Climate & Heat: Forecasters warn extreme heat is expected for Ironman Frankfurt, a reminder of rising heat risks for outdoor events.

Invasive Species Response: Hawaii state agriculture officials are releasing thousands of parasitic wasps to counter the invasive stinging nettle caterpillar, with reports of a surge on windward Oʻahu and parts of Maui. Water & Accountability: DOJ says it has distributed about $17 million in Red Hill jet fuel settlement payments to 629 people harmed by the 2021 contamination, as claims continue to wind through the federal process. Local Waste Solutions: Hawaii County is pushing a composting plan after a study found 26% of landfill material is organic waste; the draft would build a network of community composting sites to cut hauling and emissions. Climate-Ready Infrastructure: Honolulu is facing renewed scrutiny after spending $450K on plans for dredging a flood-prone North Shore stream (Kaukonahua) but not clearing it before the Kona low storms. Volcano Science: The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s new Hilo headquarters is set for occupancy in about a year, with USGS planning to move in around April. Community & Culture: The Hawaii Theatre Center released a documentary-style video on its history and financial strain, citing soaring property insurance costs after Lahaina wildfires.