AGP Executive Report

Deep-Sea Mining Lawsuit: Environmentalists and community groups sued the U.S. to stop the first commercial sale of deep-sea mining leases in American waters, challenging a federal finding that mining “is not likely” to harm endangered species—an issue that could affect habitats off American Samoa and beyond. Hurricane Lala Power Fallout: After Tropical Storm Lala, many Hawaii Island residents face prolonged outages as Hawaiian Electric maps restoration timelines and brings in outside linemen; Waikiki residents also report lingering blackouts that cut off water and raise grid-resilience questions. El Niño & Storm Risk: NOAA and other forecasters point to a strengthening El Niño this winter, with elevated tropical cyclone risks in the Central/Eastern Pacific—coming right as Hawaii rebuilds from Lala. Mosquito-Borne Health Watch: The state DOH reported another travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu and urged residents to eliminate standing water, especially after Lala flooding. Pacific Plastic Problem: A new look at the Great Pacific Garbage Patch highlights how a “garbage island” between Hawaii and California spreads plastic and microplastics across a huge ocean area. Local Cleanup Support: Maui and Honolulu announced green-waste disposal options after Lala, including drop-off sites, roll-off bins, and waivers to help residents manage storm debris.

Deep-Sea Mining Lawsuit: Environmentalists and community groups sued the U.S. to stop the first commercial sale of deep-sea mining leases off American Samoa, arguing federal agencies wrongly greenlit the plan without proper Endangered Species Act review—an issue that Conservation Council for Hawaiʻi is directly challenging. Storm Aftermath & Grid Resilience: Hurricane Lala left many Hawaiʻi residents facing prolonged power outages, with HECO warning some areas could be without electricity for at least two weeks; Waikiki residents reported dark buildings, no running water, and renewed questions about grid vulnerability. Public Health Watch: Hawaiʻi DOH confirmed another travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, while officials urged residents to eliminate standing water after Lala’s flooding to reduce mosquito breeding. Ocean Plastics: A NOAA-backed look at the Great Pacific “garbage island” highlights how plastic debris and microplastics spread across a huge ocean area between Hawaiʻi and California. Tropics Outlook: NOAA’s latest outlook flags elevated risks for tropical cyclone development in the Central and Eastern Pacific, with El Niño strengthening and possible systems that could affect areas hit by Lala. Local Cleanup Support: Maui and Honolulu announced green-waste disposal options after Lala, including landfill access and scheduled curbside pick-up for storm debris.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Earthjustice sued the U.S. government to block plans to auction seabed leases around American Samoa, arguing the move could violate the Endangered Species Act and harm critical ocean habitat. Storm Recovery & Wildlife: Cyclone Lala is still reshaping Hawaii’s recovery—Honolulu is resuming normal operations while Hawaiian Electric reports hundreds of outages, and the Hawaii Wildlife Center is urging residents on how to help storm-displaced birds. Hurricane Lala’s Human Toll: On Hawaiʻi Island, flooding tied to Lala killed a 90-year-old woman in Naalehu as officials assess damage across Kaʻū and beyond. Local Resilience on the Ground: Honolulu reopened convenience centers, transfer stations, and the landfill after Lala closures, and city guidance continues on cleanup and safe disposal. Health After Disasters: State health officials say cyclosporiasis outbreaks are still rising despite claims of containment, with some linked to contaminated food sources. Conservation & Trails: DLNR and Kupu are upgrading Big Island trails with “sustainable trail standards” to reduce erosion and protect native flora and fauna.

Hurricane Lala Recovery: Hawaiʻi’s Department of Health is warning residents about storm-linked health risks, including a statewide brown water advisory, food safety after power outages, and avoiding floodwater and runoff. Local Cleanup & Waste: Honolulu reopened convenience centers, transfer stations, and the Waimānalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill, while reminding residents about accepted items and load limits. Public Services Closed (Big Island): Gov. Josh Green says Big Island state and county offices, public schools, and courts will stay closed Tuesday due to ongoing power issues and road clearing. Sewage Spill Response: Honolulu ENV responded to two wastewater spills at the Ala Moana Wastewater Pump Station after a backup power failure, with cleanup and sampling underway. Native Hawaiian Relief: OHA approved the first round of emergency funding for Native Hawaiians in Kaʻū and Ka Lae (South Point), including gift cards and support for community hubs. Wildlife After the Storm: The Hawaiʻi Wildlife Center is seeing an influx of downed seabirds and is asking the public to watch for injured birds as breeding season makes losses especially costly. El Niño Monitoring: Saildrone is sending solar-powered ocean drones from Alameda to study a developing El Niño in the equatorial Pacific. Seabird Conservation Game: Hāna residents launched a Kickstarter for “E Lele!”—a card game that teaches seabird threats and real conservation actions, with the campaign running through Aug. 20.

Hurricane Recovery in Hawaiʻi: Tropical Storm Lala has moved away, but Honolulu is in full cleanup mode with saturated ground, downed power lines, fallen trees, and localized flooding still posing hazards; the Honolulu Board of Water Supply is asking residents to conserve water as pumping is affected by outages. Storm Impacts Across the Islands: Lala’s pass left the Big Island with major damage and widespread power loss, and the storm’s extreme rain and wind triggered bridge and road damage—while officials warn that cleanup work can still be dangerous. Climate Accountability in Action: Young Hawaiians continue meeting with the state Department of Transportation after the Navahine v. Hawaiʻi DOT settlement, shaping transit and bike-lane priorities as Hawaiʻi works to decarbonize transportation by 2045. Native Wildlife Conservation: Hawaiʻi’s aeʻo (Hawaiian stilt) is rebounding after decades of protection and habitat work, with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reclassifying it from endangered to threatened. Community-Led Seabird Protection: Hāna residents launched a Hawaiian seabird conservation card game, E Lele!, using play to teach real-world actions like habitat restoration, predator traps, and reduced nighttime lighting. Land for Hawaiian Homesteads: BLNR authorized transfer of more than 300 acres in Waiākea, Hilo, to DHHL, with environmental and cultural assessments set for next steps. Invasive Species Warning: A new look at mosquitofish highlights how a 1905 introduction is still harming native freshwater damselflies and other wildlife.

Hurricane Lala Recovery: Lala has moved past the Big Island, but recovery is underway with widespread damage, road closures, and lingering hazards as officials warn many injuries happen during cleanup. Schools statewide are closed Monday, and power outages still leave tens of thousands without electricity. Storm Watch: Honolulu and other counties kept tropical storm warnings and urged residents to avoid roads and the ocean due to strong winds, heavy rain, and high surf. Wastewater & Water Safety: Honolulu’s Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant is dealing with an ongoing sewage spill; crews are containing it, the cause is under investigation, and the state DOH was notified. Wildlife Protection Policy: DLNR’s proposed rules would tighten cat management on state lands, including limits on feeding feral cats, alongside broader protections for indigenous wildlife. Invasive Species Enforcement: On Hawaiʻi Island, advocates say the CRB movement rule is not being enforced enough and are pushing the state Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to step up. Clean Energy Momentum: Hawaiian Electric reports nearly 3,500 new rooftop solar systems added in the first half of 2026, plus 55 MW of battery storage. Community & Culture: The Hawaiian Council expanded by acquiring Sea Life Park for Native Hawaiian stewardship, and the Huliau Food & Film Festival returns Aug. 29 with farm-to-table food and youth films. Local Science Spotlight: A 10th-grade student’s coconut-husk project is gaining recognition for work that could help break down microplastics and sunscreen compounds.

Storm Recovery & Safety: Hurricane Lala skirted Hawaiʻi’s Big Island without landfall, but still brought damaging winds, torrential rain, flash-flood risk, and dangerous surf; officials say at least 100 homes were damaged and power outages hit hundreds of thousands of customers, with Big Island outages reported as widespread. Emergency Response: Gov. Josh Green and county/state agencies urged residents to shelter in place as hazards continued after the storm weakened to a tropical storm; Honolulu opened hurricane refuge areas and reported hundreds of weather-related incidents, while Maui and other counties set up temporary evacuation points and adjusted services. Climate & Coastal Risk: A local editorial pushback argues against easing sea-level protections, warning that even if worst-case emissions scenarios shift, sea level is still rising and Hawaii’s beaches, roads, wastewater, and coastal homes remain exposed. Invasive Species Impact: A century-old mosquito control effort—introducing mosquitofish—has been linked to declines in native freshwater damselflies by changing food webs and increasing predation. Wildlife & Human Behavior: Influencers are being warned to stop “swim with sharks” selfie-chasing after multiple attacks, as researchers note more bites tied to people ignoring safety guidance. Local Food Systems: The Hawaiʻi Farmers Union opened applications for a free mentorship program to train new farmers on Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi.

Hurricane Lala Response & Impacts: Hurricane Lala strengthened into a Category 1 storm as it battered Hawaiʻi Island with heavy rain and damaging winds, prompting a state of emergency and warnings of life-threatening flooding, mudslides, and dangerous surf; power outages topped 40,000 customers statewide, and officials urged people to shelter in place while Oʻahu prepared for worsening conditions. Local Emergency Operations: Honolulu opened eight hurricane refuge areas and kept its emergency centers fully activated, while Maui County expanded temporary evacuation points and converted them into shelters as conditions deteriorated. Waste & Cleanup Disruptions: Honolulu’s refuse convenience centers, transfer stations, and Waimānalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill were set to close Sunday due to severe weather, with residents asked to store bulky waste safely until reopening. Coastal Resilience Debate: A local column pushed back against calls to loosen sea-level-rise protections, arguing that even if worst-case emissions scenarios shift, Hawaii’s coastal risks remain real. Nature & Materials: UH Mānoa research is testing whether Hawaii-grown eucalyptus plantations can produce construction-grade lumber, aiming to reduce reliance on imported wood. Marine Life & Debris: A separate report highlighted how ghost nets and other marine trash keep washing ashore in Hawaiʻi, threatening wildlife and inspiring art and cleanup efforts.

Hurricane Lala: Hawaii’s Big Island is bracing as Tropical Storm Lala strengthens into a Category 1 hurricane, with hurricane warnings in effect and forecasts of up to 10–20 inches of rain (possibly 25 inches) plus dangerous surf and storm surge. Officials warn of life-threatening flooding, mudslides, and wildfire risk from strong winds—especially in steep, off-grid areas—while power outages and road closures begin to mount. Emergency Response: Gov. Josh Green declared a state of emergency and state agencies moved resources into place; DLNR also announced closures of state camping, parks, lands, and trails as the storm approaches. East Maui Water Fight: The Board of Land and Natural Resources blocked a long-term East Maui water license path for Mahi Pono and moved toward a contested case hearing tied to stream diversion permits—another flashpoint in the fight over community water control. Marine Debris & Wildlife: Maui continues to grapple with ghost nets and lost fishing gear washing ashore, while Hawaii also confirmed a new cyclosporiasis case linked to travel, keeping public health watch on water and outbreaks. Wildlife Crime: In California, a teen pleaded guilty for kicking a protected sea lion at La Jolla Cove, underscoring how quickly wildlife harm can spread online.

Hurricane & Climate Risk: Tropical Storm Lala is strengthening toward a hurricane before reaching Hawaiʻi Island this weekend, with hurricane warnings, flood watches, and high surf warnings in place; forecasters warn of life-threatening flooding, damaging winds, and wildfire-fueling conditions, while NOAA and the NWS tie the broader setup to a potentially “very strong” El Niño that could raise odds of coral bleaching and wildfire risk. Emergency Response: Hawaiʻi’s governor signed an emergency proclamation as agencies and the Hawaiʻi National Guard ramp up statewide readiness; DLNR ordered major state park and land/trail closures, and Maui County set up temporary evacuation points and adjusted services. East Maui Water Fight: The BLNR blocked a long-term East Maui water license path for Mahi Pono and moved toward a contested case hearing, siding with county and cultural water advocates amid a decades-long dispute over stream diversions. Land for Homesteads: BLNR authorized transfer of 334 acres on Hawaiʻi Island to DHHL, advancing Native Hawaiian homesteading and potential revenue generation. Wildlife Protections: DLNR proposed stronger rules for endangered, threatened, and indigenous wildlife on state lands, including stricter limits around feeding/releasing—drawing pushback from animal advocates. Public Health: DOH confirmed a fifth cyclosporiasis case in 2026, with risk to the public described as low.

Hurricane Preparedness: Tropical Storm Lala is strengthening toward Hawaiʻi, with a Hurricane Warning for the Big Island and Flood Watch plus High Surf warnings statewide; forecasters warn of life-threatening flash flooding, mudslides, and damaging winds and surf, with heavy rain expected to hit east-facing slopes hardest. Wildlife Protections: Hawaiʻi DLNR is proposing stricter rules for endangered, threatened, and indigenous wildlife, including a ban on feeding and releasing wildlife on state lands; animal advocates say the language is too loose and could backfire on feral cat management. Local Water & Land Decisions: Honolulu is posting a Final Environmental Assessment for the Ala Wai Pedestrian Bridge (“Ala Pono”) for public courtesy review, a step toward possible approval under Hawaiʻi’s environmental law. Maui Water Fight: The state Board of Land and Natural Resources is set to vote on a 30-year auction plan for the East Maui irrigation system tied to Mahi Pono, drawing sharp criticism from water advocates and taro farmers. Conservation & Culture: A new Mary Kawena Pukui Learning Commons opens at Punahou, expanding archives and Hawaiian cultural learning spaces. Wildlife Crime (Elsewhere): A California man pleaded guilty for repeatedly kicking a sea lion, violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act—another reminder that wildlife harassment can bring federal penalties.

Tropical Storm Lala: Hawaii declared a state of emergency as Lala strengthens toward the Big Island, with a Hurricane Warning for Hawaiʻi County and a Tropical Storm Watch for Maui County; forecasts call for heavy rain, damaging winds, dangerous surf, and flash-flood risk, while Honolulu and Maui officials urge residents to finish storm prep now. Wildfire Impacts: Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Saddle Road) reopened to all traffic after a South Kohala wildland fire closure, following earlier shutdowns as crews battled the blaze. Water & Governance: Maui water advocates are alarmed as a 30-year East Maui water lease plan heads toward a state auction process that would keep control effectively tied to a single private bidder, sidelining county management goals. Ocean & Community Planning: Honolulu posted a Final Environmental Assessment for the Ala Wai Pedestrian Bridge (“Ala Pono”), aiming to improve walkability and emergency access between Waikīkī and nearby neighborhoods. Military Land Return: Gov. Josh Green announced the Navy is starting the process to return nearly 44 acres on Oʻahu and Molokaʻi to the state, pending environmental review and approvals. Biodiversity & Conservation: A Photo Ark spotlight highlights Hawaiian spiny lobsters benefiting from protections like a no-catch season and bans on taking egg-bearing females. Local Cleanup: Police completed a heavy-rain cleanup at Richardson Ocean Park in Hilo and reminded the public that animals are prohibited at county beach parks to protect wildlife and water quality.

Tropical Storm Lala: Hawaii is bracing for a major weather hit as Lala strengthens in the Central Pacific, with a Hurricane Watch issued for the Big Island and forecasts of heavy rain (5–10 inches, locally higher) plus dangerous surf and possible hurricane-strength winds by early Saturday. Climate Outlook: NOAA says El Niño is intensifying and could reach historic strength this fall and winter, raising the odds of major weather impacts across the U.S. and the Pacific. Reef Recovery: Maui Nui Marine Resource Council and partners are restoring damaged Honolua Bay coral after a 2023 grounding, while broader efforts tackle warming water, runoff, sediment, pollution, and coastal development. Water & Infrastructure: NAVFAC Hawaii awarded a $309M contract to build the permanent Red Hill Water Treatment Facility, aiming to restore safe drinking water service after the 2021 fuel release. Energy Jobs: UH Maui College and Hawaiian Electric graduated the second Maui Power Pathways cohort, expanding free training across Maui Nui for potential utility careers. Wildlife Biosecurity: Hawaii officials captured an opossum at a Hilo freight warehouse and euthanized it for rabies testing, underscoring ongoing quarantine vigilance.

Aquarium fishing crackdown: Honolulu City Council urged the state DLNR to ban aquarium fishing and lawmakers to ban the trade statewide, citing a long-running loophole that let commercial licenses dodge earlier recreational bans; BLNR is expected to decide after its fishery rule review, with a key Aug. 28 meeting on the agenda. Hawai‘i Senate seat special election: Sen. Michelle Kidani’s resignation triggered a special election folded into the Nov. 3 general election, with multiple parties and a nonpartisan option potentially on the ballot. Wildfire impacts on Saddle Road: Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Saddle Road) stayed closed through Aug. 13 as crews battled a South Kohala wildland fire that had burned about 230 acres and was 60% contained. Storm prep for Potential Tropical Cyclone One-C: Hawai‘i County Civil Defense says One-C (forecast to become Tropical Storm Hernan/Lala) could bring heavy rain, flooding, and damaging surf late this week into the weekend; residents are urged to review emergency plans and monitor alerts. Water pollution cleanup in Ka‘ū: Hawai‘i County set an Aug. 20 public meeting on closing large-capacity cesspools in Pāhala and Nāʻālehu, tied to EPA consent requirements and Act 125 upgrades. Ocean protection infrastructure: Honolulu marked progress on the Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant’s secondary treatment phase, aimed at keeping beaches and ocean waters cleaner. Climate pressure in the grocery aisle: Hawaii shoppers face rising food costs as July inflation cools nationally, but grocery staples and beef remain higher—linked to drought and cattle shortages. Ocean life & research: A UH-led effort highlighted new educational and conservation work, including humpback whale 3D spatial audio recording and ongoing interest in marine wildlife protection.

Red Hill Cleanup: NAVFAC Hawaii awarded a $309.65M contract to Hensel Phelps for the P-716 Red Hill Water Treatment Facility, aiming to restore and treat water for JBPHH by Aug. 2029. Ocean Protection Upgrade: Honolulu marked completion of Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant Secondary Treatment Phase 1, using membrane bioreactors to better protect beaches and the ocean. Wildlife Under Pressure: A young Hawaiian monk seal on Oʻahu’s North Shore died after getting entangled in an abandoned lay net; NOAA says toxoplasmosis also killed another monk seal this year, with calls to keep cats indoors. More Fire Risk: Wildland fires near Daniel K. Inouye Highway scorched 230 acres on Big Island and closed the highway in South Kohala. Storm Watch: Tropical Storm Cristobal formed in the Atlantic, while a separate Central Pacific system could bring heavy rain and rising wind/wave impacts to Hawaiʻi later this week—officials urge preparation now. Climate Accountability: Hawaii continues pushing climate change litigation against oil companies even as it relies heavily on fossil fuels. Marine Life Decline: UH researchers report spinner dolphins off Kona have far fewer calves than expected, raising concerns about long-term viability. Trail Work: Nonprofit Kupu will partner with DLNR to improve island trails, including Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail work on Hawaiʻi Island.

Wastewater & Ocean Protection: Honolulu marked completion of the Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant’s Secondary Treatment Phase One, adding membrane bioreactors and UV disinfection to better protect Oʻahu’s coastal waters and public health. Native Stewardship & Marine Education: Hawaiian Council acquired Sea Life Park Hawaiʻi, moving the marine attraction under Native Hawaiian stewardship while promising uninterrupted operations and continued conservation-focused programming. Wildlife Health: NOAA confirmed a young Hawaiian monk seal on Oʻahu’s North Shore died of toxoplasmosis, urging residents to keep cats indoors to prevent parasite spread. Wildfire Response: Crews battled two South Kohala wildfires near Daniel K. Inouye Highway, closing parts of the road and burning over 70 acres with no evacuations reported. Water Governance: Maui’s effort to take control of the East Maui water system stalled as the state land department opposed the county plan, keeping a major farming water network under state oversight. Trail Restoration: Kupu is partnering with DLNR to improve erosion-prone trails on Hawaiʻi Island, including work on Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail and other routes. Storm Watch: The National Weather Service and NOAA flagged a developing low east-southeast of Hawaiʻi with a high chance of tropical development, with possible impacts by this weekend.