AGP Executive Report

Tropical Threat Watch: A Central Pacific tropical wave (Invest 93C) is designated as the highest-threat system, with forecasts suggesting Hawaii could be in the path of tropical development within about a week; forecasters also warn that monster waves could hit the islands even if a named storm doesn’t form. Invasive Species on the Ground: Honolulu crews are actively combating coquí frogs, using night operations to stop the loud, disruptive invaders from spreading and stressing nearby ecosystems. Marine Life Research: UH Mānoa researchers are using drones to deploy noninvasive suction-cup tags on humpback whales, aiming for safer, more efficient wildlife tracking. Native Land Stewardship: A community push on Hawaiʻi Island is seeking to install highway signs marking traditional ahupua‘a boundaries, helping residents and visitors connect place names to land-and-water history. Policy & Funding: Hawaiʻi County opened applications for a new $250,000 Event Sponsorship Program (up to $25,000 per group) to support culture, health, community engagement, and visitor benefits. OHA Leadership: Early results from the OHA at-large trustee primary show several incumbents leading, with the field narrowing to six for November. Wildlife Protection Law: A U.S. House Natural Resources Committee move would expand “invasive species strike teams,” building on efforts already underway at Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge.

OHA Elections: Early results in Hawaiʻi’s Office of Hawaiian Affairs at-large trustee primary show a crowded field narrowing to six for November, with incumbents Brickwood Galuteria and John Waiheʻe IV leading on name recognition, and candidates including educator Adrian Kealiʻi Akina and fisherman Kanekoa “Koa” Crabbe emphasizing Native Hawaiian rights, housing, and environmental restoration. Invasive Species Watch: Honolulu crews are ramping up coquí frog control at night, using capture efforts to protect native ecosystems and reduce the disruptive “dusk-to-dawn” chorus. Marine Science: UH Mānoa researchers are using drones to tag humpback whales with suction-cup technology, aiming for safer, less intrusive wildlife tracking. Community Land Memory: A Hawaii Island effort is pushing for roadside signs marking traditional ahupuaʻa boundaries, with the state DOT creating an application path for communities to request installations. Tropical Monitoring: Forecasters are watching a developing tropical wave in the Central Pacific for possible depression formation, with Hawaiʻi impacts still uncertain. Wildfire Climate Reality: A national report highlights how wildfire smoke and hotter conditions are becoming routine as federal climate and wildfire research efforts are cut. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Pacific island territories are alarmed by a U.S. plan to auction nearby ocean areas for deep-sea mining exploration without consultations, raising food security and environmental concerns. Local Governance & Energy Debate: Oʻahu residents are weighing a Japanese company’s proposed LNG plan through FERC’s pre-filing process, with more engagement promised before decisions move forward.

Marine Wildlife Tech: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa researchers are using drones to suction-tag humpback whales from the air, cutting the need for close boat approaches while improving fine-scale health and movement data. Endangered Species Act Fight: Conservation groups, including Conservation Council of Hawaiʻi and WildEarth Guardians, plan a lawsuit over U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service changes to the Endangered Species Act that they say weaken protections and shift decisions toward economic impacts. Climate Impacts in the Pacific: A marine heat wave tied to human-caused climate change is boosting humidity and heat stress along Southern California, with warm ocean water feeding moisture inland. Local Resilience & Health: Hawaiʻi DOH says it’s still supporting Maui wildfire survivors with long-running behavioral health services, including counseling and Native Hawaiian healing options, nearly three years after Lahaina’s fires. Invasive Species Funding: The U.S. House Natural Resources Committee advanced a bill by Rep. Ed Case to fund invasive species strike teams, including $10 million annually to protect native ecosystems. Community Opportunity: Hawaiʻi County opened applications for a new $250,000 Event Sponsorship Program to fund island events that build culture, wellness, and local economic development.

Oʻahu LNG Debate: Residents in Kapolei and Honolulu weighed a Japanese company’s proposed LNG storage and regasification terminal off Kalaeloa, part of a larger plan to supply Oʻahu via a new $2 billion power plant; open houses were required under the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s pre-filing environmental review, and the company says it will hold more meetings. Maui Wildfire Health, 3 Years On: Hawaiʻi DOH says behavioral health support continues at the Lahaina Comprehensive Health Center, with 86,903 sessions delivered through a SAMHSA-funded wildfire response, as displacement still fractures families and disrupts work, school, and community ties. Native Wildlife Protection Funding: The U.S. House Natural Resources Committee advanced a bill by Rep. Ed Case to fund invasive species strike teams nationwide, including $10 million annually from 2027–2033, aiming to protect Hawaiʻi’s endemic ecosystems. Molokaʻi Monk Seal Spotlight: A viral RU99 monk seal story is shifting local conversation on Molokaʻi, helping counter misinformation and discouraging harmful actions. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Pacific island leaders say the U.S. announced deep-sea mining auction plans without consultations, raising fears for food security and ocean disruption. Election & Community Engagement: Hawaii’s election coverage highlights how social media is helping first-time candidates reach voters, while state election officials describe the behind-the-scenes work that keeps voting equipment accurate.

Marine Conservation & Policy: Hawaii signed S.B. 2907 to create an Office of Marine Affairs and a Marine Affairs Governing Board, aiming to coordinate marine planning, boost marine tourism and recreation, and strengthen coastal resilience. Invasive Species: A U.S. House Natural Resources Committee bill backed by Rep. Ed Case would fund invasive species strike teams with $10 million a year (FY2027–2033), shifting federal action toward ecosystem-wide prevention. Wildlife & Community Messaging: A viral Molokaʻi monk seal story about RU99 is changing local conversations and countering misinformation that can lead to harm. Ocean Protections Under Pressure: Trump moves to allow commercial fishing inside three Pacific marine national monuments, including Papahānaumokuākea in Hawaiʻi—sparking backlash from conservationists and Indigenous groups. Local Cleanup & Safety: Hawaiʻi County set free Household Hazardous Waste drop-off days in Hilo and Kona, with rules to keep chemicals out of landfills and waterways. Climate Signals: NOAA’s latest hurricane outlook warns the Atlantic may be quieter, while the Pacific could be less lucky—an important reminder for island preparedness.

Climate & Ocean Watch: ENSO is shifting as equatorial Pacific waters warm and trade winds weaken, with rainfall patterns moving off their usual tracks—an early signal of how El Niño/La Niña swings can reshape Hawaii’s weather and marine conditions. Wildlife Science: Smithsonian researchers traced Hawaii honeycreepers’ “big bang” diversification from a single ancestor and warn that only 17 species remain, threatened by disease, predators, and climate change. Native Species Protections: Hawaii DLNR is holding a public hearing Aug. 13 on proposed rule amendments to strengthen protections for native wildlife. Maui Wildfire Recovery: Gov. Josh Green says the One ‘Ohana Fund has offered the full $175M available under the Maui Wildfires Compensation Program, with offers made on 162 claims and more than $155.7M already distributed. Public Health & Environment: Hawaii County will host free Household Hazardous Waste drop-offs in Hilo (Aug. 8) and Kona (Aug. 15) for items like used batteries, fluorescent bulbs, pesticides, and automotive fluids. Ocean Policy: Trump’s move to allow commercial fishing in three Pacific marine national monuments drew sharp condemnation, including for Papahānaumokuākea in Hawaii. Local Governance & Accountability: Newly unsealed timelines show hours-long delays in public alerts during an Oahu Community Correctional Center inmate escape, raising questions about coordination and public communication.

Native Wildlife Protections: Hawaiʻi DLNR is holding a public hearing Aug. 13 on proposed state rule amendments to strengthen protections for native wildlife, with details and a survey posted online. Invasive Species Watch: On Hawaiʻi Island, advocates say the new coconut rhinoceros beetle rule is still falling short on implementation and enforcement, urging the County Council to push for stronger action. Monk Seal Spotlight: A critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal (RU99) hauled out on Molokaʻi and, thanks to a local social media connection, is helping shift community conversation after past misinformation and killings. Conservation Jobs: Kupu is now accepting applications for its Conservation Leadership Development Program and Kupu ʻĀina Corps, with host-site placements across native species, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, wildfire prevention, and cultural stewardship. Volcano Park Operations: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park posted August flight operations for monitoring ʻUaʻu (Hawaiian petrel), feral ungulate surveys, and backcountry maintenance. Tropical Threat: The National Hurricane Center is tracking two Eastern Pacific areas that could develop and potentially affect Hawaiʻi in mid-August, though odds remain low. Local Enforcement: A Maui police lieutenant was charged in a federal case alleging bribes tied to protecting illegal chicken fighting and drug operations.

Wildlife Protection Push: Hawaii advocates say the state’s coconut rhinoceros beetle rule is under-enforced, and they’re urging stronger implementation to stop the invasive pest from spreading on the Kona side. Endangered Species, Community Power: A Molokaʻi monk seal’s viral return to shore is helping shift local attitudes after past killings, showing how public engagement can protect wildlife. Enforcement Needed Now: On Oʻahu, police are hunting two men accused of attacking an endangered Hawaiian monk seal with a rock; DLNR says harassment and harm are illegal. Invasive Species Funding: The U.S. House Natural Resources Committee advanced Ed Case’s bipartisan invasive species bill, setting aside $10 million a year starting in 2027 to protect refuge habitats across Hawaiʻi. Climate Accountability: A Washington state wrongful-death lawsuit against major oil companies is moving forward after a judge rejected dismissal attempts, as plaintiffs argue fossil fuels fueled deadly extreme heat. Local Resilience Spending: Honolulu announced a $9 million FY2027 Climate Resiliency Fund portfolio focused on stormwater, food and water security, and natural systems. Native Wildlife Rules: DLNR is holding a public hearing Aug. 13 on proposed HAR amendments to strengthen protections for indigenous wildlife and restrict harmful habitat impacts. Energy Debate in Hawaiʻi: JERA is hosting public meetings on whether importing LNG fits Hawaiʻi’s energy needs, amid concerns about affordability and sustainability.

Endangered Species Under Attack: Honolulu police and DLNR are hunting two men accused of throwing a rock at a juvenile Hawaiian monk seal at Diamond Head Beach; DLNR says the seal wasn’t seriously hurt but the act is illegal under federal and state protections. Native Wildlife Protections: Hawaiʻi DLNR is holding a public hearing Aug. 13 on proposed HAR Chapter 13-124 updates to better protect indigenous wildlife, including limits on “take,” habitat harm, and feeding wildlife. Climate Resilience Spending: Honolulu announced a $9 million FY2027 Climate Resiliency Fund portfolio focused on stormwater planning, cesspool conversions, resilient retrofits, food security, and upgrades to public facilities. Broadband for Rural Hawaiʻi: Hawaiʻi is moving ahead with a $150 million fiber-optic broadband expansion via BEAD, targeting thousands of unserved homes and linking to the Connect Kākou effort. Flood Mitigation Starts: Work to clear Manoa Stream began this week after Kona-low flooding, with sediment, vegetation, and debris removal scheduled through early December. Water Policy Scrutiny: Maui’s Water and Infrastructure Committee sent a revised subdivision bill back for more review after questions about whether it changes what the Board of Water Supply can already do. Wildlife Conservation Boost: A $200M “Phoenix Species Project” backed by Jeff Bezos and Leonardo DiCaprio will support recovery of 100 threatened species, including Maui’s kiwikiu, facing avian malaria and pox. Tourism & Community Tensions: Maui police continue investigating a reported hate-motivated assault during a West Maui stay, with multiple arrests made and the FBI involved.

Wildlife Protections Update: DLNR proposed amendments to HAR 13-124 to better protect Hawaiʻi’s indigenous wildlife, including bans on “take” (harm/harass), limits on significant habitat modification, statewide prohibitions on feeding indigenous threatened and endangered wildlife, and tighter rules to restrict injurious wildlife movement. Green Fee Funding: Applications opened for the first round of Hawaiʻi Green Fee funding, with about $129M available for stewardship, climate resilience, hazard mitigation, and sustainable tourism; workshops are set across islands to help nonprofits and Native Hawaiian organizations apply. Conservation Jobs Boost: Kupu won a $1.75M AmeriCorps grant to expand its Conservation Leadership Development Program, training the next generation of conservation professionals through host sites statewide and across the Pacific. Coastal & Flood Planning Notices: DHHL issued public notices for floodplain and wetland evaluations tied to housing projects on Molokaʻi and Maui, including mapping of 1% and 0.2% flood risks and wetland impacts. Broadband for Rural Communities: Hawaiʻi is moving ahead with nearly $150M in BEAD funding to bring fiber to about 5,800 unserved homes, coordinated through the UH Broadband Office. Education Infrastructure: Teachers reported ongoing safety and learning disruptions from aging school buildings as the new school year begins.

Coral Resilience Research: UH Mānoa oceanographers report Hawaiian corals may adapt to future heat stress—even under high-emissions scenarios—offering rare hope as bleaching risk rises. Local Conservation Jobs: Kupu won a $1.75M AmeriCorps grant to expand its Conservation Leadership Development Program across Hawai‘i and the Pacific, training the next wave of conservation professionals. Wildlife Protection on Kaua‘i: Kaua‘i’s long predator exclusion fence is credited with seabirds successfully nesting again, showing how targeted invasive-species control can restore habitat. Honolulu Climate Funding: The City’s FY2027 Climate Resiliency Fund portfolio invests $9M in projects like cesspool conversions, resilient retrofits, and natural-system restoration to cut disaster risk. Hawai‘i Schools Reopen/Upgrade: Ha‘aheo Elementary in Hilo is set to welcome students back after a $25M renovation, while other campuses open for the new academic year. Legal Climate Fight: A judge ruled the Trump administration can refile a fossil-fuels lawsuit aimed at blocking Hawai‘i’s climate-related case against major oil companies. Public Health Watch: DOH confirmed a fourth cyclosporiasis case in Hawai‘i-based military members, as health officials continue monitoring outbreaks.

Education & Safety: Hawaii public schools opened for the 2026-27 year, with some campuses using the first day for freshmen orientation and expanding on-campus support—Kaimuki High added more School Resource Officers and security after its SRO pilot reportedly reduced fighting and boosted staff confidence. Climate & Health Accountability: A federal judge allowed the U.S. government to refile a fossil-fuels lawsuit against Hawaii, reviving a fight over whether Hawaii can sue oil companies over alleged deceptive marketing tied to climate harms. Clean Air for Drivers: Hawaiʻi’s Commerce and Consumer Affairs urged eligible Mercedes diesel owners to book an Approved Emission Modification and file claims for incentives up to $2,000 before late-summer deadlines, tied to settlement over “defeat devices.” Early Childhood Policy: Advocates are watching a potential federal overhaul of Head Start, warning that changes to class sizes, staffing ratios, and teacher pay could weaken protections for keiki. Marine Life Research: UH researchers using drones and field tagging are advancing humpback whale science, including how whale songs line up with dive behavior. Wildlife & Coasts: Deep Blue Eco Tours is promoting cage-free tiger shark encounters on Oʻahu’s North Shore as an education-focused, safety-first approach. Food Resilience: UH West Oʻahu faculty published open-access work on building food system resilience for disasters and pandemics. Local Water Safety: DOH confirmed a fourth cyclosporiasis case tied to Hawaii-based military members. Ocean & Community: Hawaiʻi and Indonesia marked 20 years of partnership through disaster response and readiness exchanges.

Hawai‘i Wildfire Resilience: The Hawai‘i Urban Interface Wildfire Grant Program awarded $1.8 million to eight organizations across five islands to cut hazardous fuels, strengthen evacuation planning, and boost community preparedness. Climate Accountability in the Courts: A watchdog group says the University of Hawai‘i unlawfully withheld public records about whether climate activists and legal advocates influence climate lawsuits, alleging “judicial education” coordination. Ocean Life Research: New suction-tag studies off Maui found humpback whale songs sync with dive phases, with some males singing nonstop for up to 16 hours—useful for conservation and understanding whale behavior. Hawai‘i Energy Funding Fight: Court filings admit Trump-era clean energy grant cancellations for Hawai‘i were tied to whether the recipient state was “blue,” not project merit. Local Infrastructure: The state is moving forward on a 2027 underwater fiber optic link connecting the main islands to improve broadband access. Wildlife & Pollution: Research says the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is now a floating plastic “habitat,” letting coastal species survive on debris between California and Hawai‘i.

RIMPAC Wrap-Up: The world’s largest naval exercise, RIMPAC 2026, ended after more than a month of training across the Hawaiian islands with forces from 30 nations—raising the stakes for how military activity intersects with the “global maritime environment.” Marine Life Tech: UH researchers used drones to tag humpback whales off Maui, keeping distance while collecting movement and energy data to better guide conservation amid climate stress and vessel traffic. Plastic Pollution: New research reframes the Great Pacific Garbage Patch as an “immense floating plastic habitat,” where coastal species can survive on debris—an alarming reminder that plastic doesn’t just harm wildlife, it can reshape ecosystems. Shark Nursery in Hilo Bay: UH-Hilo scientists say they’ve identified the first known blacktip shark nursery habitat in Hawaiian waters, with juveniles spending their early years in Hilo Bay. Local Governance & Environment: Office of Hawaiian Affairs launched a nationwide search for a new CEO while facing a whistleblower lawsuit—an internal governance story with real implications for stewardship and trust assets. Classroom Cooling: Teachers across islands say aging electrical systems limit air conditioning in classrooms, affecting learning comfort during peak heat. OHA CEO Search: OHA’s CEO is on paid leave amid legal claims, with an interim CEO running day-to-day operations. Broadband Buildout: A state plan to connect the main Hawaiian islands with a new underwater fiber optic cable cleared a hurdle, aiming to improve access islandwide.

Disaster Recovery: Vibrant Hawaiʻi says it received nearly 900 disaster case management referrals tied to March Kona Low storms and is now contacting households to connect them with recovery resources. Wildlife Research: UH Hilo researchers report the first known blacktip shark nursery habitat in Hawaiian waters, with juveniles spending their early years in Hilo Bay. Air Quality & Fossil Fuels: An editorial urges Hawaiʻi Electric to retire oil-fired plants, criticizing EPA moves that could keep dirty power running longer and worsen haze pollution. Ocean Protection: A letter calls for stopping longline fishing in a conservation area, citing harm to seabirds and other marine life. Hazard Preparedness: Hawaiʻi County’s Civil Defense administrator Talmadge Magno retires after years leading responses to eruptions, storms, and other hazards. Community Cleanup: Two free household hazardous waste events are set for Hilo (Aug. 8) and Kona (Aug. 15). Climate & Land Use: A national study maps landslide exposure at the building level, highlighting how small-area risk can trap millions in vulnerable homes.

Volcano Watch: Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno is retiring Aug. 1 after nearly a decade steering responses to eruptions, hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunami warnings, and the historic Kona low. Waste & Water Safety: Hawaiʻi County will hold two free household hazardous waste drop-offs—Aug. 8 in Hilo and Aug. 15 in Kona—so residents can properly dispose of items like pesticides, batteries, and fluorescent bulbs (no business or e-waste). Public Health: DOH confirmed a 4th cyclosporiasis case in Hawaiʻi in 2026, tied to a military member who traveled internationally; officials say the public risk remains low. Local Land Use: Oʻahu’s next municipal solid-waste landfill is being eyed at Kapaʻa Quarry, but Windward lawmakers oppose the plan and it would require changes to state law. School Safety: Honolulu’s School Resource Officer pilot expands to Nanakuli High & Intermediate, adding three retired HPD officers and touting fewer incidents and stronger student relationships. Wildlife & Climate Research: UH Mānoa researchers report gut bacteria patterns linked to faster or slower biological aging, adding to growing evidence that health and longevity are connected.