AGP Executive Report

Wildfire Mitigation Funding: Hawaiʻi’s Urban Interface Wildfire Grant Program awarded $1.8 million across Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island for firebreaks, invasive vegetation removal, managed grazing, evacuation planning, and safer emergency access—aimed at stopping small brush fires from turning into major disasters. Water Infrastructure in West Maui: Maui County is weighing a $6 million purchase of two private West Maui water systems (Launiupoko and Olowalu), a step toward public control of wells, pipelines, pumps, and reservoirs. Coastal Wastewater Alternative: Puakō residents are pushing a low-pressure liquid-only sewer system to replace cesspools and protect nearby coral reefs, with Hawaiʻi County now more open to making it a statewide model. Conservation & Community Restoration: DLNR DOFAW is opening a Green Fee-funded call for community-based restoration projects in forests, watersheds, wetlands, anchialine pools, and riparian areas. Native Wildlife Research: New work reports a blacktip shark nursery in Hawaiian waters, adding to growing evidence of local breeding habitat. Hawaiʻi Agriculture Relief: Kona Low storm-impacted farmers and ranchers have until July 31 to apply for USDA Emergency Conservation Program help to repair farmland and irrigation. Invasive Predator Control: A poison-free mongoose trapping trial at Kawainui Marsh cut tracking rates from 58% to 8%, offering a lower-risk tool for protecting ground-nesting birds.

Wastewater & Reefs: In Puakō, Hawaiʻi Island, residents and Hawaiʻi County are pushing a low-pressure liquid-only sewer system as a real alternative to cesspools, aiming to protect nearby coral reefs while tackling the state’s massive cesspool conversion mandate. Wildfire Mitigation: DLNR and the Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization awarded $1.8 million statewide through the 2026 Hawaiʻi Urban Interface Wildfire Grant Program, backing projects like defensible-space fuel reduction, invasive vegetation removal, managed grazing, evacuation planning, and emergency access improvements across Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island. Community Climate Resilience: DLNR’s Green Fee funding is now open for Hoʻōla ʻĀina community-based restoration projects in forests, watersheds, wetlands, anchialine pools, and riparian areas. Marine Life Research: UH Hilo researchers identified the first known blacktip shark nursery in Hawaiian waters, with juveniles using Hilo Bay year-round—highlighting how development, pollution, and climate shifts can reshape habitat. Shark Stewardship Story: A Kauai shark attack survivor is turning that experience into underwater shark photography to help people see sharks as beautiful and worth protecting. Landfill Fight: Honolulu Mayor Blangiardi is eyeing Kapaʻa Quarry on Windward Oʻahu for a future landfill, drawing opposition over environmental and cultural concerns and requiring a state law repeal. Species & Culture: Kiaʻi Kanaloa reports the death of a mother humpback whale and calf that stayed on Molokai’s south shore, with cultural practitioners and agencies coordinating around the event.

Wildfire Resilience Funding: DLNR and the Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization awarded $1.8 million statewide through the 2026 Hawaiʻi Urban Interface Wildfire Grant Program, up from $1.5 million in 2025, to eight groups across Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Maui and Hawaiʻi Island to cut hazardous fuels, improve evacuation planning, and boost preparedness. Maui & Molokaʻi Projects: On Maui, Waiohuli Hawaiian Homesteaders Association received $300,000 to reduce hazardous fuels around the community and support vegetation clearing in high-risk homestead parcels; on Molokaʻi, ʻĀina Momona is also listed among the awardees. Shark & Ocean Wildlife Notes: A UH Hilo study identified the first known blacktip shark nursery habitat in Hilo Bay, where juveniles stay year-round, and another report highlights an aeʻo population rebound as the bird was reclassified from endangered to threatened. Public Health & Water Safety: CDC surveillance shows cyclospora cases rising sharply in the U.S., while Hawaiʻi continues to monitor beach contamination risks tied to a whale carcass off Molokaʻi. Tropical Weather Update: Tropical Storm Fausto has weakened into a remnant low north of Hilo, with surf impacts downgraded from a warning to an advisory.

Wildfire Reality Check: A new look at global fire trends finds a grim mix: Europe and North America are burning more intensely, even as overall worldwide burning statistics hit record lows—because fire patterns are shifting across continents. Kauaʻi Honeycreepers: Researchers warn Kauaʻi’s native honeycreepers are disappearing faster than expected, with the ʻakikiki possibly gone from the island and other species dropping from thousands to hundreds in just a few years. Hawaiʻi Coral Resilience: University of Hawaiʻi research suggests Hawaiian corals may still adapt to future heat stress—even under high-emissions scenarios—though unprecedented human-driven stress is coming. Storm Prep & Impacts: Tropical Storm Fausto is weakening as it moves near Hawaiʻi, with a high surf warning and beach closures on the east side of Hawaiʻi Island; meanwhile, local restaurants are already planning for hurricanes and other disasters. Local Food & Energy Workforce: UH Maui College and Hawaiian Electric wrapped a second Maui Power Pathways Training Program cohort to build a local clean-energy workforce pipeline. Native Culture Funding: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority grants support Native Hawaiian culture projects across the islands through its Kūkulu Ola program. Maui Housing vs Tourism: Maui County advances hotel zoning for about 2,056 apartment-district transient vacation rental units, a move critics say could reshape local housing availability. USDA Deadline: Hawaiʻi farms have until July 31 to apply for USDA Emergency Conservation Program help after the March Kona Low storms.

Hawaiʻi Coral Resilience Research: New UH Mānoa modeling suggests Hawaiian corals may still adapt to future heat stress—even under high-emissions scenarios—though unprecedented human-driven warming is expected. Species Update: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reclassified the ʻAeo (Hawaiian stilt) from endangered to threatened, a rare bright spot for a native bird. Coastal Storm Impacts: Tropical Storm Fausto is forecast to pass north of the islands, with surf building and a high surf warning for east-facing shores; Hilo-area beach closures were reported as dangerous currents and surging water threaten coasts and infrastructure. Maui Housing Zoning Shift: Maui County advanced proposals that could move about 2,056 apartment-district transient vacation rentals into new hotel zoning categories, drawing objections from OHA and one council member. Native Culture Funding (Big Island): HTA’s Kūkulu Ola program awarded $900,000 to 30 community groups supporting Native Hawaiian culture through education, stewardship, and authentic experiences. Deep-Sea Mining Watch (American Samoa): The Trump administration is moving toward a first-ever deep-sea mining lease sale off American Samoa, drawing criticism over potential irreversible harm to marine life and ocean-linked livelihoods. Wildfire Recovery Still Hurts Maui: A new report highlights long-term health and social impacts on Maui residents and children three years after the Lahaina wildfire. Local Environment Cleanup: Surfrider Foundation’s latest beach cleanup report points to large amounts of cigarette butts found in Hawaiʻi.

Hurricane Watch for Hawaiʻi: Tropical Storm Fausto is weakening as it passes north of the islands, but a High Surf Warning is in effect for east-facing shores with surf building to 14–18 feet and dangerous currents; meanwhile Hurricane Genevieve remains a powerful Category 4 after rapid intensification, even if it’s forecast to dodge Hawaiʻi. Youth Climate Funding: Honolulu opened applications for Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Climate Action Fund, offering up to $4,999 for youth-led Oʻahu projects (July 27–Sept 7; work runs Nov 2026–Mar 2027). Ocean Pollution Cleanup: Surfrider Foundation reports cigarette butts are the most common litter item in Hawaii beach cleanups, with 170,000 pounds collected across Maui, Oʻahu, and Kauaʻi. Invasive Species Threat: USDA announced $35 million to help partners tackle feral swine in multiple states including Hawaiʻi, citing major damage to landscapes and risks to water, wildlife, and health. Marine Life Research: A new study compiles the largest-ever dataset of elemental concentrations in killer whales using 25 years of tissue samples, supporting future health monitoring. Community Safety: Hawaiʻi Threat Assessment Conference at UH West Oʻahu trained more than 200 people on a “threat continuum” approach to prevention and response. Wildlife Health Alert: DLNR warned Molokaʻi residents about potential public health risks from a whale carcass off the south shore.

Hurricane Preparedness for Hawaiʻi: Hurricane Fausto is expected to pass just north of the islands as it weakens to a tropical storm, but high surf and possible strong winds remain the main concern for east-facing shores through midweek. Renewable Energy Push: Hawaiian Electric filed an Integrated Grid Planning Request for Proposals to expand competitively priced renewables and storage across Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Island, and Maui, aiming to cut oil use and speed progress toward 100% renewable power by 2045. Marine Life & Public Safety: Officials are investigating reports of a person kicking a sea lion in California, a reminder that harassment or harm to protected marine mammals can carry serious penalties. Biodiversity Under Pressure: A new global assessment finds more than half of Earth’s migratory bird species are declining, tied to habitat loss and disrupted connections across migration routes. Deep-Sea Science: Researchers conducted the first post-2023 visual survey of Ruby Seamount after its eruption, using remotely operated vehicles to inspect the seafloor.

Hurricane Fausto Watch: Fausto is weakening as it moves west-northwest across the Central Pacific, but Hawaiʻi should still plan for dangerous east-shore surf and strong currents. The National Weather Service reports no coastal watches or warnings yet, yet swells are expected to build Monday night into Tuesday, with surf potentially reaching 10–14 feet on exposed east-facing shores. Officials urge residents to check emergency supplies, know flood and wind risks, and stay alert for changing impacts. Marine Life Safety: Molokaʻi residents and visitors are being told to stay out of the south shore waters near a humpback whale carcass after a whale died July 10; state aquatics officials say tissue samples are being analyzed and the site will be monitored as tides move remains through popular fishing and tour areas. Local Food Security Research: A new UH Mānoa and Tokyo University study suggests Hawaii could grow rice again using traditional irrigation, with short-grain varieties thriving in Kauaʻi and maturing in about 97 days—potentially reducing the state’s reliance on imported rice. Policy & Preparedness: Hawaii lawmakers are in Chicago for the National Conference of State Legislatures, including a track led by the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, while Hawaii also faces broader disaster-prep conversations tied to emergency response planning and public health readiness.

Hurricane Watch for Hawaiʻi: Hurricane Fausto is expected to pass north of the islands as it weakens, but officials warn that dangerous, life-threatening surf and possible rain and wind could hit east- and north-facing shores starting late this weekend into midweek. Molokaʻi Marine Health: The state is urging people to stay out of Molokaʻi’s south shore waters near a humpback whale carcass after elevated public health concerns tied to whale remains and ongoing monitoring. Clean Energy Politics in Court: The Trump administration acknowledged canceling $7.6 billion in clean energy grants based solely on which states voted for Kamala Harris—sparking backlash from Democrats and environmental groups. Ocean Impacts & Wildlife Safety: The Navy is moving forward with continued low-frequency sonar training/testing in waters that include areas near Hawaiʻi, keeping mitigation zones in place. Public Health at the Beach: Hawaiʻi’s Department of Health issued an advisory for elevated fecal bacteria at Hanakaʻōʻō Beach in Lahaina, warning swimmers—especially kids and immunocompromised residents—to avoid contact. Invasive Species Reminder: A new report highlights how miconia’s explosive seed production can smother rainforests—another cautionary tale for island ecosystems. Science & Health: A UH study links gut microbes to biological aging, suggesting microbiome patterns may help explain differences in aging rates.

Hurricane Fausto Watch: Forecasters say dangerous, life-threatening surf is the main near-term threat for Hawaiʻi as Hurricane Fausto (Category 2, ~100 mph) tracks west and is expected to weaken as it nears the islands; no coastal watches or warnings are in effect, but residents are urged to monitor updates and prepare for possible rain and wind. Molokaʻi Public Safety: DLNR is warning people to stay out of the water near a humpback whale carcass off Molokaʻi’s south shore, citing potential predators and health risks; removing remains is prohibited, and tissue samples are being analyzed. Marine Protection Enforcement: NOAA Fisheries is investigating a reported video of a man kicking a protected sea lion on a San Diego beach, underscoring how quickly wildlife harassment can trigger federal action. Clean Energy Politics: Court filings say the Trump administration canceled $7.6 billion in clean energy grants “based solely” on which states voted for Kamala Harris, drawing sharp criticism from Democrats and environmental groups. Wildlife Conservation Spotlight: A new assessment finds over half of Earth’s migratory bird species are declining, with habitat loss and broken migration connections driving the downturn.

Hurricane Fausto Watch: National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu say confidence is rising in the storm’s westward track, but impacts to Hawaiʻi are still uncertain; the clearest near-term threat is dangerous, life-threatening surf starting as early as July 26, with possible rain and wind later in the week. Marine Health Alert: Hawaiʻi DOH issued an advisory for elevated fecal bacteria at Hanakaʻōʻō Beach in Lahaina, warning swimmers—especially kids, seniors, and immunocompromised people—about potential illness from contaminated water. Molokaʻi Whale Response: DLNR is urging people to stay out of Molokaʻi’s south shore waters near a humpback carcass after a whale died July 10; officials say tides may keep remains in popular fishing and tour areas while tissue samples are analyzed. Navy Sonar in Hawaiʻi Waters: The Navy will continue low-frequency sonar training and testing in the Western/Central North Pacific and Eastern Indian oceans, including around Hawaiʻi, keeping mitigation zones and coastal buffers in place. Clean Energy Grants Fight: The Trump administration acknowledged in court filings it canceled $7.6 billion in clean energy grants “based solely” on which states voted for Kamala Harris—sparking backlash from Democrats and environmental groups. Wildlife Conservation: A new assessment finds over half of Earth’s migratory bird species are declining, underscoring how habitat loss and broken migration connections are driving biodiversity loss. Invasive Species Warning: A single miconia tree can produce up to 8.9 million seeds, and experts warn the invasive plant’s spread threatens Queensland’s World Heritage rainforests.

Hurricane Fausto & Surf Impacts: Hurricane Fausto is strengthening in the Central Pacific and is expected to bring higher surf and rain to Hawaiʻi in the coming days, with a High Surf Advisory already in place for south-facing shores; Maui officials urge residents to prepare now for an above-normal hurricane season. Public Health at the Coast: Hawaiʻi DOH issued an advisory for elevated enterococci at Hanakaʻōʻō Beach in Lahaina, warning that fecal bacteria can signal harmful germs and increase illness risk—especially for kids, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems. Molokaʻi Whale-Carcass Safety: DLNR is asking people to stay out of the water along Molokaʻi’s south shore near a humpback whale death site, as tides continue to move remains through popular fishing and tour areas while tissue samples are analyzed. Waterborne Illness Update: DOH confirmed two more travel-related cyclosporiasis cases in Hawaiʻi residents, bringing 2026 totals to three, with no sign of local spread. Native Wildlife Hope: State biologists documented the endangered Blackburn’s sphinx moth and the pinapinao damselfly again on islands where they were thought gone, including new records on Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island. Invasive Species Watch: A live opossum was found inside a Honolulu-area cargo container and trapped by inspectors, a reminder that stowaways can threaten island ecosystems and worker safety.

Public Health Watch: Hawaiʻi DOH confirmed two more travel-related cyclosporiasis cases in residents tied to an outbreak state, bringing 2026 totals to three; officials say there’s no sign of local spread and urge anyone with persistent diarrhea after travel to seek care. Species Recovery: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reclassified the Hawaiian stilt (aeʻo) from endangered to threatened after decades of wetland restoration and conservation, with the population rising from about 200 in the 1940s to more than 1,500 today. Invasive Species Alert: Coqui frogs are being reported again on Kauaʻi, with the Kauaʻi Invasive Species Committee asking residents to report sightings as officials work to prevent establishment. Hawaiʻi Air Quality Fight: State health and environmental groups challenged EPA’s partial rejection of Hawaiʻi’s regional haze plan, after Hawaiian Electric backed away from a voluntary fossil-plant ramp-down timeline. Storm Readiness: Hurricane Fausto continues westward in the Central Pacific, with forecasters warning of increasing surf and possible weather impacts for Hawaiʻi next week. Conservation Hope: Hawaiʻi biologists documented long-lost endangered insects again—Blackburn’s sphinx moth on Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi and the pinapinao damselfly on Hawaiʻi Island—suggesting overlooked native habitat may still hold survivors.

Invasive Species Watch (Kauaʻi): Coqui frogs are being reported again across multiple Kauaʻi locations, after eradication efforts—officials say the loud Puerto Rico–native frogs can spread fast and disrupt native wildlife, and they’re asking residents to report sightings. Disaster Preparedness (Oʻahu): After last year’s tsunami scare, Honolulu released an Oʻahu Hazard Explorer map to help people identify evacuation zones and plan routes to higher ground. Climate & Clean Air (Hawaiʻi vs. EPA): Hawaii and conservation groups are challenging EPA decisions tied to Hawaiʻi’s regional haze plan, while other states push back on federal rollbacks that weaken protections for major greenhouse gases. Wildlife Protection (Endangered Species Act): A new federal rule narrows what counts as “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, potentially opening habitat to logging, mining, and drilling—environmental groups are already suing. Ocean Health (Maui): A diver’s encounter with a sea turtle entangled in plastic and fishing line highlights how marine debris can quickly turn deadly. Community & Stewardship (Molokai): Molokai Holokai returns with races plus shoreline cleanups, framing paddling as a way to care for land and sea. Hurricane Update (Central Pacific): Hurricane Fausto is strengthening and shifting west-northwest, with forecasts calling for increased surf risks for Hawaiʻi.

Coastal Resilience & Public Trust: West Maui’s Pilikahakai Foundation and the Kāʻanapali Beach resort association filed for a conservation district permit to restore Kāʻanapali Beach to its 1988 width and height by returning offshore sand—an effort tied directly to sea-level rise and accelerating erosion. Local Water Quality Planning: Honolulu launched the Oʻahu Clean Water Survey to set long-term wastewater and stormwater priorities, feeding into an Integrated Plan meant to guide billions in future infrastructure spending. Air Pollution Fight: Hawaii’s Department of Health and environmental groups are challenging the EPA’s partial rejection of the state’s plan to cut pollution-related haze, while the state AG also sued over HECO’s “walking back” pollution commitments. Wildlife Recovery Milestone: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reclassified the Hawaiian stilt (aeʻo) from endangered to threatened, citing decades of habitat and predator-control gains documented in a UH-led study. Storm Watch: Hurricane Fausto remains far east of Hilo but is expected to build surf on Hawaii’s east shores late this weekend into early next week. Climate + Energy Research: UH Mānoa researchers found that cooling demand projections change when humidity is included, with cooling efficiency declining over decades—important for grid planning as warming accelerates. Federal Funding Lawsuits: Multiple states, including Oregon and coalitions led by AGs across the country, sued to block Trump administration conditions on FEMA counterterrorism and disaster grants tied to election and immigration demands.

Invasive Species Watch: Hawaiʻi County officials backed a resolution urging the state to tighten and enforce rules on transporting coconut rhinoceros beetle host material after a single female was trapped at the Hilo airport—an effort aimed at slowing the spread of the palm-destroying pest. Air Quality & Public Health: Hawaiʻi Attorney General Anne Lopez filed a petition challenging the EPA’s partial disapproval of the state’s Regional Haze plan, arguing Hawaiian Electric backed away from retiring older oil units that were meant to cut haze impacting Haleakalā and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes national parks. Monk Seal Protection: NOAA relocated Rocky’s pup (now tagged RV58) from crowded Nimitz Beach to a more remote Oʻahu shoreline to improve her odds of growing up wild. Hurricane Swell Alert: Hurricane Fausto is expected to bring increasing, potentially life-threatening surf to east-facing shores as it moves west-northwest in the Central Pacific. Community & Agriculture: Hawaiʻi 4-H youth showcased livestock skills and resilience at the state fair, including a goat champion who rebuilt after Kona Low storms. AI Infrastructure Scrutiny: A new book release spotlights the energy, water, air-quality, and community impacts of AI data centers, arguing for full life-cycle planning.