AGP Executive Report

Women’s Equality Watch: WalletHub’s 2026 ranking puts Hawaii No. 1 for women’s equality, citing smaller workplace and unemployment gaps and relatively even conditions across education and politics. Cultural Craft Revival: Former Waikiki “Beachboy” Alan “Uncle Oku” Okuma is preserving traditional Hawaiian coconut hat weaving—an inland pivot that took off during the pandemic. Community & Care in Maui: The Salvation Army named new leaders for Kahului and Lahaina, including Majors Kevin and Heather Pope, plus Captain Shawn Uilani Keoho for Lahaina Lighthouse. Storm Aftermath, Local Focus: Honolulu is in full cleanup and recovery after Tropical Storm Lala, with saturated grounds, downed lines, and ongoing water-use limits as power restoration continues. Art With a Point of View: A new Honolulu exhibit, “Marginalized: Portraits in Identity and Sign,” spotlights busts of figures including Sen. Mazie Hirono and LGBTQ+ activist Marsha P. Johnson. Education Snapshot: WalletHub’s UH community college system ranks 11th nationally, while multiple Michigan school reports show tiny Hawaiian enrollment numbers.

Hurricane Lala Aftermath: Lala tore through Hawaiʻi over the weekend, with Kauʻā District hit hardest—bridges destroyed, homes swept away, rescues underway, and power outages affecting more than 250,000 people on Hawaiʻi Island and beyond. Statewide Closures: Monday brought closures across HIDOE schools, public charters, and state courthouses, with some campuses like Nāʻālehu Elementary staying closed longer due to damage and access issues. Local Recovery Logistics: On Oʻahu, the city shifted hurricane refuge operations from shuttered school sites to three parks as cleanup continues, while officials warn of downed lines, flooding risk, and hazardous conditions. Invasive Species Enforcement: Hawaiʻi County leaders say the state’s CRB (coconut rhinoceros beetle) movement rule is still not being enforced enough, pushing for stronger action to stop the spread via mulch, green waste, and potting soil. Community & Culture: The Hawaiian Council finalized its acquisition of Sea Life Park, moving the landmark under Native Hawaiian stewardship for the first time. Maui Arts Fundraiser: The Huliau Food & Film Festival returns Aug. 29 with farm-to-table dining, hula, live music, and student-made films from Kula.

Storm Lala Aftermath: Tropical Storm Lala weakened after a Category 1 hit on Hawaiʻi Island, but flooding, downed trees, and long power outages are still disrupting life; Gov. Josh Green estimates hundreds of millions in damage, and two Hawaiʻi Island public schools (Naʻālehu Elementary and Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary) are closing this week as officials assess storm damage and hazardous roads. Tourism & Community Pressure: A new push for tourism management is getting attention as Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority updates Destination Management Action Plans for island hotspots, aiming to reduce conflicts while keeping visitor spending high. Local Politics, Unusual Tie-Breaks: Two GOP legislative races in Hawaiʻi were decided by a random draw after ties, flipping seats to Bob McDermott and Sheila Medeiros. Culture & Learning: Sea Life Park is now under Native Hawaiian leadership, and UH Mānoa student journalists swept statewide honors. Health & Policy: Hawaiʻi officials are defending a hemp crackdown in an industry lawsuit, while a separate report highlights how insurance redlining can drive higher premiums for Black drivers. Space & Science: NASA-funded “aerobots” could one day explore Titan’s caves, with a University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa lead on the project.

Hurricane Lala’s Aftermath: The storm brought damaging winds and life-threatening rain to Hawaiʻi, with snow spotted on Mauna Kea and thousands still without power as road closures and flooding hit the Big Island and nearby islands. Immigration & Citizenship Fees: Sen. Alex Padilla, Sen. Mazie Hirono and Democrats pressed USCIS over proposed naturalization fee hikes and the removal of reduced-fee options. Hawaiʻi Politics, Random Tie-Breaks: Two West Oʻahu GOP primary races were decided by lauhala-box drawings after cured ballots left exact ties, ousting incumbents Kanani Souza and Kurt Fevella. Tourism Pressure Debate: Opinion pieces argue Hawaiʻi needs better tourism management, not just more visitors, as mass tourism’s impacts keep fueling backlash. Climate & Sea-Level Protections: A column warns against loosening sea-level-rise rules, saying the science still points to serious risk for coasts and infrastructure. Local Resilience & Jobs: UH Mānoa research could turn Hawaiʻi’s managed eucalyptus into construction-grade lumber, aiming to cut reliance on imported wood. Culture & Memory: Maui Public Art Corps will unveil animated shorts preserving Lahaina memories at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center.

Hurricane Lala Watch: Tropical Storm Lala is strengthening toward the Big Island, with officials warning of hurricane-force winds, heavy rain, flash flooding, and dangerous surf—plus airport and road closures as the weekend approaches. Land & Water Rights: The state Board of Land and Natural Resources approved transferring 334 acres to DHHL for Hawaiian homesteading, while also blocking a long-term East Maui water license path for Mahi Pono and pushing a contested-case hearing. Lahaina Recovery Through Art: Maui Public Art Corps will unveil four animated short films at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center on Aug. 27, preserving Lahaina memories through voices of local storytellers. Community & Culture: Honolulu’s Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade is set to feature local high school cheerleaders, and Sea Life Park is now under Native Hawaiian leadership. Local Sports & School Life: Public school campuses across Hawaii closed ahead of Lala, canceling Saturday high school football, while UH Mānoa student journalists swept statewide honors. Food & Lifestyle: A new look at Japanese rice grown again in Hawaii highlights a renewed agricultural exchange.

Storm Readiness: Hawaii schools and offices are closing ahead of Tropical Storm Lala, with Kaua‘i under a storm warning and officials urging residents to secure supplies, avoid travel, and stay off roads as Lala may reach hurricane strength. Ocean Safety: Honolulu is warning beachgoers about rapidly changing surf and currents, with Ocean Safety Department teams set to monitor shores and warn swimmers. East Maui Water Fight: The state Board of Land and Natural Resources blocked a long-term East Maui water license for Mahi Pono and moved toward a contested case hearing, after hours of testimony from cultural practitioners, farmers, and residents. Homesteading Land Gains: BLNR also authorized transferring 334 acres in Hilo toward Hawaiian homesteads, bringing DHHL closer to turning awards into homes and working farms. Local Politics: Two O‘ahu GOP legislative primary races ended in ties, sending winners to a drawing after ballot cures. Community & Culture: A free Kalo workshop is set for Aug. 22 in Lahaina to help replant Apuakehau patches, with participants taking home young kalo. Education Spotlight: Two students won the Don T. Nakanishi Award for NHPI community research and activism, including work on health and data equity.

Storm Readiness: Honolulu officials urged beachgoers to stay out of the water as Tropical Storm Lala nears, warning surf and currents can turn dangerous fast. Cultural Restoration: Lahaina community members are invited to a free Aug. 22 kalo workshop to help replant Apuakehau patches—participants take home a huli and learn the plant’s history. Native Hawaiian Land Update: The state Land Board authorized a transfer of more than 300 acres in Hilo to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, aiming to expand homesteading and revenue opportunities. Education Spotlight: Teach For America Hawaii highlighted Justin Brown at Kealakehe High School, focusing on career and technical education and student leadership. Learning & Language: A new complete, fully annotated English translation of Samguk Yusa—published by UH Press—marks a major milestone for global access to Korean medieval history. Tourism & Economy: A new look at U.S. international travel says the recovery is uneven, with growth often tied to inflation rather than a full rebound. Community & Culture at Waimea Valley: Waimea Valley’s $5.5M renovation adds educational spaces, including a traditional hale and an agroforestry garden, supported by federal and OHA-related funding. Immigration Enforcement Watch: A report says ICE arrests of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in California jumped sharply in 2025, fueling fear across communities. Food Culture: Hawaiian barbecue and other new vendors are set to debut at the Iowa State Fair, including a Kama’aina Grill stand. Sports: Nick Gjelaj returns from Thailand training and will fight for the WBC Muay Thai U.S. featherweight title Aug. 22 in Houston. Local Safety & Mutual Aid: South Carolina’s Palmetto Incident Support Team is deploying to Hawaii to help emergency operations ahead of Hurricane Lala.

Hurricane Prep: Hawaiʻi island braces for Tropical Storm Lala as a hurricane warning is in effect, with schools staying open Friday but closing after 5:30 p.m., plus park and trail shutdowns at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Local Safety Info: A Kokua Line explainer points Oʻahu residents to the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency and Honolulu DEM for shelter updates as they open. Culture & Education: Punahou School opens the Mary Kawena Pukui Learning Commons, folding library, archives, tech labs, and Hawaiian culture into a new 53,300-square-foot hub for students. Civic Life: The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court sets Aug. 25 arguments in the Honolulu City Council chair seat fight after multiple judges recused themselves. Community & Identity: The Philippine Consulate General continues its Cultural Box initiative, delivering materials to Filipino clubs at Kapolei and Waipahu high schools. Environment: A live opossum was euthanized after being found at a freight warehouse near Hilo Harbor, with rabies testing underway.

OHA Leadership Search: The Office of Hawaiian Affairs has launched a nationwide search for its next Administrator/Chief Executive Officer, with priority applications due Sept. 4, aiming to find a leader focused on Native Hawaiian advancement and stewardship. Hawaiian Culture & Community: Molokai’s Ko Koa Uka, Ko Koa Kai returned to the library with a cash-free “abundance” night market, led by Waipilihoa as it takes over the monthly tradition and plans to track produce by ahupua‘a. Crafts & Arts: The Molokai Arts Center previewed this year’s Hawaiian Craftsmen juried exhibition, with juror Jonathan Yukio Clark speaking ahead of the statewide showcase. Local Environment Watch: Hawai‘i officials captured a live opossum at a freight warehouse near Hilo Harbor and euthanized it for rabies testing, noting the state’s rabies-free status. Business Spotlight: DBEDT will return as official sponsor of the Made in Hawai‘i Festival, featuring a Hawai‘i Made Pavilion with nearly 30 local businesses. Legal/Privacy: Multiple state attorneys general sued to block a federal push for sensitive CDL driver records, arguing privacy law violations and threats to funding.

Ocean Safety & Conservation: Dr. Sylvia Earle’s DOER Marine is pushing back on fear after the Titan tragedy, saying properly certified submersibles can be “safer than flying,” and unveiling “Honu,” a new deep-diving vehicle planned for French Polynesia. Local Community & Kids: HPD’s South Kohala Community Policing Section hosted its 4th annual Keiki Fishing Derby, drawing 183 keiki for a fun, family-first day at the Cultural Surf Park. Arts & Music: Good Vibez brings Hawaiian rock-reggae trio Pepper to the Fremont Theater Aug. 19, with their “Kona Dub-Rock” sound and alt-reggae opener The Movement. Public Safety & Trust: Sheriff’s Family Day returns Sept. 19 for its 30th year, a free event built to connect families with first responders through demos and hands-on activities. Environment & Policy: Honolulu City Council urges the state to ban aquarium fishing and the Legislature to ban it statewide, following similar county actions. Education & Culture: UH launches the “Shoji Society” to strengthen major giving for athletics, honoring volleyball legend Dave Shoji. Health & Aging: AARP Hawaii offers a free retirement-planning seminar Aug. 22 in Hilo covering Social Security, Medicare, and estate planning. Local Governance: Honolulu City Council confirms Krishna Jayaram as the new Managing Director, tasked with advancing priorities like housing, public safety, and government efficiency.

Local Government: Honolulu City Council confirms Krishna Jayaram as the city’s new Managing Director, tasked with steering day-to-day operations and priorities like housing, homelessness, public safety, and government efficiency. Native Hawaiian Culture & Stewardship: Hawaiian Council completes its acquisition of Sea Life Park Hawaii, shifting the 62-year-old Waimanalo attraction under Native Hawaiian stewardship with plans centered on culture, marine science, and education. Education & Community: Punahou opens a new Mary Kawena Pukui Learning Commons, honoring the Hawaiian cultural practitioner and teacher with a renovated, tech-forward learning space. Campaign Tech Ethics: A Hawaiʻi CD1 ad raises concerns about possible AI/deepfake use after it appears to feature Haunani-Kay Trask; candidate Nathan Berning says he was unaware. Shopping & Pop Culture: POP MART is set to open its first Hawaiʻi store at Ala Moana Center, joining a wave of new tenants and family-friendly additions. Sports Philanthropy: UH Mānoa Athletics launches the Shoji Society, a major giving group honoring Dave Shoji and funding long-term Rainbow Warrior and Rainbow Wahine athletics.

Native Hawaiian Stewardship: Hawaiian Council bought Sea Life Park Hawai‘i, shifting the marine attraction to Native Hawaiian stewardship and pledging continued operations plus new cultural programming. Local Governance: Kokua Line readers are asking where to find clear details on Honolulu Charter amendments—especially costs—pointing to the Charter Commission site and ballot plain-language summaries. Elections Watch: Two GOP primary recounts are underway at the State Capitol after razor-thin margins, with Senate District 20 and House District 43 still too close to call. Public Safety: Honolulu says e-bike education and enforcement are cutting illegal electric dirt bike use and reducing crashes on O‘ahu. Environment & Culture: UH researchers report spinner dolphin calves off Kona are far below stable levels, raising calls for stronger protections. Community Resilience: Paʻūpili Lahaina 3rd Saturdays returns Aug. 15 with healing activities, cultural workshops, and local vendors. Sports & Lifestyle: Rainbow Wahine soccer moves home matches to UH’s new on-campus pitch while West Hawai‘i gym closures disrupt prep sports.

Hawaiʻi Community & Culture: DOH launched Project Hoʻoulu, a face-to-face mental health outreach for people affected by Kona Low flooding across Maui, Molokaʻi, Oʻahu, and Lānaʻi. Education & Language: ʻImiloa’s Hawaiian-language preschool is set to move forward with construction starting March 2027 in Hilo. Local Governance & Identity: Oʻahu’s vote helped set the order for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs at-large race, with trustees heading to the November general election. Arts & Community Events: Kēōkea Hoʻolauleʻa returns Aug. 29 in Upcountry Maui with mele, crafts, keiki activities, and food. Sports & Pride: UH hired QiongJie “Ajie” Drew as its new men’s and women’s diving coach, bringing back a decorated Rainbow Wahine alum. Lifestyle & Access: Honolulu Parks & Recreation opened fall registration for free and low-cost activities across city parks and gardens. Conservation & Youth: Kauaʻi CC’s paid conservation internship helped students learn stream restoration and traditional weaving while building career pathways.

Hawaiʻi Community & Resilience: The state Department of Health launched Project Hoʻoulu, a face-to-face crisis counseling outreach for children, youth, and adults affected by the Kona Low floods across Maui, Molokaʻi, Oʻahu, and Lānaʻi—no call-in line, just trained counselors showing up in neighborhoods, shelters, schools, and community events. Elections Watch: Two Republican primary races in Hawaiʻi are headed to an automatic recount after razor-thin margins—one by a single vote—while voters also got practical reminders like how jury duty summonses work (voting isn’t required to be selected). Local Culture & Heritage: The Lahaina O-Bon Festival returns Aug. 14 at Lahaina Jodo Mission, bringing together the town’s Buddhist communities for remembrance, music, dance, and food after the 2023 fires. Civic Life & Education: Honolulu Community College named Sara M. Butler vice chancellor of academic affairs, and the state also moved to improve island trails by partnering with nonprofit Kupu and sustainable-trail experts. Public Safety: DOH also flagged salmonella outbreaks tied to eggs, jalapeños, and even backyard pets.

Hawaiʻi Education & Language Legacy: Punahou School opened the Mary Kawena Pukui Learning Commons, a new 53,000-square-foot space honoring the educator who helped preserve ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and fueled the Hawaiian Renaissance. Local Agriculture & Research: UH Mānoa’s CTAHR is partnering with Nani Mau Gardens in Hilo to expand agricultural education and research, turning the 22-acre site into an outdoor classroom for topics like pest management, soil health, and biosecurity. Wildlife Health Watch: The Maui Bird Conservation Center is investigating a sudden, unexplained illness after honeycreeper deaths—ʻakikiki are hit hardest—with avian influenza and malaria ruled out so far. Politics (Israel/US Policy): In Hawaii’s Democratic congressional primary, Rep. Ed Case beat progressive challenger Jarrett Keohokalole, underscoring how Israel policy remains a major fault line in the party. Community & Culture: Aloha Festival marked 31 years in the Bay Area, bringing island food, music, and dance together for a multi-ethnic “ohana” celebration. Immigration Policy: Ajay Bhutoria condemned a DHS proposal that would end the 60-day grace period for H-1B workers after job loss, calling it harmful to immigrant families.

Hawaiʻi Politics & Community Healing: After a bruising 2026 Democratic primary, Hawaiʻi Democrats held a Unity Breakfast at Ala Moana to smooth ruffled feelings, with leaders urging party unity heading into November. Close-Call Elections: Several Hawaiʻi races stayed razor-thin, including a 1-vote GOP House District 43 primary and a 7-vote GOP Senate District 20 primary. Local Leadership Changes: Longtime state Sen. Les Ihara Jr. conceded his Senate District 10 bid to Jackson Sayama. Kauaʻi Mayoral Runoff: Mel Rapozo and Bernard Carvalho Jr. will face off in the Nov. 3 Kauaʻi mayoral general election. Culture & Place: DLNR is partnering with nonprofit Kupu to upgrade Big Island trails using “sustainable trail standards.” Aloha Shirt History: The Maui Arts & Cultural Center opens “Keoni of Hawaiʻi: Art of the Aloha Shirt,” tracing John “Keoni” Meigs’ designs from sketches to classic prints. Native Hawaiian Advocacy: Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana was honored at ʻIolani Palace for its 50 years of Aloha ʻĀina work. LGBTQ+ Rights: A Chinatown LGBTQ+ nightclub says its settlement with the Honolulu Liquor Commission has fallen apart and plans to return to federal court. Immigration Policy Watch: The Trump administration is considering ending the 60-day grace period for terminated H-1B and other visa holders.