AGP Executive Report

Foster Care & Youth Finance: Hawaii just became the first state to guarantee funded, tax-advantaged savings accounts for every eligible foster child (newborns through 17), using federal seed money plus support from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and Ed Freedman’s Stable Road Foundation. Local Community & Safety: Honolulu Police are warning of Waikiki road closures for the Hawaiʻi America250 “Day of Unity & Patriotism” at Kapiolani Park, with traffic changes starting 5 p.m. and a full Kalakaua Avenue closure at 7 p.m. Maritime Education: Cal Poly Maritime’s training ship Golden Bear is wrapping up its final 30-year run, returning to Vallejo July 6 after a 12,500-mile Pacific voyage that included stops in Tahiti, Fiji, and Honolulu. Culture & Archives: The Hawaiʻi State Archives is contributing to America250 with the Turner Letters (WWII correspondence from the 100th Infantry Battalion) and a new set of Selma-to-Montgomery civil rights photos. Arts & Community Leadership: Maui Economic Opportunity board president Ned Davis was installed for a second term, continuing his long focus on Head Start families.

Missing Children Recovery: Oʻahu saw the biggest “Operation Shine the Light” haul yet, with 14 endangered missing children safely recovered over two days, including nine girls and five boys, after public tips and sightings. Marine Stewardship (DLNR): The Holomua Marine Initiative is adding a final “Hana Hou” talk story session in Waimea on July 12 to bring more community voices into how local and traditional knowledge guides reef and fishing management. Education Accountability: A veteran principal at Washington Middle School, Michael Harano, was placed on paid leave and is under investigation after an audit tied to a $2.5M recording studio on campus. Lahaina Recovery (Front Street): ʻUlu o Lele, an $8M interim marketplace with 17 retail units and food trucks, is planned to reopen Front Street storefronts in September as part of Lahaina’s wildfire recovery. AI + Faith + Planet: A Honolulu-hosted G20 Interfaith Forum event asks whether the AI boom can coexist with a livable Earth, with calls for limits on expansion. Accessibility & Community: A visually impaired runner is taking her nonprofit mission across Hawaiʻi, bringing Travel Visions Aloha for the Blind to the Kona Marathon and K–12 teacher meetings.

Maunakea Astronomy: UH will end science operations at the UKIRT telescope on Sept. 15, with decommissioning planned to start now and finish by 2030—another step in reducing observatories on the summit. Ocean & Community: DLNR’s “Making Waves for World Ocean Day” brought 900+ volunteers across Hawaiʻi to pull 6,074+ pounds of marine debris and remove invasive plants, with cleanup efforts from shorelines to dive teams. Local Culture & Food: Hala Tree Café soft-opened a new Waikīkī flagship in Lilia, serving 100% Kona coffee from its Hawaiʻi Island farm, plus signature drinks like ‘Uala Latte. Public Health Watch: U.S. tuberculosis cases have climbed to a multi-decade high, with experts warning the real issue is weakening support and persistent vulnerabilities. Military & Exchange: USS Theodore Roosevelt hosted an international helicopter warfighter exchange at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam as part of RIMPAC 2026. Civic Life: Freedom Library marks 30 years with a Fourth of July reading and history event tied to the Declaration of Independence. Mālama & Governance: Maui County Mayor Bissen proposes buying Launiupoko and Olowalu water assets for $6M to expand public stewardship and support housing and cultural practices.

Supreme Court & Citizenship: The U.S. Supreme Court rejected Trump’s bid to end birthright citizenship, ruling the 14th Amendment guarantees citizenship for nearly everyone born in the U.S. Health & Equity: A new study finds breast cancer incidence is rising fast among Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander women, especially in younger patients and more aggressive tumors. Local Food Security: Hawaiʻi DOE says it has served nearly 145,000 free summer meals to keiki statewide, with locally inspired menu items like ‘uala swirl buns and kalo yogurt bowls. Ocean Stewardship: Hawaiʻi groups and agencies joined a statewide World Ocean Day coastal cleanup, removing thousands of pounds of debris and invasive plants across multiple islands. Culture & Community: Team USA supporters packed a Kailua watch party, showing how soccer is becoming a new community gathering spot in Hawaiʻi. Land & Legacy: On Hawaiʻi Island, the Burial Council voted down a burial treatment plan for iwi kūpuna found at Hawaiian Paradise Park, keeping the dispute over buffer zones front and center. Safety Alert: State officials warn of scam texts demanding payment for fake traffic tickets, using Hawaiian-sounding names to look legit.

Water & Housing: Maui Mayor Richard Bissen says a $6M proposal to buy Launiupoko and Olowalu water assets would move West Maui drinking water into the public trust, boosting stewardship and supporting housing and cultural practices. Public Safety: “Operation Shine the Light VII” recovered 14 endangered missing children on Oʻahu, with authorities screening for trafficking and abuse. Civil Rights Memory: Hawaii displayed historic photos of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. wearing flower lei from Selma marches, with the exhibit running through July 7. Culture & Community: The inaugural ʻAha Niu: Maui Nui Coconut Celebration Festival drew about 750 people to protect coconuts and teach coconut leaf weaving, coconut milk prep, and more. Music & Awards: The 49th Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards return July 11 at Sheraton Waikiki, spotlighting Hawaiʻi’s artists and cultural storytellers. Local Life: AARP is funding digital literacy classes for older veterans and spouses at a Hilo affordable housing community. Lifestyle Picks: Reef-safe sunscreen guidance highlights mineral-based options to help protect coral reefs. Food & Fun: West Maui’s Fourth of July at Westin Maui includes orchid drops, fire knife dancing, and a drone light show.

Ahi Labeling Law: Hawaiʻi’s new requirement kicks in July 1, forcing retailers to disclose where ahi was caught—aimed at giving local fishermen a fairer shot against imported, often previously frozen tuna. Airline Culture & Travel: Hawaiian unveiled a new oneworld livery featuring “Aloha a puni ka honua” and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, while Alaska’s 670,000-square-foot Global Training Center signals big growth ahead. Deep-Sea Science: Nautilus departed Honolulu for Guam with an upgraded sonar system that maps deeper seafloor in greater detail. Supreme Court Fallout: SCOTUS ended its term with major 6-3 decisions on birthright citizenship, transgender sports rules, and immigration—plus a fresh gun-law test looming. Local Governance & Education: A Maui wrestling coach sues the Hawaiʻi DOE over alleged due process violations after anonymous complaints led to his removal. Culture & Community: Historic photos of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. wearing lei from Hawaiʻi’s 1965 Selma delegation go on display at the state Capitol. Wildfire Preparedness: Hawaiʻi launches the Wildfire LOOKOUT! campaign, warning that a wet spring can still mean dangerous fuel later. Arts & Lifestyle: Solo travel for women keeps rising, and July’s visual arts roundup highlights immersive exhibitions.

Local Food Policy: Hawaiʻi’s Act 238 kicks in July 1, requiring country-of-origin labeling for raw processed ahi sold at covered retail spots, with the state warning that unlabeled ahi can’t be displayed or sold. Public Health & Safety: Hawaiʻi DOH says it shut down four food establishments and reopened three after follow-up inspections found cleaning and sanitization issues fixed. Gun Rights vs. Gun Control: The U.S. Supreme Court will hear challenges to assault-weapons bans, including Connecticut’s AR-15 ban and Cook County’s ordinance, with arguments expected in the fall. Medicaid Work Requirements: Twenty-five Democratic-led states plus D.C. sue the Trump administration over Medicaid work rules, arguing a “medically frail” exemption is too narrow for ill and disabled people. Independence Day in Hawaiʻi: A guide to Oʻahu’s July 4 fireworks shows and entertainment highlights Ala Moana Center and Hawai‘i Kai’s Independence Day market and concert. Culture & Community: Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival spotlights queer stories, culture, and community.

Health Policy: 25 Democratic-led states plus D.C. sued the Trump administration over new Medicaid work requirements, arguing the “medically frail” exemption is too narrow and could kick ill and disabled people off coverage. Local Food & Labeling: Hawaiʻi’s new ahi country-of-origin labeling law kicks in July 1, requiring retailers to clearly label where raw processed ahi was landed. Queer Community: The Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival returns July 10–12 at the Hawaii Theatre Center, spotlighting queer stories with screenings, live performance, and community events. Culture & Music: Two local legends, Benny Chong and Byron Yasui, are set for induction into the Ukulele Hall of Fame on July 12. Civic Life (Elections): Civil Beat’s candidate Q&As for Hawaiʻi House District 5 put spotlight on childcare, family leave, and trust in government. Pacific Connections: A China–U.S. youth baseball festival launched in Fuzhou, with sister-city ties including Honolulu. Indigenous Health Research: A Fulbright scholar partnership links Māori and Native Hawaiian nursing research to improve Indigenous care across the Pacific. Infrastructure: Palau’s PNCC is rolling out a major fiber-to-the-premises project alongside a new 4G/5G mobile network.

Gun Rights in the Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Hawaiʻi’s “vampire rule,” ruling the state can’t bar permit holders from carrying firearms on most private property open to the public. Youth Justice Reform: Gov. Josh Green signed SB 2108, pushing Hawaiʻi toward a more trauma-informed approach in cases involving trafficked and abused youth. Pueo Conservation: A new statewide study finds most pueo deaths come from trauma tied to vehicle collisions, with wind turbines also a factor—suggesting prevention is possible. Community & Culture: Windward Artists Guild brought Hawaiʻi’s cultural roots to Honolulu Hale, while Larry Price was remembered at Blaisdell for the way he touched lives as coach, educator, and mentor. Local Food Scene: Cache Restaurant is getting attention for its “Southern New American” take on Cajun/Creole comfort, including its famed Friday fried chicken. Health & Fairness: UCSF agreed to revise a Benioff internship program after a lawsuit alleged race-based barriers for white students.

Wildlife & Safety: A new statewide study finds vehicle collisions are the leading cause of documented pueo (Hawaiian short-eared owl) deaths, with trauma making up 62% of cases—researchers urge drivers to watch for owls near roads and rethink rodenticide use. Local Economy & Tourism: A new 90-day North Shore shuttle pilot, “North Shore Huakai,” launches June 29 to help Haleʻiwa and Waialua businesses recover after March Kona Low storms, with $5 culturally guided tours and a “passport” for participating stops. Community & Culture: Hawaiʻi Island LGBTQ+ Pride returns as an annual, casual gathering focused on outreach to LGBTQ+ youth and more Native Hawaiian and West Hawaiʻi involvement. Environment & Community Debate: Officials back a desperate sand-rescue plan to rebuild Kaʻanapali Beach as coastal erosion accelerates, but locals fear the approach could worsen access and impacts. Civic Life: Civil Beat candidate Q&As for State House District 39 highlight competing priorities on family leave, homelessness response, transportation upgrades, and school support. Arts & Entertainment: Journey adds a second Hawaii show at Neal S. Blaisdell Arena after tickets sold fast in a Hawaii-only presale.

North Shore Recovery: A new 90-day shuttle pilot, North Shore Huaka‘i, launches June 29 to bring visitors and kama‘āina back to Hale‘iwa and Waialua after March Kona-low storms, with $5 roundtrip culturally guided tours and a “North Shore Passport” for locally owned stops. Culture & Pride: Hilo’s 13th annual LGBTQ+ Pride celebration returns with community-focused “simple pleasures,” while Honolulu’s 35th Annual AIDS Walk at Kapiolani Park raised over $124K under the theme “Silence is Not an Option.” Wildlife Conservation: A statewide UH Mānoa-led study finds most pueo deaths are trauma-related, with vehicle collisions driving the majority, plus wind turbines and other causes. Climate Tools: UH’s Hawai‘i Climate Data Portal rolls out free monthly personalized climate summaries starting July 1, translating local rainfall/temperature/drought conditions using traditional Hawaiian geography. Science on Mauna Kea: Observatories on Mauna Kea report the strongest case yet that distant star-forming galaxies help produce high-energy neutrinos. Community Milestones: Maui Christian Academy marks 70 years of faith-based education rooted in Pāʻia, tracing back to a 1956 home preschool. RIMPAC Connections: USS Theodore Roosevelt hosts an international helicopter warfighter exchange with partners from eight countries.

HIV & Pride: Honolulu’s 35th Annual AIDS Walk at Kapiʻolani Park drew 1,000+ people, raised over $124K, and kept the focus on “Silence is Not an Option” as local groups warn federal funding cuts could hit services. Community Health: The Alzheimer’s Association Brain Health Summit in Honolulu brought over 100 attendees together with new research updates, blood biomarker testing, and early-detection resources—amid Hawaii’s fast-growing Alzheimer’s mortality rate. Local Philanthropy: Hawaiʻi Community Foundation marked 25 years of Waimea giving with $500,000 in 2026 Richard Smart Fund grants supporting 29 culture, education, health, and safety programs. Culture & Place-Based Tourism: On Kauaʻi, Makana Charters positions its Na Pali Coast tours as a Native Hawaiian family legacy—captains share history and place meaning, not just scenery. Education Momentum: National student data shows persistence is up—77.1% of first-time college students returned for fall 2025, the highest in a decade, with notable gains for Black and Hispanic students. Civic Tension Over Tech: A rural planning fight over a proposed data center district shows how “trust” and transparency issues can ignite big community pushback. Travel Tech: Airlines are rolling out faster inflight Wi‑Fi via Starlink, including Hawaiian and Alaska, aiming for gate-to-gate connectivity.

Wealth & Power Debate: A California push led by the SEIU is backing a one-time wealth tax on billionaires to plug gaps from federal cuts, with Bernie Sanders arguing the billionaire class “cannot have it all.” Local Philanthropy: Hawaiʻi Community Foundation marks 25 years of Waimea giving with $500,000 in Richard Smart Fund grants supporting culture, education, health, and safety. Community & Culture: AARP’s Community Challenge sends $15,000 to Molokai’s Ho’olehua Homesteaders for kūpuna home repairs, plus funding for a kupuna community garden. Travel Comfort Upgrade: Airlines are rolling out faster, gate-to-gate inflight Wi‑Fi via Starlink, changing how people experience long flights. Hawaiʻi Access Update: Mokuola (Coconut Island) remains closed as repairs to the pedestrian bridge are delayed—pedestrian access won’t return for years. Arts & Entertainment: Tabernacle Choir’s Hollywood Bowl return pairs music with humanitarian giving, while “Opera Lite” brings an ABCs-of-opera intro to the Yadkin Cultural Arts Center. Media & Pop Culture: NBC’s “Heroes” is officially returning to Netflix after a long licensing gap.

U.S. Supreme Court & Hawaii Guns: In Wolford v. Lopez, the Court struck down Hawaiʻi’s “vampire rule,” meaning licensed carry holders can bring guns onto private property open to the public unless owners expressly opt out. Immigration: The Court also issued anti-immigrant rulings that strip refugees of protected status and block asylum applications, with major consequences for people seeking safety. Local Governance: Gov. Josh Green signed two budget bills and flagged four measures for possible veto, including housing and education items. Culture & Community: Waianae mourns legendary Seariders coach Larry Ginoza, remembered as an educator and builder of winning standards. Environment & Food Security: Kaʻūpūlehu Marine Reserve reopening is delayed until later in 2026 as co-management and a fisheries plan are finalized. Tech & Travel: An all-electric cargo plane is set for trial routes across Hawaiʻi, aiming to cut emissions and speed inter-island shipping and care. Education & Workforce: Boise State anchors a new semiconductor workforce partnership, targeting a looming national talent shortfall. Arts & Lifestyle: WWE scouts talent at the Hawaii Fit Expo, while Hawaiʻi’s museum scene gets a spotlight with a roundup of top picks. Sports & Youth: RIMPAC continues through July 31, with the Navy framing it as relationship-building across 30+ nations.

Hawaiʻi Gun Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Hawaii’s concealed-carry limits for private property, with justices arguing the law “hobbles” daily self-defense—another major Second Amendment shift that local gun policy watchers are already reacting to. Immigration & TPS: In Mullin v. Doe, the Court cleared the Trump administration’s move to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians, a ruling that could ripple hard through immigrant-heavy communities like Florida. AI Transparency: Sen. Brian Schatz and others introduced an AI Labeling Act of 2026 that would require visible, machine-readable labels for AI-made content and push for shared authenticity standards. Local Culture & Work: Binhi at Ani honored 20 Filipino housekeepers during the 57th annual Barrio Fiesta, spotlighting the people who keep Hawaiʻi’s visitor economy running. Community & Learning: Jefferson High students explored Hawaii’s history and landscapes on a national parks tour, from Pearl Harbor to Volcanoes National Park. Tech & Travel in Hawaiʻi: BETA Technologies and Surf Air Mobility launched electric aircraft demonstration flights in Hawaiʻi, with Hawaiian Airlines supporting feasibility and community engagement. Arts & Lifestyle: Golden Hour returns to the Norton Simon Museum with free, family-friendly outdoor music and sketching prompts.

Local Governance & Culture: Oʻahu’s Puʻuhonua o Wailupe proposal would permanently protect nearly three acres in Wailupe with iwi kūpuna and archaeological features, with OHA acquisition and a perpetual conservation easement. Coastal Resilience: Final conceptual designs for the Olowalu-Ukumehame coastline—aimed at sea-level rise adaptation and ecosystem restoration—go public July 9 at Maui Ocean Center. Native Hawaiian Media: OHA trustees voted to evaluate buying KITV and KIKU, sparking debate over strengthening Native Hawaiian storytelling versus the financial and operational impact. Community Safety: Ilima-Lei Macfarlane and other pro fighters lead “Warriors Don’t Bully,” an anti-bullying workshop for keiki and women at the Blaisdell. Economy Watch: Hawaiʻi’s unemployment rate edged up to 2.5% in May, with job gains in leisure/hospitality and professional services. Arts & Storytelling: The Stolen Children of Aotearoa documentary won Best Indigenous Feature at Maui’s Wailuku Film Festival. Big National Legal Shock (Hawaiʻi): The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Hawaii’s gun carry restrictions on private property open to the public.