AGP Executive Report

Immigrant Justice in Hawaiʻi: State lawmakers signed six immigrant justice laws aimed at easing the impact of ICE enforcement, including language access and protections for crime survivors, while advocates marked deaths in detention. Native Hawaiian & Ocean Stewardship: A new UN ocean assessment spotlights Indigenous knowledge as key to ocean governance, as UH research also links gut bacteria to biological aging. Local Politics, Ballots in Motion: A judge ruled East Honolulu Council Chair Tommy Waters ineligible for a third term, throwing District 4 into confusion as mail ballots are already underway. Housing & Inequality Watch: Honolulu’s historic property tax break is drawing scrutiny after a Civil Beat review found many beneficiaries are among the wealthiest. Culture & Learning: UH Hilo is expanding Hawaiian immersion teacher training, and JABSOM’s Class of 2030 hit a milestone surpassing 500 years of pledged physician service. Community Events: Hawaii Island’s free Science Night at Keaʻau Armory brings STEM hands-on activities for families. Water Safety & Tradition: Kauaʻi Ocean Safety chief Kalani Vierra plans a 100-mile paddle fundraiser for lifeguard programs. Environment Policy: Hawaiʻi approved interim rules restricting transport of coconut rhinoceros beetle host materials to Maui and Lānaʻi. Food Culture: L&L Hawaiian Barbecue will give away free SPAM musubi for National SPAM Musubi Day on Aug. 8.

Hawaiʻi Workforce Planning: The state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations released employment projections through 2034, forecasting 28,060 net new jobs (about 4.1% growth) led by healthcare and food services, plus roughly 82,070 job openings per year from turnover and people leaving the labor force. Maui Housing & Tourism Tension: Maui County advanced zoning changes that could shift about 2,056 apartment-district transient vacation rentals into new hotel districts, a move that would let many units operate like hotels—despite objections from OHA and a council member. Autism Services Push: UH Mānoa is expanding efforts to meet Hawaiʻi’s growing need for autism diagnosis and support by appointing clinical psychologist Meghan Miller to lead the Center on Disability Studies. Native Hawaiian Culture Funding: Six Big Island organizations received Kūkulu Ola grants totaling $900,000 to strengthen Native Hawaiian culture through education, stewardship, and community programs. Community & Justice (Women’s Court): Oʻahu Women’s Court (Mohala Wahine) held its third commencement, with three graduates completing treatment, housing, and sobriety requirements. Local Science Night: Hawaiʻi County announced a free Science Night at Keaʻau Armory with hands-on STEM activities and partner organizations. Culture & Lifestyle: A new “Spider-Man” installment has Tom Holland describing Peter Parker’s “darkest chapter,” while the week also included a Maui resort attack investigation and a viral great white shark breach near a boogie boarder.

Hawaiʻi Politics & Governance: A judge ruled Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters can’t seek a third consecutive term, setting up a scramble for District 4 voters just weeks before the Aug. 8 primary. Elections & Community Trust: Volunteers say Honolulu’s first batch of mail-in ballots is being handled securely as counting begins, even as election doubts continue to swirl nationwide. Maui Wildfire Recovery: A new UHERO-linked report finds many Maui wildfire survivors are improving—jobs, insurance, and services are up—but food insecurity, mental health strain, and housing instability remain stubborn. Local Safety & Weather: Konawaena High School is set to reopen after Kona Low flood repairs, while Kauaʻi officials monitor Hurricane Fausto and warn of rough surf and possible impacts from small track shifts. Culture & Heritage: Original Hōkūleʻa crew members reunite to mark 50 years since the maiden voyage return to Hawaiʻi, and obon season spotlights the Japanese immigrant legacy behind the islands’ summer remembrance. Digital Life in Hawaiʻi: Local businesses and artists say Meta’s social media bans hit without clear reasons or appeals, leaving communities scrambling. Community Climate Action: Honolulu opens applications for youth-led climate projects through the Youth Climate Action Fund, with funding up to $4,999 for Oʻahu initiatives.

HIDOE Reopening Watch: After March’s Kona Low flooding, Konawaena High School and Oahu’s Hokulani Elementary are set to welcome students again Aug. 3, with repairs tackling mud, mold risks, and damaged classrooms. Local Politics: Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters was ruled ineligible for a third term, even though his name is already on the primary ballot—an election-year shakeup with real consequences for voters. Native Hawaiian Culture: The 2026 Native Hawaiian Convention is now available to watch on demand, with two days of workshops, panels, and keynote talks at Blaisdell. Community & Mental Health: Little Tokyo Service Center’s Ripple Effect Walk drew a record 500 people for suicide prevention and culturally responsive mental health support for AA/NHPI communities. Public Safety (Seattle): Police are searching for a second suspect after a deadly Space Needle-area food festival shooting left three dead, including a toddler injured. Food & Lifestyle: Seafood City Supermarket opens its first Arizona store in Chandler, bringing Hawaii-sourced seafood and a big Filipino food hall.

Medical Workforce: JABSOM’s class of 2030 received white coats at Kaimuki High, pushing its Hawaii physician service scholarship pledge beyond 500 years as the program expands from about a dozen awards to 21 this year. Local Business & Tourism: The Hawaiʻi Convention Center is bringing food and beverage operations in-house after Levy’s contract ended June 30, with Legends Global taking over to streamline catering and cut costs. Community & Culture: Jesse Sapolu is profiled as an “ambassador of aloha,” continuing decades of giving through football camps, the Polynesian Bowl, and alumni work with the 49ers. Civic Life: A letter argues the U.S. doesn’t “guarantee freedom from religion,” sparking debate over how the First Amendment should be read. Environment & Heritage: The Big Island’s rare anchialine pools on the Kona Coast face new pressure as sea level rise and waves change brackish ecosystems and threaten endemic species. Sports & Island Pride: Kai ‘Ehitu aims for Hawaii glory at the state regatta after a season of steady preparation. Food Culture: L&L Hawaiian Barbecue will give away free SPAM musubi on Aug. 8 for National SPAM Musubi Day. Public Safety: A Seattle food festival near the Space Needle turned deadly after gunfire, killing at least two and injuring multiple people. Health & Housing Funding: HUD’s updated homelessness grant rules are forcing nonprofits to adjust language and priorities, including LGBTQ youth outreach programs on Oʻahu.

Hawaiʻi Community & Culture: Tickets for the 32nd Annual Made in Hawaiʻi Festival go on sale Aug. 1, with Hawaiian Airlines backing a bigger footprint—more vendors, expanded hours, and a VIP Huakaʻi access night. Local Sports & Pride: Charlie Verco made history by breaking the world record in the Molokaʻi to Oʻahu paddleboard crossing, winning his fourth straight world title despite shark sightings and rough conditions. Health & Aging: A Wailea charity golf scramble, “Aloha Fore Alzheimer’s,” is set for Aug. 8 to fund care, education, and research for Hawaiʻi families affected by dementia. Environment & Community Safety: Molokaʻi officials urge people to stay out of the south shore waters after a humpback whale carcass washed in, with tissue samples collected to help determine the cause. Civic Life: Hawaii lawmakers are in Chicago for the National Conference of State Legislatures, comparing approaches on energy, immigration, and more—while highlighting AAPI engagement efforts. Science & Lifestyle: UH Mānoa researchers report gut microbes are linked to biological aging rates, adding a new angle to healthspan research. Arts & Events: A “world music workshops” series at Errington Hall spotlights hands-on learning across Brazil, Hawaii, Mexico, Ireland, and Latin America.

UFO & Aviation Safety: A Mokulele passenger says her flight from Molokai to Maui had to swerve to avoid a “white something” mid-air, reigniting debate as officials deny and new declassified UFO material circulates. Hawaiʻi Weather & Ocean Safety: Hurricane Fausto is expected to pass north of Oʻahu as a weakening storm, but the big story is surf—rip currents and dangerous waves are building across east shores. Local Environment: DLNR is urging Molokaʻi residents to stay out of the water near a humpback whale carcass off the south shore, citing public health risks and predator attraction. Community Health: Tropic Care 2026 returns to Hawaiʻi Island with free, no-insurance-required medical services through one-stop clinics in Ocean View, Kona, and Puna. Native Hawaiian Stewardship: UH’s Forest Stewards program just graduated its 10th cohort, training private landowners to sustainably manage over 100,000 acres on Hawaiʻi Island. Tourism & Local Makers: Tickets go on sale Aug. 1 for the 32nd Made in Hawaiʻi Festival, with expanded hours and 800+ vendor booths celebrating local culture and business. Politics & Governance: Hawaii County council races heat up ahead of Aug. 8 primaries, while a PONC measure narrowly fails in a key vote.

Hawaiʻi Community & Culture: Molokaʻi residents are being told to stay out of the south shore waters near a humpback whale carcass after a mother and calf spent more than two months in a reef pocket; state officials say tides are carrying remains through popular fishing and tour areas, and tissue samples may help clarify the cause of death. Local Public Safety: Hawaiʻi’s new law raises the minimum age for riding in pickup truck beds from 12 to 16, with exemptions for work, emergencies, and certain job situations—an adjustment many families are now weighing against long-standing local practice. State Politics & Accountability: Democratic Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke has been indicted in a state corruption probe tied to an alleged $35,000 bribe connected to a COVID-19 testing contract. Immigration Enforcement Impact: ICE sightings and detentions are reportedly rising on Maui again, as Hawaiʻi prepares to sign immigration-related bills limiting state and county cooperation with federal enforcement. Hawaiian Business & Lifestyle: Tickets go on sale Aug. 1 for the 32nd Annual Made in Hawaiʻi Festival, with expanded hours and 800+ vendor booths celebrating local makers, culture, and community. Health & Community Fundraising: Aloha Fore Alzheimer’s, a charity golf scramble benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association—Hawaiʻi, is set for Aug. 8 at Wailea Blue Course.

Federal Grants Backlash: The Trump administration admitted in court filings it canceled $7.6B in clean-energy grants “based solely” on whether recipient states voted for Kamala Harris, contradicting earlier claims about project quality—sparking fresh criticism of “weaponized” federal power. Hawaiʻi Language in Crisis: Parents at Kapolei Middle School say the Kaiapuni Hawaiian immersion program was cut after two teacher positions stayed vacant, despite years of growth and community support. Immigrant Justice Locally: Human rights groups in Hawaiʻi are celebrating new immigrant-justice laws aimed at easing the chilling effects of ICE raids on families, schools, and local farmers. Public Health Alert: Molokaʻi’s south shore is closed to swimming near whale remains after a humpback died July 10; DLNR and cultural partners are monitoring and analyzing tissue samples. Safety Law Update: Hawaiʻi raises the minimum age for riding in pickup truck beds from 12 to 16, with exemptions for work and emergencies. Culture & Community: Kōloa Public and School Library marks 50 years as a community hub, with events celebrating reading, learning, and connection.

Native Hawaiian Culture Funding: HTA’s Kūkulu Ola program awarded nearly $900,000 to 4 Maui Nui groups, backing projects from hula education to cultural heritage workshops. Maui Arts & Community: The inaugural Wailuku Film Festival is positioning Maui as a global hub for independent cinema, with sold-out screenings and big media reach. Local Hula Spotlight: Maui’s Kiliʻohu Kahualauleʻa Celebrado won 2026 Miss Keiki Hula, while Oʻahu’s Jahnathan Lāhiki Bareng took Master Keiki Hula. Hawaiʻi Lifestyle & Food: A new guide breaks down what “Hawaiian barbecue” really means—how traditional foods and immigrant influences shape the plate. Ocean & Wildlife: A study warns spinner dolphins (Naiʻa) may be struggling to reproduce as tourism pressure grows. Public Safety & Rights: Wisconsin and other states are suing over Trump-era conditions tying disaster and homeland security funds to election and immigration demands. Community Events: Science Night is coming to Keaʻau Armory with hands-on STEM activities for families.

Hawaiʻi Education & Language: A new law creates a Public School Realignment and Closure Commission, setting up an independent review of possible school consolidations and closures. Native Hawaiian Culture at Risk: A Kauaʻi school preserving the endangered Niʻihau dialect is fighting in court after a sudden rent increase and lease conditions it says were violated. Community Health & Prevention: Big Island’s BISAC brings back Summer Jam, a free family event focused on substance-use prevention, recovery, and wellness. Local Governance & Cost of Living: Honolulu Council Chair Tommy Waters floats tax breaks that could cut costs for drivers and homeowners, while city departments warn about lost revenue. Everyday Access: In Puna, residents say post office box shortages are dragging down mail access for voting, paperwork, and online life. Arts & Entertainment: Broadway-style “The Epic Tale of Hi’iaka” lands at Ko Olina this December, and Filipino pop group BINI heads to Oʻahu for their first Hawaii stop Aug. 1. Culture & Environment: Waikiki Aquarium launches “Adopt-A-Polyp” to help rebuild its Edge of the Reef exhibit and support coral conservation. Sports & Youth Hope: A Pepeekeo teen with leukemia gets Make-A-Wish support for UH Hilo tuition.

Native Hawaiian Conservation Win: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reclassified the aeʻo (Hawaiian stilt) from endangered to threatened, with UH Mānoa-led research documenting recovery to about 1,500 birds. Maui Beach Restoration: A West Maui nonprofit and the Kāʻanapali resort association filed for permits to restore Kāʻanapali Beach to its 1988 width and height by returning sand back to shore. Kalaupapa Tourism Update: After National Park Service tours were paused, Rep. Jill Tokuda pushed for more community engagement and clearer rules on who gets priority for tour operations. Molokai Community Paddling: Molokai Holokai “More Than a Race” returned with youth races, shoreline cleanups, and a mission to care for land and sea. Local Travel Support: The North Shore Huaka‘i $5 shuttle is back as a pilot to help small businesses after the Kona low storms, with riders needing proof of local purchases. Hawaiian Airlines Service Change: Alaska’s 737-800s are set to replace Hawaiian’s inter-island 717s, aiming to strengthen Neighbor Island routes. Women’s Golf in West Hawai‘i: The LPGA will debut the Nanea Cup at Nanea Golf Club in 2027 with a $4M purse. Culture & Identity in Sports: Viral volleyball star Jordan Lucas talks Hawaii roots and LGBTQ+ visibility as he prepares for his next school move.

Hawaiian Language Education: Kapolei Middle School suspended its Kaiapuni immersion program after failing to hire two teachers, and Niʻihau Language School is also fighting to keep its Kaua‘i campus as rent pressure threatens operations. Native Hawaiian Voting: OHA trustee races are seeing unusually high blank-ballot rates, prompting a major voter education push ahead of the Aug. 8 primary. Community & Culture: On Kaua‘i’s North Shore, a decade-old community-based subsistence fishing area is showing “remarkable” results for Native Hawaiian fishermen and nearshore stewardship. Environment & Health: Hawaiʻi and conservation groups are challenging EPA’s partial rejection of the state’s regional haze plan, while Hawaiian Electric faces pressure over pollution commitments. Lifestyle & Safety: Hawaii raised the minimum age to ride in pickup truck beds from 12 to 16, aiming to curb injuries as roads get faster. Scams & Travel: Officials warn of rising fake vacation rental listings using real photos and fast payment demands. Roads & Tourism Tension: A Road to Hana confrontation video is reigniting calls for traffic solutions. Local Arts: Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Maui Calls gala returns Aug. 22 with “Vintage Aloha Wear” as its theme.

Hawaiʻi Energy & Environment: Hawaiʻi Attorney General Anne Lopez filed a petition challenging the EPA’s partial disapproval of the state’s Regional Haze plan, after Hawaiian Electric reversed course on commitments to retire older, less efficient units—raising fresh stakes for air quality around Hawaiʻi Volcanoes and Haleakalā. Education & Equity: Kapolei Middle School’s Kaiapuni program may be disrupted as two teaching positions remain vacant, leaving families to choose between virtual learning, transfer options, or English classes. Local Education Partnership: UH Mānoa reached an agreement with University Laboratory School to keep it on campus through June 30, 2029, with rental costs phased in over three years. Culture & Community: Kaneʻohe Elementary was named a 2026 National Gold Star School, and Leeward Community College’s lei-making workshop earned UH News Image of the Week. Science & Health: A UH Mānoa study links certain gut bacteria patterns to how quickly people show biological aging. Travel & Lifestyle: Hawaiian Airlines plans to replace inter-island 717s with Boeing 737-800s, touting more premium seats and Starlink Wi‑Fi.

Native Hawaiian Rights & Sovereignty: Gov. Josh Green opened the 25th Native Hawaiian Convention warning federal actions could seriously threaten Native Hawaiian programs, while leaders pointed to ongoing lawsuits and called for unity and the return of Mākua Valley. Housing Affordability: A new look at Hawaiʻi’s “affordable housing” gap finds the math can widen eligibility while rents still stay out of reach for many working families. Homestead Momentum: DHHL awarded nearly 500 Native Hawaiians residential, agricultural, and pastoral lots on Oʻahu (plus additional awards on Maui), with families celebrating long-awaited progress. Education & Daily Life: Hawaiʻi schools prepare for a return with a new statewide cell phone policy, and Hokulani Elementary in St. Louis Heights asks for move-in help as flood repairs near completion. Culture on the Move: The Waa Kiakahi Canoe Festival keeps ancient voyaging alive at Kaanapali, and a new food truck hub spotlights Venezuelan flavors through Guaiquerí Empanadas. Community & Civic Process: Honolulu’s charter amendments are finalized for November voting, including a ranked-choice voting question and a proposed Food Security Fund. Local Sports: Maui’s Ole Longboard Classic crowned Joie Kaiu with a perfect 10 and saw big wins from the Ah Hee siblings.

Native Hawaiian Culture: The 25th annual Native Hawaiian Convention kicked off in Honolulu at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center, with workshops, a curated marketplace, keynote talks, and performances—plus the Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition & Festival running right after. Local Governance & Housing: A Civil Beat candidate Q&A highlights how OHA at-large trustee hopeful Kalena Parish says OHA should push partnerships and policy changes to unlock real housing solutions. Food & Community Life: Hawaii’s food scene gets a small spotlight as Charley’s Steakery in ʻAiea was allowed to reopen after correcting a sewage overflow issue flagged by the Department of Health. Inter-island Travel: Hawaiian Airlines plans to phase out its Boeing 717s by using Alaska’s Boeing 737-800s for inter-island service starting in 2028, with planes repainted in Hawaiian livery. Sports & Youth Culture: The Wailuku Film Festival’s inaugural run drew thousands, screening 100+ films (including many made in Hawaiʻi) and turning Wailuku into a filmmaking hub. Health & Learning: A new grant will expand digital literacy classes for older adults in immigrant and refugee communities through ACRS, focusing on English learners. Economy Watch: Maui County unemployment rose to 3.2% in June, up from 2.5% in May, while statewide unemployment held at 2.6%.