AGP Executive Report

Education Access: UH launched ApplyHawaiʻi, a single undergraduate application for all 10 campuses starting fall 2027, aiming to cut barriers for first-time freshmen, transfers, and eligible high school students. Biosecurity & Jobs: Hawaiʻi’s new Biosecurity Academy will train frontline inspectors with Leeward CC, boosting the fight against invasive pests at airports and harbors. Culture & Community: The Polynesian Cultural Center broke ground on the Hawaiʻi Kauhale Project, a 4.5+ acre expansion meant to bring traditional agriculture and mālama ʻāina to life by 2028. Local Governance & LGBTQ+ Rights: Honolulu’s Liquor Commission is seeking approval for updated public-records and body-camera retention rules amid a federal civil rights fight involving an LGBTQ+ nightclub. Health & Climate: A UN summit briefing warns extreme heat raises preterm birth risk and gestational diabetes risk, with calls for more training for pregnancy care. Arts for Keiki: Bishop Museum’s Aloha Bricks ’26 invites schools into a LEGO exhibition built with local makers to strengthen arts education. Sports & Pride: North Hawaii Hospice held its Floating Lantern Ceremony at Fairmont Orchid, blending remembrance with hula, chanting, and taiko.

Biosecurity & Jobs: Hawaiʻi’s new Biosecurity Academy is training the next frontline inspectors, partnering with Leeward Community College to boost screening at airports and harbors in the invasive-pest fight. Culture & Community: The Polynesian Cultural Center broke ground on the Hawaiʻi Kauhale Project, a more than 4.5-acre expansion meant to bring traditional agriculture and mālama ʻāina to life, with completion targeted for 2028. Native Hawaiian Affairs: OHA trustees named three finalists—Todd Apo, Kaulana Park, and Summer Sylva—for the administrator/CEO role, as the search unfolds amid leadership turmoil and a lawsuit over her removal. Civic Life & Health: North Hawaiʻi Hospice held its annual Floating Lantern Ceremony at Fairmont Orchid, blending remembrance with hula, chanting, and music. Education & Equity: New data shows UH Hilo’s six-year bachelor completion rate at 48.4% for the 2018 cohort, with UH Manoa at 64.3% and UH West Oʻahu at 49.5%. Local Travel & Hospitality: Hilton opened Hale Hōkūala Kauaʻi, Curio Collection by Hilton, adding a new Kauaʻi resort option with major event space and cultural programming. Politics (Hawaiʻi): Hirono led a bipartisan resolution recognizing Filipino American History Month. Food Safety: Nature’s Own Hawaiian Bread was recalled in multiple states due to undeclared milk.

Climate & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court will hear a major climate case tied to Boulder, Colorado, where local prosecutors and activists seek billions from energy companies—raising fears of a de facto national carbon tax. Energy Resilience: HDOT, Sustainability Partners, and Hensel Phelps have started building Oʻahu and Kauaʻi microgrids with solar canopies, battery storage, and EV charging to keep key facilities running during outages. Local Governance & Accountability: Honolulu prosecutors subpoena the American Petroleum Institute for decades of climate-related communications, part of the broader push to hold oil companies responsible for extreme weather impacts. Culture & Pride: Honolulu Pride Month kicked off in Waikīkī with a sunrise chant and Kapaemahu healer honoring, with Pride events running Oct. 14–18 and a parade on Oct. 17. Native Hawaiian Sports & Tradition: Molokai Hoe returns with a 41-mile crossing that keeps Hawaiian protocol at its core, while the Molokai-to-Oʻahu women’s legacy continues. Tourism & Safety: A tourist sparked backlash after entering a storm-closed Waiʻānapanapa State Park area, despite warnings. Arts & Community: The Polynesian Cultural Center broke ground on a Hawaiʻi Village expansion in Laie, aiming to deepen visitor understanding of Hawaiian life by 2028.

Arts & Heritage: CHamoru master Francisco “Frank” Rabon (Guam) was named a 2026 National Heritage Fellow by the NEA, joining a rare circle of folk and traditional arts legends nationwide. Culture & Community: The Polynesian Cultural Center broke ground on its Hawaiʻi Village expansion in Laʻie, the Hawaiʻi Kauhale Project, a 4.5+ acre build meant to deepen visitors’ understanding of traditional Hawaiian life and land stewardship. Local Education & Youth: Imua Family Services launched “100 Voices,” Maui’s first community-based youth choir for ages 11–18 with no auditions, aiming for accessible, high-energy participation. Health & Support: Little Tokyo Service Center’s “Ebb and Flow” conference returns with mental health workshops tailored to AANHPI communities, including substance use and caregiving support. Tourism & Safety: A tourist’s defiant stunt at storm-closed Waiʻānapanapa State Park sparked backlash after officials warned of deadly hazards like dangerous surf and flash flooding. Sports & Lifestyle: UH West Oʻahu marks 50 years since starting in portable classrooms, now serving nearly 2,900 students as an Indigenous-serving anchor in Kapolei. Music: Josh Tatofi released “PANIOLO COUNTRY,” celebrating Hawaiian cowboy heritage, with Blue Note Hawaii performances set for Oct. 16–17.

Hawaiʻi Education & Safety: Parents of a 12-year-old Nanakuli student with an individualized education program are demanding answers after she left campus unattended and was later found walking along Nanakuli Avenue. Community Care in Lahaina: A respiratory healing wellness workshop brought lung-focused support to Lahaina through traditional Chinese medicine, including acupuncture and breathwork. Maui Mental Health Response: The Maui Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Team graduated 22 new members, expanding training meant to de-escalate crises and connect people to care. Culture & Learning: The Ocean Exploration Trust launched its final 2026 deep-sea Hawaiian expedition, using mapping and ROVs around Papahānaumokuakea with public live feeds. Native Voices: Days of Piikani gathered Blackfeet elders and community members to share treaty history and traditional practices across generations. Local Arts & Pride: Pearl City crowned a new Ms. Plaza, celebrating seniors with interviews, poise, and community spirit. STEM for Climate Literacy (Beyond Hawaiʻi): Colorado’s “ozone garden” program shows how hands-on projects are spreading as states adopt climate literacy seals. Ukulele Spotlight: Jake Shimabukuro returns for a major UConn performance, continuing his solo-tour pivot. Hawaiʻi Politics & Elections: Act 11 campaign restrictions are drawing legal fire as Hawaiʻi heads toward its November election.

Community Care in Action: Maui Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Team graduated 22 new members, expanding a 40-hour training effort to help officers and civilians de-escalate mental health and emotional crisis calls across partner agencies. Health & Community: The 14th annual Hawaii Walk & Roll to Cure ALS returned to Kapiolani Park, bringing families, performances, and a resource fair as organizers aimed for $130,000 to support care, policy, and research. Housing for Youth: Makiki’s Hale Koko is taking shape as a transitional home for former foster youth and young adults, with 12 beds planned and support from RYSE and a grant tied to Rep. Kim Coco Iwamoto’s donated building. Culture & Performance: Prague-born “Miracle Man” Tomáš Kubínek brings strong-man stunts and mass hypnosis to Kahului on Oct. 11 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, with tickets starting at $35. Local Travel Watch: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park says the Holei Sea Arch on the Big Island collapsed, urging visitors to avoid the unstable area. Lifestyle Spotlight: A new guide highlights common luau etiquette mistakes mainland visitors make in the first 10 minutes—plus how to do it right.

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: The Holei Sea Arch on the Big Island—about 90 feet tall—collapsed into the Pacific, and the NPS is warning visitors to stay away due to unstable cliffs and falling hazards. Community & Culture: In Kailua, students’ design work helped turn a crosswalk mural into a memorial for “Mama Jen” after a deadly 2023 crash near Kaʻelepulu Elementary. Tourism & Respect: A tourist was filmed entering Waianapanapa State Park while it was closed during Hurricane Nolo, sparking renewed calls in Hana for visitors to respect cultural sites and follow closures. Local Resilience: Volunteers on Kauaʻi are rebuilding Prince Kūhiō Park at Hoʻai Bay after storm surge from Hurricane Lowell knocked down historic rock walls and cultural markers. New Stay in Waikīkī: Hilton opened Hale Hōkūala Kauaʻi (Curio Collection by Hilton), debuting the brand in Hawaiʻi with cultural programming and oceanfront views. Arts & Learning: Hawaiʻi State Archives is marking Archives Month with free Waikīkī-focused exhibits highlighting the past, present, and future of the community. Service & Care: Assistance Dogs of Hawaiʻi profiles how trained dogs support independence for island residents, from schools and courts to hospitals and trauma survivors. Food & Fun: A Kauaʻi Chocolate and Coffee Festival is set for Oct. 18, with free admission and a focus on supporting local recovery. Sports: A Foothills triathlete is headed to the Ironman World Championship in Kona after a breakout win in Canada.

Molokaʻi Power Outage & Food Security: Hawaiian Electric plans an eight-hours-a-day, six-day outage for eastern Molokaʻi to upgrade the grid, but residents say subsistence food stocks could spoil and are asking for schedule changes HECO rejected. School Safety & Accountability: Federal prosecutors say more potential victims have come forward in the Moanalua High School wrestling coach case; attorneys also point to earlier warning signs and say families are preparing civil action. Local Governance & Community Space: Hilo’s Windward Planning Commission advanced a proposal that could bring back a bowling alley and entertainment complex, forwarding amendments for a 10-year construction extension. Culture & Youth Art: “Full Bleed” opens at Hilo’s Wailoa Center, spotlighting manga/anime, graffiti, and urban art from 45 Hawaii artists through Oct. 30. Public Lands & Memory: OHA’s “Held in Trust” examines Hawaiʻi’s military-leased public lands, airing statewide Oct. 8 and streaming live. Health Research: UH Cancer Center launches a $3M, five-year study on why early-stage breast cancer becomes invasive, with a focus on Hawaiʻi’s diverse communities.

Hawaiʻi Culture & Land: OHA is premiering “Held in Trust,” a new documentary on the history and future of Hawaiʻi’s military-leased public lands, airing Oct. 8 statewide and streaming online. Community Safety: Honolulu police arrested a burglary suspect in Kailua after a gun was reported, triggering temporary lockdowns at nearby schools that were lifted by early afternoon. Arts & Identity: Maui OnStage opens the world premiere of ʻAinakea at the Historic ʻĪao Theater this Friday, a West Maui 1953 story about family, plantation change, and who should steward the land. Workforce Development: DLIR and the Hawaiʻi Workforce Development Council honored 2026 Workforce Development Heroes, spotlighting leaders expanding training and career pathways across Oʻahu and Maui. Biosecurity Jobs: Hawaiʻi’s new Biosecurity Academy will train up to 20 frontline inspectors starting in November through March, feeding into the state’s plant quarantine work. Molokaʻi Conservation & Arts: DLNR is urging safer driving after three nēnē were killed by drivers on Molokaʻi, while Pa‘a Printmakers marks its one-year anniversary with a Faith Stone talk and Mokuhanga workshop. Sports (Local): The ‘Bows host San Jose State at Ching Field, with both programs tied to Hawaiʻi through coaches and roster connections.

Health & Care Gaps: The National Eczema Association, with CDC funding, released a new atopic dermatitis baseline report showing big mismatches between estimated cases and diagnosed care, plus uneven specialist access and treatment patterns across all 50 states and D.C. Local Biosecurity: Molokaʻi’s coconut rhinoceros beetle protections are back in focus as a state committee recommends readopting import bans on high-risk materials, with a gravel dispute still shaping the outcome. Culture & Community: Maui marks 120 years of Filipino labor history with a free Oct. 1 flag-raising ceremony at Kalana O Maui, followed by food, art, and community presentations. Native Hawaiian Leadership: Schatz and Hirono introduced a Senate resolution recognizing Hawaiian History Month, spotlighting Native Hawaiian history and reconciliation efforts. Tourism Watch: Hawaii’s August numbers slipped—fewer arrivals, shorter stays, and lower spending—hit by storms and a softer travel market. Civil Liberties: Honolulu ended an IRS data-sharing deal after reports that license plate reader camera data was accessed thousands of times this year. Safety & Justice: A federal judge kept former Moanalua wrestling coach Sean Sakaida detained after prosecutors said additional potential victims spoke to the FBI. Arts & Governance: Honolulu Mayor Blangiardi is pushing to formalize the Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts in the city charter, as council members question costs and overlap. Women’s Health Spotlight: A new “Wahine Issue” tackles underreported women’s health topics, including postpartum depression and perimenopause, with a focus on Hawaiʻi stories.

Haleakalā Visitor Center: New Hawaiian-and-English exhibits are now open, built with guidance from kūpuna and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi experts to bring local stories to life. Local Accountability: A Nevada state audit says Clark County School District failed to track millions in taxpayer money on recruitment and retention trips, with auditors citing wasted spending and missing approvals. Native Hawaiian Land & History: OHA’s documentary Held in Trust will premiere statewide Oct. 8, looking at the history and future of Hawaiʻi public lands tied to military leases. Community & Culture: The Yellow Springs Speaker Series brings Holly Near to the Foundry Theater tonight, mixing storytelling, activism, and music. Honoring a Leader: Gov. Josh Green ordered flags lowered statewide for Patricia Saiki, a pioneering Hawaiʻi lawmaker and former U.S. representative. Education & Resilience: Hanalei Elementary School closed Wednesday due to flooding, as Kauaʻi roads shut down near the Hanalei River Bridge. Data & Planning: DBEDT released the 2025 State of Hawaiʻi Data Book, expanding access with ADA-friendly tables and Excel downloads. Energy Infrastructure: HDOT, Sustainability Partners, and Hensel Phelps broke ground on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi microgrids with solar, battery storage, and EV charging to boost resilience. Tourism Snapshot: DBEDT reports August visitor spending fell to $1.59B and arrivals declined year over year, with shorter stays after recent storms.

Local Education & Food Systems: Oʻahu public schools are starting to serve Hawaii-grown pineapples in cafeterias, with new menu items developed through partnerships to shift students toward local ingredients. Public Safety & Staffing: Hawaiʻi Department of Law Enforcement swore in 18 new deputy sheriffs, including father-son Edgarinio and Ethan Ugale, with assignments across Honolulu and Big Island divisions. City Sustainability: Honolulu is expanding its G.R.O.W. composting program islandwide starting Oct. 1, letting more residents add food scraps to green carts. Community & Culture: A local coffee spotlight highlights Drip Studio HNL in Chinatown and other island favorites, keeping the focus on specialty coffee as a lifestyle and community hub. Civic Life & Representation: Candidates are pushing for more resilient Upper Puna infrastructure and services, while Honolulu continues efforts to increase women in policing and address hurdles for immigrants in court. Science & Climate: Coverage flags a “super” El Niño and what it could mean for weather across the globe.

Hurricane & Community Safety: As Hurricane Nolo lingers in the background of Ironman week, organizers and athletes are weighing contingency plans and real-world risks for residents and visitors. Local Governance: Gov. Josh Green named Big Island executive Cyrus Johnasen to the Land Use Commission, plus two new members to the Hawaiʻi Teacher Standards Board—appointments that will shape land decisions and education oversight. Immigration Courts: Honolulu’s immigration court is moving away from virtual hearings, requiring in-person appearances more often—raising costs and barriers for immigrants, especially on neighbor islands. Public Health & Food Safety: Hawaiʻi DOH authorized the reopening of Blazin Steaks in Mililani after a red placard closure tied to cold-holding violations was corrected. Culture & Performance: UH Mānoa’s Kennedy Theatre announced its 63rd season, mixing local perspectives, international collaborations, and moʻolelo-driven storytelling. Climate Action: Honolulu’s Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency received a 2026 Government Climate Advocate Award for decarbonization and resilience work. Sports & Lifestyle: A St. Andrew’s Schools graduate is charting an aviation path toward Purdue and a future in airline operations.

College Sports: The U.S. Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act 77-22, setting up a major shift in how the NCAA can set athlete eligibility, transfers, and pay rules—now headed to the House after the Nov. 3 midterms. Hawaiʻi Youth & Education: UH launched “Direct to UH,” a free streamlined application path for Hawaii seniors, while Nā Kama Kai is bringing swimming lessons to West Oʻahu kids via a new mobile pool. Local Culture & Community: Breadfruit advocates gathered on Hawaiʻi Island for ‘Ulu Hoʻolauleʻa, pushing to fix supply and make the canoe crop a bigger part of Pacific diets. Environment & Safety: Rules meant to protect Molokai from invasive coconut rhinoceros beetles are expected to be reinstated after a misinterpretation issue. Air Travel (Hawaiʻi): Alaska Airlines is signaling big premium upgrades tied to its Hawaiian Airlines brand plans, including new suites and lounges. Sports (Hawaiʻi): Kolby Kanetake returns to Manoa as a Rainbow Wahine assistant coach.

Local Education & Water Safety: Waianae nonprofit Na Kama Kai launched Hawaii’s first Mobile Pool Initiative, bringing culturally grounded swim instruction to schools and communities without aquatic facilities, with students moving from the portable teaching pool to open-water lessons at Poka’i Bay. Digital Heritage: More than 1,000 Aloha Stadium videos from the Stadium Stars collection are now streaming online via Hawaiʻi State Archives, digitizing decades of high school sports and community events for easier public access. Culture & Community: Intimate Korea film festival brings Korean culture to Hawaii, adding another stop for island audiences to connect through film and shared stories. Sports & Local Pride: Maui Ocean Center’s “Fins & Frights” returns Oct. 24, turning Halloween into a marine science lesson for families. Policy & Tech: NASCIO’s 2026 State CIO Survey finds most state technology leaders expect more turbulence ahead as modernization demands expand. Higher Ed Costs: University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu lists $7,584 in-state tuition and required fees for 2024–25, ranking 3rd among UH’s public four-year institutions.

Hurricane Nolo Update (Hawaiʻi): Hawaiʻi County is taking damage reports as Nolo moves farther south, with a high-wind warning for North Hawaiʻi until Monday morning and flooding impacts reported on Highway 11; School Closures (Maui): HIDOE says most Big Island and Maui schools reopen Monday, but four Lahaina campuses stay closed due to outages, the nearby Olowalu brush fire, and water reliability concerns; Community & Culture: Punchbowl memorial ceremony honors Nisei service members and the legacy of the 100th Infantry Battalion/442nd RCT/1399th Engineer Battalion; Local Safety & Justice: Honolulu Police shut down illegal gambling rooms in Moʻiliʻili, including sites tied to earlier raids; Native Hawaiian Policy: At Issue in Tokuda vs. Awa weighs who’s better for Native Hawaiians as the debate centers on Hawaiian Homes successorship and blood quantum; Women in Policing: Honolulu Police sign the 30×30 pledge to raise women’s representation to 30% by 2030; Lifestyle Perk: Huaka‘i by Hawaiian expands free kamaʻāina travel benefits with extra points and interisland bonuses.