AGP Executive Report

Tech & Youth Safety: Meta agreed to a landmark $17B settlement with states over teen social media addiction, adding child-safety changes for Facebook and Instagram. Local Community & Culture: Maui Land & Pineapple’s free “Aloha Fridays at Kapalua” returns Aug. 28 with live music, hula, and local food vendors. Hawaiʻi Resilience After Storms: Maui residents are still dealing with health struggles three years after the wildfires, while Hurricane Lala recovery continues with power and water gaps and community support. Consumer Protection: Hawaiʻi warned residents about misleading door-to-door solar sales, stressing the state doesn’t offer free solar PV via cold-calling. Food & Tradition: L&L Hawaiian Barbecue set a new National SPAM Musubi Day record, distributing 20,000+ musubi nationwide. Sports (Hawaiʻi): The Hawaiian Airlines Wahine Volleyball Classic kicks off Aug. 28–30 at Stan Sheriff Center. Civic Life: A coalition of states sued to block new USPS mail-in ballot rules ahead of November.

Hurricane Lala Recovery: President Trump approved Hawaiʻi’s presidential emergency declaration, unlocking FEMA disaster help for Hawaiʻi, Maui, and Honolulu to speed debris clearing, infrastructure repairs, and restoring essential services. Power & Water Strain: Hawaiian Electric crews continue restoring electricity on the Big Island, while residents still report gaps in basic services as recovery work drags on. Community & Faith Response: Catholic groups in Kau district shared on-the-ground devastation and rallied support as schools and parishes navigated the new academic year after storm disruptions. Local Governance in Court: The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court heard arguments on whether Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters can run again, a ruling expected soon that could reshape District 4’s political future. Culture & Food: Ulu takes center stage with upcoming events and culinary showcases, including an ulu-focused summit bringing farmers, chefs, and researchers together. Sports & Youth: UH named Ikaika Aki as head coach of the Rainbow Wahine water polo program, signaling a new chapter for local talent and continued success.

Dolly Parton Memorial: Hawaiʻi flags and U.S. flags will fly at half-staff at state offices and the Hawaiʻi National Guard through Sept. 1, after Gov. Josh Green ordered the gesture for the late singer’s deep ties to Oʻahu, her support for Maui families, and her work bringing books and culture to keiki. Road Safety: Hawaiʻi’s expanded “Slow Down, Move Over” law (Act 95) now covers stationary vehicles on the roadside, including tow trucks and stranded drivers—pushed by advocates after a tow operator was killed while helping someone. Community & Culture: Windward Community College’s Hale Laʻakea Library hosted E Heluhelu Kākou! “Swimmin’ Into Stories,” with Hawaiian storytelling, mele, hula, and hands-on iʻa-themed activities for 150+ keiki and ʻohana. Local Travel Buzz: A Hawaiian couple keeps returning to Vancouver as their go-to West Coast getaway. Sports & Style: The Detroit Lions unveiled their “Defend the Den” Rivalries uniform, featuring Honolulu blue details. Education Snapshot (Out of State): Multiple reports track very small Hawaiian enrollment numbers across Michigan districts, underscoring how rare representation can be. Wildlife Update: A decaying whale was found on the bow of a cargo vessel near Tacoma, with a necropsy planned.

Hurricane Lala Recovery: Naʻalehu families are bracing for a second wave of grief as the state meets with residents over remains washed away during the storm, with officials saying more than 70 sets have been recovered so far. Disaster Readiness: A new look at Hawaiʻi’s hurricane shelter capacity raises hard questions about whether enough shelters can actually handle strong storms. Community Access & Immigration Services: Maui County is hosting a passport application fair in Lahaina to help West Maui residents access services after the disruption of recent storms. Education & Culture: UH Mānoa is welcoming about 50,000 students systemwide, while a STEM program is bringing hands-on learning that ties science and engineering to Hawaiian culture and place for 422 keiki. Local Governance & Voting Rights: The Hawaii Supreme Court is set to hear challenges tied to the East Honolulu City Council seat, where eligibility questions could shape who appears on the November ballot. Public Health: Hawaiʻi is marking Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month with statewide events and training. AI & Ethics in Politics: A congressional candidate apologized after using AI to create a false endorsement from Haunani-Kay Trask in a campaign ad. Arts & Community Events: Festivals of Aloha released its 2026 schedule, themed around coastal kuleana and “Rise Up from the Sea.”

Suicide Prevention Month: Hawaiʻi is marking September as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, citing national data on rising serious thoughts of suicide and noting the state’s statewide gatekeeper training network and community, school, and first-responder partnerships. Hurricane Lala Recovery: In Naʻalehu, residents are starting the cleanup after flooding left mud-choked streets, damaged homes, and displaced graves, with ongoing work at the cemetery and neighborhood bridges. Okinawan Festival Update: Honolulu’s 44th Annual Okinawan Festival returns Sept. 5–6 at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center, but renovations mean no early admission and no bon dance; organizers are adding an Okinawan izakaya-style pop-up with Prince Waikiki. Coastal Culture & Community: Wailuku First Friday’s “Festivals of Aloha” kicks off Sept. 4 with performances, local art, and fundraising tied to Gov. Josh Green’s “Year of Our Coastal Kuleana.” Local Care: Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi highlights one Oʻahu woman’s recovery and stability after health and financial setbacks, including rental and utility relief. Education Snapshot (Out of State): Michigan school data shows Hawaiian student representation at some middle schools at just 0.1%–0.3%, underscoring how small numbers can shape visibility and support.

Hurricane Lala recovery: Hawaii Island is still dealing with cleanup and disruption, with Tropical Storm Moke weakening to a tropical depression but bringing more rain risk; HIEMA and county partners are also guiding residents on what to do if they find washed-away burials at Naʻalehu Cemetery. Community support: HIDOE is rolling out weekly free shelf-stable meal boxes for Kaʻū keiki and families (Pahala, Naʻalehu, Ocean View), while hot showers and device charging points are available through shelters. Local governance: The Hawaii Supreme Court is set to hear arguments tied to Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters’ eligibility, raising questions about how objections are handled during elections. Culture & environment: A push to keep Hawaiʻi’s reef fish on the reefs is back before the Board of Land and Natural Resources as commercial aquarium collection permits are considered. Education & equity: UH reports $647.3M in extramural funding, and a separate debate continues over public school closures on Oʻahu. Lifestyle: A Q&A spotlights Hawaiʻi Seed Bank founder Jill Wagner, and Naʻalehu’s burial recovery includes cultural practitioners and forensic specialists.

Hurricane Lala Recovery: HIDOE is rolling out free weekly shelf-stable meal boxes for Kaʻū keiki and families, with about 4,500 meals per week across Pahala, Naʻalehu, and Ocean View (pickup 11 a.m.–1 p.m. starting Aug. 26–27). Storm Watch: Tropical Storm Moke is tracking south of Hawaiʻi with heavy rain and gusty winds expected to hit the Big Island first, as officials position the National Guard and emergency teams and push for federal disaster support. Community & Culture: The Oskie Rice Memorial Rodeo returns Oct. 23–25 at Kaonoulu Ranch, celebrating 110 years of paniolo heritage with Hawaiian music, cultural demos, and public events. Education & Opportunity: Servco STEP scholarship names a University of Hawaiʻi Maui College recipient, continuing its paid technician-apprentice pipeline. Local Pride: Rotary Club of Upcountry Maui honors two standout students from King Kekaulike High School and Kamehameha Schools Maui. Sports & Lifestyle: Ageless Hong Kong outrigger canoe paddlers are competing internationally, with 2027 Queen Lily Race already on the radar.

Hurricane Lala Recovery: Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green has formally requested a presidential emergency declaration after Lala’s widespread damage, as Tropical Storm Moke threatens more flooding and saturated ground—especially in Kaʻū. Community Response: Before aid arrives, residents and nonprofits are running resilience hubs and meal deliveries across islands, including Punaluu and Naʻalehu. Cultural Recovery: Forensic and cultural experts are coordinating the recovery of burials displaced by Lala at Naʻalehu Cemetery, with 69 sets of remains identified and protections in place. Local Power Questions: Many Hawaiʻi Electric customers are still dealing with outages after Lala, with calls for answers and possible state inquiry. School & Food Choices: Hawaii public schools will add a plant-protein lunch option in 2026-27, and educators are pushing learning beyond the classroom as students return to school. Culture Spotlight: Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 finalists include Hawaiian honu and other marine-life stories that highlight ocean protection.

Hawaiʻi Storm Response: Gov. Josh Green asked the White House for a presidential emergency declaration after Hurricane Lala, as Hawaiʻi County and partners keep repairing roads, restoring water, and distributing supplies while Tropical Storm Moke approaches with heavy rain risk. Power Frustration: Hawaiian Electric says nearly all impacted Hawaiʻi Island customers should be back on by Saturday, but thousands still report outages and want clearer restoration timelines. Community Mental Health: Hawaiʻi DOH launched Project Ho‘oulu to support people dealing with mental health impacts after recent floods, with free counseling and outreach. Education Spotlight: Pāhoa High & Intermediate earned a 2026 “School of Distinction” honor for middle-grades practices rooted in belonging and equity. Culture & Food: San Diego’s Ho‘olaule‘a Hawaiian Festival returns Aug. 22–23 with hula, music, vendors, and island-style food. Immigration Policy: A federal judge struck down Trump’s 75-country immigrant visa suspension as unlawful, a major win for affected families.

Hurricane Lala Recovery (Big Island): Hawaiʻi County is keeping relief moving after the storm—hot showers and phone charging sites are available, and officials are urging residents to stay out of flood waters and standing water due to health risks. Storm Watch (Hawaiʻi Island): Tropical Storm Moke is expected to track south but could still bring heavy rain and life-threatening flooding or mudslides, especially in areas hit by Lala. Mental Health Support: The state’s Project Ho‘oulu is rolling out free crisis counseling across homes, shelters, workplaces, schools, and community spaces for people still dealing with disaster stress. Local Resilience Policy: Rep. Jill Tokuda says Hawaiʻi needs to rethink disaster prep and recovery after Kau damage, including major harm at Naʻalehu Elementary. Culture & Community (Sports): Andre Ilagan—Hawaiʻi-born to Filipino immigrant parents—earns a US Open qualifying wildcard after a career-best run. Culture & Community (Athletics): Hawaii roots are also showing up on the mainland, with local players bonding the Golden Bears roster. Immigration & Privacy (US-wide): A judge struck down Trump’s 75-country immigrant visa suspension, while another court temporarily blocks access to sensitive CDL data for 17 million drivers.

Hurricane Lala Recovery: Kaʻū schools are still closed—Na’alehu Elementary, Ka’u High, and Pāhala Elementary remain without power and with limited access as the DOE says learning plans will be finalized next week. Disaster Preparedness: U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda says the storm’s damage in Na’alehu shows Hawaii needs to rethink how it prepares, responds, and recovers from natural disasters. Military & Science Lands: The Navy and NASA released the Final Environmental Impact Statement for continued use of Kaua‘i state lands tied to the Pacific Missile Range Facility and Kōkeʻe Park Geophysical Observatory. Community & Culture: JANM will reopen its renovated Pavilion on Jan. 23, 2027, with new galleries and a Hirasaki National Resource Center. Local Spotlight: Renton School District received a $20,000 donation for affinity-based college readiness programming. Culture Through Performance: A Korean-American dance show in Federal Way blended traditional mask dancing with K-pop and B-boy moves to mark Washington Korean-American Day. Privacy & Rights: Attorney General Jay Jones won a court order blocking the Trump administration from demanding CDL drivers’ personal data.

Hurricane Lala Recovery: Hawaii County and partner agencies are coordinating to recover and protect burials displaced by Lala flooding at Naʻalehu Cemetery, with the Hawaiʻi National Guard documenting 69 sets of human remains and cultural protocols guiding the work. Storm Watch: Emergency officials are also tracking a new tropical system expected to bring more heavy rain to the Big Island as recovery continues. School Disruptions: Naʻalehu Elementary and Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary remain temporarily closed while utilities and safe access are restored, with HIDOE planning next steps amid the possibility of more weather. Public Health: CDC data show Hawaii’s kindergarten vaccination rates dropped across the board for 2025–2026, alongside a rise in religious exemptions to 6.0%. Culture & Community: A Fond du Lac Band member is set for Minnesota Lacrosse Hall of Fame recognition for Indigenous youth mentorship through Lax-4-Life. Cost of Living: A new study says a single adult needs $129,002 in Hawaii to live comfortably in 2026.

School Health: CDC SchoolVax data show Hawaiʻi’s kindergarten vaccination rates dipped for 2025-2026, reversing a prior improvement streak, while religious exemptions rose (5.5% to 6.0%). Native Land & Housing: The Hawaiʻi Board of Land and Natural Resources approved transferring 300+ acres in Waiākea, Hilo, to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands—aimed at moving beneficiaries closer to homes and working farms. Economy Watch: Hawaiʻi’s July unemployment rate held at 2.7% (seasonally adjusted), with jobs up year over year. Community & Culture: Honolulu’s Haleakalā National Park is among the top-rated U.S. parks on Google Maps, with visitors praising summit views and the reservation-based sunrise experience. Military Readiness: JBPHH and PMRF Barking Sands will run Exercise Citadel Pacific 2026 (Aug. 24–28), with local traffic and access delays possible. Lifestyle/Local Events: Today’s Happenings (Aug. 21) highlights camp, community games, and AA meetings.

Hawaiʻi Disaster Readiness: Rep. Jill Tokuda toured storm damage on Hawaiʻi Island after Hurricane Lala, calling for “harder” infrastructure and better preparation as roads, schools, and homes took major hits. Med-QUEST Rules: DHS says the Med-QUEST system will be updated in October with a fillable form so members can attest to work or volunteer hours; people can set up online access now at my benefits.hawaii.gov, and eligibility offices will help in person. Local Elections Ethics: Honolulu’s ethics director proposes banning taxpayer-funded mass mailers within 60 days of elections, aiming to tighten the line between constituent info and campaign advantage. Maui History Funding: UH’s oral history center received $538,000 in grants to record Lahaina memories, water history, women’s history, and the Lahaina Jodo Mission. Culture & Food: A look at how loco moco became a Hawaiian staple, tracing rice, beef, and plantation-era plate lunch roots. Big Island Weekend Picks: Top things to do Aug. 21–27, with weather still a wildcard. Hospitality Leadership: Hilton named Jon Gersonde managing director of Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. Wildlife & Food: An invasive axis deer in Hawaiʻi is being turned into dinner—because the problem is getting out of hand. Sports Spotlight: UH alum Andre Ilagan earned a US Open wild card after climbing the pro ranks.

Hurricane Lala Recovery: Hawaii Island crews are still restoring power for about 24,400 customers, with some Puna and Kohala areas possibly facing up to two more weeks, as damage assessments continue in remote spots. Local Resilience & Community Aid: Hawaii Public Radio shared a practical list of donation options and services—from food and tarps to rebuilding support—so residents can help families hit hardest. Maui Water Governance: The state Board of Land and Natural Resources rejected a 30-year East Maui commercial water license auction and moved forward on a contested-case hearing tied to revocable permits, with residents and kalo farmers pushing for more community control. Culture Calendar: Honolulu’s Chinatown Mid-Autumn Festival returns Sept. 19 with food, performances, a lantern parade, and stargazing. Food & Local Flavor: Punalu‘u Bake Shop in Naalehu suffered “catastrophic” damage from Lala flooding, while Aiea Manapua & Snacks is spotlighted for National Bao Day (Aug. 22). Arts & Heritage: Speed Art Museum in Kentucky is repatriating 24 Native cultural treasures to Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho communities under NAGPRA. Science Wonder: A rare “moonbow” appears when moonlight refracts through raindrops—an after-dark rainbow that’s all about the Moon’s position.

Hurricane Lala Recovery: Hawaiʻi County and state leaders say most public schools and offices will reopen Wednesday, with Kaʻū still closed and a few Big Island campuses (including Nāʻālehu Elementary and Kau High & Pahala Elementary) staying shut through Thursday as crews restore power, water, and safe access. Community & Culture: Gallery ʻIolani at Windward Community College announces ʻAI MAMA, an exhibition (Aug. 25–Dec. 11) on how ʻike is transmitted through the lifework of master cultural practitioners ʻŌlohe G. ʻUmi Kai and Suluʻape Keone Nunes. Local Politics: East Honolulu voters file a Hawaii Supreme Court challenge seeking to reinstate City Council Chair Tommy Waters, arguing disenfranchisement after eligibility rulings and election administration decisions. Education Watch: A new report highlights Hawaiʻi’s high freshman retention rate, with many students repeating ninth grade after attendance and academic struggles. Environment & Ocean Stewardship: Environmental groups sue to stop the first commercial deep-sea mining lease sale tied to American Samoa waters, pushing for stronger protections for endangered species. Health Equity: The Kidney Foundation of Hawaiʻi says its mobile care clinic bought with city funds has sat unused for years, raising questions about how screening resources reach patients.