AGP Executive Report

Hawaiʻi Tourism & Travel: A new wave of visitor spending is reshaping the islands’ tourism mix, with coverage pointing to fewer visitors but higher per-person spend—plus a reminder that local travel planning is getting more important as costs shift. Local Hospitality: Mauna Kea Beach Hotel marks its 60th birthday with a sweeping $240 million renovation, including refreshed suites, a new adult infinity pool, and upgrades to its spa, fitness, and golf course—aimed at elevating the guest experience without losing what people love. Interisland Supply Woes: Molokaʻi residents are dealing with empty shelves after Young Brothers missed multiple shipments, blaming weather and machinery, while locals question rising costs and what the company is doing with the extra money. Community & Family Fun: Hawaiʻi Police Activities League hosted its first annual keiki bowling event in Kona, pairing youth recreation with mentoring and positive connections with officers. Weather for Travelers: Trade winds ease through the week, but a larger south swell is expected late Saturday into Sunday, with potential dangerous surf and coastal impacts. Airfare Watch: Southwest is running a limited-time sale with up to 40% off base fares for late-summer and fall travel, using code FLYWOW.

Airline & Visitor Economy: Hawaiian Airlines is ending free economy meals on most U.S.-bound routes starting July 1, replacing them with a pre-order dining program for Main Cabin passengers. Hotel Updates: Hilton Hawaiian Village says its Rainbow Tower renovations are complete, with refreshed rooms and Hawaii-based art. Waikiki Independence Day: Waikiki’s July 4 fireworks are set for 8:30 p.m., free and open to the public. Local Travel Safety: A judge reduced bail for a Puna man charged in a fatal Pahoa-area crash; prosecutors allege DUI and a suspended license. Road & Construction Disruptions: Honolulu plans vehicular bridge restoration at Ala Wai Golf Course starting June 15, with weekday lane changes. Tourism Policy & Enforcement: Honolulu still hasn’t moved to court in an illegal short-term rental foreclosure case, with nearly $3M in fines uncollected a year later. Nature & Ocean Watch: Trade winds ease midweek with showers possible; a strong south-southwest swell is expected Saturday night into early next week, with higher surf risk. Wildlife & Beach Alerts: Experts warn El Niño could shift shark activity and bring different species closer to shore, though attacks remain rare. Community & Culture: Wahi Pana: Storied Places announces June events, including a long-lost mele returning to Lēʻahi after 131 years. Food Innovation: The 4th annual Hawaiʻi Made Conference (June 23) focuses on turning local food ideas into market-ready products. Space & Science Tourism Buzz: A new “Crystal Ball Nebula” image from Maunakea highlights the dying-star spectacle—another reason Hawaii remains a global science draw.

Road Safety & Community Action: Honolulu’s Zumbaathon for Azalia Park drew 150+ people to push safer driving and curb drunk driving, with Safe Ride Hawaiʻi offering rides to impaired drivers to prevent tragedies. Public Safety Alert (Kaua‘i): Kaua‘i Police continue a manhunt for “armed and dangerous” homicide suspect William “Billy” Sinclair near Kapa‘a Public Library; residents are urged to avoid the area and not approach him. Tourism & Access (Hawai‘i): A proposed Hamakua Coast trail would connect historical communities from Hilo to Waipio, with a feasibility study and community input planned. Local Governance (O‘ahu): Honolulu City Council’s FY2027 budget omits funding for the Makaiwa Hills landfill site, a win for West O‘ahu opponents. Travel & Aviation: Delta resumes daily L.A.–Hong Kong service, signaling slow recovery in China–U.S. air links; Air Canada adds Budapest–Toronto flights with connections that include Hawaii. Shark & Surf Safety: A Hawaii surfer suffered serious injuries after a shark bite off O‘ahu’s South Shore, underscoring ongoing ocean hazard warnings. Hawai‘i Tourism Shift: New reporting highlights fewer visitors but higher spending per trip, as Hawaii’s tourism mix continues to evolve.

Shark Safety & Surfing: A 38-year-old Oahu surfer, Koa Smith, was bitten by a shark off Cromwell’s Beach and suffered serious injuries to both legs, but he managed to paddle back and crawl for help; he remains hospitalized at Queen’s Medical Center. Maui Park Clarification: DLNR moved to calm concerns about Makena State Park upgrades, saying the proposal adds restrooms/showers and pavement plus staff infrastructure, with no changes to access or resident free parking. Kauai Manhunt: Kauai Police are still searching for armed and dangerous homicide suspect William “Billy” Sinclair, last seen near Kapa’a with a distinctive Harley and clothing; residents are urged not to approach and to call in tips. Honolulu Beach Violence: Police arrested a 64-year-old man after an alleged knife attack at Electric Beach in Nanakuli left two people injured; charges are pending. Tourism Numbers: Hawaii saw fewer visitors in April (about 829,000) but higher spending—$1.7 billion total—driven by increased per-person-per-day spend in lodging, dining, shopping and transportation. Travel Costs: Hawaiian Airlines CEO Diana Birkett Rakow warns summer fares may stay high as war-linked fuel and oil disruptions continue to pressure airline costs. On-Island Travel Disruptions: Hawaiian Electric will relocate 11 poles along Waiehu Beach Road June 15–July 4, requiring a partial lane closure and traffic control. Cruise Interest: A South Pacific food-focused cruise route highlights calls in Honolulu and Kauai/Kona, appealing to travelers planning longer, slower trips.

Maui Budget & Safety: Maui County Council approved a $1.6 billion fiscal 2027 budget, adding $50,000 for campus security after a terroristic threatening arrest at One Main Plaza in Wailuku. Tourism Pulse: DBEDT data shows April brought fewer visitors to Hawaiʻi (about 829,000) but higher spending—up nearly 5% statewide as per-person-per-day spend rose more than 14%. North Shore Access Hit: Waimea Valley attendance is down 25%–30% versus last year as Kona-low storm fallout and road contraflow/landslide work keep visitors away. Visitor Industry Training: Hawaiʻi Marine Animal Response launched a Marine Stewards Program to teach hospitality and tour staff how to protect monk seals, turtles, and seabirds. Shark & Beach Alerts: Lifeguards issued a shark warning at Kahe Point (Electric Beach), and Hanauma Bay closed after a marine mammal death. Short-Term Rental Rules: Hawaiʻi County Windward Planning Commission deferred a bill over vacation rental changes, including stricter standards and enforcement. Air Travel & Alliances: Philippine Airlines is set to join oneworld, expanding global connectivity that includes Hawaiian Airlines/Alaska. Roadwork Watch: HIDOT posted updated Kauaʻi lane-closure schedules for the week ahead.

Tourism Economy: Hawaii welcomed nearly 829,000 visitors in April, down from last year, but spending rose to about $1.7 billion as per-person daily spend jumped more than 14%, with gains in shopping, lodging and dining. Marine Protection for Visitors: Hawaiʻi Marine Animal Response launched its Hawaiʻi Marine Stewards Program to train hospitality and tourism workers to help guests safely share space with monk seals, turtles and seabirds. Endangered Whales Under Strain: A new study links nutritional stress and warming seas to major weight loss in Hawaiʻi’s endangered insular false killer whales, with fewer than 140 remaining. Beach Closures & Shark Alerts: Hanauma Bay closed after a marine mammal died and blood was found in the water; lifeguards also posted a shark warning at Kahe Point (Electric Beach). Local Safety & Crime: A Honokaa man faces charges after allegedly driving over 100 mph and fleeing police; a McCully moped rider was seriously injured in a hit-and-run. Community & Culture: Registration is open for Hoaaina Stewardship Day June 13 at Kahaluu Bay, and Rep. Jill Tokuda introduced a resolution honoring the 1906 arrival of Filipino “Sakadas.”

Lahaina tourism rebound: Atlantis Submarines Maui has restarted undersea tours from the Lahaina Small Boat Harbor, running five days a week and taking guests down to 130 feet to view Maui’s marine life as harbor recovery continues. Hawaiʻi travel safety: The state has declared a traffic emergency zone on Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Saddle Road) between mileposts 5.5 and 28 after multiple fatal crashes this year, with faster safety upgrades planned including rumble strips, high-friction pavement, wet-weather striping, and speed safety cameras. Culture on the calendar: The 2026 Nā Kamehameha Commemorative Pāʻū Parade and Hōʻolauleʻa returns June 20 in Kahului along Kaʻahumanu Avenue, followed by a free Hōʻolauleʻa at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center. Visitor weather check: Trade winds keep conditions mostly comfortable this weekend, but rougher marine conditions mean choppier east-facing shores and a Small Craft Advisory. Local visitor-facing updates: Honouliuli National Historic Site will offer limited guided tours starting July 18 (outdoors, no facilities; reservations via email).

Traffic Safety on Saddle Road: Hawaii DOT will declare a traffic emergency zone on Daniel K. Inouye Highway (mileposts 5.5 to 28) after five deaths on the cross-island route in 2026, with crews already doing sight-distance work, closing passing zones, and adding thermoplastic curbs and delineators; planned upgrades include rumble strips, wet-weather striping, high-friction pavement, speed safety cameras, and more enforcement. Honouliuli Tours: Honouliuli National Historic Site in Kunia will open to the public for limited, outdoor guided tours starting July 18 in partnership with Hawaii’s Plantation Village, with a half-mile unpaved hike and 22 spots per Saturday tour (waitlist available). Space & Tourism Science: China’s Tianwen-2 spacecraft is set to encounter Kamoʻoalewa, the first Hawaiian-named asteroid discovered using UH telescope data from Haleakalā, potentially revealing whether it’s a Moon fragment. Local Dining: Fairway Tavern has opened at Ewa Villages Golf Course, bringing pupus, plate lunches, local favorites, and daily specials for residents and visitors. Weather for Travelers: Breezy trade winds and brief showers favor windward and mauka areas, while leeward spots stay sunnier; rougher seas persist with a Small Craft Advisory through early Sunday. Volleyball: Joshua Walker was named UH Rainbow Wahine head coach, returning to Manoa after Baylor assistant/associate head coach roles.

Air Travel & Lodging: Hawaiian Airlines is rolling out a paid pre-order dining program for Main Cabin, letting travelers order meals on its website/app starting two weeks before departure (with one route still keeping complimentary meals). Safety on the Islands: Federal officials warned after a Maui man pleaded guilty for illegally aiming a laser at a pilot; the act can instantly impair pilots and is a federal felony. Ocean & Beach Life: Waikiki Aquarium kicks off World Ocean Month with a month of conservation events, youth art, and community beach cleanups. Local Travel Infrastructure: Hawaii County Council advanced eminent domain to acquire land for a Puna road expansion despite owner resistance. Tourism & Community: Hawaii dive businesses are pitching scuba tourism to mainland divers at the Long Beach Scuba Show, aiming to drive repeat visits and local spending. Public Safety (Oahu): Police continued the Waialee Beach assault investigation with additional arrests, following serious injuries reported in late May.

Public Safety & Travel Disruptions: A high surf advisory remains in effect for all south-facing shores across Hawaiʻi until midnight Thursday, with 7–10 ft surf and possible wave runup; several Kona beach closures were reported as waves crashed over seawalls. Roadway Tragedy: On Hawaiʻi Island’s Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Saddle Road), a fatal three-vehicle crash shut the road near mile marker 18, killing a 2003 Toyota 4Runner driver after hydroplaning and a broadsiding with a 2024 Ford F450; police are investigating and weather may have played a role. Oʻahu Ocean Safety: An Oʻahu surfer says he was seriously injured in a shark bite near Cromwell’s Beach/Diamond Head, and separate warnings were issued at Ala Moana Bowls after aggressive sharks were spotted. Local Crime & Visitor Concerns: Honolulu police arrested a 17-year-old in connection with the May 30 Waialee Beach “Dead Man’s Curve” assault that left a man and teen seriously hurt; more arrests are expected. Tourism Business: Hawaii dive operators are pitching scuba tourism to mainland divers at the Long Beach Scuba Show, citing strong visitor spending tied to ocean activities. City Hall & Costs: Honolulu City Council passed a controversial $5B budget, with the mayor signaling a possible veto. Culture & Family Travel: The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra reshaped its season finale after Renee Fleming fell ill, adding new performances including “The Planets.”

Waiale’e Beach Assault Update: Honolulu Police identified another suspect tied to the viral North Shore attack, with five juveniles already charged in Family Court and more arrests expected as detectives keep tracking down those involved. Tropical Weather for Travelers: Tropical Storm Amanda churns far from Hawaii, but a high surf advisory remains in effect for south-facing shores, with large waves still impacting beaches and water activities. Maui Visitor Infrastructure: Waiʻānapanapa State Park on Maui begins a facility improvements project June 6, including a new comfort station and Honokalani Road resurfacing, with the eastern day-use and tour bus parking area closed during construction. Maui Food Spotlight: Maui chef Lee Anne Wong won Food Network’s “24 in 24: Last Chef Standing,” taking home $100,000 after 24 nonstop cooking challenges. Local Roads & Access: Hawaiʻi County Council moved forward on using eminent domain to widen Government Beach Road in Puna, aiming to improve safety on a narrow stretch. Honolulu Budget Fight: The Honolulu City Council passed a $4B operating budget, but Mayor Rick Blangiardi says he’ll line-item veto cuts to the Office of Economic Revitalization. Tourism & Energy Angle: A new report looks at Hawaii’s push to reduce imported fuel dependence—an issue that directly affects the travel economy that relies on sea and air transport.

High Surf & Beach Closures: A high surf advisory is keeping south-facing shores rough through Thursday evening, with Kona-area beach parks closed and lifeguards urging caution as waves run 10–14 feet. Big Island Surf in Action: Kailua-Kona’s Ali‘i Drive saw waves crashing over the breakwall near The Fish Hopper as the biggest south swell peaked midweek. Traffic Update: Kahakai Boulevard at Niuhi Street in Hawaiian Beaches reopened to all traffic after a crash closure. Oahu Assault Investigation: HPD continues the Waialē’e Beach “Dead Man’s Curve” case, adding arrests of multiple juveniles and asking the public to identify a suspect from photos tied to the viral incident. Rescue & Safety: Honolulu firefighters rescued a wayward hiker from Mt. Ka‘ala; no injuries reported. Travel & Tourism Spotlight: Four Seasons Resort Lāna‘i is rolling out Father’s Day dining and a Michelin-star chef collaboration June 19–20. Local Business Growth: Bad Ass Coffee of Hawai‘i says it’s expanding its nontraditional franchise formats across the U.S.

Tourism & Local Business: Atlantis Submarines has restarted Lahaina Harbor tours five days a week, nearly three years after the 2023 wildfire destroyed its operation—visitors descend to about 130 feet to see coral reefs and tropical fish. Air Travel & Costs: Hawaiian Airlines is ending free in-flight meals starting July 1, shifting to a pre-order, Hawaii-inspired menu curated by Maui chef Sheldon Simeon. Safety & Community: Honolulu police arrested three juveniles in connection with a North Shore “Dead Man’s Curve” assault that left a 23-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy seriously injured; investigation continues. Road Safety: A Mililani crash killed a 76-year-old passenger; police say the investigation is ongoing and speed/drugs/alcohol are not yet ruled out. Visitor Planning: Honolulu’s Biki bike-share fleet has dropped to 478 bikes from about 1,300, making rentals less reliable for residents and tourists. Culture & Connections: Hawaii’s Japan sister-state and sister-city summit wrapped up, highlighting ongoing people-to-people ties. Family Travel Support: Hawaii’s summer meal programs expand to help more than 80,000 keiki access free eat-on-site meals.

High Surf & Flood Watch: A high surf advisory is in effect for south-facing shores across all Hawaiian Islands through Thursday (8–12 ft surf, dangerous currents), and Hawaiʻi island also faced a flood advisory with heavy rain and road closures, including areas around Hilo and Puna. Big Island Beach Closures: Hawaiʻi County closed several west-side beach parks (including Kahaluʻu, Laʻaloa/Magic Sands, Old Kona Airport, and Kohanaiki) due to the same high-surf conditions. Kīlauea Update: USGS/partners report Kīlauea’s Episode 48 eruption paused after nine hours of high lava fountains; the Volcano Alert Level dropped back to ADVISORY and aviation code to YELLOW, with ash and flight impacts noted during the episode. Tourism & Travel Safety: Honolulu Fire Department airlifted two lost hikers from the Koolau Summit Trail; no injuries reported. Local Business & Food Innovation: DBEDT will host the fourth annual Hawaiʻi Made Conference (June 23 at Sheraton Waikīkī) focused on food innovation and getting local products market-ready. Airline/Travel Perks: Alaska Airlines opens a new 14,000-sq-ft lounge at Portland (June 4) with 230+ seats, private work areas, and a pancake machine—part of its broader premium push. EV Cost Reality Check: New data says EVs can be costlier to insure than gas cars (about 42% more), even as used EVs gain traction.

High Surf Advisory: NWS issued a high surf advisory for south-facing shores across all Hawaiian Islands through Thursday, June 4 (waves 8–12 feet), warning of dangerous currents and no swimming. Flooding Watch: A flood advisory is also in effect for Hawaiʻi Island after heavy rain rates hit 1–1.5 inches per hour, with officials urging people to avoid streams and low-lying areas. Volcano Tourism Safety: Kīlauea’s ongoing eruption hit a new record with 48 lava-fountaining episodes in one eruption, and officials note viewing is accessible but ash and tephra can affect nearby communities. Airline & Travel Costs: Upgraded Points’ July 4 disruption study found Hawaiian Airlines had the fewest departure delays among major U.S. airlines (11.9%), while other carriers and Florida airports dominated the worst lists. On-Island Skills: Hawaiʻi Community College and UH Maui College launched a certificate program to train onsite wastewater specialists for cesspool conversions—aimed at boosting capacity for the statewide cesspool ban. Hawaiian Airlines Dining: Hawaiian Airlines is rolling out a chef-curated Main Cabin pre-order dining program with Chef Sheldon Simeon starting July 1, 2026.

Volcano Watch: Kīlauea’s Halemaʻumaʻu eruption hit a major milestone Monday, with Episode 48 producing a record 48 lava-fountaining episodes in a single eruption series; the eruption is currently paused, but an ashfall advisory was issued for parts of East Hawaiʻi, with tephra impacts possible downwind. Hurricane Season: Hawaii’s first-day-of-June outlook turns wetter with trade-wind showers and localized ponding/flooding risk, while forecasters note the Atlantic season has begun with a below-average storm forecast tied to El Niño. Public Safety: Honolulu police are seeking a hit-and-run driver after a 37-year-old pedestrian was critically injured in a marked crosswalk near Waianae Mall; speed wasn’t believed to be a factor, and drugs/alcohol are unknown. Tourism & Travel Deals: Summer travel costs remain high as fuel and airfare push prices up, though budget-minded travelers may still find openings. Marine Life Fun: Want a reef swim with hawksbill turtles and colorful parrotfish? Several top spots are highlighted for snorkelers and divers. Culture & Community: A Hawaii choir, Voices of Aloha, is set to travel to France for the 82nd anniversary of the Normandy landings, bringing island songs to the commemoration.