AGP Executive Report

Tourism Economics: Hawaii saw a sharp drop in “visitor days” in July, down 13.1% to 6.71 million, as the average stay fell 14.1% to 7.59 days—the shortest July since 2011—despite arrivals rising 1.1% to 883,248 and spending edging up 1.7% to $1.99 billion. Local Access & Parks: Negotiations over the Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park lease ended without an agreement, and the county says its park services will stop after the lease ends Saturday, with facilities reverting to the landowner—sparking a dispute from the landowner’s attorney over how the termination happened. Weather & Safety: The Keawaʻula section of Ka‘ena Point State Park is closed for roadwork and speed-bump installation, reopening Sept. 5; meanwhile, ocean safety officials are urging extra caution for snorkeling as conditions and risks remain a concern. Storm Recovery: Hawaiian Electric reports only about 600 Big Island customers still without power as restoration continues after Hurricane Lala. Travel Tech: Air Force Space-A travelers are still missing a newer Space-Available registration website, and Manchester Airports Group disclosed a cyberattack affecting 8.7 million customers’ booking data (no operational disruption). Hawaiian Culture & Events: Kū Mai Ka Hula returns for its 20th annual competition at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on Sept. 12.

Tourism Numbers: Hawaiʻi’s July 2026 visitor spending hit $1.99B (+1.7%) with 883,248 visitors (+1.1%), but stays were shorter at 7.59 days (-14.1%), per DBEDT. Maui Real Estate: A rare South Maui oceanfront “two-home” compound at 4640/4650 Mākena Road is listed at $45M, with 200 feet of frontage and views toward Molokini and Kahoʻolawe. Tech for Travelers: Google is upgrading Search’s AI Mode with flight price tracking (email alerts), the ability to price flights/hotels in miles or points, and direct hotel booking via Google Pay with major partners. Local Nature & Conservation: Kaua‘i County honored Pakele, the last known wild ‘akikiki, for her record nesting attempts and conservation impact. Safety on the Trails: Honolulu Fire Department rescued two uninjured hikers lost on the Ehukai Pillbox Trail. Visitor Safety/Outdoors: Hipcamp named its 2026 U.S. award winners, including Skyes Treehouses in Hawaiʻi. Hawaiʻi Travel Disruption Watch: State officials warned residents about deceptive door-to-door solar sales tactics.

Hurricane Lala Recovery: Hawaiian Electric says power has returned to 1,300 customers on Hawaiʻi Island, with about 1,600 still without service as a key transmission line from Pahala to Kilauea comes back online; crews expect more restorations over the next 5–7 days, with some areas possibly dark until Sept. 8. Public Health: The Hawaiʻi Department of Health is investigating a sixth cyclosporiasis case on Oʻahu—an Oʻahu resident who became ill in late July and reported no recent travel; investigators are checking possible local food and exposure sources, and no contaminated source has been identified yet. Ocean Safety: Honolulu Ocean Safety posted shark warning signs at Ala Moana Beach Park after a surfer reported being bumped off her board by an estimated 10-foot tiger shark; officials urge beachgoers to stay alert and follow lifeguard instructions. Tourism & Culture: Six Hawaiʻi captains and navigators were inducted as Pwo navigators by the Polynesian Voyaging Society, including Maui’s Archie Kalepa, with the ceremony held in Niu Valley, Oʻahu. Local Governance: A Hawaiʻi Department of Law Enforcement official’s global tech-and-policing conference travel is tied to nearly $30M in state tech contracts, raising questions about procurement and conflicts.

Hurricane Lala recovery: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park reopened in stages as Kīlauea fired its 54th straight lava-fountain episode, drawing visitors back after storm damage and earlier monitoring disruptions. Local tourism & visitor planning: If you’re heading to Oʻahu, there’s a new “perfect weekend in Honolulu” guide for Aug. 27–Sept. 2, plus a heads-up on what’s happening around the islands. Air travel & safety: Honolulu police opened a homicide investigation after Southwest flight attendant Jenny Lupton was found dead near the Hilton Hawaiian Village, with detectives reviewing surveillance and interviewing witnesses. Community events: Hawaiʻi Foodbank’s Food Drive Day is set for Aug. 29 at Ala Moana and Pearlridge, with multiple donation sites across Oʻahu. Resort real estate: A Walker Warner-designed Hanalei Bay retreat on Kauaʻi is pending sale for $12.17M after just 41 days of auction marketing. Culture & sports: The Hawaiian Airlines Wahine Volleyball Classic returns Aug. 28–30 at Stan Sheriff Center, kicking off the Rainbow Wahine season.

Hurricane Lala recovery: FEMA has approved a federal emergency declaration for Hawaiʻi County, unlocking disaster aid as thousands of Big Island residents still deal with outages and damage. Power restoration: Hawaiian Electric says it has restored power to more than 1,700 customers, but about 4,330 remain without electricity, with crews and mutual assistance workers continuing repairs in hardest-hit areas. Volcanic disruption: Kīlauea erupted again inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, prompting a Special Weather Statement for tephra/volcanic fallout in Lala-impacted communities. Travel safety on Oʻahu: Sunset Beach lifeguards posted warnings after a non-aggressive blacktip shark sighting; beachgoers are urged to check with Ocean Safety. UH x Hawaiian Airlines: UH football will debut new jerseys featuring a Hawaiian Airlines Pualani patch against Stanford, with Hawaiian continuing as the team’s charter airline for road games. Local tourism/community: Young’s Fish Market marks 75 years in Honolulu with a major anniversary giveaway. Family travel feel-good: An 11-year-old donated 2,600 books to Maui libraries after the Lahaina wildfire destroyed the public library.

Air Travel & Safety: Honolulu police are investigating the death of Southwest Airlines flight attendant Jenny Lupton, 50, found near a dumpster at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki; family members say it doesn’t add up and they don’t believe it was suicide. Local Tourism & Industry: Play Hawaiʻi Golf is launching a statewide collaboration among 12 premier golf properties across five islands, aiming to market Hawaiʻi as one destination for golfers planning their next trip. Family Travel: Mokulele Airlines is waiving the unaccompanied minor fee for keiki traveling alone between the Hawaiian Islands, keeping all existing safety and supervision rules in place. Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Moke is weakening and impacts on the Big Island appear limited so far, with officials lifting flood-watch concerns as recovery crews continue work. Luxury Demand: Kensington reports Hawaii bookings up 196% year over year, signaling strong growth for immersive, “storytelling” luxury travel. Wildlife & Nature: NOAA is conducting deep-sea mapping near American Samoa with robots, while a commercial mining lease auction is set for November.

Hurricane Lala recovery: Hawaiian Electric restored power to 1,700+ Big Island customers, but about 4,600 still remain dark as crews work through hardest-hit areas including Leilani Estates, Kalapana, and Naalehu; Tropical Depression Moke’s rain caused temporary repair delays. Airport & travel operations: American Airlines is expanding access to its premium Flagship dining lounges for more travelers on Hawaii routes starting Sept. 15, while Southwest’s Jenny Lupton death in Waikiki is under an unattended death investigation after she was found dead during a layover. Resort leadership: Hilton appointed Jon Gersonde managing director of Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, aiming to build on the property’s legacy while emphasizing Hawaiian culture and sustainability. Community & culture: Festivals of Aloha released its 2026 schedule for Maui County, themed “Ea Mai Ke Kai Mai – Rise Up from the Sea,” and the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua announced its 34th Annual Celebration of the Arts (Sept. 18–19). Tourism pressure on locals: A new national survey finds residents in tourist towns often feel crowded out and burned out during peak season—useful context for Hawaii’s visitor economy. Wildlife watch: NOAA confirmed another adult female monk seal death on Oahu; the cause is unknown and samples were collected. Local youth sports: Spike and Serve’s top volleyball prospects are landing major college commitments after traveling statewide for elite competition. STEM for keiki: UH’s Ka Pilina Noʻeau Hoʻomau program taught 422 students across three islands how STEM connects to Hawaiian culture and place. Honolulu parks: Parks & Rec is standardizing outdoor field permitting with a new islandwide system and public meetings in early September.

Hotel Safety & Investigation: Honolulu police are investigating the death of Southwest Airlines flight attendant Jenny Lupton, 50, reported to have fallen from a 24th-floor balcony at Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki; family members say the timeline “doesn’t make sense” and want a thorough probe. Luxury Lodging: Hilton named Jon Gersonde managing director of Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, signaling a leadership push for the iconic property’s next chapter. Hawaiʻi Jobs Snapshot: Hawaiʻi’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for July held at 2.7% (up from 2.6% in June), with mixed job changes across sectors. Storm Recovery & Community Support: The Salvation Army says it served thousands of meals across Oʻahu, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island in the wake of Hurricane Lala, including outreach to remote and power-impacted areas. Tourism Deals: Hawaii.com is rolling out a new Deals marketplace for island businesses, launching to travelers and residents in early September. Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Moke continues to bring heavy rain risk to the Big Island as recovery from Lala continues.

Hurricane recovery & travel disruptions: Big Island residents are still dealing with Moke’s added rain risk after Hurricane Lala, with a flood watch in effect and county guidance urging preparedness for outages and hazardous roads. Airport operations: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport’s Terminal 2 baggage screening outage has been resolved, but travelers were previously told to arrive 2.5 hours early with checked bags. Visitor safety & planning: National Park Week runs through Aug. 30, with a fee-free day Tuesday (Aug. 25) that could boost beginner hiking demand—especially during hot summer conditions. Local community needs: Relief updates for Lala recovery include hot showers, device charging spots, and ongoing food and supply distribution across Kaʻū. Oahu public safety: Police are investigating a string of alleged burglaries in Ewa Gentry that residents believe may be connected. Wildlife health: Bird flu concerns continue as Australia reports spread to mammals, raising broader questions for coastal ecosystems.

Airport Disruption: HDOT says baggage screening equipment outages at Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport are slowing Terminal 2 checked-bag processing, urging travelers to arrive at least 2.5 hours early on Sunday (TSA lines aren’t expected to be affected, and canine teams are helping). Storm Safety & Health: State health officials are urging Hawaiʻi residents to prepare for a second storm’s fallout—injury prevention, floodwater risks, mold and respiratory issues, carbon monoxide dangers from generators, and keeping medications accessible. Big Island Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Moke is tracking toward Hawaiʻi with a rare back-to-back threat, with forecasts calling for heavy rain and gusty conditions that could raise flash-flood risk. Lala Recovery Accountability: East Maui residents say the Nāhiku bridge washed out in Hurricane Lala is still a “lifeline” problem because nobody seems to know who owns it or who must rebuild it. Community Resilience: Humane Society reports taking in 217 pets since Hurricane Lala, while reunifications remain limited—plus Molokai’s Junior Lifeguards and the Farm Apprentice Mentorship program highlight ongoing local training and youth programs. Travel Planning Tip: A new hotel-price analysis finds big seasonal swings in U.S. cities—useful for Hawaiʻi visitors planning mainland trips around peak and off-peak months.

Tropical Storm Moke Update (Big Island): Moke weakened slightly to about 45 mph winds, but Hawaii Island still faces heavy rain—5 to 10 inches, with isolated totals up to 15 inches—plus gusty winds and flooding risk, especially in areas hit hard by Hurricane Lala. A flood watch is in effect from Saturday night through Monday afternoon, and shelters are opening tonight with generator-powered options already operating. Hurricane Lala Recovery Push: Gov. Josh Green signed a formal request asking the White House for a presidential emergency declaration covering Hawaiʻi County, Maui County, and Honolulu, seeking federal help to protect public health, keep essential services running, and support communities still recovering as Moke approaches. Lost Hiker Rescued (Oʻahu): Honolulu Fire Department airlifted an uninjured man in his 20s after he got lost on the Mount Kaʻala Trail in Waianae and couldn’t get back on his own; he declined medical treatment after rescue. Travel Inspiration (Global): A Madeira beach dubbed “Europe’s answer to Hawaii” was ranked among the world’s best, a reminder that Hawaii-style escapes are trending worldwide. Tourism & Travel Culture: A “traveling nanas” duo in their 80s is drawing attention for proving age doesn’t stop globe-trotting—an upbeat story for vacation-minded readers.

Tropical Storm Moke: Hawaii is bracing for another hit as Moke strengthens and tracks south of the islands, with the Big Island facing a flood watch and up to 15 inches of rain in some areas—especially risky after Hurricane Lala left saturated ground. Volcano & travel disruption: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park shut down entirely at 5 p.m. Friday as Moke’s arrival overlaps with Kīlauea activity timing, canceling programs and limiting access to only overnight guests. Water planning: Maui County is weighing costly desalination options to ease growing water demand, with residents asking hard questions about timing and price. Post-Lala recovery: Hawaiʻi County continues relief with hot showers and charging stations for storm-impacted communities, while officials urge people to avoid floodwaters and standing water. Infrastructure for visitors & cargo: Honolulu’s new harbor cargo terminal is nearing completion, including arrival of massive electric gantry cranes to expand ocean freight capacity. Air travel staffing: Alaska Airlines flight attendants filed a grievance over staffing on long-haul international routes out of Seattle, affecting Hawaiian Airlines crew members.

Tropical Storm Moke Watch: Hawaii is bracing for a second hit after Hurricane Lala, with Moke officially forming and forecast to pass south—still bringing rough surf and heavy rain, especially to the Big Island and East Maui, raising flash-flood and mudslide concerns. Local Emergency Prep: HIEMA is urging Wahiawa residents near or downstream of Wahiawa Dam to review evacuation routes as reservoir levels rise and dam upgrades (including an Aquadam bladder) increase spillway capacity. Hurricane Lala Recovery—Kaʻū Focus: Hawaiʻi County relief updates highlight hot showers and phone-charging sites for residents, plus health warnings to stay out of floodwaters and standing water. Tourism & Travel Disruption: U.S. travelers are losing millions of hours to flight delays, with guidance on what airlines typically owe versus what travel insurance or passenger protections may cover. Aviation & Hawaii Connections: Alaska Airlines’ nonstop Seattle service to Athens and Paris continues expanding, with staffing concerns raised by flight attendants on long-haul routes. Visitor Safety Reminder: With multiple tropical threats in play, officials stress staying alert to changing conditions before heading to beaches or outdoor areas.

Hurricane Lala Recovery: U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda says Kau’s damage shows Hawaii must rethink disaster prep and response, after she toured Naalehu Elementary and saw debris-choked roads, flooding, and major campus damage. Travel Disruption Reality Check: A new look at 2025 U.S. flight delays finds travelers lost 3.9 million hours, with airlines often limited to rebooking and basic help depending on delay cause. Air Travel Boost for Hawaii: Alaska Airlines will start nonstop Seattle flights to Athens and Paris in May 2027, opening new same-day long-haul options for travelers connecting through Hawaii. Tourism & Safety Planning: A hurricane-season prep guide urges travelers to get ready for power loss, flooding, and communication gaps before storms hit. Local Visitor Economy: The AHICE hotel conference program is set for Sept. 29–30 in Waikīkī, spotlighting Hawaii’s hospitality and tourism industry. Scam Watch: Waianae ranked among Hawaii’s top scam-report cities in July, with employment scams driving the biggest reported losses.

Hurricane Lala recovery & next storm watch: A second Hurricane Lala victim was identified on Hawaiʻi Island, as the Nāʻālehu community pushes to rebuild before another tropical system arrives. Weather alert: Tropical Depression Two-C is expected to become Tropical Storm Moke, with officials urging Big Island residents—especially the south—to prepare for heavy rain and damaging conditions. Oʻahu food support: Honolulu and Hawaiʻi Foodbank are funding $200,000 in additional food assistance for families hit by Tropical Storm Lala, with a set of distribution days and meal plans. Marine life update: NOAA confirmed the death of another Hawaiian monk seal on Oʻahu (RT68 “Mana”), the fourth monk seal death on Oʻahu this year. Tourism & hospitality: The Aloha Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE) returns to Waikīkī Sept. 29–30, spotlighting Hawaii’s hotel and tourism sector. Travel deals: Going’s 2026 domestic airfare deal list names American Airlines as the top bargain source, with Hawaiian Airlines also ranking among the best. Health watch: CDC reports cyclospora cases are still rising but the overall trend is slowing, with thousands of additional suspected cases pending confirmation.

Hurricane watch: A new tropical depression (likely to become Tropical Storm Moke) is forming in the Central Pacific and could bring heavy rain and gusty winds to Hawaiʻi this weekend and early next week, with the Big Island at highest risk after Hurricane Lala. Local economy: Hawaiʻi’s July unemployment rate held at 2.7% (seasonally adjusted), with jobs up about 1,200 year over year. Health update: Cyclosporiasis cases are still rising nationwide but the pace appears to be slowing, with CDC reporting 15,716 confirmed infections across 47 states since May 1. Tourism spotlight: Haleakalā National Park on Maui earned a 4.9-star Google Maps rating from 12,000+ reviews, boosting its “must-see” status for visitors. Safety & travel alerts: Honolulu Ocean Safety Chief Kurt Lager shared Hurricane Lala beach conditions and rescue activity, and reminded visitors to check ocean conditions before entering the water. Community & culture: Oʻahu’s Ocean Safety Department is also planning a new headquarters in Kakaʻako. Crime watch: Police are seeking help identifying a suspect tied to an alleged Waikōloa resort assault.