AGP Executive Report

Road Safety: A 21-year-old woman from Hilo died in a fatal three-vehicle crash on Ali‘i Drive near Kahaluu Beach Park in Kona; police say she was speeding, entered a no-passing zone, and none of the occupants were wearing seat belts, while the Frontier driver was arrested for OVUII. Waikiki Stranger Danger: Honolulu police are investigating reports of a man approaching children at a Waikiki hotel pool area, offering gum and money and writing kids’ names before walking away. Local Injuries: A 39-year-old woman was critically hurt after crashing into a tree on Round Top Drive in Makiki; she wasn’t wearing a seat belt and police say speed wasn’t a factor. Tourism Funding: The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority announced $1 million to support 10 signature festivals and sports events statewide in 2026, aiming to boost visitation and resident-visitor interaction. Air Travel Upgrade: Hawaiian Airlines electrified most of its Honolulu ground support equipment, replacing 116 diesel/propane vehicles and adding charging stations to cut noise and fuel use. Golf Tourism: After the PGA Tour exited Hawai‘i, resort operators formed Play Hawaii Golf to market the islands as a golf destination. Community & Recovery: County and state teams are monitoring the shifting Waimea River mouth, while federal aid totals for Kona-low storm survivors continue to climb as thousands of applications remain under review.

Safety Watch (Waikiki): Honolulu police are investigating a “stranger danger” incident at a Waikiki hotel pool where an unknown man allegedly approached children, offered gum and money, and asked for names before walking away. Ocean Safety (Sandy Beach): Off-duty lifeguards helped rescue a parachuter swept into the surf and also pulled a woman and child back after a rip current carried them out near Hawaii Kai. Volcano Update (Kīlauea): The next Halemaʻumaʻu lava-fountain episode has been pushed to July 13–15 after renewed summit deflation reset the forecast. Road & Travel Disruptions: Highway 19 near Kāʻawaliʻi Gulch reopened after a crash, while Hāna Highway speed-table work brings lane closures and a separate utility-pole project partially closing lanes near Pāʻia. Community & Tourism Impact: Kauai officials are monitoring the Waimea River mouth as it shifts toward homes, advising caution while assessments continue. Local Crime & Youth Violence: A viral Maui smoke shop video is sparking renewed discussion about youth violence prevention and early intervention.

Hāna Highway Safety Work: Hawaiian Electric crews will install a weather station on a utility pole Tuesday, partially closing the far-right mauka lane near Lower Pāʻia Park (Baby Beach Park) from 9 a.m. to noon, with bike lane/sidewalk closures and traffic delays. Road Safety Upgrade: HDOT will add speed tables on Hāna Highway in Pāʻia starting Monday, July 13 (single-lane closure 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m. through Tuesday), targeting a crash-prone stretch where most drivers exceed posted limits. Coastal Flood Watch (Big Island): Minor afternoon coastal flooding is possible through Tuesday during peak high tides, with isolated flooding and saltwater impacts in low-lying areas—drivers and boaters are urged to take precautions. Tourism & Safety Law: Gov. Josh Green signed new measures expanding human-trafficking prevention training for Hawaii’s lodging/tourism workforce and extending a domestic-violence pilot program. Kalaupapa Tours Paused: NPS temporarily paused twice-a-week walking tours after protests over visitor access and future control of the historic site. Kona Low Relief: Hawaii County launched a Kona Low Business Recovery Grant Program with $475,000 available; applications due Aug. 31. Airline Customer Complaint: A traveler says Hawaiian Airlines voided his wife’s first-class ticket after booking in-app, forcing a costly re-buy. Maui Politics: Fundraising reports show Yuki Lei Sugimura leading Richard Bissen in Maui County mayor’s race as the Aug. 8 primary nears. Local Culture: Ei Nei dominated the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, winning group, single, and album of the year. Sports & Community: A donated Hilo Bayfront skateboard ramp is set to open soon, aiming to bridge the gap until a larger skate facility is built.

Missing Person Search: Honolulu police are asking for help finding Milovale Kitiona, 35, last seen in Ewa Beach on July 10 at 11:30 p.m. driving a 2017 white Dodge Ram; family and friends are concerned—tips via CrimeStoppers. Road & Visitor Safety: H-1 will close both directions Saturday night into Sunday morning between the Middle Street merge and the Likelike Highway off-ramp for crews to install a temporary pedestrian bridge; Gulick Avenue stays closed through late 2027. Outdoor Rescue Alerts: Firefighters rescued a heat-exhausted hiker on Diamond Head and also treated a sick hiker on Koko Head Crater Trail. Kalaupapa Visitor Tension: Molokai residents protested the National Park Service’s new Kalaupapa hiking tours; the NPS has temporarily paused future public tours after no visitors arrived, citing reassessment. Hawaiʻi Policy Watch: Gov. Josh Green signed measures strengthening governance and extending Hawaii’s bribery prosecution timeline to nine years, plus new laws tightening vape rules.

Kalaupapa Visitor Tensions: Molokai residents are protesting the National Park Service’s new ranger-led public hiking tours at Kalaupapa, saying the agency didn’t consult locals and worries expanded visitation will dilute the community’s voice at a sacred place. Lahaina Recovery & Tourism: Maui’s Lahaina Homecoming will run July 17–19, welcoming 103 former residents with cultural programming and healing-focused events, with Hawaiian Airlines among the sponsors. Short-Term Rental Rules: The Hawaiʻi County Leeward Planning Commission will revisit a proposed overhaul of vacation rental rules (Bill 147) on July 16 after a prior deferral, including new definitions, standards, and enforcement. Public Health: The state Department of Health confirmed a 6th travel-related dengue case in 2026 on Oʻahu, with mosquito-control steps underway and a reminder to eliminate standing water. Safety on the Beach: Off-duty lifeguards conducted two separate rescues at Sandy Beach after a parachute incident and a rip-current bodyboarding emergency. Air Travel Watch: Delta CEO says airfare is up but still a “tremendous bargain,” as fuel-price pressures continue to ripple through Hawaii’s visitor market. East Hawaiʻi Land Access: DHHL plans to offer the first East Hawaiʻi Island residential leases in more than two decades, with 400 lots in the Panaewa Homestead area.

Hawaiian Home Lands: DHHL will award the first East Hawaii Island residential leases in over two decades, starting with 200 leases for the Panaewa Homestead near Hilo, with another 200 planned next month, plus 815 more lease awards coming for Oʻahu sites. Public Health: The Hawaiʻi Department of Health confirmed a new travel-related dengue case in an Oʻahu resident, bringing the state total to six for 2026; officials say transmission risk is low but urge residents to eliminate standing water to cut mosquito breeding. Molokai Tourism Tension: Molokai residents are protesting National Park Service ranger-led Kalaupapa tours, saying the change could increase visitor traffic and dilute community control over a sacred place. Safety at the Beach: Off-duty lifeguards carried out two separate rescues at Sandy Beach after a parachute incident and a rip-current emergency involving a woman and child. Local Crime: A 24-year-old man was charged after an Ala Moana Beach Park fight allegedly involved gunshots; the victim was not hit. State Governance: Gov. Josh Green signed a bill extending Hawaiʻi’s statute of limitations for bribery cases from six to nine years, aiming to give prosecutors more time on complex corruption investigations.

Maunakea Access Road: State agencies are weighing two proposals that could turn the Maunakea Access Road into a toll route, with potential summit access fees tied to cultural stewardship plans. Visitor Costs: Hawaii’s visitor industry is bracing for another fuel-price shock as oil volatility rises after U.S. strikes in Iran, with UHERO warning higher jet-fuel costs could push up airfares and pressure long-haul travel. Kalaupapa Tours Protest: Moloka‘i residents briefly blocked access to Kalaupapa’s trailhead during a protest against National Park Service changes to tour management; no arrests were reported and tours resumed. Hiker Rescue: An injured hiker was airlifted from the Crouching Lion (Puu Manamana) trail in Kaaawa after a lower-leg injury left him unable to continue. Waikiki Hotel Update: Hilton debuted its new LXR property, Ka La‘i Waikiki Beach (formerly the Trump International Hotel Waikiki), bringing apartment-style stays and a major $100 million transformation. Local Nature Law: Gov. Josh Green signed bills to expand community partnerships for conservation and native ecosystem restoration on public lands. Travel Safety: A new report flags tick risks as species shift with heat and land-use changes, including Hawaii in the broader West-region watch list.

Lanai Air Access: Three airlines—Mokulele Airlines, Pacific Air Charters, and Cape Air—are bidding for federal Essential Air Service funding to keep flights affordable and reliable for the Lānaʻi community. Ocean Safety Watch: Hawaii’s ocean temperatures are expected to run warmer than average this summer, which can change swimming conditions and marine life—so visitors should still follow daily surf and safety updates. Marine Life Concern: A new UH-led study finds unexpectedly low calf numbers among Big Island spinner dolphins, with researchers pointing to tourism and human activity during key resting periods. Maui Community & Culture: Vertical Sports Camp expands to 14 sports for Maui youth, while Paddle Imua returns July 12 to support Camp Imua for children with special needs. Environment & Resilience: Native plants are helping rebuild dunes at Baldwin Beach Park on Maui’s North Shore, aiming to restore natural coastal protection. Mauna Kea Leadership: Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority executive director John De Fries announces retirement, with board chair stepping in during the search. Kalaupapa Tensions: Molokaʻi residents protested the restart of Kalaupapa hiking tours as the National Park Service resumes access.

Hawaii Tourism & Jobs: Gov. Josh Green signed a new law requiring hotels and other transient lodging operators to train staff to recognize human trafficking warning signs, a move aimed at protecting visitors and workers. Local Safety: Honolulu police arrested a 24-year-old man after an Ala Moana Beach Park attempted murder case, saying the suspect returned and fired multiple gunshots; the victim was not injured and the investigation is ongoing. Visitor Planning: Breezy trade winds continue with more showers through the weekend, mainly windward and mountain areas, with surf conditions shifting as a new swell approaches. Travel Deals: A 16-night Hawaii cruise is advertised from $999 per person, sailing from Los Angeles or San Francisco with stops including Kauai and Honolulu plus a Baja detour. On-Island Nature & Fun: Molokini Crater and Hanauma Bay are highlighted as top U.S. snorkeling picks, with Molokini’s volcanic-crater visibility and Hanauma’s conservation rules front and center. Cost of Living Backdrop: New analysis says ACA Marketplace premiums are likely to rise again in 2027, with Hawaii among the states seeing proposed double-digit increases.

Honolulu Public Safety: Police arrested a 24-year-old man after an alleged Ala Moana Beach Park shooting during a fight; the victim was not hit, and investigators are pursuing attempted murder and related charges. Ewa Beach Sexual Assault Case: A 24-year-old man was indicted for allegedly inappropriately touching two boys, ages 7 and 9, with HPD saying the incident was reported July 3 and the suspect was arrested the same day. Tourism & Community Recovery: Lahaina Homecoming returns July 17–19 as a free, three-day healing and reconnection event welcoming 103 former residents, with cultural programming and community support. Infrastructure for Visitors: Hilo’s Banyan Drive redevelopment got a major boost as Gov. Josh Green signed legislation giving the Hawaii Community Development Authority new oversight power for the waterfront corridor. Beach Safety & Wildlife: Sand Island State Recreation Area is starting a shoreline restoration project to remove hazardous debris from exposed WWII-era remnants, with partial weekday closures possible. Marine Life Watch: A UH study found unexpectedly low calf numbers among Big Island spinner dolphins, pointing to tourism-related disturbance and calling for stronger conservation actions. Health & Environment: State agencies say Hawai‘i’s risk from a New World screwworm outbreak detected on the mainland remains very low, while new laws expand conservation partnerships and help homeowners convert or upgrade cesspools.

Tourism Watch: Hawaii visitors are trimming their trips to the shortest average length in at least seven years, with May stays at 7.6 days (down 10% year over year) and total visitor days falling nearly 7%, even as arrivals and spending ticked up—raising concerns about room nights, activity demand, and tourism tax revenue. Maui Housing: Maui County Council approved buying a West Maui condo unit for up to $278,000 to expand Nā Hale Kūpuna permanent housing for kūpuna displaced by the 2023 wildfires. Local Health Care: The University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center opened its Hoʻōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center, giving qualifying patients access to Phase 1 and 2 trials in-state instead of traveling to the mainland. Lanai Air Service: The DOT is weighing new bids for Lanai’s federally subsidized essential air service, which will shape year-round connectivity for the island. Hawaiʻi Policy & Safety: New state vape laws tighten sales and disposable vape rules, with enforcement and fines aimed at youth access. Community & Culture: Maui resident Eden Keolani Stewart was crowned Mrs. Hawaii America 2026, planning to spotlight Native Hawaiian culture and disaster preparedness. Weather: Trade winds stay breezy to windy, with more humid, wetter conditions expected as tropical moisture moves in.

Public Safety & Tourism: Honolulu Police Chief David Lazar hit Waikiki’s streets with officers on the Fourth of July, saying he wants to learn what patrol districts need firsthand as he begins leading HPD. Shark Alerts: Ocean Safety posted warning signs in Makaha after a 6–8 ft tiger shark was seen about 150 yards from shore eating a turtle, urging beachgoers to check with lifeguards and call 911 if they spot sharks. Visitor Industry Protections: Gov. Josh Green signed new laws to strengthen Hawaii’s response to human trafficking and domestic violence, including required training and prevention steps for workers in transient accommodations. Hawaii Travel Rules Update: Redesigned Hawaii driver’s licenses and state IDs are rolling out statewide, and TSA notes temporary paper IDs aren’t accepted for air travel. Local Culture for Travelers: Maui Ocean Center will host free 360-degree immersive film screenings of “E Hoʻi Ka Nani I Mokuʻula” on July 10, with reservations required. Health & Access: UH Cancer Center opened Hawaii’s first free early-phase clinical trials site, aiming to keep more patients on island for potentially life-saving studies. Film Incentives: Green signed a bill expanding a 5% tax credit for productions that hire mostly local talent, boosting Hawaii’s filmmaking push. Climate Watch: A new WMO report warns the Southwest Pacific faces worsening ocean heat, acidification, rising seas, and major ecosystem impacts tied to tourism and coastal livelihoods.

Hawaiʻi Film & Economy: Gov. Josh Green signed Senate Bill 2580, expanding a 5% tax credit incentive for productions that hire up to 80% local talent—aimed at boosting Hawaii’s film-making capacity and keeping more jobs on the islands. Tourism Weather Watch: Breezy to windy trade winds continue statewide, with showers most likely on windward and mountain areas; rain and humidity are expected to ramp up later this week into the weekend, plus surf conditions shift as another south swell approaches. Family Travel & School Supplies: Helping Hands Hawaiʻi’s backpack giveaway is set to reach 3,000+ students, with distribution starting this Thursday at six locations, including Kahuku High School. Onboard Wi-Fi Shift: Copa Airlines will roll out Starlink WiFi and become the first Latin American carrier to charge for most access, a move that could reshape how travelers expect to stay connected in the air. Local Visitor Fun: Pearlridge Center’s interactive butterfly exhibit returns through Aug. 2, featuring locally raised live monarchs and guided experiences.

Hawaiʻi Tourism & Safety: The Hawaii Supreme Court cleared the way for trial in an officer-involved Makaha crash case tied to a 2021 chase that left six critically injured, including a paralyzed teen—an important local justice update for visitors and residents alike. Roads & Getting Around: Flood-mitigation work is underway on Paakea Road in Waiʻanae, with lane closures and alternating traffic through September as crews install underground aqua cells to divert stormwater. Public Health & Local Access: UH Cancer Center opened the Hoʻōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center in Kakaʻako, Hawaiʻi’s first dedicated early-phase cancer trial facility, aiming to keep qualifying patients on-island for Phase I/II studies. Travel Disruption (Maui): HIDOT posted weekly lane-closure schedules for Honoapiʻilani Highway (Route 30) and other spots, with roving single-lane and shoulder closures affecting commutes. Global Travel Context: RIMPAC 2026 is underway around Hawaiʻi through July 31, bringing major multinational naval activity that could affect harbor operations and visitor planning. Family Travel Safety: Doctors are urging faster drowning response after new warnings that drownings remain a top killer for young children, often in pools.

Hawaii Tourism & Economy: Hawaii’s leisure and hospitality payroll added 1,400 nonfarm jobs in May, lifting the state’s labor force to a 6-year high and keeping unemployment at 2.5%—good news for visitors and workers alike. Local Development: Hilo’s Waiakea bayfront resort district is getting a new state-led push: lawmakers set aside $14 million to demolish a shuttered Country Club hotel and $2.4 million for master planning that could reshape the 63-acre peninsula. Aviation & Travel Access: Hawaii is fast-tracking pilot recruiting as retirements loom, with a major Aviation Expo planned Aug. 1 at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center to connect students with flight schools and airlines. Ocean Safety & Stewardship: World Ocean Day cleanup efforts across the islands removed 6,074+ pounds of marine debris and involved 900+ volunteers, including dive teams pulling hazards from reefs. Community Events: Kauai’s Garden Island Boogie Board Classic returns July 17-19 at Prince Kuhio Beach, backed by the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s enrichment program. Safety & Mobility: A new report highlights transportation barriers on Oʻahu that limit access to opportunities, while a national pedestrian safety report says urban Honolulu improved but still faces preventable deaths. Legal/Policy Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Hawaii’s “permission” rule for carrying guns into stores and hotels, a change that could affect visitor expectations and property policies.

Public Safety & Wildlife: Volunteers say loud, illegal fireworks during Fourth of July festivities at West Oahu’s Nimitz Beach frightened monk seal “Rocky” and her newborn pup, adding to earlier reports of people getting too close. Hiker Rescue: Honolulu Fire Department rescued a 29-year-old woman with a lower-leg injury on the Ehukai Pillbox Trail; she was airlifted to a nearby landing zone for EMS care. Health & Tourism Impact: UH Cancer Center held an official opening for the Hoʻōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center, aiming to keep Phase I/II trial care in Hawaii and reduce the need for mainland travel. Travel & Connectivity: TransNusa announced a new Jakarta–Bangkok route and expanded domestic service including Bali–Wakatobi, with ticket sales now open. Culture in Hawaii: Samoa International Radio will honor 40 Samoan cultural icons in Hawaii, including CMEx visionary Lelei LeLaulu, at a Hilton Hawaiian Village gala. Space & Science: China’s Tianwen-2 reached asteroid Kamoʻoalewa to begin detailed study toward future sample collection. Severe Weather: Super Typhoon Bavi hit the Marianas, bringing catastrophic winds and flooding risk for Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.