AGP Executive Report

Hurricane Lowell Watch: A major Category 4 hurricane is churning south of Oʻahu and is expected to make its closest approach to the main islands Monday night, with risks of dangerous surf, strong winds, and heavy rain across the state. Water Resilience on Oʻahu: The Hawaiʻi Department of Health conditionally approved reactivating the Navy’s ʻAiea Hālawa Shaft to bolster the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam drinking water system, requiring treatment upgrades and ongoing monitoring for contaminants including PFAS. Wastewater Impacts from Storm Lala: Honolulu reports about 27.1 million gallons of mixed wastewater and stormwater overflowed during Hurricane Lala, tied to heavy rain, higher flows, and power-related equipment failures. Public Comment Window for PMRF/Kōkeʻe: DLNR granted Navy and NASA a 15-day extension on the FEIS for lease renewals at Pacific Missile Range Facility and the Kōkeʻe Park Geophysical Observatory, keeping testimony opportunities open. Land Conservation Funding: DLNR’s Legacy Land Conservation Program is accepting applications for FY2027 land acquisition grants to protect ʻāina with natural, cultural, scenic, and historic value. Seabed Mining Pushback: A House Rules Committee move blocked a bid to carve seabed mining out of a bill that would fast-track federal reviews under FAST-41. Youth Climate Action in Honolulu: Honolulu received Bloomberg Philanthropies funding to support youth-led climate projects, with applications due Sept. 14.

Hurricane Lowell Watch: Hawaii is bracing for major hurricane impacts as Lowell churns in the central Pacific, with forecasts pointing to dangerous surf, wind, heavy rain, and possible flash flooding—especially for Kauai County—while the exact track remains uncertain. Oʻahu Wastewater Fallout: Honolulu reported about 27.1 million gallons of mixed wastewater and stormwater overflow during Hurricane Lala (Aug. 16), tied to heavy rain, surging flows, and power-related equipment failures at the Sand Island plant. Water System Resilience: The state DOH conditionally approved reactivating the Navy’s ʻAiea Hālawa Shaft as a drinking-water source, requiring treatment upgrades and extensive contaminant testing, including PFAS. Disaster Preparedness Survey: DOH will run a voluntary CASPER household survey Sept. 14–18 on Hawaiʻi Island to gauge emergency readiness and health concerns after past hurricane response. Youth Climate Funding: Honolulu is launching a Youth Climate Action Fund effort, offering grants for Oʻahu youth-led climate projects, with applications due Sept. 14. Conservation Grants: DLNR’s Legacy Land Conservation Program is accepting FY2027 applications for land acquisition grants to protect ʻāina with environmental, cultural, and historic value.

Hurricane Lowell Watch: Hawaii is bracing for possible brush from a major Hurricane Lowell as it churns in the Pacific and is forecast to make a sharp northward turn near the western islands late next week; officials warn of storm surge, wind, and heavy rain risk even if the exact track shifts, and Gov. Josh Green declared a statewide emergency with calls for 14 days of supplies. El Niño Intensifies: Forecasters say this year’s “super” El Niño is already driving unusually high hurricane activity, with three storms (Lowell, Karina, and Marie) strengthening and weakening in parallel—raising the odds of rough surf and weather impacts across the region. Maui Water Infrastructure: Maui County’s Water and Infrastructure Committee advanced a plan to develop three new Waiʻōhuli groundwater wells and a transmission system to support DHHL homestead housing, moving the bill to the full Council. Native Hawaiian Education Funding: The U.S. Department of Education awarded $29.7M to keep the Native Hawaiian Education Program running, extending early childhood and family support services statewide after months of uncertainty. Hawaiʻi County Sewer Rates: Hawaiʻi County lawmakers deferred a proposed sewer rate hike after public testimony, with a plan that could raise monthly bills significantly over the next several years.

Hurricane Lowell Watch: Lowell remains a major storm south of Hawaiʻi, with officials stressing uncertainty as it’s expected to slow then turn northward over the weekend; Kauaʻi faces the highest risk for storm surge, high surf, wind, and rain early next week. Maui Preparedness: Maui County is responding to Tropical Storm Lala damage while bracing for Lowell and Hurricane Karina, warning that even light-to-moderate rain could trigger flooding, debris, downed trees, and outages. Native Hawaiian Education Funding: The U.S. Department of Education awarded nearly $29.7M to Hawaii providers for Native Hawaiian early childhood and family programs after a one-year extension agreement, easing months of uncertainty for more than 3,000 families. Monk Seal Investigation: NOAA is offering up to $20,000 for tips in the death of endangered Hawaiian monk seal RU68 on Molokai, with preliminary findings pointing to blunt-force trauma. Coral Reef Insurance: The Nature Conservancy’s $2M coral reef insurance policy—first of its kind—paid out at least $200,000 after Hurricane Lala as damage assessments continue. Local Water & Wastewater: Hawaiʻi County sewer rates could rise sharply as the council weighs a plan to more than double rates over five years, while Honolulu reopened a Central Oʻahu park after storm debris cleanup. Rain Catchment for West Maui: A Maui nonprofit is distributing zero-cost rain catchment kits to 120 households, aiming to boost water resilience after wildfire recovery. Feral Cats Debate: A new letter argues feral cat control plans don’t go far enough to protect endangered wildlife, including monk seals.

Hurricane Preparedness in Maui: Maui County is still responding to Tropical Storm Lala damage while urging residents to stay ready for possible impacts from Hurricane Lowell and Hurricane Karina, warning that even light rain and wind can trigger flooding, debris, downed trees, and power outages. Major Hurricane Lowell Track: The National Hurricane Center says Category 4 Hurricane Lowell (about 140 mph winds) is south of the islands and expected to make a sharp northward turn over the weekend, with uncertainty on how close it gets—plus life-threatening surf and rip-current conditions are already a concern. El Niño-Driven Pacific Storm Surge: Scientists point to a “supersized” El Niño helping fuel a rare trio of Pacific cyclones—Lowell, Karina, and Marie—raising the odds of intense weather across the region. Public Health Watch: Hawaiʻi Department of Health reports dengue virus detected in a wastewater sample from Hilo; there are no active cases currently tracked, and past detections have been travel-associated. Energy Resilience Push: Hawaii Energy Connection says it has installed its 1,000th FranklinWH home battery system as Oʻahu regulators consider a virtual power plant program that could pay homeowners for grid support. Water Capture for Recovery: The Hua Momona Foundation’s “Rain to Resilience” program will outfit 120 West Maui households with zero-cost rain catchment systems to ease freshwater stress and support backyard food growing.

Hurricane Lowell & El Niño Swell Threat: A rare “train” of Pacific cyclones—Hurricane Lowell (Category 4/5) and Hurricane Karina (Category 4)—is churning in El Niño–warmed waters. Even if the storms pass south and north of Hawaiʻi, Lowell’s swells are expected to bring life-threatening surf and rip currents for several days, with a high surf advisory issued for south and southeast shores. Local Resilience After Lala: Honolulu is still working through Hurricane Lala’s fallout, including power outages and shelter capacity gaps, while the city’s waste-to-energy plant H-POWER was out of service for more than 80 days last year—sending about 200,000 tons to landfill—partly due to fires/explosions from hazardous items and storm-related outages. Housing & Health Pressures: Maui announced interim and permanent safe parking sites to address houselessness. Separately, Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue virus detected in a wastewater sample from Hawaiʻi Island (no active cases tracked yet). Environment, Land Use & Community: Honolulu’s Planning Commission deferred Amazon’s zoning change for Project Savoy, delaying a decision on a large West Oʻahu fulfillment center. Climate Policy Watch: A federal judge struck down New York’s $75B climate “superfund” plan to charge fossil-fuel firms, raising questions about how states can pursue climate damages under federal law. Schools Under Strain: Teachers say high housing costs are pushing recruitment and retention problems, with one Wahiawa educator warning he may have to leave the state.

Air Quality & Health: Hawaii AG Kwame Raoul joined a multistate pushback against an EPA proposal to loosen NOx pollution rules for heavy-duty trucks, warning it would worsen asthma and harm environmental justice communities. Pacific Storm Watch: Two Category 4 hurricanes—Lowell and Karina—plus Tropical Storm Marie are active in the Pacific, with Lowell expected to stay south of Hawaii but still raise uncertainty for rain and trade-wind impacts. Local Resilience Planning: Hawaii DLNR is seeking public comment on a 10-year Puaʻahala (Molokai) forest management plan aimed at protecting a watershed and endangered plants and wildlife while managing access. Coastal Protection Training: NOAA helped CNMI agencies train on nature-based solutions for shoreline erosion, runoff, storm damage, pollution, and marine debris. Deep-Sea Science: NOAA-linked research coverage highlights Nautilus mapping near Wake Atoll with upgraded sonar and environmental DNA sampling, plus MBARI’s first confirmed bigfin squid sighting in the northeastern Pacific. Oʻahu Flood Accountability: Waialua residents sued over March flooding tied to Wahiawa Dam and stream maintenance, seeking damages and a court-ordered flood-control program. Aviation Disruption: HDOT plans intermittent nightly runway closures at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport from Sept. 8 through April 2027 for runway light/marking work and environmental sampling.

Flood Risk & Accountability (Oʻahu): Waialua residents filed suit against the City and County of Honolulu and Wahiawa Dam operators, alleging long-running failures to maintain Kaukonahua Stream that contributed to March flooding; the state has already moved to rehabilitate and take ownership of the reservoir. Storm Recovery (Hawaiʻi Island): Hurricane Lala recovery updates focus on restoring water service in Kaʻū, with crews still assessing damaged transmission and distribution lines and waiting on safe access routes before repairs can be completed. Real-Time Flood Monitoring (Oʻahu): A local company is deploying low-cost sensors to track rising water where federal gauges can go offline, including during the Wahiawa Reservoir response. Helicopter Safety Rules (Oʻahu): The FAA denied a Honolulu firm’s request to suspend restraint rules for “helocast” ocean jumps, pausing the activity while appeals continue. Climate Diplomacy (Pacific): Australia defended a Fiji–Tuvalu pre-COP climate meeting, saying it will “elevate” Pacific warming impacts despite limited confirmed attendance. El Niño Watch: Forecasters say a strong, likely “Super El Niño” could reshape fall weather patterns, with implications for storm tracks and temperatures. Mental Health After Disasters (Hawaiʻi): Advocates urged support during Suicide Prevention Month, citing heightened risk for workers facing repeated extreme weather and financial stress. STEM & Youth Climate Action (Maui/Oʻahu): Maui students raised ~$175,000 for robotics and STEM; Honolulu launched a Youth Climate Action Fund offering up to $5,000 for youth-led climate projects.

Hurricane Watch for Hawaiʻi: Tropical Storm Lowell strengthened into a hurricane and is forecast to pass south of the islands Wednesday night through Friday, with breezy trade winds and possible gusts over 50 mph; farther west, Category 4 Hurricane Karina remains powerful as it gradually weakens. Local Water & Cleanup Support: Hawaiʻi County is reminding residents affected by Hurricane Lala about its Vehicle Disposal Assistance Program for eligible households, including free towing and scrap recycling. Red Hill Monitoring Recognition: NAVFAC Hawaii physical scientist Caroline Rossi was named PAC AOR Employee of the Year for leading expansion of the Red Hill groundwater monitoring well network. Wildlife Protection Decision: Hawaiʻi’s Board of Land and Natural Resources rejected proposed rules that would reopen commercial aquarium fish collection in West Hawaiʻi under new limits, keeping the ban in place for now. Skyline Pollution Concerns: Reporting highlights unlined construction soil stockpiles tied to Honolulu’s Skyline project near Keʻehi Lagoon Beach Park, raising questions about oversight of industrial toxins. Climate Accountability Fight: A federal judge struck down New York’s plan to make fossil-fuel producers pay $75B for climate damages, saying it overreaches into federal territory. Data Center Backlash: A new debate is heating up over AI data centers—whether bans and moratoriums are justified amid rising power costs and environmental strain.

Rural Health Funding: CMS announced $58M for Hawaii’s Rural Health Transformation Program, including $45M to JABSOM/Home Run for workforce training and $13M for ambulances and modernized emergency communications—aimed at bringing care closer to home. Infrastructure Safety: A 2022 engineering report warned the Hilo-to-Coconut Island bridge was in “serious condition,” with corrosion and severed strands, recommending replacement and weight limits—years before the collapse. Marine Debris & Wildlife: The Papahanaumokuakea Marine Debris Project returned after a 21-day cleanup, removing 48,680 pounds of ghost nets and plastic; crews reported storm impacts like stripped vegetation and displaced seabird chicks. Ocean Pollution Reality Check: A new explainer from The Ocean Cleanup says the “Great Pacific Garbage Patch” is not a floating island but a wide, current-driven accumulation zone between Hawaiʻi and California. El Niño Intensification: A coral-based study finds El Niño events in recent decades are stronger than in the pre-industrial era and even the last 1,000 years—raising stakes for drought, floods, and wildfire risk. Tropical Storm Watch for Hawaiʻi: Pacific systems are strengthening, with Tropical Storm Lowell expected to pass south of Hawaiʻi as it intensifies, bringing windy, gusty trade-wind weather. Invasive Species Pressure: A new database targets invasive aquatic plants and animals sold online, aiming to stop cross-state spread; plus guidance warns against planting invasive ornamental grasses like pampas grass. Clean Water Costs: Hawaii Water Service filed for rate relief in North Kona to fund water and sewer upgrades, including treatment and monitoring improvements. Legal Accountability at Red Hill: A federal judge rejected the Navy’s bid to dismiss a citizen lawsuit over 2021 jet fuel releases, keeping pressure on contamination cleanup.

Hawaiʻi Zoo Diplomacy: Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s bid to bring pandas to the Honolulu Zoo is tied to a high-stakes China diplomatic process, with reports of a roughly $30,000 taxpayer trip and expectations of major ongoing costs. Public Health: The Cyclospora outbreak has now topped 17,000 confirmed cases since May, while federal research support is reportedly being scaled back—raising fears about how much the outbreak is being missed. Water Rates & Reliability: Hawaii Water Service has filed with the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission for about $2.73 million in annual revenue for North Kona water and sewer upgrades, including treatment and monitoring improvements. Tropical Storm Watch for Hawaiʻi: Forecasters say Tropical Storm Lowell is expected to intensify into a major hurricane and pass south of the islands late this week or weekend, with swells and windy conditions likely. Wildlife & Habitat Science: A UW-led study using motion cameras finds Hawaiian honeycreepers can “nectar rob” endangered flowers, changing how much nectar is available and affecting plant reproduction. Community Resilience: Maui County will hold a Lahaina community meeting Sept. 2 covering wildfire risk reduction and a planned West Maui recycling center, plus recovery updates. Local Culture & Navigation: Polynesian Voyaging Society inducted six Hawaiʻi captains and navigators as Pwo navigators, honoring lifelong leadership and stewardship.

Wildlife & Community Safety: Florida’s wildlife agency is urging residents to protect pets from coyotes and learn prevention tips via an online program Sept. 8—an echo of Hawaii’s own push to manage human-wildlife conflict. Infrastructure Accountability: A 2022 Hawaii County inspection warned the Hilo-to-Coconut Island bridge was in “serious condition” and recommended replacement, years before it collapsed under a maintenance vehicle. Local Governance & Resilience Hubs: After Tropical Storm Lala’s outages, a Waianae-area nonprofit resilience hub kept food moving—showing why community “campuses” and storage matter before the next storm. Waste & Elections: Kaua‘i mayoral candidates are battling over how to handle solid waste and recycling as the Kekaha landfill nears capacity and a new landfill plan moves forward. Tourism Crowding: Hawaii Tourism Authority is rolling out a reservation system at Honolua Bay to reduce crowding and protect natural and cultural resources. Invasive Species Policy: Guam is advancing overdue Pacific biosecurity standards by pushing an invasive species plan through a regional standards group. Storm Watch: Tropical Storm Karina has strengthened into a hurricane in the Pacific, with forecasts pointing to possible major intensification this week.

Aina-based education on Oʻahu: Papahana Kuaola is celebrating 20 years of restoring Waipao—once an illegal dump site—with hands-on native plant and stream restoration, cultural learning, and community booths at a free Hoolaulea event today (Aug. 30) in Heʻeia. Storm recovery and local forecasting: Hawaiʻi County says its in-house meteorologist helped strengthen warnings ahead of Hurricane Lala, and officials are now watching Tropical Storm Lowell as another potential threat forms in the Pacific. Big Island farm impacts: Ranchers and farmers are still tallying Hurricane Lala damage, with early reports focused on flooded infrastructure and losses that are expected to rise as assessments continue. Maui community planning after wildfire risk: Maui County is inviting residents to a Sept. 2 Lahaina meeting to discuss the Waineʻe Wildfire Risk Reduction Project, a planned West Maui recycling center, and long-term recovery updates. Deep-sea mining public input: NOAA opened a 60-day comment period (through Oct. 19) and will hold a virtual hearing Oct. 13 for a deep-sea mining project in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone between Hawaiʻi and Mexico. Coastal lease fight: Black Sand Beach Park’s lease termination in Punalūʻu is sparking legal back-and-forth, with the tenant’s attorney disputing the county’s account of how the lease ended.

Storm Resilience & Climate Planning: A new column argues Hurricane Lala should push Hawaii toward integrated resilience, linking healthy coral reefs, land-based stormwater flow, and coastal protection. Disaster Recovery for Farmers: Big Island ranchers and farmers are still tallying Hurricane Lala damage, with early estimates already topping $761,150 and warning that real losses may be far higher. Sea-Level Rise Debate: A letter challenges planners using extreme sea-level rise assumptions, urging policies based on realistic local trends. Next Threat to Hawaii: Tropical Storm Lowell has formed and may strengthen toward hurricane strength with possible impacts after Lala’s devastation. Local Governance & Wildlife: Honolulu is urged to join DLNR in tackling feral cats, while BLNR rejected reopening commercial aquarium fish collection in West Hawaii. Habitat Restoration: DLNR is seeking volunteers to remove invasive red mangroves at Kailua’s Kawainui Marsh to improve water flow, water quality, and endangered bird habitat. Community Engagement: Maui is inviting residents to a Lahaina meeting on Sept. 2 covering wildfire risk reduction, recycling plans, and recovery updates.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: NOAA opened a 60-day public comment period on a deep-sea mining plan in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, with a virtual hearing set for Oct. 13 and an Environmental Impact Statement still to come. Reef Protection & Fishing Rules: Hawaii’s BLNR rejected a proposal to resume commercial aquarium fish collection in West Hawaiʻi, citing legal concerns and directing staff to consider alternatives tied to public trust and Native Hawaiian practices. Invasive Species Cleanup: DLNR is seeking volunteers to remove invasive red mangroves at Kailua’s Kawainui Marsh to restore water flow, improve water quality, and protect endangered native waterbirds. Water Quality Update: Trace selenium was detected in Molokai’s Kaunakakai water system, but levels were far below drinking standards and will be monitored. Storm Readiness: Tropical Storm Lowell is forming and forecast to strengthen toward hurricane strength with possible impacts to Hawaiʻi after recent storms left communities still recovering. Community Planning: Residents are shaping a long-term vision for Hilo’s Waiākea Peninsula, including Banyan Drive, through a master plan process.

Invasive Species & Habitat Restoration: DLNR is seeking volunteers to remove invasive red mangroves from Kailua’s Kawainui Marsh waterways, aiming to restore natural flow, improve water quality, cut flood risk, and protect habitat for endangered native waterbirds. Reef Fish Policy: BLNR rejected proposals to resume commercial aquarium fish collection in West Hawaiʻi, citing legal concerns and directing DAR to consider alternatives tied to public trust duties and Native Hawaiian cultural practices. Local Land & Access Dispute: Black Sand Beach Park’s lease fight is back in the spotlight, with Black Sand Beach LLC’s attorney accusing Hawaiʻi County of mischaracterizing how the lease ended and saying the company offered extensions and is drafting a conservation easement. Drinking Water Monitoring: Trace selenium was detected in Molokaʻi’s Kaunakakai water system (below health standards), and officials say monitoring will continue. Energy Resilience Funding: Hawaii secured $18.5M in federal grants for grid hardening, including “Critical Customer Hubs” to keep key services powered during extended outages. Wildlife & Pollution: UH researchers report plastic debris in stranded short-finned pilot whales, underscoring shoreline cleanups as a practical way to reduce marine litter. Storm Watch: Tropical Storm Lowell is forecast to strengthen toward hurricane strength as it moves toward Hawaiʻi.