AGP Executive Report

Wildlife and the Courts: Hawaiʻi’s Supreme Court heard arguments over whether Honolulu Zoo elephants Mari and Vaigai have a right to liberty; no ruling has been issued. Maui’s Water: Federal officials still won’t disclose how much water a military data center under construction in Kīhei will use, leaving county officials without key information to assess its impact. Island Cleanup: Maui County says crews removed nearly 48 tons of trash and debris from Pūlehu Road, while connecting people living there with shelter and safe parking. Native Species: New research links avian malaria to the loss of the last wild ʻakikiki, warning that other native birds could face extinction. A $2.8 million UH partnership also aims to protect forests across Pacific islands. Kauaʻi Facilities: The Navy and NASA withdrew the final environmental impact statement for military facilities on Kauaʻi. Pacific Waters: NOAA is opening public comment on proposed commercial fishing rules for a protected Pacific monument, while conservation groups oppose fishing there. Ocean Pollution: An 18-year-old Hawaiʻi student developed a biodegradable coconut-based filter designed to capture plastic and sunscreen from ocean surfaces.

Maui Water: The military still won’t disclose how much water its nearly $100 million Kīhei data center will use, leaving county officials without key information as they assess local water capacity. Cleanup & Reuse: Maui County says crews removed nearly 48 tons of debris from Pūlehu Road. In Hilo, a new program lets diners borrow reusable takeout containers to help cut waste. Native Species: Foresters fear storm damage from Hurricane Lowell could help spread Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death in Kauaʻi’s forests. New research also links avian malaria to the loss of the last wild ʻakikiki, warning of further native-bird extinctions. Ocean Protection: Eighteen-year-old Vera Wang developed a floating filter made from coconut material to capture plastic and sunscreen from the ocean’s surface. Meanwhile, conservation groups are challenging seabed mining and commercial fishing proposals in protected Pacific waters. Public Health: Hawaiʻi’s health department is investigating two Legionnaires’ disease cases in visitors who stayed at a Kauaʻi condominium where water tests found Legionella bacteria.

Native Forests: Hurricane Lowell may have spread Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death through Kauaʻi’s forests, though damage assessments are still underway. Energy Resilience: A Nov. 19 Hawaiʻi Energy Policy Forum webinar will explore ways communities can prepare for storms and power outages while keeping energy affordable and protecting the islands. Waste Reduction: Hilo’s new Hoʻi program lets customers borrow reusable takeout containers and return them at collection boxes. Coastal Protection: Maui County approved a $31.5 million repair plan for a deteriorating stretch of Hāna Highway at Kalepa Point; the project received a finding of no significant environmental impact. Pacific Waters: Federal regulators have proposed reopening about 400,000 square miles of the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument to commercial fishing, drawing opposition from conservationists. Deep-Sea Mining: U.S. seabed claims in the Pacific are challenging the authority of the International Seabed Authority and raising concerns about legal conflicts and environmental harm. Native Wildlife: Research links avian malaria to the loss of the ʻakikiki in the wild and warns of further extinctions.

Seabed Mining: Pacific activists are rallying against planned lease sales near American Samoa and Guam as a company reports the first autonomous robot to collect seabed nodules in the Pacific, between Hawaiʻi and Mexico. The test recovered about 450 grams for research, but the technology adds urgency to debate over deep-sea mining. Whale Season: Humpbacks are returning to Hawaiʻi waters. The sanctuary urges boaters to slow down and keep at least 100 yards away. Monument Fishing: NOAA Fisheries is opening public comment on a plan to allow commercial fishing in the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument. Ocean Plastics: A study finds the Great Pacific Garbage Patch may be changing ocean color; researchers say the link to microplastics is plausible but not confirmed. Native Birds: New research links avian malaria to the loss of the last ʻakikiki in the wild, raising concern for other endangered Hawaiian birds. Kauaʻi Review: The Navy and NASA withdrew the final environmental impact statement for proposed facilities on Kauaʻi, reopening the review process.

Tropical Weather: Tropical Storm Pena is poorly organized and no longer expected to strengthen; forecasters report no hazards to Hawaiʻi. Urban Forests: Honolulu planted 18 lei trees at Kapolei Regional Park, while a $2.8 million UH–U.S. Forest Service partnership will fund five forestry agents to help Pacific Island communities address wildfire, drought and storm risks. Climate: The WMO says 2026 is on track to be one of the four warmest years on record, with El Niño adding to heat and extreme-weather risks. Ocean Health: Satellite data show a blue-green color shift near the Great Pacific Garbage Patch; researchers say microplastics may be responsible, though the link is not confirmed. Fishing Rules: NOAA will open public comment on a plan to allow commercial fishing in the Pacific Islands Heritage Monument. Kauaʻi: The Navy and NASA withdrew the final environmental review for planned facilities on the island. Native Wildlife: New research links avian malaria to the loss of the ʻakikiki in the wild and warns of further native bird extinctions.

Pacific Forests: A $2.8 million UH–U.S. Forest Service partnership will place five forestry agents across Pacific Island communities to support reforestation and prepare for wildfires, drought and storms. Protected Ocean: NOAA is proposing to allow commercial fishing across about 408,000 square miles of the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument. Public comments are open through Dec. 9. Seabed Mining: A Senate bill could make it harder to reverse mining approvals near Guam; the closest planned lease area is about 47 miles away. Climate: The World Meteorological Organization says 2026 will rank among the four warmest years on record, with a powerful El Niño adding heat and extreme-weather risks. Native Wildlife: New research links avian malaria to the loss of the last wild ʻakikiki and warns of further native bird extinctions. Lahaina Recovery: Researchers continue to track wildfire survivors’ health, with some showing elevated levels of metals months after the fire. Campus Greening: Kapiʻolani Community College plans to plant 80 native trees at its Diamond Head campus.

Forest Resilience: A $2.8 million University of Hawaiʻi–U.S. Forest Service partnership will place five forestry agents across Pacific islands to help communities tackle wildfire, drought, storms and pests. Ocean Protection: NOAA is opening public comment on a proposal to allow industrial fishing across 408,000 square miles of the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument; comments are due Dec. 9. Seabed Mining: A Senate bill could make approvals for planned mining near the Northern Mariana Islands harder to reverse, Earthjustice warns; the nearest lease area is about 47 miles from Guam. West Maui Wildfire Risk: Maui County is starting work to clear hazardous vegetation and debris from 115 acres in Launiupoko, where 12 fires have occurred since 2024. Kauaʻi Review: The Navy and NASA withdrew the final environmental impact statement for proposed Kauaʻi military facilities. Native Birds: New research links avian malaria to the ʻakikiki’s loss in the wild and warns more Hawaiian forest birds could face extinction.

Pacific Ocean Protection: A Senate bill could make seabed-mining approvals harder for future administrations to reverse, Earthjustice warns. A proposed lease sale near the Northern Mariana Islands is set for Dec. 16, with one area about 47 miles from Guam. Fishing Rules: NOAA is seeking comment on a plan to open about 408,000 square miles of the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument to commercial fishing. Comments are due Dec. 9. Native Wildlife: New research links avian malaria to the loss of the ʻakikiki in the wild, raising concern for other endangered Hawaiian forest birds. Ocean Pollution: Satellite records show waters near the Great Pacific Garbage Patch brightened in blue and green over two decades; researchers say microplastics may be contributing, but more study is needed. Maui Wildfire Safety: A county project will clear hazardous vegetation and debris from 115 acres in Launiupoko to reduce fire risk near homes and infrastructure. Tropical Weather: Tropical Storm Pena is forecast to pass well south of Hawaiʻi as it strengthens.

Pacific Monument: A proposal set for release Nov. 9 would open about 408,000 square miles of the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument to commercial longline and purse-seine fishing. The public can comment through Dec. 9; opponents warn of harm to marine life and Pacific cultural connections. Tropical Weather: Tropical Storm Pena is forecast to strengthen into a weak hurricane while staying well south of Hawaiʻi, though it may boost trade winds. Ocean Pollution: Researchers found brighter blue and green ocean colors near the Great Pacific Garbage Patch in satellite records from 2002–2022, and suspect microplastics may play a role; they say more study is needed. West Maui Wildfire Safety: A county project begins Monday to clear hazardous vegetation and debris from 115 acres at Kapuʻali in Launiupoko, where 12 fires have been reported since 2024. Native Birds: New research links avian malaria to the loss of the ʻakikiki in the wild and warns other native birds face extinction risks. Kauaʻi Military Sites: The Navy and NASA withdrew their environmental review for facilities at Barking Sands and Kōkeʻe, saying they will revise it and resubmit in 2027. Maunakea: A University of Hawaiʻi regents committee backed changes that could allow future observatories to reuse decommissioned summit sites.

Wildfire Prevention: Maui will clear hazardous vegetation and debris from 115 acres at Launiupoko starting Monday. The county says 12 fires have occurred there since 2024, and the work is intended to protect nearby homes and infrastructure. Invasive Species: DLNR is seeking removal of a privately owned website that mimics the state Invasive Species Council’s site and could confuse people reporting sightings. Maunakea Management: A UH regents committee backed changes that could allow future astronomy facilities to reuse decommissioned observatory sites as the university prepares to hand over management in 2029. Kauaʻi Environmental Review: The Navy and NASA withdrew their final impact statement for Kauaʻi military and observatory sites after public feedback; they plan to revise it and resubmit in 2027. Native Wildlife: New research links avian malaria to the loss of the last ʻakikiki in the wild and warns other native birds could face extinction. Tropical Weather: Tropical Storm Pena formed southeast of Hawaiʻi and is forecast to pass well south, though it may strengthen trade winds. Ocean Pollution: A study suggests plastic near the Great Pacific Garbage Patch may be changing the ocean’s color, potentially offering a new way to track tiny particles.

Tropical Weather: Tropical Storm Pena formed southeast of Hawaiʻi and is forecast to pass well south of the islands. It may strengthen trade winds, but forecasters expect little rain impact. Native Forest Birds: New research links avian malaria to the collapse of Kauaʻi’s ʻakikiki; the last known bird was seen in August 2025. Scientists warn urgent mosquito control and conservation efforts are needed to protect other native birds. Kauaʻi Military Sites: The Navy and NASA withdrew their environmental review for facilities at the Pacific Missile Range and Kōkeʻe observatory after public feedback. They plan to revise and resubmit it in 2027. Ocean Pollution: Scientists suspect microplastics may be changing the blue-green color of water near the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a possible clue for tracking pollution from space. Trees and Plants: Arbor Day Hawaiʻi events this month include tree giveaways, plantings and workshops across the islands. At Lyon Arboretum, researchers are also working to save rare native plants, using seed storage and cryopreservation to safeguard species.

Native Birds: The ʻakikiki is now believed extinct in the wild after its last known bird, Pakele, disappeared from Kauaʻi. New research links the collapse to mosquito-borne avian malaria and urges urgent breeding, translocations and expanded mosquito control to protect other forest birds. Kauaʻi Military Facilities: The Navy and NASA withdrew their final environmental impact statement for Pacific Missile Range Facility and Kōkeʻe Observatory, saying they’ll revise it with community and state input before resubmitting in 2027. Maunakea Management: A UH regents committee backed changes that could allow future observatories to reuse decommissioned sites, as the university prepares to hand management to a state authority in 2029. Ocean Pollution: A study found waters in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch have grown bluer and greener over two decades. Researchers suspect microplastics may play a role, but say more direct sampling is needed to confirm the cause. Native Plants: A free Lāʻau Love Fest on Nov. 14 in West Hawaiʻi will offer native and canoe plants, hands-on activities and workshops to support local ecosystems and community resilience.

Kauaʻi Military Review: The Navy and NASA withdrew their environmental impact statement for Kauaʻi’s Pacific Missile Range Facility and Kōkeʻe observatory, saying they’ll revise it with community and state input before resubmitting in 2027. Native Birds: New research links mosquito-borne avian malaria to the ʻakikiki’s likely extinction in the wild; scientists urge urgent breeding, relocation and mosquito-control efforts to protect other forest birds. Pacific Plastics: A study suggests rising microplastic levels may be changing the color of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch’s waters. Coastal Protection: A proposed “living breakwater” in Hawaiʻi aims to shelter shorelines while creating coral habitat. Wildlife Safety: Boaters are being urged to slow down as humpback whales return to Hawaiʻi waters. Tern Island: NOAA awarded $8.5 million for restoration at the low-lying Northwestern Hawaiian Islands site, where rising seas, storms and wildlife threaten key seabird nesting grounds.

Whale Safety: As humpbacks return to Hawaiʻi for winter, federal officials urge boaters to slow down and keep at least 100 yards away. Kāneʻohe Bay: Researchers and Heʻeia stewards are pairing water-quality sensors and species sampling with Indigenous-led knowledge to track changes in the bay and watershed. Soil and Farming: State climate workshops will offer island-specific field instruction on soil health and agricultural resilience. Less Waste: Hilo’s reusable foodware program is set to launch Nov. 9, giving residents a way to cut single-use containers. Seabird Habitat: NOAA awarded $8.5 million to restore Tern Island, where rising seas, storms and wildlife threaten important seabird nesting grounds.

Whale Safety: Humpbacks are returning to Hawaiʻi for the winter, and federal officials urge boaters to slow down, keep their distance and watch for whales to avoid collisions. Public Lands: The Army wants to end or reduce leases on thousands of acres, including land at Makua and Pohakuloa; Makua will need a cleanup plan before its return. Kāneʻohe Bay: Heʻeia researchers and stewards are combining water-quality monitoring and species surveys with Indigenous-led knowledge to track changes across the watershed. Coastal Resilience: A planned living breakwater off Kalaeloa aims to reduce wave damage and erosion while creating habitat for corals and reef fish. Sustainable Fishing: An opinion piece urges the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission to adopt biodegradable fish aggregating devices to reduce persistent ocean debris. Wildlife Habitat: NOAA has awarded $8.5 million to restore Tern Island, where rising seas, storms and wildlife threaten important seabird nesting grounds. Coral Research: A long-term study of Hawaiʻi reef-building corals found warming—not acidification—drove shifts in their algal partners under simulated future ocean conditions.

Public Lands: The Army wants to end leases early on thousands of acres at Makua, Kawailoa-Poamoho, Kahuku and Pohakuloa. Makua’s return will require cleanup planning and decisions on future use. Ocean Protection: Hawaiʻi advocates are urging Pacific fisheries to adopt biodegradable, non-entangling fish aggregating devices, which can reduce persistent marine debris. Tuna managers also narrowed options for bigeye conservation amid concerns stocks are more depleted than previously assessed. Local Food: Oʻahu voters approved a dedicated fund for locally grown food, while Hilo is launching a reusable-foodware program to cut waste. Limu & Reefs: A new Maui Ocean Center exhibit spotlights limu’s role in coastal habitats and plans to build seed stock for restoration. NOAA also awarded $8.5 million to restore Tern Island seabird habitat threatened by rising seas, storms and wildlife. Clean Energy: A new roadmap explores how Oʻahu can reach 100% clean energy and reduce reliance on imported fuel.