AGP Executive Report

Deep-Sea Discovery: UH researchers report the first live observations of a goblin shark in its natural habitat near Jarvis Island, using deep-sea cameras—filling a long-standing mystery about the elusive species. Marine Protections Under Pressure: Trump’s proclamation would reopen parts of Papahānaumokuākea and other Pacific marine monuments to commercial fishing, drawing sharp criticism from Native Hawaiian and conservation groups. Invasive Species Response: DLNR and partners continue coordinated efforts to contain an invasive sea anemone in Kāneʻohe Bay, using tarps and chemical treatment in isolated zones. Oʻhiʻa Disease Tool: Kauaʻi foresters deployed a beetle repellent (SPLAT® Verb) to slow Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death spread by discouraging the beetles that carry the fungus. Solar Policy: Gov. Josh Green issued an executive order preserving Hawaii’s 2026 solar tax credit changes from Act 24, aiming to stabilize rooftop solar plans on Oʻahu. Wildlife on the Ground: Hawaii Marine Animal Response marks 10 years of rescues, citing threats like fishing gear entanglement, trauma, and disease. Invasive Beetle Watch (Maui): State agriculture confirmed dead coconut rhinoceros beetles in Waikapū traps and is expanding surveys for breeding sites.

Conservation & Wildlife Response: Hawaii Marine Animal Response marked 10 years of rescuing monk seals, sea turtles, and seabirds, reporting 3,300+ rescues and warning that fishing gear entanglement, human-caused trauma, and disease remain top threats. Invasive Species Control: DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources says coordinated efforts to contain an invasive Manjano sea anemone in Kāneʻohe Bay are progressing, using tarps and chemical treatment while partnering with multiple agencies and community co-managers. Native Forest Health: Kauaʻi foresters and the U.S. Forest Service deployed a new tool against Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death—applying beetle repellent SPLAT® Verb to help slow the ambrosia beetles that spread the fungus. Marine Life & Public Education: Waikiki Elementary students helped name monk seal Kaiwi’s newest pup, “Anela ‘Auinala,” highlighting ongoing community involvement around wildlife protection. Agriculture Biosecurity: Maui officials confirmed three dead female coconut rhinoceros beetles from Waikapū detection traps and expanded surveys for feeding damage and potential habitat. Legal & Animal Rights: The Hawaii Supreme Court will hear arguments in a case seeking legal protections for Honolulu Zoo elephants Mari and Vaigai. Clean Energy Policy: Gov. Josh Green issued an executive order preserving Hawaiʻi’s 2026 distributed solar tax credit, aiming to protect investment decisions and support Oʻahu solar. Climate Watch: NOAA confirmed El Niño has formed and could reach historic strength, raising the odds of extreme heat and major weather impacts across the Pacific and beyond. Local Economy & Housing: A Mililani workforce housing project for teachers cleared its final environmental assessment, with construction targeted for 2027 and move-in planned for 2030.

El Niño Warning for Hawaiʻi and the Pacific: NOAA says El Niño has formed and could intensify into one of the biggest events since 1950, with a 63% chance of “very strong” conditions by late fall/early winter—raising risks of heat, drought, and wildfire threats, plus shifting storm patterns across the Pacific. Marine Life, Pollution, and Deep-Sea Mysteries: A sperm whale necropsy in Kauaʻi found fishing nets and household plastics in its stomach, underscoring how marine debris can be lethal; meanwhile, researchers captured the goblin shark alive on camera in the Tonga Trench and near Jarvis Island, expanding what we know about deep-ocean wildlife. Local Science for Food Resilience: UH Hilo researchers are core members of a $13.5M federal aquaculture consortium (CIFARM), aiming to grow more responsibly harvested seafood while protecting ecosystems. Fishing Protections Under Fire: Trump’s proclamation reopens parts of western Pacific marine monuments—including Papahānaumokuākea—to commercial fishing, drawing vows of legal challenges from conservationists and Hawaiian cultural practitioners. Community Stewardship: Honolulu’s Central Oʻahu Regional Park debris site is cleared after soil testing, and a Kona beach cleanup collected marine debris with youth and community partners.

Marine Protections Rolled Back: President Trump signed a proclamation reopening parts of Papahānaumokuākea near Hawaiʻi, plus Rose Atoll and the Marianas Trench, to U.S. commercial fishing—expanding access across nearly 500,000 square miles while critics warn it could undermine long-standing safeguards for fragile ocean ecosystems. Climate Watch (El Niño): NOAA confirmed El Niño has formed and could become “very strong,” with a 63% chance it ranks among the largest on record—raising fears of intensified heat, drought, heavy rain, and wildfire risk, especially across the Pacific. Wildlife on the Move: NOAA says a new Waikiki monk seal pup will be relocated to a quieter beach to reduce dangerous human-seal interactions as it nears weaning. Local Stewardship & Culture: Maui County is seeking input on a Lahaina Royal Complex master plan aimed at long-term cultural and ecological healing after the 2023 fires, including Mokuhinia Pond and Moku’ula Island. Research & Food Security: UH Hilo and UH Mānoa researchers were selected as core members of a $13.5M federal aquaculture consortium to strengthen U.S. seafood supply and aquaculture research. Community Spotlight: A Waikiki monk seal pup relocation and a Wailuku Film Festival lineup featuring “Mālama Mākua” and “Lāhainā Rising” highlight conservation and resilience stories rooted in place.

Climate Watch: NOAA has confirmed El Niño has begun, with a 63% chance it will intensify into a “very strong” or “super” event—raising odds of hotter conditions and more extreme weather worldwide. Local Recovery: Honolulu says soil testing at a former storm debris pile at Patsy T. Mink Central Oʻahu Regional Park found no harmful contamination, clearing the way for a full reopening later this summer after restoration work. Public Lands & Access: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is seeking community input on its Kahuku Unit Comprehensive Site Management Plan and Environmental Assessment, including possible day-use permits and expanded visitor access; comments close July 1. Community & Culture: Hawaiʻi’s trans and māhū communities are speaking out amid rising national hostility, including federal actions that roll back protections and a reported surge in anti-trans hate crimes.

Land Protection: Nearly 1,000 acres on Oʻahu’s windward Koolau range are now protected from development after a $2.6M purchase, with the land transferred to DOFAW—an eight-year win for watershed and cultural landscape protection. Wildlife & Public Safety: Lifeguards closed Hawaiʻi’s Electric Beach area after a 6–7 foot shark appeared near Kahe Point; officials warned swimmers to stay out, noting warm power-plant discharge can attract marine life. Native Species Recovery: The nēnē is making a comeback on Molokaʻi through translocation, with conservation groups framing it as a true restoration of a species once gone from the island. Conservation Leadership: Honolulu Zoo named John Berry as its new director, highlighting his conservation background and focus on endangered species work. Community Stewardship: UH Hilo students launched a medicinal garden using sustainable practices, linking agriculture, pharmacy, and Hawaiian studies to hands-on learning. Water & Wastewater Workforce: Hawaiʻi Community College and UH Maui College rolled out a new certificate training students to help eliminate cesspools by 2050.

Military & Health: A new report argues the U.S. military’s ongoing presence in Hawaiʻi is a public health disaster, saying the economic benefits are overstated while harm to land, water, culture, and community health is underestimated. Wildlife Protection: A judge set a timeline for a case involving a tourist accused of throwing a rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal on Maui, with a November jury trial ahead. Native Birds & Habitat: Friends of Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge is celebrating the Year of the ʻAlawī and pushing to raise the last $500,000 of its $3.5M endowment goal to restore habitat for the disease-susceptible Hawaiʻi creeper. Ocean & Minerals: Ocean Exploration Trust launched a two-week seabed mapping expedition around the Marianas, including areas near Hawaiʻi, as deep-sea mineral interest grows. Local Water & Jobs: Hawaiʻi Community College and UH Maui College launched an onsite wastewater treatment specialist certificate to train workers for cesspool elimination by 2050. Climate Impacts: East Hawaiʻi’s “dry season” start hasn’t stopped heavy June rain, with multiple windward gauges far above normal. Oʻahu Flood Rules: Honolulu’s DPP will pause Quick Permits during an HNL Build software update tied to new FEMA flood maps that take effect June 10.

Aquaculture & Seafood Security: NOAA launched CIFARM, a five-year aquaculture research and markets effort funded with $13.5M in year one, with UH as a core consortium member led by UH Hilo’s Chatham Callan—aiming to expand sustainable U.S. seafood. Ocean Climate Science: A new UH-led study finds that as the Atlantic overturning circulation weakens, salinity swings—not just heat—could grow sharply, making the North Atlantic “stranger” and more extreme by 2300. Shoreline Safety & Wildlife: A national analysis using the International Shark Attack File highlights U.S. shark-encounter hotspots tied to warm water, baitfish, river inlets, and heavy human activity—overall risk still remains very low. Local Governance & Conservation: Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi appointed John Berry as the new Honolulu Zoo director, bringing deep federal and conservation leadership. Community Resilience: A Lahaina sewer force main replacement draft environmental assessment is open for public comment through July 8. Health & Worker Safety: Hawaii State Hospital staff say overcrowding is driving unsafe conditions, with union leaders considering grievances and possible litigation.

Hawaiʻi Conservation Leadership: Gov. Josh Green announced DLNR chair/director Dawn Chang will retire July 1, with Ryan Kanaka‘ole stepping in and David Day named first deputy—an important transition for land, water, and cultural resource stewardship. Aquarium Fishing Limits: After years of legal back-and-forth, Hawaii’s aquarium fishers face a new environmental impact statement proposing only 15 commercial permits for Oʻahu annually, sparking debate over sustainability versus livelihoods. NOAA Aquaculture Push: NOAA launched CIFARM, a cooperative institute hosted by the University of New Hampshire with partners including University of Hawaiʻi and Hawaiʻi Sea Grant, aiming to boost marine aquaculture research and markets. Climate Disaster Costs: A new report says U.S. climate-driven disasters are on track to near $1 trillion in losses this decade, underscoring the mounting financial hit from extreme weather. Hawaiʻi Food System Support: The Ulupono Fund awarded $25,000 to help Hawaii food entrepreneurs cover costly high-pressure processing validation testing, backing local makers to reach more store shelves. Hurricane Readiness: Emergency officials urged homeowners to retrofit and plan for hurricanes as the Central Pacific Hurricane Center forecasts a potentially busy season.

Ocean Protection & Invasives: Edith Cowan University research points to a cost-effective way to protect marine ecosystems from invasive species—especially important for island regions where tourism and vessel traffic can spread pests. Local Food System Resilience: The Ulupono Fund launched a grant program for Hawaii food entrepreneurs, covering costly food-safety validation for products made with high pressure processing at Leeward Community College—aimed at helping small makers reach more retail shelves. Land & Water Stewardship: Honolulu’s Central Oʻahu Regional Park restoration is in its final phase after soil testing found no harmful contaminants; grass seeding is underway and the temporary debris site should reopen to the public once fencing comes down. State Natural Resources Leadership: Gov. Josh Green announced a DLNR transition: Dawn Chang retires July 1, with Ryan Kanakaʻole named chair/director and David Day as first deputy. Marine Conservation Education: World Oceans Day events included beach cleanups at Oʻahu’s Baby Makapuu and Kauai’s Nukolii Beach, with volunteers removing over 100 pounds of rubbish and pushing ocean-protection education for keiki. Wildlife & Climate Risk (Regional): The Western Pacific Fishery Council’s science review backed updated bottomfish assessments and urged climate scenario findings to be used in future decisions to help fisheries adapt. Community Environmental Pathways: Rotary’s Go for the Green scholarships awarded five students funding for college plans tied to environmental or community benefit.

World Oceans Day / Deep-Sea Mystery: A new report says humans have visually observed less than 0.001% of the deep seafloor—despite the ocean’s role as a major carbon sink and biodiversity engine—raising alarms that seabed decisions are moving faster than exploration. Hawaiʻi Waste & Land Use: Honolulu City Council removed funding for the Makaiwa Hills landfill plan from its FY2027 CIP budget, keeping the 150-acre site from moving forward while Waimanalo Gulch is set to close in 2028. Hawaiʻi Health Policy: Hawaii lawmakers advanced bills to curb youth vaping, including limits tied to federal approval and bans on certain disposable e-cigarettes with lithium-ion batteries. Hawaiʻi Utilities Assistance: Honolulu’s CARES sewer bill credit program is open, with credits up to $240 for eligible Oʻahu households using tax returns to confirm eligibility. Pacific Disaster: A powerful 7.8 earthquake struck the southern Philippines, triggering tsunami warnings and major damage, with casualties reported as authorities respond. Antarctica Education: A University of Hawaiʻi student’s Antarctica expedition highlighted climate-driven ice melt and the need to protect the continent’s fragile ecosystem.

Marine Wildlife & Tourism: Hawaiʻi Marine Animal Response launched its Hawaiʻi Marine Stewards Program to train hospitality and tourism workers to better protect monk seals, sea turtles, and seabirds—after a Maui incident where a visitor threw a rock at an endangered monk seal drew federal charges. Endangered Species Update: A new study finds Hawaiʻi’s endangered insular false killer whales are in sharp nutritional decline, with some individuals losing nearly a quarter of body weight, pointing to climate-linked ocean shifts and prey stress. Local Conservation & Education: The Hawaii State Library kicked off the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, with sustainability-focused community booths and prizes—an easy on-ramp for kids and families to build environmental awareness. Volcano Watch: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports “stick season” browning around Kīlauea’s summit, tied to volcanic gas and tephra plumes and seasonal wind shifts. Coastal Access Clarification: DLNR clarified Makena State Park upgrade plans (restrooms, showers, and more formal paving at existing lots) and stressed there’s no change to access or fees for Hawaiʻi residents. Climate Accountability: A new legal push highlights how fossil fuel companies are being sued over climate harms—setting up a major fight over whether states can pursue liability.

Climate Accountability: The U.S. Supreme Court will weigh whether oil companies can be sued in state courts over climate harms, as local governments argue fossil firms knew the damage and tried to block liability. Marine Life Under Pressure: A new Hawaiʻi Marine Animal Response “Marine Stewards Program” targets the visitor industry after incidents like a Maui beach visitor allegedly harming an endangered monk seal—aiming to teach staff how to keep guests and protected animals safe. Volcano Update: USGS Volcano Watch reports “stick season” browning around Kīlauea’s summit tied to ongoing summit eruption plumes and shifting trade-wind patterns. Endangered Whales: A study finds Hawaiʻi’s last false killer whales are losing major body weight, linking nutritional stress to warming seas and environmental shifts. Local Stewardship: Registration is open for Hoaaina Stewardship Day (June 13) at Kahaluu Bay, with shoreline and optional in-water activities. Shoreline Safety & Costs: A family faces mounting fines after a home collapsed onto the shoreline, highlighting how coastal hazards and enforcement collide. Utilities Help: Honolulu’s CARES sewer bill-credit program is taking applications, but requires tax returns to verify eligibility.

Marine Wildlife Protection: Hawaiʻi Marine Animal Response launched its Hawaiʻi Marine Stewards Program to train the hospitality and tourism industry to better protect monk seals, sea turtles, and seabirds—after incidents like a Maui visitor recorded throwing a rock at an endangered monk seal. Climate Impacts on Wildlife: A new study links rising sea temperatures and nutritional stress to sharp health declines in Hawaiʻi’s endangered insular false killer whales, with some animals losing nearly a quarter of their body weight in months. Volcano Watch: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park visitors are seeing “stick season” defoliation around Kīlauea’s summit, driven by volcanic gas and wind patterns that shift with the seasons. Local Stewardship: Kohala Center is hosting Hoaʻaina Stewardship Day June 13 at Kahaluu Bay, with shoreline and optional in-water activities focused on cultural and coastal ecosystem learning. Water & Wastewater Workforce: Applications are open for a new Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Specialist Certificate on Maui and Hawaiʻi Island to help replace aging cesspools and build local expertise. Lahaina Recovery: Atlantis Submarines Maui restarted undersea tours from the Lahaina Small Boat Harbor, a step forward as harbor restoration continues after the 2023 wildfires.

Hawaiʻi County Planning: The Hawaii County Council approved General Plan 2045 (Bill 66) in a 5-3 vote after years of workshops and thousands of public comments, despite fierce opposition; the plan now goes to Mayor Kimo Alameda, who says he won’t sign or veto, but wants changes—critics call it a land grab while supporters say it sets measurable climate and transit targets. Urban Heat & Landscaping: A new local gardening push argues that removing shade trees and ground cover is making Kona and Hilo hotter, raising reliance on air-conditioning; the piece urges fire-resistant planting and smarter yard design instead of “cinder-and-concrete” cooling myths. Native Species Conflict: State officials say about 70 nēnē were found eating cat food left on lava rocks near Queens Marketplace in Waikōloa, as investigations continue after two nēnē were killed by a car—highlighting how feral cat feeding can endanger Hawaiʻi’s birds. Water & Wastewater Workforce: Applications opened for a new Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Specialist Certificate on Maui and Hawaiʻi Island, aiming to help eliminate more than 83,000 cesspools by 2050 by training installers and conversion specialists. Lahaina Recovery Planning: The County of Maui is seeking input on a master plan for the Lahaina Royal Complex (Mokuʻula and surrounding sites), with a goal of a final plan in 2027. Ocean Research: NOAA-backed mapping and deep-sea exploration continues as E/V Nautilus returns to the Mariana region, with local participants joining missions and new sonar expanding what scientists can map.

Wastewater & Resilience: Hawaii Community College opened a new one-year Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Specialist Certificate on Maui and Hawaiʻi Island, training cesspool conversion and sustainable wastewater installers as flooding exposes aging infrastructure. Marine Science: The Ocean Exploration Trust’s E/V Nautilus returns June 10 for deep-sea mapping and habitat missions across the Central and Western Pacific, including a Hawaii-to-Guam run and expanded sonar reach. Wildlife Protection: State officials say the main driver in recent nēnē deaths near Waikōloa is feral cat feeding—counts found about 70 nēnē eating cat food left on lava rocks. Clean Energy & Food Security Research: UH Mānoa students earned ARCS Scholars honors for algae biofuel work and coffee pest research, including efforts to cut costly algae harvesting and study root-knot nematodes. Hurricane Outlook: NOAA predicts a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with fewer storms expected under El Niño conditions. Community Health After Fires: The Maui Wildfire Exposure Study has supported 2,500 people with thousands of health appointments, but funding uncertainty threatens its future. Ocean Safety Education: BoatUS Foundation expanded its free, state-approved boating safety course to 15 more states, including Hawaiʻi, with an environmental stewardship focus.