AGP Executive Report

Trees & Communities: Arbor Day Hawaiʻi runs through November, with free tree adoptions, plantings and care events planned across all five major islands. Sustainability: Fifty-one Hawaiʻi businesses and events were honored for conservation efforts, reporting 493 million gallons of water saved, 2.9 million kilowatt-hours of electricity saved and hundreds of tons of waste diverted. Waste Reduction: Hilo’s reusable foodware program is set to launch Nov. 9, offering a local alternative to single-use containers. Wildlife & Resilience: NOAA awarded $8.5 million to restore Tern Island, where rising seas, storms and wildlife threaten vital seabird nesting grounds. A separate study warns a warmer future could bring stronger storms closer to Hawaiʻi. Farm Recovery: Farmers and ranchers hit by storms Lala, Lowell and Moke can apply for relief grants of up to $1,500 through Jan. 29. Coastal Safety: DLNR warns of health risks after a sperm whale carcass was towed from Honokōhau Harbor, with sharks drawn to the Kona coast.

Bellows Lands: Honolulu’s City Council is urging the federal government to return parts of Bellows Air Force Station to Hawaiʻi, with consultation involving Native Hawaiians, Waimānalo residents and the state. Waste Reduction: Hilo’s Hoʻi program launches Nov. 9, offering reusable takeout containers that customers can return at public drop-off points. The county says the system aims to cut single-use foodware and landfill waste. Storm Watch: Forecasters are monitoring a disturbance southeast of Hawaiʻi with a 50% chance of developing into a tropical cyclone. Any impacts remain uncertain, and some models keep it south of the islands. Climate Risks: A University of Hawaiʻi study finds a warmer future could bring stronger cyclones closer to the islands during El Niño years, underscoring the need to prepare even if storm frequency is unclear. Wildlife Habitat: NOAA awarded $8.5 million for restoration on Tern Island, where rising seas, storms and erosion threaten seabird nesting habitat. Bird Flu Monitoring: The state detected H5N1 avian flu in a Kauaʻi County wastewater sample; the finding is a signal for continued monitoring, not a report of confirmed infections.

Waste Reduction: Hilo’s Hoʻi Returnable Dish Program launches Nov. 9, offering stainless-steel takeout containers that customers can return at public collection points for washing and reuse. Pacific Research: E/V Nautilus wrapped up a five-month season exploring the Hawaiian Archipelago and other Pacific waters, mapping seafloor and documenting deep-sea habitats. Climate Risk: A University of Hawaiʻi study suggests future warming could bring stronger storms closer to the islands during El Niño years, though storm frequency remains uncertain. Wildlife Protection: NOAA awarded $8.5 million for habitat restoration on Tern Island, where rising seas and storms threaten vital seabird nesting grounds. Kona Coast Safety: State officials warn people to avoid fragments of a decomposing sperm whale carcass, which may carry disease and attract sharks. Island Health: H5N1 bird flu was detected in a Kauaʻi wastewater sample; health officials are monitoring for signs of spread. Deep-Sea Mining: Researchers found lasting seabed and wildlife changes decades after a Pacific mining test, underscoring how slowly deep-sea ecosystems may recover.

Deep-Sea Mining: A Pacific mining test from 1979 left seabed changes that were still visible 44 years later; larger animals that depend on mineral-rich rocks remained scarce, raising concerns about the ocean’s slow recovery. Waste Reduction: Hilo is launching Ho‘i, a reusable takeout-container program, with return bins around town and participating restaurants. Storm Risk: A University of Hawai‘i study projects that warming could bring stronger tropical cyclones closer to the islands during El Niño years, even if storms do not become more frequent. Wildlife Protection: NOAA awarded $8.5 million for habitat restoration on Tern Island, where rising seas and storms threaten seabird nesting grounds. Recycling: A Star-Advertiser editorial says $105 million in unclaimed HI-5 deposits signals that too many containers are missing the recycling stream and calls for more convenient collection. Invasive Species: Researchers warn that climate-driven disasters can help invasive species spread across Pacific islands, adding pressure to Hawai‘i’s vulnerable ecosystems.

Kona Coast Warning: DLNR says whale fragments may drift ashore after a decomposing sperm whale was towed offshore from Honokōhau Harbor. Stay clear of carcass pieces, where sharks are feeding and health risks may be present. Ocean Policy: UH Mānoa is launching a center that will connect ocean science and law, including a student clinic supporting environmental policy work. Invasive Species: Pacific researchers warn that climate change and extreme weather can help invasive species spread across island ecosystems. Farm Recovery: Emergency grants open Nov. 2 for farmers and ranchers hit by recent storms, offering up to $1,500 for repairs and equipment; applications close Jan. 29. Wailea Development: Maui’s Planning Commission sent a $471 million project dispute to mediation after Native Hawaiian residents and Mālama Kakanilua raised concerns about water, fishing grounds and cultural resources. Clean Transport and Conservation: Maui unveiled three electric-bus charging stations, while a UH Sea Grant Emmy-winning episode highlights plastic removal in Papahānaumokuākea. Climate Lawsuits: Hawaiʻi leaders and Sierra Club oppose a federal bill that could dismiss state climate cases against oil companies.

Kona Coast Safety: DLNR warns people to stay away from pieces of a decomposing sperm whale carcass towed offshore after sharks gathered to feed; currents could carry remains back toward shore. Climate Accountability: Hawaiʻi lawmakers and Sierra Club members protested a federal bill that could block climate lawsuits against oil companies and dismiss existing cases brought by the state and counties. Farm Recovery: Farmers and ranchers harmed by storms Lala, Lowell and Moke can apply from Nov. 2 for up to $1,500 in state relief; applications close Jan. 29. Clean Energy: DHHL is seeking $3.5 million to explore geothermal resources on Hawaiian home lands, with potential savings on homesteaders’ electricity bills and revenue for housing infrastructure. Marine Debris: A University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant episode on plastic cleanup in Papahānaumokuākea won a regional Emmy, spotlighting conservation work in the remote, culturally significant waters. Wildlife Health: H5N1 genetic material was detected in a Kauaʻi wastewater sample; health officials say public risk is low and urge poultry owners to strengthen biosecurity. Tourism Pressure: Resident support for tourism’s overall benefits fell to 53%, near a historic low, amid concerns about overcrowding, cultural disrespect and impacts on natural resources.

Farm Recovery: Hawaiʻi is offering farmers and ranchers hit by storms Lala, Lowell and Moke up to $1,500 for repairs and replacement equipment. Applications open Nov. 2 and close Jan. 29. Avian Flu: H5N1 was detected in an East Kauaʻi wastewater sample—the first detection of this strain in Hawaiʻi and this migration season. Officials say public risk is low but urge poultry owners to strengthen biosecurity. Flooding: Heavy overnight rain brought flooding, thunderstorms and a temporary highway closure on Hawaiʻi Island; advisories have since ended. Green Fee: Residents can submit and vote on climate and conservation projects for the next round of state green-fee funding through Sunday. Wildlife and Climate: Hawaiʻi’s 2026 dry season was the third-wettest in 30 years, but officials warn the coming wet season could bring greater wildfire risk. Meanwhile, a report says coral bleaching remains limited despite a powerful El Niño.

Avian Flu Watch: Hawaiʻi’s first H5N1 detection tied to this year’s bird migration—and the first D1.1 strain found here—came from an East Kauaʻi wastewater sample. It does not confirm an infection or community spread; health officials say public risk is low and urge poultry owners to strengthen biosecurity. Flood Risk: Heavy rain brought a flash-flood warning to East Hawaiʻi, with rainfall reaching 1–2 inches an hour around Hilo and Puna. Green Fee: A public portal is taking project ideas, comments and votes through Sunday to help guide the next round of climate and conservation funding, expected to begin in July 2027. Wildlife: Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi monitored 22 green sea turtle nests this season, with an estimated 1,680 hatchlings reaching the ocean; officials now warn that artificial lights can disorient young seabirds during fallout season. Mauna Kea: The stewardship authority is seeking an executive director ahead of its planned 2028 takeover of mountain management; applications are due Nov. 13.

Avian Flu: Hawaiʻi’s Health Department detected H5N1 in an East Kauaʻi wastewater sample—the first detection of the season’s D1.1 strain in the state. Officials say public risk remains low; local milk tests have been negative. Wildlife Protection: Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi monitored 22 green sea turtle nests this year, with about 1,680 hatchlings reaching the ocean. Artificial lights can disorient both hatchlings and fledgling seabirds, prompting rescue and lighting-reduction efforts as seabird fallout season begins. Maunakea Stewardship: The state authority is seeking an executive director ahead of its planned 2028 takeover of mountain management, with applications due Nov. 13. Its mandate spans environmental protection, cultural knowledge, education and research. Ocean Exploration: A Molokaʻi High School teacher joined a voyage mapping little-known seafloor areas around the Hawaiian Islands and Papahānaumokuākea, sharing the discoveries with students and the public. Pacific Storms: The Eastern and Central Pacific’s 2026 hurricane season has already set a record for accumulated storm energy, with impacts reaching Hawaiʻi and Mexico.

Ala Wai Flooding: Honolulu needs a watershed-wide plan, not just floodwalls, for a canal built nearly a century ago and now strained by urban growth and intense rain. Maunakea Stewardship: The oversight authority is seeking an executive director as it prepares to take over management from UH and DLNR by July 2028, with a mandate to balance cultural priorities, conservation, education and research. Maui Forest Access: Three Haleakalā-area reserves will reopen to weekend and holiday game-bird hunting Nov. 7; DLNR says it will continue weighing public safety, restoration and natural-resource needs. Marine Debris: Hawaiʻi’s Nets to Energy program has converted 832 tons of discarded fishing nets into electricity—enough to power more than 300 homes for a year—while helping keep gear from damaging reefs and harming wildlife. Climate and Wildfire Risk: Hawaiʻi’s dry season ranked third-wettest in 30 years, but forecasters warn the coming wet season could bring increased wildfire risk. Red Hill: A study finds Navy pumping cannot fully contain the fuel leak, renewing concerns about protecting Oʻahu’s water.

Climate and Wildfire Risk: Hawaiʻi’s dry season was the third-wettest in 30 years, but forecasters expect a drier wet season and increased wildfire risk as heavy rain leaves more vegetation to burn. Disaster Readiness: The state estimates more than $1 billion in recovery and resilience needs after four major disasters this year; $20 million is earmarked for community hubs that can provide power and local emergency support. Ocean Cleanup: Hawaiʻi’s Nets to Energy program has processed 832 tons of discarded fishing nets, generating enough electricity to power more than 300 homes for a year while keeping gear from reefs and wildlife. Fishing Costs: Record diesel prices are squeezing Honolulu’s longline fleet, where fuel can account for half the cost of a trip. Green Fee Projects: Residents can weigh in on proposals for the next round of roughly $200 million in environmental funding, with recommendations expected in December.

Coastal Flood Risk: Record-high sea levels and a strengthening El Niño are raising flood concerns across the U.S.; Hawaiʻi has faced flood advisories as Tropical Storm Olana approached, with more rain possible. Green Fee Priorities: Hawaiʻi residents can submit ideas and comment on proposed projects for the next round of roughly $200 million in climate and conservation funding; the current feedback deadline is Saturday. Fisheries Under Pressure: Record diesel prices are squeezing Honolulu’s longline fleet, where fuel can account for half the cost of a fishing trip. Coral Reef Warning: A new global assessment warns that 96% of shallow-water coral colonies face an extremely high risk of collapse within 50 years; Hawaiʻi reefs have also suffered severe damage. Soil and Farming: State climate officials are launching CASH4ʻĀina workshops to support soil health and agricultural resilience across the islands.

Lead Prevention: Hawaiʻi’s Health Department has launched a statewide campaign urging families to test keiki and check homes for lead hazards. Invasive Species: A nearly four-foot ball python found at Camp Waiʻanae on Oʻahu highlights the risks of illegal pet snakes, which could threaten native wildlife if they become established. Pacific Seabed Mining: NOAA is seeking public comment on a company’s proposal to explore for minerals in the Pacific between Guam and Wake Island, with a virtual hearing set for Nov. 16. Climate & Wildlife: UH Mānoa researchers say marine heatwaves may disrupt humpback whales’ metabolism and pregnancies. A separate 10-month experiment found far less coralline algae growth in tanks with future-level CO₂, underscoring concerns about ocean acidification. Water Safety: A study finds Navy pumping cannot fully contain the Red Hill fuel leak, keeping pressure on efforts to protect Oʻahu’s water. Climate Readiness: A new UH Mānoa center will focus on Hawaiʻi’s climate challenges.

Pesticide Enforcement: Hawaiʻi will receive $382,325 in federal funding for pesticide enforcement through September 2027. Maui Military Project: Residents are raising concerns about a nearly $100 million Kīhei data center being built to support up to seven proposed telescopes atop Haleakalā, saying officials failed to clearly disclose the connection between the projects. Extreme Heat: Big Island workshops are helping kūpuna and other vulnerable residents prepare for heat waves, which can pose serious risks in homes without air conditioning. Ocean Policy: A new UH Mānoa center will bring scientists, law students and community groups together to develop ocean and climate policy. Storm Readiness: Forecasters warn Tropical Storm Olana could bring heavy rain and flooding even without a direct hit; officials urge residents not to drive through floodwater. Landfill Impacts: A proposed Kauaʻi bill would set distance requirements between existing and future landfills, addressing concerns that West Kauaʻi communities already bear a disproportionate share of environmental burdens.

Ocean Policy: UH Mānoa launched a Center for Ocean Policy, bringing ocean scientists and legal experts together to tackle climate and marine challenges, with students set to support local nonprofits. Storm Readiness: Tropical Storm Olana may bring heavy rain and flooding even without a direct hit; forecasters urge residents to avoid flooded roads. Renewable Energy: DHHL is seeking $3.5 million to explore geothermal resources on Hawaiian home lands, aiming to cut homesteaders’ power costs and fund more housing. Reef Health: Hawaiʻi has seen little widespread coral bleaching despite El Niño, but a Maui study found 25 contaminants in coral tissue, with higher levels near greater human activity. Water and Coasts: A study finds Navy pumping cannot fully contain the Red Hill fuel leak, while the state approved $7.44 million to rebuild eroding Ala Moana Beach. Tourism Pressure: Resident support for tourism has slipped near historic lows, with overcrowding, traffic and impacts on natural resources among key concerns.

Coral Health: A Maui reef study found 25 contaminants in coral tissue, with higher levels at more heavily affected sites; researchers warn pollution may leave reefs less resilient to heat. Yet Hawaiʻi has seen little widespread bleaching so far, despite a powerful El Niño. Renewable Energy: DHHL is seeking $3.5 million to explore geothermal resources on Hawaiian home lands, aiming to lower energy costs and support homestead development. Native Wildlife: The Hawaiʻi Wildlife Center is urging care for the endangered ‘ōpe‘ape‘a, which faces habitat loss, roost disturbance and collisions. Water and Waste: A study finds Navy pumping cannot fully contain the Red Hill fuel leak, renewing concerns about aquifer protection. South Maui wastewater cleanup continues after a pump-station overflow. Coastal Resilience: Oʻahu residents are clearing stream debris after March flooding as lawsuits and questions over maintenance responsibility continue; meanwhile, the state has approved $7.44 million to rebuild eroding Ala Moana Beach. Pacific Conservation: Scientists are revisiting a deep-sea mining test site as U.S. seabed-mining applications advance, with lasting damage to ocean ecosystems a central concern.