AGP Executive Report

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.

Lahaina Royal Complex Recovery: The County of Maui is asking residents to weigh in on the Royal Complex master plan for Luaʻehu, including sacred sites like Mokuʻula and Loko o Mokuhinia, with a final plan targeted for 2027—an effort framed as “ola ka ʻāina, ola ke kanaka.” Volcano Watch: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports “stick season” on Kīlauea’s summit, driven by ongoing eruptive plumes and volcanic gases that strip vegetation. Ocean Stewardship in Waikīkī: Waikiki Aquarium kicks off World Ocean Month with beach cleanups, student art, and marine conservation events throughout June. Wildlife & Safety: A shark attack near Diamond Head left a man seriously injured, followed by warnings at Cromwell’s Beach and Ala Moana Bowls. Waste & Water Protection: Honolulu decided not to move forward with Makaiwa Hills as a future landfill site on Oʻahu, citing the need to protect drinking water and aquifers. Community Conservation: Friends of Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge launches its “Year of the ʻAlawi” fundraising push to protect the endangered ‘alawi through habitat management.

Waste & Water Protection: Honolulu decided not to move forward with Makaiwa Hills as a new Oʻahu landfill site, a win for Leeward communities worried about impacts to drinking water and aquifers. City Budget & Climate Costs: Honolulu City Council approved a controversial $5B budget; the mayor says he intends to veto, while critics warn cuts could undermine storm, infrastructure, and climate resilience work. Training for Clean Water: Hawaiʻi CC and UH Maui College launched a one-year onsite wastewater treatment specialist certificate to build the workforce needed for cesspool elimination and safer, sustainable wastewater systems. Lahaina Recovery Planning: Maui County shared updates on the Lahaina Royal Complex Master Plan and launched an online survey for community input tied to long-term cultural and ecological healing. Ocean Safety & Wildlife Risk: A shark attack near Diamond Head left a man seriously injured, and warnings were issued at two Honolulu surf spots as officials reported aggressive sharks nearby. Tourism & Marine Economy: Hawaiʻi dive businesses promoted scuba travel at a major California trade show, pitching ocean experiences that can drive local spending. Deep-Sea Mining Push: NOAA cleared a key regulatory step for a company seeking to explore polymetallic nodules in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, keeping seabed mining on the table. Heat & Equity: New data shows Hawaiʻi counties among the least likely to have air conditioning, highlighting heat risk for residents without cooling access. Shoreline Management: Waiʻānapanapa State Park on Maui begins facility improvements, including a new comfort station and road resurfacing, aimed at reducing environmental impacts from heavy visitor traffic.

Hawaiʻi Climate & Resilience: Polynesian Voyaging Society leaders say the Moananuiākea Voyage sail plan is being adjusted as El Niño concerns and possible storm activity rise, with a revised departure from Aotearoa in late August and stops in Tonga, Samoa, and Fiji. Volcano Watch: USGS reports Kīlauea’s June 1 summit eruption fountaining episode set a new record for the volcano, with a lava fountain reaching at least 500 feet. Ocean & Public Health: A new report warns that warmer coastal waters can increase risk from Vibrio vulnificus, a reminder for Hawaiʻi beachgoers and shellfish lovers as ocean temperatures shift. State Parks & Visitor Impacts: Waiʻānapanapa State Park on Maui begins construction June 6 for a new comfort station and Honokalani Road resurfacing, with road and parking closures during the work. Local Food & Farms: Ahualoa Family Farms highlights community- and sustainability-led macadamia growth, working with 70+ growers across Hawaiʻi Island. Land Use & Flood Aftermath: North Shore farmers say cleanup from March Kona-low storms is leaving them behind, with mud and debris still covering private ag land. Community Health Funding: Hawaiʻi was selected for the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Medicaid Demonstration Program, aiming to expand mental health and substance use treatment access. Energy Independence: A new piece looks at how Hawaii’s push for renewable power and decarbonizing transport is driven by energy self-reliance. Cycling & Waste Habits: A letter urges simple reuse habits ahead of World Environment Day and World Ocean Day.