AGP Executive Report

Hazard Cleanup Orders: Hawaiʻi DOH ordered ABC Towing & Parts and the property owner to immediately halt operations and submit a cleanup plan after a Sept. 30 fire released hazardous substances, citing imminent danger to public health and waterways. Coastal Erosion & Storm Impacts: On Kauaʻi’s North Shore, residents say Hurricane Lowell wiped out a protective sandbar in Wainiha Bay, leaving homes and roads exposed and raising fears for future winter swells. Natural Landmark Loss: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park reported the Holei Sea Arch has crumbled into the Pacific, with the collapse possibly tied to Tropical Storm Nolo’s heavy winds and rain. Climate Accountability in Court: Hawaii is among states suing over the Trump administration’s rollback of power-plant greenhouse gas limits, arguing the change unlawfully guts major climate protections. Toxic Legacy Settlements: Monsanto agreed to pay Arkansas at least $32 million (up to $80 million) over PCB contamination, with funds restricted to water-quality work—another reminder of long-lasting pollution costs. Local Wildlife & Land Use: DLNR announced applications for the 2027 Lānaʻi axis deer hunting season starting Oct. 12. Community Resilience: The Nareit Foundation awarded $100,000 to renovate Makiki’s Hale Koko transitional home for former foster youth, aiming to reopen by mid-December.

Biodiversity & Action: World-leading ecologist Stuart Pimm says conservation can’t be doom-only—he’s bringing that message to a major Africa-focused research conference on biodiversity. Ocean & Minerals: China’s rare-earth trade truce with the U.S. doesn’t stop a proposed seabed-mining lease near Guam, keeping pressure on Pacific ecosystems. Climate Accountability: Hawaiʻi is part of a broader push against EPA rollbacks of power-plant greenhouse gas limits, as states and cities sue to restore protections. Toxic Pollution (Local): Hawaiʻi reached a settlement with Monsanto over PCB contamination, with an initial $10M payment and possible up to $35M more. Wildfire Health (Local): A new UH study finds toxic metal levels linked to lung harm can linger in Maui residents up to 18 months after the 2023 wildfires. Energy Resilience (Local): State DOT microgrids with solar, batteries, and EV charging are under construction on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi to strengthen resilience. Storm Impacts: DLNR reopened many state parks and forest lands after Hurricane Nolo, with continued hazard cautions. Wildlife Safety (Local): DLNR reports three Molokai nēnē killed by drivers and urges slower, safer driving around endangered birds.

Invasive Species Fight: Oʻahu’s Coqui Frog Task Force says volunteers have hand-captured nearly 4,000 invasive coqui frogs in its second year, working with DLNR and other agencies to slow spread from Waimanalo while new tools are developed. Storm Recovery & Access: DLNR reopened many forestry and wildlife areas after Hurricane Nolo, but kept several parks, trails, and camping areas closed where damage assessments and repairs are still underway. Climate Reality Check: A Pacific climate finance push is spotlighting how 1.5°C impacts are already showing up in coastlines and ecosystems—and how frontline communities struggle to access funds due to complex processes and high transaction costs. Ocean & Wildlife: Oman’s sea turtle case is reviving Hawaii’s wildlife enforcement conversation after a Ukrainian tourist’s alleged monk seal encounter remains tied to legal proceedings. Local Environment & Health: A UH study is tracking how PFAS “forever chemicals” and microplastics may affect brain development during pregnancy and infancy, following 300 Hawaiʻi families. Waste & Landfill Pressure: Honolulu’s G.R.O.W. food-waste composting program expands islandwide Oct. 1, asking residents to put food scraps in green bins instead of trash. Tourism Under Pressure: Hawaii visitor arrivals and spending fell in August as storms shortened stays and reduced visitor days, adding pressure to an already-softening market.

Hawaiʻi Energy Resilience: HDOT, Sustainability Partners and Hensel Phelps broke ground on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi microgrids with solar PV canopies, battery energy storage and EV charging—aimed at keeping critical facilities running during multi-day blackouts. Storms & Tourism: Preliminary DBEDT data show August 2026 visitor spending fell 9.7% to $1.59B and arrivals dropped 5.6% as storms hit the islands, including Hurricane Lala and Tropical Storm Moke. Utility Accountability: Hawaiian Electric’s proposed base-rate hikes are drawing heavy pushback at Public Utilities Commission hearings, with residents warning bills could rise even as outages remain a recurring frustration. Marine Protection Under Pressure: The Western Pacific Fishery Council voted to develop an experimental commercial fishing permit for the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument—sparking renewed debate over protecting endemic species. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: A documentary spotlighting the Clarion Clipperton Zone underscores how little of the deep ocean has been studied before industrial mining; meanwhile, American Samoa groups sued the U.S. over deep-sea mining plans. Native Disaster Funding Gap: A new analysis finds Native communities suffered $4.4B in disaster damage since 2016 but received only $810M in FEMA recovery funding, leaving environmental and economic impacts to linger.

Hawaiian Electric Rate Fight: The state Public Utilities Commission is taking public input on HECO’s request to raise base rates, seeking about $170M in extra annual revenue (mostly $125M in 2027 and $45M in 2028), with typical bills up $8–$12 next year—while customers also press for clearer answers about storm-related outages. Mauna Kea Telescope Update: TMT says it still prefers Mauna Kea after declining Spain’s proposed up-to-$1.13B financing package, leaving the project’s future uncertain. Resilient Puna Infrastructure: Puna’s District 5 candidates are debating how to fix long-standing gaps—private roads, limited evacuation options, and uneven emergency access—especially after Hurricane Nolo. Oʻahu Food Waste Composting: Honolulu is expanding its G.R.O.W. program islandwide starting Oct. 1, letting more residents put food scraps in green compost carts to cut waste and contamination. Lahaina Front Street Stalls: More than three years after the wildfire, Lahaina’s ocean-side business strip remains largely empty as rebuilding plans and permitting delays keep storefronts from returning. Climate Pressure in the Pacific: Coverage highlights a “super El Niño” setup and a Kelvin wave risk for California—signals of how warmer ocean conditions can amplify coastal impacts.

Climate Courts: Justice Samuel Alito’s last-minute recusal has thrown a major U.S. climate litigation case into uncertainty, with the Supreme Court set to hear oral arguments Oct. 5 over whether localities can use state tort law to seek damages tied to greenhouse gas harms. Local Climate Action: Honolulu’s Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency won a 2026 Government Climate Advocate Award, highlighting ongoing work on decarbonization, resilience, and equity. Toxic Aftermath (Maui): New UH research finds wildfire smoke and debris left lingering metal exposure that can harm lung health months after the 2023 Lahaina fires. Water Safety (Oʻahu): Low levels of PFAS compounds were detected at Fort Shafter’s water system; officials say levels are unlikely to pose a public health risk. Storm Impacts (Big Island): After Hurricane Nolo flooding, Hawaiʻi County issued water restriction notices for parts of Puna, urging essential use only. Wildlife Protection: A man accused of throwing a rock at an endangered monk seal on Maui has had travel limits eased. Research & Food Systems: UH researchers identified how Mozambique tilapia adapt to extreme salt stress—new clues for managing aquatic resilience. Governance & Land: Gov. Josh Green announced new appointments to Hawaiʻi’s Land Use Commission and Hawaiʻi Teacher Standards Board. Energy & Infrastructure: A letter urges East Oʻahu to build more resilient electricity infrastructure.

Hurricane Polo’s Mexico landfall: Hurricane Polo hit Baja California as a Category 2 storm, bringing “life-threatening” flash-flooding and damaging winds, a reminder of how fast extreme weather can turn deadly across the Pacific. Maui wildfire health fallout: New UH research finds toxic metal mixtures linger in Maui residents’ bodies months after the 2023 wildfires, with higher metal exposure linked to abnormal lung function—pushing the call for longer-term monitoring and cleanup. East O‘ahu power resilience: A letter argues Hawaiian Electric must stop relying on piecemeal transmission repairs and move toward local generation and storage, pointing to Kamilo Nui Valley as a potential solar-plus-battery site. Moloka‘i invasive beetle rules: Rules meant to protect Moloka‘i from coconut rhinoceros beetles are expected to be reinstated after a misinterpretation of precedent/state law. Invasive risk in fisheries: NOAA’s new fishing priorities signal looser rules on where, when, and with what gear people fish, raising alarms about harm to vital ecosystems. Mobile swim access: Waianae nonprofit Na Kama Kai launches Hawai‘i’s first mobile teaching pool to bring culturally grounded swim lessons to communities lacking aquatic facilities. ‘Ulu push for food security: Breadfruit advocates gather on Hawai‘i Island to tackle supply and get more people growing and eating ‘ulu as a climate-resilient food source. Whale conservation science: A genetic study supports recognizing Arabian Sea humpbacks as a distinct subspecies, underscoring how isolation shapes wildlife protection needs.

Wildfire Health Fallout (Maui): A new UH Mānoa study finds toxic metal mixtures from the 2023 Maui wildfires lingered in residents’ bodies for 6–18 months, with higher metal burdens linked to abnormal lung function—meaning recovery can’t end when smoke clears. Hawaiian Wildlife Protection (Monk Seal): A Washington man accused of throwing a rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal has had travel restrictions eased ahead of trial, after the alleged act startled the seal and raised welfare concerns. Ocean Conservation & Fishing (Papahānaumokuākea): The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council is developing an experimental bottom-fishing permit to collect information in Papahānaumokuākea, as policy debates continue over commercial access in protected waters. CITES & Cultural Taonga (Māori carvings): Twenty-four Māori carvings reached France for the Lyon Biennale after last-minute CITES permit hurdles—highlighting how wildlife-trade rules can block international travel for protected cultural materials. Storm Readiness (Hawaiʻi): As Hurricane Nolo moves away, Hawaiʻi County is taking damage reports and warning about lingering high winds and impacts, while officials track unmet needs.

Hurricane Watch for Hawaiʻi: Hurricane Nolo remains a major threat for the islands even as it moves away, with high wind, high surf, and flash-flood risk—especially for the Big Island—plus the storm’s outer bands expected to bring life-threatening flooding and mudslides. Storms Across the Pacific: Hurricane Polo continues toward Mexico’s Baja California Sur, while El Niño is driving an unusually active Pacific pattern that keeps multiple systems in play. Kauaʻi Sewage Concerns After Lowell: North Shore residents say sewage problems worsened after Hurricane Lowell, with cesspool systems and flood debris leaving families dealing with contaminated water and costly cleanup. PFAS in Oʻahu Water: Low levels of PFAS were detected in the Fort Shafter water system, prompting renewed attention to drinking-water safeguards. El Niño Preparedness Gaps: A resilience-focused report warns communities are not ready for extreme El Niño impacts through early 2027, especially for older adults and low-income residents. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback (Marianas): NRDC says deep-sea mining decisions around the Marianas should slow down and include meaningful local participation. Post-Disaster Scam Warning: Experts urge Hawaiʻi residents to watch for contractor fraud and recovery scams after storms and fires.

Hurricane Nolo’s Aftermath: Even as Hurricane Nolo moved away from the Hawaiian Islands, Hawaii County still faced high winds, high surf, and flood risk—especially for the Big Island—with forecasters warning of life-threatening rain, flash flooding, and mudslides in areas still recovering from earlier storms. Storms Across the Pacific: The same El Niño-driven pattern fueling Nolo also kept attention on Hurricane Polo as it barreled toward Mexico’s Baja California, with multiple systems raising the odds of heavy rain and coastal impacts across the region. Deep-Sea Mining Push in the Marianas: NRDC is urging the Marianas to slow down and demand meaningful participation in decisions about deep-sea mining, saying local voices are being left out as federal processes move quickly. Coral-Safe Boating: A day-use mooring buoy program in Hawaiʻi is credited with preventing tens of thousands of anchor drops that can damage reefs, highlighting practical conservation that reduces harm while keeping ocean access. HI-5 Recycling Pressure: State lawmakers are looking at ways to improve Hawaiʻi’s HI-5 recycling program as recovery rates decline, with concerns about capacity and the logistics of certified redemption centers. PFAS in Focus: A renewed push to ban PFAS chemicals from food wrappers and packaging underscores growing concern about “forever chemicals” and health risks.

Hurricane Nolo & El Niño impacts: Hawaii is bracing as Hurricane Nolo pulls away but still brings heavy rain, damaging winds, and extreme surf—especially for the Big Island, with flash-flood and mudslide risk in areas already battered by earlier storms. Disaster recovery, still ongoing: After Hurricane Lala’s flooding, Naalehu cemetery recovery continues with slow, careful identification work for displaced burial plots. Water quality concern: Oʻahu’s Fort Shafter water system shows low levels of PFAS, prompting renewed attention to drinking-water monitoring and cleanup priorities. Recycling pressure (HI-5): Hawaii lawmakers are looking at how to reverse declining HI-5 redemption rates, as space and staffing limits keep redemption centers from scaling up. Ocean protection in practice: Day-use mooring buoys are highlighted as a proven way to prevent anchor damage to coral reefs, with maintenance and expansion tied to Green Fee funding. Local infrastructure for resilience: Honolulu broke ground on a new Kahuku EMS station to replace a cramped facility—an upgrade aimed at faster, safer emergency response during disasters. Household hazardous waste access: A Honolulu HHW drop-off event is fully booked, and residents are asking for more capacity or additional dates.

Hurricane Nolo Watch: Hurricane Nolo is churning south of Hawaiʻi, with forecasts warning of life-threatening flash flooding, mudslides, and extreme surf—especially for the Big Island—after multiple recent storms left communities vulnerable. Public Health & Water: Low levels of PFAS were detected in Fort Shafter’s Oʻahu water system, with officials saying concentrations are sporadic and unlikely to pose a public health risk. Local Emergency Readiness: Honolulu EMS broke ground on a new Kahuku station to replace a cramped 1997 facility, adding space for safer operations, decontamination, and better support for paramedics and EMTs. Energy Transition Tension: Hawaiian Electric says it will still retire Maui’s fossil fuel plants even after the EPA eased greenhouse gas rules for power plants. Marine Protection & Activism: Greenpeace activists boarded New Zealand’s research vessel Tangaroa in protest of seabed mining, arguing it could cause irreversible ocean damage. Storm Ripple Effects: Hawaiʻi’s wildlife response continues after high winds from recent storms, including reports of manu-o-kū chick losses.

Hurricane Nolo Preparedness: Hurricane Nolo stayed south of Hawaiʻi Island as tropical storm conditions and large swells reached parts of the state, with the Big Island under hurricane watch, tropical storm warning, flood watch and high surf advisories; officials opened multiple shelters and warned residents to shelter in place and avoid dangerous flooding and downed trees/power lines. PFAS in Drinking Water: Hawaiʻi DOH reported low, sporadic PFAS detections for the first time at Fort Shafter Wells Chlorinator on Oʻahu, with PFHxS below the EPA limit and PFHxA below Hawaiʻi’s action level, but the finding adds urgency to monitoring and cleanup planning. North Shore Emergency Response: Honolulu EMS held a traditional blessing and groundbreaking for a new Kahuku station to replace a small 1997-era facility, expanding space and adding decontamination and other support features for faster, safer response during disasters. Conservation Funding Pressure: Honolulu is considering visitor fees for Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden as tourism demand rises, while the state already charges a Green Fee—raising questions about how to protect natural sites without pricing out residents. Deep-Sea Mining Protest: Greenpeace activists boarded New Zealand’s research vessel Tangaroa in Wellington to protest seabed mining linked to Pacific mineral exploration, warning of irreversible marine damage. Wildlife After Storms: After high winds from recent storms, manu-o-kū chicks were blown from trees, with volunteers reporting significant losses and urging continued support for recovery efforts.

Hurricane Nolo Threatens Hawaii: Maui County remains under tropical storm watch, flood watch, and high surf advisory as Nolo strengthens into a hurricane and is forecast to pass south of the islands, with East Maui flagged for the heaviest rain and hazardous surf; shelters were delayed but remain ready if conditions worsen. Big Island Flood Risk: Forecasters warn of potentially life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides, with rainfall totals possibly reaching 15–30 inches (and higher in spots) as Nolo nears the state. Tourism & Preparedness Push: Hawaii Tourism Conference leaders highlighted a more sustainable tourism future, while the Hawaii Employers Council released a Disaster Preparedness Toolkit urging workplaces to plan now for severe weather impacts. Coral Bleaching Warning: A major global reef assessment finds hard coral cover is down and, crucially, reefs are losing time to recover as marine heat waves hit more often—local action helps, but emissions cuts are still essential. AI Safety Debate: Bipartisan groups of attorneys general, including Oregon’s Dan Rayfield, are urging Congress to set federal AI safety rules after incidents involving AI systems acting unsafely or accessing networks improperly. Sustainability Recognition: Hawaii’s Green Business Program honored 51 businesses and events for energy and water efficiency, waste reduction, and pollution prevention.

Hurricane Nolo Threat: Hawaii’s Big Island is bracing as Tropical Storm Nolo has strengthened into a hurricane, with forecasts calling for 15–30 inches of rain (up to 35) and life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides, especially in steep, already-saturated areas; officials are opening shelters and closing parks and facilities as hurricane watches and flood alerts expand. Pacific Storm Dominoes: While Nolo targets Hawaii, Hurricane Polo continues battering Mexico’s Pacific coast and Tropical Storm Gonzalo forms in the Atlantic—another reminder that El Niño is supercharging extreme weather across the Pacific. Nēnē Road Safety: Three nēnē were killed on Moloka‘i by drivers, prompting DLNR to urge slower driving and extra caution near the endangered birds ahead of Nēnē Awareness Day. Seabed Mining Pushback: NRDC says the Marianas seabed mining lease sale is moving too fast, with residents lacking time and clear details about impacts and oversight. Storms Hit the Economy: UH researchers project Hawaii’s growth will slow to about 0.6% this year as disasters disrupt tourism, businesses, schools, and infrastructure. Local Environment & Culture: A new Bishop Museum exhibit brings lava-tube biodiversity to the public, highlighting species found nowhere else.

Tropical Storm Nolo & Hurricane Polo: Hawaii is bracing for Tropical Storm Nolo to strengthen into a major hurricane, with a Big Island hurricane watch and forecasts of potentially catastrophic flooding and landslides from heavy rain (up to 35 inches in spots). Meanwhile, Hurricane Polo is battering Mexico’s Pacific coast with life-threatening rain and flooding risks. DLNR Closures: In response to Nolo, Hawaiʻi’s DLNR ordered state parks, camping, forest reserves, hiking trails, wildlife sanctuaries, and natural area reserves closed on Hawaiʻi Island (starting Sept. 24) and on Maui and Molokaʻi (starting Sept. 25), with camping permits suspended and refunds offered. Wildlife Safety: DLNR also urged drivers to slow down after three nēnē were killed by vehicles on Molokaʻi earlier this month, ahead of Nēnē Awareness Day. Upcountry Maui Agriculture: A draft environmental assessment is open for public comment on the proposed 262-acre Upcountry Maui Agricultural Park in Kula, including new roads, irrigation using non-potable water, and farm-site leasing. Local Sustainability: The Hawaiʻi Green Business Awards recognized 51 businesses and events for energy and water efficiency, waste reduction, and pollution prevention.