AGP Executive Report

Fourth of July Travel & Safety: AAA expects more than 72 million travelers nationwide, and Southern Nevada drivers are seeing some pump relief as gas trends down; Hawaii remains among the priciest markets. Island Weather & Surf: Honolulu’s holiday forecast calls for pleasant trade-wind conditions with small craft advisories for Maui County and the Big Island, plus near-advisory surf on south shores. Oʻahu Fireworks Logistics: Waikiki road closures are set for Saturday for the Hawaiʻi America 250 celebration at Kapiʻolani Park, with Kalākaua Avenue partially closing at 5 p.m. and fully closing at 7 p.m. Marine Incidents: The Coast Guard rescued two men after a fishing boat capsized offshore near Makaha; another rescue involved two men after a capsized boat near Keaʻau Beach Park. Tourism Economy: RIMPAC 2026 could bring a record boost to Hawaii’s economy, with tens of thousands in town supporting hotels, dining, and local services. Deals for Visitors: Alaska Airlines’ Atmos Rewards “Global Getaways” cuts select Hawaii award prices starting at 11,500 points one-way, booking through July 4 for travel Sept. 1–Nov. 15. Local Culture & Community: Mākena Golf & Beach Club is hosting a Maui Food Bank benefit dinner to support Da Mobile Market, and the Maui Jazz and Blues Festival returns to Kapalua in late August. Sports Spotlight: Carissa Moore reflects on back-to-back WSL wins as she balances elite competition with life as a full-time mom.

Tourism & Travel Deals: World of Hyatt is extending a 500 bonus points-per-night offer for select new hotels through Oct. 31, 2026, with 36 properties on the rotating list. Air Travel Tips: A new report breaks down what really drives gate upgrades—spoiler: it’s not a gate agent’s whim, it’s structured priority and revenue management. Independence Day Travel: AAA expects record July 4 travel volumes (72.2M Americans driving or traveling at least 50 miles), with gas prices easing to about $3.84 nationally. Hawaiʻi Visitor Experience: HVCB and Hawaiian Council are launching a North Shore shuttle with a “North Shore Passport” for shopping and dining stops, aiming to boost Haleʻiwa/Waialua businesses still recovering from March flooding. Local Recovery: Lahaina’s Front Street is seeing its first major pilot marketplace move—an $8M step toward bringing back storefronts. Health & Tourism Impact: A UH Cancer Center study estimates Hawaiʻi patients spent over $230M on out-of-state cancer care (2021–2023), highlighting the strain of geographic isolation. Safety: “Lulu’s Law” is expanding emergency shark-attack alerts to mobile phones, with states responsible for implementation.

Holiday travel weather: Hawaii’s Fourth of July weekend looks warm and slightly humid, with moderate trade winds, lighter rainfall, and surf building on south shores into Sunday/Monday—plus rougher east-facing conditions. Beach safety: Lifeguards are urging calm during rip-current rescues—flip over and float out of danger rather than panicking. Tourism recovery support: A new North Shore shuttle is bringing visitors from Waikiki/Ko Olina to Waialua and Haleiwa to help businesses still recovering from March’s Kona low storms. Local marine management: DLNR’s Holomua Marine Initiative adds a final “Hana Hou” talk story session in Waimea on July 12, seeking community input to guide reef and harvesting decisions. Family-friendly Waikīkī plans: A free 10-minute fireworks show is set for 8:30 p.m. Saturday over Waikīkī to mark America’s 250th. Community spotlight: A visually impaired runner is taking her Kona Marathon mission to support the National Federation of the Blind and K–12 teachers serving students with visual impairments. Live entertainment: Blue Note Hawaii’s July lineup includes UMI, Hunter Hayes, Dave Koz & Friends, and Hawaiian music performances.

Shark Safety Tech: “Lulu’s Law” is now signed, paving the way for emergency alerts to mobile phones after shark attacks—an effort sparked by Alabama teen Lulu Gribbin’s 2024 ordeal. State Tourism Pulse: A new report flags that Hawaii visitor stays are getting shorter, raising concerns for steady tourism growth. Coastal Stewardship: Hawaiʻi’s DLNR says World Ocean Day brought a multi-island cleanup, removing 6,074+ pounds of marine debris and engaging 900+ volunteers. Travel Disruption Watch: AAA reports national gas prices easing ahead of the Fourth of July, though Hawaii remains among the priciest states for fuel. Air Travel Numbers: Delta’s long-haul network shows some routes running with notably low load factors, a reminder that demand can vary widely by route. Local Visitor Economy: Long-awaited repairs to the Laupahoehoe harbor are moving forward, a potential boost for Big Island access and activity.

Maui Water Fight: Japan billionaire Tadashi Yanai’s Maui golf empire is at the center of a widening water dispute, as drought-driven irrigation limits collide with West Maui’s water infrastructure and regulators. Golf & Tourism: The Sony Open is ending, but the Sony Championship Hawaii will debut in 2027 as a PGA Tour Champions event at Waialae—aimed at keeping visitors, jobs, and charity momentum alive. O‘ahu Transit Milestone: Honolulu’s Skyline rail system marks its 3rd birthday, topping 5 million riders since 2023 and averaging nearly 12,000 weekday trips. Shark Alerts: Tiger shark warning signs were posted at Hale‘iwa Ali‘i Beach Park after a non-aggressive 12-foot sighting. Visitor Safety & Travel: TSA at Honolulu Airport intercepted a folding knife hidden in a prosthetic leg, stopping the traveler at the checkpoint. Coastal Cleanup: Hawai‘i marked World Ocean Day with a statewide Coastal Kuleana restoration drive, reporting thousands of pounds of marine debris removed across islands. Local Mobility Work: Honolulu plans pedestrian and traffic safety upgrades in Pearl City, ʻAiea, and Punchbowl starting July 6. Sports & Community: Team USA fans packed a Kailua watch party as the island’s soccer community kept the celebration going.

Hawaiʻi Travel & Tourism: Hawaiʻi’s visitor spending is up in May, but the average stay is getting shorter—an important sign for hotels and tour operators planning staffing and packages. Local Policy & Consumer Info: A new Hawaiʻi law will require ahi labels to disclose origin, giving travelers and shoppers more transparency at the point of purchase. Safety on Oʻahu Roads: A motorcyclist died after a crash in Kapolei, with speed cited as a likely factor—another reminder for holiday-weekend driving vigilance. Airport & Travel Costs: Clear+ is raising its annual fee to $219 starting July 1, while travelers also face broader holiday disruption pressures at major airports. Food & Groceries: DOJ and states reached a $3.3M settlement with major egg producers over alleged price-fixing, with millions of eggs headed to food banks—including Hawaiʻi. Community & Culture: Photos of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. wearing flower lei from Hawaiʻi residents’ Selma trip are on display in Honolulu through July 7.

Visitor Economy Update: Hawaiʻi visitor spending hit $1.77B in May, up 5.3% year over year, even as the average stay fell to 7.6 days (down from 8.47). Maui led the gains with 231,331 visitors (+18.4%) and $523.2M in spending (+26.4%). Airport Safety: A passenger at Honolulu (HNL) TSA checkpoint was stopped after a folding knife was found hidden inside a prosthetic leg. Holiday Park Access: The Keawaʻula section of Kaʻena Point State Park reopens July 1 for the Fourth of July weekend, though parts of the trail remain closed due to March Kona low storm damage. Airline/Travel Planning: Hawaiian Airlines is highlighted as a top summer performer for on-time reliability and low cancellations, while Alaska’s new 670,000-square-foot Global Training Center is set to support Hawaiian expansion. Local Travel Notes: Honolulu’s Nordstrom Rack in Waikiki is closing July 27. Food Relief Tie-In: Hawaii could receive up to 1 million eggs from a DOJ settlement tied to alleged egg price manipulation.

Visitor Economy Update: Hawaii saw May 2026 visitor spending rise to $1.77B (+5.3%) with 800,554 visitors (+3.8%), but stays shortened to 7.60 days (-10.3%), signaling more trips with less time on island. Travel Reliability: Hawaiian Airlines topped a new reliability study for the lowest delay rate (18.1%) and low cancellations (0.7%), a boost for summer travelers planning around schedules. Weather for Beach Plans: Trade winds keep breezy, showery conditions through the weekend, with more moisture Tuesday night into Wednesday and muggy humidity midweek; south/west surf slowly eases while east shores stay rough. Local Public Safety & Community: A Nanakuli beach stabbing suspect was released after prosecutors declined charges citing self-defense issues. Maui & Outdoor Safety: A hiker was airlifted from Haleakalā after an ankle injury; a Paia home was destroyed in a fire with no reported injuries. Food Prices: Hawaii’s AG helped secure a nationwide egg settlement after illegal price manipulation, with up to 1M eggs potentially headed to food banks. Independence Day in Hawaii: Kailua’s long-running July 4 parade returns with “Stronger Together” energy, and Waikīkī events are gearing up for America 250 celebrations. Infrastructure Watch: Laupahoehoe harbor breakwater repairs move forward, with a public info meeting set for July 8. Airline Comfort: Delta is falling behind competitors on faster in-flight Wi‑Fi, a reminder to plan for connectivity needs. Retail Change: Nordstrom Rack in Waikīkī is set to close permanently on July 27.

Air Travel Reliability: A new study from Only In Your State says Hawaiian Airlines is the most reliable U.S. carrier for summer travel, with the lowest delay rate (18.1%) and a very low cancellation rate (0.7%), plus strong performance on mishandled bags. In-Flight Tech Race: Delta is falling behind competitors on faster, more dependable high-speed in-flight Wi‑Fi, as airlines push connectivity from “perk” to expectation. Hawai‘i Gun Law Impact: After the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Hawaii’s default gun-carry ban on private property, businesses are now weighing whether to post clear “no firearms” signs—an issue already sparking debate at places like Whole Foods. Local Safety & Justice: In Nanakuli, a woman arrested after a Zablan Beach stabbing of three women was released after prosecutors declined charges citing self-defense issues. Holiday Planning: July 4 in Hawai‘i carries two histories—Independence Day and the 1894 overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom—while Kailua’s fireworks return with free shuttles. Tourism Logistics: West O‘ahu beach parks will have temporary parking lot closures for repaving: Surfer’s Beach Park (July 6–10) and Nani Kai Beach Park (July 13–17). Community Health: Honolulu is funding two homeless medical respite centers after state support ended, helping keep patients out of hospitals.

US Supreme Court & Hawaii Guns: Hawaii’s default ban on carrying firearms on private property open to the public was ruled unconstitutional, pushing the state to rethink “sensitive places” rules. Interisland Aviation: BETA Technologies and Surf Air Mobility launched an electric aircraft demo in Hawaiʻi, with Hawaiian Airlines supporting evaluation for future cargo and passenger service. Local Weather & Beach Conditions: Trade winds stay breezy with showers mainly over windward and mountain areas; humidity rises midweek, and east shores remain rough while north shore surf stays small. Hawaiʻi Tourism & Travel Planning: Dr. Beach’s annual best-beach list names Poʻipū Beach on Kauaʻi No. 1 for 2026, a big win for summer travelers. State Leadership: Gov. Josh Green will lead the Western Governors’ Association, focusing on a “Health Beyond Healthcare” mental health initiative. Community & Culture: Outrigger canoe racing heats up across the islands, with 1,300+ paddlers competing on the Big Island. America 250 in Hawaii: Multiple Honolulu-area America250 events are set for July 4, including a main celebration at Kapiʻolani Regional Park and Waikīkī fireworks. Gas Prices: National gas prices keep sliding ahead of the Independence Day drive season, though Hawaii remains among the priciest markets.

Coastal Erosion & Beach Access: Officials and Maui resort hotels are backing a sand-rebuilding plan for Ka’anapali Beach, but locals worry trucking in thousands of yards of sand and adding erosion protection could worsen impacts and limit access. North Shore Recovery: A new 90-day shuttle pilot, North Shore Huakai, launches June 29 to help visitors and kamaʻāina spend locally in Haleʻiwa and Waialua after the March Kona Low storms. Volcano Watch: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory marks the retirement of volcanology professor Bruce Houghton, praising his work on explosive eruption processes and volcanic hazard understanding. Tourism Numbers (Guam): Guam reports May visitor arrivals down 24%, yet tourism tax collections came in above budget, with growth from U.S./Hawaiʻi offsetting declines from South Korea and others. Safety Alert (Oʻahu): Honolulu police report a 17-year-old motorcyclist critically injured in a hit-and-run near a South King Street 7-Eleven. Missing Hikers (Oʻahu): Authorities suspended the search for a father and 16-year-old son missing after a hike, citing ocean-current concerns.

North Shore Tourism Boost: A 90-day shuttle pilot called North Shore Huaka‘i launches Monday to help Hale‘iwa and Waialua businesses recover from March’s Kona-low storms and access problems, with the Hawaiian Council covering most of the $200,000 budget and partners including HVCB, E Noa Tours and the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. Maui Health Update: Kula Hospital remains closed with no reopening date after mid-March storm damage left major water damage across campus; emergency care is being routed to Maui Memorial. Hawai‘i Travel Safety & Access: A new state law signed by Gov. Josh Green bans commercial gondolas, cable cars and ropeways, ending momentum for a proposed North Shore gondola on Mount Ka‘ala. Local Life & Visitor Reminders: Honolulu’s updated driver’s license/ID design is rolling out soon with TSA-compatible security features. Community & Culture: The 35th Annual Honolulu AIDS Walk drew 1,000+ participants at Kapiolani Park during Pride Month. Marine & Environment: Coral restoration at Kahaluu Bay shows signs of recovery after major bleaching a decade ago, with renewed spawning reported. Crime & Caution: Police arrested a 36-year-old woman accused of stabbing three women at Zablan Beach in Nanakuli.

Tourism Policy: Gov. Josh Green signed Act 172 banning commercial gondolas, cable cars, and ropeways in Hawaiʻi, ending the Mount Kaʻala gondola push on Oʻahu’s North Shore after strong community opposition. Safety & Travel Alerts: Search crews have ended for a missing South Korean father and teenage son who vanished while hiking near Hanauma Bay; authorities say they may have been swept out to sea after unattended belongings were found. Local Visitor Safety: Honolulu police arrested a 36-year-old woman accused of stabbing three women at Zablan Beach in Nanakuli; all three victims were seriously injured and an attempted murder investigation is underway. Air Travel Tech: Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines are rolling out free Starlink inflight Wi‑Fi for Atmos Rewards members, aiming for smoother “gate-to-gate” connectivity for summer travelers. Volcano Update: Kīlauea’s Episode 50 lava fountaining in Halemaʻumaʻu crater ended abruptly after about seven hours, with officials warning light ashfall may continue. Community & Pride: The 35th Annual Honolulu AIDS Walk drew 1,000+ participants at Kapiʻolani Park to support HIV prevention and services. Tourism Trends: Marathon “sweat-jetting” keeps reshaping travel demand as major races expand globally, including Africa’s first Marathon Major in Cape Town.

Road Safety & Tourism: A New York Times investigation says the rise of giant pickups and SUVs is helping drive a sharp jump in pedestrian deaths since about 2009—an issue that matters for visitors walking Waikīkī, Haleʻiwa, and other busy tourist corridors. Travel Comfort Tech: Alaska and Hawaiian say Atmos Rewards members can unlock free Starlink inflight Wi‑Fi on nearly 150 aircraft, with gate-to-gate service; United and American are also expanding Starlink, signaling faster, more reliable onboard internet for Hawaii-bound travelers. Volcano Watch: Kīlauea’s summit eruption remains paused, but USGS raised the alert to WATCH and aviation color to ORANGE as precursory activity increased; a lava overflow began at the north vent early Saturday. Hawaii Budget & Visitor Fees: Gov. Josh Green signed Hawaii’s $21B budget, keeping tax breaks for most residents and funding climate-fee spending largely paid by tourists. Local Safety Reminder: A report flags bedbugs as a growing summer travel concern, naming top U.S. hot spots and warning travelers to stay alert when booking lodging. Airline Disruption Risk: Data roundup highlights American Airlines canceling the most flights in summer 2025—worth noting for anyone planning tight Hawaii connections. Missing Hikers: Search efforts ended for a Korean father and teenage son missing after a hike near Hanauma Bay Rock Bridge Trail, underscoring the need to follow trail warnings.

Search & Safety: A multi-agency search for a Korean father and teenage son missing after a hike near Hanauma Bay Ridge Trail ended at sunset with no signs found, after crews scoured land and sea from Oahu’s south shore to Barber’s Point. Road & Beach Access: Kamehameha Highway will close both directions at Waimea Bay Sunday (7 a.m.–5 p.m.) for rockfall prevention netting deliveries, and the Waimea Bay parking lot will also shut during work hours. Tourism & Culture: Kalaupapa National Historical Park on Molokai will start offering guided public tours beginning July 9—an 8-mile, strenuous hike with reservations required. Travel Tech: Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines are expanding Starlink in-flight Wi‑Fi, with 150 aircraft already equipped and plans to cover the widebody fleet by fall and the rest by 2027. Local Business Support: Hawaii County opened applications for a Kona Low Business Recovery Grant Program, offering up to $10,000 for eligible storm-impacted businesses. Big Picture Policy: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Hawaiʻi’s gun-permission rules for stores and hotels, reshaping how visitors and residents may carry on private property open to the public.

Kīlauea Update: Hawaiʻi Volcano Observatory reports weak precursory spattering at Kīlauea’s Halemaʻumaʻu summit, with the start of episode 50 fountaining most likely between today (June 26) and tomorrow (June 27), plus possible ash downwind—visitors should watch NPS and county road/park updates. Air Travel Tech: Hawaiian Airlines is supporting BETA Technologies and Surf Air Mobility’s electric aircraft demonstration flights in Hawaiʻi for about six to eight weeks, aiming to test routes, economics, and infrastructure for future electric regional service. Local Tourism Education: Jefferson High School students took a Hawaii national parks tour—Pearl Harbor, Byodo-In, Dole Plantation, North Shore surfing and Diamond Head hike, then Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and the Polynesian Cultural Center. Security & Travel Planning: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Hawaiʻi’s law requiring permission to carry guns in stores and hotels, a change that could affect how visitors interpret “gun-free” signage and rules at private venues. TSA Convenience: Google Wallet and TSA are rolling out TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, letting eligible travelers verify identity with facial comparison instead of physical documents at participating airports. Weather: Moderate to breezy trade winds continue, with showers mainly windward and mountain areas; south shore surf eases today, then another small swell peaks Sunday.