AGP Executive Report

Tropical Storm Lala Recovery: USPS says mail delivery on Hawaii Island continues where safe, but some post offices are closed due to power outages and unsafe roads; in Ka‘u, mail is being held and deliveries paused until routes reopen. Storm Watch: Forecasters are tracking a new disturbance southeast of Hawaii with a high chance of becoming a tropical storm soon, so visitors and residents should keep checking updates through the weekend. Local Tourism & Community Impact: Punalu‘u Bake Shop in Naalehu reports “catastrophic” damage from Lala flooding, underscoring how key visitor stops and community hubs are still dealing with mud, collapsed structures, and debris. Water Rights: The state Land Board rejected a 30-year East Maui commercial water license auction and moved forward with a contested-case hearing over revocable permits—an issue that can shape long-term access for local users. Health & Travel Safety: DOH confirmed additional travel-related dengue cases on O‘ahu, while CDC reports a large national cyclosporiasis surge; travelers should follow health precautions and stay alert for advisories.

Hurricane Lala Recovery: Hawaii is moving toward reopening after Tropical Storm Lala, with state and county offices and most public schools set to reopen Wednesday (Aug. 19), except Kau district on Hawaiʻi Island; Naʻālehu Elementary and Kau High plus Pāhala Elementary stay closed through Thursday due to storm damage and road access issues. Power Restoration: Hawaiian Electric is bringing in 100 outside workers to help reconnect thousands still without power, as some residents report days in the dark and worry about impacts on seniors and people needing daily medical care. Travel Health Alert: The state Department of Health confirmed a new travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, bringing 2026 total to seven; DOH says transmission risk is low but urges visitors and residents to eliminate standing water, especially after Lala flooding. Visitor Safety & Guidance: Canada’s travel advisory for Hawaii has eased, but officials still warn visitors to avoid closed areas (notably Kaʻū) and heed ocean and stream safety guidance. Tourism Spotlight: Duke’s 24th annual OceanFest kicked off in Waikiki with longboard competition, continuing through the week despite Lala-related postponements. Air Travel Deals: A new report ranks American Airlines as best for domestic flight deals in 2026, with Hawaiian/Alaska placing fifth. Environmental Concern: A scientific estimate reiterates the Great Pacific Garbage Patch’s massive scale—an ongoing plastic problem affecting the ocean visitors come to enjoy.

Hurricane Lala Recovery: Hawaii is still digging out after the storm killed at least one person, wrecked roads and bridges, and left tens of thousands without power—Hawaiian Electric says some customers could face weeks or even months of outages as crews repair major transmission damage. Big Island Damage: An overflight highlighted catastrophic impacts in Ka‘ū, including mudslides that buried parts of Nāʻālehu and destroyed landmarks like Punalu‘u Bake Shop, while County updates say access to Pāhala and Nāʻālehu is restored for residents and emergency/essential travel only. Visitor Safety & Travel Disruption: Officials are urging caution as services resume and hikers are warned to avoid trails in severe weather conditions; meanwhile, travel guidance is circulating for visitors navigating storm-related closures and flight changes. Local Tourism Spotlight: Mauna Kea Beach Hotel’s $200M renovation is drawing attention as it prepares for its 60th-anniversary era, with upgrades aimed at blending resort comfort with the island’s landscape. Culture & Adventure: A look at Hawaii’s ancient love affair with surfing ties he‘e nalu traditions to today’s global sport, while Honolulu reports a serious pedestrian collision involving a police vehicle.

Tropical Storm Lala Recovery: Hawaii is shifting from storm response to cleanup, but the damage is still very real—one death was confirmed on the Big Island, roads and bridges were hit, and power restoration could take weeks or months as thousands remain without electricity. Visitor & Resident Safety: The state Department of Health issued health precautions after the storm, including a statewide brown water advisory and strict food-safety guidance after outages and flooding. Oʻahu Cleanup & Services: Honolulu says convenience centers, transfer stations, and the Waimānalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill reopened, while city officials urge caution as traffic signals and lights remain out in some areas. Maui Operations: Maui County offices and services are set to resume normal operations Tuesday, with storm impacts continuing in Upcountry and other areas. Travel Disruption: Airports and flights were disrupted during Lala, and cruise schedules were adjusted as ports reopened. Local Life & Culture: A former Waikiki “beachboy” is keeping Hawaiian craft traditions alive inland, while the Made in Hawaiʻi Festival returns with a pavilion spotlighting 28 local businesses.

Hurricane Lala Recovery: Honolulu is in full cleanup mode after Tropical Storm Lala moved away, with no new weather alerts for Oahu but lingering hazards like downed powerlines, flooding risk, and tens of thousands still without electricity; the Honolulu Board of Water Supply is urging strict water conservation while pumping systems are restored. Big Island Access Damage: Crews are assessing major transportation damage on Hawaii Island, especially in Kaʻū where at least six bridges were damaged or destroyed and Route 11 sections were washed out, including emergency access restored between Pahala and Hilo with some lanes still restricted. Travel Disruptions & Flights: Airlines and airports are still working through storm fallout, including canceled flights during the Lala period and ongoing rebooking options for travelers; Seattle-area disruptions were reported as carriers recover. Cruise Update: The Port of Honolulu has reopened and cruise operations are resuming, with Pride of America and Norwegian Spirit restarting adjusted schedules after storm inspections. Tourism Pricing Watch: Expedia says shoulder-season savings are harder to find this year, but Honolulu is still flagged as a place where travelers can save on lodging and flights in fall. Local Adventure: A hiker was rescued on the Kaaawa Makaua Hidden Garden Trail after a leg injury, highlighting the need to match hiking plans to conditions.

Hurricane Lala Aftermath: Hurricane Lala brushed Hawaii’s Big Island, then weakened to a tropical storm as it moved away—leaving widespread damage, stranded residents, and major recovery work underway. Power & Damage: More than 180,000 customers were still without power Sunday afternoon, with officials reporting at least 100 homes damaged and severe flooding impacts in rural Kaʻū. Travel Disruptions: Airports and ports saw major fallout, including cruise delays as Honolulu Harbor stayed closed for inspections; Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines have been restoring service and say a normal schedule is expected Monday. Government Closures: Gov. Josh Green and county mayors ordered statewide closure of public schools and non-essential government offices Monday, with administrative leave for many workers. Oʻahu Safety Update: The Tropical Storm Warning was lifted for Oʻahu, but the City of Honolulu warns hazards remain—downed lines, flooding risk, dangerous ocean conditions, and debris clearing continue. Road & Airport Impact: Hawaiʻi DOT reports washed-out sections, blocked routes, and ongoing highway closures across islands as crews assess damage and restore traffic signals.

Storm Recovery & Safety: Tropical Storm Lala has weakened after skirting Hawaiʻi’s Big Island, but dangerous rain and gusty winds are still causing flash-flood risk, downed trees, and widespread damage. Officials report at least one storm-related death, with Oʻahu under flash flood warnings and the Big Island seeing ongoing flooding and elevated streams. Power & Infrastructure: More than 200,000 customers are without power statewide, with the Big Island hit hardest (nearly 70% reported out). Road closures are piling up across Oʻahu, and TheBus service was suspended Saturday before resuming Sunday morning with possible gaps. Homes & Rescue Efforts: Search-and-rescue operations are underway after flash flooding reportedly swept homes off foundations in Kaʻū (Naʻālehu/Waiʻōhinu area). Travel Disruptions: Honolulu cruise port remains closed, leaving Norwegian Spirit guests delayed indefinitely. Airports and flights were also disrupted as Lala approached, and travelers are facing cancellations and delays. Visitor Guidance: Authorities are urging residents and visitors to stay off roads, avoid flooded areas, and shelter in place while conditions remain hazardous. Tourism Spotlight: Aulani’s 15th anniversary Mickey and Minnie outfit reveal at D23 is still drawing attention, but storm conditions are dominating visitor planning right now.

Hurricane Lala: Category 1 winds and heavy rain are battering Hawaiʻi Island, with the National Hurricane Center warning of life-threatening flooding, mudslides, and dangerous surf as the storm tracks northwest; Power & travel disruptions: Hawaiian Electric reports 88,000+ customers without power statewide (63,270 on the Big Island, plus outages on Maui and Oʻahu), while airlines cancel and reduce flights and airports/ports close; Oʻahu impacts: Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki is closed after falling debris from a hotel, and Honolulu temporarily suspends TheBus routes after 8:31 p.m. due to high winds and rain; Safety & shelters: Honolulu urges residents and visitors to shelter in place, with hurricane refuge areas open, and Hawaiʻi County reports rescues and two homes swept away in Nā‘ālehu amid flash flooding; Visitor guidance: A travel waiver is in effect as Lala disrupts weekend plans, including canceled Hawaii-bound flights from the mainland.

Hurricane Lala: The Big Island is already feeling it as Hurricane Lala nears, with heavy rain, high winds, downed trees and power outages. Emergency Response: Hawaiʻi County opened shelters and urged people to stay off roads; Honolulu opened eight pet-friendly hurricane refuge areas. Travel Disruptions: Hilo and Kona airport closures are underway, ports are closed, and airlines are canceling flights—Southwest says it’s offering rebooking/refunds for affected travelers. Flood Risk: A flash flood warning is in effect for parts of East Hawaiʻi, with officials warning of life-threatening flooding and mudslides. Visitor Guidance: State and local agencies are pushing travelers to monitor updates, avoid shorelines, and prepare for rough surf and road closures. Tourism & Events: Haleakalā and other major sites are closing, and even Hawaii public school sports are being wiped out for safety. Local Impacts Beyond Weather: Aiea logged scam reports tied to travel/vacation/timeshare fraud, a reminder to double-check bookings and offers.

Tropical Storm Lala: Hawaii braces for a potentially historic Big Island hurricane threat as Lala strengthens, with a Hurricane Warning for Hawaiʻi Island, Tropical Storm Warnings for Maui County, and a Tropical Storm Watch for Oʻahu and Kauaʻi. Officials are urging people to finish preparations, watch for flash flooding and dangerous surf, and heed shelter/closure updates. Travel Disruptions: Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines have canceled dozens of interisland and transpacific flights, including suspended Hilo service Saturday and widespread Kona and Līhuʻe cancellations; travelers are told to check flight status and use waivers. Statewide Closures: DLNR is suspending camping and lodging on state lands and parks, with additional park closures on Hawaiʻi Island and Kauaʻi. Oʻahu Readiness & Ocean Safety: Honolulu will open eight hurricane refuge areas Saturday and has crews pre-positioned; Ocean Safety warns beachgoers to stay out of the water as surf and currents can turn quickly. Public Health: DOH confirmed a 5th cyclosporiasis case in Hawaii, with risk to the public described as low. Local Tourism Note: Lānaʻi Air launched a new Molokaʻi–Honolulu route, adding access options for residents.

Tropical Storm Lala Disruption: Hawaiian Airlines is canceling five Hilo flights and suspending Hilo operations on Saturday, with 23 flights affected, plus one Kahului–Honolulu cancellation; a travel waiver covers Friday through Sunday travelers—check flight status before heading to the airport. Storm Prep & Visitor Guidance: Hawaiʻi Hurricane Warning updates and expanding heavy-weather port conditions are in place as Lala strengthens toward the Big Island, with dangerous winds, heavy rain, and high surf expected; the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is sharing a visitor guide, emergency alert sign-up info, and resources to help guests adjust plans. Cruise & Travel Reroutes: Cruise itineraries are shifting as the Pacific storm threatens Hawaiʻi, including reroutes for ships like Norwegian Spirit and Pride of America. Local Safety Watch: Honolulu Ocean Safety is preparing for high surf and increased rescues as Lala approaches. Tourism Context: A new national look at international travel highlights how inbound tourism supports jobs and local tax revenue—while recovery remains uneven versus 2019.

Tropical Storm Lala Emergency: Gov. Josh Green declared a state of emergency as Hawaiʻi Island faces a hurricane warning, with damaging winds, heavy rain, possible tornadoes, and dangerous surf expected to ramp up Friday night into the weekend. Storm Shelters & Closures: Hawaiʻi County will open multiple shelters at 6 p.m. Friday, and officials are urging residents to secure supplies and property now; Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is closing key areas starting noon Friday, with additional school and event changes across the Big Island. Oʻahu Ocean Safety: Honolulu Ocean Safety is extending lifeguard hours and warning visitors to stay out of the water as Lala strengthens and swell builds, after hundreds of rescues and preventative actions already. Interisland Travel Disruptions: Airlines are adjusting interisland schedules, including Hawaiian Airlines reducing some Hilo flights as winds and gusts threaten operations. Cruise Update: Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America is rushing back to Honolulu to avoid port closures, delaying parts of its itinerary. Tourism & Consumer Watch: Aloha Hawaii Tours faces a TCPA robocall lawsuit tied to cold-calling on the Do Not Call Registry. Local Community Prep: Maui Humane Society is asking residents to foster dogs ahead of Lala, with the shelter preparing for possible displacement.

Tropical Storm Lala Watch: A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Hawaiʻi Island as Tropical Storm Lala strengthens in the Central Pacific, with heavy rain (5–10 inches, locally higher), possible mudslides, and dangerous surf expected to ramp up Friday into the weekend. Ocean Safety: On Oʻahu, Honolulu Ocean Safety reported 144 rescues and 2,850 preventative actions as south swell peaked today, with a high surf advisory through 6 a.m. Friday and more swells likely from Lala. Local Travel Disruptions: Event cancellations and postponements are already rolling out across the islands as the storm threat grows, including Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island schedule changes. Interisland Air Update: Lāna‘i Air launched a new daily Molokaʻi–Oʻahu route with four flights per day, priced from $169 one-way. Road Safety: Two separate moped crashes on Oʻahu left riders dead—one in Haleiwa and another near Sunset Beach—both involving helmetless riders. State Tourism/Business: DBEDT will return as official sponsor of the Made in Hawaiʻi Festival, featuring a Hawaiʻi Made Pavilion with nearly 30 local businesses.

Ocean Safety & Storm Watch: Honolulu Ocean Safety reported 2,850 preventive actions and 144 rescues on Oʻahu Wednesday as south swell built to advisory-level surf, urging beachgoers to stay alert—especially with a tropical system approaching. High Surf Advisory: The National Weather Service issued a high surf advisory for south-facing shores starting 6 p.m. Thursday, with surf forecast at 8–12 feet and dangerous currents. Tropical Cyclone One-C: Potential Tropical Cyclone One-C (expected to become “Lala”) is forecast to bring heavy rain, damaging winds, flooding, and rough surf, with Big Island and Maui currently facing the highest rainfall risk. Volcano Update (Kīlauea): Episode 53 of Kīlauea’s eruption is driving possible tephra fall downwind of the summit; Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park visitors are urged to monitor conditions and protect eyes/respiratory health. Interisland Travel: Lanai Air launched daily round-trip flights between Molokai and Honolulu, adding more options for residents and medical travel. Local Infrastructure: Honolulu will rehabilitate the Numana Road Bridge in Kalihi starting Aug. 17, with lane changes and a full closure expected later this year. Tourism & Travel Planning: If you’re heading out this weekend, plan for rough ocean conditions and rapidly changing weather.

Monk Seal Update: NOAA released new details on the deaths of two young Hawaiian monk seals on Oahu’s North Shore, including one killed by toxoplasmosis and another found in an unattended fishing net, while noting 2026 is a record year for pup births. Air Travel Tech: TSA highlighted TSA PreCheck Touchless ID for faster, more convenient screening at participating airports, including Hawaiian Airlines, with opt-in via airlines or Google Wallet. Airline Pricing Scrutiny: Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. pressed major carriers—including Hawaiian Airlines—on “surveillance pricing,” asking whether personal data and AI help set what individual travelers pay. Local Ocean Protections: Honolulu marked completion of the Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant secondary treatment phase 1, aimed at keeping beaches and the ocean cleaner. Climate Fight: A new report says Hawaii can’t kick its oil habit as it faces climate-change litigation while still relying heavily on fossil fuels. Tourism Watch: American Airlines is changing upgrades on some routes to add passengers to an upgrade list for premium economy, sparking backlash from frequent flyers.

Oahu Safety Update: Honolulu police say e-bike education and enforcement are cutting illegal electric dirt bike problems and crashes in District 8, with more citations and fewer community complaints. TSA Travel Tip: Fresh flowers are allowed through U.S. airport security, but TSA notes they must go without water at the checkpoint (you may need to empty the vase). Monk Seal Protection: NOAA confirmed a 3-month-old Hawaiian monk seal pup died after entanglement in an unattended lay net off Oʻahu’s North Shore; officials warn lay nets are tightly regulated and must be recovered. Hawaii Tourism & Travel: Westgate Resorts is opening its first Caribbean property, Westgate Bimini Bay in the Bahamas, with reservations starting Oct. 1, 2026. Local Travel Disruption: Kūhiō Highway in Kapaʻa has a lane closure for emergency water line repairs, and South Kīhei Road on Maui reopened ahead of schedule after Kona low storm damage. Weather Watch: Honolulu officials are urging Oʻahu residents to prepare for a developing tropical system in the Central Pacific this weekend. Cruise Planning: Celebrity Cruises released its 2028–2029 global sailings, including a first-ever stop in Galway, Ireland.