AGP Executive Report

Waikīkī Cleanliness Push: Honolulu has started installing 100 new fully enclosed, weather-resistant trash bins across Waikīkī, building on earlier results at Kūhiō Beach Park that helped cut litter and even saw homelessness drop along key corridors. Hanauma Bay Search: Emergency crews are searching for a father-and-son pair reported missing after possible water-sweeping near Hanauma Bay’s “Rock Bridge”; operations were suspended late today due to weather and are set to resume at first light. Maui Park Debate: Maui planning commissioners deferred a decision on Makena State Park improvements, including permanent bathrooms, showers, and pay stations for out-of-state visitors—testimony was sharply divided. Weather for Visitors: A wetter trade-wind pattern is expected through Wednesday into windward and mauka areas, with gusty winds possible, then drier conditions returning late Wednesday through Saturday. Local Food Growth: The Hawaii Made Conference highlighted a statewide push to help Hawaii businesses get products to market, with agencies signing an agreement to coordinate support. Tourism Safety & Education: Hawaii’s drowning rates are spotlighting the need for stronger swim education as summer beach and pool season ramps up.

Wildfire Readiness: Hawaii’s Public Utilities Commission is taking public input on a future “liability cap” for electric utilities, with preliminary feedback due June 30 as it drafts rules under the post-Maui wildfire law. Energy Resilience: Emergency managers are also urging residents to prepare for longer power outages as El Niño ramps up Central Pacific storm chances, while utilities harden infrastructure. Tourism & Community Access: Hawaii County and the owner of Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park agreed to extend the lease to Sept. 1 to keep public access while talks continue. Local Development: Hawaii County panels approved a permit to renovate Kona Seaside Shops, paving the way for a new restaurant, kiosks and expanded outdoor seating. Travel Culture: Surfing Heritage and Culture Center shared a sneak peek of its new home in Laguna Beach, aiming to open to the public by September. Airline/Travel Industry: Asiana will leave Star Alliance on Dec. 16 after its merger with Korean Airlines, while United expands Starlink Wi‑Fi on international widebody routes. Music & Tech: Hawaii recording artists say AI music sites are taking their songs without consent as legal fights move forward.

July 4 Travel Watch: KAYAK says airfare is easing, with July 2 shaping up as the priciest day—shifting departures to July 3 or July 4 could cut costs. Local Economy & Jobs: Hawai‘i’s unemployment rate ticked up to 2.5% in May, with leisure and hospitality adding jobs. Shark Alerts on O‘ahu: Tiger shark warning signs went up at Ke Iki Beach, and earlier Pipeline alerts remain in effect—lifeguards are urging checks before entering the water. Maui Visitor Infrastructure: Maui County will hold a July 1 blessing for the completed Front Street railing and walkway project, part of Lahaina’s post-2023 wildfire recovery. Back-to-School Drive: Helping Hands Hawaii is still seeking donations to fill 3,000 backpacks for students, with distribution starting mid-July. Tourism & Lodging Finance: X-Caliber announced $431M in Rural PACE-X financing for Kaua‘i’s Coco Palms Resort redevelopment. Airline Comfort Scrutiny: United Polaris meal complaints are drawing attention online as travelers question onboard food quality. Safety & Access: Honolulu is set to begin emergency repairs on a storm-damaged Tantalus Drive section starting July 6.

Maui Vacation Rental Shift: Maui County Council passed Bill 88 (7-2), creating new H-3 and H-4 hotel zoning districts to help thousands of vacation rentals transition as apartment-zoned operations get phased out. UH Protest Rules: The University of Hawaiʻi is moving to update campus “time, place and manner” limits, including a 60-decibel noise cap, bans on overnight camping/tents, and distance limits during school hours—sparking free-speech concerns. Tourism Infrastructure Watch: Hawaiʻi Convention Center leak repairs are underway during its shutdown, but lawmakers rejected a $55M funding request, pushing many upgrades to later years and risking competitiveness when it reopens. Wellness & Culture: Mauna Kea Beach Hotel unveiled a new indoor-outdoor spa built around Ho‘ōla i Loko, with Hawaiian healing rituals and an oli-led experience. Community & Keiki: Maui County FCU and the Salvation Army launched an Adopt a Backpack drive through July 18 to support students across Maui. Safety & Alerts: Police are asking for help locating a missing, at-risk Wailuku man with distinctive rainbow hair. Travel Costs: AAA says national gas prices are easing as summer travel ramps up, with the U.S. average down to about $3.99.

Shark Safety in Waikīkī: Honolulu Ocean Safety posted warnings near Pipeline after two aggressive ~7-foot sharks were spotted near Off-The-Wall, urging beachgoers to check with lifeguards and call 911 if they encounter a shark. Monk Seal Update: ‘Ānela ‘Auinalā (RV96) was successfully weaned and relocated from busy Kaimana Beach to a quieter Oʻahu shoreline to help her learn normal wild behavior away from crowds. Beach Health Alerts: Elevated bacteria levels triggered closures and swimming advisories across the U.S., a reminder for visitors to follow posted water-quality signs. Travel Budget Reality Check: A new survey finds many Americans are adjusting plans as gas prices and airfare rise—prioritizing trips and cutting other spending. Hawaiʻi Travel Access: Southwest is set to launch a new Burbank (BUR)–Honolulu (HNL) route in August, adding more options for summer travelers. Local Culture at Risk: A canoe club in Ewa Beach says it received an eviction notice from its Hammer Point shoreline home after nearly 20 years, seeking a safer relocation plan. Tourism Planning Tip: A guide to visiting Pearl Harbor’s USS Arizona Memorial highlights why arriving early helps visitors get more out of the exhibits before boarding.

Air Travel & Tourism: Southwest will add a new year-round Honolulu route from Hollywood Burbank (BUR) starting Aug. 4, joining Alaska’s recent launch on the same corridor and expanding options for Hawaii-bound travelers. Local Community & Visitor Safety: Hawai‘i Police’s Kona Community Policing Section is running its first “Fill a Cruiser” back-to-school supplies drive July 18 at Kona Walmart, with donations of backpacks, notebooks, pencils, and water bottles. Honolulu Mobility: Biki’s bikeshare reviews are turning sour, with complaints about broken stations, too-few bikes, and overcharging; the city says it plans to invest $1M to restore 600 bikes and repair stations. Maui & O‘ahu Travel Context: The Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce holds its annual membership meeting and luncheon June 30, while on O‘ahu, a state senator is challenging a DLNR extension for the Waianae Boat Harbor encampment deadline to Oct. 16. Hawai‘i Culture & Events: Miss Hawaii 2026 Carly Yoshida was crowned at the Hawaii Theatre, setting up her next stop at Miss America later this year. Environment & Access: The Puna Alternate Route Study is delayed by at least six months, affecting plans for additional evacuation options into Puna.

Waianae Relocation Deadline: Hawaii lawmakers say DLNR keeps pushing back the Puuhonua O Waianae encampment move at Waianae Boat Harbor, with the latest deadline extended to Oct. 16 amid public-safety concerns. Big Island Access: Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach Park’s lease has been extended through Sept. 1, keeping the popular Kaʻū shoreline open while talks continue over its future. Oʻahu Beach Closures: Bellows Beach Park will close to the public this weekend for U.S. Marine Corps training, with more weekend closures planned in July. Tourism & Culture: Aloha Festivals opens applications for 2026 signature events tied to its 80th anniversary, including the Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a Royal Court, floral parade, and vendor opportunities. Local Food Business Boost: The Hawaii Made Conference returns in Waikīkī June 23 to help farmers and food makers grow through resources, networking, and product development guidance. Maui Resilience Summit: Hua Momona Foundation announces RISE Maui 2026 (Aug. 17–21) at Hyatt Regency Maui and Hua Momona Farms, focused on regeneration, sustainability, and innovation. Travel Safety Watch: The NTSB is again spotlighting safety gaps for sightseeing flights and skydiving after recent fatal incidents, urging stronger oversight. Gas/Travel Costs: National gas prices dipped below $4 ahead of the July 4 travel rush, offering a brief reprieve for drivers.

Tourism & Travel Watch: Jet fuel prices have crashed to the lowest since the U.S.-Iran conflict began, but airlines aren’t rushing to pass savings to travelers—so don’t expect immediate airfare relief. Local Access & Community: Kaʻū residents rallied to save Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach Park after a lease was set to end June 30; the County of Hawaiʻi extended the lease to Sept. 1 while talks continue. Nature & Conservation: Coral restoration at Kahaluu is paying off—biologists report major cauliflower coral reproduction after years of heat-wave damage. Wildlife Update: NOAA relocated the monk seal pup ‘Anela ‘Auinala from crowded Kaimana Beach to a quieter Oʻahu shoreline, with a temporary satellite tag to track her. Oʻahu Travel Disruption: Waipahu Street Arch Bridge emergency repairs start June 29, with contraflow and detours expected for about three months. Safety on the Road: A 16-year-old died in a high-speed Pali Highway single-car crash; police say speed was a factor and she wasn’t wearing a seatbelt. Food & Culture: Hawaiʻi chefs Rhoda Magbitang and Lee Anne Wong scored big on national TV competitions, putting local cuisine in the spotlight. Weather: Father’s Day weekend looks warm and mostly sunny, with humid conditions easing slightly and only brief showers in typical spots.

Monk Seal Updates: NOAA says Waikiki’s weaned pup ‘Anela has been relocated to a quieter, undisclosed Oahu beach to help her learn normal wild behavior away from crowds. Travel Disruption: Honolulu will start emergency repairs on the Waipahu Street Arch Bridge June 29, with contraflow beginning Aug. 3 and an estimated 3-month timeline—expect delays. Father’s Day Forecast: Warm, sunny weather with muggy-but-manageable humidity and only a few brief showers; south-shore surf eases but stays active enough for beach plans. Airport Costs: New parking rates at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport kick in July 1, raising longer-stay hourly prices while keeping the first six hours unchanged. Tourism & Culture: A Hawaii-made product push is underway via food events aimed at boosting tourism, while local history spotlight continues with Maui historian Jill Engledow’s decades of storytelling. Community for Visitors & Locals: “Stuff Da Bus” school-supply drive is set for July 19 at Hilo Police Station drop-off through July 18. Safety Watch: High surf warnings remain in play for parts of Hawaii’s south shores, with conditions expected to affect beach access and plans.

Wildfire Preparedness: Hawaiʻi DOT is ramping up statewide wildfire risk work, focusing on vegetation management and creating/maintaining evacuation routes in vulnerable communities. Animal Rights in Tourism Hotspots: Hawaiʻi’s Supreme Court will consider whether zoo elephants should gain human-style constitutional rights and be relocated, a case that could reshape how visitors experience animal exhibits. Oʻahu Visitor Health Alert: The state Department of Health says a travel-related dengue case was reported in an Oʻahu visitor, with risks described as low. Big Island Visitor Economy: County planners approved a roughly $5 million renovation plan for Kona Seaside Shops, including a new restaurant, kiosks, and expanded outdoor dining. Local Travel Costs: Honolulu is increasing fees tied to parks camping permits and custodial services starting July 1, affecting visitor planning. Kīlauea Update: Episode 50 of Kīlauea’s eruption is set to begin next week, keeping eyes on volcanic impacts for travelers. Cruise Dining Upgrade: Carnival Cruise Line is rolling out new onboard dining concepts, including a Hawaiian kitchen, as summer sailings gear up.

Tourism & Culture: Kaimana Beach on Oʻahu fully reopened after Hawaiian monk seal Kaiwi and her pup left the area, with officials urging visitors to keep distance from pups. Historic Travel Access: Kalaupapa Saints Tours has closed following the death of founder Meli Watanuki; refunds are being issued and the National Park Service says it will explore alternatives for visitors. Safety on the Road: A 16-year-old died in a single-vehicle crash on the Pali Highway; lanes were closed for hours as responders handled the fire and investigation, with speed suspected. Beach & Water Alerts: Hawaiʻi Island’s south shores face a high surf advisory through early Friday, with 7–10 ft surf and dangerous conditions for swimmers. Local Costs for Visitors: Honolulu is raising Oʻahu camping permit fees and after-hours custodian fees starting July 1, and HDOT is increasing long-stay parking rates at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Volcano Watch: Residents can now submit observations to help scientists map tephra fallout from Kīlauea’s ongoing eruption episodes. Infrastructure & Water: Ground broke on an $85M Kailua wastewater treatment plant upgrade ordered after 2023 bacteria exceedances. Tourism Outlook: Hawaii’s visitor growth is expected to be slower this summer, but food-and-product events like the Hotel & Restaurant Show and Hawaii Made Conference are pushing to boost demand.

Space & Defense: Space Base Delta 1 commander Col. Kenneth Klock visited Maui to review infrastructure needs and mission operations at the Maui Space Surveillance Complex, home to the 15th Space Surveillance Squadron. Animal Rights in Tourism: Hawaiʻi Supreme Court will consider whether Honolulu Zoo elephants Mari and Vaigai should gain legal personhood and be moved to a sanctuary, with local residents saying the enclosure is too small. Public Health for Visitors: Hawaiʻi DOH confirmed a travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu tied to a visitor; officials say local transmission risk is low and urge residents to eliminate standing water. Local Roads & Land Use: Hawaiʻi County postponed a vote on using eminent domain to widen Government Beach Road in Puna, after landowners argued the plan threatens family heritage and property rights. Getting Around Oʻahu: TheBus annual pass prices rise July 1; buying by Saturday locks in the lower $880 rate. Air Travel: JetBlue expands premium Mint service from Fort Lauderdale, adding new daily Mint flights to San Diego and more Mint routes to Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Public Health: The Hawai‘i Department of Health confirmed a new travel-related dengue case on O‘ahu involving a visitor. DOH says the statewide count stays at five because the person is a nonresident, and local transmission risk is low since the visitor had left the islands and wasn’t infectious at departure. Officials are urging everyone to cut mosquito breeding by removing standing water around homes and workplaces. Tourism & Travel Costs: Economists say a U.S.-Iran agreement could eventually ease Hawaii’s gas and electricity prices, but any relief at the pump may take time as global oil markets adjust. Local Hospitality: The Hawaii Hotel & Restaurant Show returns to the Neal S. Blaisdell Center on June 17–18, with free entry (advance registration/approval required), plus food demos and locally made products. Beach Access: Kahalu‘u and Kohanaiki Beach Parks in Kona remain closed while debris removal is completed. Safety & Operations: Honolulu’s Ocean Safety Department is moving to a fully digital reporting system to speed incident updates and improve beach response. Community for Visitors & Families: Maui County FCU’s Adopt a Backpack drive runs through July 18 to help students get ready for school.

Maui Parking Update: A Maui County Council committee advanced Bill 68 to expand paid and permit parking near Lahaina Harbor, while adding Hawaiʻi resident benefits at the Wailuku Garage—first two hours free with a valid Hawaiʻi driver’s license, plus temporary vendor-only parking during Wailuku First Friday. Ocean Safety & Surf Hazards: A rogue-wave incident at Oʻahu’s China Walls swept a woman off lava rocks; a bystander rushed in to help before conditions worsened. Coastal Resilience: NOAA and UH Sea Grant highlighted how king tides plus a strong south swell are already causing erosion and flooding, offering a preview of what rising seas could mean for Waikiki and other popular shorelines. Tourism Tech: Honolulu entrepreneurs launched Leilani, a free AI trip-planning chatbot that answers questions in 30+ languages and can help with beach safety, food, culture, and reservations. Local Economy: DBEDT’s latest forecast keeps Hawaiʻi’s growth steady, projecting 1.6% growth for 2026 and calling the economy resilient. Aviation Summer Perks: Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines are refreshing onboard beverages this summer, including premium wines and new cold brew options.

Traffic & Safety (Big Island): A 24-year-old Hilo motorcyclist, Tyler Napoleon, died after a head-on crash on South Glenwood Road in Mountain View; police say speed and reckless driving are suspected, and he wasn’t wearing a helmet. Beach Health (Oahu): Testing found raw-sewage-linked bacteria at multiple Oahu beaches; 7 of 14 sites failed water quality standards this weekend, raising swimmer health concerns. Wildlife (Oahu): NOAA says Rocky the Hawaiian monk seal gave birth to her 16th pup in Kalaeloa; officials urge the public to stay at least 150 feet away. Ocean Safety (Oahu): Honolulu Ocean Safety is moving from paper logs to a fully digital Watchtower reporting system to speed up rescue coordination and improve situational awareness. Tourism Infrastructure (Oahu): The Hawaii Convention Center is partially closed for major repairs and lawmakers delayed funding, postponing more than a dozen projects. Air Travel (Hawaiian Airlines): Starting July 1, most Hawaiian Airlines economy passengers between Hawaii and the U.S. mainland will lose the free meal, shifting to pre-ordered paid options. Weather & Surf: A quieter trade-wind pattern is expected, but elevated south-shore surf and high-tide coastal flooding impacts remain a key concern.

Travel Costs & Demand: Americans are quietly skipping once-beloved trips as airfare, hotels, dining, parking, and resort fees keep climbing—pushing destinations like Maui and Key West to feel less like easy getaways and more like pricey splurges. Hawaiʻi Visitor Experience & Safety: A powerful south-southwest swell is keeping a High Surf Warning in effect for south-facing shores, with surf well above normal and king tides raising the risk of minor coastal flooding. Local Crime & Travel Disruption: Honolulu police say the wife of a Moanalua High School assault suspect is appearing in court, while Kona investigators ask the public for help identifying suspects in stolen vehicles and credit-card fraud. Adventure & Tourism Growth: Botanical World Adventures on Hawaiʻi Island is expanding with two new waterfall tours—The Rappel and The Dip—adding more ways to access Puʻuwai o Kamaeʻe Falls. Airfare Watch: Southwest is running a 55th-birthday sale with one-way fares as low as $55 for select travel days, including Hawaii-bound options. Shark & Ocean Notes: A local piece highlights how rare shark bites are in Hawaiʻi, alongside ongoing public interest in ocean safety. Hawaiʻi Economy: DBEDT projects mild growth for 2026, keeping tourism spending as a key support despite higher inflation.