AGP Executive Report

Hurricane & Weather Watch: Fausto’s remnants are pulling away from Hawaii, but trade winds are expected to strengthen and bring breezier, drier conditions—while East shore surf builds into the weekend as swells linger. Safety on the Trails: Honolulu firefighters say a viral hiking-mistakes video is funny, but the rules are serious—bring water, don’t rely on a low phone battery, and wear proper footwear on popular routes like Koko Head Stairs. Tourism & Travel Tech: Sea-Tac tied for top U.S. airport website security, while Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye scored lowest in a new study—an issue for travelers who rely on airport sites for updates. Local Community & Jobs: Cane St. Cafe in Wahiawa is more than coffee—it’s tied to the Hope Education Center and a back-to-work pipeline that trains people for barista and customer service roles. Culture & Remembrance: “Lele Wale” returns to Lahaina for a limited run, using community voices and hana keaka storytelling to honor lives lost in the 2023 wildfires. Aloha in Action: Jeanne Gibson, a “Rosie the Riveter” who helped share her WWII experience in Hawaii, has died at 100.

Hawaiʻi Travel & Safety: The National Weather Service canceled a high surf advisory for Hawaiʻi Island as Tropical Depression Fausto weakens and moves away, with Hawaiʻi County saying all beach parks are open. Voyaging & Weather Planning: The Polynesian Voyaging Society adjusted the Hokulea Moananuiakea Voyage sail plan after NOAA’s El Niño outlook, citing higher typhoon and storm risk; the revised schedule adds one year. Air Connectivity: Southwest Airlines will launch nonstop service between Las Vegas and Hilo on Aug. 6, three days a week, restoring a direct link for Hawaiʻi Island travelers. Tourism Funding: DLNR’s Green Fee program is opening about $8 million for community-based restoration projects through an Hoʻōla ʻĀina RFP, targeting forests, watersheds, wetlands, anchialine pools and riparian areas. Health Watch: CDC data says COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in Hawaii and many other states, while cyclospora updates show a major nationwide rise in domestically acquired cases. Wildlife & Water: A new whale-avoidance class in Southeast Alaska aims to help mariners reduce humpback whale ship strikes as cruise traffic grows. Local Culture & Community: A storm water BMPS workshop runs July 30–31 at Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort, focused on better storm water management.

Air Travel: Southwest Airlines is adding nonstop service between Las Vegas and Hilo starting Aug. 6, with three weekly flights—an easier link for Hawaiʻi Island families and visitors. Tourism & Health: The CDC says domestically acquired cyclospora cases have surged to 6,707 across 45 states, with Hawaii among the places watching for travel-related impacts. Weather & Safety: Tropical Depression Fausto is weakening north of the islands, but dangerous surf and strong currents are still expected along east-facing shores, with advisories/warnings in effect and beach closures urged. Local Economy: Hawaii’s job market is projected to add 28,060 jobs by 2034, led by health care, accommodation/food services, and construction. Community & Culture: Maui’s first kauhale project, Kīpūola Kauhale in Kahului, has reached full capacity—being eyed as a template for more affordable housing. Public Safety: USPS service issues in Puna are affecting mail access, including voting and important paperwork, as residents report mailbox shortages.

Hurricane & volcano updates for visitors: Tropical Storm Fausto was still a tropical storm Tuesday night, with a High Surf Warning for east-facing shores and beach closures reported around Hilo, while Kīlauea’s Volcano Alert Level rose to WATCH as Episode 52 precursory activity began at the summit. Beach safety & erosion: Kaanapali’s long-running beach restoration plan—offshore sand pumping to Hanakaʻōʻō—faces scrutiny from shoreline advocates and residents. Local travel disruptions: Honolulu firefighters fully contained a brush fire near Keaau Beach Park, and also contained two separate brush fires near Makaha Beach; no evacuations or injuries were reported. Tourism industry support: ARDA-Hawaiʻi donated $5,000 to Maui United Way to aid residents recovering from the March Kona Low storms. Road safety for kamaʻāina: Hawaiʻi raised the minimum age to ride in a truck bed from 12 to 16, aiming to curb serious injuries and fatalities. Maui resort unrest: Police arrested three teens in connection with an alleged riot and assault of California visitors at a Kaanapali resort pool area.

Storm Watch for Hawaii: Tropical Storm Fausto is weakening as it moves west-northwest north of the islands, but it’s still bringing dangerous surf and strong currents to east-facing shores, with High Surf Warning impacts and multiple Keaukaha-area Hilo beach closures (Onekahakaha, Kealoha, Carl Smith, Leleiwi, Waiolena, Waiuli, Richardson’s Ocean Park, Lehia, Lalakea). Maui Vacation Rental Zoning: Maui County Council advanced new hotel zoning rules that could permanently shift about 2,056 apartment-district transient vacation rental units into hotel districts, a move opposed by OHA and one council member. Culture & Tourism Funding: The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s Kūkulu Ola program awarded $900,000 to 30 community groups statewide, including six Big Island organizations, to strengthen Native Hawaiian culture through education, stewardship, and authentic visitor experiences. Visitor Safety & Planning: With airlines cutting back in-flight food, Hawaiian travelers are being urged to pack a picnic and double-check airline and TSA rules before flying. Local Scam Alerts: BBB Scam Tracker reports Wahiawa tied for 15th among Hawaii cities for scam reports in June, with one report logged.

Hurricane & Surf Safety: Tropical Storm Fausto is weakening but still driving dangerous, life-threatening surf on Hawaiʻi Island’s east-facing shores, with a High Surf Warning and multiple Keaukaha beach park closures in Hilo as waves build to 12–16 feet and strong currents persist through Tuesday. Health Alert for Travelers: Hawaiʻi health officials say the cyclosporiasis cases confirmed in residents were travel-related and acquired out of state, with the risk in Hawaiʻi still considered low and no local transmission reported this year. Local Tourism Safety: Maui police are investigating an alleged teen assault at the Hoaloha Park canoe regatta in Kahului, where a victim reportedly suffered a concussion after a brawl involving adults and youths. Travel Disruption: A nationwide T-Mobile outage left travelers stuck in SOS mode at airports and hotels, disrupting mobile boarding passes and navigation. Community & Culture: Original Hōkūleʻa crew members reunited to mark the canoe’s 50th anniversary since its 1976 maiden voyage return from Tahiti. Fire Response: FEMA approved federal funding for Hawaii County’s Kawaihae Road fire, covering up to 75% of eligible firefighting costs.

Hawai‘i Travel Deals: KAYAK says airfare to Hawai‘i can drop up to 19% after summer, with fall shoulder-season savings and more relaxed travel conditions. New Routes for O‘ahu: Southwest is set to launch nonstop BUR–HNL flights starting Aug. 8, adding another option for visitors flying in from the mainland. Tourism Safety Watch: Hurricane Fausto is expected to pass well north of the islands, but officials are urging beachgoers to avoid dangerous east-shore surf and rip currents through Tuesday. Local Harbor Security: JBPHH’s Harbor Patrol Unit earned perfect scores in 18 straight months of tactical assessments, underscoring ongoing protection around Pearl Harbor waterways. Air Connectivity: Air Premia and Jeju Air are launching an interline partnership with single-ticket itineraries that include Honolulu, starting Aug. 1. Visitor Health Alerts: Hawai‘i health officials reported additional travel-related cyclosporiasis cases among residents, a reminder to stay alert to food and water safety while traveling.

Hurricane & Ocean Safety: Hurricane Fausto remains a Category 2 system moving west, but Honolulu Ocean Safety is already warning visitors and residents to avoid Makapuu tide pools and stay off dangerous south/east shorelines as life-threatening surf builds late this weekend into early next week. Big Island Fire Update: South Kohala’s brush fire is about 50% contained after burning roughly 680 acres; Kawaihae Road reopened to all traffic, though Queen Ka‘ahumanu Hwy and parts of Kawaihae Road stay closed as crews finish containment. Tourism Safety & Access: Spencer Beach Park reopened and the Waimea Community Center shelter closed as evacuation orders lifted for Kawaihae Village. Local Crime & Visitor Caution: A California family says they were attacked at the Kaanapali Alii resort in an alleged anti-white brawl; police arrested a suspect and the family is urging hate-crime review. Travel Watch: Honolulu police are investigating a Kapahulu hit-and-run that seriously injured a pedestrian, and a separate case has a man pleading not guilty in a meth smuggling attempt from Honolulu to South Korea. Hawai‘i Events: Hawai‘i Tourism Authority opened registration for the 2026 Hawai‘i Tourism Conference (Sept. 24–25) at Hilton Hawaiian Village. Outdoor Adventure Spotlight: Paddleboarder Charlie Verco won the Moloka‘i to O‘ahu race in record time after a shark-rescue earlier this year.

Wildfire Update (Big Island): Evacuation orders were lifted for Kawaihae Village after a brush fire burned about 500 acres near Kawaihae Road; residents can return, though Kawaihae Road and Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway stay closed as crews keep fighting the blaze and protect key areas. Hurricane & Ocean Safety (Oʻahu): As Hurricane Fausto strengthens, Ocean Safety is urging people to avoid the Makapuu tide pools and stay cautious along east and south shorelines due to dangerous, life-threatening surf expected to build late this weekend into early next week. Tourism Industry (HTA): The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority opened registration for the 2026 Hawai‘i Tourism Conference (Sept. 24–25 at Hilton Hawaiian Village), focused on honoring stories and advancing a resilient, responsible visitor industry. Local Travel & Community: Honolulu police are investigating a Kapahulu hit-and-run that seriously injured a 64-year-old pedestrian, and a man was hospitalized after an apparent stabbing near Beach Walk. Visitor Planning (Surf Event): The Lexus US Open of Surfing kicks off in Huntington Beach, with Hawai‘i longboard talent featured as competition begins.

Hurricane Fausto Watch: Hawaii residents are being urged to prepare as Category 2 Fausto tracks just north of the islands, with dangerous, life-threatening surf expected to start building into eastern shores late this weekend and grow early next week; officials say there are no coastal watches or warnings yet, but to monitor forecasts and get ready for possible rain, wind, and power outages. Ocean Safety: Officials specifically warn visitors and locals to avoid Makapuu tide pools as swell increases, noting waves can surge without warning and have caused past tragedies. Wildfire Evacuation: A brush fire in South Kohala triggered a mandatory evacuation for Kawaihae Village Subdivision residents, with Queen Kaahumanu Highway closed in the area and an emergency shelter opened in Waimea. Road Safety: Honolulu police are investigating a hit-and-run in Kapahulu where a 64-year-old pedestrian was seriously injured after being struck while walking outside an unmarked crosswalk. Tourism Industry: The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority opened registration for the 2026 Hawai‘i Tourism Conference (Sept. 24-25) at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikīkī Beach Resort, spotlighting community and visitor-industry stewardship. Local Culture: Hālau Hi’iakaināmakalehua won multiple top awards at the 51st Annual Queen Liliuokalani Keiki Hula Competition and Festival. Community Back-to-School: Kalihi-Palama students received free backpacks and supplies ahead of the school year through Palama Settlement and Hawaii USA Federal Credit Union. Travel & Aviation: Space-A travel guidance highlights how eligible service members and dependents can fly on military aircraft when seats are available.

Hurricane Fausto Watch: Hawaiʻi remains on alert as Hurricane Fausto strengthens to Category 2 and moves west, with Honolulu forecasters saying confidence in the track is rising but impacts are still not a sure thing; the biggest near-term concern is dangerous, life-threatening surf likely to start swelling into the islands by July 26, with possible rain and wind later next week. Ocean Safety: Oʻahu’s Makapuu Tide Pools are off-limits as swells build; Ocean Safety warns waves can surge without warning and rescue access is difficult. Local Safety: Honolulu police are searching for a hit-and-run driver after a 64-year-old man was seriously injured in Kapahulu on Kaunaoa Street. Tourism & Culture: Hawaiian Airlines’ 32nd Annual Made in Hawaiʻi Festival returns with expanded hours and 800+ vendor booths; tickets go on sale Aug. 1. Marine Life Alert (Molokaʻi): Residents and visitors are urged to stay out of south-shore waters near whale remains after a humpback died and her calf moved on. Community Upgrade: Waiānae’s Lualualei Beach Park bathroom—damaged by arson—has reopened after about $400,000 in renovations.

Beach Safety & Health Alerts: The state Department of Health is warning of elevated fecal contamination at Hanakaʻōʻō Beach in Lahaina after enterococci levels hit 406 per 100 milliliters, urging extra caution for kids, seniors, and anyone with weakened immune systems. Public Health Watch (Travel-Linked): DOH also confirmed two additional travel-related cyclosporiasis cases in Hawaiʻi residents, bringing 2026 total confirmed cases to three, with officials saying there’s no sign of local spread. West Oʻahu Community Wins: Waianae’s Lualualei Beach Park bathroom—damaged by arson and nearly slated for demolition—has reopened after about $400,000 in renovations and a community blessing. Ocean & Wildlife Advisory: DLNR is asking people to stay out of the water along Molokaʻi’s south shore near a deceased humpback whale carcass, as tides continue to move remains through popular fishing and tour areas. Surf Conditions for Visitors: First Alert coverage says Hurricane Fausto’s swell may bring advisory-level surf and rough ocean conditions to parts of Hawaiʻi later this week, especially on east-facing shores. Tourism Culture Funding: HTA’s Kūkulu Ola program awarded nearly $900,000 in cultural grants, including support for Maui Nui groups running community education and cultural preservation projects.

Public Health: Hawaiʻi DOH confirmed two more travel-related cyclosporiasis cases in residents who traveled together, bringing 2026 total to three, with no sign of local spread. Weather Watch: Hurricane Fausto is a Category 2 storm moving toward the Central Pacific; forecasters say the risk of wind and rain impacts for Hawaiʻi is increasing, so travelers should monitor updates for late-week/early-next-week conditions. Tourism & Surf Culture: CocoLove was named an official event sponsor of the 2026 Lexus US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, with on-site coconut tapping and festival sampling. Local Culture: Maui’s Kiliʻohu Kahualauleʻa Celebrado won 2026 Miss Keiki Hula, while Oʻahu’s Jahnathan Lāhiki Bareng took Master Keiki Hula during the Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition & Festival. Road Safety: Hawaiʻi raised the minimum age for riding in pickup truck beds to 16, aiming to curb injuries as roads get faster. Travel Costs: AAA reports gas prices climbing nationwide, with Hawaiʻi among the highest-priced states.

Maui Housing Update: FEMA rent for Maui wildfire survivors in temporary housing is set to rise again, with some facing a doubling starting Sept. 1 and subsidies expiring in February—residents say they could be pushed back into homelessness. Oahu Safety Tech: The new Oahu Hazard Explorer map is rolling out to help residents quickly spot tsunami evacuation zones and know where to go when warnings hit. Tourism x Entertainment: Filipino girl group BINI is bringing its Signals World Tour to Honolulu’s Neal S. Blaisdell Arena on Aug. 1, a major draw for visitors and local fans. Local Travel & Culture: A Hawaii artist is halfway through a global wave-mural mission, completing his 47th piece in Japan and tying the project to surf culture. Outdoor & Family Fun: Molokai Holokai returns with races for keiki and makua plus shoreline cleanups, using paddling to give back. Weekend Planning: Oahu events include free community happenings like therapy-dog sessions and Honolulu Harbor Nights at Kaka‘ako Makai.

Hawaiʻi Travel & Safety: Honolulu forecasters say trade winds will bring periodic windward showers, while a High Surf Advisory starts Thursday morning for south shores as bigger waves roll in; Tropical Cyclone Fausto may weaken near Hawaiʻi, but east-facing beaches could see decent surf late this weekend into early next week. Maui Beach Restoration: A West Maui nonprofit and the Kāʻanapali Beach resort association filed for permits to restore Kāʻanapali Beach to its 1988 width and height by returning offshore-migrated sand; if approved, construction targets fall 2027. Interisland Air Upgrade: Alaska Airlines says it’s selecting 737-800s to strengthen Hawaiian Airlines’ Neighbor Island service, signaling more capacity for local travelers. Cruise Spotlight: UnCruise Adventures’ Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary was named USA TODAY’s #1 Best Hawaii Itinerary for a third straight year. Culture Calendar: The 51st Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition runs July 23–25 at Neal S. Blaisdell Center, with a Keiki Hula Market and hālau performances. Tourism Watch: Officials warn of fake vacation rental listings in Hawaiʻi.

Air Travel & Loyalty: U.S. News ranks American Airlines’ AAdvantage as the new No. 1 airline rewards program, knocking Alaska/Hawaiian’s Atmos Rewards off the top after 11 straight years. Local Safety & Roads: Hawaii raises the minimum age for riding in truck beds from 12 to 16 as roads get faster—testing a cherished island tradition. Tourism Scam Watch: State officials warn of rising fake vacation rental listings; scammers reuse real photos, then push quick payments via wire, apps, gift cards, or crypto. Wildlife Update: NOAA relocated Hawaiian monk seal pup RV58 to a more remote Oahu shoreline after Rocky weaned her—aiming to reduce crowd pressure. Hawaiʻi Outdoors: Honolulu firefighters made two Diamond Head rescues for hikers with medical issues, both declined hospital transport. Community & Culture: Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Maui Calls gala returns Aug. 22 with “Celebrating Vintage Aloha Wear,” plus food, wine, and auctions supporting arts and education. Weather & Surf: Trade winds stay active with breezy conditions and elevated east-shore surf; Hurricane Fausto is being monitored. Road Fatality: Police identified Laura Walker, 76, as the driver killed in a Highway 11 head-on crash in Volcano. Aloha in Music: grentperez wraps up Oahu shows at Blue Note Hawaii and teases his next EP “g00se” for Aug. 13.