AGP Executive Report

Hurricane Lowell recovery & visitor alerts: Hawaiʻi officials are urging travelers to postpone or avoid Kauaʻi as power restoration and cleanup continue after the storm, with reports of hotel damage and ongoing disruption to tourism. Local tourism support: The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority says it’s sharing safety and travel guidance while recovery work shifts toward assessing economic impacts. On-island travel convenience: Umeke’s Saddle Stop opened at the Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area on Hawaiʻi Island, offering local food and grab-and-go options for Saddle Road travelers. Waikīkī hotel promotion: Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort launched a Road Warrior Fan Escape Package with breakfast and a $100 resort credit for football fans. Air travel deal: Southwest announced a four-day “wow” sale with 40% off base fares for select dates, including travel to Hawaiʻi. Airline upgrades: Southwest is building its first airport lounges, including at Daniel K. Inouye (Honolulu), with openings starting late 2027. Health watch: Dengue fever guidance highlights early symptoms and mosquito bite prevention as small pockets of transmission appear in multiple states, including Hawaiʻi. Surf culture: The New Zealand Pro returns to the World Surf League Championship Tour for 2027 at Raglan’s Manu Bay.

Hurricane Lowell recovery and visitor alerts: Kauaʻi schools and transport are still disrupted, with Kilauea Elementary reopening Tuesday and Hanalei Elementary Wednesday after power and water restoration; officials also urged tourists to postpone Kauaʻi trips as storm damage continues. Local safety and infrastructure: A long-unfixed hole in a Waikīkī sidewalk near Kūhiō Avenue has left pedestrians without warning for months, raising concerns for tourists and kids. Tourism policy and planning: Hawaiʻi lawmakers are set to study transit-oriented development via a taxpayer-funded “travel workshop” tied to the Honolulu Skyline, but details on who goes and where remain unclear. Resilient Hawaii conversation: As multiple disasters pile up, residents and emergency leaders are pushing for stronger resilience planning and staffing for overlapping recovery needs. Volcano tourism update: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory says Kīlauea remains in a precursory phase for another Halemaʻumaʻu lava-fountaining episode. Outdoor rescue: Honolulu Fire Department rescued an injured hiker from Manoa Falls Trail after a ~30-foot fall.

Kaua‘i Hurricane Lowell Recovery & Tourism Guidance: Hawaii Tourism Authority is urging travelers with near-term Kauai plans to postpone or switch islands (O‘ahu, Maui, Lāna‘i, or Hawai‘i Island) as recovery continues; Līhu‘e Airport has reopened but visitors are told to confirm with hotels and tour operators. Kaua‘i Power Update: Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative says power is back for about 76% of members, with the biggest remaining outages on the north shore; recovery crews are still ramping up. Volcano Watch: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports Kīlauea remains in a precursory phase, with lava-fountaining episode 55 likely today or tomorrow if conditions stay favorable. Local Safety: Honolulu Fire Department rescued a hiker after a reported 30-foot fall on the Manoa Falls Trail; Honolulu police also report a fatal early-morning crash in Kalaeloa involving speed and alcohol. Land & Community: Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and his wife donated 282 acres toward affordable housing after years of large land purchases in Waimea.

Hurricane Lowell Recovery (Kauaʻi): Kauaʻi power restoration climbed to about 76% of KIUC members back online, with outside crews joining the effort and thousands still dark—especially on the north shore—while tourism officials urge visitors to reschedule or skip the Garden Isle until conditions stabilize. Airlift & Travel Support: Hawaiian Airlines says it restored its Kauaʻi schedule, added flights, moved 7,000+ passengers out of Līhuʻe in two days, and is shipping water, food, and urgent medical supplies. Tourism Guidance: The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is asking travelers with upcoming Kauaʻi plans to adjust itineraries, while lodging leaders say visitors should come if accommodations are open. Local Food & Farming Hit: Kauaʻi farmers describe major losses after Lowell, including broken trees and disrupted crops, underscoring the need for resilient local food production. Community & Visitor Safety: Waikīkī’s Kuhio Beach restroom reopened, and officials continue pushing for clean, respectful use as tourism returns.

Kauai Storm Travel Advisory: Hawaii Tourism Authority officials are urging visitors to steer clear of Kauai while Hurricane Lowell recovery continues, citing resort and road damage plus long Lihue Airport lines tied to power problems and reduced TSA screening. Airport Disruption: Lihue Airport power has been restored, but travelers still faced overheating and medical calls during Thursday’s backlog as generators failed and screening machines rebooted. Power Update: Crews report about 72% of Kauai’s power restored, with transmission lines back online and transportation routes reopening, though debris removal continues. Lānaʻi Supply Crunch: Lowell damaged Kaumālapaʻu Harbor, disrupting the island’s food and fuel lifeline and triggering limits at the only gas station. Safety & Local News: Maui police identified a 61-year-old pedestrian killed in a Kahului crosswalk collision; speed, drugs, or alcohol remain under investigation. Volcano Tourism: Kīlauea visitors are still flocking to Halemaʻumaʻu, with guides highlighting other hikes like the Footprints Trail during eruption pauses. Culture & Events: Outrigger Kona Resort hosts World Manta Day, celebrating manta ray snorkeling and conservation.

Hurricane Lowell Recovery & Visitor Guidance (Kauaʻi): Kauaʻi is at about 72% power restored as crews keep repairing transmission lines, roads, and airport systems; Līhuʻe Airport is open on commercial power, but travelers still face lingering disruptions and should plan for extra time. Tourism Advisory: The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is urging visitors with near-term Kauaʻi trips to reschedule or consider other islands while the island recovers, even as some lodging leaders say guests should come if accommodations are operating. Airport Strain: Reports describe TSA delays and heat-related issues during earlier generator problems, with crowds trying to leave after the outage. Lānaʻi Supply Worries: DLNR says Lowell damaged Kaumālapaʻu Harbor, disrupting food and fuel deliveries; hunters are told to bring supplies and expect uncertain fuel availability. Beach Safety Staffing: Hawaii County is struggling to staff lifeguard towers, citing physical exam hurdles and hiring delays—an issue that matters for beachgoers. Culture & Nature Calendar: World Manta Day returns at Outrigger Kona; and Sept. 19’s Ulu Festival at Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden spotlights breadfruit and Hawaiian food history.

Hurricane Lowell Recovery & Visitor Advisory: Hawaii Tourism Authority officials are urging travelers to stay away from Kauaʻi while crews clear roads and restore power after the storm damaged oceanfront resorts, ripped up infrastructure, and left thousands without electricity; long lines at Līhuʻe Airport have also been reported as departures strain amid outages. Port & Power Disruptions: On Lānaʻi, a key harbor supplying food and fuel remains inoperable and is expected to take about two weeks to repair, while Kauaʻi’s damage has also hit tourism operations. Emergency Comms Gap: Kauaʻi residents say radio warnings failed during the outage because many stations lacked generators, leaving people “starved for information.” Practical Preparedness: Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency guidance highlights what to pack in a hurricane “go bag,” including water, high-energy food, radio/flashlight batteries, meds, chargers, first-aid, cash, and sanitation items. Local Travel Friction: Līhuʻe Airport security screening delays are tied to backup-generator power issues, with TSA operating fewer lines to manage load. Community Aid: The Salvation Army airlifted 255 pizzas to Kauaʻi refuge shelters to feed about 1,000 people. Local Policy Watch: Hawaii County’s new vacation rental registration requirement is now in effect for transient rentals (180 days or less).

Hurricane Lowell recovery & visitor guidance: Kauaʻi continues to brace after the storm’s damage, with recovery updates and visitor stay-away messaging circulating as power and cleanup efforts continue. Local economy outlook: DBEDT projects Hawaii’s economy to grow 1.3% in 2026, citing inflation pressure and reduced visitor days, with construction and healthcare helping offset the slowdown. Oahu events: Oahu’s weekend lineup includes Festivals of Aloha’s Aloha Friday at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center (Sept. 11) plus multiple night markets and food events across the island. Ocean safety alerts: A non-aggressive six-foot shark was spotted near Pupukea’s Three Tables, triggering warning signs, while lifeguards also responded to a serious Ko Olina lagoon incident involving a 74-year-old man. Wildlife & beach life: A young sea turtle named Trinity returned to the ocean after losing a flipper to fishing line entanglement and completing rehab. Travel & flights: Delta will end its seasonal Boston–Honolulu nonstop earlier than planned, effective Jan. 5, 2027. Culture & family fun: Outrigger Kā‘anapali Beach Resort highlights the 34th Annual Hula O Nā Keiki (Oct. 9–10) at Kamehameha Schools Maui. Shark encounter at China Walls: A surfer survived a 12-foot tiger shark attack at Oahu’s China Walls, with Honolulu Ocean Safety confirming an aggressive shark alert.

Hurricane Lowell Recovery: Hawaii’s western islands are still dealing with damaging winds, heavy rain, and widespread power outages, with Gov. Josh Green estimating Kauai damage could top $400M and warning some areas may wait up to a month for electricity; state and county officials are also issuing brown-water advisories and keeping key roads closed as shelters open. Tourism Advisory: Kauai leaders are urging visitors to stay away until recovery needs are met, saying the island won’t look like the Kauai travelers imagined. Local Impacts for Travelers: Highway 11 remains closed in Kaʻū due to flash flooding, and Oahu has a brown water advisory tied to storm runoff and health risks. Community & Culture: Volunteers are helping tear down and clear debris in Poʻipu after Lowell’s storm surge, while Hawaii’s canoe community kept moving with the 53rd Queen Liliʻuokalani race in Kona. Safety Alerts: Lifeguards posted shark warning signs at Three Tables in Pupukea, reminding beachgoers to check conditions before entering the water.

Hurricane Lowell Fallout for Travelers: Kaua‘i is still dealing with major damage after Lowell’s close call, with officials urging people to stay indoors as debris and downed lines make roads hazardous; KIUC reported about 90% of customers without power early Tuesday, and thousands of visitors should expect disruptions and delayed recovery. Safety & Transport Updates: Honolulu is planning pavement repairs that will partially close lanes on Waimanu, Kawaiaha‘o, and Ilaniwai starting Sept. 14 through Nov. 13, with drivers told to reroute and allow extra time. O‘ahu Road Tragedy: A 54-year-old woman died after a late-August hit-and-run on H-1 in Waipahu; police say the driver fled without stopping and the investigation is ongoing. Tourism & Hospitality: OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa named John Dominguez director of sales and marketing, aiming to boost group business and destination partnerships. Quick Hits: A new WalletHub study ranked Hawaii among the happiest states, and a text-to-win promotion is offering chances to win Hawaii travel passes and hotel stays.

Hurricane Lowell Aftermath (Kauaʻi & Oʻahu): Lowell battered Kauaʻi with storm surge, downed trees and power lines, and widespread outages—about 90% of KIUC customers were without electricity—while Oʻahu saw more than 20,000 customers dark and south-shore beach parks limited or closed as crews clear sand and debris. Public Health & Safety: The Hawaiʻi Department of Health issued brown water advisories for Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, and parts of Maui and Hawaiʻi Island, urging people to avoid murky water after storms. Travel Disruptions: Līhuʻe Airport reopened after Lowell, and officials urged residents and visitors to stay off roads and avoid unnecessary travel as recovery continues. Local Life & Community: A Poʻipū vacation rental was swept off its foundation, and neighbors and strangers helped stranded families—an aloha story amid major damage. Honolulu Airport Services: TSA’s new “Gateside by TSA PreCheck” isn’t available at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, leaving gate greetings still tied to baggage-claim logistics. Planning & Housing: Honolulu’s City Council reviewed a zoning change request for the Central YMCA property near Ala Moana.

Hurricane Lowell Update: The storm continues to batter Hawaii with strong winds, heavy rain, and life-threatening surf, with flash-flood and mudslide risk lingering through Wednesday; Kauaʻi is still assessing major damage after widespread power outages, while Oʻahu faces tropical-storm conditions and gusts that can knock down trees and trigger outages. Airport & Travel Disruptions: Līhuʻe Airport has reopened, but travelers are urged to confirm flight status and expect delays. Local Relief & Access: Maui opened temporary service sites in West and Central Maui for residents affected by Lowell-related road closures and coastal flooding, with charging stations and guidance to bring essentials. Healthcare Expansion: East Hawaii’s Keaau Benioff Health Center cleared a key planning hurdle, a $90M outpatient facility aimed at easing pressure on overburdened local care. Aviation & Safety Readiness: PMRF entered Tropical Cyclone Conditions of Readiness—Recovery, with recovery operations and restricted access for non-essential personnel. Tourism Tech: oneworld partnered with Timeshifter to help Round the World travelers reduce jet lag with personalized plans.

Hurricane Lowell: Hawaii braced for severe weather as the storm neared the western islands, with Kauai under a hurricane warning and a tornado watch, and Oʻahu under a tropical storm warning—bringing heavy rain, flash flooding risk, damaging surf, and possible tornadoes; schools and many government services were shut on Oʻahu and in Kauai/Niʻihau, and Honolulu also closed the Zoo and all city golf courses. Coastal impacts: High surf battered Oʻahu’s leeward coast, flooding and forcing closures including Farrington Highway, while Makaha condominium units took on water. Tourism & travel operations: Travelers were urged to monitor updates as flights and access points were disrupted; Australians were specifically warned by Smartraveller to follow local emergency guidance. Vacation rentals: Hawaii County’s new TVR registration requirement took effect Sept. 1, with a grace period through year-end for hosted and un-hosted rentals. Air travel upgrades: Southwest began construction on its first premium airport lounges, including at Daniel K. Inouye (Honolulu), targeting late 2027 openings. Local development: A Hawaii County panel approved the $90M Keaau Health Center, a potential long-term boost for the Windward community.

Hurricane Lowell & Travel Disruptions: Hawaii is bracing for a close, dangerous pass as Lowell nears as a Category 3 storm, with hurricane warnings for Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, a tropical storm warning for Oʻahu, and flood watches plus high-surf warnings for the Big Island. Officials warn of flash flooding, mudslides, damaging winds, and life-threatening rip currents, with Kauaʻi urging residents to finish preparations and stay off the roads. Local Closures: Gov. Josh Green ordered state and Kauaʻi County offices, public schools, Kauaʻi Community College, and courts to close Tuesday (Kauaʻi only) as conditions peak. Visitor Safety: Ocean safety officials say do not enter the water and to secure shoreline property and boats. Airline/Space Updates: The FAA cleared environmental review for expanded SpaceX Starship contingency landing areas (license action still pending), while Southwest is rolling out airport lounges including Honolulu starting late next year.

Hurricane Lowell Watch: Kauaʻi and Niʻihau are under a hurricane watch as Category 3 Lowell heads north, with tropical storm conditions expected late Monday and heavy rain, flash flooding, mudslides, and dangerous surf possible. Travel Disruptions: Hawaiʻi DOT says airlines may cancel flights Sunday and Monday; airports should stay open unless conditions worsen, so travelers are urged to check with airlines first. Local Preparedness: Kauaʻi officials will brief residents on refuge areas and evacuation options, including several non-open shelters, as the storm’s outer bands reach the islands. Tourism & Community: Aloha Festivals kicks off its 80th anniversary in Waikīkī with a royal court investiture, plus upcoming ho‘olaule‘a and floral parade events. Hospitality & Infrastructure: Hawaii County hotel operators are pushing back on a proposed bill that would create a higher sewage rate class for hotels, arguing it stacks on top of broader wastewater rate hikes. Healthcare Expansion: Keaau Benioff Health Center cleared the way for a major $90M outpatient clinic project after planning commission approval. Tech for Locals: UH launches the free “AI for Hawaiʻi” course to teach practical, ethical AI skills for residents and the workforce. Safety on the Roads: A motorcyclist was critically injured after rear-ending a stalled vehicle on H-1 near Waimalu, and another rider died in a separate Hilo crash involving a utility pole.

Hurricane Lowell Update: Hawaii is under a state of emergency as Category 3 Lowell turns north, with tropical storm conditions expected for Kauaʻi and Niʻihau by late Monday and dangerous surf and heavy rain across the islands. A flood watch is in effect through Tuesday, and officials are urging residents and visitors to review emergency plans, charge devices, and prepare for possible power outages and flash flooding. Kauaʻi Preparedness Briefing: Kauaʻi County will hold a public safety briefing Sunday afternoon with refuge locations and “go kit” guidance, including shelters across Kīlauea, Kapaʻa, Līhuʻe, Kalāheo and Waimea. Travel Safety Alert: An 88-year-old snorkeler died off Ko ʻOlina Marina, the second fatal snorkeling incident there in 11 days, prompting renewed attention to ocean safety for visitors. Road Safety: A 31-year-old motorcyclist is in critical condition after crashing into a stalled car on the H-1 near Waimalu. Tourism & Tech: UH launched a free open-access “AI for Hawaiʻi” course, including chapters with local examples tied to industries like tourism. Airline Fees: EVA Air says it will raise international excess baggage fees starting Sept. 29.