AGP Executive Report

Defense & Diplomacy: India and the U.S. held Army-to-Army staff talks in Hawaii, focusing on deeper defense cooperation, interoperability, and professional exchanges. Native Hawaiian Governance: Hawaii Republicans rallied behind the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act amid a federal lawsuit challenging DHHL homestead lease eligibility tied to blood quantum. Public Safety: After multiple deadly crashes on Daniel K. Inouye Highway, the state is declaring a traffic emergency zone (mileposts 5.5–28) and planning speed cameras and other engineering fixes; police also say they’re increasing selective enforcement. Courts & Appointments: Kirsha Durante and Simeona Mariano were sworn in as District Court judges on Oʻahu. Wildfire Readiness: Gov. Josh Green signed an emergency proclamation keeping three Hawaii National Guard helicopters on standby for aerial firefighting through Nov. 30. Good Government: Honolulu Ethics Commission appointed Sandy S. Ma as its new executive director and legal counsel. Homelessness Response: Mayor Blangiardi’s June newsletter highlights continued progress on Oʻahu homelessness, including shelter and behavioral health placements. Security Threats: A Honolulu man faces federal charges for threatening to attack Michigan’s Capitol and kill Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Military Oversight: House lawmakers advanced a proposal requiring chaperones for certain sensitive exams at military medical facilities.

Maui Recovery & Cultural Planning: County of Maui is asking residents to weigh in on a “living framework” master plan for the Lahaina Royal Complex, covering sacred sites like Mokuʻula and Loko o Mokuhinia, with a goal of a final plan in 2027. Volcano Update: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports “stick season” defoliation near Kīlauea’s summit tied to ongoing eruptive plumes and wind patterns. Public Safety—Threats to Officials: A Honolulu man, Ronald Saville, faces federal charges for allegedly threatening to kill Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and attack the Michigan Capitol. Public Safety—Lasers at Aircraft: A Maui man, Jesse Kong, pleaded guilty in a federal case tied to a laser assault on an FBI aircraft; sentencing is set for June 17, as officials warn the practice is a felony. Health Policy: Hawaii’s Medicaid fraud program lost $3M in federal support, prompting Gov. Green to set up a fraud strike force. Local Governance: A judge ruled closed-door Hawaii House committee meetings before the 2025 session were unconstitutional. Ethics & Accountability: Honolulu’s Ethics Commission named attorney Sandy Ma as its next executive director.

Honolulu Budget Showdown: Honolulu City Council approved a nearly $5B budget package, but Mayor Rick Blangiardi says he intends to veto parts—after a fight over staffing cuts at the Office of Economic Revitalization. Medicaid Fraud Crackdown: Gov. Josh Green moved to protect Hawaii’s Medicaid enforcement after HHS questioned the state’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit performance—creating an independent Medicaid Fraud Strike Force and signaling the AG will seek reconsideration. Courts & Public Safety: The Hawaii Supreme Court heard arguments on whether refusing a voluntary DUI roadside sobriety test can be used against drivers in civil and license cases. Local Traffic Noise: A Maui lawmaker proposed higher fines for drivers with loud stereos, arguing it’s a safety and peace-of-mind issue. Housing in Nanakuli: A new self-help affordable subdivision in Nanakuli will let low-income families build homes for about $496,000, with heavy labor participation. Cyber Scams: An FBI warning says AI is making scams harder to spot, and Hawaii is seeing sharp fraud losses. Transit Pride: Honolulu was ranked among the top U.S. public transit cities by Travel + Leisure. Military Readiness: Hawaii-linked deployments and exercise support continued, including RIMPAC-related activity and major federal contract work affecting the region.

RIMPAC in Hawaii: The Philippines is sending both Navy and Coast Guard ships to RIMPAC 2026, with the Philippine Navy returning after its last participation in 2022 and the Coast Guard making its first-ever appearance, underscoring Indo-Pacific maritime cooperation. Honolulu Budget Fight: Honolulu City Council approved a nearly $5B FY2027 package over Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s threat to veto, including an operating budget and a capital plan, while cutting funding/staff for the Office of Economic Revitalization. Hawaiian Homes Legal Challenge: Hawaii Attorney General says it will vigorously defend the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands against a federal lawsuit arguing the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act is discriminatory because eligibility is tied to bloodline ancestry. Public Safety: A Honolulu man was charged for threatening Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Capitol. Local Infrastructure: Hawaii County Council advanced using eminent domain to widen Government Beach Road in Puna. Federal Courts/Policy: A national debate continues over corporate political spending, with Hawaii highlighted for a new law redefining corporations’ election spending limits.

Hawaiian Homes Fight: Gov. Josh Green vowed the state will “vigorously defend” the Hawaiian Homes program after a federal lawsuit challenges the 50% Hawaiian blood-quantum eligibility rule, arguing it violates equal protection and due process. Local Budget Clash: Honolulu City Council approved a $5 billion budget but cut $1.4 million from the Office of Economic Revitalization, triggering Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s threat to veto; council says it’s “right sizing,” while critics argue the office’s role in coordinating growth and federal aid is being undermined. Ancestral Remains Delayed: On Hawaiʻi Island, an iwi kūpuna burial council meeting was canceled again due to lack of quorum, stalling approval of a burial treatment plan needed to permanently protect remains found in Hawaiian Paradise Park. Courts—HPD Sex Assault Case: An HPD officer accused of sexually assaulting a woman he pulled over in Waikiki asked a court to dismiss charges, arguing the alleged conduct happened after the traffic stop ended. Disaster Recovery: FEMA opened in-person recovery centers for residents hit by the Kona low, with a June 14 deadline to apply for individual assistance. Housing Permitting Push: Lawmakers advanced bills aimed at speeding up permitting for housing, including addressing permitting staff shortages and streamlining reviews.

Hawaiʻi Elections: With the June 2 filing deadline passed, Hawaiʻi County Council races are set, including term-limited seats and a mix of unopposed and contested bids ahead of the Aug. 8 primary and possible November runoffs. Oʻahu Budget Fight: Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi says he may veto the City Council’s FY2027 plan that would cut and restructure the Office of Economic Revitalization, after an audit criticized the office’s performance and transparency. Public Access Funding: A Hawaiʻi County committee voted 7-0 to double the share of property taxes going to the PONC maintenance fund and remove its accrual cap, keeping conservation lands open to the public. Public Safety: A Honolulu man was charged federally for threatening to kill Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and others, with prior federal threat convictions noted in court filings. Federal Policy Watch: U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz joined colleagues in condemning the Trump administration’s move to dissolve the Department of Education’s Office of English Language Acquisition. International/Defense: Trump appointed Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, while U.S. Space Forces Japan announced growth and a new headquarters at Yokota Air Base.

Hawaiian Home Lands Lawsuit: A new federal lawsuit challenges the Hawaiian Home Lands blood-quantum rule, arguing it unlawfully limits eligibility to Native Hawaiians and violates constitutional protections. Local Politics: East Honolulu council rematch heats up as former council member Trevor Ozawa seeks to reclaim District 4 against chair Tommy Waters, with questions swirling around the clerk’s clearance process. Public Safety & Courts: A Maui man accused in the 2012 death of his 4-year-old son faces trial for the third time, after repeated dismissals and re-indictments. Disaster Preparedness: The state Department of Health will conduct a Kauaʻi household emergency preparedness survey in mid-June, with door-to-door outreach and confidential responses. University Governance: UH appoints Brad Christ as vice president for IT and CIO, citing systemwide cloud and cybersecurity modernization efforts. Climate Resilience: Waiʻanae Readiness Review kicks off a year-long project to map flood and wildfire risks with community partners. Federal Watch: President Trump taps Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, drawing immediate scrutiny over qualifications. Hurricane Outlook: NOAA warns Hawaiʻi could see a busier-than-normal hurricane season, with El Niño and warm ocean waters raising concern.

U.S. Intelligence Shake-Up: President Trump tapped Bill Pulte, head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as acting director of national intelligence after Tulsi Gabbard’s exit—prompting fresh questions about qualifications and whether loyalty is driving the pick. Hawaiʻi in the Spotlight: Chinese and U.S. militaries held “candid and constructive” air and maritime safety talks in Hawaiʻi, aiming to reduce miscalculations after recent high-level diplomacy. Local Justice: On Hawaiʻi Island, Jacob Baker’s bail was denied as he faces charges tied to a Puna triple homicide, with a fitness-to-proceed evaluation ordered. Disaster Response: Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense will conduct earthquake damage site visits with state emergency officials to support state and federal assistance requests. Climate & Courts: AG William Tong led a coalition urging a federal judicial body to keep climate science guidance in its scientific evidence manual. Aviation Disruptions: A new study ranked Hawaiian Airlines among the best for fewer July 4 departure delays, while other carriers and airports saw major problems. Energy Policy: DOE guidance ends rebates for switching from gas appliances to electric, reshaping federally funded home energy programs. Elections & Integrity: A Maui resident was charged with unlawfully voting in federal elections while a non-citizen.

China-U.S. Military Safety Talks: Chinese and U.S. militaries met in Hawaii under the Military Maritime Consultative Agreement to improve air and maritime safety and avoid miscalculation. Courts & Public Safety: The Hawaii Supreme Court will hear whether refusing voluntary roadside sobriety tests can be used as evidence in DUI and license revocation cases. Honolulu Budget Fight: Mayor Rick Blangiardi threatens to veto Honolulu’s $5B budget over a $1.4M cut to the Office of Economic Revitalization, citing the office’s role in emergency and economic support. Disaster Relief Deadline: Hawaii DLIR reminds residents that Disaster Unemployment Assistance applications are due June 15 for eligible Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, and Maui impacts from March storms and flooding. Hurricane Preparedness: Gov. Josh Green and HIEMA leaders kicked off the 2026 hurricane outlook and urged residents to prepare early. Airport Noise Disruption: HNL runway repairs will increase aircraft noise next week as Runway 8R/26L closes nightly. Volcano Watch: Kīlauea’s latest eruption episode produced ashfall advisories for eastern Big Island areas. Moana Pasifika Rescue Bid: A new consortium is exploring relocating the Super Rugby franchise to Hawaii, aiming to keep Moana Pasifika alive. Workforce & AI: UH partners with state and nonprofit groups on an AI workforce readiness symposium series for Hawaiʻi.

Hawaiʻi County Corruption: A former Hawaii County housing official, Alan Scott Rudo, was sentenced to 46 months for taking bribes tied to $11M+ in affordable housing agreements that never produced units. Local Recovery & Housing: Hoʻōla LTRG, Mennonite Disaster Service and partners held a Lahaina home dedication and blessing for Valerie Hoʻopai and her ʻohana, marking another step in long-term rebuild support. Public Safety: Hawaiʻi will run its statewide emergency siren test June 1 at 11:45 a.m., coordinated with the Emergency Alert System’s Live Audio Broadcast. Water Crisis After Quake: Kona coffee farms are still reeling after the May 12 magnitude-6.0 earthquake destroyed catchment tanks, leaving farmers scrambling for water. North Shore Visitor Hit: Waimea Valley says spring visitor numbers are down 25%–30% due to Kona-low storm fallout and ongoing road access limits. Military & Diplomacy in Hawaiʻi: China and the U.S. held military maritime safety talks in Hawaiʻi, stressing communication to avoid miscalculation. Federal Policy Fight: Multiple state attorneys general, including Hawaiʻi’s AG Jay Jones, joined coalitions opposing federal moves that would weaken retirement investment protections and child online safety enforcement.

Local Governance & Public Safety: A longshot Hawaii 2nd District Democrat, Kirill Basin, was arrested after allegedly pulling a gun on Maui County workers during a Wailuku government-building incident, with charges filed as authorities scrutinize prior erratic behavior. Public Safety & Justice: Hawaii Police charged Jacob Daniel Baker with murder in connection with a Big Island triple homicide, ending a manhunt tied to deaths in rural Puna. Disaster Preparedness: FEMA approved more than $2.1M in grants for Hawaii County residents hit by March Kona low storms, with applications due June 14. Volcano Watch: USGS issued a Kilauea Volcano Watch, warning of possible eruptive activity at any time and raising aviation alerts. State Housing: Hawaii’s kauhale push is expanding with new Waimanalo units, but reporting flags lingering procurement and transparency concerns that lawmakers now want fixed. Community & Culture: The Lahaina Restoration Foundation will host a free 360-degree Mokuʻula immersive film screening June 12 at Maui Ocean Center. Partnerships in Government: Hawaii Business Magazine’s P-3 Summit highlighted public-private partnership efforts, including transportation and housing initiatives.

Kona-low recovery aid: FEMA approved more than $2.1M for Hawaii County residents hit by the March Kona low storms, with applications due June 14; the story also points people to DisasterAssistance.gov, a multilingual FEMA hotline (800-621-3362), and Local Recovery Centers at Kealakekua and Ka‘u-Naalehu libraries. City Hall & infrastructure: The Honolulu City Council advanced a plan to let the city acquire and restore the long-derelict Queen Theater in Kaimuki, potentially using eminent domain and earmarking up to $4M, while the mayor’s administration opposes the takeover over cost and condition. Homelessness policy: Hawaii’s kauhale push got a fresh boost with a Waimanalo blessing for a new village, but the reporting flags the need to tighten procurement rules that were initially bypassed under emergency authority. Public accountability: The Honolulu Ethics Commission is criticized for dodging the Sunshine Law in hiring its next executive director, with public-interest groups pushing for open interviews and votes. Local courts & safety: A Big Island manhunt ended with police adding murder charges against Jacob Daniel Baker, while a separate case highlights how Act 224 toughened penalties for dangerous dog owners after a fatal attack. Higher ed & sports funding: UH says it will still commit $5M in NIL-related pay for student-athletes despite legislative funding setbacks.

Visitor Economy: Hawaiʻi’s April visitor spending rose 4.8% to $1.77 billion even as arrivals slipped 0.5%, with per-visitor daily spending up 14.1% to $278, per DBEDT. Maui Housing/Recovery: Global Empowerment Mission Hawaiʻi will hold a Housing & Resource Fair June 6 at the Royal Lahaina Resort to connect disaster-impacted residents with housing listings and recovery services. Clean Energy Permitting: AES Hawaiʻi’s $241M Kūihelani Solar Phase 2 (aimed at powering about 18,425 homes) is pushing through Maui County permitting to meet a deadline tied to expiring tax credits. Public Safety/Crime: Former Gawad Kalinga founder Tony Meloto was arrested in the Philippines on sex trafficking charges, which he denies. Local Infrastructure: Hawaiʻi DOTD scheduled 22 weekday lane closures and road work projects on Big Island state routes through June 5. Accountability: A former Hawaiʻi County housing specialist, Alan Scott Rudo, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison in an affordable housing bribe scheme. Politics: State Rep. Della Au Belatti’s switch to the lieutenant governor race reshuffled the Democratic primary landscape. Environment/Science: NOAA says the Mauna Loa CO₂ record is funded and reopening after a near-defunding threat.

Hawaiʻi Politics & Governance: The Oʻahu-based Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi is holding its state convention in Waikiki, electing a new chair and setting priorities for the next legislative sessions. Native Hawaiian Affairs: The Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees voted 5-4 against moving forward on due diligence for a possible purchase of KITV/KIKU, though OHA Chair Kai Kahele says the door isn’t fully closed. Public Safety & Courts: A Hawaii federal judge gave final approval to a $100 million settlement tied to a shareholder suit alleging Hawaiian Electric failed to prepare for the 2023 Maui wildfire. Housing & Accountability: A former Hawaiʻi County housing official, Alan Scott Rudo, was sentenced to 46 months for accepting bribes and kickbacks in an affordable housing scheme. Community Services: The Judiciary’s Hoʻopili Kaiāulu Resource Fair drew 300+ people to Honolulu District Court, connecting residents facing homelessness and other barriers with services. Transportation & Energy: Hawaiian Electric’s $100M wildfire settlement gets final OK, while Hawaiian Airlines rolls out a new main-cabin pre-ordered dining program featuring local chefs. Elections & Reform: An Alaska opinion argues repealing ranked-choice voting would restore public trust, setting up a 2026 ballot fight.

Homicide Manhunt Ends on Big Island: Hawaii police arrested 36-year-old Jacob Daniel Baker after a multi-agency search tied to the killings of three elderly men, with officials crediting a citizen tip for helping bring the case to a “safe conclusion.” Earthquake Aftermath: A magnitude-6 quake in South Kona left more than 200 reported damage assessments, including eight homes destroyed and 85 with major damage, prompting an emergency proclamation by Hawaii County. Volcano Watch: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists explained the quake’s cause and how agencies communicated with the public after thousands of “Did You Feel It?” reports. Airline Culture Clash: A report says Alaska Airlines has barred staff from the newly acquired Hawaiian Airlines unit from wearing leis and aloha shirts on certain international routes. OHA Governance: OHA trustees rejected due diligence funding tied to a potential KITV-KIKU purchase, keeping the TV-station question in limbo. Real Estate Safety Tool: Hawaii REALTORS® will offer FOREWARN identity-verification services to members statewide to improve agent safety and fraud prevention. Boating Education: The BoatUS Foundation expanded its free, state-approved boating safety course to 15 additional states, including Hawaii. Community & Civic Life: Maʻi Movement Hawaiʻi and the State Commission launched a 2026 period poverty survey, while Hawaii’s visitor spending rose in April despite fewer arrivals.

Big Island Public Safety: Hawaii Police say the triple-homicide manhunt in Puna ended with the arrest of Jacob Daniel Baker, 36, “without incident,” after three killings over about 48 hours; officials say he was “armed and extremely dangerous,” and victims include Robert Shine and John Carse. Immigration & Community Impact: HawaiiNewsNow reports new U.S. green card guidance for “adjustment of status” is pushing some applicants to return home to finish processing, triggering fear and anxiety among families already in Hawaii. Native Hawaiian Governance: OHA’s board rejected spending up to $172,000 for confidential due diligence toward buying KITV-KIKU, citing other priorities, while chair Kaiali‘i Kahele argued for expanding Native Hawaiian voices in a changing media landscape. Local Government & Public Works: Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi says Taiwan officials agreed to tear down the dilapidated Chinatown Cultural Plaza, with demolition targeted for early 2027. State Policy & Health: SBA reminds Hawaii counties of the June 14 deadline for low-interest disaster loans after March storms; separate reporting shows Medicaid radiology and dental payments rising in Lihue and Kahului. Economy & Tourism: DBEDT says April visitor spending hit $1.77B (+4.8%) even as arrivals dipped slightly. Civic Life: Maʻi Movement Hawaiʻi and the State Commission on the Status of Women launch a statewide 2026 period poverty survey. Environment & Land: DLNR invites public input on a Kohala forest protection project covering about 1,200 acres near Puʻu Ahia.