AGP Executive Report

Airline Tech Leap: American Airlines says it will retrofit 500+ Airbus narrowbodies with Starlink for faster, lower-lag in-flight Wi‑Fi, with installs starting Q1 2027 and covering its full Airbus narrowbody fleet. Local Wellness: Honolulu is set to mark International Yoga Day with a free public event at Waikiki Bandstand on June 21. Military Justice Push: Rep. Judy Chu introduced a bill to make military hazing a standalone criminal offense under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Hawaii Courts/Policy: Hawaii passed a law aimed at limiting corporate election spending after Citizens United, though legal fights are expected. Oahu Safety Tech: A bill would expand Oahu’s automated red-light/speed camera program by up to 10 additional locations per year. Big Island Land Fight: Hawaii County moved to use eminent domain to widen a Puna road along Government Beach Road. Federal Probe With Hawaii Ties: DOJ charged Florida defense contractors with bribery and fraud tied to a Hawaii Army technology lab scheme.

UFC Comeback Confirmed: Conor McGregor says he’s finally returning to the Octagon at UFC 329 in Las Vegas during International Fight Week on July 11 (July 12 AEST), ending a five-year absence after his 2021 leg injury, and he frames his comeback as a “work backwards” plan for the right in-fight answers. Pacific Climate Work: Palau advanced its climate resilience planning through PIRCA 2.0, updating and validating the second Pacific Islands Regional Climate Assessment with local and technical partners. Education + Navy STEAM: U.S. Navy ship repair personnel brought hands-on STEAM lessons to Ikego Elementary School in Japan, tying classroom skills to real missions like Artemis II. Defense Diplomacy: South Korea’s submarine Dosan Ahn Chang-ho made a historic Pacific crossing to Canada as Seoul pushes its $39.6b bid for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project. Memorial Day in Hawaiʻi: Ceremonies at Punchbowl and across Oʻahu honored veterans and families, including stories of multi-generational remembrance.

Pearl Harbor Honor Controversy: An Associated Press report says FBI Director Kash Patel was given a “V.I.P. Snorkel” near the USS Arizona last summer, with Navy SEALs reportedly escorting him to spend about 30 minutes in the water—an act critics say clashes with the site’s solemn, sacred status. Native Programs Under Fire: Senators grilled the FY2027 budget request, warning proposed Native-serving cuts could strain federal treaty and trust duties, including major reductions to the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Indian Education. Supreme Court Watch: The term’s final stretch is set to deliver big rulings on elections, presidential power, and transgender rights. Guam Charity Fraud: Three Guam residents were sentenced for stealing and laundering $10.75M in children’s medical charity bingo proceeds. Hawaiʻi Politics: Lawmakers advanced a plan to curb corporate influence in elections, while stalled work on OHA ceded-land claims was revived. Local Governance: Honolulu’s Youth Commission pushed disaster-planning changes after recent storms, and Hawaiʻi County moved ahead with eminent domain to widen a Puna road.

Memorial Day & Pearl Harbor Remembrance: The U.S. Navy says the remains of 17-year-old sailor Royle Bradford Luker—killed on the USS West Virginia during the Dec. 7, 1941 attack—will finally be buried with full military honors on May 30 in Plainview, Arkansas, after DNA testing confirmed his identity decades after he was listed among the missing. Local Governance & Safety: Hawaiʻi is also bracing for the “100 deadliest days of summer,” with Maui traffic safety advocates urging drivers to avoid impairment, put phones down, and respect the 3-foot law for cyclists. Hawaiʻi Policy Watch: A new push around Lahaina rebuilding could ease some environmental reviews for certain infrastructure projects if HB1823 is approved by Gov. Josh Green. Regional Diplomacy: The 2026 Hawaiʻi–Japan Sister Summit wrapped with more than 350 participants, including nearly 30 governors and mayors, aiming to turn long-running ties into concrete economic and resilience projects.

Memorial Day in Hawaiʻi: Gov. Josh Green ordered U.S. and Hawaiʻi flags at half-staff at the Capitol, state offices, and the National Guard from sunrise to noon May 25. Pearl Harbor remembrance: The nation’s oldest living Pearl Harbor survivor, Freeman Johnson, 106, is keeping the story alive—far below deck during the attack on the USS St. Louis. Hawaiʻi policy fight: The EPA has walked back Hawaiʻi’s haze plan, leaving in place some parts but dropping the plan’s core push to retire “dinosaur” oil units by 2028. Local governance: A Hawaii County panel advanced a bill that would shift major mayor powers to an appointed county manager, a 5-4 vote. Ongoing accountability: State corruption scrutiny continues after a second cabinet-level official stepped down, with AG updates saying the probe is still reviewing records and interviewing people.

Indo-Pacific Tensions: Taiwan says China has surged 100+ warships and coast guard vessels across regional waters, warning it’s a “wrecking status quo” push that ramps up after Trump-Xi talks. Maui Elections Prep: Maui voters will soon get yellow signature cards to confirm registration and update signatures ahead of the 2026 primary and general elections. Public Safety: California Gov. Newsom declared a state of emergency over a toxic chemical leak at an Orange County aerospace site, with 50,000+ evacuated as tank temperatures keep rising. Local Governance: Maui County Council hopeful Kauanoe Batangan filed nomination papers, positioning his run around accountability and economic stability. Energy/Infrastructure: Hawaiian Electric has started hardening Lahaina’s poles along Honoapi‘ilani Highway, replacing wooden poles with stronger materials. Defense/Politics: US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard resigned, citing her husband’s rare bone cancer—amid reports she was pushed out. Travel Costs: Memorial Day gas prices are among the highest in years, with Hawaii listed near the top nationally.

ODNI Shake-Up: Tulsi Gabbard resigned as U.S. Director of National Intelligence, effective June 30, citing her husband’s rare bone cancer—while Trump named her deputy Aaron Lukas as acting DNI, and reports swirl that she was pushed out. Hawaiʻi Fallout: The timing lands as Hawaiʻi’s own political and public-safety agenda keeps moving—U.S. Rep. Ed Case and Jill Tokuda introduced a bill to crack down on illegal fireworks trafficking by targeting money laundering, and Hawaiian Electric crews are replacing Lahaina’s wildfire-prone wooden poles with sturdier replacements. Memorial Day Pressure: Gas prices in Hawaiʻi are among the highest in the nation heading into the holiday travel rush, with crowded roads expected. Earth & Volcano Watch: A 6.0 quake hit the Big Island near Honaunau-Napoʻopoo, and scientists are monitoring nearby volcanic activity closely.

U.S. Cabinet Shake-Up: Tulsi Gabbard has resigned as Trump’s Director of National Intelligence, effective June 30, saying she must step away to care for her husband after he was diagnosed with an extremely rare bone cancer; Trump praised her “incredible job” and named principal deputy Aaron Lukas as acting DNI. Hawaiʻi Energy & Wildfire Watch: Hawaiian Electric says high winds and dry conditions could trigger Public Safety Power Shutoffs soon on Hawaiʻi Island and parts of West Maui/Kahului, while warning residents about scammers claiming to be utility or government workers. Clean-Air Clash: Environmental groups and Hawaiian Electric are trading blame after the EPA partially rejected Hawaiʻi’s clean-air plan, with advocates saying it could keep thousands of tons of toxic pollution in the air. Local Governance: Gov. Josh Green appointed Makai Freitas to the UH Board of Regents. Maui Animal Policy: Advocates renewed calls for pet-breeding regulations as shelters stay overcapacity and Maui lacks statewide breeder rules. Memorial Day: Green ordered flags half-staff at state offices for Memorial Day.

DNI Shake-Up: Tulsi Gabbard resigned as U.S. Director of National Intelligence, effective June 30, saying she must step away to care for her husband after he was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer; Trump named her deputy, Aaron Lukas, as acting DNI. Hawaii in the Crosscurrents: Gabbard—former Hawaii congresswoman—had faced scrutiny over her Iran-war posture and earlier cabinet departures, underscoring how foreign-policy fights can ripple into personnel. Local Governance: Hawaii County advanced a bill requiring nonprofits seeking county grants to certify anti-nepotism, conflict-of-interest, and audit policies. Disaster Readiness: Gov. Josh Green and NOAA/NWS warned Central Pacific could see a very busy hurricane season—forecasting 5 to 13 cyclones—with El Niño a key driver. Energy Watch: JERA Americas is seeking federal approval for an offshore LNG import terminal tied to a proposed Oahu power plant.

Wildfire Watch: Hawaiian Electric says public safety power shutoffs are still possible on parts of the Big Island and Maui as high winds and dry conditions persist, naming Kawaihae and Waikōloa (Hawai‘i Island) plus Ōmaʻopio and Pulehu (West Maui) as areas to watch, while warning residents about scammers posing as utility workers. Biosecurity: HDAB and the University of Hawaiʻi landed $322,000+ in federal funding to boost plant pathogen detection and build decision-support tools for phytopathogen risk. Airport Wildlife: A live opossum was found in a Honolulu freight container near HNL, euthanized under protocol, and sent for rabies testing. Public Safety: Honolulu charged a man accused of trying to run over police officers in Kalaeloa; bail is set at $250,000. Tourism Leadership: HTA has opened applications to find a new president and CEO. Weather: Hawaii’s Central Pacific hurricane outlook warns of a potentially very busy 2026 season.

Abortion Access: Planned Parenthood’s “Just In Case” program lets people in two states get abortion pills in advance, a move framed as timely for places with supportive policy—including Hawaiʻi. Prediction Markets Clash: Minnesota became the first state to ban online prediction markets, but the federal CFTC is suing to block it, setting up a fast legal fight. Travel Pressure: Jet fuel costs are surging amid Strait of Hormuz disruptions, pushing airlines to cut flights and raising Memorial Day travel costs. Deep-Sea Mining Push: After a Trump push, at least nine companies are in talks for seabed access as regulators race to fast-track permits—while critics question the business case and environmental fallout. Hawaiʻi Politics: State Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole filed for Congress’ 1st District, pitching affordability and health care as his core themes. Local Governance: Honolulu Police Commission selected retired San Francisco deputy chief David Lazar as HPD’s next chief, ending a long search. Oʻahu Homelessness: The 2026 Point-in-Time count shows a slight overall uptick, with fewer unsheltered people but more people in shelters.

Honolulu Police Leadership: The Honolulu Police Commission has selected retired San Francisco Assistant Chief David Lazar as HPD’s 13th chief, beating finalists Mike Lambert and Scott Ebner after months of interviews and community input—Lazar now faces an FBI background check and contract talks. Congressional Race: State Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole has filed to run for Hawaii’s 1st Congressional District seat, launching his bid against incumbent Rep. Ed Case. Tourism Shake-Up: The Hawaii Tourism Authority opened applications to find its next president and CEO, signaling a major leadership transition for the state’s top private-sector industry. Homelessness Snapshot: Oahu’s 2026 Point-in-Time Count found 4,539 people experiencing homelessness, with the unsheltered population down about 20% since 2024 and sheltered now slightly ahead. Courts & Accountability: In a separate case, final sentencing was confirmed in the Shriners bingo scheme tied to Guam’s Hafa Adai Bingo, with millions ordered in restitution to Shriners. Business & Policy: Hawaii’s concealed carry licenses jumped sharply in 2025, while the state also signed a law aimed at challenging Citizens United-style corporate political spending.

Mauna Kea & County Power Shift: Hawaiʻi County Council advanced Bill 158 to create a merit-based county manager, trimming mayoral control (5-4 in committee), while on the Big Island DHHL is weighing Mauna Kea access-road toll proposals and Mauna Kea Stewardship timing was pushed back to Dec. 2029 for the summit takeover. Federal Scrutiny Hits Local Institutions: A U.S. Senate hearing questioned the planned closure of Hilo’s Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, with Sen. Mazie Hirono pressing the Forest Service on maintenance and impacts. Public Safety & Health Policy: Honolulu’s police chief shortlist is down to three finalists, with a union survey showing overwhelming support for Mike Lambert; and Hawaiʻi State DOH is among ESO Innovation Awards winners for using integrated data to improve emergency outcomes. National Politics With Local Ripples: Multiple states, including California and Minnesota, sued the Trump administration over new student-loan limits for healthcare workers, while Minnesota became the first state to ban prediction markets. Other Big Headlines: The Gabbie Gonzalez murder-for-hire case keeps escalating, and the NTSB is probing the UPS Louisville crash after engine-separation footage.

UPS Crash Probe: The NTSB released fresh video and new documents from the Nov. 4, 2025 Louisville crash, showing an engine and pylon separating in a fireball—and raising fresh questions about why the crew ended up on a last-minute replacement plane after a fuel leak. Healthcare Loan Lawsuit: A new wave of Democratic-led state lawsuits targets the U.S. Education Department’s student-loan rule that narrows “professional” degrees, with nurses and other healthcare workers at the center of the fight. Local Safety & Crime: Honolulu police say a 30-year-old tried to hit officers in Kalaeloa with a stolen car, crashing into two patrol vehicles before being arrested. Public Health Watch: Hawaiʻi DOH says it’s monitoring an Ebola-related outbreak (Bundigbugyo virus) in the DRC and Uganda, with risk to Hawaiʻi “very low.” Community Calendar: Pacific Historic Parks is hosting free Memorial Day weekend events at Pearl Harbor, including ranger tours and a livestream dive of the USS Arizona.

UPS Crash Hearings: The NTSB opened a two-day probe in Washington into why a UPS MD-11 engine separated on takeoff from Louisville last November, killing 15 and sending flames over the runway; investigators also released thousands of pages and new surveillance video, while questions swirl around Boeing’s handling of a recurring attachment-system problem. Hawaiʻi Policy Watch: Hawaii’s new law tightens the rules on license-plate covers—yes, they were already illegal in practice, but the updated ban removes the “intent” loophole and takes effect Jan. 1. Local Government & Courts: Honolulu is paying up to $350,000 to a special deputy corporation counsel to advise as it fights Hitachi Rail Honolulu over the Skyline project. Environment & Energy: EPA partially rejected Hawaiʻi’s haze plan, keeping some parts alive but backing away from planned oil-plant shutdowns. Nonprofit & Community: Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center is running a June 4 workshop for nonprofit board leadership, and Maui’s Ride of Silence is set for May 23.

Indo-Pacific Air Deals: Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb signed new agreements at the 2026 Pacific Air Chiefs Symposium in Hawaiʻi, including a space-collaboration intent with the Royal New Zealand Air Force and a C-130J support letter with Australia and U.S. Pacific Air Forces. Copyright Clash: Hawaii artists are warning consumers about copycat listings on sites like Temu and Alibaba that reuse designs without permission. UPS Crash Hearings: Federal investigators are holding hearings on why a UPS cargo plane engine detached last year—killing 15—while questions linger about how Boeing handled the underlying flaw. Mental Health on Oʻahu: A new law-backed pilot is moving some mentally ill people from streets to treatment instead of jail, using crisis teams plus law enforcement. Air Quality Fight: EPA rejected Hawaiʻi’s haze plan, blocking enforceable oil-plant shutdowns and raising grid-reliability concerns. Tourism Ops: Hawaiian Airlines rolled out electric ground equipment at Honolulu airport, and the Hawaiʻi Visitors & Convention Bureau named Liz Loomis to lead island integration.