AGP Executive Report

Storm Recovery & Public Safety: Hurricane Lala weakened to a tropical storm after skirting Hawaii, but it still left major flooding, dangerous surf, and widespread outages—more than 180,000 customers reported without power and at least 100 homes damaged or swept away on the Big Island. Local Closures: State offices, public schools, and court facilities statewide were closed Monday, with some schools on Hawaiʻi Island staying closed longer due to storm damage and access issues. Health & Utilities: Multiple hospitals switched to generator power during the worst impacts, while Hawaiian Electric warned some rural areas could face extended outages. Assistance for Families: Hawaii DHS says SNAP recipients who lost food during Lala can apply for SNAP replacement benefits, with written statements due within 10 days. Oʻahu Environmental Alert: Honolulu’s ENV is responding to an ongoing sewage spill at the Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant; sampling has been waived and signs posted. Community Incidents: A man was hospitalized after an apparent stabbing in Waipahu, and Hawaii Island police investigated a fatal head-on crash in Ocean View.

Storm Aftermath & Safety: Hurricane Lala has weakened to a tropical storm but is still battering Hawaii with heavy rain, damaging winds, dangerous surf, and widespread power outages. On the Big Island, officials reported flash flooding and landslide risk, with search-and-rescue efforts after floodwaters reportedly swept occupied homes off their foundations near Na‘alehu and Wai‘ohinu. Gov. Josh Green said at least one person died in a storm-related car crash near South Point, and at least three hospitals switched to generator power as outages spread. Local Health & Food Safety: The Hawai‘i Department of Health authorized reopening of Baan Thai Family Cuisine in Kailua-Kona after a follow-up inspection found required corrective actions completed, including discarding contaminated food, pest control, cleaning, and employee retraining. Traffic & Injury Update: Hawaii Island police are investigating a head-on collision in Ocean View that killed a 45-year-old man; a 21-year-old woman was taken to Kona Community Hospital in critical condition. Community Health Note: A Honolulu-area rescue operation was underway in Waiahole Valley and Waikane due to rising waters, with agencies urging the public to stay away while responders work.

Storm Safety & Health Impacts: Hurricane Lala skirted Hawaiʻi Island without “landfall” but still brought hurricane-force winds and heavy rain, knocking out power for tens of thousands and disrupting travel, with officials warning residents to shelter in place and stay off roads as flooding and downed trees remain risks. Local Emergency Response: The state and counties activated response teams and opened Oʻahu hurricane refuge areas; on Oʻahu, the city also announced closures of refuse convenience centers, transfer stations and the Waimānalo landfill on Sunday due to severe weather. Big Island Damage Updates: Reports include at least one storm-related death tied to a car crash and widespread outages; officials say hospitals have backup generators. Community Wellness: Hot Kūpuna Nights returns to Lahaina Civic Center with music, food, and recovery resources for kūpuna and ʻohana. Public Health Watch: Hawaiʻi DOH confirmed a fifth case of cyclosporiasis in the state, urging vigilance as the illness spreads. Health Costs & Access: Medicaid spending for prosthetic procedures rose sharply in Aiea, highlighting growing demand for mobility-related care. Injury Alert: A man was hospitalized in serious condition after an apparent stabbing in Kapolei.

Hurricane Preparedness (Big Island): Tropical Storm Lala has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane as it nears Hawaiʻi Island, with Hawaiian Electric reporting thousands of customers without power and the Department of Water Supply issuing “Essential Needs Only” guidance for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene. Emergency Response (Utilities & Safety): Hawaiian Electric says it has activated its response plan, with 500+ workers and contractors ready, and warns wildfire-risk conditions could trigger Public Safety Power Shutoffs. Public Health Alert (Cyclospora): The Hawaiʻi Department of Health confirmed a fifth cyclosporiasis case in 2026, tied to a military member who traveled internationally; DOH says the risk to the public remains low while it investigates. Local Water & Health Infrastructure: DOH is also investigating low-level Cyclospora detection in Hilo wastewater. Community Health & Access: State agencies issued an emergency proclamation ahead of Lala, mobilizing the Hawaiʻi National Guard and coordinating resources for public health and safety.

Public Health: Hawaii DOH confirmed a fifth cyclosporiasis case in 2026, involving a military member based in Hawaiʻi who traveled to places with rising Cyclospora activity; officials say the risk to the public remains low and there’s no known link between cases. Storm Readiness: Tropical Storm Lala is strengthening toward the Big Island, with a hurricane warning and potential for heavy rain and dangerous conditions; Hawaiʻi state agencies issued an emergency proclamation, while Hawaiian Electric activated its response plan (500+ workers ready) and is monitoring wildfire risk with possible Public Safety Power Shutoffs. Local Preparedness: Hawaii County is opening multiple shelters Friday evening and providing sand for sandbags as flash-flood risk grows, while telecom providers say they’re staging generators and prioritizing restoration for critical sites like hospitals. Community & Health Equity: Two students won the Don T. Nakanishi Award for engaged scholarship, including research on health and data equity for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. Safety & Justice: Honolulu police arrested a 42-year-old man after a fatal stabbing on Ke’eaumoku Street; he faces second-degree murder charges.

Hurricane Lala Watch: Hawaiʻi Island braces as Tropical Storm Lala is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane, with a Hurricane Warning, heavy rain risk, flash flooding concerns, and damaging surf expected. Local Preparedness: DLNR is clearing stream channels and coordinating dam safety checks and emergency action plan reviews as the storm approaches. Health Policy & Privacy: Hawaii is named among 22 states suing to block the Trump administration from accessing sensitive CDL driver data, arguing privacy violations and overreach. Immunization Guidance: West Coast Health Alliance urges families to follow the AAP/ACOG evidence-based 2026 immunization schedules rather than an executive order. Kidney Care Update: GlomCon Hawaii 2026 highlights patient experience delays in IgA nephropathy diagnosis and new 2-year eGFR findings for sibeprenlimab in high-risk IgAN. Food Safety: Health inspectors cite issues at restaurants and a food truck closure tied to plumbing problems, underscoring ongoing local food handling vigilance. Community Health & Safety: A Maui cat caretaker was allegedly beaten to death while feeding strays, renewing attention on public safety and community violence.

Hurricane Lala Preparedness: Gov. Josh Green declared a state of emergency as Tropical Storm Lala strengthens and a Hurricane Warning is in effect for Hawaiʻi Island, with damaging winds, heavy rain (up to 25 inches in some areas), and dangerous surf expected; Hawaii County and Honolulu are opening shelters and urging residents to finish storm prep now. Public Health & Animal Safety: DOH and DAB are urging vigilance as migratory birds return, reminding backyard poultry owners to limit contact with wild birds and protect feed and water to reduce avian influenza risk. Infectious Disease Watch: A CDC update says cyclosporiasis cases may be slowing, but the outbreak is still large and the source remains unclear—keep an eye on food safety guidance. Tobacco Use Risks: A new analysis finds most e-cigarette sales in late 2025 involved products the FDA never authorized, raising concerns about youth appeal and regulatory gaps. Water Safety/Health Infrastructure: The Navy awarded a $309M contract for a permanent Red Hill water treatment facility, aimed at treating fuel-contaminated water and protecting drinking water for military communities. Community Health: Hilo police and community partners completed a heavy-rain cleanup at Richardson Ocean Park and reminded the public that animals are prohibited at Hawaiʻi County beach parks.

Local Public Safety: Honolulu police are investigating a fatal stabbing on Ke’eaumoku Street; a 42-year-old man was arrested for murder in the second degree after a man in his 50s–60s died at the hospital. Traffic Safety: A 51-year-old moped rider died after a crash on Kamehameha Highway in Haleiwa; police say speed doesn’t appear to be a factor and the rider was not wearing a helmet. Animal & Public Health: Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity captured a live opossum at a freight warehouse near Hilo Harbor; it was euthanized and sent for rabies testing, with officials noting Hawaiʻi remains rabies-free. Health Policy & Privacy: Multiple state attorneys general, including Hawaiʻi’s AG counterparts, sued to block a Trump administration push to obtain sensitive commercial driver data tied to 17 million records, arguing privacy law violations and threats to federal funding. Care Access & Costs: A new analysis finds Hawaii families need about $283,314 in annual income to meet a benchmark for full-time toddler care affordability. Immunization Guidance: West Coast Health Alliance reaffirmed evidence-based childhood and maternal vaccine schedules, saying a White House executive order doesn’t change its position. Community & Wellness: A Native Hawaiian book club grew from a group chat into a wider online community centered on Hawaiian voices and stories.

Storm Readiness: Hawaiian Electric is urging Hawaiʻi residents to review emergency plans, stock supplies, and monitor forecasts as a storm system could reach the islands as early as Saturday. Homeless Outreach: Honolulu’s CORE team is pushing people living in dangerous areas to seek shelter ahead of the storm, with outreach at encampments in Waipahu, Pearl City, Makiki, and under a Kapiʻolani Boulevard bridge. Pregnancy Vaccines: A new report explains why vaccines during pregnancy matter for newborn protection—especially for Tdap timing in weeks 27–36 and what to expect before infant shots begin. Food Safety Help: Hawaiʻi Commercial Kitchens is offering a free hazard analysis critical control point workshop (in-person or Zoom) to help local food businesses prepare for inspections. Water & Public Health: Hawaiʻi County is holding a community meeting Aug. 20 on closing large-capacity cesspools in Kaʻū (Pāhala and Nāʻālehu), citing public health and water protection risks. Access to Care: Lanai Air launched four daily round-trip flights between Molokai and Honolulu, and is participating in the Essential Rural Medical Air Transport pilot for medical travel.

Red Hill Water Safety: NAVFAC Hawaii awarded Hensel Phelps a $309.65M contract for the Red Hill Water Treatment Facility (P-716), aiming to build a new 10-million-gallon-per-day plant and related upgrades, with completion targeted for August 2029. Ocean & Public Health Infrastructure: Honolulu marked completion of Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant Secondary Treatment Phase 1, using membrane bioreactors and UV disinfection to better protect beaches and the ocean. Food Safety Help for Local Businesses: Hawaiʻi Commercial Kitchens is offering a free hazard analysis critical control point workshop Aug. 13 (in Hilo or via Zoom) with DOH inspector guidance to help businesses pass inspections. Community Health Funding: The AMA announced inaugural $50,000 micro grants under its Community Health Impact Lab, backing physician-led projects on prevention, mental health, nutrition, and chronic disease. Hawaii DOH Enforcement: DOH issued a red placard and closed HI SHACK (Waikiki) for temperature control, handwashing access, and hot-holding violations. Disaster Recovery Watch: UHERO reports Maui wildfire recovery shows housing gains, but employment and incomes lag and assistance has dropped for many households.

Maui wildfire recovery gaps: A new UHERO report says housing stability has improved three years after the fires, but financial help has dropped sharply—about half of affected households reported getting no assistance at all in May 2026—leaving many still struggling to navigate resources. Waikiki food safety: DOH issued a red placard and closed HI SHACK (772 TXS) after refrigeration, handwashing access, and hot-holding temperature violations. Community health support: DOH launched Project Hoʻoulu, a face-to-face mental health outreach effort for people affected by the Kona Low floods across Maui, Molokaʻi, Oʻahu and Lānaʻi. Public health workforce pipeline: Hawaii Medical College and ALU LIKE are expanding access to advanced nurse aide training with a supported cohort aimed at lowering costs and meeting healthcare staffing demand. Hospital superbug alert: Experts warn about rising Candida auris cases in U.S. hospitals, a drug-resistant fungus that threatens vulnerable patients. Food access on Oʻahu: The Army opened a Culinary Outpost food truck at Fort Shafter to address dining shortages for about 500 soldiers. Local water infrastructure: Honolulu leaders blessed a new Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant membrane bioreactor facility to better protect ocean and coastal waters.

Maui Flood Mental Health Response: Hawaiʻi DOH launched Project Hoʻoulu, a face-to-face resiliency outreach with trained crisis counselors for children, youth and adults affected by Kona Low flooding across Maui, Molokaʻi, Oʻahu and Lānaʻi, using door-to-door and shelter-based support rather than a traditional clinic model. Water Safety Watch: DOH reported trace selenium levels in the Wailuku water system, prompting public attention to local drinking-water monitoring. Pediatric Skin Care Update: New nonsteroidal options for pediatric atopic dermatitis expand to younger ages, including ruxolitinib and tapinarof creams approved down to age 2, adding more itch-and-skin management choices for families. Workforce Pipeline: Hawaii Medical College and ALU LIKE partnered to support a cohort in the Advanced Nurse Aide program, lowering costs for up to 12 participants and helping meet high-demand healthcare staffing needs. Food Access on Oʻahu: The Army opened a Culinary Outpost food truck at Fort Shafter to serve 500 soldiers after dining options fell short, offering meals aligned with Army nutrition standards. Public Health Alerts: A new report finds most U.S. e-cigarette sales are illicit, with many products aimed at young people—fueling calls for stronger enforcement. COVID Trend Note: CDC data suggests a summer COVID uptick, with Hawaii showing moderate activity in wastewater signals.

Flood Mental Health Support: Hawaiʻi DOH launched Project Hoʻoulu, a face-to-face resiliency outreach with crisis counselors for children, youth and adults affected by the Kona Low floods across Maui, Molokaʻi, Oʻahu and Lānaʻi. Drinking Water Watch: DOH reported trace selenium detected in Maui’s Wailuku water system (2.4–6.5 ug/L), well below the 50 ug/L standard, and said monitoring continues. Homelessness Solutions: Oʻahu’s Built for Zero initiative helped reduce veteran homelessness by coordinating services and is now expanding to other vulnerable communities. Dermatology Guidance: New AAD pediatric atopic dermatitis prevention guidance highlights what may help by age and notes where prevention data is still limited. Public Health Alerts: FDA recall notices flagged multiple safety issues, including a morphine labeling mix-up and other drug, device and food recalls. Food Safety: Salmonella outbreaks tied to eggs, jalapeños and even pets are making people sick in multiple states. Local Education & Health: CTAHR will expand agricultural education and research at Nani Mau Gardens in Hilo as an outdoor classroom. Community Health & Safety: A woman in Waianae was hospitalized in serious condition after an apparent stabbing.

Domestic Violence & Justice: In Miami, OnlyFans model Courtney Clenney pleaded guilty to manslaughter with a deadly weapon in the 2022 stabbing death of her boyfriend Christian Obumseli, receiving six years in prison plus five years probation; with credit for nearly four years already served, she could be released in about two years, and will undergo mental health and substance abuse treatment. Public Safety & Health: Honolulu police are investigating an Ewa Beach shooting that left a 20-year-old man with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his upper back; EMS treated him on scene and three suspects remain at large. Nutrition & Local Wellness: Hawaiʻi Island chefs are handing out free local-food recipe tear-offs to encourage home cooking with island proteins and produce, including dishes like ʻono with macadamia crust and Kona coffee desserts. Clinical Research Equity: A review finds racial and ethnic minorities are underrepresented in nail psoriasis clinical trials, with race reported in only about one-third of studies and ethnicity often missing—raising concerns about how well results apply to patients with skin of color. Infectious Disease Watch: CDC data show the drug-resistant fungus Candida auris has reached Indiana, with cases detected in more than half of U.S. states.

Child Safety & Tech Accountability: Meta is set for a new U.S. trial over alleged harms to children, with states accusing Instagram and Facebook of making platforms addictive for minors; CEO Mark Zuckerberg is expected to testify. Immigration & Worker Protections: The Trump administration is considering ending the 60-day grace period for H-1B and other visa holders after job loss, drawing sharp condemnation from an Indian-American community leader. Daylight Saving Time: Congress is still racing to decide whether the U.S. will keep changing clocks; with the Senate in recess, millions may still “fall back” on Nov. 1. Molokai Crash: A UTV crash near Halawa Valley Park killed two young women and injured four others; speed and alcohol are suspected, and investigators say no one wore helmets or seat belts. Maui Violence: A Kahului attack left a 71-year-old man dead; two suspects face murder charges. Maui Resort Murder Allegation: A champion swimmer was charged after an alleged attack on a security guard at a beachfront resort. Local Health Data: Medicaid surgery claims in Wailuku totaled $173,556 in 2024, up sharply from 2023. Ongoing Cyberattack Fallout: UH Cancer Center settlement notices are going out for the 2025 cyberattack, with claim steps tied to IDs and PINs.

Waimanalo Violence: Honolulu Police say a 58-year-old man was stabbed in Waimanalo and rushed to the hospital in critical condition; no arrests yet, and investigators are asking the public to call 911 or CrimeStoppers. Maui Resort Murder Allegation: A 20-year-old champion swimmer, Legend Storer, was charged with second-degree murder after police say he beat a security guard to death at the Sands of Kahana resort; he was arrested hours later. Maili Child Torture Charges: A Maili mother and stepfather face felony charges after police allege years of abuse, starvation, and confinement of a 13-year-old boy; the teen escaped and sought help from a neighbor. Health Care Costs in Hawaii: New data shows Medicaid “Surgery” claims in Wailuku totaled $173,556 in 2024, up sharply from 2023, highlighting how local billing patterns can shift with care access. Cybersecurity for Patients: A Kokua Line response directs UH Cancer Center cyberattack claimants to the official settlement site (uhdatasettlement.com) and warns about phishing-style emails. Community Health & Safety: A state agency pulled back a plan to temporarily use a Kakaako warehouse for a nonprofit workshop instead of keeping an F45 gym tenant, reigniting debate over interim space decisions.