AGP Executive Report

Parkinson’s Update: CDC data show Parkinson’s disease death rates among US adults 65+ fell in 2024 after rising from 2014–2021, with higher mortality for men and White non-Hispanic adults. Local Health & Environment: A Pearl City junkyard on Lehua Avenue faces a $55,000 Department of Health fine after debris was released into Waiawa Stream; neighbors say dust and chemical smells are triggering breathing problems. Care Access: Sen. Brian Schatz introduced a bill to study and address general surgeon shortages in underserved areas, including rural Hawaii. UH Health Tech: UH is launching a $12M AI and data science center in medicine to train local researchers and improve health work across Hawaii and the Pacific. Medicare Confusion: A senior-focused brokerage was featured on KATU to explain major 2026 Medicare plan changes and how seniors can navigate network and drug formulary shifts. Community Health Support: Kauaʻi Community College’s ʻOhana Night offered free TB testing for incoming students while connecting families to campus resources. Health Policy Watch: The US Supreme Court agreed to hear a case that could further limit when federal prisoners can sue over alleged medical neglect. Workforce Snapshot: Hawaiʻi’s unemployment rate held at 2.5% in May, with jobs growing in leisure and hospitality and professional services. Senior Care Milestone: Hale Makua marks 80 years of service with a June 27 golf tournament and online silent auction benefiting residents and programs.

Clean ʻUala Seeds: UH Mānoa researchers are building a USDA-backed “clean seed” pipeline for Okinawan and Hawaiian sweet potatoes, aiming to protect heritage crops from viruses and strengthen local farming. Healthcare AI in Hawaiʻi: A $12M NIH grant is funding UH Cancer Center’s new AI data center to improve medical research across Hawaii and the Pacific. Surgeon Shortage Push: Sen. Brian Schatz introduced a bill to study and address general-surgeon access gaps in underserved areas, including rural Hawaiʻi. Prison Medical Care Lawsuits: The U.S. Supreme Court will hear a case that could further limit prisoners’ ability to sue federal officials over alleged medical neglect, including a Hawaii-related claim. Youth & AI Safety: Hawaii’s SB 3001 would require AI companion platforms to add disclosures and suicide/self-harm response safeguards for minors. Food Security Strain: Kaukau 4 Keiki is short on volunteers, causing long lines and a weekly cap at its biggest Ewa Beach site. Power Resilience Warning: Officials urge preparation for longer outages as El Niño season could bring more tropical storms, stressing grid hardening. Public Health Watch: FDA flagged a bread recall tied to contamination on packaging for Great Value Hawaiian Roll 4-packs.

AI & Youth Safety: A Hawaii bill (SB 3001) would require AI companion platforms to disclose how they work, add suicide/self-harm prompt protocols, and report annually to the state Department of Health—violations could be treated as unfair/deceptive acts. Medical Research Funding: UH Cancer Center and JABSOM won a $12M NIH grant to build the Pacific Center for AI and Data Science in Medicine (PAC-AID), including a new Medical AI Core and upgrades to the Cancer Center data center. Public Health & Water Safety: Elevated bacteria levels are triggering beach closures and swimming advisories across the U.S., with health risks tied to fecal contamination. Community Health Support: Kapi‘olani Children’s Miracle Network and Kona Walmart will host a benefit golf tournament June 27 to support Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children. Local Health Systems Watch: Honolulu’s Biki bikeshare is drawing heavy complaints over broken stations and fewer working bikes, with the city planning $1M to restore bikes and fix stations. Marine Health & Conservation: NOAA and partners relocated a monk seal pup from busy Waikīkī to a quieter Oʻahu beach after a health check and tagging. Food & Nutrition Risk: A study links certain food additives in frozen and convenience foods to higher risks of heart disease and high blood pressure.

NIH Funding for Local AI Medicine: UH Cancer Center and JABSOM won a $12M, five-year NIH grant to build the Pacific Center for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science in Medicine, including a new Medical AI data center aimed at improving cancer research and care across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific. Public Health & Access: Project Vision Hawaii’s Eye Ball 2026 fundraiser (Aug. 29) will expand mobile eye and health services for people facing barriers like lack of insurance, distance, and limited income. Local Health Tech in Motion: Honolulu’s Biki bikeshare is drawing heavy complaints over broken stations, bike shortages, and customer service, with the city planning a $1M Climate Resiliency Fund push to restore 600 bikes. Health Care Fraud Case: A Filipino-American nurse was indicted in Houston over an alleged $906M Medicare/Tricare fraud scheme involving medically unnecessary procedures and kickbacks, with prosecutors seeking forfeiture of assets including a Hawaii home. Community Health & Safety: A lava-ocean blast off Hawaiʻi’s Big Island injured 23 tourists, including one woman in serious condition. Legislative Health Leadership: State Sen. Michelle Kidani announced she’ll retire June 30 after 18 years, citing health and her ability to serve. Scholarships for Future Clinicians: HMSA honored 15 Hawaiʻi high school students with its Kaimana Scholarship Program.

State Leadership: Hawaii Senate Vice President Michelle Kidani announced she’ll retire June 30 after 18 years in the Legislature, citing health and reflecting on her ability to serve District 18. Public Safety: On Kauai’s Kuhio Highway, a 58-year-old pedestrian was critically injured after being hit by a van near Laukona Street; police say speed doesn’t appear to be a factor and toxicology is pending. Violence in the Community: Honolulu police arrested a 20-year-old in a Waianae attempted murder case after an alleged stabbing of a relative; the victim was treated and released. Health Access & Workforce: Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association awarded $75,000 in Kaimana Scholarships to 15 high school seniors across the islands. Maui Resilience: The Hua Momona Foundation announced RISE Maui 2026 (Aug. 17–21), an immersive summit focused on regeneration, sustainability, and community-led solutions. Local Wellness & Care: Project Vision Hawaii is gearing up for The Eye Ball 2026 to expand access to health and human services for vulnerable residents.

Native Hawaiian Health Funding: Sen. Brian Schatz announced nearly $25 million in federal support for five Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems plus Papa Ola Lōkahi, aimed at health education, disease prevention, and basic primary care across Hawaiʻi. Blood Donation Call: Blood Bank of Hawaiʻi is urgently seeking AB plasma donors after supply levels dropped to about 1.5 weeks, warning it could run out in roughly three days without help. Mental Health Workforce: DCCA is preparing for July 1 under Act 93 (2024), creating provisional licenses for associate psychologists and associate mental health counselors to expand access to care. Emergency Response Staffing: Honolulu EMS graduated 10 EMTs from its academy, including the first cohort trained at Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, as the department ramps up units across Oʻahu. Oral Health Access: HDS Foundation highlighted its $2M+ in 2025 grants to nonprofit partners focused on prevention, workforce development, and care access from keiki to kūpuna. Public Health & Safety: Hawaii Island police are investigating the death of an 8-year-old girl after severe injuries; meanwhile, Honolulu EMS and local agencies continue responding to community needs. Community Health Infrastructure: HTDC awarded grants supporting Hawaiʻi’s manufacturing and tech ecosystem, including MAP funding to local companies.

Native Hawaiian Health Funding: U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz announced nearly $25 million for Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems and Papa Ola Lōkahi, including $10M for Papa Ola Lōkahi and support for centers on Maui, Molokaʻi, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi Island, and Oʻahu. Mental Health Workforce: Hawaiʻi’s DCCA is gearing up for July 1 under Act 93 (2024), creating provisional licenses for associate psychologists, associate marriage and family therapists, and associate mental health counselors to expand access statewide. Blood Supply Alert: Blood Bank of Hawaiʻi is urgently asking people with AB plasma (positive or negative) to donate this week as supply levels are low and one patient’s needs could drain stock in days. Mobility & Aging: A new UH study finds Native Hawaiian adults report mobility limitations at younger ages than other groups, pointing to earlier screening needs. EMS Staffing Push: Honolulu EMS graduated 10 EMTs from its academy, part of efforts to rebuild staffing and expand response units. Public Health & Safety: Police are investigating the death of an 8-year-old on Hawaiʻi Island after severe injuries; meanwhile, a 16-year-old died in a Pali Highway crash, with speed and seatbelt use under review. Wildlife Update: NOAA relocated Waikiki’s monk seal pup ‘Anela to a quieter Oʻahu beach to help her learn normal wild behavior away from crowds.

Public Health & Care Access: A Hawaiʻi whistleblower lawsuit alleges Abbott Laboratories used illegal kickbacks to steer clinics toward its equipment, raising fresh concerns about patient access and ethics in outpatient care. Environmental Health: Honolulu broke ground on more than $85M in upgrades at the Kailua Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant, including biotower rehabilitation and a new dewatering building aimed at protecting water quality for Windward Oʻahu. Community Health & Nutrition: A Lanai-born clinical psychologist launched the Ohana Healthcare Partners Foundation to expand education, health, and emergency support for island residents and Lanai families living off-island. Local Food & Wellness: The Kona Seaside Shops renovation got a permit approval in Kona, with plans for new dining and vendor spaces that could boost local commerce and healthy food options. Marine Health: After a decade-long “Try Wait” fishing moratorium helped ʻopihi recovery on the Kona Coast, community groups are still working with state officials on the next rules to protect gains. Safety Watch: A fatal Pali Highway crash involving a 16-year-old is under investigation, with excessive speed suspected.

Pali Highway Fatal Crash: Honolulu police say a 16-year-old girl died after a single-vehicle crash on the Kailua-bound Pali Highway; investigators suspect excessive speed, and the teen was found unresponsive after the car went airborne and burned. Windward Wastewater Upgrade: The City broke ground on $85M in Kailua Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements, including $23.6M biotower rehabilitation and a $61.7M dewatering building, aimed at protecting public health and water quality. Mobility Study for Native Hawaiians: UH Mānoa research finds Native Hawaiian adults report mobility limitations at higher rates and at younger ages than other groups, with 28% of those 55+ affected. Children & Youth Funding Map: Hawaiʻi released its first Children and Youth Fiscal Map, analyzing state and federal investments for ages 0–24 from 2019–2023 to guide better alignment and outcomes. DOH Dengue Alert (Oʻahu): The state reported a travel-related dengue case in an Oʻahu visitor, noting risks remain low. Supreme Court Gun Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court limited a federal gun ban for marijuana users, ruling certain prosecutions violate Second Amendment rights. Leadership in Military Health: Brig. Gen. Andrew L. Landers assumed command of Army Medical Readiness Command, Pacific, and director of Defense Health Network Indo-Pacific at Fort Shafter. Community Health Support: A new Hawaiʻi children-and-youth resource and local infrastructure work both point to ongoing focus on prevention, access, and safer environments.

Dengue Watch: Hawaiʻi DOH confirmed a new travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu tied to a visitor; officials say the risk of local spread is low and the person was no longer infectious when they left, while DOH teams are doing mosquito control and outreach and urging residents to eliminate standing water. Supreme Court & Guns: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 9-0 that federal gun restrictions can’t be applied broadly to marijuana users in a Texas case, narrowing enforcement of the Gun Control Act and reinforcing Second Amendment limits. Vaccines Uptake: A new study using Truveta data finds Shingrix vaccination rates rising fast among adults newly eligible at age 50, though gaps remain by race, geography, and income. Local Keiki & Learning: Hawaii’s Kids Count report highlights weak reading and math proficiency for fourth and eighth graders and flags low preschool participation for some groups, pointing to early education as a key lever. Health & Safety Reminder: With mosquito-borne disease risk in mind, DOH’s guidance also emphasizes bite prevention—repellent and long sleeves—alongside standing-water cleanup. Community Health Leadership: Our Health’s executive director Sharen Gromling announced a retirement transition, with plans to keep working through leadership and nonprofit support roles.

Public Health Alert: Hawaiʻi DOH confirmed a new travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu tied to a visitor; it’s not counted in the state’s official total (still five) and officials say the risk of local spread is low, but they’re urging residents to remove standing water and cut mosquito breeding sites. Nutrition & Health Policy: Hawaiʻi is set to restrict sugar-sweetened beverages for SNAP recipients, limiting purchases of sugary carbonated sodas (diet drinks excluded), a move DOH links to lower rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Youth & Education: A new Kids Count report says Hawaiʻi fourth and eighth graders are falling short in reading and math, with preschool participation still a major gap for many Pacific Islander and Filipino families. Community Health & Support: UH Cancer Center’s free “Healing Through Art” workshop (July 18) will offer creative activities and talks on how art therapy can ease anxiety and distress for people affected by cancer. Safety & Wellness in the Community: Honolulu firefighters responded to two separate hiker emergencies (Manoa and Diamond Head), including an airlift for a medical case.

Behavioral Health & Justice: Hawaiʻi State Hospital’s decompression push has enabled the most civil commitments in over a decade, with 10 admitted in fiscal year 2026—an effort meant to expand access to advanced mental health care for the community. Infant Health Alert: DOH is warning families about a Nara Organics powdered infant formula recall due to potential Clostridium botulinum contamination, urging immediate contact with a healthcare provider if symptoms appear. Public Health & Water Safety: Oʻahu beach testing found sewage-linked bacteria at multiple sites; 7 of 14 locations failed recreational standards, raising concerns for swimmers. Ocean Safety Tech: Honolulu Ocean Safety is rolling out the Watchtower app to centralize reporting and improve rescue and emergency response. Community Health Access: A letter urges passage of a Hawaii colorectal cancer screening access bill, highlighting how early detection can prevent worse outcomes. Local Governance & Elections: OHA approved funding for a statewide televised congressional debate and live OHA trustee forums ahead of the Aug. 8 primary. Road Safety: Police identified a 17-year-old killed in a fiery Saddle Road crash; investigators say speed and intoxication don’t appear to be factors, with weather possibly involved.

Infant Formula Recall: Hawai‘i DOH warned parents about a Nara Organics powdered infant formula recall due to potential Clostridium botulinum contamination, urging families to contact a provider right away if symptoms of infant botulism appear. Behavioral Health Capacity: Hawai‘i State Hospital’s decompression efforts have enabled the facility to admit the most civil commitments in over 10 years, expanding access to advanced mental health care. Public Health & Water Safety: O‘ahu beach testing found 7 of 14 sites failed recreational water quality standards over the weekend, with officials noting bacteria linked to raw sewage can signal other harmful pathogens. Community Health & Education: HMSA awarded $75,000 in scholarships to 15 Hawai‘i high school graduates, highlighting academics, athletics, community service, and healthy lifestyle activities. Workforce Pipeline: Kapolei and Radford students toured UH Mānoa to explore public health and social work careers, aiming to address local workforce shortages. Safety & Injury Risk: A balcony collapse in Kihei injured six people, while separate fatal crashes on Hawai‘i Island and other Honolulu-area incidents underscore ongoing traffic and public safety concerns.

Infant Formula Recall: Hawaiʻi DOH is warning families about a Nara Organics powdered infant formula recall due to potential Clostridium botulinum contamination; the products were sold nationwide and at Target in Hawaiʻi, and officials urge parents to stop using recalled lots and contact a healthcare provider if symptoms appear. Public Health & Vaccines: Measles cases are rising in Washington’s Walla Walla County as vaccination rates fall, with health officials pointing to misinformation and vaccine hesitancy. Mental Health & Violence: New court documents say a Liliha murder suspect may have been in a mental health crisis, with family describing schizophrenia and medication changes; the case follows the fatal beating of a father in their apartment. Local Safety & Emergencies: Honolulu police charged a suspect in the Hopaka Street shooting after a 24-year-old was hospitalized; separately, another Keeaumoku-area shooting was reclassified to murder after a victim died. Community Health Infrastructure: Oʻahu sewer fees change July 1—base rates drop while usage-based charges rise—so residents are encouraged to conserve water to lower bills. Marine Life & Food Security: False killer whales in Hawaiʻi are losing weight as food becomes scarcer, with researchers linking the decline to competition with nearshore fishing and warming seas.

Infant Formula Recall: Hawai‘i DOH is warning residents about a nationwide recall of Nara Organics Powdered Infant Formula due to potential Clostridium botulinum contamination, with the recalled products sold at Target in Hawai‘i and online; officials urge families to stop using the affected lots and watch for infant botulism signs. Behavioral Health Capacity: Hawai‘i State Hospital says decompression efforts have enabled 10 civil commitments in FY2026, the most since 2014, as it works to reduce its justice-involved census and expand access to advanced mental health care. Public Safety—Shooting Updates: Honolulu police arrested a 37-year-old suspect on suspicion of second-degree murder in the fatal Keeaumoku St. shooting; investigators say it’s not linked to an earlier Hopaka St. incident. Injury & Emergency Response: A condo balcony collapse in Kihei injured six people, and a serious motorcycle crash in Pearl City sent a man to the hospital with burns after colliding with a semi-truck. Community Health & Cost Pressures: The City and County of Honolulu is sharing tips ahead of July 1 sewer fee changes, with lower base rates but higher usage-based charges—aimed at rewarding water conservation. Ocean Safety: During a High Surf Warning, Honolulu lifeguards logged 276 rescues and thousands of preventative actions, urging beachgoers to swim at guarded sites.

Medicaid Fraud Scrutiny: Hawaiʻi’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is facing federal funding trouble after an HHS inspector general said the unit’s efforts fell short, despite the state citing $14 million in settlements—most tied to a single long-running case. Public Health & Food Safety: A nationwide recall of more than 500,000 mac and cheese packages was escalated after undeclared allergens were found. Maternal Health Drug Shortage: The U.S. is running short on the only first-line treatment for pregnant women with syphilis to prevent congenital syphilis, raising concerns for rates and disparities. Local Care Access: Oprah Winfrey helped fund a new CT scanner at Maui Memorial Medical Center, aimed at faster, more detailed imaging. Water Safety: Honolulu firefighters and EMS responded after a boat overturned in high surf off Aina Haina; one 40-year-old woman was taken to the hospital in serious condition. Men’s Health: June is Men’s Health Month, spotlighting prevention and screening gaps. Shark Safety Debate: New shark-attack coverage is reigniting arguments over shark culls and public safety. Community Health Tech: Enterome shared interim Phase 1/2 results for an immune therapy targeting CD8 T-cells in indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma.