AGP Executive Report

Undersea Defense Tech: RIMPAC 2026 showcased AUKUS Pillar II autonomous and seabed warfare systems, with U.S. and Australian teams testing robotic and remotely operated undersea vehicles and surveillance tech in real-world conditions. Hurricane Lala (Big Island): Lala strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane and threatened a rare direct hit on Hawaii’s Big Island, with forecasts calling for extreme rain, flooding, and mudslides plus power outages as crews worked to restore service. Hurricane Lala (After Skirt): The storm later skirted the Big Island without landfall, but hurricane-force winds, heavy rain, and coastal impacts continued into the night, keeping flood and landslide risk high. Local AI Governance: A new push urges Hawaii to set clear rules before large AI data centers arrive, warning about energy, water, grid strain, and infrastructure costs. Space Science: James Webb detected a “black hole star” (MoM–BH–1), a new kind of object emitting vastly more energy than normal stars, with researchers tied to MIT and the University of Hawaiʻi. Solar & Ecology: Research suggests retired farmland can regain native habitat under solar panels within a few years, boosting pollinators and insect diversity. Hawaii Research in Agriculture: Japanese rice varieties are being trialed on Kauaʻi as part of a Japan–Hawaii cultivation exchange. Marine Debris Art: Maui artists and researchers are turning ghost nets and ocean trash into public art while studying how debris moves through Hawaiian waters.

Hurricane Preparedness: Tropical Storm Lala has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane and is bearing down on Hawaii’s Big Island, with the National Hurricane Center warning of possible first direct hurricane landfall in 155 years; forecasters say higher elevations near Mauna Kea could see up to 63.5 cm of rain, raising the risk of life-threatening mudslides, flooding, and wind-driven wildfire danger across the islands. Local Infrastructure & Response: Hawaii’s emergency agencies have mobilized ahead of the storm, including National Guard support and statewide preparations, while residents are urged to seek shelter—especially those in off-grid or improvised housing. Travel Disruption: As Lala approaches, flight delays are turning into cancellations, with airlines issuing rebooking/refund protocols for travelers. Marine Conservation: Maui artist Michiko Smith is transforming washed-up ghost nets and other marine debris into art, highlighting ongoing efforts to study and recycle ocean trash. Public Health Tech: A new FDA-approved sunscreen ingredient (bemotrizinol) is drawing attention for improved UV protection, alongside reminders that sunscreen only works when people use it consistently. Policy Watch: A congressional probe is targeting how airlines use AI and consumer data to set “surveillance pricing,” with Hawaiian Airlines among the carriers asked to respond by Aug. 25.

Tropical Storm Lala: Hawaii’s Big Island is bracing for a rare hurricane threat as Lala is forecast to strengthen before reaching the island early Saturday, with a hurricane warning issued and shelters opening; forecasters warn that even without a direct hit, heavy rain (up to about 25 inches in some Big Island spots), flooding, dangerous surf, and wildfire risk from strong winds could be severe. State Emergency Response: Gov. Josh Green signed an emergency proclamation as Hawaiʻi agencies mobilize personnel and equipment, including Hawaiʻi National Guard Task Force Hawaiʻi and county support teams. Local STEM & Media: UH Mānoa student journalists swept statewide Society of Professional Journalists Hawaiʻi awards, taking first place across all eight student categories. Volcano Monitoring Tech: Hawaiian Volcano Observatory highlighted how ocean-noise signals can help track changes beneath Kīlauea, using ambient noise interferometry to spot potential eruptive activity. Space Science: Astronomers using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope reported a “black hole star” candidate that could reshape early-universe black hole formation theories. Public Safety Tech: Tyler Technologies announced it is acquiring CODY Systems to expand cloud-first software and data management for public safety agencies. Military Systems: A new U.S. Army command-and-control push (NGC2) aims to unify battlefield data and AI, though vendor and network challenges remain.

Hurricane Lala Threatens Hawaii: Tropical Storm Lala is strengthening over unusually warm central Pacific waters, with a Hurricane Warning for the Big Island and Tropical Storm Watches for Maui County; forecasters warn of potentially historic flooding, mudslides, damaging winds, and ocean surges. Navy Shipbuilding Push: Trump signed a memorandum to expand U.S. shipbuilding capacity, including a new public shipyard plan tied to Indo-Pacific maintenance needs, plus steps to let allied partners build early vessels while requiring later U.S. construction. Carrier Catapult Reversal: Trump directed the Navy to revert aircraft carriers to steam catapults instead of electromagnetic systems, a move critics say could raise costs. STEM Funding Challenge: The DOJ says three NSF race-based STEM programs violate equal protection, ordering them to end. Hawaii Tech & Mobility: Mokulele Airlines expands its fleet to 16 aircraft and upgrades Honolulu’s Terminal 3. Local Public Health Tech: Hawaii moves to ban disposable vapes starting Jan. 1, aiming to curb youth nicotine use. Space Science: Astronomers report a new “black hole star” candidate that may explain JWST’s early-universe “little red dots.” Ocean Conservation: A roundup highlights major recent marine policy rollbacks affecting Hawaii and beyond.

Tropical Storm Lala Readiness: Hawaii declared a state of emergency as the storm strengthens toward the Big Island, with forecasts warning of hurricane-level conditions, heavy rain, flooding, and landslide risk; Oʻahu officials are also ramping up for winds, surf, and wildfire danger. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Verizon says it prepped Hawaiʻi connectivity with backup generators, satellite support, and coordination with HIEMA and power partners to keep services running during outages. Water Security: The U.S. Navy awarded a $309M contract to Hensel Phelps to build a permanent Red Hill water treatment facility, targeting 10 million gallons per day and completion by 2029. Local Courts: Honolulu’s Supreme Court set Aug. 25 arguments in the legal fight over City Council Chair Tommy Waters’ seat after judge recusals. STEM Policy: DOJ ruled three race-based NSF STEM programs unconstitutional, pushing changes to how diversity initiatives are funded. Biosecurity: Hawaiʻi captured and euthanized an opossum found in a Hilo freight warehouse container staging area, sending tissue for rabies testing. AI Hardware: Japan’s Institute of Science Tokyo unveiled BBCube, a chip-integration platform aimed at faster, better-cooled AI accelerators. Space & Culture: Research compares how Hawaiʻi’s lunar calendar aligns with other Pacific island traditions, with implications for Polynesian voyaging and language history.

Hawaiʻi Weather & Emergency Prep: Tropical Storm Lala is tracking toward the Big Island, with a hurricane watch, possible 75 mph gusts, and up to 15 inches of rain that could trigger life-threatening flooding and mudslides. Volcano Science: Kīlauea’s Episode 53 ended early Thursday after about 9.6 hours of high lava fountaining, with fountains reaching roughly 500 feet and tephra confined to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Space Tech in Hawaiʻi: The U.S. Space Force’s Maui High Performance Computing Center unveiled the Makau supercomputer for DoD test-and-evaluation, using AI-enabled data analysis to speed up decision-making. Local Public Health: West Coast Health Alliance reaffirmed evidence-based immunization guidance, endorsing the 2026 child/adolescent and maternal vaccine schedules. Biosecurity at Hilo Harbor: A live opossum was captured at a freight warehouse near Hilo Harbor and euthanized for rabies testing, with Hawaiʻi remaining rabies-free. Energy Costs Debate: A new report argues renewable-heavy “Blue state” policies are driving higher electricity prices versus “Red states.” Defense Tech at RIMPAC: US Navy and Lockheed Martin tested an AI sonar system (SensorMAX) during RIMPAC near Hawaiʻi. Infrastructure Update: NAVFAC Hawaii awarded a $309M contract to Hensel Phelps to restore Oʻahu’s Red Hill water treatment facility, targeting completion in 2029.

Volcano Science in Real Time: USGS says Kīlauea’s Episode 53 is underway, with lava fountains peaking around 500 feet and a plume spreading mainly southwest and west, while the alert level rose to watch/orange but impacts remain confined to Halemaʻumaʻu. AI for Local Permits: Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting is rolling out CivCheck for residential permit reviews, aiming to cut turnaround times by 70% starting in September. Space & STEM: The U.S. Space Force unveiled the Makau supercomputer at the Maui High Performance Computing Center, built for faster AI-enabled analysis for defense testing and evaluation. Astronomy Breakthrough: A “black hole star” spotted by the James Webb Space Telescope could explain puzzling “little red dots” from the early universe. Public Safety Tech: HPD’s Scientific Investigation Section is running a summer internship giving college students hands-on crime scene and forensic experience. Marine Economy & Stewardship: The Hawaiian Council completed its acquisition of Sea Life Park, shifting long-term focus toward Native Hawaiian culture, marine science, and education. Weather Watch: Honolulu continues preparations as Tropical Cyclone One-C may strengthen into a storm late Friday, bringing gusty winds, rough surf, and heavy rain risks.

Red Hill Water Upgrade: NAVFAC Hawaii awarded a $309.65M contract to Hensel Phelps for the Red Hill Water Treatment Facility (P-716), targeting completion by Aug. 2029 to strengthen water safety at JBPHH. Ocean Health: NOAA released details on two young Hawaiian monk seal deaths on Oahu’s North Shore, including RU02 killed by toxoplasmosis, while noting a record year for pup births. Solar Science on Maui: New images from the Inouye Solar Telescope captured the sun’s highest-resolution surface view, revealing tiny swirling structures that could improve understanding of solar flares and space weather. Space Discovery: Astronomers using JWST reported a new “black hole star” that may help explain the mysterious “little red dots” seen in the early universe. Cyber & Fraud Watch: The FCC warned about scammers impersonating FCC officials to pressure victims into sharing sensitive info or sending money. Local Tech/Infrastructure: Honolulu’s Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant hit a major milestone with completion of Secondary Treatment Phase 1, using membrane bioreactors and UV disinfection. Procurement & Defense Industry: NAVFAC Hawaii hosted its 4th annual Government Procurement Industry Forum to connect contractors—especially small businesses—with Navy contracting opportunities. Airline Pricing Scrutiny: Rep. Frank Pallone pressed major airlines for answers on “surveillance pricing,” asking whether personal data and AI influence what passengers pay. Health Innovation: The AMA launched inaugural Community Health Impact Lab micro grants, awarding $50K each to physician-led projects aimed at scalable community health solutions.

Seismic Watch: A 5.5-magnitude quake hit Hawaii early Wednesday, with an epicenter near 19.09°N, 155.40°W and a depth of 10 km, according to GFZ. Public Health: Experts warn about a rise in the deadly drug-resistant fungus Candida auris, with cases reported across 27 states and thousands nationwide. Local Housing & Tech-Enabled Solutions: A Waiʻanae community relocation effort is nearing its Oct. 16 deadline, moving residents from Puʻuhonua O Waiʻanae into tiny homes—an unusual public-private model for tackling houselessness. Disaster Recovery: UHERO reports that progress after the Maui wildfires continues, but housing stability gains are paired with shrinking financial assistance and ongoing navigation gaps for survivors. Environment & Infrastructure: Honolulu leaders blessed a new Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant Membrane Bioreactor facility, pitching it as a step toward more resilient, ocean-protecting infrastructure. Clean Aviation: Interisland test flights are underway for all-electric aircraft with BETA Technologies and Mokulele Airlines, aiming for reliable short-haul service. Volcano Update: USGS says Kīlauea’s summit activity is paused, with tilt shifting back toward inflation and normalizing seismicity in the Southwest Rift Zone. Surveillance & Civil Liberties: Local groups protested Palantir’s presence in downtown Honolulu, citing concerns about data-driven surveillance and facial recognition.

Climate Courts: A Ninth Circuit panel refused to rehear a youth-led constitutional climate lawsuit, leaving the case (with young plaintiffs including people from Hawaii) dismissed after judges said the requested rollback of Trump-era executive orders was “unprecedented.” Local Tech & Public Safety: Hawaii County advanced proposals to fight fentanyl overdoses, including portable fentanyl-detection devices for HPD and naloxone distribution boxes at county buildings in Hilo and Kona. AI for Research in Hawaii: UH PhD student Pavel Bushuyeu is using B3IQ, a rent-to-own dedicated GPU setup, to avoid shared-campus compute limits and privacy/cost issues with outside cloud services. Space Science (Hawaii): NSF’s Inouye Solar Telescope in Hawai‘i helped reveal tiny solar plasma vortices, resolving features about 20 kilometers across. Health Watch: CDC data suggests a potential summer Covid uptick, with Hawaii showing moderate activity in wastewater monitoring. STEM in the Islands: A Hawaii art duo, Wooden Wave, is painting sustainability-and-play murals that reward close-up viewing with hidden storytelling details.

Solar Science in Hawaii: Using the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope on Maui, scientists captured the first-ever view of Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities—tiny swirling patterns near a sunspot—offering a new look at how the Sun’s surface behaves. Volcano Watch (Big Island): Kīlauea’s summit eruption remains paused as deflation continues, while earthquake activity increased in the lower Southwest Rift Zone with a swarm of 18 quakes reported by USGS. Local Research & Education: UH Mānoa CTAHR will expand agricultural education and research at Nani Mau Gardens in Hilo, turning the 22-acre site into an outdoor classroom focused on pest management, soil health, and biosecurity. Wildlife Health Alert: The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance says it’s investigating a sudden, unexplained illness that has killed Hawaiian honeycreepers at the Maui Bird Conservation Center; early tests ruled out avian influenza and malaria. Tech & Civil Liberties: Civil rights groups protested Palantir in downtown Honolulu, arguing government surveillance software could enable warrantless data access and mass monitoring. Climate Headline: NOAA reports July 2026 as the hottest month on record for the U.S. (excluding Alaska and Hawaii), driven largely by record-breaking nighttime lows. Defense & Tech: RIMPAC 2026 in Hawaii served as a testbed for advanced naval capabilities, with 40 experimentation initiatives across 31 nations.

Defense Tech in Hawaii: NSWCPD supported RIMPAC 2026 near the islands with power sensing, data collection, and navigation resilience, including work with the Azure Bison program. AI Undersea Warfare: The Navy tested AI-powered submarine detection using real-time sonar during RIMPAC, with Lockheed Martin’s SensorMAX updating models from sensor feeds and pushing updates over encrypted links. Counter-Drone Leap: The Marine Corps awarded an $11M contract for a vehicle-mounted high-power microwave system (HAVOC) to neutralize drone swarms and fiber-optic guided aircraft, integrating it into fielded short-range air defense. Climate Science Fight: The National Academy of Sciences removed a climate attribution chapter from a judicial evidence manual after backlash over how contested science was presented. Digital ID in Hawaii: Hawaii is among states supporting digital driver’s licenses in Apple Wallet, making airport and TSA check-ins faster. Health Research Gap: A review finds racial and ethnic minorities remain underrepresented in nail psoriasis clinical trials, raising concerns about how well results apply to patients with skin of color. Local Science & Environment: Researchers are using drones to track humpback whales in Hawaii, aiming to improve monitoring of iconic songs and behavior.

Space Weather & Astronomy: Maui’s Inouye Solar Telescope delivered the sharpest-ever views of the Sun, revealing tiny plasma vortices tied to Kelvin–Helmholtz instability—findings that could improve forecasts for solar storms that disrupt satellites and power grids. Local Science & Environment: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory researchers tracked Kīlauea summit eruption fountain-height swings and linked changes to magma chemistry, including MgO shifts and new olivine arrivals. Tech Policy & Safety: Meta is set for another major U.S. trial over alleged harms to children from Instagram and Facebook, while Zuckerberg apologized to India over child sexual abuse ads and deepfake-related issues. Immigration Tech Workforce: DHS is considering ending the 60-day grace period for terminated H-1B and other visa holders, a move that could hit tech and engineering workers hard. Hawaii Governance: Gov. Josh Green appointed urban planner Danielle Bass to Hawaii Senate District 18 after Sen. Michelle Kidani retired. Public Safety Tech: Honolulu’s Drone as First Responder pilot faces ACLU of Hawaiʻi opposition, calling for stronger civil liberties oversight.

Space Science (Maui): Astronomers using the Inouye Solar Telescope on Maui captured the Sun’s sharpest-ever surface images, revealing tiny plasma vortices linked to Kelvin–Helmholtz instability—an advance that could improve forecasts for disruptive space weather. Volcano Research (Kīlauea): USGS scientists say Kīlauea’s lava-fountain heights appear to move in cycles, and they’re comparing fountain measurements with magma chemistry to judge whether taller-fountain activity could be returning. AI Defense (Oʻahu/Hawaii region): Lockheed Martin demonstrated an AI anti-submarine system (SensorMAX) on Navy MH-60R helicopters during RIMPAC 2026, retraining in flight as new underwater sounds are detected. Local Tech & Privacy: The ACLU of Hawaiʻi is urging Honolulu to halt its “Drone as First Responder” pilot, arguing it needs binding oversight with stronger civil-liberties protections. Hawaiʻi Governance: Gov. Josh Green appointed urban planner Danielle Bass to represent Senate District 18 until the Nov. 3 election. STEM/Environment: Researchers built seaweed-inspired “multiscale” traps that capture microplastics across a wide size range, mimicking natural seagrass ball filtering.

Hawaiʻi Election Tech & Politics: Oʻahu voters reported low turnout and used the state’s digital voter guide to research candidates as polls closed, while East Honolulu’s District 4 City Council race stayed tangled in a court fight over Council Chair Tommy Waters’ eligibility. OHA Governance: Early returns in the Office of Hawaiian Affairs at-large trustee primary showed incumbents leading, with Brickwood Galuteria, John Waiheʻe IV, and Ikaika Anderson among the top vote-getters as the field narrows for November. Volcano Science: New research tied to Kīlauea’s summit eruption suggests magma chemistry could help explain why lava fountain heights rise and fall, with scientists tracking cycles since the Dec. 23, 2024 start. Marine Tech for Wildlife: UH Mānoa researchers are using drones to deploy noninvasive suction-cup tags on humpback whales, aiming for safer, more detailed tracking without close boat approaches. Climate & Health: A study on U.S. coastal wetlands finds 84% are inundating as sea levels rise, while coverage also highlights how wildfire smoke and climate-driven extremes are reshaping daily life. Local Funding: Hawaiʻi County opened applications for a new $250,000 Event Sponsorship Program to support island economic development, culture, and community benefits.

Marine Science Innovation: UH Mānoa researchers are using drones to tag humpback whales off Hawaii with suction-cup tags, aiming for safer, more efficient tracking and better health/behavior data without close boat approaches. Volcano Watch: Kīlauea’s summit eruption is paused, and scientists are looking at lava-fountain height patterns and magma chemistry to judge whether taller fountains may return. Solar Research (Haleakalā): The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope is revealing tiny, never-before-seen plasma vortices and “Kelvin-Helmholtz” swirls on the Sun’s surface, helping explain how solar magnetic energy moves and releases. Public Health & Environment: Conservation groups plan a lawsuit over Endangered Species Act changes that could weaken protections and alter how “critical habitat” is decided. Maui Recovery (3 years later): New UH research finds recovery is uneven for Lahaina fire survivors, even as employment and insurance coverage improved, while mental health and social support remain major concerns. Local Tech/Policy: Honolulu’s Office of Economic Revitalization is shutting down Aug. 14 after funding disputes, suspending key small-business outreach programs. Hawaiʻi County Funding: The county opens a $250,000 Event Sponsorship Program for Oct. 1–June 30, 2027 events.