AGP Executive Report

Nuclear Microreactors in the Indo-Pacific: A U.S. defense bill would require deployment of transportable nuclear microreactors by 2030, with Hawaii and Guam lawmakers raising concerns about safety, transparency, and potential target risk. Volcano Science in Motion: USGS geologists continue surveying Kīlauea’s growing pu‘u during the paused summit eruption, tracking elevation changes and gas emissions between episodes. Ocean Tech and Conservation: A new David Attenborough “Ocean” documentary spotlights how little we’ve explored the deep seafloor and why climate and industrial pressures are accelerating ocean biodiversity loss. Local Climate & Wildlife Impacts: Researchers report alarming health swings in Hawaii’s endangered insular false killer whales, linking nutritional stress to marine heat and rapid population declines. Tourism Economics: Hawaii saw fewer visitors in April, but higher per-person spending, with gains in shopping, lodging, and dining. Public Safety at Hanauma Bay: Hanauma Bay closed after a rare whale stranding and bleeding incident, underscoring how quickly wildlife events can affect ocean recreation. AI in Planning: A commentary warns that AI could increasingly shape permit decisions, pointing to Honolulu’s CivCheck as an early example of automation in planning workflows. Hawaii Tech & STEM Events: DBEDT’s Hawaiʻi Made Conference spotlights food innovation and product development support for local producers. Community Health Fundraiser: The inaugural Hoole 5K raised money for statewide primary care access, inspired by a student aiming for marine research.

Maui County Politics: Polls show a tight, high-stakes race for mayor: Council Vice Chair Yuki Sugimura leads incumbent Richard Bissen in two of three surveys, with 10 candidates chasing the Aug. 8 primary. Agritech & Trade: Hawaii-developed MD2 pineapples grown in Mindanao are shipping to the UAE, a move that could open more Gulf market access for premium fruit. Tourism Economy: Hawaii saw fewer visitors in April (about 829,000) but higher spending—$1.7B total and a 14% jump in average daily spend—driven by stronger U.S. East and Japan numbers. Volcano Science: USGS reports Kīlauea’s summit eruption remains paused while the new pu‘u grows; geologists completed another elevation survey after the last episode. Marine Conservation: A new study tracks endangered false killer whales losing up to 28% body mass, linking nutritional stress to marine heat and major population drops. Local Governance: Hawaii County Council voted down a bill that would shift power from the mayor to a new county manager, setting up a major governance fight. Public Safety: Hanauma Bay closed after a rare whale stranding and bleeding raised health and safety concerns. Healthcare Tech & Community: A first-ever Hoola 5K in Kalama Valley raised money for statewide primary care, blending fitness with medical research goals. STEM & Space: A retired telescope in Japan detected an atmosphere around a trans-Neptunian object, building on Hawaii-linked astronomy tech trends. Biology & Invasives: Maui residents used citric acid to kill two coqui frogs after an infestation surged, highlighting how fast invasive species can outpace response teams.

Tourism Economy: Hawaii welcomed nearly 829,000 visitors in April, down slightly year over year, but total spending rose to about $1.7 billion as average daily spend jumped more than 14% to $278 per person. Invasive Species Response: Maui residents say they finally killed two tiny invasive coqui frogs after using 80 gallons of citric acid solution over two nights, highlighting how residents feel overwhelmed as frog spread outpaces local response capacity. Marine Conservation: A new seven-year study finds alarming health swings in fewer than 140 endangered insular false killer whales, with some losing nearly a quarter of body weight, linking nutritional stress to rising ocean heat. Volcano Science: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports Kīlauea’s summit eruption remains paused while a new pu‘u grows, with geologists surveying growth and tracking sulfur dioxide emissions between episodes. Local Tech & Business: DBEDT will host the fourth Hawaiʻi Made Conference (June 23) focused on food innovation, aiming to help local producers move ideas into market-ready products. Public Safety Infrastructure: Hawaii DOT plans major Saddle Road/Hilo-side improvements after five fatalities this year, including porous asphalt paving to reduce hydroplaning risk. Digital Health: A Kauai man recovering after rare vocal reconstruction surgery says technology helped him regain breathing and partial voice after a 2022 surfing accident severed his trachea.

Hawaii County Planning: The Hawaii County Council approved General Plan 2045 (Bill 66) in a 5-3 vote despite fierce opposition, sending the long-term land-use blueprint to Mayor Kimo Alameda, who signaled he won’t sign or veto it but has reservations about it being “too prescriptive.” Road Safety Tech: Hawaii DOT is moving to declare a traffic emergency zone on Daniel K. Inouye Highway after five fatalities this year, with near-term fixes like open-graded friction paving to reduce hydroplaning and possible speed safety cameras. UH STEM & Research: UH Mānoa named new senior leaders (including a new IT/CIO) and highlighted student research wins, including ARCS Scholars studying algae bioenergy and coffee pest taxonomy. Space Science: China’s Tianwen-2 is set to encounter Kamoʻoalewa, the first Hawaiian-named asteroid discovered using UH Haleakalā observations. Deep-Sea Exploration: The E/V Nautilus expedition returns June 10, with a Hawaii-to-Guam mapping run and local participants joining deep-ocean missions. Local Economy: A new report says Hawaii construction spending surged past $2B in the first quarter, led by public projects, while private housing spending fell year over year. Health & Community: The Maui Wildfire Exposure Study (MauiWES) has supported thousands of appointments, blending long-term tracking with ongoing access to care. Defense & Tech: India and the U.S. held Army-to-Army talks in Hawaii focused on interoperability and exchanges. Biotech/Environment: Researchers are using new approaches to track endangered Hawaiian false killer whales, aiming to better gauge health and stress as the population declines.

Deep-Sea Science: Ocean Exploration Trust says the research vessel Nautilus is returning to the Mariana region with new sonar mapping that can reach deeper and cover more area, with UH and local Guam/CNMI participants joining missions. Space & Astronomy: China’s Tianwen-2 is nearing UH-discovered Kamoʻoalewa, the first Hawaiian-named near-Earth asteroid to be visited by a spacecraft. Volcano Watch: Kīlauea has set a new record for eruptive episodes, and USGS updates continue tracking Mauna Loa’s seismic and ground-deformation signals. Local Tech & Research Talent: UH Mānoa welcomed new senior leadership, while two students earned ARCS honors for algae biofuel and coffee pest research. STEM in Action: UH’s Global Environmental Science grads are finishing thesis work tied to real environmental problems. Public Safety Tech: After five deaths on Daniel K. Inouye Highway, Hawaii DOT and HPD are moving to declare a traffic emergency zone and ramp enforcement with speed cameras and road upgrades. Health After Disaster: The Maui Wildfire Exposure Study has halted for lack of funds, leaving a gap in long-term care access for residents. AI Policy: Oklahoma’s ethics board is starting rulemaking on AI disclosures in political campaigns. Defense & Manufacturing: Voltage Vessels says it submitted a 3D-printed composite RHIB prototype for maritime defense evaluation, aiming to advance large-scale marine additive manufacturing.

Lahaina Recovery Planning: Maui County is asking residents to weigh in on a “living framework” master plan for the Lahaina Royal Complex at Mokuʻula and surrounding sacred sites, with a timeline aiming for a final plan in 2027. Volcano Science: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports Kīlauea’s ongoing summit eruption is driving “stick season” defoliation near the crater rim, while the latest Mauna Loa update shows May earthquake counts rising slightly and continued summit inflation. Public Safety & Threats: A Honolulu man, Ronald Saville, faces federal charges for allegedly threatening to kill Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and attack the Michigan Capitol. Ocean Tech & Conservation: Waikiki Aquarium kicks off World Ocean Month with a month of marine science events, youth art, and community beach cleanups. STEM in Hawaiʻi: A Molokai robotics teacher was inducted into a STEM Hall of Fame, highlighting local student engineering momentum. Research & Innovation: UH Mānoa named Vassilis Syrmos as its next chancellor, with a focus on listening to students and faculty.

Local Land Use: Honolulu City Council approved a $5B budget that leaves out funding for a proposed West Oʻahu landfill at Makaiwa Hills, effectively putting the project on hold and pushing leaders toward longer-term waste reduction and diversion. STEM in the Islands: Molokai robotics teacher Edwin Mendija was inducted into a STEM Hall of Fame, highlighting how long-running school robotics programs are building pathways into engineering and tech. UH Leadership: UH Board of Regents unanimously approved Vassilis Syrmos as the next chancellor of UH Mānoa, with a focus on listening tours and research leadership. Military Engineering: NAVFAC Southwest and NAVFAC Hawaiʻi earned top “Best of Type” honors for FY2025 performance, spanning safety, execution, and fiscal stewardship. Ocean & Safety: A shark attack near Diamond Head left a man seriously injured, triggering warnings at Cromwell’s Beach and Ala Moana Bowls. Space Science (Hawaiʻi Connection): New Keck Observatory research using Maunakea data found giant planets can spin faster than more massive brown dwarfs, offering fresh clues to how planetary systems form. Climate & Reefs: NOAA reports record ocean heat uptake and warns El Niño could intensify marine heatwaves, raising risks for coral bleaching and kelp loss. Lahaina Recovery: Maui County launched an online survey tied to the Lahaina Royal Complex master plan, inviting residents to shape restoration after the 2023 fires.

Local Infrastructure: Downtown Honolulu rail work is shaking nearby buildings, with Harbor Village residents reporting daily vibrations and worries about long-term impacts. Ocean & Climate: The Moananuiākea Voyage is adjusting its sail plan as El Niño concerns grow, shifting departure timing and route stops to keep safety and ocean protection in focus. Space Science: Using Hawaii-based telescopes, researchers report strong signs that distant “hot Jupiter” exoplanets have magnetic fields, a major step for studying atmospheres and potential habitability. Hawaii Energy: A new look at Hawaii’s reliance on imported jet fuel highlights how Strait of Hormuz tensions could ripple into island aviation and supply chains. Public Policy & Tech: Hawaii lawmakers passed a first-of-its-kind law limiting corporate election spending statewide, setting up a potential state-by-state pushback against Citizens United. Health & Law: CeraVe parent company faces multiple lawsuits over benzene claims tied to benzoyl peroxide acne products, including complaints filed in Hawaii. Workforce & Education: Honolulu Community College professor Chiara Logli wins a Fulbright award to study how universities in India balance local traditions with global perspectives.

Volcano Watch: Kīlauea’s summit eruption hit fountaining episode 48, setting a new record for the most lava-fountain episodes at the volcano, with lava reaching at least 500 feet and tephra falling mainly inside the crater and nearby rim. Housing & Permitting: Hawaii lawmakers passed a package aimed at speeding up housing approvals, including better pay/incentives to recruit permitting staff, clearer insurance rules for expedited projects, streamlined historic review, and standardized permit data between counties. Energy & Supply Chains: A new Hawaii Energy Office look at jet-fuel dependence highlights how Strait of Hormuz tensions can ripple into island aviation and essential supplies, with most jet fuel arriving from South Korea. STEM Workforce: Boise State will lead a nine-state semiconductor education pipeline (PINES) spanning to Hawaii, designed to build a coordinated workforce for microelectronics. Climate & Oceans: NOAA warns El Niño could drive another round of coral bleaching this summer, with Hawaii reefs at high risk. Public Health Tech: Google’s proposed large-scale mosquito releases are still under EPA review, with claims circulating online still unconfirmed. Community & Education: The Office of Management and Budget proposes changes that would increase political control over federal research awards, raising concerns for independent science.

Space Science: Astronomers directly measured magnetic fields on seven “ultra-hot Jupiter” exoplanets for the first time, using observations from telescopes in Chile and Hawaii—an advance that could help scientists better judge which worlds can hold onto atmospheres over time. Climate & Oceans: NOAA warns El Niño could drive another round of widespread coral bleaching this summer, including in the northern Pacific and Hawaii. Disaster Recovery: After Super Typhoon Sinlaku, Pacific Islanders in places like Chuuk and Yap are still dealing with destroyed homes, power loss, and uncertain recovery. Local Tech & Cities: A Hawaii “smart city” tech column highlights practical upgrades the islands could adopt, from adaptive streetlights to air-quality monitoring for vog. Energy Policy: Hawaii’s State Energy Office revised its alternative fuel analysis after finding spreadsheet errors that inflated LNG benefits by hundreds of millions. Public Safety: A Honolulu man was charged federally for threatening to kill Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and attack the state capitol. STEM in the Islands: A Maui Ocean Center educator was selected as a Science Communication Fellow for a deep-sea mission near Wake Island.

Exoplanet Breakthrough: Telescopes in Chile and Hawaii found the strongest signs yet that distant “hot Jupiters” have magnetic fields, based on how their winds behave—hinting at shared planetary traits beyond our solar system. Local Tech & Education: UH appoints Brad Christ as vice president for IT and CIO, aiming to modernize cloud infrastructure and expand AI-enabled tools across the system. Food Innovation in Hawaii: DBEDT will host the fourth annual Hawaiʻi Made Conference (June 23) focused on turning local food ideas into market-ready products through training, shared facilities, and market access. Public Safety: A section of concrete wall fell at Ala Moana Center; the mall says no injuries were reported and structural inspections are underway. Earth & Weather Watch: No tsunami threat followed a magnitude-4.6 earthquake off Kona; meanwhile, early El Niño signals are emerging, with experts warning about possible impacts on hurricane patterns. Community Resilience: UH Hilo students organized a book drive to support Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool as federal funding pressures grow.

Volcano Watch: Kīlauea’s summit eruption hit a new milestone with its 48th lava-fountaining episode, sending fountains up to 650 feet and triggering an ashfall advisory for parts of East Hawaiʻi. Climate & Weather: A developing El Niño is showing early atmospheric signs, with experts warning it could strengthen into a “super El Niño” and shift hurricane and monsoon patterns. Space Science: Astronomers using telescopes in Chile and Hawaii report the strongest signs yet that hot gas exoplanets have magnetic fields, helping explain how planets may retain atmospheres. Local Tech & Resilience: Hawaiʻi Off Grid has started building Maui’s first mass timber Habitat for Humanity “Bunkhouse,” aiming for faster, affordable, termite-treatable assembly. Health Policy: HMSA plans a rapid switch back to fee-for-service payment from its value-based model, raising major operational concerns for providers ahead of July 1. AI/Defense: Honolulu XR firm Trigger XR is adapting AI smart glasses and immersive training for military and government use. Education & Workforce: UH partners with an AI workforce readiness symposium series, while a new HOME RUN grant program would cover medical school costs for rural Hawaiʻi service commitments.

Volcano Science: Kīlauea’s Episode 48 is underway at Halemaʻumaʻu, with USGS reporting a new record for lava-fountaining episodes in a single eruption as fountains topped about 650 feet and ashfall affected parts of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Local Politics & Tech/Economy: Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi threatens to veto the city’s $5B budget over a proposed $1.4M cut to the Office of Economic Revitalization, after an audit found the office met less than 40% of its mission to support agriculture, technology, and small businesses. AI Workforce: University of Hawaiʻi partners on a four-part symposium series on “The AI Transformation,” with a June 25 event focused on building an AI-ready workforce for Hawaiʻi. Hurricane Watch: Hurricane season begins June 1 with the National Hurricane Center tracking two potential systems that could develop and move toward the Central Pacific, while NOAA forecasts a quieter-than-normal Atlantic season tied to El Niño. Coastal Resilience Tech: Rockport, Texas is using real-time water-level sensors to help officials anticipate coastal flooding, plan road closures, and strengthen future grant applications. Public Health & Food Security: New data says SNAP cuts are reducing access for millions, with vulnerable communities facing heightened food uncertainty.

Aviation Mystery: Purdue and the Archaeological Legacy Institute are planning a 2026 expedition to Nikumaroro, Kiribati, to investigate the long-debated “Taraia Object” tied to Amelia Earhart’s disappearance. Public Safety & Policy: A bipartisan group of 44 U.S. attorneys general opposes the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would preempt state child online safety enforcement and overreach on minors’ protections. Hawaiʻi Tech & Education: UH Mānoa’s ASL interpreter training program faces critical funding needs as Hawaiʻi reports a shortage of certified interpreters for residents and daily visitors. Volcano Watch: Kīlauea’s Halemaʻumaʻu crater entered Episode 48 of lava fountaining early today, with USGS warning about volcanic gas and vog. Climate & Weather: NOAA forecasts a quieter 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with El Niño expected to suppress storm formation, though risks remain. Biosecurity Tech: Google-parent Verily seeks federal approval to release 32 million mosquitoes in California and Florida using Wolbachia-based methods. Local Environment: Aquarium fish collectors are moving to restart the trade on Oʻahu after a statewide ban and a failed legislative push, with an environmental impact statement process underway. Space/Defense: Satellite imagery suggests China is expanding hardened nuclear launch and support infrastructure near missile silos in Xinjiang.

Volcano Watch (Hawaiʻi): USGS raised Kīlauea’s alert from ADVISORY to WATCH and aviation code to ORANGE as an episodic fountaining eruption is possible in the summit caldera anytime, with ash fallout a concern. STEM in Hawaiʻi: UH astronomers using the W.M. Keck Observatory measured a sun-like star’s age at about 2.3 billion years, giving a new benchmark for how brown dwarfs cool and evolve. Local Governance: After last week’s earthquake, Mayor Kimo Alameda and county department heads will hold an in-person Waimea town meeting to address water and other community issues. Cybersecurity & Defense Tech: Intech Hawaii helped PacMar Technologies earn CMMC Level 2 certification, validating protection of Controlled Unclassified Information for DoD work. Solar Policy Impact: Gov. Josh Green’s SB 3125 ends Hawaii’s Renewable Energy Technologies Income Tax Credit retroactively, putting hundreds of solar projects and homeowners in limbo. Maui STEM & Conservation: Friends of Haleakalā National Park awarded conservation scholarships to three Maui students, including research into plant-based fire-suppressant foams. Community Safety: A Maui congressional candidate posted bail after a First Degree Terroristic Threatening charge tied to an incident at a county building.

Hawaii Solar Shock: Gov. Josh Green signed SB 3125 to cut off Hawaii’s Renewable Energy Technologies Income Tax Credit, with retroactive impact that could cancel or stall hundreds of rooftop and commercial solar projects already in motion. Defense Tech in Hawaii: Honolulu-area defense contractor PacMar Technologies cleared a CMMC Level 2 assessment after a 12-month cybersecurity remediation push led by Intech Hawaii, aiming to protect Controlled Unclassified Information for DoD work. Army Networking Tests: Fort Carson soldiers tested a new Army command-and-control communications system with Anduril, while the service works to tear down “tech walls” so weapons, sensors, and drones can share data faster. Space Science from Mauna Kea: UH astronomers used the W.M. Keck Observatory to measure a sun-like star’s precise age at 2.3 billion years via oscillations, giving researchers a benchmark for how brown dwarfs cool. Local Nature Win: Three Maui-area students earned Friends of Haleakalā National Park conservation scholarships, including an Environmental Engineering student studying native-plant extracts as potential “forever-chemical”-free fire suppressant foam. Skywatch: A new Crystal Ball Nebula image from Gemini North highlights what a dying star system looked like 1,500 years ago—and what it may become billions of years from now.