AGP Executive Report

Trans Rights Under Pressure: Hawaiʻi’s trans and māhū communities are speaking out as a new federal order targets intersex, trans and nonbinary people, with hate-crime data showing a sharp rise nationwide. Inflation Watch: Consumer prices rose 4.2% in May, the highest in three years, driven largely by energy costs—raising pressure on interest-rate cuts. Local Health & Safety: Honolulu police opened a murder investigation after a 70-year-old died from injuries following a Liliha attack; a 32-year-old was arrested. Public Health Alert: Colorado health officials reported tularemia (“rabbit fever”) after a dead rabbit tested positive, urging caution around wildlife and tick-prone areas. Care Access & Costs: Hawaiʻi’s Pre-Eviction Mediation Program shows early success—85% of mediated households stay housed. Oral Health Push: The American Association of Endodontists secured Save Your Tooth Month proclamations, including in Hawaiʻi, highlighting endodontic care to preserve natural teeth. Sunscreen Update: FDA approved a long-used sunscreen ingredient (bemotrizinol), aiming to boost consumer confidence and improve product options. Community & Wellness: A new building opened at East Hawaiʻi Health Clinics in Hilo, expanding local access to care.

Emergency Care Upgrade: Straub Benioff Medical Center reopened its newly renovated Emergency Department after a 14-month expansion aimed at more capacity, smoother patient flow, and upgraded safety features. Mental Health Response: Honolulu Police Sgt. Corbin Matsumoto was honored for leading the department’s Crisis Intervention Team, with hundreds of officers trained to handle behavioral health emergencies and homelessness-related crises. Behavioral Health Staffing: A Kaiser Permanente Hawaiʻi survey found many therapists say understaffing is driving delays and limiting appropriate, timely care—fueling burnout and fears of leaving. Housing Stability: Kahauiki Village’s permanent housing model for formerly houseless families is expanding from Kalihi to Waimanalo, pairing housing with case management, health support, and childcare. Free Care on Hawaiʻi Island: “Tropic Care” will bring no-cost medical, dental, and optometry services to multiple sites June 19–28, with no insurance or ID required. Public Safety & Injury Prevention: A visitor’s hike to Manoa Falls ended with a fractured ankle and wrist, a reminder that even “easy” trails can turn dangerous in wet conditions. Community Health & Wellness: UH Hilo students started a medicinal garden to teach sustainable growing and explore medicinal plants. Conservation Win: Nearly 1,000 acres in the Koolau mountain range were protected from development, supporting watershed and habitat stewardship. Local Crime Updates: Police investigated an apparent assault in Kalihi and another in Nuuanu; a Mililani robbery accomplice suspect was indicted.

Public Health & Military Accountability: A new report argues the U.S. military’s ongoing presence in Hawaiʻi amounts to a public health disaster, saying benefits are overstated while harm to land, culture, water, and community health is underestimated. Health Care Access: HMSA is delaying a major provider payment change until 2027 after doctors and patients warned it could worsen shortages and disrupt care. Mental Health Safety: Hawaii State Hospital staff say overcrowding is driving unsafe conditions, with nearly 390 patients in a facility built for about 300 and calls for action. Workforce & Environment: Hawaiʻi Community College and UH Maui College launched a 1-year wastewater specialist certificate to help convert cesspools and protect public health. Food & Consumer Safety: DOH authorized reopening of Ohana Sub & Deli after multiple food safety violations, while Target Up&Up baby wipes were flagged for possible bacterial contamination. Disaster Relief Deadline: FEMA reminded Hawaiʻi residents that Saturday is the deadline to apply for individual assistance for March Kona-low storm damage. Community Child Safety: Maui County urged adults who work with keiki to complete free training on recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect.

HMSA Payment Shift Delayed: Hawaii’s largest insurer is pushing back a major provider payment change until 2027 after doctors and patients raised alarms that the switch could worsen access to care. Hospital Safety Under Strain: Hawaii State Hospital staff say overcrowding is driving unsafe conditions, with nearly 390 patients in a facility built for about 300 and workers reporting more assaults and incidents. Waikiki Chemical Explosion: A worker was seriously injured after an explosion at the Wayfinder Waikiki while mixing chemicals in a pool pump room; HazMat crews isolated the area and identified the substances. Waipahu Towers Fire Response: Honolulu firefighters knocked down a three-alarm blaze at Waipahu Towers, rescuing four adults and two infants; the Red Cross assisted displaced residents. Child Safety in Summer: Maui County is urging community members to complete free online mandated reporter training as school ends and reporting typically drops. Inflammation Blood Test in Hawaii: Lokahi Longevity is promoting universal hs-CRP screening to better track “inflammaging” and cardiovascular risk. Maternal Care Gaps: A national survey finds widespread disrespect and untreated mental health needs for new mothers, with Black and Indigenous mothers reporting worse outcomes. Kokua Command Center: Honolulu opened a Kalihi command center to coordinate services for people experiencing homelessness, aiming to connect residents to shelter and supports faster. Housing Burden Hits Keiki: Hawaiʻi’s KIDS COUNT data highlights housing affordability as a top driver of poor child well-being, with nearly four in ten children living in housing-cost-burdened households.

Aquaculture & Food Security: NOAA launched CIFARM, a new aquaculture research-and-markets institute hosted by the University of New Hampshire, with Hawaii Sea Grant among partners, aiming to boost sustainable U.S. seafood production. Local Business Growth: Two Maui companies—Island Essence (bath and body) and Vaui Social Liquids (kava-based, alcohol-free drinks)—were selected for Mana Up’s Cohort 11 accelerator. Cardiovascular Prevention: Lokahi Longevity is promoting universal hs-CRP screening in Hawaii, offering the test for $20.50 and aligning with an American College of Cardiology push to look beyond cholesterol. Primary Care Access: HMSA delayed a major primary-care reimbursement shift until January after Gov. Josh Green stepped in, giving doctors more time to adapt. Homeless Services Coordination: Honolulu unveiled the Kokua Command Center to coordinate homelessness response and connect residents to services more quickly. Public Health & Safety: Honolulu firefighters responded to a Waipahu high-rise fire after a battery explosion, displacing three residents and rescuing people from smoke-filled units. Family Leave for Military Families: Hawaii expanded its family leave law to cover up to four weeks of unpaid leave for military-related exigencies starting July 1.

Homeless Response Overhaul: Honolulu unveiled its new Kōkua Command Center at 222 N. School St., aiming to coordinate city services, healthcare providers, shelters, and outreach teams to connect people to help “almost in real time.” Public Health & Care Access: HMSA extended its primary care payment model transition by six months, letting physicians stay on current arrangements until Jan. 1, 2027 while practices adapt. Military Families: Hawaii expanded its family leave law so eligible workers can take up to four weeks of unpaid leave for military-related exigencies starting July 1, with job protection. Health System Accountability: A Honolulu man, Daylyn Harris, was sentenced to 24 months for FEMA fraud tied to the Lahaina and Pacific Palisades wildfires. Tobacco/Nicotine Policy: Hawaii AG Anne Lopez helped lead a multistate push urging Formula 1 to end tobacco and nicotine sponsorships. Environment & Safety: Central Oʻahu Regional Park restoration is nearing completion after soil testing cleared health standards. Traffic Fatality Update: An 82-year-old woman injured in a Pearl City pedestrian collision has died. Leadership Transition: Gov. Josh Green announced DLNR leadership changes, with Ryan Kanakaʻole stepping in as chairperson/director July 1.

Food Safety Alert: Hawaiʻi DOH is warning residents about a Target recall of select Up&Up baby wipes (fragrance-free and fresh cucumber) due to potential Burkholderia contamination, which can cause serious infections in newborns, infants, and immunocompromised people; DOH says there have been no reports of illness in Hawaiʻi and urges families to contact a healthcare provider if symptoms appear. Public Health & Community Care: Kauaʻi’s Hawaii Health & Harm Reduction Center (H3RC) has reopened after the closure of Malama Pono Health Services, aiming to expand local health and wellness resources. Local Traffic Safety: Oʻahu recorded its 19th traffic-related death of the year after an 82-year-old woman died from injuries following a June 4 pedestrian crash in Pearl City; police say speed, drugs, and alcohol were not believed to be factors. Hawaiʻi Island Crash Update: Police reclassified a May 30 Old Kona Airport Park pedestrian crash as second-degree negligent homicide after the victim died days later; the driver was arrested and charged, with speed, alcohol, and inattention cited. Wellness Research & Funding: Soligenix, working with UH Mānoa researchers, is applying for CEPI vaccine development funding for a Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine platform. Disaster Readiness (Global): A 7.8 earthquake in the southern Philippines triggered tsunami warnings and caused deaths and injuries, with authorities urging people to move to higher ground.

Shark Attack Recovery (Oʻahu): A 38-year-old Hawaii father was hospitalized after a shark bite left serious wounds on both legs; he crawled to shore for help and underwent multiple surgeries at Queen’s Medical Center. Earthquake & Tsunami (Philippines): A 7.8 quake struck southern Philippines, killing at least four and injuring more than 200, with a tsunami washing ashore; officials urged people to move to higher ground as aftershocks continued. Local Public Health Oversight (Hilo): Hawaii DOH stepped up enforcement against roadside bake stands in Hilo, issuing cease-and-desist orders after repeated food code violations. Care Access & Insurance (Hawaii): A local opinion piece warns HMSA’s shift back to fee-for-service could raise admin burdens and strain physician access in Hawaii. Food Safety (Honolulu): DOH authorized reopening of Ohana Sub & Deli after multiple food safety violations. Community & Safety (Nanakuli): Honolulu police arrested a man after an attempted murder incident at Electric Beach involving a knife; two people were injured and charges are pending. Health Policy & Pride (Honolulu): Hawaii Filipino Lawyers Association’s NFALA-ganza highlights LGBTQIA+ support and points to new protections for people seeking medical care. Nutrition & Cost Pressures (Hawaii): Local matcha shops report higher prices and supply shortages tied to global demand. Traffic & Injury (Puna): A Pahoa man was charged in a fatal motorcycle crash, including negligent homicide and DUI-related allegations.

Maui Budget & Safety: Maui County Council approved a $1.6 billion fiscal 2027 budget, effective July 1, and added $50,000 for campus security after a terroristic threatening arrest at One Main Plaza in Wailuku. Local Health Enforcement: Hawaii DOH ordered and then cleared Ohana Sub & Deli, Inc. to reopen after fixing critical issues like a nonfunctional handwashing sink and insufficient hot water. Food Safety Watch: DOH also issued public alerts about recalled Motor City Pizza 5-cheese bread due to possible salmonella contamination. Public Health & Food Access: A federal judge temporarily blocked USDA from enforcing new SNAP-related conditions tied to gender and immigration policies, keeping billions in food assistance flowing. Health Care Policy: A letter warns HMSA’s shift back to fee-for-service will force physicians to change how they get paid, potentially straining access in Hawaii. Injury & Safety: Honolulu police are investigating a serious McCully hit-and-run involving a helmeted moped rider; on Hawai‘i Island, a driver was charged in a fatal Pāhoa motorcycle crash. Environment & Health: Researchers report alarming weight loss in Hawaii’s endangered insular false killer whales, linking nutritional stress to warming oceans. Community Health Event: The inaugural Hoola 5K in Honolulu raised funds for the Hawaii Primary Care Association. Legal/Health Threats: A Honolulu man faces federal charges for alleged threats against Michigan’s governor and the state Capitol.

Big Island Traffic Charges: Hawaii Island police charged 36-year-old Kade Smith in a fatal Pāhoa motorcycle crash, adding first-degree negligent homicide, manslaughter, DUI, driving on a suspended license, and no insurance. The 30-year-old rider, Korey Palmerton, died after being hit by a left-turning sedan; police say he wasn’t wearing a helmet. Honolulu Hit-and-Run Injuries: HPD is seeking a driver after a moped rider was seriously hurt in a hit-and-run on South King St. near McCully St.; the rider was wearing a helmet and was ejected after a left-turn collision. Kauaʻi Gunshot Probe: Kauaʻi police apprehended a Hanapepe man, Jason Bagain, previously sought as a person of interest after a reported gunshot wound treated at Kauaʻi Veterans Memorial Hospital. Food Safety Update: DOH authorized Ohana Sub & Deli, Inc. to reopen after correcting critical violations, including a nonfunctional handwashing sink and insufficient hot water. Public Health & Access: A federal judge temporarily blocked USDA SNAP conditions tied to gender and immigration policies, pausing enforcement while the legal challenge proceeds.

Medicaid Fraud Crackdown: Hawaii is setting up a Medicaid fraud task force after federal funding was cut, following a federal finding that the state’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit failed to secure convictions or even indictments from 2022–2025. Food Safety Updates: DOH allowed Ohana Sub & Deli in Wahiawā to reopen after critical violations—like a nonfunctional handwashing sink and insufficient hot water—were corrected. Recall Alert: Target recalled select Up&Up baby wipes in Hawaii due to possible Burkholderia contamination, which can be dangerous for newborns, infants, and immunocompromised people. Crash & Care: A deadly Moanalua Freeway multi-car crash left one dead and five hospitalized, with speed and alcohol cited as possible factors. Access to Care for Families: Planned Parenthood will offer “just in case” abortion pills at some clinics in Hawaii and Washington, aiming to reduce barriers to medication abortion access. Community Health Support: Summer meal programs and SUN Bucks are available to help keiki and families get nutritious food during school break.

Food Safety Watch: Hawaiʻi DOH cleared Ohana Sub & Deli, Inc. in Wahiawā to reopen after a follow-up inspection confirmed repairs to a nonfunctional handwashing sink and restored hot water for proper cleaning and sanitizing. Recall Alert: DOH warned Target shoppers about recalled Up&Up baby wipes due to possible Burkholderia contamination, which can cause serious infections in newborns, infants, and immunocompromised people. Road Safety: A deadly four-car crash on Moanalua Freeway/Moanalua Rd. eastbound left one person dead and five hospitalized; police are still investigating. Community Health Access: Summer meal programs for keiki are underway, including free options and grocery support through SUN Bucks. Healthcare Oversight: Lawmakers advanced a proposal to require chaperones for certain sensitive exams in the military health system, following high-profile allegations involving Army doctors. Medicaid Fraud: The Trump administration cut $3 million from Hawaiʻi’s Medicaid fraud control unit, citing a lack of indictments or convictions.

Medicaid Fraud Fallout: Hawaii faces a major hit as federal officials cut $3 million in Medicaid fraud control funding, citing no indictments or convictions in recent years, prompting Gov. Green to set up a Medicaid Fraud Strike Force/task force to respond. Provider Payment Shock: HMSA’s abrupt shift in payment rules has doctors warning it threatens private practices, after a short notice period for moving from value-based payment to fee-for-service. Food Safety Watch: DOH authorized the conditional reopening of Grace’s Inn LSY in Honolulu after a sewage backup hazard was fixed, though other critical issues remain under a yellow placard. Public Benefits Glitch: SUN Bucks summer EBT issuance is delayed for hundreds of households due to EBT system technical challenges. Local Health & Safety: Oahu recorded a fatal Kalihi pedestrian crash; on the Big Island, a deadly Saddle Road collision is under investigation, with police citing hazardous driving factors. Community Health: A new foundation was launched to support Hawaii Island Community Health Center.

Medicaid Fraud Crackdown: HHS decertified Hawaii’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, cutting about $3M a year and raising the risk to broader Medicaid funding; Gov. Josh Green says Medicaid benefits won’t be disrupted and announced an independent Medicaid Fraud Strike Force in DHS, while the state AG says it will seek reconsideration. Public Health & Food Safety: Grace’s Inn LSY in Honolulu was allowed to reopen under a conditional (yellow) health permit after a sewage hazard was fixed, though critical violations remain to be corrected. Road Safety Tragedies: A Waianae man, Chad-Joseph Mercado, died after a fatal Kapolei high-speed crash; on Hawaiʻi Island, a fiery South Hilo collision on Daniel K. Inouye Highway killed one and injured another, and a separate Pāhoa motorcycle crash left a rider dead while the sedan driver was arrested for DUI and related charges. Workplace Support: Hawaiʻi expanded its Family Leave Law to cover qualifying military exigencies, effective July 1. Community Safety: Honolulu issued shark warnings after a serious bite near Cromwell’s Beach and another surf-area warning near Ala Moana Bowls.

Medicaid Fraud Crackdown: Federal officials decertified Hawaii’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, citing years of weak performance and zero criminal indictments for Medicaid fraud or patient abuse/neglect from 2022–2025, putting about $3M in annual funding at risk. Behavioral Health Boost: Hawaii was selected for the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Medicaid Demonstration Program, aiming to expand mental health and substance use treatment through Med-QUEST and DOH partnerships. Food Safety Watch: Hawaii DOH warned of a national recall of Champion Foods Motor City Pizza Co. 5 Cheese Bread due to possible salmonella contamination, and also moved to close Grace’s Inn after a critical food safety violation. SNAP Access Trend: Alaska saw SNAP participation rise in 2025, and Hawaii was the only other state where participation grew, tied to modernization efforts that reduce barriers to applying. Local Health & Safety: Police are investigating the deadly beating of a 73-year-old woman in Hilo’s Wailoa River State Recreation Area with no arrest yet. Community Health Support: Lawmakers set aside $40M in grants for 170 Hawaii nonprofits, prioritizing food and healthcare services as federal support tightens.

Behavioral Health Access: Hawaiʻi was selected for the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Medicaid Demonstration Program, a CMS/SAMHSA effort to expand mental health and substance use treatment with sustainable Medicaid funding, led locally through DOH and Med-QUEST. Disaster Recovery Support: FEMA is opening in-person recovery centers for residents affected by the Kona low storms, with a June 14 deadline to submit applications and help available for people who can’t easily apply online. Storm Readiness: Hawaiian Electric urged customers to prepare ahead of hurricane season, noting how downed trees and debris commonly drive outages and sharing grid-hardening steps. Maternal Care Affordability: More women are turning to doulas as the gap between care and affordability widens, with research cited on improved outcomes for supported births. Community Health & Safety: Honolulu firefighters rescued a wayward hiker from Mt. Kaʻala without injuries, and police reported a fatal Mililani crash that killed a 76-year-old passenger. Food Safety: Hawaiʻi DOH warned about a national recall involving Champion Foods Motor City Pizza Co. 5 Cheese Bread due to possible salmonella contamination.