AGP Executive Report

Food Safety: Hawaiʻi DOH issued a recall alert for Mars Petcare’s PEDIGREE Can High Protein wet dog food (13.2 oz) after reports of possible metal and plastic pieces that could cause choking or injury. Public Health & Safety: Doctors are warning that child drownings are rising in the U.S., with drowning still the No. 1 cause of death for ages 1–4 and a top killer for ages 5–14—urging faster rescue and resuscitation. Local Health Capacity: University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center opened Hawaiʻi’s first early-phase cancer clinical research center, expanding access to early-stage trials. Community Health Funding: Maui United Way awarded $900,000 in Community Resiliency Grants to 13 nonprofits across Maui, Molokai, and Lānaʻi, including support for a domestic violence shelter facing federal funding loss. Policy & Wellness: A new Hawaiʻi “blue economy” law (SB 2907) centralizes marine affairs oversight, aiming to protect marine ecosystems tied to community well-being. Care Access & Oversight: A new federal rule could put Hawaii’s federal funding at risk unless decisions stay with experts rather than political vetoes.

Stroke Care in North Hawaiʻi: Queen’s North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital is launching a free stroke survivor and caregiver support group, starting July 21, with education and recovery tools led by a speech-language pathologist. Cancer Research Access: The University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center opened the Hoʻōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center in Kakaʻako on July 6, aiming to keep eligible patients on island for Phase I/II trials. Housing Stability via OHA: OHA is seeking nonprofit partners for its FY27 Mālama Honua home repair grant to help Native Hawaiian homeowners address critical health and safety needs. Public Safety—Crash Updates: A woman died after an H-1 Freeway crash in Nuuanu; another serious injury was reported after a Makiki crash involving a fire hydrant. Health & Environment—Invasive Pest Control: Hawaii Organics Compost in Waikapu is using hot composting to prevent coconut rhinoceros beetles from surviving, with state checks finding traps empty. Local Health Workforce: Adventist Health Sonora layoffs reportedly affected nine local roles after a broader restructuring. Community Health Funding: Aloha Puʻu Kukui received a $500,000 donation to support watershed restoration efforts tied to long-term island health.

Maui Health Housing Boost: A Lukas Nelson benefit concert raised $256,000 for Maui Health Foundation’s Housing for Healthcare, supporting a $20M plan to build 31 transitional homes for health care professionals on Maui. Community Resilience Funding: Maui United Way awarded $900,000 in three-year Community Resiliency Grants to 13 nonprofits across Maui, Molokai and Lānaʻi to strengthen health, wellness and financial stability services. Social Wellness in Practice: A personal piece highlights how community support during a family medical crisis can be as vital as clinical care—underscoring the health value of connection and mutual aid. Local Health Leadership: Richmond and Henrico Health Districts appointed Deputy Director Melissa Viray as acting health director, bringing extensive infectious disease and epidemiology experience. Marine Stewardship: DLNR’s Holomua Marine Initiative will host a final July 12 “talk story” session on managing Big Island marine resources, with input guiding next steps. Public Health Watch: New research finds asthma inhaler use is lower among Black, Hispanic and Asian adults, with disparities linked largely to socioeconomic and access factors. Health & Wellness Spotlight: Maui Humane Society’s Pet of the Week is “Butter,” a gentle, shy dog looking for an ohana.

Cancer Care Access: UH Cancer Center’s Hoʻōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center will officially open Monday, bringing Phase I/II trials to Hawaii so patients don’t have to travel to the mainland. Local Health & Safety: Honolulu Fire Department rescued a 29-year-old hiker with a lower-leg injury on the Ehukai Pillbox Trail; she was airlifted and transferred to EMS. Community Health Workforce: The AlohaCare Foundation awarded $54,000 in scholarships to 12 students across six islands pursuing health or social-service careers. Public Health in the Wild: Volunteers are urging more oversight after Rocky the Hawaiian monk seal gave birth again at Nimitz Beach, with reports of trash, tire tracks, and people getting too close. Wellness & Lifestyle: A profile highlights how running helped Laurie Butz manage stress, including a Hawaii half-marathon supporting Lahaina fire-affected residents. Yoga Community Accountability: Allegations tied to Rishikesh’s Sattva Yoga Academy are prompting wider scrutiny and severed ties within the yoga community. Sports & Readiness: RIMPAC 2026 MWR sports tournaments are boosting morale and mental well-being for servicemembers and families. Emergency Response Updates: Honolulu police and EMS reported no fireworks-related transports on Oahu, while HPD logged 58 fireworks-related calls.

Cancer Care Access: UH Cancer Center’s new Ho‘ola Early Phase Clinical Research Center opens Monday in Kakaako, aiming to bring Phase 1 and 2 trials to Hawaii patients who previously had to travel to the mainland. Ocean Safety: Honolulu Ocean Safety reported 46 rescues and 7,772 preventative actions on Oahu during Independence Day, including Narcan given after a near-drowning and multiple head-injury incidents. Wildlife Protection: A monk seal pup was born at Kalaeloa (Nimitz Beach), but volunteers say people and unleashed dogs are getting too close—raising calls for stronger oversight. Safer Routes to School: A $10 million federally funded sidewalk project will add continuous walk-and-bike paths along Kilauea Avenue in Hilo for Waiakea students, with construction lane shifts through 2027. Marine Stewardship: DLNR’s Holomua Marine Initiative will hold an extra talk story session in Waimea on July 12 to gather underrepresented community input for island-scale reef and harvesting plans.

Public Health & Safety: Honolulu Ocean Safety reported 7,772 preventative actions and 46 rescues on Oʻahu during Independence Day, including near-drownings, canoe impacts, and a disabled jet ski rescue—reminding beachgoers to watch for strong currents, shorebreak, and to supervise children. Local Marine Stewardship: DLNR’s Holomua Marine Initiative will hold an additional “Hana Hou” talk story session in Waimea on July 12 to gather underrepresented community input to guide island-scale marine resource management. COVID Tax Relief: Americans who paid COVID-era IRS penalties or interest may be eligible for a potential refund, with a July 10 filing deadline tied to a 2025 court ruling. Health Research & Innovation: Two WSU professors unveiled a nicotine-focused dietary supplement concept aimed at reducing nicotine craving by targeting a key enzyme involved in nicotine metabolism. Policy Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court accepted major disputes for its 2026–27 term, including semiautomatic rifle bans, religious liberty, parental rights, and election-related cases.

Public Health Alert: Doctors are urging families to prepare for drowning risk after a new American Academy of Pediatrics warning highlights how quickly children can drown—especially in pools—where seconds matter for rescue and resuscitation. Hawaii Wellness & Care: Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children marked its “chief canine officer” Ruby, a Labrador retriever facility dog who visits pediatric patients daily as animal-assisted therapy to reduce stress. Local Food Security: Maui Food Bank’s Da Mobile Market is getting a boost with a Makena benefit dinner for fresh produce delivery to underserved communities, with demand rising since the wildfires. Community Health Through Movement: Visually-impaired runner Marri Murdoch is taking on the Kona Marathon with guide support, spotlighting safer participation and inclusion for athletes with disabilities. Health Policy Watch: Alston & Bird’s Health Care Week in Review notes CMS proposed CY 2027 payment and quality rule changes for home health and hospital outpatient care, plus House action on hospital transparency. Hawaii in the News: Kaiser Permanente and Maui Health announced a new Lahaina clinic site, expanding local access.

Maui Food Access: Mākena Golf & Beach Club is hosting an Aug. 8 benefit dinner for Maui Food Bank’s Da Mobile Market, aiming to boost fresh produce delivery to West Maui, Upcountry and Hana as wildfire recovery drives higher demand. Mid-Pacific Record Attempt: Ocean rower Kelsey Pfendler is nearing Oʻahu after a solo California-to-Hawaii push that could set a new speed benchmark and make her the youngest woman to complete the crossing. Cancer Costs Off-Island: A University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center study finds Hawaiʻi patients spent over $230M on out-of-state cancer care (2021–2023), highlighting financial strain and the need for high-complexity services and trials locally. Hospital Wellness in Action: Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children celebrated Ruby, its Labrador “chief canine officer,” who visits pediatric patients daily as animal-assisted therapy. Public Health Alerts: The CDC warns drug-resistant Candida auris cases are rising in U.S. hospitals, while West Nile virus is showing an early, higher-than-usual summer surge. Local Health Infrastructure: Queen’s Health Systems plans its first employee housing at a new Kailua-Kona hospital site, adding 150 below-market units to help with hiring and retention. Care Policy Watch: CMS released proposed 2027 payment rules for home health and hospital outpatient care, and lawmakers advanced a tax-exempt hospital transparency bill.

Local Health Access: Queen’s Health Systems plans its first employee housing—150 below-market units—at a new Kailua-Kona hospital campus, aiming to ease hiring and retention pressures in West Hawaiʻi. Cancer Costs: A University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center study estimates Hawaiʻi patients spent over $230M on out-of-state cancer care (2021–2023), with complex cancers like leukemia and brain tumors driving the need to travel. Public Health Alerts: The CDC warns West Nile virus is surging early, with the highest U.S. case count by late June since 2004; Hawaii reported one case. Medicaid Coverage Fight: Vermont and other states sue the Trump administration over Medicaid work requirement rules for medically frail people, arguing the guidance unlawfully threatens coverage. Workforce & Care: Hawaiʻi’s hiring and retention challenges are also showing up in policy and legal battles over who qualifies for care. Disaster Readiness: Residents in U.S. Pacific territories brace for a possible super typhoon as recovery from a prior major storm continues.

Public Health Enforcement: Hawaiʻi DOH ordered a Kalihi community care foster family home operator, Ederlina Manzano, to discharge all clients by July 31 and close the facility after a no-contest plea tied to endangering an incompetent person; she faces a $1,000 fine and must submit an apology letter. Local Safety & Health: An 18-year-old motorcyclist died after a high-speed Kapolei crash; police say speed may have contributed, and the investigation is ongoing. Community Well-Being: Honolulu’s new police chief David Lazar was sworn in, pledging officer wellness, recruitment/retention, and rebuilding public trust. Water & Health Risk: EPA proposed UCMR 6 to expand monitoring of 30 unregulated drinking-water contaminants (microplastics not included), with sampling planned from 2028–2030. Marine & Environmental Health: DLNR’s Holomua Marine Initiative will hold an additional “Hana Hou” talk story session in Waimea on July 12 to guide local marine resource management with community input. Emergency Response Training: Philippine Navy medical teams completed maritime emergency care training during RIMPAC at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

Health Care Policy: CMS proposed changes to 2027 hospital outpatient and ambulatory surgery payments, including updates tied to 340B reimbursement and site-neutral payments, with extra boosts for Alaska and Hawaii due to higher nonlabor costs. Food Safety & Public Health: A UCLA study links the pesticide chlorpyrifos to more than double Parkinson’s risk and points to a specific mechanism involving disrupted brain cleanup processes. Local Health & Community: DLNR reported major participation in Hawaiʻi’s World Ocean Day coastal cleanup, removing thousands of pounds of debris and targeting microplastics. Maternal Health: A national spotlight on Black midwives highlights community-based care approaches aimed at reducing the Black maternal health crisis. Emergency Alerts: “Lulu’s Law” would allow shark-attack emergency alerts to mobile phones, modeled after Alabama’s system, with states handling implementation. Workforce & Wellbeing: A new analysis ranks South Dakota among the states with the shortest average workweeks, while Hawaii also lands near the low end. Safety & Access: Maui County is still working through delays on a safe parking pilot for unhoused residents, with another update scheduled. Obituaries: Recent local obituaries include long-time community members DiAnn Peitzmeier and Tevita Haʻunga Fonua.

West Maui Health Care: Kaiser Permanente and Maui Health announced plans for a permanent Lahaina clinic on a 3.5-acre site at 910 Honoapiilani Highway, with care currently delivered through a temporary modular clinic. Cancer & Health Equity: A new population-based study finds breast cancer incidence rising rapidly among Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander women, especially those under 50 and with distant-stage and triple-negative tumors. Nutrition Access: HIDOE has served nearly 145,000 free summer meals statewide, with meals available weekdays through July 17 for children 18 and younger. Mental Health & Safety: A report says “The Wire” actor James Ransone had a history of suicidal ideation and sought hospital treatment for mental health issues before his death. Community & Prevention: Operation Shine the Light on Oʻahu recovered 14 endangered missing children in a two-day effort, the highest count in the program’s history. Public Health Policy: A coalition of at least 25 states and D.C. sued the Trump administration over Medicaid work requirements, arguing the rule unlawfully restricts access to coverage. Trauma-Informed Care: Hawaiʻi recognized the first cohort of state employees completing a new Trauma-Informed Care certification. Reef & Ocean Protection: A statewide World Ocean Day restoration event reported thousands of pounds of marine debris removed and hundreds of volunteers across multiple islands. Road Safety: Police said speed likely contributed to a fatal Kapolei motorcycle crash that killed an 18-year-old.

Medical Debt Relief: A new report says more states are moving to ease patient medical debt, including Hawaii’s measure awaiting the governor’s signature, while other states cap interest or delay debt collection actions. Reproductive Health Protections: Laws restricting abortion medication access and minors’ sexual health care take effect in several states, and Hawaii’s strengthened “shield” protections also begin today to limit how patient info can be used and to bolster provider protections. Western Governors Leadership: Gov. Josh Green became chair of the Western Governors’ Association and is setting a “Health Beyond Health Care” focus, with a winter meeting planned on Oahu and Pearl Harbor commemorations featuring Pacific partners. Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Dermatologists and environmental experts highlight reef-safe SPF choices, warning that oxybenzone and octinoxate can harm coral ecosystems. Digital Access for Older Adults: AARP awarded Hawaiʻi grants, including $15,000 for digital literacy classes at a Hilo affordable housing community serving older veterans and spouses. Local Health Care Update: Kaiser Permanente Hawaii and Maui Health plan a new Lahaina clinic on Honoapiilani Highway as rebuilding continues after the 2023 wildfires. Traffic Safety: An 18-year-old motorcyclist died after a Kapolei crash on the Kalaeloa Boulevard off-ramp; speed is believed to be a factor. SNAP Food Rules: A federal judge struck down SNAP “unhealthy food” purchase limits in some states, while Hawaii continues to face SNAP error-rate pressure tied to shifting federal requirements. Cancer Disparities: A new national report finds some cancer mortality gaps are narrowing, but prevention, screening, and treatment disparities persist.

Kaiser Permanente expands West Maui care: Kaiser Permanente Hawaii is partnering with Maui Health to open a new Lahaina Clinic, replacing the facility destroyed in the 2023 wildfires and aiming to deliver permanent, community-driven access at 910 Honoapiilani Hwy. Medicaid coverage under legal pressure: Twenty-five Democratic-led states (plus D.C.) sued the Trump administration over Medicaid work requirements, arguing the “medically frail” exemption is too narrow for people with serious illness or disability. Medicaid fraud funding cut: HHS suspended federal funding for New York’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, citing low performance on criminal fraud and patient abuse/neglect cases, with funding paused through at least Sept. 30. Parkinson’s risk linked to pesticide: A UCLA Health study reports chlorpyrifos exposure is tied to more than double Parkinson’s risk and describes how it may disrupt brain “garbage disposal” pathways. Safety on Hawaiʻi roads: Two separate e-motorcycle crashes in Kaimuki and Waialae Avenue left riders in critical condition; police noted lack of helmets and are investigating possible contributing factors. Community health support: A Hawaii woman is leading a donation drive for Venezuela earthquake relief, collecting medical supplies, hygiene items, food, and emergency essentials. Local health access funding: A federal grant opportunity would support national resource centers serving older Native Hawaiians and other Native elders, with applications due July 27. Health system integrity push: DOJ announced a large national health care fraud takedown involving hundreds of alleged fraudsters, including licensed medical professionals.

Air Quality & Public Health: Hawaii AG Kwame Raoul led a coalition of 17 attorneys general opposing an EPA proposal that would let major air-pollution projects start construction without a New Source Review permit—arguing it would cut public input and weaken protections for community health. Food Safety: Hawai‘i DOH Food Safety Branch reopened three Waikīkī-area eateries after follow-up inspections confirmed fixes to cleaning and sanitization problems; one location remains closed. Medicaid Coverage: Multiple states, including Hawaii’s Medicaid fraud unit being pulled earlier, are challenging new federal Medicaid work requirements that narrow “medically frail” exemptions—raising concerns about barriers for people with serious illness or disability. SNAP Accuracy: A federal report found Hawaii’s SNAP payment error rate slightly above the national average in FY2025, which could mean millions more at stake if errors don’t improve. Health Alerts: FDA issued a recall for Oribae Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo due to microbial contamination. Local Safety: Police reported two men injured in a Kona stabbing/head injury incident; investigation is ongoing. Gun Policy Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court will consider whether AR-15-style assault weapon bans violate the Second Amendment. Community Health Events: Honolulu’s AIDS Walk wrapped up Pride Month with major fundraising.

Cancer & disparities: A new national snapshot highlights cancer as a top U.S. health priority, with survival gaps tied to where people live and who they are. Local public health & safety: Honolulu reports a Nanakuli beach stabbing suspect was released after prosecutors declined charges, citing self-defense issues. Homelessness care access: Honolulu is funding two medical respite centers after state support ended, aiming to keep medically vulnerable people from being pushed back into hospitals. Hawaii health workforce: The first Kauai Medical Training Track cohort has graduated from JABSOM, with students returning to Kauai for years of service. Hawaii climate info for health planning: UH will start sending free monthly, plain-language climate summaries to residents, helping communities track drought and local conditions. Hemp regulation shake-up: Hawaii’s hemp and CBD retailers face enforcement starting Wednesday, with some stores turning to court to delay new rules. National Medicaid fight: Democratic-led states sue over federal Medicaid work requirements, arguing “medically frail” exemptions are being narrowed too much. Medical news beyond Hawaii: Actress Daveigh Chase, known for voicing Lilo in “Lilo & Stitch,” died of AIDS, according to medical examiner findings.