AGP Executive Report

Hurricane Lala Health Response: Hawaiʻi Island is still working through storm fallout, with backup generators being flown in to keep 911 and hospitals running as power remains spotty for thousands. Community Aid: OHA reports an emergency helicopter delivery of about 1,500 pounds of water, food, fuel, hygiene items, diapers, and cleaning supplies to remote Kaʻū areas cut off by damaged bridges and landslides. Food Safety Alert: DOH issued a recall for Dreyer’s Outshine Fruit Bars (including 6-count and 24-count variety packs) due to possible glass contamination; shoppers should check batch codes and UPCs and stop eating affected products. Restaurant Reopening: HI SHACK (772 TXS) in Waikīkī was cleared to reopen after a follow-up inspection found corrected temperature control, accessible handwashing, and proper hot-holding. Public Health Watch: CDC data show cyclosporiasis cases trending down nationally, but Hawaii is still on alert after confirming additional travel-related cases. Local Safety: After storm damage, Honolulu fire and EMS are warning hikers to avoid muddy, swollen trails for days and to turn back if conditions feel unsafe.

Hurricane Lala recovery (Hawaiʻi County): Hawaiʻi County says restoring access to Highway 11—especially the Kaʻū side—remains the top priority after mud, debris, and damage cut off communities; as of Tuesday afternoon, the county logged 263 residential and 18 commercial damage reports, while Hawaiian Electric reported about 24,000 Big Island customers still without power. Public health (cyclosporiasis): The Hawaiʻi Department of Health confirmed the state’s fifth cyclosporiasis case of 2026, involving a military member who traveled internationally and to another state; officials say the risk to the public remains low and are also investigating a low-level detection in Hilo wastewater. Cancer care locally: Hawaiʻi Pacific Health oncologist Dr. Stephanie Si Lim discusses CAR T-cell therapy as a new option for some patients, highlighting how immunotherapy can target specific cancer markers and may reduce some chemotherapy side effects. Women’s health & equity: WalletHub ranks Hawaiʻi No. 1 for women’s equality in 2026, ahead of Maryland and Alaska, using metrics like pay gaps and unemployment disparities. Community wellness: Koʻiʻula is inviting volunteers to restore the Lāʻie Wetlands on Aug. 22, aiming to improve water flow, protect native bird habitat, and reduce invasive vegetation.

Disaster Recovery & Food Safety: After Tropical Storm Lala, Hawaiʻi DOH is warning residents to toss perishable food that sat warm for 4–6 hours without power, while freezers can hold safe temps longer if kept closed; DOH also urged careful fridge/freezer checks and safe handling of flood-exposed canned goods. Mosquito-Borne Disease Watch: DOH confirmed a new travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, bringing 2026 totals to seven; officials say local spread risk is low but emphasize eliminating standing water after Lala flooding. SNAP Relief: Hawaiʻi DHS says SNAP recipients can apply for replacement benefits for food lost to flooding or extended outages (four hours or longer), with a written statement due within 10 days. Local Health & Safety Incidents: Honolulu firefighters and EMS responded to a partial roof collapse at a Kaimuki Chinese restaurant; an elderly woman was hospitalized with lacerations, others had minor injuries. Environmental Health & Oceans: Earthjustice sued the U.S. over plans to auction seabed areas around American Samoa for deep-sea mining, arguing federal agencies must follow the Endangered Species Act and protect critical ocean habitat.

Tropical Storm Lala Recovery: Honolulu is set to resume normal operations Tuesday after storm-related closures, while Hawaiian Electric customers can file claims for Lala power outage losses (with deadlines and submission options) and the state DOH shared food-safety guidance for outages. Food Assistance: The Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services announced SNAP replacement benefits for current recipients who lost SNAP-purchased food due to Lala-related power outages and flooding. Big Island Damage: New reporting highlights the scale of destruction in Kaʻū, including catastrophic impacts to communities like Nāʻālehu and the Punaluʻu Bake Shop. Public Health & Safety: DOH urged health precautions after Lala, and officials warned that hiking in severe weather conditions can put both hikers and first responders at risk. Local Health Care: A new home-based clinic, Rural Island Medical, is opening Sept. 1 to expand family medicine and diabetes-focused endocrine care. Injury Updates: A pedestrian was hospitalized after being struck by an HPD vehicle in Makiki, and an apparent stabbing on Kinau Street left a man in serious condition.

Hurricane Lala Health & Safety: Hawaiʻi Department of Health is urging residents to protect themselves after heavy rain, high winds and widespread power outages, including a statewide brown water advisory (stay out of discolored coastal waters/streams for 48–72 hours after rain ends), strict food-safety rules after outages, and floodwater precautions. Kaʻū Water Risk: Two rural Kaʻū water systems (Punaluʻu Water and Sanitation and Wood Valley Water and Farm Co-op) issued precautionary boil water notices after storm damage and pressure loss; customers should boil water for three minutes or use bottled/alternate sources. Local Recovery Operations: Honolulu is preparing to resume normal operations Tuesday, with city offices and services reopening as crews clear debris and repair hazards; the city also streamlined emergency repairs by allowing certain eligible work to start before permits and waived related permit fees. School Disruptions: HIDOE says most public schools will reopen Tuesday, but some Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island campuses remain closed due to ongoing health and safety and utility issues. Care for Vulnerable People: Reports from Oʻahu describe caregivers and medically vulnerable residents struggling without reliable power for essential equipment, while many families face isolation and difficulty accessing food, water and cell service. Storm Aftermath for Wildlife: Hawaiʻi Wildlife Center is asking people to watch for injured seabirds after Lala, with an influx of downed birds reported and rescue efforts complicated by road access. Emergency Response Reminder: Honolulu Fire Department and EMS warned hikers not to risk dangerous conditions during severe weather after a rescue at Makaua Hidden Garden Trail.

Hurricane Lala Recovery (Big Island): Infrastructure damage assessments Monday found at least six bridges damaged or destroyed in Kaʻū, with Route 11 washouts cutting off access until emergency crews cleared a path for first responders and Kaʻū Hospital staff. Power & Health Access: Hawaiian Electric warned some outages could last weeks, with hundreds of workers rotating in; Kaʻū and Pāhoa clinics were affected, while Hilo Benioff Medical Center reported full operations. Storm Disruption (Oʻahu/Travel): SEA airport delays and cancellations continued as airlines used a “Lala waiver,” and officials reported widespread impacts from the storm’s winds and rain. Public Health & Safety: Cleanup risks remain high, including downed power lines and chainsaw work, with officials urging caution even after the worst passed. Community Wellness & Prevention: A Makaua Hidden Garden Trail hiker was rescued after a leg injury, a reminder to match fitness to trail conditions. Local Conservation: Hāna residents launched “E Lele!” a seabird conservation card game aimed at teaching kids how to protect native seabirds from cats, mongoose, plastic, and light pollution.

Storm Recovery & Public Safety: Hurricane Lala weakened to a tropical storm after skirting Hawaii, but it still left major flooding, dangerous surf, and widespread outages—more than 180,000 customers reported without power and at least 100 homes damaged or swept away on the Big Island. Local Closures: State offices, public schools, and court facilities statewide were closed Monday, with some schools on Hawaiʻi Island staying closed longer due to storm damage and access issues. Health & Utilities: Multiple hospitals switched to generator power during the worst impacts, while Hawaiian Electric warned some rural areas could face extended outages. Assistance for Families: Hawaii DHS says SNAP recipients who lost food during Lala can apply for SNAP replacement benefits, with written statements due within 10 days. Oʻahu Environmental Alert: Honolulu’s ENV is responding to an ongoing sewage spill at the Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant; sampling has been waived and signs posted. Community Incidents: A man was hospitalized after an apparent stabbing in Waipahu, and Hawaii Island police investigated a fatal head-on crash in Ocean View.

Storm Aftermath & Safety: Hurricane Lala has weakened to a tropical storm but is still battering Hawaii with heavy rain, damaging winds, dangerous surf, and widespread power outages. On the Big Island, officials reported flash flooding and landslide risk, with search-and-rescue efforts after floodwaters reportedly swept occupied homes off their foundations near Na‘alehu and Wai‘ohinu. Gov. Josh Green said at least one person died in a storm-related car crash near South Point, and at least three hospitals switched to generator power as outages spread. Local Health & Food Safety: The Hawai‘i Department of Health authorized reopening of Baan Thai Family Cuisine in Kailua-Kona after a follow-up inspection found required corrective actions completed, including discarding contaminated food, pest control, cleaning, and employee retraining. Traffic & Injury Update: Hawaii Island police are investigating a head-on collision in Ocean View that killed a 45-year-old man; a 21-year-old woman was taken to Kona Community Hospital in critical condition. Community Health Note: A Honolulu-area rescue operation was underway in Waiahole Valley and Waikane due to rising waters, with agencies urging the public to stay away while responders work.

Storm Safety & Health Impacts: Hurricane Lala skirted Hawaiʻi Island without “landfall” but still brought hurricane-force winds and heavy rain, knocking out power for tens of thousands and disrupting travel, with officials warning residents to shelter in place and stay off roads as flooding and downed trees remain risks. Local Emergency Response: The state and counties activated response teams and opened Oʻahu hurricane refuge areas; on Oʻahu, the city also announced closures of refuse convenience centers, transfer stations and the Waimānalo landfill on Sunday due to severe weather. Big Island Damage Updates: Reports include at least one storm-related death tied to a car crash and widespread outages; officials say hospitals have backup generators. Community Wellness: Hot Kūpuna Nights returns to Lahaina Civic Center with music, food, and recovery resources for kūpuna and ʻohana. Public Health Watch: Hawaiʻi DOH confirmed a fifth case of cyclosporiasis in the state, urging vigilance as the illness spreads. Health Costs & Access: Medicaid spending for prosthetic procedures rose sharply in Aiea, highlighting growing demand for mobility-related care. Injury Alert: A man was hospitalized in serious condition after an apparent stabbing in Kapolei.

Hurricane Preparedness (Big Island): Tropical Storm Lala has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane as it nears Hawaiʻi Island, with Hawaiian Electric reporting thousands of customers without power and the Department of Water Supply issuing “Essential Needs Only” guidance for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene. Emergency Response (Utilities & Safety): Hawaiian Electric says it has activated its response plan, with 500+ workers and contractors ready, and warns wildfire-risk conditions could trigger Public Safety Power Shutoffs. Public Health Alert (Cyclospora): The Hawaiʻi Department of Health confirmed a fifth cyclosporiasis case in 2026, tied to a military member who traveled internationally; DOH says the risk to the public remains low while it investigates. Local Water & Health Infrastructure: DOH is also investigating low-level Cyclospora detection in Hilo wastewater. Community Health & Access: State agencies issued an emergency proclamation ahead of Lala, mobilizing the Hawaiʻi National Guard and coordinating resources for public health and safety.

Public Health: Hawaii DOH confirmed a fifth cyclosporiasis case in 2026, involving a military member based in Hawaiʻi who traveled to places with rising Cyclospora activity; officials say the risk to the public remains low and there’s no known link between cases. Storm Readiness: Tropical Storm Lala is strengthening toward the Big Island, with a hurricane warning and potential for heavy rain and dangerous conditions; Hawaiʻi state agencies issued an emergency proclamation, while Hawaiian Electric activated its response plan (500+ workers ready) and is monitoring wildfire risk with possible Public Safety Power Shutoffs. Local Preparedness: Hawaii County is opening multiple shelters Friday evening and providing sand for sandbags as flash-flood risk grows, while telecom providers say they’re staging generators and prioritizing restoration for critical sites like hospitals. Community & Health Equity: Two students won the Don T. Nakanishi Award for engaged scholarship, including research on health and data equity for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. Safety & Justice: Honolulu police arrested a 42-year-old man after a fatal stabbing on Ke’eaumoku Street; he faces second-degree murder charges.

Hurricane Lala Watch: Hawaiʻi Island braces as Tropical Storm Lala is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane, with a Hurricane Warning, heavy rain risk, flash flooding concerns, and damaging surf expected. Local Preparedness: DLNR is clearing stream channels and coordinating dam safety checks and emergency action plan reviews as the storm approaches. Health Policy & Privacy: Hawaii is named among 22 states suing to block the Trump administration from accessing sensitive CDL driver data, arguing privacy violations and overreach. Immunization Guidance: West Coast Health Alliance urges families to follow the AAP/ACOG evidence-based 2026 immunization schedules rather than an executive order. Kidney Care Update: GlomCon Hawaii 2026 highlights patient experience delays in IgA nephropathy diagnosis and new 2-year eGFR findings for sibeprenlimab in high-risk IgAN. Food Safety: Health inspectors cite issues at restaurants and a food truck closure tied to plumbing problems, underscoring ongoing local food handling vigilance. Community Health & Safety: A Maui cat caretaker was allegedly beaten to death while feeding strays, renewing attention on public safety and community violence.

Hurricane Lala Preparedness: Gov. Josh Green declared a state of emergency as Tropical Storm Lala strengthens and a Hurricane Warning is in effect for Hawaiʻi Island, with damaging winds, heavy rain (up to 25 inches in some areas), and dangerous surf expected; Hawaii County and Honolulu are opening shelters and urging residents to finish storm prep now. Public Health & Animal Safety: DOH and DAB are urging vigilance as migratory birds return, reminding backyard poultry owners to limit contact with wild birds and protect feed and water to reduce avian influenza risk. Infectious Disease Watch: A CDC update says cyclosporiasis cases may be slowing, but the outbreak is still large and the source remains unclear—keep an eye on food safety guidance. Tobacco Use Risks: A new analysis finds most e-cigarette sales in late 2025 involved products the FDA never authorized, raising concerns about youth appeal and regulatory gaps. Water Safety/Health Infrastructure: The Navy awarded a $309M contract for a permanent Red Hill water treatment facility, aimed at treating fuel-contaminated water and protecting drinking water for military communities. Community Health: Hilo police and community partners completed a heavy-rain cleanup at Richardson Ocean Park and reminded the public that animals are prohibited at Hawaiʻi County beach parks.

Local Public Safety: Honolulu police are investigating a fatal stabbing on Ke’eaumoku Street; a 42-year-old man was arrested for murder in the second degree after a man in his 50s–60s died at the hospital. Traffic Safety: A 51-year-old moped rider died after a crash on Kamehameha Highway in Haleiwa; police say speed doesn’t appear to be a factor and the rider was not wearing a helmet. Animal & Public Health: Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity captured a live opossum at a freight warehouse near Hilo Harbor; it was euthanized and sent for rabies testing, with officials noting Hawaiʻi remains rabies-free. Health Policy & Privacy: Multiple state attorneys general, including Hawaiʻi’s AG counterparts, sued to block a Trump administration push to obtain sensitive commercial driver data tied to 17 million records, arguing privacy law violations and threats to federal funding. Care Access & Costs: A new analysis finds Hawaii families need about $283,314 in annual income to meet a benchmark for full-time toddler care affordability. Immunization Guidance: West Coast Health Alliance reaffirmed evidence-based childhood and maternal vaccine schedules, saying a White House executive order doesn’t change its position. Community & Wellness: A Native Hawaiian book club grew from a group chat into a wider online community centered on Hawaiian voices and stories.

Storm Readiness: Hawaiian Electric is urging Hawaiʻi residents to review emergency plans, stock supplies, and monitor forecasts as a storm system could reach the islands as early as Saturday. Homeless Outreach: Honolulu’s CORE team is pushing people living in dangerous areas to seek shelter ahead of the storm, with outreach at encampments in Waipahu, Pearl City, Makiki, and under a Kapiʻolani Boulevard bridge. Pregnancy Vaccines: A new report explains why vaccines during pregnancy matter for newborn protection—especially for Tdap timing in weeks 27–36 and what to expect before infant shots begin. Food Safety Help: Hawaiʻi Commercial Kitchens is offering a free hazard analysis critical control point workshop (in-person or Zoom) to help local food businesses prepare for inspections. Water & Public Health: Hawaiʻi County is holding a community meeting Aug. 20 on closing large-capacity cesspools in Kaʻū (Pāhala and Nāʻālehu), citing public health and water protection risks. Access to Care: Lanai Air launched four daily round-trip flights between Molokai and Honolulu, and is participating in the Essential Rural Medical Air Transport pilot for medical travel.

Red Hill Water Safety: NAVFAC Hawaii awarded Hensel Phelps a $309.65M contract for the Red Hill Water Treatment Facility (P-716), aiming to build a new 10-million-gallon-per-day plant and related upgrades, with completion targeted for August 2029. Ocean & Public Health Infrastructure: Honolulu marked completion of Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant Secondary Treatment Phase 1, using membrane bioreactors and UV disinfection to better protect beaches and the ocean. Food Safety Help for Local Businesses: Hawaiʻi Commercial Kitchens is offering a free hazard analysis critical control point workshop Aug. 13 (in Hilo or via Zoom) with DOH inspector guidance to help businesses pass inspections. Community Health Funding: The AMA announced inaugural $50,000 micro grants under its Community Health Impact Lab, backing physician-led projects on prevention, mental health, nutrition, and chronic disease. Hawaii DOH Enforcement: DOH issued a red placard and closed HI SHACK (Waikiki) for temperature control, handwashing access, and hot-holding violations. Disaster Recovery Watch: UHERO reports Maui wildfire recovery shows housing gains, but employment and incomes lag and assistance has dropped for many households.