AGP Executive Report

Medicare Changes: HMSA is ending two Medicare Advantage plans for about 16,000 members on Dec. 31. Members must choose new coverage by Dec. 7 or risk being moved to Original Medicare without prescription coverage; replacement premiums are higher. Dengue Watch: Hawaiʻi’s eighth travel-related dengue case of 2026 was reported on Oʻahu. Health officials say local transmission risk is low and urge residents to remove standing water where mosquitoes can breed. Vaccines: With flu and COVID activity rising, the state Department of Health is urging residents to stay current on both vaccines. Cancer Research: The UH Cancer Center secured a $3 million grant to study breast cancer disparities in Hawaiʻi. Survivor Support: Hawaiʻi’s Sex Abuse Treatment Center offers help to sexual assault survivors whether or not they report to police, and regardless of when the assault occurred.

Dengue Watch: Hawaiʻi’s eighth travel-related dengue case of 2026 was reported on Oʻahu. Officials say local transmission risk is low and urge residents to clear standing water where mosquitoes can breed. Flu and COVID Prevention: With respiratory virus activity rising and flu season arriving early, the state Department of Health is urging residents to get vaccinated. Survivor Support: The Sex Abuse Treatment Center at Kapiʻolani Medical Center offers help to survivors regardless of when an assault occurred or whether they report it to police. Care Access: An IRONMAN donation will fund two mobile health vans for Nāʻālehu, expanding services for residents in the area. Food Safety: The Health Department issued a red placard to Honolulu’s Golden Coin Bake Shop over refrigeration violations.

Dengue Watch: Hawaiʻi has reported its eighth travel-related dengue case of 2026, on Oʻahu. Health officials say local transmission risk is low and urge residents to clear standing water where mosquitoes can breed. Respiratory Viruses: With flu and COVID activity rising, DOH encourages residents to get up to date on both vaccines. Storm Recovery: Federal disaster declarations will help fund recovery from Hurricanes Lala and Lowell across several counties, including Kauaʻi, Maui, Hawaiʻi Island and Oʻahu. Community Care: An IRONMAN donation will fund two mobile health vans serving Nāʻālehu. Cancer Research: UH Cancer Center received a $3 million grant to study breast cancer disparities in Hawaiʻi. Food Safety: DOH issued a red placard to Honolulu’s Golden Coin Bake Shop over refrigeration violations.

Storm Recovery: Federal disaster declarations approved after Hurricanes Lala and Lowell will cover at least 75% of eligible public recovery costs, with aid reaching several affected counties. Care Access: Two mobile health vans are bringing medical, dental and behavioral health services back to Nā‘ālehu while its flood-damaged clinic is repaired; the project was funded by a $350,000 IRONMAN Foundation donation. Vaccination: Hawai‘i health officials urge residents to get current on flu and COVID-19 vaccines as respiratory virus activity rises. Food Safety: DOH shut down Golden Coin Bake Shop in Kalihi over unsafe refrigeration, damaged packaging, cleaning problems and lack of hot water; it must correct the violations before reopening. Emergency Medicine: The Coast Guard airlifted a sick crew member from a cargo ship 86 miles off the Big Island and transferred him to Hilo for care.

Food Safety: Hawaiʻi health officials shut down Honolulu’s Golden Coin Bake Shop after finding unsafe refrigeration, damaged food packaging, inadequate equipment cleaning and no hot water. It must correct the violations and pass a follow-up inspection before reopening. Storm Recovery: Federal disaster declarations approved cost-sharing aid for counties hit by Hurricanes Lala and Lowell, including recovery funding for Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, Maui and Kauaʻi counties. Homelessness Oversight: A state audit found at least $13.7 million in unauthorized or questionable spending tied to the kauhale housing initiative, citing weak oversight by the state office and its contractor. Flu Prevention: With flu activity rising early in Hawaiʻi and other Western states, health officials are urging residents to get vaccinated; the season’s early start does not necessarily mean it will be more severe.

Women’s Health: A new Hawaiʻi-focused feature highlights gaps in care for menopause and other midlife conditions, which receive little private health investment despite affecting millions of women. Homelessness & Health: A state audit found more than $13.7 million in kauhale spending unauthorized, unsupported or questionable; the administration accepted all 11 recommendations and says it is working to recover improper payments. Vaccines: Hawaiʻi health officials urge residents to get flu and COVID-19 shots as respiratory virus activity rises. Cancer & Exposure: UH Cancer Center received a $3 million grant to study breast cancer disparities, while a UH study found elevated metals in Maui wildfire survivors. Senior Coverage: HMSA changes to Medicare Advantage plans are leaving 16,000 Hawaiʻi members facing policy shifts.

Respiratory Health: Flu is rising early in Hawaiʻi: 20.3% of tested samples were positive in late September, up from 11% in mid-September, with hospital and emergency-room visits also increasing. The state urges residents to get flu and COVID-19 vaccines and stay home when sick. Aging & Affordability: A UHERO analysis estimates a single older renter needs $3,436 a month for basic expenses in Hawaiʻi, compared with $2,836 nationally. Meanwhile, HMSA plan changes are leaving about 16,000 Medicare Advantage members facing new coverage choices. Research: The UH Cancer Center received a $3 million grant to study breast cancer disparities in Hawaiʻi; a separate $3.3 million NIH grant will fund UH research on microplastics and infant brain development. Water Safety: The reopening of a well near Red Hill is renewing concerns about the area’s contaminated groundwater.

Flu Season: Hawaiʻi flu activity is rising unusually early: 20.3% of respiratory samples tested positive in the week ending Sept. 30, and hospital admissions and ER visits are increasing. DOH recommends flu shots for everyone 6 months and older, staying home when sick and taking precautions around vulnerable people; COVID-19 activity is declining. Local Health Research: UH Cancer Center received a $3 million grant to study breast cancer disparities in Hawaiʻi. Food Safety: A recall covers 28-ounce Gatorade Lemon-Lime and Orange varieties, including zero-sugar versions, sold in Hawaiʻi. The bottles fail to list Yellow 5 or Yellow 6 dyes, which may pose a risk for people with sensitivities. Hemophilia Care: New preventive medicines are changing life for two Kauaʻi brothers, who can now surf and play sports. Some therapies need only a shot every few weeks; gene therapy is also helping some adults, though its long-term effects remain uncertain.

Public Health Alert: Hawaiʻi DOH says flu activity is rising, with 20.3% of respiratory specimens positive for influenza (Sept. 23–30), while COVID-19 cases are starting to decrease; DOH urges vaccines, staying home when sick, and simple precautions. Infant Safety: DOH is rolling out updated Safe Sleep Awareness Month messaging and events, emphasizing “Back to Sleep” and a firm, flat sleep surface. Cancer Research: UH Cancer Center won a $3M National Cancer Institute grant to study why early-stage breast cancer becomes invasive, with a focus on Hawaiʻi’s underrepresented communities. Food Safety: FDA reports a recall of Nature’s Own Hawaiian Bread due to undeclared milk, and a separate nationwide Gatorade recall (28-oz bottles in 37 states) over undeclared yellow dyes. Local Health Systems: Hawaii Health Systems Corporation acquired Ali‘i Health Center in Kealakekua. Community & Preparedness: Maui Project Management filed a provisional patent for HELP, an AI-supported disaster-resilience portal built around “food-as-medicine” recovery support. Workforce: Hawaiʻi DLIR and the Workforce Development Council named 2026 Workforce Development Hero Awards winners across the islands.

HMSA Medicare Advantage Changes: HMSA is closing two Medicare Advantage plans for about 16,000 Hawaii seniors, forcing many to shop during the Oct. 15–Dec. 7 enrollment window as premiums rise. West Hawaii Care Access: Hawaii Health Systems Corporation’s West Hawaii Region acquired Ali‘i Health Center in Kealakekua, folding it into Kona Community Hospital as “Kona Health.” Maui Wildfire Health Watch: New UH research on Maui wildfire survivors found higher metal levels (including arsenic and antimony), raising questions about long-term health impacts. Suicide Prevention Funding: VA awarded more than $2.18M in grants to Hawaii nonprofits for Veterans suicide prevention starting FY2027. Domestic Violence Services: A column highlights barriers survivors face after seeking safety and points to Hawaii organizations’ growing domestic violence caseloads. Water & Public Health: South Kohala customers moved to “essential water use only” as wells are repaired; Kauai also saw a brown water advisory. Food Safety Recalls: Nature’s Own Hawaiian Bread was recalled in multiple states due to undeclared milk; Gatorade recalls also continued nationwide. Community Health in Action: VA and other programs plus a Fort Shafter meal initiative focus on practical nutrition and mental health support.

Water Safety Update: Hawaiʻi County upgraded its South Kohala water restriction to “essential water use only” for areas including Kawaihae, Hāpuna, Puakō and Mauna Lani while crews repair wells, asking residents to use water for drinking, cooking, hygiene and necessary sanitation only. Public Health & Food Safety: PepsiCo recalled 122,021 cases of 28-oz Gatorade (Lemon Lime, Lemon Lime Zero, Orange, Orange Zero) sold in 37 states, including Hawaiʻi, because bottles may contain undeclared Yellow No. 5 and/or Yellow No. 6; the FDA classifies it as Class II. Local Food Assistance: Molokaʻi SNAP households facing planned outages (Oct. 3–8) can apply for replacement benefits for anticipated food spoilage, with DHS requiring a signed statement and deadlines tied to the food-loss date. Health System Concerns: A Navy plan to reopen a Red Hill-linked well near Pearl Harbor is moving forward with conditional state approval, but residents say lingering distrust and health worries remain. Medical Research: A new analysis highlights COVID-19 deaths where sepsis was recorded in 9.3% of death records in 2020, raising questions about under-coding and missed sepsis cases. Community Health: Hawaiʻi’s AARP and SHIP are offering Medicare workshops, including support for seniors navigating coverage changes.

Maui Wildfire Health Watch: A UH study of Maui wildfire survivors found higher urine concentrations of multiple metals months after the 2023 fires, including antimony (about 40x the U.S. reference), raising concerns about longer-lasting exposure from ash, dust, soil and debris. Red Hill Aftermath: The U.S. Navy received conditional approval to reopen the ʻAiea-Hālawa Shaft, a step toward restoring parts of the fractured drinking-water system after the Red Hill fuel spill. Local Water Safety: A Kauai man’s health scare highlights how poor water quality can land athletes in hospital mid-race, while Kauai also faced a brown water advisory. Food Label Recall: PepsiCo recalled about 122,000 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade in 37 states because yellow food dyes weren’t listed on labels—an issue for some people with sensitivities. SNAP Changes: New SNAP benefit rules took effect, with Hawaii’s benefits shifting slightly and states facing higher administrative costs. Domestic Violence Charges (Hawaiʻi Island): A Pāhoa woman was charged with attempted second-degree murder and assault after a knife-related incident sent a man to Hilo Benioff Medical Center.

Public Health & Safety: Hawaii’s DOH ordered ABC Junkyard in Pearl City to stop operations and clean up after a two-day fire raised concerns about hazardous substances. Health Access: HMSA is overhauling Medicare Advantage for 2027, closing two higher-option plans and leaving about 16,000 seniors to re-enroll or switch before Dec. 7. Maternal & Child Health Research: A $3.3M NIH-funded UH study will track PFAS (“forever chemicals”) and microplastics exposure from pregnancy through a child’s first year to see how they may affect brain development. Nutrition Assistance: SNAP changes took effect, with Hawaii households seeing benefit adjustments and replacement processes after hurricane impacts. Community Mental Health: LTSC’s “Ebb and Flow” conference spotlights mental health support for AANHPI communities, including substance use and caregiving. ALS Support: Hundreds walked at Kapiolani Park for the Hawaii Walk & Roll to Cure ALS, raising funds for care, research, and policy. Local Health Risks After Storms: Kaʻū condo communities report prolonged loss of drinking water and sewer after Hurricane Lala damaged a private utility. Injury & Disease Alerts: DOH issued a public warning about a Sierra Nevada raw milk cheese recall tied to E. coli.

Medicare Advantage Shake-Up: HMSA is closing two higher-option Medicare Advantage plans for 2027, potentially disenrolling about 16,000 Hawaii seniors unless they switch during open enrollment (Oct. 15–Dec. 7). Public Health & Safety: The Hawaii Department of Health ordered Pearl City’s ABC Junkyard to immediately stop operations and clean up after a fire raised hazardous-substance concerns, with residents with respiratory conditions urged to take precautions. Access to Care for Kids: A national Medicaid study finds pediatric sleep testing is uneven—kids’ chances of getting sleep studies vary widely by state and even by neighborhood racial makeup. Community Wellness in Lahaina: A Lahaina Jodo Mission workshop offered respiratory-focused wellness tools—acupuncture, breathwork, and dry-brushing—aimed at helping residents manage stress during recovery. Food Assistance Relief: Hawaii DHS extended SNAP replacement requests for households that lost refrigerated or frozen food due to Hurricane Nolo outages and the Olowalu wildfire, allowing reports through Oct. 15. Environmental Health: UH researchers received a $3.3M NIH grant to study how PFAS “forever chemicals” and microplastics may affect infant brain development. Injury & Overdose Risk: A Kailua man was sentenced to 70 months for fentanyl trafficking, including distribution from a Waikiki hotel.

Ocean Safety & Water Quality: Kauaʻi officials issued an island-wide Brown Water Advisory, urging people to avoid swimming and other ocean recreation in brown, cloudy, or murky water—especially after storms or heavy rain—and to stay out for 48–72 hours after conditions improve. Public Health Research: UH Mānoa received a $3.3M NIH grant to study how PFAS “forever chemicals” and microplastics may affect infant brain development during pregnancy and the first year. Food Assistance Relief: Hawaiʻi extended SNAP replacement requests for households that lost refrigerated or frozen groceries due to Hurricane Nolo power outages and the Olowalu wildfire, with reporting accepted through Oct. 15 for affected areas. Local Housing & Youth Support: Makiki’s Hale Koko is being renovated into a transitional home for former foster youth and young adults with children, aiming for 12 beds and wraparound support. Environmental Enforcement: DOH ordered ABC Towing & Parts and the property owner to stop operations and clean up hazardous substances after a Sept. 30 fire at the Pearl Harbor-area junkyard. Safety & Emergencies: Three hikers were rescued after getting stranded above the Stairway to Heaven trail; all declined medical treatment.

Environmental Health Enforcement: Hawaiʻi DOH ordered ABC Towing & Parts and the property owner to immediately halt operations and clean up hazardous substances after a Sept. 30 fire, citing imminent risk to public health and waterways. Food Safety: DOH issued a recall alert for Sierra Nevada Cheese Company raw milk cheeses (Graziers Monterey Jack, Jalapeno Jack, Medium Cheddar, Sharp Cheddar) due to possible E. coli O26:H11; Hawaiʻi reported no illnesses so far. Local Food Safety Follow-Up: Legend Seafood Restaurant in Honolulu Chinatown reopened after DOH found and then resolved critical violations, including a roach infestation. Disaster Relief & Access to Care: Power was restored to Kalaupapa after Hurricane Nolo damage, with patients and staff expected to return early next week; DOH and partners coordinated repairs. Nutrition Support: Molokaʻi SNAP households can apply for replacement benefits for anticipated food spoilage during planned Oct. 3–8 outages. Public Health & Safety at Worksites: A pickup truck crash into Longs Drugs in Hilo injured six people; police opened a negligent injury investigation. Health Coverage Watch: HMSA dropped two Medicare Advantage plans, leaving about 16,000 seniors scrambling to choose new coverage.