AGP Executive Report

Hula & Festivals: The 32nd annual Hula ʻOni E Festival wrapped in Waikīkī, bringing 25 hula hālau from Hawaiʻi and Japan together with award-winning musicians, cultural practitioners, and a marketplace of 70+ local vendors—organizers highlighted the emotional power of multiple generations sharing the stage. Music & Community: Aloha Festivals kicked off its 80th anniversary in Waikīkī with a royal court investiture at The Royal Hawaiian, honoring Hawaiʻi’s aliʻi with traditional protocols, regalia, and live hula and music; more events follow this month including the Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a (Sept. 19) and Floral Parade (Sept. 26). Film & Pop Culture: Netflix confirmed production is underway on “The Inbetweeners 3,” reuniting the original lead cast (Simon Bird, James Buckley, Blake Harrison, Joe Thomas) for a third film—fans got a first look via the iconic Fiat Cinquecento “Hawaii edition” car. Local Arts Spotlight: Honolulu Police released footage of its first drone-assisted arrest, part of an ongoing public-safety push—an unusual but notable moment for local media coverage. Sports (Arts-adjacent): Hawaii women’s volleyball finished undefeated in the Outrigger Invitational, capping the weekend with a five-set win over UC San Diego.

Hurricane Lowell Watch: Kauaʻi County will hold a public briefing Sunday afternoon on preparations and refuge options as the storm’s outer bands reach the islands; officials say tropical storm conditions are possible by Monday and remind residents to bring “go kits,” with shelters (not yet open) listed across Kīlauea, Kapaʻa, Līhuʻe, Kalāheo and Waimea. Local Arts & Community: Down to Earth is launching a UH Athletics–funding vegan “Mac Nut Haupia Smoothie,” blending island flavors like coconut cream, haupia topping and macadamia, with proceeds supporting Rainbow Warriors and Rainbow Wahine programs. Music Spotlight: Journey is closing its 52-year Hawaii run with farewell shows at Neal S. Blaisdell Arena, capped by state and city proclamations honoring “Mahalo, Journey — For 52 Years of Aloha.” Campus Culture: The Divine Nine brought music, dancing and food to a “Meet the Greeks” picnic introducing Black Greek-letter organizations and building community on campus. Sports/Entertainment Crossover: EVA Air announced higher excess baggage fees starting Sept. 29, including updated international baggage and sports/pet charges.

Local Arts & Culture: Hawaii’s Mason Ho is set to compete in the invitation-only Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy (Sept. 4–11), a format that tests surfers across single-fin, twin-fin and thruster boards. Craft & Heritage: Stone sculptor Perumal Sthapati, working out of Mamallapuram, is bringing Hindu deity and mandir artistry to life in stone for audiences far beyond India, including the U.K., Malaysia, Singapore, the U.S., Sri Lanka and Fiji. Hawaii Arts in the News: An art insurer is suing Alaska Airlines for $521,900 after 11 Japanese paintings were allegedly soaked and damaged during a Honolulu rainstorm transfer between aircraft. Community & Events: The 2026 Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon were cancelled as Hurricane Lowell approaches, with officials citing permit pullbacks and safety concerns for runners and volunteers. Hurricane Preparedness: A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Kauai and Niihau as Lowell tracks northward, with heavy rain possible. Music & Pop Culture: A piece on the “first-ever signature guitars” traces how early teacher-signed instruments helped popularize the idea of musician-branded models.

Hurricane Lowell Response: Verizon is waiving Kaua‘i domestic call, text, and data charges through Sept. 14 while beefing up Hawai‘i network backup power, satellite messaging, and coordination with HIEMA and public safety partners. Local Governance: The Hawai‘i Supreme Court ordered a new election for House District 43 after a tied GOP primary was decided by a lau hala “egg draw” that the court said didn’t give voters a fair shake. Arts & Culture (Streaming): Darkroom adds the Japanese comedy-drama Hula Girls to its catalog, spotlighting a Fukushima community’s Hawaiian-themed tourism revival through hula. Community & Public Lands: DLNR granted Navy and NASA a 15-day extension on the FEIS for PMRF and the Kōke‘e Park Geophysical Observatory, keeping public testimony in play. Sports (Hawai‘i Spotlight): UNLV visits Hawaii in Honolulu for a Week 1 Mountain West opener, with the matchup framed as a key test for the Warriors’ offense and defense.

Hurricane Lowell Watch: Lowell has re-strengthened to a Category 5 hurricane and is expected to pass west of Kauai late Monday into Tuesday, with big surf and rising winds plus heavy rain risks across the islands. Local Arts & Culture: UH Mānoa marked Queen Liliʻuokalani’s lā hānau with music, lei, and campus booths, kicking off Hawaiian History Month. Music Spotlight: Gov. Josh Green and Mayor Rick Blangiardi honored Journey for “52 Years of Aloha,” with Neal Schon receiving a proclamation and gifts at Blaisdell Arena. Community Arts: The Sewing Hui of Maui is inviting fiber artists to enter the 2026 Maui Fiber Arts Show (Oct. 1–4) at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center. Arts in Education: Sixteen Hawaii educators were named 2027 Teachers of the Year across Oʻahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaiʻi Island, with the statewide winner set for Sept. 21. Sports (Hawaii): The Rainbow Wahine beat Loyola Marymount in five sets at the Outrigger Invitational, while Hawaii football hosts UNLV in the Mountain West opener.

Hurricane Lowell Watch: Hawaii is bracing for possible impacts early next week as the storm churns northward, with Kauai and Niʻihau flagged for the greatest risk of storm surge, wind, and heavy rain; Gov. Josh Green declared a statewide emergency and urged residents to stock up on supplies. UH Honorary Doctorate: Leeward Community College honored Kumu Robert Cazimero with an honorary doctorate, spotlighting his role in deepening UH’s connection to ʻike Hawaiʻi through hula and Hawaiian music. Cancer Care Access: The Hawaiʻi Department of Health launched an online eligibility form for free breast and cervical cancer screenings under its Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program, part of the “Go and Know” mammogram push. Local Nonprofit Fundraiser: Steamboat Sk8 Church seated a new board and is inviting the community to meet members at its Sk8 Forever Fundraiser Luau and skate competition Sept. 19. Film Premiere in Colorado: “The Row,” documenting a solo row from California to Hawaii, premieres at the Telluride Film Festival with an exclusive first look. Music & AI Lawsuit: A new lawsuit targets Suno over claims it commercially exploited musicians’ identities without consent.

Hurricane Lowell Watch: Gov. Josh Green signed a statewide emergency proclamation as Category 4 Lowell (140 mph winds) could swing toward Kaua‘i early next week, with state agencies and the National Guard gearing up and the Major Disaster Fund activated. Local Arts & Community: A kumu hula and musician helped deliver 6.5 tons of supplies to isolated Ka‘ū families after Hurricane Lala by coordinating helicopters for 21 households. Arts, Culture & Storytelling: Fiji’s POP48 48-hour film challenge is pushing Pacific filmmakers to “tell their own stories” and reclaim the narrative. Sports With Hawaii Ties: UH receiver Tama Uiliata is stepping into a bigger role for the UNLV game, while a separate piece spotlights Hawai‘i’s highest-paid athletes, led by Tua Tagovailoa. Arts & Entertainment Spotlight: Dana White said a new O‘ahu arena could finally make a UFC Hawaii event possible in 2028–2029. Fashion Note: Kendall Jenner debuted at Venice Film Festival in a vintage Giorgio Armani golden dress.

Hurricane Watch: Category 4 Hurricane Lowell is churning south of Hawaiʻi and is expected to turn north, with Kauaʻi in the forecast cone and possible storm surge, damaging winds, and heavy rain early next week. Local Energy & Tech: Hawaii Energy Connection (KumuKit™) says it has hit 1,000 FranklinWH residential battery installs, as Oʻahu regulators consider a virtual power plant program that could pay homeowners for grid support. Arts & Culture Spotlight: Lani Cupchoy discusses her new book “Curandereando,” exploring Indigenous healing practices as living, practiced knowledge—not preservation. Entertainment: “Dexter: Resurrection” Season 2 will bring back Angel Batista (David Zayas), with the character’s return teased via a set sighting in a Hawaiian shirt. Community & Memory: Lahaina wildfire survivors are still fighting for restored mail delivery, with residents describing how mail service gaps persist even as some homes rebuild. Sports (UH): UNLV visits Hawaiʻi for Week 1, with both teams coming off opening losses.

Hawaiʻi Arts & Culture: Paniolo Heritage: Waimea’s Paniolo Preservation Society marks 25 years with a two-day celebration at Pukalani Stables, featuring a heritage center, local agriculture stops, and community support after recent storms. Local Music: Oʻahu group ʻĀlewa won the Made in Hawaiʻi competition, landing four Kani Ka Pila Grille performance dates plus a recording session at Honolulu Community College’s Mike Curb MELE Studios. Visual Arts Calendar: This weekend’s Honolulu listings highlight First Fridays at Waterfront Plaza, Honolulu Harbor Nights, and the Kaka’ako Farmers Market—a mix of local makers, food, and live entertainment. Arts Events (Out of State, but Hawaii-relevant): Queeny Park’s Fall Art Fair runs Sept. 4–6 with 120+ artists, live music, and kids’ art activities, including Hawaiian Grill on the food lineup. Sports/Entertainment (Hawaii tie-in): UFC president Dana White says Hawaii is a “dream destination” and points to new arena plans as the path to a future UFC event.

Live Music & Pop Culture: Bruno Mars’ “The Romantic Tour” stop at Lincoln Financial Field turned into a stormy, last-minute scramble—Raye’s set was cut short after severe weather forced evacuations, but Mars still delivered the hits once conditions cleared. Reality TV Buzz: “The Real World” and “The Challenge” star Davis Mallory hard-launched his girlfriend Rachel Vaughan, reframing his earlier “pulled out of gay lifestyle” comments with a new, PDA-heavy chapter. Policy & Health: Attorney General William Tong led a coalition of 22 states suing to block the Trump administration from stopping Medicaid reimbursement for gender-affirming care for low-income transgender youth. Local Arts Calendar: The Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center hosts its Sept. 5 Arts & Crafts Faire with live music from The Ukulele Jammers and Hibiscus Moon. Hawaiʻi Community & Culture: Hawaiʻi’s Office of Homeland Security announced a targeted violence prevention implementation plan, while DLNR begins phased Kahana Bay boat ramp dock/ramp construction starting Sept. 8.

Hawaiian History Month: Hawaiʻi’s September slate spotlights living history tied to Queen Liliʻuokalani’s Sept. 2 birthday, including the Eō E Liliʻu Concert and community events across the islands. Festival Spotlight (Big Island): The He Hali‘a Aloha No Lili‘uokalani Festival runs 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at Liliʻuokalani Gardens in Hilo with music, hula, crafts, food, kids’ games, and a mass hula moment. Theater (Hilo): HEART brings the Broadway hit “SIX: Teen Edition” to the East Hawaii Cultural Center through Sept. 6, with local teens playing the six queens. Community & Culture (Oʻahu): Honolulu Zoo unveils nearly $1M in upgrades to hippo and penguin exhibits and city leaders push to negotiate for giant pandas. Local Service: Hawaiʻi Meals on Wheels hits a record 100 Oʻahu delivery routes and is asking for more volunteers. Public Notice: Hawaiian Electric rebasing proposal hearings are set to begin Sept. 22 (Kona), with more dates planned statewide. Sports (UH): UH football turns to UNLV for the Island Showdown trophy after a Stanford loss, with DeVon Rice stepping up in the opener.

Hawaiʻi Culture & Community: The He Haliʻa Aloha No Liliʻuokalani Festival returns Saturday, Sept. 5, at Hilo’s Liliʻuokalani Gardens with music, hula, arts and crafts, plus a mass hula and helicopter-delivered floral blossoms. Arts & Institutions: San Quentin’s Asian American Pacific Islander celebration hit a major arts moment with a 65-foot dragon installation built by incarcerated residents and volunteers. Local Arts/Design: Honolulu’s Pahinui Pavilion reopened for community use at Waimānalo Beach Park, honoring the musician tied to the space. Creative Industry & Media: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’s Steel Ball Run is set for new Netflix episodes starting Sept. 25. Fashion & Identity: A BYU–Hawaii feature explores how students treat fashion as self-expression and comfort, not just trends. Tech & Policy: Attorneys general announced a landmark Meta settlement with new child-safety reforms for Instagram and Facebook. Arts Business: Hawaii solar/battery installer Sunspear Energy earned a spot on Newsweek’s “America’s Greatest Companies” list and ranked No. 2 in Hawaiʻi on Inc. 5000.

Hawaiʻi Sports Spotlight: Hilo’s Malu Garcia is signing with Slovenian pro volleyball club OTP Banka Branik and heading to Europe for the CEV Champions League, aiming to “make a name for our island.” Local Football & Training Culture: UH Mānoa’s Rainbow Warriors are leaning into strength and grit inside the “Iron Church” training facility, with a focus on mobility, tempo, and holistic development. Community & Sports Events: The LA Clippers are returning to Hawaiʻi for fall 2026-27 preseason training camp at UH Mānoa (Sept. 29–Oct. 3) and a Oct. 4 matchup vs. Golden State at Stan Sheriff Center. Arts, Culture & Learning: The East-West Center’s Friends “Ohana Program” marks 60 years of host-family-style international friendship, built on talk story, meals, and everyday hospitality. Arts & Entertainment Beyond Oʻahu: The Kingston Calling festival lineup for Feb. 19–20 in New Zealand includes Hawaiʻi acts Maoli and Rebel Souljahz plus Arrested Development and Six60. Civic Voices: A letter urges Hawaiʻi to fix a flawed voting system by boosting voter engagement and enabling ranked choices.

Panda Diplomacy: Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s quest to bring pandas to the Honolulu Zoo is turning into a high-stakes China relationship, with a reported $30,000 trip and possible Xi Jinping sign-off—plus an estimated $1M-plus annual fee. NBA in Hawaiʻi: The Warriors will return for fall training camp (Sept. 28 media day; camp on BYU-Hawaiʻi campus Sept. 29–Oct. 3) and open preseason Oct. 4 vs. the Clippers in Honolulu. Local Culture & History: UH Mānoa’s Center for Oral History marks 50 years of preserving Waialeʻe community stories and more than 1,200 first-person accounts statewide. Film & Oscars Buzz: Maui-rooted Ilokano film “All the Things I Leave You (Patawid)” is shortlisted as the Philippines’ Best International Feature submission contender. Community Events: Maluhia Maui Rotary Club welcomes Wailea Canoe Club paddlers Sept. 1 to share outrigger canoe culture ahead of the Queen Liliʻuokalani races. Arts Calendar: Kumu Kahua Theatre’s “The Queen’s Will” runs Aug. 20–Sept. 20, a Hawaiian legal drama tied to Queen Liliʻuokalani’s legacy.

Honolulu Zoo Diplomacy: Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s push to bring pandas to Hawaiʻi is tied to a high-stakes China trip and could require sign-off from Xi Jinping—promising for the zoo, but with major strings attached. Maui Visitor Management: The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is rolling out a reservation system for Honolua Bay, aiming to curb crowding, unsafe roadside parking, and pressure on natural and cultural resources. Oʻahu Community Learning: Papahana Kuaola marks 20 years at Waipao with a free Hoolaulea featuring live entertainment, local vendors, and hands-on cultural and environmental activities. Arts & Pop Culture (HBO): “The White Lotus” buzz continues, with Murray Bartlett reflecting on his Emmy-winning Maui role and his off-camera life. Sports Spotlight (Volleyball): The Rainbow Wahine opened the season at the Wahine Volleyball Classic, pushing Baylor to five sets before falling, and now head to the Outrigger Invitational. Surf Rankings: Hawaiian star Carissa Moore takes over the top spot after Fiji Pro results eliminate key challengers.

Hawai‘i Arts & Culture: Papahana Kuaola marks 20 years of aina-based learning with a free Hoolaulea on O‘ahu’s windward side, featuring live entertainment, local craft vendors, and hands-on cultural and environmental activities at its Waipao site in He‘eia. Sports & Community Spotlight: The Rainbow Wahine volleyball team pushed No. 21 Baylor to a fifth set but fell 15-9 in the decider; Cha’lei Reid led with 21 kills, and UH looks to close opening weekend Sunday vs. San Diego. Local Heritage Events: The Paniolo Preservation Society’s 25th anniversary continues with Ka Mea Kanu ʻAi—Paniolo BBQ and Slack-Key Celebration in Waimea, including a free family day and a Thursday fundraiser for an Aloha Vaqueros exhibit. Visual Arts Roundup: September’s visual arts calendar highlights major exhibitions and openings, including the Hoosier Salon Annual Exhibition and other “more than flash” shows. Global Arts History: A spotlight on China’s Yungang Grottoes explores how early Buddhist cave-temple art blended devotion, imperial power, and cross-cultural traditions.