AGP Executive Report

Ukulele & Hawaiian music: Jake Shimabukuro brings his genre-hopping sound back to Hawaiʻi audiences, opening a new concert season with a mix of traditional Hawaiian music plus classical, bluegrass, flamenco, and rock/Beatles/Queen. Molokai arts spotlight: Hawaii Craftsmen’s 2026 statewide exhibition includes juried work by six Molokai artists, with awards for mixed media and ceramics. Printmaking milestone: Pa‘a Printmakers marks its one-year anniversary with a free Faith Stone artist talk and a two-day Mokuhanga woodblock workshop in October. Indigenous arts programming: Crystal Bridges will host an Indigenous Art Symposium Oct. 16–17, featuring Native Hawaiian workshop sessions and keynote artist Jeffrey Gibson. Community & culture events: Hawaiʻi State Archives celebrates Archives Month in October with online Waikīkī exhibits. Local arts calendar: “Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Oct. 2–8” highlights the Big Island Art Fair and performances including Hentry Kapono.

Honolulu Culture & Arts: Mayor Rick Blangiardi is pushing to put the Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts (MOCA) into the City Charter, but council members are questioning costs and why it wasn’t handled earlier in the charter-amendment process. Tourism Slowdown: Hawaii’s August numbers slipped—arrivals down 5.6%, spending down 9.7%—as storms and shorter stays weighed on the visitor economy. Kalaupapa Update: After water and then power failures, Kalaupapa residents were evacuated again; the return date is still unknown as repairs continue. Music Spotlight: Kauai-born singer-songwriter Dondi Iannucci’s debut album “Begin” won a Josie Music Award for Best Pop Album. Local Arts/Community: A new equestrian lineup for the 2027 Rose Parade includes Hawaii Pa’u Riders from Waimanalo. Sports & Culture Crossovers: Steph Curry reflected on late Maui resident Don Nelson during Warriors training camp in Laie, and longtime Hawaii basketball figure Alika Smith was sentenced in a theft case tied to gambling debts.

Arts & Community: Hawaiʻi County awarded $450,000 in FY26-27 Impact Grants to 23 projects, including funding for film and creative industries, regenerative tourism, and agriculture/food security. Local Arts Calendar: Downtown Art Center’s Filipino American History Month mixed exhibition “Halo Halo” opens Oct. 2, and AIA Honolulu’s Architecture Firm Crawl returns Oct. 2 as a First Friday-style open house. Music & Performance: A 35-show John Denver Christmas tour lands in Hawaiʻi for five dates Dec. 26–30 (Hilo, Honolulu, Kailua-Kona, Līhuʻe, Makawao). Creative Industries: Surf Expo spotlighted Aloha Collection’s wholesale growth and its new Disney licensing launch. Sports on TV (Hawaiʻi tie-in): Nevada’s Wolf Pack men’s basketball schedule includes national TV games featuring matchups vs. Hawaii on FS1 (Jan. 8) and CW (Feb. 20). Film Tour: “The Journalist’s Mission,” inspired by the Kosovo War, will end its 50-state run in Hawaiʻi on Dec. 20.

Local Arts & Culture: Honolulu actor Kelemete Misipeka talks earthbending in Netflix’s live-action “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” saying the role came during personal grief and that Hawaii’s work pace helped him keep moving. Arts & Community: The 2026 NPR Student Podcast Challenge names new middle and high school honorable mentions, spotlighting student creativity and storytelling. Performing Arts: The Cleveland Orchestra ends a three-day strike after musicians vote to accept a new contract, a reminder of the pressure facing major U.S. cultural institutions. Sports (UH): UH men’s basketball releases a Mountain West schedule with eight nationally televised conference games, plus the Outrigger Rainbow Classic and a slate of key nonconference matchups. Local News: Honolulu police arrest a 24-year-old woman in the Kailua Target parking-lot shooting that killed Thomas Malone; loved ones remember him as a standout athlete and father. Arts-Adjacent Lifestyle: Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines unveil new premium cabins and suites, including Hawaiian-titled Leihōkū, aiming to upgrade the travel experience from booking to cabin.

Air Travel & Premium Cabins: Alaska Air Group is rolling out “Aurora” for Alaska and “Leihōkū” for Hawaiian, with lie-flat suites, concierge service, and new lounges starting in 2028, plus a new premium economy “Premium Reserve.” Local Arts & Culture: BYU–Hawaii’s theatre team is taking Pacific-focused stories to the Edinburgh Fringe, aiming to boost Pacific Islander representation on a major global stage. Hawaiʻi Governance: Gov. Josh Green announced appointments to the Land Use Commission and the Hawaiʻi Teacher Standards Board. Community & Heritage: OHCRA says it canceled Nā Wahine O Ke Kai for safety, then moved 72 women’s canoes to safety ahead of a storm. Public Safety & Policy: Honolulu Police is signing on to a 30×30 pledge, targeting women to reach 30% of the force by 2030. Sports: Warriors’ Kristaps Porzingis is out indefinitely with a health issue and won’t travel to Hawaii for training camp. Arts/Entertainment: “Saved by the Bell” co-stars are mourning Dennis Haskins, who played Mr. Belding, after his death at 75.

Local Sports Spotlight: The ‘Iolani Raiders are unanimous No. 1 in the Star-Advertiser girls volleyball Top 10 after sweeping Kamehameha, Mid-Pacific and Punahou to start 6-0 in ILH play. Coaching & Talent Pipeline: Former Rainbow Warrior Kolby Kanetake returns to UH Manoa as an assistant coach, bringing back-row defense expertise after six years at Chaminade. Athlete Achievement: Punahou’s Rio Williams wins state air riflery girls individual titles with a record-setting run, while the Iolani rankings story keeps the momentum on campus sports. Arts & Culture: UH West Oʻahu professor emeritus and documentary filmmaker Chris Conybeare dies at 2026-09-20, remembered for labor-focused media and public-interest storytelling. Pop Culture Loss: ‘Saved by the Bell’ principal Richard Belding actor Dennis Haskins dies at 75, prompting tributes from co-stars and fans. Education Access: UH launches “Direct to UH,” streamlining college applications for Hawaii seniors with pathways from trades to four-year campuses.

Warriors in Hawaii: Stephen Curry’s contract extension is set, and he says he took less to keep the team flexible as Golden State heads to training camp in Hawaii; meanwhile Kristaps Porzingis is out indefinitely with a health issue and won’t travel for the first stretch. NBA Injuries: Brandon Ingram’s Clippers debut is delayed after heel surgery and a partially torn Achilles, with camp also affected by Bradley Beal’s knee inflammation. Māori Taonga Abroad: Rangi Kipa carvings reached the Lyon Biennale, but CITES permit delays show how protected materials can get stuck—Hawai‘i’s 2024 Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture saw taonga blocked and only photos displayed. Space & Tech: SpaceX put Starship into orbit for the first time, deploying 26 Starlink satellites after a successful orbital insertion test. Local Halloween Market: Kaiser High School’s weekly farmers market is getting a Halloween makeover with a costume-and-candy pop-up street market on Oct. 24. Hawaii Weather Watch: Hurricane Nolo continues to move away, but heavy rain and flood risk remain a concern.

Hawai‘i Court Watch: A jury is set to continue deliberations in the Isaac Choy wrongful termination and whistleblower retaliation trial, with the state arguing misconduct while Choy claims retaliation after raising concerns at the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. Local Governance & Safety: Honolulu Police signed the national 30×30 pledge, aiming to double women’s representation to 30% by 2030, even as the department faces hundreds of vacancies. Arts & Community Benefits: Huaka‘i by Hawaiian expands free kama‘āina travel perks, adding free checked bags, Foodland bonus points, and more discounted experiences. Hurricane Aftermath: Hawaiian Electric activated PSPS in Pukalani, with thousands still without power in West Maui, Haʻikū and Upcountry as crews repair storm damage. Sports (UH): The Rainbow Wahine soccer team beat Air Force 2-0 in Colorado, with Nalani Damacion scoring both goals. Arts & Culture: HMSA named Trini Kaopuiki Clark vice president of strategic communications and marketing, bringing decades of local TV journalism and community leadership.

Hurricane Nolo Update (Hawaii): Even as Nolo moves away, Hawaii County remains under high wind and high surf advisories, with forecasters warning of life-threatening flooding and mudslides—especially on the Big Island where some areas could see up to 20 inches of rain. Local Business & Community Resilience: Bay Area residents with family in Hilo say crews are shoring up flood channels and roads and utility teams are preparing for possible outages after earlier storms. Maui Spotlight: Kā‘anapali Golf Courses was named “2026 Best Golf Course on Maui” by KITV 4 viewers, with the win tied to West Maui’s post-wildfire resilience. Arts & Culture (Hawaii): The Surfing Heritage and Culture Center opens a new home in Laguna Beach, while Hawaii’s own cultural threads keep running—from local music tributes to community events. Privacy & Tech Watch: U.S. senators raise Fourth Amendment concerns over expanding Flock surveillance cameras, adding to the national debate over roadside and AI-powered monitoring.

Hurricane Nolo: The storm is pulling away from the islands but still brings Category 1 winds, heavy rain, flash-flood risk, and large surf—Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense reports flooding in Puna and Kaʻū, Highway 11 closures, and shelters open in Nāʻālehu, Pāhala, and Ocean View. Local Sports: The Rainbow Wahine volleyball team kept rolling, sweeping New Mexico again at Stan Sheriff Center to go 2-0 in Mountain West play. UH Football: Hawaii fell to Wyoming 27-10 in Laramie, missing chances in the red zone and tackles as the Cowboys exploited injuries and mistakes. Arts & Culture: Mele for Maui drew 3,000+ to a free oceanfront concert with the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra and major local artists, including a world premiere by Sean Hickey. Community & Events: Maui Ocean Center shared fall programming, including Fins & Frights (Oct. 24) and a food drive benefiting Maui Food Bank. Science Spotlight: Astronomers confirmed the youngest known exoplanet, Elias 2-24 b, still actively forming—highlighting the value of long-term observatory archives.

Community Fundraising & Arts: More than 600 people turned out for the Aug. 22 launch party for the Hugs From Sherilyn Foundation at Nishi Hongwanji in Little Tokyo, raising over $100,000 to support students pursuing pediatric therapy; the event featured live music from Kokoro (Ruri Matthews on sax) and line dancing. Hawaiʻi Arts & Culture: The 2026 Joint Memorial Service for Hawaii’s Japanese American WWII veterans is set for Sunday, Sept. 27, 9:30 a.m., at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl, with musical offerings, youth testimonies, and a rifle salute; volunteers are still needed Saturday to decorate 1,000 graves. Hawaiʻi Weather & Public Life: Hawaiian Electric says crews are restoring scattered outages on Hawaiʻi Island as Hurricane Nolo moves west, urging residents to charge devices and stock emergency supplies. Music & Local Events: Kalapana returns to Southern California for a Oct. 11 “Rhythm on the Vine” finale at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, joined by saxophonist Michael Paulo and singer-songwriter Kalaʻe Parish. Sports (Hawaiʻi Spotlight): Hawaii’s Rainbow Warriors play Wyoming in Laramie on Saturday, Sept. 26, airing on The CW.

Hurricane Nolo Watch: Hawaii Island remains under hurricane watch, tropical storm warning, flood watch and high surf advisory as Hurricane Nolo sits nearly stationary south of the Big Island with 105 mph winds; Hawai‘i County has opened nine shelters and Hawaiian Electric reports no major outages so far, while UH Hilo has canceled or postponed some weekend activities. Oahu Event Updates: Despite the storm, major Oahu plans are moving forward, including the Honolulu Century Ride, the Aloha Festivals Floral Parade and Boots ‘N’ Beers, with organizers warning of wind and possible rain. Rainbow Wahine Volleyball: Hawaii opened Mountain West play with a full-strength sweep of New Mexico at Stan Sheriff Center, led by Cha’lei Reid’s return and Tali Hakas’ career-high 17 kills. Local Sports Spotlight: Waipahu topped Waianae 42-14 in OIA action, with Jake Garcia throwing for 393 yards and four TDs. Surf Culture: The Surfing Heritage and Culture Center (SHACC) opened a new “Smithsonian of surfing” home in Laguna Beach, tracing Hawaii roots to global surf history. Community Safety: A woman was arrested in Waianae for allegedly attacking a juvenile after a social-media fight.

Hurricane Nolo Watch: Gov. Josh Green updated Hawaiʻi on a strengthening Hurricane Nolo track, with tropical storm conditions expected first on the Big Island and Maui next, plus warnings about heavy rain and flash-flood risk. Community Support: The Disaster Distress Helpline is urging Hawaiʻi residents to seek immediate crisis counseling ahead of the storm. Tourism Recovery: Kauaʻi is pushing back against misinformation after Hurricane Lowell, saying most of the island is open and businesses are ready to welcome visitors—while asking people to respect closures. Local Sustainability: The Hawaii Green Business Program honored 51 island businesses and events for cutting energy and water use, reducing waste, and protecting cultural and natural resources. Arts & Culture Spotlight: “Goodbye Paradise” (an indie film) returns for an encore 35 years after its release, and there’s also a reminder to check Hawaiʻi International Film Festival programming. Tech for Creators/Listeners: Qualcomm unveiled a new AI audio chip aimed at “always-on” hearables that can run without a constant smartphone connection. Mail Planning: USPS shared 2026 holiday shipping deadlines, including earlier cutoffs for Hawaiʻi and other non-contiguous destinations.

Hurricane Nolo Threatens Hawaii: The National Hurricane Center warns Nolo could bring up to 35 inches of rain to parts of the Big Island, with life-threatening flash flooding possible as tropical conditions begin Friday night and hurricane conditions may hit Saturday. Tourism Conference Focuses Resilience: More than 700 leaders packed the Hawai‘i Tourism Conference at Hilton Hawaiian Village to plan for disaster-ready tourism, workforce and destination management, with HTA unveiling marketing plans for major visitor markets. Local Arts & Culture: Santa Cruz Surfing Museum marks its 40th anniversary with Hawaiian performances and a restored lighthouse beacon; in Omaha, Hui ‘O Hawai‘i brought live-orchestra hula to a cultural festival. Community & Events: O‘ahu wedding media company Project Story Hawaii expands all-in-one photo/video packages for couples. Food Safety Alarm: A Kaimukī dim sum spot, Happy Days, faces public outrage after a ceiling collapse and reports of leftover food left to rot for weeks, swarming with flies. Sports: Hawaii women’s soccer fell 2-0 in its Mountain West opener; Rainbow Wahine volleyball begins its Mountain West season at home.

Hawaiʻi Storm Watch: Tropical Storm Nolo is strengthening toward hurricane status, with a Tropical Storm Warning for Hawaiʻi County and a Hurricane Watch in effect; state parks and many Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park areas are closing ahead of heavy rain, flooding, and damaging winds. Local Arts & Culture: Nā Puʻuwai Health Care System leader Dr. Landon Opunui has been named an Obama Foundation Leaders program participant, highlighting community-focused health work grounded in Hawaiian perspectives. Music & Community Giving: Musica Vitale’s 2026 season is underway, including a Sept. 27 chamber concert benefiting Malama Ka‘u Foundation for hurricane relief. Arts Calendar: Mayo Performing Arts Center’s October lineup includes Ghostbusters in Concert and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, plus family shows and major touring music acts. Sustainability Spotlight: Hawaiʻi Green Business Awards recognized 51 local businesses and events for energy, water, waste, and cultural/natural resource preservation. Sports (Local Interest): Francis Lum, turning 90, keeps playing senior softball weekly in Oʻahu’s Makule League.

Tropical Storm Nolo: Hawaii officials are urging residents to prepare as Tropical Storm Nolo strengthens, with hurricane-force winds and heavy rain possible. DLNR Closures: State parks, camping, forest reserves, Nā Ala Hele trails, and more are closing on Hawai‘i Island starting Sept. 24, then Maui and Moloka‘i on Sept. 25; camping permits are suspended and refunds will be credited. Local Governance: Gov. Josh Green ordered public schools and many state/county offices closed on Hawai‘i Island (Sept. 24-25) and expanded closures to Maui County on Sept. 25. Community & Culture: Merrie Monarch Festival leaders are calling for a three-year pause on harvesting scarce native plants like ohi‘a lehua, palapalai, and maile. Sports: New Wahine women’s basketball coach Mitchell talks transition to head coaching as the program moves into the Mountain West. Baseball: Keagan Soliza commits to UH Manoa, bringing Guam roots and a switch-hitting catcher’s path to the Rainbow Warriors.