Resort Leadership: Marriott has appointed Joshua Hargrove as general manager of two Waikīkī properties—Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, and Sheraton Princess Kaiulani—overseeing nearly 900 employees after his leadership during the 2023 Maui wildfires. Luxury Travel Deals: Costco Travel is pushing into high-end tourism with bundled packages that include airfare, transfers, meals, excursions and resort credits—highlighting overwater stays in French Polynesia among other premium destinations. Digital Connectivity at Sea: SpaceX is tightening Starlink’s international roaming rules, removing access from cheaper Roam plans and capping international use on the top tier—raising concerns for sailors and remote workers, including those currently in French Polynesia. Ocean Policy & Mining: A U.S. startup is seeking approval to lease high seas seabed just outside French Polynesia, the Cook Islands and Kiribati for deep-sea mineral exploration, reigniting debate over ocean protection and seabed mining. Marine Conservation Funding: Bloomberg Philanthropies is donating $260 million to help small island nations implement and enforce ocean protection plans under the new High Seas Treaty. Biodiversity Pressure: The Fondation de la Mer warns that more than a third of shark species face extinction, driven by overfishing, fin trade and climate change. Climate Outlook: El Niño is underway, with forecasts pointing to a moderate-to-strong season that could intensify storms across the Pacific.