AGP Executive Report

Tourism & Hospitality: The Guam Visitor’s Bureau says it’s leaning harder on digital marketing and airline/travel co-ops to lift arrivals as July 2026 visitor numbers fell 36.7% vs. July 2025, with Korea hit by higher jet fuel surcharges and airfare. Local Business Growth: The Pacific Hotel & Restaurant Expo (PHARE) opened at the Hyatt Regency Guam with a sold-out exhibitor lineup and Japanese buyer participation, highlighting how local products are getting built into Guam menus and hospitality offerings. Workforce & Management: The SHRM Guam Annual Conference focused on workplace engagement, leadership development, and shifting federal immigration and employment-law priorities. Government & Economy: Guam lawmakers passed multiple bills, including a measure expanding qualifying certificate public investments to cover economic development and emergency response, and a vote to appoint a public representative to the Guam Contractors Licensing Board. Education & Costs: GDOE can’t yet give a firm reopening date for the Tiyan and Simon Sanchez shared campus after a health inspection closure, while Guam Legal Services Corporation filed a civil-rights claim tied to the disruption. Retail & Consumer Impact: Cost-U-Less is fighting an unlawful detainer over its unfinished Hagåtña store ahead of a planned Aug. 28 opening, while the Tamuning location is closing after 31 years.

CNMI Tourism & Immigration Enforcement: The Marianas Visitors Authority says it’s monitoring how a Trump executive order targeting birth tourism is carried out, stressing it supports federal border enforcement while backing safeguards that have already curtailed birth-tourism travel under EVS-TAP. Education & Procurement Disruptions: Guam Legal Service Corporation filed a civil-rights claim over the Tiyan High closure, while DPW’s Simon Sanchez High procurement cancellation followed months of protests and a 271-day delay by General Pacific Services. School Reopening Uncertainty: GDOE Superintendent Judi Won Pat still can’t give a firm date for students to return to the shared Tiyan campus after a DPHSS shutdown tied to building inspection failures. Deep-Sea Mining Legal Fight: Environmentalists sued to halt the first commercial sale of deep-sea mining leases, and Guam/Marianas seabed leasing timelines are drawing scrutiny as regulators move ahead of earlier schedules. Utilities & Cash Crunch: Commonwealth Utilities Corp. warned lawmakers that a stalled $40M line of credit is slowing power restoration, forcing cuts to overtime and contracts. Local Business & Jobs: Home Depot rolled out nationwide express delivery using its stores as fulfillment hubs, while Guam’s workforce agency is discussing AI tools to expand services through HIREGUAM. Hospitality Trade Push: The Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association launched PHARE 2026 with matchmaking aimed at boosting tourism-linked business growth. Retail Closure: Sakura Noodle House in Tamuning will close Aug. 31 after nearly 54 years, citing Guam’s tough economy.

Seabed mining fight: Environmentalists and community groups sued the federal government to stop the first commercial sale of deep-sea mining leases in American waters, arguing the government’s “not likely to adversely affect” finding for endangered species was unlawful and lacked analysis. Education & civil rights: The Guam Legal Service Corporation filed a government claim against GDOE over the Tiyan High School campus shutdown, saying the closure denied students a safe, sanitary, adequate public education. Marianas mineral leasing: Adelup said more information is needed after MMA’s proposed 20-year seafloor leasing notice for more than 67 million acres around the Marianas, with the governor’s office warning environmental risks aren’t fully understood. Workforce tech: GDOL is discussing testing VOS Sapphire AI in HIREGUAM to help job seekers and employers navigate services and find talent faster. Tourism & trade: GHRA launched PHARE 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Guam with matchmaking for Guam Product Seal holders as tourism faces continued arrival declines. Local business pressure: Sakura Noodle House in Tamuning announced it will close Aug. 31 after nearly 54 years, citing Guam’s rough economy. Budget & taxes: The Guam Legislature passed a $1.42B FY2027 spending plan that rolls the Business Privilege Tax to 4% while keeping a 5% BPT rate on prime military buildup construction contracts. Utilities funding crunch: CUC warned lawmakers a $40M line of credit is stalling restoration, forcing cuts to overtime and contracts as thousands remain without power.

Guam Budget & Taxes: The 38th Guam Legislature passed a $1.42B FY2027 executive spending plan in a 13-2 vote, clearing the way to roll back the Business Privilege Tax to 4% effective Oct. 1 while keeping a 5% BPT rate on prime military buildup construction contracts. Power Restoration Funding: Commonwealth Utilities Corp. warned lawmakers that a $40M line of credit stalled in the Legislature is forcing it to cut overtime, premium pay, and restoration contracts, leaving about 3,000 customers still without power. Workforce Tech: Guam’s Department of Labor is discussing testing an AI upgrade for its HIREGUAM platform, using VOS Sapphire AI to help job seekers and employers navigate services. Education & Procurement: DPW canceled the Simon Sanchez High School procurement after denying three protests, saying restarting is the fastest way to avoid years of litigation delay. CNMI Gaming Court Fight: CNMI’s Supreme Court heard arguments over whether Tinian’s internet casino law and digital “stable token” exceed local lawmaking limits. Corruption Debate: A Guam letter argues corruption often hides behind “progress” projects and calls for real accountability. Business & Retail: Cost.U.Less announced its new Hagåtña flagship opens Aug. 28 and the Tamuning store closes Aug. 27. Cybercrime Update: Court filings say about $1.8M stolen in a Judiciary cyber attack was wired to JP Morgan accounts and seized by the FBI.

Guam Budget & Taxes: The 38th Guam Legislature passed a $1.42B FY2027 executive spending plan in a 13-2 vote, paving the way for a Business Privilege Tax rollback to 4% while keeping a 5% BPT rate on prime military buildup construction contracts. Public Procurement: DPW canceled the Simon Sanchez High School procurement after denying three protests by General Pacific Services, saying restarting is the fastest way to avoid years of litigation delay. Utilities & Recovery Funding: CUC is weighing a recovery surcharge after a $40M credit line stalled in the Legislature, citing thousands of customers still without power and a cash crunch delaying restoration work. Workforce Tech: GDOL is discussing testing an AI tool (VOS Sapphire AI) on HIREGUAM to help job seekers and employers navigate services and talent matching. Education & Workforce Hearings: A visiting U.S. House education panel heard Guam concerns on school infrastructure, teacher recruitment, and workforce needs, pressing for more federal flexibility for the territory. Port Finance: Moody’s reaffirmed the Port Authority of Guam’s senior lien bond rating (Baa2) with a stable outlook, citing stable operations and improving metrics. Agriculture Relief: Guam Department of Agriculture opened applications for the Crop Loss Compensation Program for Typhoon Bavi losses, with a Sept. 2 deadline. Retail Expansion: Cost.U.Less will open a 50,000+ sq. ft. Hagåtña flagship Aug. 28 and close its Tamuning location Aug. 27 after 31 years.

Guam Budget & Taxes: Guam lawmakers passed the governor’s revised FY2027 budget in a 13-2 vote, keeping a business privilege tax rollback from 4.5% to 4% while also preserving a 5% BPT on military buildup construction projects. Public Works Procurement: DPW canceled the Simon Sanchez High School campus procurement after denying three protests by General Pacific Services, saying restarting is the fastest way to avoid years of litigation delays. Agriculture Relief for Typhoon Bavi: The Guam Department of Agriculture opened applications for its Crop Loss Compensation Program, with eligible farmers able to apply through Sept. 2. Port Credit Update: Moody’s reaffirmed the Port Authority of Guam’s senior lien revenue bond rating (Baa2) with a stable outlook, citing disciplined finances and expected improvements. Retail Expansion: Cost.U.Less will open a 50,000+ square-foot Hagåtña flagship Aug. 28 and close its Tamuning store Aug. 27, moving staff to the new flagship or Dededo. Election Certification: The Guam Election Commission certified 2026 primary results, with no major changes from unofficial standings. Judiciary Cyber Theft: Court filings say about $1.8M stolen in a Judiciary cyber attack was wired to JP Morgan accounts and seized by the FBI. CNMI Casino Challenge: CNMI’s Supreme Court heard arguments over whether Tinian’s internet casino law and its stable token exceed constitutional limits.

Agriculture Relief: Guam Department of Agriculture opened the Crop Loss Compensation Program application window for Typhoon Bavi losses, with eligible bona fide farmers able to file through Sept. 2 at the Agricultural Development Services Division in Mangilao, using receipts for seeds, fertilizer and other inputs tied to damaged crops. Elections & Governance: Guam Election Commission certified 2026 primary results, keeping the top Republican senatorial lineup unchanged while swapping two Democratic candidates’ 9th/10th spots by just three votes; gubernatorial rankings also held steady. Port Finance: Moody’s reaffirmed the Port Authority of Guam’s senior lien bond rating at Baa2 with a stable outlook, citing the port’s essential role in imports and efforts to align revenues with rising operating costs. Retail Expansion: Cost.U.Less will open a 50,000+ square-foot Hagåtña flagship Aug. 28 and close its Tamuning store Aug. 27, with Tamuning staff transitioning to the new flagship or the Dededo location. Cyber & Courts: About $1M stolen from the Judiciary of Guam in a February cyber attack was wired to JP Morgan accounts and later seized by the FBI, according to District Court filings. Hospitality Business: GHRA’s Pacific Hotel & Restaurant Expo 2026 (PHARE) kicks off Wednesday at the Hyatt Regency Guam with networking, chef demos and industry showcases after a storm-related postponement. Local Legal/Business Climate: Guam Legislature is set to vote Monday on the revised FY2027 budget, including a 4% business privilege tax and a 5% BPT on military buildup construction projects.

Education Accountability: A Guam Department of Education letter/column blasts the closure of the Tiyan and Simon Sanchez High Schools shared campus, saying Core Tech’s delayed response and the lack of a clear apology leave families and students without answers. Budget & Tax Policy: The Guam Legislature is set to vote Monday on the governor’s revised fiscal 2027 budget, with lawmakers keeping the Business Privilege Tax at 4% and retaining a 5% BPT on military buildup construction projects. Hospitality & Workforce: GHRA’s Pacific Hotel & Restaurant Expo 2026 (PHARE) opens Wednesday at the Hyatt Regency Guam, bringing dozens of exhibitors plus training on food safety, customer service, and alcohol management. Agriculture Relief: Guam Department of Agriculture opens applications Aug. 17 through Sept. 2 for its Crop Loss Compensation Program for Typhoon Bavi losses, covering qualifying crop input damages. Legal Services Access: The Superior Court is recruiting bilingual interpreters for its on-call registry, paying $28 an hour and seeking more Philippine and Micronesian language speakers. Local Business Hiring: Atkins Kroll Guam held its first 2026 job fair, drawing 50+ applicants and completing 70+ on-site interviews.

Guam Budget Vote: The Guam Legislature is set to vote Monday on the governor’s revised fiscal 2027 budget, after Friday amendments kept the business privilege tax cut at 4% and preserved a 5% BPT on military buildup construction projects—an issue lawmakers are still debating. Hospitality & Tourism Business: The Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association kicks off PHARE 2026 Wednesday at the Hyatt Regency Guam with chef demos, networking, and hospitality showcases for more than 40 exhibitors. Workforce & Education: Career Tech High Academy Charter School makes its case for renewal, highlighting hands-on career programs tied to real-world training, including maritime and diving certifications. Agriculture Relief: The Guam Department of Agriculture opens applications Aug. 17 through Sept. 2 for its Crop Loss Compensation Program for Typhoon Bavi losses, aimed at eligible farmers’ crop input costs. Courts & Compliance: Superior Court is considering a motion by SelectCare to dismiss and compel arbitration in a breach-of-contract dispute, after a judge’s disqualification challenge was denied. Local Business Costs: Guam residents face higher shipping costs to the U.S. states after USPS added third-party duty collection via the Zonos Prepay app. Interpreter Shortage: Guam’s Judiciary is recruiting bilingual residents for an on-call interpreter registry, paying $28 an hour, with training sessions Aug. 17 and Aug. 24. CNMI Agriculture Funding: CNMI Sen. Corina Magofna is asking Guam’s agriculture leadership about disaster funding opportunities after Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi.

Budget & Governance: Guam lawmakers approved amendments to the governor’s revised fiscal 2027 budget, including striking a proposal to raise the attorney general’s procurement legal-adviser threshold from $500,000 to $5 million—Sen. Telo Taitague’s 10x jump drew pushback. Courts & Insurance: A Superior Court judge is weighing a motion to dismiss and compel arbitration in a SelectCare breach-of-contract case tied to premature birth coverage disputes. Local Economy & Jobs: Atkins Kroll Guam held its first 2026 job fair, drawing 50+ seekers and 70+ on-site interviews across finance, service, sales and equipment and rental divisions. Tourism & Community Planning: The Guam Visitors Bureau held a town hall on the Sella Bay Overlook Trail project, focusing on access, safety, erosion and cultural preservation as the plan stays in conceptual design. Disaster Recovery: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero formally requested a major disaster declaration for Super Typhoon Bavi, seeking FEMA and SBA support for eligible damages. Workforce & Access: Guam’s judiciary is recruiting bilingual interpreters for its on-call registry, paying $28 an hour and targeting Philippine and Micronesian languages. Business Legacy: Longtime Guam entrepreneur Mark Pangilinan, founder of MVP Enterprises, died at 99.

Local Elections: Three gubernatorial teams will debate Saturday, Aug. 15, at the NMDC forum in Susupe, with Guam’s former delegate and UOG president Dr. Robert Underwood moderating. Courts & Workforce: Guam Superior Court is recruiting bilingual residents for an on-call interpreter registry, paying $28 an hour, with Aug. 17 and Aug. 24 training sessions; it’s especially seeking Philippine and Micronesian languages. Shipping Costs: Guam residents are paying more to mail to the U.S. states after USPS added third-party duty collection via the Zonos Prepay app, prompting local shippers like CROWNS Guam to raise rates. Fisheries & Disaster Aid: Guam fishers say shark deterrents aren’t working and that a clear path to federal disaster money for storm-damaged gear remains out of reach. Military Economy & Policy: Senators are debating whether to keep a 5% BPT on military construction contracts, with arguments over revenue versus jobs and DoD funding. Business & Jobs: Atkins Kroll Guam held its first 2026 job fair, drawing 50+ applicants and running 70+ on-site interviews. Community & Tourism Projects: Sinajana and MTM mayors are awaiting $250,000 each in ARPA interest funds for a green marketplace and a renovated storage workshop. Typhoon Recovery: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has requested a major disaster declaration for Super Typhoon Bavi to unlock additional FEMA and SBA assistance. Aviation/Travel: Delta Air Lines signals renewed Asia growth, including a return to Singapore, as it rebuilds Pacific long-haul routes. Business Legacy: Mark Pangilinan, a longtime Guam entrepreneur and Business Hall of Fame inductee, died at 99.

Defense & Guam readiness: New reporting on U.S. missile shortages tied to the Iran war is reigniting Guam leaders’ questions about whether the island’s missile shield can handle a China conflict, as analysts warn interceptor and long-range munitions stockpiles are being depleted faster than industry can replace them. Local recovery funding: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has formally requested a major disaster declaration for Super Typhoon Bavi, seeking more FEMA and SBA support for storm-damaged homes, infrastructure and utilities. Banking after the storm: Bank of Guam says its Rota branch will resume normal operations Aug. 11, with the Rota ATM back online 24/7. Workforce & training reality check: A CNMI-focused editorial argues technical training won’t fix the skilled-worker gap unless wages and job conditions improve after graduation. Business community: Longtime Guam entrepreneur Mark Pangilinan, founder of MVP Enterprises, died at 99. Tourism & trails: Guam Visitors Bureau held a town hall on the Sella Bay Overlook Trail concept, gathering input on safety, access and cultural preservation. CNMI travel rules: The Saipan Chamber is reviewing DHS vetting changes for Chinese travelers under EVS-TAP, saying the program is important for the tourism-driven economy. Retail expansion: Cost.U.Less’ new Hagåtña flagship is set to open Aug. 28, with the Tamuning store closing Aug. 27.

Banking & Travel Rewards: SC Bank Korea launched a deposit product that pays after-tax interest in Korean Air miles, with 3.15%–3.55% annual rates and bonus miles for new customers—tying banking to airline loyalty. Disaster Recovery & Public Finance: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero formally requested a major disaster declaration for Super Typhoon Bavi, aiming to unlock more FEMA and SBA support for homes and infrastructure. Local ARPA Funding: Sinajana and Mongmong-Toto-Maite mayors are awaiting $250,000 each in ARPA interest funds for a green marketplace and a renovated storage workshop. Defense Readiness Debate: New reporting on U.S. missile shortages is renewing Guam leaders’ questions about whether the island’s missile shield can hold up in a China contingency. Banking Operations: Bank of Guam says its Rota branch will resume normal hours Aug. 11, with the Rota ATM available 24/7. Business Community Loss: Guam entrepreneur Mark Pangilinan, founder of MVP Enterprises, died at 99. Retail Expansion: Cost.U.Less’ new Hagåtña flagship opens Aug. 28; the Tamuning store closes Aug. 27. Tourism Planning: GVB held a Humåtak town hall on the Sella Bay Overlook Trail project, focusing on safety, access, and cultural and environmental preservation. Workforce/Training: UOG will host a free Mental Health First Aid training for farmers and families on Aug. 22. Education Facilities Pressure: A letter highlights overcrowding tensions between Simon Sanchez and Tiyan high schools tied to delayed campus rebuilds.

CNMI Deep-Sea Mining Watch: BOEM is weighing up to six preliminary mineral exploration leases around the Northern Mariana Islands, with Saipan’s port expected to be a key support hub—while church leaders and others warn that deep-sea mining could cause serious, irreversible harm without full scientific certainty. Tourism & Entry Rules: The Saipan Chamber is reviewing DHS’s proposed EVS-TAP vetting changes for Chinese travelers, saying the program’s continuation is vital for the tourism-driven economy. Guam Budget Politics: Lawmakers debate the governor’s revised FY2027 budget as concerns resurface over reducing the business privilege tax (BPT) to 4% and what that means for revenue stability. Local Retail Expansion: Cost.U.Less will open a new flagship in Hagåtña Aug. 28 (50,000+ sq. ft.) and close the Tamuning store Aug. 27 as part of a realignment. Workforce & Health Training: UOG opened a new nursing hub (about $9M) to boost training capacity, and UOG’s Farmer Focus Program will host free Mental Health First Aid training Aug. 22 for agricultural organizations and families. Business Community Signals: Saipan’s restaurant closures after Super Typhoon Sinlaku continue, while Artspace Guåhan’s “The Art Yard” pop-up highlighted local makers and kept commissions local. Defense Contracting: The U.S. Navy awarded a $249M HUBZone ship-repair contract for Military Sealift Command vessels in Guam, running through Nov. 2027.

Retail Expansion: Cost.U.Less will open its new flagship in Hagåtña on Aug. 28 (more than 50,000 sq. ft., the island’s largest) while the Tamuning store closes Aug. 27 after 31 years, with staff shifting to other locations. Workforce & Education: UOG unveiled a nearly 12,000-sq.-ft. $9M Margaret Perez Hattori-Uchima School of Health Nursing Hub, adding simulation beds and VR training to boost nursing graduates by up to 60 per cohort. Local Governance & Budget: Lawmakers debated the governor’s revised FY2027 budget, including questions about executive control over GDOE finances and corporate income tax projections. Tourism & Travel Rules: CNMI’s Marianas Visitors Authority is reviewing DHS’s updated EVS-TAP vetting requirements for Chinese visitors, which could affect arrivals and tourism operations. Business Community: Artspace Guåhan launched “The Art Yard,” a Tamuning pop-up market featuring 25 local artist and maker vendors and keeping 100% of commissions. Public Health & Safety: Guam’s DOL opened enrollment for the In-School Youth Year-Round Program (Aug. 24–Sept. 30) pairing students with paid private-sector work. Regional Environment: Bishops of the Pacific urged caution on deep-sea mining, calling for transparency and due care amid uncertainty.

Tourism Accountability: Sen. Jesse Lujan is pushing Guam Visitors Bureau management accountability as the public debate over declining tourism shifts from “seat shortages” and currency talk to whether GVB oversight is doing enough—especially as analysis suggests many seats flew empty. Aviation & Border Rules: The Marianas Visitors Authority is reviewing DHS’s Aug. 4 changes to EVS-TAP pre-arrival screening for Chinese tourists, warning that any major federal tweaks must be clearly communicated to protect visitor operations. Healthcare Workforce: UOG opened its $9M Margaret Perez Hattori-Uchima School of Health Nursing Hub, aiming to nearly double nursing admissions starting in 2027 to address Guam’s projected nursing shortage. Local Economy & Jobs: Guam DOL opened enrollment Aug. 24–Sept. 30 for the In-School Youth Year-Round Program, pairing classroom prep with paid summer work experience. Public Finance: Senators are tackling the governor’s revised fiscal 2027 budget in a special session, with lawmakers and financial officials debating revenue and service funding priorities. Business Growth (Pacific): Polar Power reported $7.9M in Pacific Islands revenue since 2024, driven by repeat telecom orders that are expanding solar-hybrid power to more remote sites, including Guam. Education & Community Partnerships: Junior Achievement Guam signed a five-year partnership with Pacific AI Media & Communications to expand AI, data science, entrepreneurship, and career readiness mentoring for students.