AGP Executive Report

Guam Health Funding: The Guam Legislature passed GovGuam’s Bill 1 (11-S) after major Senate changes, reserving $19.9M in excess Section 30 revenues for Guam Memorial Hospital Authority and tying the hospital’s electronic health record upgrade to a $21M amount already set in the FY2027 budget, while lawmakers removed the University of Guam Blue Economy Innovation Center funding from the final package. Power Costs Financing: The Consolidated Commission on Utilities approved $32.5M in fuel financing for Guam Power Authority—$22.5M via Bank of America and a $10M Coast360 line of credit—aimed at managing cash timing for fuel purchases through July 2027, with the Bank of Guam option tabled. School Return Watch: After Tiyan High School’s latest health inspection earned an “A” with zero demerits, GDOE says student return timing is still being planned, pending decisions on major plumbing responsibility and possible reinspection. Retail Expansion: A popular discount retailer is set to open a second local store this weekend, taking over a former Office Depot space and adding jobs. Legal/Workplace: A Docomo Pacific employee pleaded not guilty to aggravated sexual abuse by force; trial is set for Dec. 15.

Guam Power Authority Financing: The Consolidated Commission on Utilities approved GPA’s plan to borrow $22.5M from Bank of America plus a $10M revolving line of credit from Coast360 FCU to cushion soaring fuel costs, with final approvals still needed from the governor and the Public Utilities Commission. Education & Health: Tiyan High School’s campus cleared its latest health inspection with an “A” and zero demerits after a shutdown earlier this summer; student return timing is still being planned, with major plumbing responsibility under review. Hospital & University Funding: Lawmakers are weighing a $20M Section 30 proposal to fund an electronic health records system for GMH and an aquaculture “innovation center” for UOG, while competing bills target energy credits and high school modernization. Legal Watch: A defense motion in the 2023 Route 16 crash case could hinge on a photo of when lights were installed, and a separate $1M tour-boat fraud trial was delayed as a defendant is served. Business/Trade: VirTra won a five-year CBP contract with up to $14M potential value to modernize and support its training systems. Regional Economy & Travel: Guam’s seat-capacity requirement on Korean routes is under pressure as airlines seek reductions, while Guam tourism arrivals from South Korea are down sharply.

Health & Education Funding: Lawmakers are debating Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero’s $20M Section 30 proposal—$15.9M for GMH to buy and implement a new electronic health records system and $4M for UOG’s Blue Economy Innovation Center at the Fadian Hatchery, with officials saying GMH has been planning for procurement ahead of a 2028 sunset. Courts & Business Risk: A defense attorney urged prosecutors to revisit a 2023 Route 16 crash case after a photo allegedly shows GPA light installation timing that could affect the prosecution’s case; separately, a $1M tour boat fraud trial was delayed as a defendant gets more time to be served. Local Economy & Tourism: Korean-inspired SCOOP’D is moving from a GCC tasting to a Micronesia Mall grand opening, while Smart Town expanded at Agana Shopping Center with a DIY patch station. Trade & Travel: Korean Fair Trade Commission staff recommended rejecting airlines’ bid to cut Guam route seat capacity requirements, citing merger-related obligations and insufficient demand-change justification. Infrastructure & Connectivity: Converge said it rerouted traffic after a Philippines–Singapore cable cut using its Bifrost system that links the Philippines, Guam, and the U.S. Public Safety/Weather: Typhoon Choi-wan is expected to miss Guam directly, but a monsoon surge is bringing multi-day wind and advisory conditions.

Guam Health Funding: Lawmakers met with finance, hospital and university officials on Bill 1 (11-S), seeking $15.8M from Section 30 for GMHA to buy a modern electronic health records system, while also weighing a $4M UOG Blue Economy Innovation Center proposal—amid competing bills using the same pot. Open Records Fight: Guam’s Attorney General asked the Superior Court to reconsider an order requiring release of employee annual leave records, seeking to pause production while the court reviews the request. Tourism & Air Capacity: South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission examiner recommended rejecting airlines’ bid to cut required Guam-bound seat capacity on Incheon-Guam and Busan-Guam routes by 20%, as Guam arrivals from South Korea remain down sharply. Local Business & Jobs: Micronesia Mall’s PowerUP entertainment center is targeting an early December opening and will hold a hiring fair Oct. 10 for bowling, go-karts, a zip line and more. Education & Talent: UOG civil engineering graduate Kayleena Blas Diaz became the program’s first licensed professional engineer in Guam, and UOG student Adrian Manalang was selected for the Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for public service. Community & Culture: The Guam Museum Foundation held a first-ever gala marking 100 years of museum efforts, and CHamoru dancer Francisco “Frank” Rabon received a 2026 National Heritage Fellowship.

Guam Economy & Housing: Seven Democratic senatorial candidates outlined plans at a Guam Young Professionals forum, focusing on affordable housing, growing local talent, and diversifying beyond tourism, with ideas ranging from fuel vouchers to telecom expansion and leveraging military-linked demand. Air Travel & Tourism: A Korean Fair Trade Commission examiner recommended rejecting airlines’ bid to cut Guam-bound seat capacity requirements by 20%, as South Korean arrivals to Guam fell sharply year-to-date. Healthcare IT Funding: Lawmakers return Monday on a Section 30 funding fight for GMHA’s new electronic health records system and a Blue Economy Innovation Center, with timing and competing priorities still unclear. Business & Jobs: Micronesia Mall’s PowerUP family entertainment center is targeting an early December opening and a hiring fair Oct. 10, adding bowling, go-karts, and a zip line. Trade & Security: Congressman James Moylan announced $1.025M in federal funds awarded to Guam Customs and Quarantine for new inspection and border security equipment. Local Talent Pipeline: UOG civil engineering graduate Kayleena Blas Diaz became the first in her program to earn a Guam professional engineer license.

Guam Politics & Civic Engagement: A new alcohol-free event in Hagåtña drew a big crowd of young voters and independent candidates, aiming to get first-time attendees asking why they should vote in the Nov. 3 election. Healthcare & Public Funding: Lawmakers return Monday to consider Bill 1 (11-S), which would use Section 30 funds for a new electronic health records system at GMHA and seed a Blue Economy Innovation Center at UOG—though competing bills could shift priorities. Courts & Insurance: In the SelectCare coverage dispute tied to a premature birth, the parties stipulated to dismiss the case without prejudice, ending the current fight over coverage and arbitration. Education & Pay: Gov. Lourdes Leon Guerrero approved DOA’s educator pay plan, boosting Guam DOE salaries by 15% for educators and 5% for administrators, while officials flag funding sustainability. Local Business & Jobs: PowerUP, a 26,000-square-foot family entertainment center at Micronesia Mall, is targeting an early December opening and a hiring fair Oct. 10. Real Estate & Utilities: Guam Supreme Court reversed parts of a land dispute involving Core Tech, the government and GWA over property tied to the Northern District Wastewater Treatment Plant. Weather Watch: Typhoon Choi-wan is expected to miss Guam directly, but the monsoon surge is already bringing damaging winds and coastal impacts. Workforce & Engineering Milestone: UOG civil engineering graduate Kayleena Blas Diaz became the program’s first licensed professional engineer in Guam.

Retail Expansion: Smart Town is expanding at Agana Shopping Center, doubling its space and adding an on-site customization DIY station for heat-press “wappens,” as it nears a 10-year milestone. Tourism & Dining: SCOOP’D, a Korean-inspired rice bowl spot at Micronesia Mall, opened after a Guam Community College taste test that helped shape the menu. Education Funding: Gov. Lourdes Leon Guerrero approved a Guam Department of Administration educator pay plan, boosting educator salaries by 15% and administrators by 5%, though DOE leaders flag ongoing funding needs. Courts & Utilities: The Guam Supreme Court reversed part of a land dispute involving Core Tech, the government and GWA over property tied to the Northern District Wastewater Treatment Plant. Weather Impact: Typhoon Choi-wan is not expected to hit Guam directly, but monsoon surge conditions are bringing wind and coastal hazards; the Tumon Night Market was canceled as a precaution. Local Talent: UOG civil engineering graduate Kayleena Blas Diaz became the program’s first licensed professional engineer in Guam. Business Growth: PowerUP, a 26,000-square-foot family entertainment center at Micronesia Mall, is targeting an early December opening and a hiring fair Oct. 10.

Micronesia Mall Growth: SCOOP’D opened Oct. 1 after a GCC taste test, with Korean-inspired rice bowls and a ServSafe-trained team—another sign of food-court momentum on Guam. Workforce & Education: GovGuam approved a 15% educator pay increase and 5% for administrators under the Educator Pay Plan, though DOE leaders warn about the funding gap to sustain it. Real Estate/Courts: Guam Supreme Court reversed part of a land dispute involving Core Tech and GWA over property tied to the Northern District Wastewater Treatment Plant, but the case still has unresolved issues in Superior Court. Weather & Risk: Typhoon Choi-wan is missing Guam’s direct hit, but monsoon surge winds and coastal hazards are still affecting the island and Rota. Jobs & Entertainment: PowerUP, a 26,000-square-foot bowling, go-karts and zip-line center, is targeting an early December opening at Micronesia Mall with a hiring fair Oct. 10. Local Talent Pipeline: UOG civil engineering graduate Kayleena Blas Diaz became the program’s first licensed professional engineer in Guam. Fisheries: Guam boat fishers spent more time trolling in 2025 yet landed 53% less pelagic fish, with ocean conditions cited but no single cause confirmed. Legal/Politics: AG Doug Moylan moved to dismiss a lawsuit over religious-themed “Redemption Project” billboards. Regional Business Watch: Taiwan received its first F-16V Block 70 jets delivered via stops including Guam, underscoring ongoing Pacific defense spending and logistics.

Education & Business Climate: Guam lawmakers sent back a bill that would shift Education Board member selection to governor appointments, with debate centered on accountability and election timing. Teacher Pay: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero approved a 15% pay increase for GDOE teachers and 5% for administrators, with $26.1M needed for the 2026 Educator Pay Plan. Tax Relief for Local Firms: Guam’s FY2027 start brings a half-point cut in Business Privilege Tax from 4.5% to 4%, a move the Chamber says supports jobs and pricing stability. Tourism & Local Economy: Guam pushed its brand at Tourism EXPO Japan 2026, while Oishi Curry House closed after 13 years, and Tumon Night Market was canceled due to weather. Legal/Corporate Accountability: AG Nick Brown joined a bipartisan PFAS lawsuit targeting DuPont/Corteva and the new Vylor entity over alleged asset-shielding. Finance: First Hawaiian said it will report Q3 2026 results Oct. 23. Workforce/Community: Marines and the Guam Chamber kicked off Toys for Tots, and UOG’s Kayleena Blas Diaz became the first UOG civil engineering graduate licensed as a Guam P.E.

PFAS Accountability Fight: Guam joined 15 states in suing Corteva over its Vylor spinoff, alleging the move is meant to shield “crown jewels” from tens of billions in PFAS “forever chemicals” liabilities. Local Economy & Tax Relief: Guam’s fiscal year 2027 starts with a Business Privilege Tax rate cut from 4.5% to 4%, a Chamber-backed win expected to reduce the government’s revenue by about $40M annually. Education Costs: GovGuam approved a 15% pay increase for GDOE teachers and 5% for administrators, with $26.1M needed for the raises. Power Costs Watch: Moody’s downgraded Guam Power Authority to Baa3, citing fuel-cost volatility, weaker liquidity, and limits on future rate increases. Tourism Push: Guam promoted at Tourism EXPO Japan 2026, highlighting CHamoru culture and food to Japanese travelers, supported by a new WTTC partnership. Health Care Funding: Core Tech Foundation donated $1M to GMHA for new acute-care beds via the tax-credit equipment program. Climate & Ocean Governance: Island leaders, including Guam Gov. Leon Guerrero, urged stronger collaboration and finance for climate adaptation and ocean governance at a virtual summit. Aviation/Trade Risk: A proposed seabed-mining lease near the Northern Mariana Islands moves forward despite a U.S.-China rare-earth trade truce.

Education & Workforce: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero approved a 2026 Educator Pay Plan giving Guam public school teachers a 15% pay increase and administrators a 5% boost, with the Department of Administration saying the raises require about $26.1M. Business Climate: Guam’s Business Privilege Tax rate drops from 4.5% to 4% for fiscal year 2027, a half-point cut expected to reduce GovGuam revenues by about $40M annually. Tourism & Trade: Guam showcased CHamoru culture at Tourism EXPO Japan 2026, partnering with WTTC to push the island in a market that drew more than 183,000 attendees. PFAS Corporate Accountability: Guam AG Nick Brown joined a bipartisan suit targeting DuPont/EIDP, Corteva and Vylor over claims they’re trying to dodge PFAS cleanup liabilities through asset shuffling. Energy & Utilities: Moody’s downgraded Guam Power Authority to Baa3, citing fuel-cost volatility and tighter limits on rate increases. Local Economy & Health Care: Core Tech Foundation donated $1M to GMHA to buy new hospital beds via a business privilege tax credit program. Legislation Watch: Guam lawmakers recessed due to quorum issues while debating bills tied to Tiyan recreational fields and concession agreements.

Guam Legislature Watch: Senators recessed again after failing to reach quorum, delaying action on Section 30 bills and Tiyan recreational fields legislation. Military & Local Economy: Joint Task Force Micronesia commander Joshua Lasky said the DoD views Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero’s proposed economic adjustment committee as “not necessary yet,” as Guam weighs a projected $11.7B military buildup impact. Cost of Living Signals: Gas fell about 4 cents and diesel about 41 cents at Guam pumps, offering a brief relief after earlier spikes tied to global oil strain. Food Assistance Update: SNAP maximum allotments rise Oct. 1, with Guam’s max for a family of four set at $1,507. Tourism & Travel Pressure: Korean Air and other carriers sought to lower Guam route seat-capacity requirements, but regulators moved to dismiss the request. Research & Workforce: UOG’s Guam NSF EPSCoR E-CORE launched nearly $200,000 in seed grants to expand local STEM research and training. Community & Events: Guam Girl Scouts drew nearly 400 for the Tough Cookie Fun Run, with bigger 10K/half-marathon plans for 2027.

SNAP Update: New USDA adjustments take effect Oct. 1, raising maximum SNAP allotments for most places—Guam’s max benefit for a family of four will be $1,507, while Hawaii is the exception with a decrease. Tourism Watch: Hawai‘i visitor spending fell in August 2026 to $1.59B (-9.7%) and arrivals dropped to 772,039 (-5.6%), with storms disrupting travel. Military & Local Economy: A Guam Chamber of Commerce briefing said Marines are coming to Guam, with the commander putting active-duty presence at about 8,000 today and projecting growth over the next decade. Legislative Moves: Guam lawmakers recessed a special session on Section 30 bills until Oct. 5, with four proposals on the table including GMH electronic health records, power bill credits, and education facility funding. Healthcare & Jobs: GMH’s search committee is targeting a permanent administrator recommendation by October, while collections are projected to improve about 12%. Infrastructure & Housing: CLTC approved reallocating $9.4M to the Guam Power Authority for infrastructure work, and GHURA reminded residents the Guma Na Maolek portal closes Wednesday at 11:59 p.m.

Guam Legislature: Lawmakers recessed a special session on Section 30 bills until Monday, Oct. 5, after convening Wednesday to decide how to allocate $20 million across four proposals—GMH’s electronic health records ($15.9M) plus UOG aquaculture ($4M), $16.8M in $100 power bill credits, $20M for GDOE facility fixes, and $20M deposited into the Simon Sanchez High School modernization fund—while committee reports for three bills awaited signatures and attendance logistics delayed others. Healthcare & Infrastructure: Guam Memorial Hospital’s administrator search committee is targeting a recommendation by early October, with collections projected around $120M (about 12% higher) and interest growing in a new internationally trained physician pathway. Land Trust & Utilities: The CHamoru Land Trust Commission reallocated $9.4M to the Guam Power Authority for infrastructure on Land Trust properties after other agencies didn’t confirm feasibility, including surveying and utility easements. Local Business & Community: CLTC audit findings flagged delinquent commercial lease receivables and continued lease-processing issues, while Guam’s nonprofit reuse sector expanded with ReClaim It’s new 10,000+ sq. ft. warehouse slated to open in late November. Tourism & Culture: Guam will debut in Madrid’s Hispanidad parade next week as part of the island’s Hispanic Cultural Heritage push. Legislation Watch: A bill to double juror pay from $30 to $60 advanced to the voting file, alongside a proposal affecting signage rules.

Guam Housing & Urban Renewal: GHURA says the Guma Na Maolek Housing Program 1 online portal closes Wednesday at 11:59 p.m., offering up to $350,000 for eligible homeowners to repair or rebuild Typhoon Mawar-damaged owner-occupied homes. Legislative Watch: Bills to double juror pay from $30 to $60 and let the Guam Land Use Commission waive certain signage restrictions advanced to the voting file, though lawmakers flagged funding questions. Defense Contracting: Tamuning engineering firm Amorient Engineering won a $20M DoD architecture/design contract for Guam military facilities, with work expected through Sept. 2031. Public Finance Oversight: A CHamoru Land Trust Commission audit found heavy delinquency on commercial lease receivables and no new agricultural or residential leases in FY2024 due to an eight-year moratorium. Federal Money & Food Security: A federal bill would permanently raise school meal reimbursement rates, while SNAP changes take effect Oct. 1, including higher maximum benefits for Guam. Business & Community: ReClaim It is moving into a 10,000+ sq. ft. NW warehouse ahead of a late-November reuse art show, and the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce will host Fanachu Famalåo’an 2026 on Oct. 29.

Defense Contracting: Tamuning engineering firm Amorient Engineering won a $20M Department of Defense architecture/design contract for civil and structural work across Guam, with performance expected through Sept. 2031. Housing Deadline: GHURA says the Guma Na Maolek Housing Program 1 online portal closes Wednesday at 11:59 p.m., offering up to $350,000 for eligible homeowners to repair or rebuild Typhoon Mawar-damaged owner-occupied homes. Land Trust Audit: The Office of Public Accountability reports CHamoru Land Trust Commission issues in FY2024, including heavy delinquency on commercial lease receivables and no new agricultural or residential leases during an eight-year moratorium. Tourism & Events: The Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce will host Fanachu Famalåo’an 2026: Radiance on Oct. 29 at Dusit Thani Guam Resort, featuring masterclasses on leadership, finances, and AI. Local Business Dispute: Proa Restaurant faces eviction in Tumon over an alleged $62,650 lease-debt claim filed in Superior Court. Airport Revenue Pressure: Sen. Jesse Lujan says A.B. Won Pat International Airport must diversify revenue as airline rates and fees rise to cover a projected $12.5M FY2027 shortfall. Court Fight Over Range: Oral arguments are set for Oct. 7 at the U.S. Supreme Court in Prutehi Guåhan’s challenge to the Tarague Beach detonation range, seeking stronger environmental review.