AGP Executive Report

Super Typhoon Bavi + childcare + airport bailout: Guam lawmakers passed a $38.7M spending package covering Bavi relief, childcare subsidies and a Guam International Airport Authority financial bailout, funded largely by GovGuam’s above-projected FY2026 revenues and the Rainy Day Fund. Airport upgrades & bond moves: GIAA’s board approved a $5.34M FAA grant for terminal repairs plus a $9M bond defeasance to meet debt coverage rules and help prevent higher airline costs. Housing stability: Vice Speaker V. Anthony Ada asked GHURA for clarification on protections for Housing Choice Voucher families forced into smaller units they can’t find in Guam’s tight rental market. Tourism hit + rebound planning: Marianas visitor arrivals totaled 1,497 in June 2026, down 81% year over year after Sinlaku disrupted flights, with leisure travel resuming as service returned. Coffee expansion abroad with Guam ties: Ediya Coffee opened its first Laos outlet as it pushes Southeast Asia growth, building on prior overseas expansion that includes Guam. Coral-protection law gap: The AG says Guam’s sunscreen import ban doesn’t automatically stop retail sales, leaving enforcement gaps for DPHSS under the current wording. Cruise business: Mitsui Ocean Cruises announced its first Australia visit in Feb. 2027, with Guam listed among Pacific stops. Public safety/justice: The AG is seeking a 52-year sentence in the Tumon murder case involving a Korean tourist; separately, a man avoided extra prison time after pleading guilty in a 2022 home invasion.

Super Typhoon Bavi & Budget Math: The Guam Legislature is set to vote Monday on a supplemental funding bill covering Bavi response, childcare subsidies, and airport obligations, after Friday amendments including an audit requirement and shifting Bavi funding to the Rainy Day Fund; lawmakers will then turn to the governor’s revised FY2027 budget. Airport Fees at Stake: Airport officials warn that without about $27 million in supplemental support, airline fees could jump to about $20.01 more per passenger, pushing the airport’s cost-per-enplanement higher. Wrongful Death Deadlines: In the federal admiralty case tied to the M/V Mariana capsizing during Sinlaku, Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood granted families more time to file wrongful-death claims while estates for missing crew members are established. Insurance Dispute: A couple sued Pacific Indemnity Insurance in federal court, alleging it promised to pay accident-related medical bills after a $50,000 settlement but later refused, triggering Medicare reimbursement demands. Tourism & Hospitality Calendar: GHRA says PHARE 2026 is back Aug. 19-20 at the Hyatt Regency Guam after a storm delay, with more than 40 exhibitors and training sessions for the visitor industry. Sportfishing Derby Registration: The Greg D. Perez International Sportfishing Derby opens registration for Aug. 22-23, with cash prizes across species categories and a $50,000 marlin challenge. Back-to-School Costs: Families are bracing for higher spending and lingering uncertainty as students head back to class Monday, with some reporting near-$100 per child on supplies. Deep-Sea Mining Push: Pacific leaders say the U.S. proposed deep-sea mining auctions near Guam and the CNMI without “consultations,” raising concerns about food security and disruption to ocean resources.

Airport Funding Watch: Guam lawmakers weigh whether to step in for A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority costs, with officials warning airline fees could jump if supplemental money falls short. Hospitality & Tourism: PHARE 2026 is back after Typhoon Sinlaku delays, set for Aug. 19-20 at the Hyatt Regency Guam with dozens of exhibitors and training for hotels and restaurants. Disaster Relief & Costs: Senators set aside $2M for farmers and $500K for a fishermen’s co-op facility as they amend a Bavi relief bill, while families also brace for rising back-to-school expenses and uncertainty. Legal & Insurance: A lawsuit alleges Pacific Indemnity Insurance failed to pay accident-related medical bills after a $50K settlement. Maritime Claims: The court granted families more time to file wrongful death claims tied to the M/V Mariana capsizing. Community Business: Junior Achievement Guam and Pacific AI Media & Communications signed a five-year partnership to expand AI and career education, and Bank of Hawaiʻi backed JA Guam with a $3,000 sponsorship. Sports Tourism: Registration opened for the 6th Annual Greg D. Perez International Sportfishing Derby, Aug. 22-23, with cash prizes across five species categories.

Airport funding showdown: Guam lawmakers kept debating A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority needs, with officials warning that without about $27M, airline fees could jump by roughly $20 per passenger (from $34.99) next fiscal year. Typhoon recovery dollars: Senators set aside $2M for farmers and $500K for the Guam Fisherman’s Co-op facility from the proposed $13.3M Bavi relief package, while also weighing how to pay for it. Hospitality industry restart: PHARE 2026 is back after Typhoon Sinlaku delays, set for Aug. 19-20 at the Hyatt Regency Guam, with more than 40 exhibitors expected. Small business support: CNMI’s SBDC network renewed its partnership with Bank of Hawaiʻi for revitalization grants, offering up to five $5,000 awards plus required “Smart Money” credit training. Education governance: Isaiah Aguon filed to run for the Guam Education Board, pitching accountability and student success, while another stakeholder meeting at George Washington High School raised concerns about asbestos and charter school campus moves. Invasive species funding: A U.S. House committee advanced a bill to fund invasive species strike teams, including Guam-focused impacts tied to agriculture and the island economy.

Airport Funding Crunch: Guam International Airport Authority says lawmakers need $27M to keep airline fees at $34.99 per passenger; otherwise fees could jump to $43.41 next fiscal year, with airlines already warning against higher rates. Deep-Sea Mining Backlash: CNMI Governor David Apatang says the U.S. proposed deep-sea mining auctions near Guam and the CNMI with “no consultations,” raising alarms about food security and local disruption. Small Business Support: CNMI’s SBDC and Bank of Hawaiʻi are continuing a revitalization grant program offering up to five $5,000 awards plus required “Smart Money” credit training. Education Politics: Isaiah Aguon filed to run for the Guam Education Board, pitching accountability and student success, while a separate education dispute centers on asbestos concerns and charter school student moves at George Washington High. Tech & Jobs Pipeline: Junior Achievement Guam and Pacific AI Media & Communications signed a five-year deal to expand AI, entrepreneurship, and career-readiness mentoring for students. Community & Health: GMH Volunteers launched its Thanksgiving raffle to fund wheelchairs and a newborn auditory screening device, and Guam’s Animal Health/SNIP program is running a spay-neuter clinic in Sinajana Aug. 11–20. Regional Connectivity: Google and Meta’s Echo subsea cable reached a key milestone with its Singapore landing, with Guam listed as an intermediate stop in the broader trans-Pacific buildout.

Defense & Infrastructure: U.S. Pacific Command is weighing alternative locations for a $2B planned infrastructure investment in Yap after negotiation breakdowns, with Guam’s region still in the mix as partners watch how defense spending lands. Telecom & Connectivity: Google and Meta’s Echo subsea cable hit a major construction milestone with its Singapore landing, advancing a route that uses Guam as an intermediate stop toward Southeast Asia and the U.S. Local Business & Finance: Nathan’s Famous reported higher first-quarter revenues and royalties, a reminder that consumer brands are still finding growth even as costs and demand stay in flux. Education & Compliance: Guam education leaders face fresh scrutiny over the SIFA Learning Academy’s campus-sharing plan at George Washington High School, with disability-rights advocates raising asbestos and classroom safety concerns. Disaster Aid: FEMA denied Guam’s request for individual assistance after Typhoon Sinlaku, while SBA disaster loans remain available for private nonprofits. Community & Workforce: Junior Achievement Guam and Pacific AI Media & Communications signed a five-year partnership to expand AI and career education, supported by Bank of Hawaiʻi sponsorship. Sports & Youth: Guam Rovers U12 boys returned from Taiwan with a top-tier Cup Division finish and an Excellence Award.

Health & Community Fundraising: Guam Memorial Hospital Volunteers Association kicked off its 2026 “Harvest of Gratitude” Thanksgiving Raffle to raise money for 14 wheelchairs and a newborn auditory screening device, with ticket sales running Aug. 1–Nov. 6 at Guam Premier Outlets and the drawing set for Nov. 7. Education & Compliance: An attorney challenged Guam education leaders over asbestos concerns and classroom moves tied to integrating the Science is Fun and Awesome (SIFA) Learning Academy into the George Washington High School campus ahead of the Aug. 10 school start. Disaster Relief & Nonprofits: FEMA denied Guam’s request for Individual Assistance after Typhoon Sinlaku, but the SBA opened disaster loan applications for private nonprofits providing essential governmental services. Workforce & Youth Skills: Junior Achievement of Guam and Pacific AI Media & Communications signed a five-year MOU to expand AI and career education, while Bank of Hawaiʻi sponsored JA Guam with $3,000. Local Business & Events: Artspace Guåhan hosts “The Art Yard” market Saturday, and McDonald’s of Guam’s 55th anniversary grand prize winner received a Toyota Tacoma from Atkins Kroll. Infrastructure & Defense Economy: A Guam Industry Forum highlighted faster alternative construction methods for military projects, and the U.S. Navy’s Glass Breakwater repair in Apra Harbor is moving toward long-term climate resilience. Telecom Connectivity: Google and Meta’s Echo subsea cable reached a key milestone with its Singapore landing, advancing a Guam-linked route toward the U.S. Aviation Costs: Airlines warned Guam International Airport Authority that proposed operations fee hikes could force higher fares and threaten service.

Guam Airport Funding Pressure: Airlines warned Guam International Airport Authority that proposed operations fee hikes could force higher fares and threaten service, as lawmakers weigh a supplemental bill that includes about $17.6M for airport obligations. Defense Buildout & Faster Construction: A Guam industry forum highlighted alternative military construction methods—prefab, modular components, and 3D-printed elements—aimed at cutting years-long MILCON timelines to months. Port Resilience Upgrade: The U.S. Navy’s Glass Breakwater rehab in Apra Harbor is using circular-economy and coastal engineering to better withstand typhoons and climate-driven wave stress. Education Cost Crunch: A teachers’ union report says Guam educators rank among the lowest paid in the nation, with large wage gaps versus the U.S. CNMI Fiscal Warning: A lieutenant governor candidate told the Saipan Chamber that the commonwealth is in a “fiscal crisis,” calling for system overhauls to stabilize operations and restore investor confidence. Tech & Connectivity: Google and Meta’s Echo subsea cable advanced with a Singapore landing that keeps Guam in the trans-Pacific route. Local Business Win: McDonald’s of Guam’s 55th anniversary grand prize went to Mark Redila, winning a Toyota Tacoma.

Airport Finance Pressure: Airlines warned Guam International Airport Authority that proposed operations fee hikes could raise airfares and threaten service, with JAL and Jin Air citing sustainability concerns as lawmakers weigh airport obligations in a special session. Defense Buildout Speed: Military engineers and industry partners at the Guam Industry Forum highlighted faster construction approaches—prefab, modular components, and 3D-printed elements—aimed at cutting years-long MILCON timelines. Port Resilience Work: Apra Harbor’s Glass Breakwater repair is using circular-economy and coastal engineering to unify decades of patchwork damage and strengthen the structure against typhoons and climate impacts. Education Costs & Governance: A teachers’ union report says Guam educators rank among the lowest paid in the nation, while lawmakers continue oversight of GDOE and question SIFA-GDOE campus sharing at George Washington High. Healthcare Finance: GMH audit coverage shows billings and collections fell in FY25, tied to Medicaid reclaiming and higher claim denials, even as net position improved. Local Business Win: Mark Redila won McDonald’s of Guam’s 55th anniversary grand prize, a new Toyota Tacoma, underscoring continued local customer support. Community & Culture: The 13th annual Pink Ball returns Aug. 8 with a “Love on ’54” disco theme to raise funds for Guam Cancer Care and the Edward M. Calvo Cancer Foundation.

Guam Airport Funding: Lawmakers in a special session pressed A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority needs, with the supplemental bill earmarking about $17.6M—$8.4M for operations/safety and nearly $9.3M to cover prior aviation fuel tax arrearages—though officials said the airport may still seek additional funds. Hospital Finances: A new audit shows Guam Memorial Hospital Authority’s billings and collections fell in FY25, driven by Medicaid advance reclaims and higher claim denials, while the hospital remains in a $294.9M negative net position. Budget Showdown: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero vetoed the FY2027 budget bill and called lawmakers back Aug. 10, with the sticking point a proposed business privilege tax rollback from 4.5% to 4% that she says would cut revenues by about $40M. Tourism & Courts: A civil sex-abuse coverup case involving the Guam Visitors Bureau hit delays as plaintiff attorneys say board chair George Chiu has been hard to serve. Telecom & Connectivity: DXN won an AU$1.2M contract for a modular cable landing station in the Solomon Islands, extending Pacific Connect links that already run between Guam and Fiji. Community & Workforce: Kupu received a $1.75M AmeriCorps grant to expand conservation training sites across Hawai‘i and the Pacific, including Guam and Saipan.

UN Decolonization: Guam couldn’t send official representatives to the UN Special Committee on Decolonization due to funding limits, but a local petitioner urged the UN to visit Guam and help advance self-governance, citing the island’s military role and rising costs tied to federal policy. AI & Jobs: A new World Bank report says high-income countries face the highest exposure to AI job displacement, with automation-susceptible jobs far above lower-income economies—an issue for Guam’s workforce planning. AmeriCorps Funding: Kupu won a $1.75M AmeriCorps grant to expand its Conservation Leadership Development Program across Hawai‘i and Pacific sites including Guam and Saipan. Budget & Business Taxes: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero vetoed Guam’s FY2027 budget bill and called a special session Aug. 10, with the business privilege tax rollback to 4% a key sticking point that would cut revenue and trigger service reductions. Hospital Audit: Guam Memorial Hospital’s FY2025 audit shows progress but still a $294.9M negative net position, with auditors flagging a procurement compliance issue tied to COVID recovery funds. Education Oversight: A Senate education chair is pressing GDOE for answers over a reported MOU that would place Science is Fun and Awesome Learning Academy charter students into George Washington High School space, raising concerns about special education impacts. Tourism Economy: A new report pegs Guam’s 2025 tourism economic impact at $1.6B and supports about one in five jobs. Ports & Military Logistics: Regional port leaders met on Guam to discuss how commercial terminals are upgrading infrastructure and logistics to handle accelerating military construction and troop movements.

Childcare Funding Risk: Guam lawmakers heard that the middle-income childcare subsidy could tighten if a $31.3M spending bill doesn’t secure money through Sept. 30, with about 20% of families (2,730 kids) potentially losing eligibility. Budget Showdown: Lawmakers return to special session Monday after Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero vetoed the FY2027 budget bill, citing a proposed business privilege tax cut from 4.5% to 4% that she says would cut revenues by about $40M. Tourism Economy: A new report says Guam’s 2025 visitor economy generated about $1.6B in total economic impact and supported roughly one in five jobs. Infrastructure Finance: The Consolidated Commission on Utilities approved Guam Waterworks Authority’s request to pursue up to $110M in bond borrowing to fund water and sewer improvements and meet regulatory needs. Port Security Law: A bill would make unauthorized drone flights near Port Authority of Guam facilities a misdemeanor or felony, depending on intent and actions. Cybersecurity Watch: Guam officials previously warned that AI will make cyberattacks on critical systems faster, as recent water-system hacks in Minnesota and Michigan renewed scrutiny. GEDA Grants: GEDA opened Series 9 of its community contribution grant program, with up to $15,000 available for village mayor offices and $285,000 total in direct funding. Business Moves: New restaurants and retail openings continue across Guam, while Pacific Star Resort & Spa’s planned renovations are targeting an October start.

Business & Community Grants: GEDA opened Series 9 of its Qualifying Certificate Community Contributions Program, making up to $15,000 available for 19 village mayor offices and totaling $285,000 in direct grants for healthcare, public safety, economic development, higher education and cultural preservation. Local Economy & Tourism: The Association of Pacific Ports held its 112th annual conference on Guam, with port leaders stressing that port readiness underpins both regional trade and military posture. Hospitality & Real Estate: Pacific Star Resort & Spa’s new owner Eastern Contractors says renovations are targeting an October start, with an estimated $60M in upgrades and a projected finish in the second quarter of 2028. Infrastructure & Utilities: CCU approved Guam Waterworks Authority’s request to pursue up to $110M in bond borrowing to fund water and sewer improvements and help meet EPA-related requirements. Workforce Development: Guam’s Department of Labor received a $609,335 federal grant to expand apprenticeship training, aiming to grow the award to $1.8M over three years. Retail & Dining Growth: New businesses are opening across Guam, including Krave Kitchen in Dededo, as operators navigate food inflation, labor costs and supply chain headwinds. Banking: SC First Bank launched a Korean Air Mileage Deposit with base rates up to 3.65% for time deposits, plus mileage and ticket promos. Public Safety & Compliance: A bill would restrict unauthorized drone flights near Port Authority of Guam critical infrastructure, with misdemeanor and felony penalties depending on intent and actions. Elections & Governance: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero vetoed the FY2027 budget bill, citing a business privilege tax rollback cut that would reduce revenues without a replacement plan, and transmitted a revised balanced budget keeping the 4% BPT rate.

Visa & Tourism: A Commonwealth Ports Authority board member says Guam’s working group meetings on a proposed Guam-CNMI visa waiver are “encouraging,” with stakeholders pointing to international models and hoping DHS approval could boost tourism and improve air service. Utilities & Infrastructure: The CCU approved Guam Waterworks Authority’s request to pursue up to $110M in bond borrowing to fund water/sewer upgrades, refund older bonds, and meet EPA-driven compliance needs. Energy: The PUC authorized payment tied to additional testing at the Ukudu Power Plant, totaling about $6.13M, as GPA navigates commissioning delays and power reliability pressures. Budget & Business Climate: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero vetoed the FY2027 budget bill, citing revenue cuts tied to a proposed business privilege tax rollback, and sent a revised balanced budget keeping the 4% BPT while restoring funding for key services. Workforce Development: Guam’s Department of Labor secured a $609,335 federal grant to expand apprenticeship training, with growth potential to $1.8M over three years. Public Safety Tech: Lawmakers advanced Guam Police body-worn camera rules after a public hearing on recording, storage, and access requirements. Elections (Business-Relevant): Primary results set up the Nov. 3 general election gubernatorial matchup: Terlaje-Perez vs. Ada-Calvo.

Education & Workforce: UOG is running Triton One Stop registration events for the Fanuchånan (Fall) semester starting Aug. 19, with on-campus sessions Aug. 4 and Aug. 6 plus a Saturday satellite option at Micronesia Mall and Agana Shopping Center for students who can’t make it during the week. Public Safety & Accountability: Guam lawmakers held a public hearing on proposed Guam Police Department body-worn camera rules covering when officers must record, how footage is stored, and who can access it, as the program was authorized in 2023 and previously suspended after AG guidance. Politics & Business Climate: Unofficial 2026 primary results show Sen. Therese Terlaje and Sabina Perez advancing to face Tony Ada and EJ Calvo in the Nov. 3 general election, while Del. James Moylan won the delegate GOP nomination and Alicia Limtiaco ran unopposed on the Democratic side. Port Security: A bill backed by Port officials would restrict drone operations over protected port areas to protect safety and emergency response. Local Economy & Community: The Neni Summer Market returns Aug. 2 at Golden Plaza, featuring youth-run startups, local food, and activities.

Guam Election: Unofficial Guam Election Commission results show Sens. Therese Terlaje and Sabina Perez winning the Democratic gubernatorial primary, while Vice Speaker Tony Ada and businessman EJ Calvo take the Republican nomination—setting up a November showdown for Adelup. Port Security: Bill 338-38 gained support at a public hearing to restrict unauthorized drone operations over protected Port of Guam areas, with Port leadership saying the measure is needed to respond before an incident. Courts & Pay: A juror compensation bill drew backing from the Judiciary of Guam to raise the daily juror rate from $30, with lawmakers seeking authority for future adjustments. Local Business & Community: The Neni Summer Market returns Aug. 2 at Golden Plaza in Tumon, spotlighting youth-made products and local vendors. Housing Support: Bradley Anigua Apartments opened as a transitional housing facility for families, offering up to two years of case management and services.