AGP Executive Report

Power Costs: The PUC approved GPA’s Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause, lifting the average residential power bill by about $58 a month starting July 1 (from $260.37 to $318.67), with the surcharge set through Jan. 31, 2027. Energy & Infrastructure: In the CNMI, Commonwealth Utilities says long-delayed power materials are arriving for Saipan restoration, with transformers and poles now on the ground as FEMA generators are phased out. Cannabis Regulation: Guam’s Cannabis Control Board approved the island’s first permit to operate for Real Deal LLC (Deep Green Guam), clearing a major hurdle after years of regulatory delays since legalization. Legal Access: Guam and CNMI Supreme Courts signed reciprocity agreements allowing licensed lawyers to practice across the Marianas without an extra bar exam, aiming to ease the lawyer shortage. Education Contract Dispute: GDOE and contractor Core Tech are at odds over nearly $20M in unpaid school repair work, with senators questioning whether payment is legal after an expired contract. Public Safety/Environment: Public Health is investigating violations of Guam’s banned coral-hurting sunscreen chemicals, coordinating with customs for enforcement. Business & Community: Micronesia Mall opened registration for the Mall Ball 3x3 tournament (July 17-19) with cash prizes and giveaways. Labor/Immigration: A Saipan case ended with an 82-year-old sentenced to 12 months home detention for visa fraud tied to the CNMI-only transitional worker program.

Public Health Enforcement: Guam’s Department of Public Health is investigating violations of the ban on coral-hurting sunscreen chemicals (oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene), working with Customs to flag shipments and ordering removal from commerce plus civil fines of $100 to $5,000 per violation. Education & Procurement: A GDOE oversight hearing zeroed in on a nearly $20M dispute with Core Tech International over unpaid school repair work, with GDOE arguing the contractor performed outside an expired contract and payment could violate procurement rules. Energy Costs & Household Impact: Residents weighed in on GPA’s proposed rate hike that could add about $58 per month starting July 1, ahead of a Thursday Public Utilities Commission decision. Cannabis Market Milestone: Guam’s Cannabis Control Board approved the first permit to operate for Deep Green Guam (Real Deal LLC), clearing a major hurdle for local production and sales after years of regulatory delays. Workforce Pipeline: UOG signed an MOU with Goodwind Development Corporation to expand internships, experiential learning, and workforce development for students and graduates. Military & Local Economy: Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat will join the US-led Valiant Shield exercise in the Pacific near Guam and the CNMI, signaling continued defense-linked activity. Tourism Recovery Watch: The Marianas Visitors Authority reported May arrivals down 82% year-over-year amid ongoing recovery from Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Local Business & Courts: Max’s Restaurant may avoid eviction if it makes an initial $50,000 settlement payment by June 30, with court follow-up set for July 8. Governance & Election: Republican gubernatorial teams faced Chamber questions on fiscal discipline, education funding, and modernization as Guam’s election season heats up.

Guam Power Rate Watch: Guam residents are bracing for a proposed GPA fuel surcharge hike that would add about $58 a month to the average bill starting July 1, with the Public Utilities Commission set to decide Thursday. Marianas Tourism Hit: Marianas Visitors Authority reports May arrivals fell 82% to 2,171 after Super Typhoon Sinlaku disrupted flights, though Jeju Air and United are planning resumptions. CNMI Power Recovery: Commonwealth Utilities Corporation says long-delayed power materials are arriving in Saipan, boosting restoration progress as FEMA generators are phased out. Cannabis Milestone: Guam’s Cannabis Control Board approved the island’s first permit to operate, clearing the way for Real Deal LLC (Deep Green Guam) to move forward. UOG Audit Update: The University of Guam received a clean FY2025 audit opinion, but auditors flagged material weaknesses in internal controls. Military Buildup, Public Input: Guam lawmakers will reopen a military buildup briefing Friday for community comments as missile plans and regional security concerns intensify. Labor Politics: IBEW Local 1260 endorsed Sne Patel for Hawaii House District 14, citing workforce and rebuilding priorities. Local Business & Community: McDonald’s of Guam named six “Crew of the Quarter” winners across island locations.

Power Costs & Public Reaction: Guam residents are bracing for a proposed GPA fuel surcharge hike that could add about $58 per month to an average bill starting July 1, with the Public Utilities Commission set to decide Thursday; some locals say the utility should find savings elsewhere. PUC Decision Preview: An administrative law judge recommends approval of GPA’s LEAC increase after projecting higher fuel-oil costs and potential under-recovery if the surcharge isn’t adjusted. Tourism & Travel Access: Guam and CNMI officials advanced visa waiver talks with the Philippines’ immigration bureau, aiming to reduce a “passenger bottleneck” that has hurt demand. Local Business & Legal: Max’s Restaurant may avoid eviction from Micronesia Mall if a first $50,000 settlement payment clears by end of June, pausing the case while parties return to court July 8. Workforce & Training: Guam Green Growth launched its first Youth Conservation Corps with hands-on sustainability and green-economy career exposure. Defense & Training Footprint: Naval Base Guam marked the operational milestone of a Multi-Domain Training facility supporting forward-leaning joint exercises, as Valiant Shield continues across the region. Education Finance: A clean audit from the Office of Public Accountability highlights UOG’s FY2025 financial stewardship, even as enrollment and tuition/fee revenue pressures persist. Cybersecurity & Operations: Naval Undersea Warfare Center Keyport completed a cloud migration of torpedo maintenance software, aiming to cut downtime and speed access for fleet users. Business Recognition: McDonald’s of Guam named six “Crew of the Quarter” winners from restaurants across the island.

UOG Financial Update: The University of Guam’s FY2025 audit from the Office of Public Accountability found a clean opinion, but also shows strain: enrollment fell by 587 students and tuition/fee revenue was down about 20% over five years, while operating expenses rose roughly $22.3 million. Tourism & Airport Watch: Guam’s airport revenues climbed about $11 million in FY2025 on a clean audit, even as officials warn of near-term revenue pressure and are pushing for better seat-capacity and flight-frequency planning. CNMI Storm Impact: Tropical Storm Higos formed south of Tinian and brought a Tropical Storm Warning, with officials urging residents to shelter in place and prepare for dangerous seas and winds. Visa Waiver Push: A Guam delegation met Philippine immigration officials in Manila to advance a joint working group toward adding the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program. Gov’t Online Payments: DRT says taxpayers who paid certain fees by credit card online will get reimbursements for individual convenience fees charged Jan. 23–April 30, 2025, urging people to match the credited fee amounts. Cyber & Fraud Alert: GDOE warned an email offering discounted vehicles and household items was a phishing attempt, saying neither the sender nor the named contact is affiliated with the agency. Energy Deal (Saipan): Eastern Power Solutions and the Commonwealth Ports Authority signed an MOU to develop a solar farm on CPA property at Saipan’s airport, with EPS financing and operating the project. Legal/Schools: The AG is urging the high court to vacate a $31K noneconomic damages award tied to a student injury at Agueda Johnston Middle School, arguing the wrong law was applied. Workforce & Green Economy: Guam Green Growth and UOG launched the first G3 Youth Conservation Corps to train high school students for sustainability and green-economy careers.

Workforce & Education: Guam Green Growth (G3) and the University of Guam launched the first G3 Youth Conservation Corps, giving high schoolers hands-on training tied to the island’s green economy and sustainability careers. University Finance: The Office of Public Accountability issued a clean audit on UOG’s FY2025 financials and compliance, citing stable enrollment and tuition, but noting higher operating expenses and enrollment pressure. Tourism & Air Service: Saipan’s international flights resumed after a two-month pause, with Jeju Air restarting Seoul-Incheon service and committing to four weekly flights through Oct. 25. Airport Watch: Guam International Airport Authority reported $11M in FY2025 revenue growth on a clean audit, while officials warned of near-term revenue strain tied to shifting traveler patterns. Defense & Local Economy: The House Armed Services Committee advanced a Guam-focused FY2027 NDAA package totaling about $1.9B, including major military construction, missile defense, and housing. Local Business Dispute: A $610K debt dispute involving New Fresh Bread Bakeshop and Cafe Panadero is set for trial after a judge allowed an amended complaint. Legal & Public Safety: A deportation plea deal for alleged gang leader Mesemwan Repwak remains stalled as his cases move toward an October trial. Energy Policy: Guam Power Authority says it has only had informal talks about nuclear microreactors, despite federal interest in potential deployment. Climate Resilience: California and Pacific partners issued a joint statement to deepen cooperation on climate adaptation and resilience.

Defense & Infrastructure: Tutor Perini/Black Construction won a $652M Guam Navy base contract for underground power-line upgrades, part of a broader $15B Pacific infrastructure push, with work slated to start next year and run through mid-2031. Aviation & Tourism: Guam airport finances show a mixed picture: GIAA reported FY2025 revenues up $11M on a clean audit, but the board says a near-term revenue problem is building as seat capacity and signatory/concession/PFC revenues lag budgets. Federal Funding & Military Buildout: The House Armed Services Committee advanced the FY2027 NDAA with about $1.9B in Guam-related priorities, including $1.353B for military construction, missile defense funding, and housing support—while dropping a proposed military land-acquisition provision. Local Economy & Business Skills: Nenpire Startup Series returns this summer for ages 7–13, teaching hands-on entrepreneurship with mentorship and a final marketplace showcase. Public Safety & Community: Guam Police Department’s Project U graduated 40 students from a four-week mentorship program focused on safety, leadership and trade skills. Environment & Risk: SPREP urged Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño impacts after it was declared underway.

Airport Watch: Guam airport revenues rose $11M in FY2025 on a clean audit, but GIAA and the board warn of a near-term revenue squeeze as seat capacity and signatory income lag budgets. Defense Dollars: The House Armed Services Committee advanced a FY2027 NDAA package with about $1.9B for Guam, including major military construction, missile defense, and housing—while dropping a proposal to acquire more than 100 acres of civilian land. Energy Policy: Guam Power Authority says it has only had informal talks about nuclear microreactors, not formal DoD discussions, even as the tech could become part of the FY2027 authorization. Water Liability: Government claims tied to dieldrin exposure now total about $167.5M for GWA and Guam EPA, with more filings expected as deadlines near. Tourism & Community: The Philippine Coast Guard completed Guam training ahead of RIMPAC; meanwhile, foster care advocates say Guam is short about 70 foster homes, with numbers at an all-time high. Local Business: Machida Shoten opened its Yokohama-style ramen spot in Guam, adding a new dining option for families. Youth & Skills: Nenpire Startup Series is accepting youth applications for a hands-on entrepreneurship program this summer.

Defense Budget Push: The House Armed Services Committee advanced Guam-focused FY2027 NDAA priorities totaling about $1.9B, including $1.353B for military construction (Polaris Point Submarine Pier, Joint Consolidated Communications Center, Inner Apra Harbor resiliency, Defense Access Roads Phase III), $184.41M for missile defense, and $249.06M for housing at Andersen Air Force Base. Airport Finances: A clean FY2025 audit for GIAA came with internal-control issues, while the airport’s board heard revenues are “big time” below budget—signatory, concession, and passenger facility charges all lag, with flight cancellations and reduced seat capacity cited. Public Works & Youth Skills: Nenpire Startup Series is accepting youth ages 7-13 for a hands-on entrepreneurship program, and Guam Police Department’s Project U wrapped up with 40 students completing safety, leadership, and trade-skills mentorship. Port Update: Port Authority of Guam reported $739K net income through eight months, with tariff adjustment still pending before the PUC. Local Governance & Costs: Acting Gov. Josh Tenorio rejected wage freezes and hiring pauses while pay studies are pending, warning freezes would hurt productivity amid competition for workers. Tourism & Fishing Policy: Guam officials weighed Trump’s move to reopen monument waters to commercial fishing, while commentary continued on tourism’s post-COVID slowdown and the need for broader economic investment.

Entrepreneurship & Youth Skills: Nenpire Startup Series returns this summer, offering hands-on business training for ages 7–13 with workshops, mentorship, prototyping and a final marketplace showcase. Airport Finance Watch: The A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority cleared its FY2025 audit with a clean opinion, but flagged internal control issues; meanwhile, GIAA says revenues are running “big time” below budget, citing fewer flights and seat capacity after airline suspensions. Port Performance: The Port Authority of Guam posted $739,000 net income through eight months, with tariff adjustments still pending before the PUC. Tourism & Travel Connectivity: United Airlines adds new nonstop Japan routes (Tokyo-Narita and Sapporo), aiming to boost Guam/Saipan/Palau connections for business and tourism. Local Governance & Costs: Acting Gov. Josh Tenorio rejected wage freezes while pay studies are pending, warning freezes would hurt staffing in a competitive labor market. Business Development Partnerships: Pinpoint Guam and UOG signed an internship MOU to expand student placements in data and decision-focused roles starting Fall 2026. Education Pipeline: UOG’s Triton Summer Academy opens registration for incoming freshmen with limited seats in upcoming cohorts.

Marianas fishing & federal policy: Guam officials are taking a wait-and-see stance after President Trump restored commercial fishing in Pacific marine national monuments, including the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument’s Islands Unit, saying preservation and food security must be balanced with real community input. Defense & local budgets: US Pacific Command chief Adm. Samuel Paparo is pressing Congress for major missile funding tied to the Guam Defense System, arguing China’s military buildup raises the risk of confrontation. Tourism & air costs: Guam Visitors Bureau says tourism is seeing “light at the end of the tunnel” as the Iran war nears a possible close, with jet fuel surcharges expected to ease and suspended South Korea flights targeted to return in July. GVB scandal oversight: Sen. Jesse Lujan scheduled a June 30 oversight hearing for Guam Visitors Bureau leadership amid a federal complaint alleging sexual misconduct, coverup, and misuse of public funds. Workforce & education: UOG is offering a free Triton Summer Academy for incoming freshmen, while Nenpire’s Startup Series opens applications for youth entrepreneurship training. Business & real estate: Pinpoint Guam and UOG signed an internship MOU to build student skills for a data-driven economy. GovGuam pay & hiring: Acting Gov. Josh Tenorio rejected wage freezes as pay studies are still pending. Transportation policy: DMV is revamping Guam’s driver testing and licensing; a bill would let adults skip parts of the learner process if they pass road tests. Hospitality hiring: Guam Plaza Resort named Tes Reyes-Burrier executive assistant to the owner.

Tourism & Aviation: Guam Visitors Bureau says tourism is seeing “light at the end of the tunnel” as the Iran war nears a possible close, with hopes of easing jet fuel surcharges and returning suspended South Korean flights; GVB also reported tourism’s total economic impact rose to about $1.6B in 2025, with visitor spending up to $1.2B and tourism-supported jobs increasing. Government Finance: Acting Gov. Josh Tenorio rejected any wage freeze or hiring halt while pay studies are pending, arguing freezes hurt productivity and staffing in a competitive labor market. Business & Workforce: Pinpoint Guam and UOG signed an internship MOU starting Fall 2026 to build student skills in data and decision science, with opportunities across multiple disciplines. Local Economy & Services: Guam Plaza Resort appointed Tes Reyes-Burrier as executive assistant to the owner, adding 40 years of hospitality and operations leadership. Defense & Infrastructure: A report says US plans to deploy offensive missiles in Guam as USINDOPACOM seeks major funding for missile systems and the Guam Defense System. Education & Community: UOG is taking registrations for Triton Summer Academy for incoming freshmen, with limited seats in Cohorts 3 and 4.

Tourism & Finance: Guam Visitors Bureau says it landed its first clean financial audit in more than six years, with zero findings, as visitor spending and jobs rose in 2025—direct spending up to $1.2B and total economic impact to $1.6B—while GVB targets 1.1M arrivals for FY27. Airfare & Connectivity: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and CNMI officials told a U.S. Senate hearing that Marianas airfares remain high, blaming cabotage limits and urging Congress to waive restrictions to restore more competitive service. Gov’t Procurement & Facilities: A bill would shift Guam Department of Revenue and Taxation from costly leasing to a public-private partnership for a permanent headquarters, while an OPA ruling dismissed a Simon Sanchez High School procurement appeal because DPW hadn’t issued protest decisions. Workforce & Skills: Palau SBDC leaders trained Guam and regional advisors on AI tools, and Guam Green Growth launched a Youth Conservation Corps with eight students to build career experience in conservation. Local Business & Data: Pinpoint Guam and UOG signed an internship MOU to expand student data/tech experience starting Fall 2026. Public Safety & Costs: DMV is revamping driver licensing tests, and a man was charged after allegedly stealing $5k–$8k in electricity via a tampered hookup.

Tourism & Finance: Guam Visitors Bureau says it landed its first clean financial audit in more than six years, with an unmodified opinion and no findings, as visitor spending and jobs rose in 2025—direct spending up to $1.2B and total economic impact to $1.6B. Airfare & Policy: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and CNMI officials told a U.S. Senate panel that Marianas airfare remains steep, pointing to cabotage restrictions and limited competition; they urged changes to improve connectivity. Local Economy & Workforce: Pinpoint Guam and the University of Guam signed an internship MOU to build data and tech talent starting Fall 2026, expanding opportunities across business and decision science. Education & Construction: GDOE warns F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School could open late for 2026-27 due to construction delays and pending health inspections, while the Education Board ordered no public school closures through the rest of this fiscal year and 2026-27. Governance & Procurement: OPA dismissed a Simon Sanchez High School procurement appeal because DPW never issued protest decisions, leaving the project’s legal path tied up. Public Safety & Mobility: DMV is revamping Guam’s driver licensing and testing program, and a bill would let adults skip the permit and supervised driving phase if they pass an on-road skills test. Disaster Readiness: GHRA says Guam hotels are key mass-care and emergency housing partners during disasters, coordinating with GVB and the emergency operations center.

Tourism & Finance: The Guam Visitors Bureau landed its first clean financial audit in more than six years, with an unmodified opinion and no findings or material weaknesses, as visitor spending and jobs rose in 2025. Procurement & Schools: The Office of Public Accountability dismissed General Pacific Services’ appeal over the Simon Sanchez High School rebuild because DPW hadn’t issued decisions on the underlying protests, leaving the project’s legal path still in motion. Federal Funding Watch: Guam’s Bureau of Statistics and Plans launched a petition to protect NOAA-linked funding for the Guam Coastal Management Program, warning NOAA cuts could halt shoreline and hazard work. Air Travel Policy: A push for a cabotage waiver reform is gaining attention as advocates argue Guam, CNMI and American Samoa are trapped by an airline monopoly that keeps fares high and options limited. Community Business & Workforce: The Nenpire Startup Series returns with a hands-on entrepreneurship track for youth, ending in a real-world marketplace where students sell products. Public Services & Cost of Living: Guam’s Summer EBT plan for 2026 received federal approval, with $6.54M in benefits and rollout details pending. Local Governance: The Guam Education Board ordered GDOE to pause public school closures for the rest of the current fiscal year and through 2026-27 while it gathers more data and hears from stakeholders.

Tourism & Trade: The Guam Visitors Bureau landed a clean FY2025 financial audit for the first time in more than six years and says tourism spending hit $1.2B, while it pushes a 1.1M arrivals goal for FY2027. Market Push: GVB also brought Guam’s culture and travel deals to the Philippines via “Guam With Me: The Manila Event,” aiming to grow an emerging visitor market. Local Business & Youth: The Nenpire Startup Series 2026 returns with hands-on entrepreneurship for Guam youth (ages 7-13), ending in a real-world marketplace where students sell products. Public Finance & Compliance: Elevance Health announced $640M in affordable housing investment over five years, including projects tied to Guam. Government Procurement: OPA dismissed a Simon Sanchez procurement appeal because DPW never issued a decision on the underlying protest. Education: The Guam Education Board ordered no public school closures for the rest of FY2026 and all of SY 2026-27, pending more data and outreach. Food Assistance: Guam’s Summer EBT plan received federal approval, with $6.54M in benefits for 2026 and rollout details to follow. Infrastructure & Quality of Life: A letter warns Guam’s neglected sidewalks are hurting tourism and endangering pedestrians. Community Impact: Malesso’ post office is closing June 30, forcing residents to drive for mail.