AGP Executive Report

Airport Finance: Guam International Airport Authority approved FY2027 airline rate and fee increases to cover an estimated $10.3M–$12.5M shortfall, after lawmakers funded $9M of a $17.7M request; proposed changes include higher building use, departure, arrival, and common-use departure fees plus an immigration fee. Cost-of-Living Policy: Starting Oct. 1, childcare assistance eligibility changes will cut benefits for some working families, while a separate business privilege tax cut for top earners takes effect the same day. Trade & Modernization: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed an agreement with UNCTAD to deploy ASYCUDA, an automated customs data system, to streamline revenue collection, manifests, entry declarations, and trade statistics. Tourism Pipeline: Guam used Tourism EXPO Japan 2026 to rebuild the Japanese visitor market, while Guam MegaFAM brought 240 travel pros and media to drive new B2B connections and visibility. Military Buildup Impact: New projections say Guam may need $11.7B over 30 years for infrastructure and services tied to the U.S. buildup, with annual government service needs topping $415M by 2034. Local Business Support: Guam Community College is seeking vendors for its Nov. 27 Holiday Bazaar, with fees funding student scholarships.

UN Climate Diplomacy: At the UN General Assembly, Pacific leaders pushed for action on sea-level rise, with Tuvalu calling it a “present reality” and urging climate finance as grants at needed scale. Guam Climate Risk Framing: The UN also adopted a declaration affirming island states won’t automatically lose statehood or UN membership if rising seas make parts uninhabitable, while maritime zones tied to fishing and offshore resources would remain stable. Military Buildup Costs: Guam’s governor told federal agencies in San Francisco that the island may face $11.7B in 30-year infrastructure and service needs, including $415M+ per year by 2034, and urged an “One Guam” economic adjustment approach. Customs Modernization: GovGuam signed an agreement to move Guam Customs and Quarantine to UNCTAD’s Automated System for Customs Data, replacing decades of paper processing. Tourism Push: Guam’s MegaFAM brought 240 travel professionals and media to strengthen Japan and other markets, while Guam also highlighted its tourism push at Tourism EXPO Japan 2026. Local Business Support: Guam Community College is seeking vendors for its Nov. 27 Holiday Bazaar, with fees funding student scholarships. Legal/Finance Watch: A federal court temporarily sealed key Guam Visitors Bureau filings in a sex-trafficking lawsuit as damages demand rose to $121.5M. Education & Workforce: UOG accounting senior Shauntay Leon Guerrero won a $15K PCAOB scholarship, and GDOE set a Sept. 29 CHamoru teacher orientation.

Military Buildup Costs: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero says Guam faces up to $415M a year in added government services by 2034 and a $11.7B 30-year infrastructure and service requirement, urging federal agencies to convene an Economic Adjustment Committee and adopt a “One Guam” approach. Local Governance & Accountability: The Office of the Public Auditor will review travel spending by a 30-member Guam delegation to San Francisco and expects individual trip/accomplishment reports from officials. Housing Crunch: A Realtors forum had gubernatorial teams pitching solutions to Guam’s shortage—ranging from opening government land and lowering build costs to expanding Guam Housing Corporation subsidies and speeding permitting. Tourism Ripple Effect: A local business owner argues tourism success directly powers jobs and growth for retailers, makers, service providers, and other small businesses. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: NRDC says Marianas residents lack time and information to weigh a Dec. 16 seabed mining lease sale; Blue Ocean Law plans a court challenge over federal authority. Business & Community: GTA named five Youth Leaders for 2026-27; Dusit Place welcomed new tenants including New Era and Shogun Teppanyaki; and Guam Community College’s Jariah San Gil took double wins at BurgerFest.

Military Buildup Costs: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero says Guam faces up to $11.7B in 30-year infrastructure and service needs tied to the U.S. military buildup, with $415M+ per year in added government services by 2034, as Guam and CNMI push for federal help and an “Economic Adjustment Committee” in San Francisco. Housing & Permitting: At a Guam Realtors forum, gubernatorial teams argued over how to tackle a housing crunch—ranging from Homes First ideas like using government land and expanding utilities to subsidies and “build your own home” programs to speed approvals. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: NRDC says Marianas residents lack time and information to weigh a seabed mining lease sale, while CNMI mayors formally oppose the plan over missing studies and unclear benefits; Blue Ocean Law also plans a court challenge over federal authority. Aviation/Travel: Sen. Jesse Lujan says talks with China Airlines created a pathway to restore Taiwan–Guam flights, starting with possible charters in summer 2027. Local Business & Community: GTA named five Youth Leaders for 2026-27; Guam Chamber of Commerce marked its 102nd anniversary gala; GCC culinary student Jariah San Gil took double wins at BurgerFest. Education Health Update: DPHSS clarified Tiyan/San Sanchez campus inspection status and said a sanitary permit remains suspended until corrective actions and required inspections are completed.

Military Buildup Costs: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero told federal officials in San Francisco that Guam’s military expansion could require up to $11.7B in infrastructure and services over 30 years—about $415M a year by 2034—prompting a push for an “One Guam” federal response and possible reconvening of an Economic Adjustment Committee. Housing & Permitting: At a Guam Realtors forum, gubernatorial teams said the island needs 6,000 to 9,000+ more homes, with proposals ranging from opening government land and lowering build costs to expanding Guam Housing Corporation subsidies and speeding permitting. Tourism & Retail Momentum: Dusit Place is rebranding and adding tenants, including New Era and Shogun Teppanyaki, while a local tourism op-ed argues visitor growth directly boosts small businesses across Guam. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Blue Ocean Law says it will challenge federal deep-sea mining authority in court, and CNMI mayors also oppose seabed mining over unanswered environmental and economic questions. Air Service Watch: Guam is working toward China Airlines charter flights to Taiwan by summer 2027, with a path to restore scheduled service. Local Business: Arcadia Theater in Texas is being converted into a wedding and event venue, and Guam’s cannabis board moved to remove a years-old license application after no communication.

Military & Infrastructure: Guam is pushing Washington to fund civilian infrastructure strained by the military buildup, with a high-stakes San Francisco meeting drawing about 100 federal officials and dozens of local leaders to discuss impacts on hospitals, utilities, ports, schools, housing and emergency services. Aviation & Tourism: China Airlines talks with Sen. Jesse Lujan point to a pathway for Taiwan–Guam charter flights starting summer 2027, with possible restoration of scheduled service after demand is proven. Local Governance: A Guam bill would transfer the former LBJ Elementary School campus in Tamuning to the Guam Police Department as a permanent headquarters, aiming to replace constrained Tiyan facilities. Public Health & Compliance: DPHSS clarified that the Tiyan High School campus remains under sanitary permit suspension until a formal reinspection request is submitted after all corrective actions are completed. Business & Economy: Guam’s cannabis regulator moved to remove a years-old license application from consideration after the applicant failed to respond to outreach. Energy & Power: Researchers say small modular reactors deserve a hard look as Guam weighs nuclear-power interest tied to U.S. military plans. Aviation Disruption: United Airlines cancels flights to 24 long-haul airports, a reminder of shifting airline capacity that can ripple into Guam travel demand. Crime & Courts: Prosecutors filed multiple charges across property and violent cases, including a power-tool theft captured on surveillance and a separate check-forgery case involving unauthorized “cash” checks.

Military Infrastructure Push: Gov. Lou Leon-Guerrero and Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio led talks in San Francisco with federal officials, pressing for U.S. funding to cover civilian infrastructure strain from the military buildup, with hopes of renewed Economic Adjustment Committee coordination. Health Care Funding Gridlock: Guam lawmakers recessed again on the governor’s $15.8M GMH electronic health record proposal, citing missing procurement details and competing Section 30 bills. Cannabis Licensing: The Cannabis Control Board moved to remove Greenland Farms’ years-old cannabis cultivation application after the applicant failed to respond to outreach. GVB Sex-Crimes Case Escalates: A federal lawsuit against the Guam Visitors Bureau added trafficking and civil-rights conspiracy allegations, seeking $121.5M and targeting board leadership. Subsea Connectivity for AI: SUBCO unveiled three new APAC hypercable systems linking Australia, Japan, Guam, Los Angeles, Singapore and Indonesia, aiming for completion by 2029. Local Business Pressure: Food truck operators told lawmakers permits and fees are squeezing margins, calling for more uniform rules. Education Strain in CNMI: Saipan’s public school system warned it’s in a tough fiscal spot as storm recovery, expiring federal aid and staffing shortages continue.

Military Buildup & Federal Aid: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero’s team is in San Francisco for “unprecedented” talks with federal agencies on the financial and civilian impacts of Guam’s military expansion, setting up groundwork for a presidential-level Economic Adjustment Committee to unlock help for utilities, healthcare, roads, seaport/airport upgrades and cyber resilience. Hospital Funding Standoff: Guam lawmakers recessed again on the governor’s $15.8M GMH electronic health record replacement bill, citing missing procurement details and GMH leadership while competing Section 30 measures are also in play. Deep-Sea Mining Pressure: Activists with Prutehi Guåhan are ramping up community outreach ahead of a Dec. 16 federal seabed mining lease sale, starting with a Sept. 30 “Deep Sea Mining 101” screening at UOG. Cost of Living Hit: Gas rose to $6.229/gal and diesel to $7.199/gal after a midweek increase, with prices tied to global energy pressure. Small Business Watch: Eggs ‘n Things Guam closed in Tumon after 12 years, blaming post-pandemic tourism slump and higher shipping costs. Local Permitting Friction: Food truck operators told lawmakers permitting fees and rules are inconsistent and rising, calling for more uniform guidance. Education & Operations: GDOE and DPW issued a revised bus schedule for four high schools starting double sessions after parents raised concerns over short-notice changes. Workforce/Finance: Bank of Guam announced leadership promotions across its “Familia.” Science & Careers: UOG CIS & Sea Grant named Rota journalist Thomas Mangloña II as its inaugural Marianas Science Communications Fellow.

Food Truck Regulation: Vice Speaker Tony Ada heard from Guam food truck owners about rising costs and permitting confusion, saying growth has outpaced regulatory frameworks. Court Case: A Docomo Pacific employee accused of sexually assaulting a female airman at Andersen dormitory after a Wi‑Fi installation faces aggravated sexual abuse charges. Banking: Bank of Guam announced promotions for seven leaders, highlighting internal leadership growth across its “Familia.” Energy Costs: Gas rose above $6 and diesel above $7 after a Wednesday night increase, adding pressure to already climbing power and living costs. Power Relief Push: GPA backed $100 monthly power bill credits for September–November as fuel surcharge hikes take effect. Military Impact Planning: GovGuam officials met federal counterparts in San Francisco to lay groundwork for an Economic Adjustment Committee tied to military buildup impacts. Deep-Sea Mining: Guam’s governor demanded formal consultation before a CNMI seabed lease sale moves forward. Digital Infrastructure: FLAG plans 400GbE/800GbE services via ECHO cable upgrades connecting Singapore–Guam–California. Education & Transport: GDOE and DPW issued a new bus schedule for four high schools starting double sessions after parent frustration. Local Business Growth: GEDA’s Guam STEP opened applications to help small businesses expand internationally.

Fuel Costs & Household Budgets: Gas prices in Guam jumped about 30 cents to over $6 a gallon, while diesel rose about 20 cents to above $7 after a Wednesday night increase, adding pressure to already rising living costs. Power & Utility Relief: The Guam Power Authority backed $100 monthly power bill credits for September through November as lawmakers weigh competing uses of excess Section 30 funds amid an average $88 bill increase tied to higher fuel costs. Military Buildup & Federal Aid: GovGuam officials met in San Francisco to press for an Economic Adjustment Committee to coordinate federal help for civilian impacts from the military buildup, including health, power, water, ports, and communications. Healthcare Funding: Lawmakers held hearings on Section 30 measures, including GovGuam’s push for a new electronic health record system for Guam Memorial Hospital Authority and a Blue Economy Innovation Center at UOG. Deep-Sea Mining Consultation Fight: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero demanded formal federal consultation on a proposed CNMI seabed mineral lease sale, arguing Guam is an “adjacent state” entitled to the same process. Tourism Snapshot: Marianas visitor arrivals totaled 4,840 in July 2026, down 66% year-over-year as recovery continues post-typhoon. Local Business & Growth: GEDA’s Guam State Trade Expansion Program is accepting applications to help small businesses export, with training and financial support for market expansion. Community & Sports: Avira Sports opened an air-conditioned, multi-sport private recreation facility in Dededo, adding indoor courts and programming for residents.

Deep-Sea Mining Consultation: Gov. Lourdes Leon Guerrero is demanding formal federal consultation on the CNMI’s proposed PACM-2 deep-sea mineral lease sale, arguing Guam is an “adjacent state” and should have received the same 60-day review window before a final leasing notice. Power Costs Relief: Guam Power Authority backed $100 monthly power bill credits for September through November as fuel surcharge rates rise; the credits would be funded from excess Section 30 revenues. Airport Funding Push: Rep. Kimberlyn King-Hinds’ Rural Airport Infrastructure Support Act cleared a key U.S. House Transportation panel unanimously, aiming to raise federal funding to 95% for eligible territory and rural airport projects. Medical Examiner Office: Lawmakers heard mixed testimony on a bill to create an executive director role for Guam’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, balancing independence with administrative needs. AI Regulation Timeline: Guam’s AI task force says it’s ahead of schedule; a second report is due Nov. 17 as it builds a regulatory framework under Public Law 38-77. Trade Expansion for Small Firms: GEDA’s Guam State Trade Expansion Program is now accepting applications to help local businesses export via training, financial support, and market access. GVB Budget: The Guam Visitors Bureau board approved a $28.97M FY2027 operating budget, with marketing as the largest line item. Infrastructure Finance: The Public Utilities Commission approved Guam Waterworks Authority’s $110M bond borrowing to fund water and sewer upgrades through 2030. Sports & Community Business: Avira Sports opened its new indoor pickleball-and-multi-sport facility to the public, and Guam Cancer Care’s Strides for the Cure 2K/5K registration is open for Oct. 3.

Autonomous Aviation: Joby Aviation says it completed the first fully autonomous transcontinental flight in the U.S., covering 3,199 miles eastbound in a converted Cessna Caravan with zero hands-on control inputs from a safety pilot. Tourism & Budget: The Guam Visitors Bureau board approved a $28.97M FY2027 operating budget, with marketing as the biggest line item and a director warning of a tougher economic outlook. Power Costs: Guam’s PUC approved a fuel surcharge hike via LEAC, raising the average residential bill by about $88 starting Oct. 1 after a prior increase earlier this year. Water Infrastructure: Guam Waterworks Authority won PUC approval for a $110M bond borrowing to fund water and sewer upgrades now expected to total about $1.22B through 2030. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero is pressing Interior for mandatory federal consultation on the Marianas offshore mineral lease sale, while Guam and American Samoa leaders urge Washington not to rush commercial seabed mining. Local Business Growth: GEDA’s Guam State Trade Expansion Program opened applications to help small businesses export, with training and financial support for market expansion. Regional Security: North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea in quick succession, prompting urgent monitoring and condemnation from South Korea and Japan.

Education & Facilities: Science is Fun and Awesome Learning Academy (SIFA) got a Sept. 30 deadline to submit a permanent campus plan, with Chairwoman Evangeline Cepeda ruling out the former Chief Brodie Memorial Elementary School and saying SIFA won’t stay at the Royal Orchid Resort all year. Utilities & Household Costs: The Guam Public Utilities Commission approved a second power rate hike in three months: the LEAC fuel surcharge will rise from about 19.4 to 28.4 cents per kWh starting Oct. 1, adding about $88.56 to the average monthly bill through Jan. 31, 2027. Water Infrastructure Financing: Guam Waterworks Authority won PUC approval for a $110M bond borrowing to support water and sewer upgrades totaling about $1.22B through 2030, with average customer bill impacts starting Oct. 1. Business Expansion: Guam Economic Development Authority opened applications for the Guam State Trade Expansion Program (Guam STEP), offering export training and financial help for small businesses aiming for overseas markets. Local Business & Community: GTA was named a finalist for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s 2026 Citizens Awards for GTA Gives community impact. Education Disruption: After a major plumbing failure at Tiyan, GDOE will move hundreds of students into double sessions at Simon A. Sanchez, Okkodo, and George Washington High School next week. International Trade/Travel: The Philippine Consulate launched the 2027 Very Important Pinoy Tour: Winter Escapade, shifting the program to February and adding new destination options. Geopolitics: North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea in quick succession, days after U.S., South Korea and Japan concluded drills near Guam.

Utilities Financing: Guam Waterworks Authority won Public Utilities Commission approval to borrow $110M in bonds for water and sewer upgrades now expected to total $1.22B through 2030, with average customer bill increases starting Oct. 1. Power Costs: The PUC approved a higher Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause, pushing the average residential bill up about $88.56 as GPA faces sharply higher fuel costs and a still-pending $70M credit line request for liquidity. Export Push for Small Business: GEDA opened applications for the Guam State Trade Expansion Program (Guam STEP), offering export training, financial awards, and market access for eligible local companies, with a deadline of Oct. 2. Customs Modernization: Guam Customs and Quarantine is moving from decades of paper processing toward an electronic ASYCUDA system under a UNCTAD agreement. Local Business & Permits: ABC board approved eight alcohol license applications, including expansions and new openings at Hagåtña and Micronesia Mall. Community & Growth: Guam Women’s Chamber set its Fanachu Famalåo’an 2026 summit for Oct. 29, and the Guam Football Association launched its women’s football strategic plan “Her Game. Our Future.” Geopolitics With Guam Links: North Korea fired suspected ballistic missiles into the East Sea amid heightened regional tensions tied to drills near Guam; separately, reports say Guam-based attack submarines were pulled from western Pacific patrols due to an Iran blockade.

Deep-sea mining pressure on Apatang: Environmental and community groups are urging Gov. David Apatang to use a narrow federal authority to recommend stopping the Northern Marianas deep-sea mining lease process, but the governor says he won’t ask Interior to pause or cancel before an Oct. 19 deadline, pointing to pending lawsuits and planning formal comments instead. Customs modernization: Guam Customs and Quarantine is moving from decades of paper processing to an electronic system, signing with UNCTAD to deploy ASYCUDA for cargo data, declarations, and revenue functions. Power costs hit households: The PUC approved an 8.8-cent LEAC increase to 28.2 cents per kWh starting Oct. 1, adding about $88 to the average residential bill. Small business export push: GEDA opened applications for Guam STEP, offering export training and financial support for small businesses targeting overseas markets. Education disruption: After a plumbing failure at Tiyan, GDOE will shift students into double sessions at Sanchez, Okkodo, and George Washington High starting next week. Business recognition: GTA was named a finalist for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s 2026 Citizens Awards for community giving through GTA Gives. Travel and trade ripple effects: FedEx announced new demand surcharges on some international shipments, including routes involving Guam.

Guam Power Costs: The Public Utilities Commission approved an 8.8-cent jump to Guam Power Authority’s Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause, lifting the average residential bill by about $88 starting Oct. 1, after fuel-price volatility tied to the Iran war and earlier Ukudu steam-turbine issues. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: A Pacific coalition urged Gov. David Apatang to use a federal rule to halt a Northern Marianas lease sale, as U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said seabed mining permits could move “within months.” PUC/Port Watch: The PUC delayed a requested 17% Port Authority tariff hike, with a possible decision pushed to November or December. Visa & Tourism: Guam’s push to add the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program projects 25,000 new visitors and about $11M in initial spending. Business & Licensing: ABC board approved eight alcohol license applications, including expansion at Cost.U.Less Hagåtña and a new Micronesia Mall Food Court vendor. Community & Sports: GTA was named a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Citizens Awards finalist; GDOE moved students into double sessions after a major Tiyan plumbing failure; and the Guam Football Association launched its women’s football strategic plan “Her Game. Our Future.”