AGP Executive Report

Open Government & Elections: UOG professor Ronald McNinch filed a Superior Court complaint against the Guam Election Commission, alleging Open Government Law violations tied to access to GEC board meetings and public participation. Sports & Community Development: The Guam Jiu-Jitsu Federation launched guamjjf.com to centralize membership, governance, safeguarding, and an Olympic pathway for athletes. Tourism & Immigration Policy: Guam and CNMI lawmakers unveiled the Marianas Tourism Advancement Act of 2026, expanding the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program to the Philippines and adding Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, India and Mongolia. Energy Costs & Utility Watch: Guam Power Authority says it wants to delay another LEAC fuel-surcharge adjustment while projections and financing are secured; the PUC is set to vote on a 17% tariff increase for the Port Authority and a potential power-rate hike that could raise average bills by about $88. Local Business Spotlight: Hu Guaiya Minipancakes opened its first brick-and-mortar shop at CHamoru Village, moving from a pop-up model to a permanent location. Education & Enrollment: UOG reported Fall 2026 enrollment of 2,942 students, up 3% year over year. Public Health & Facilities: GDOE says deficiencies were fixed at Tiyan and Simon Sanchez high schools, but sanitary permits remain suspended pending further review. Invasive Species & Federal/Local Partnership: Joint Region Marianas and UOG launched the “Båsta BTS” campaign to help stop the spread of the brown treesnake. Women’s Entrepreneurship: Bank of Guam, KUAM Communications and the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce revived ElevateHER Pitch Program for a third year, offering seed funding and media support.

Power & Cost of Living: The Guam Public Utilities Commission is set to weigh a proposed 17% Port Authority tariff increase and a separate Guam Power Authority fuel surcharge (LEAC) that could add about $88.56 to the average monthly residential bill, as GPA cites volatile fuel costs tied to the Iran war and global oil disruptions. Fuel Prices: Guam gas jumped 25 cents to $6.479 for regular, nearing the island’s all-time highs and adding pressure as power-rate hikes loom. Education Facilities: GDOE says deficiencies at Tiyan and Simon Sanchez High Schools were fixed, but sanitary permits remain suspended pending further review—an issue that could affect school operations and public trust. Labor Services: The Philippine government’s Migrant Workers Office in Guam is expected to start serving CNMI soon, bringing labor document processing closer to workers. Aviation & Infrastructure: A U.S. House panel unanimously advanced a bill that would raise the federal share of rural airport project costs to 95% for Guam and CNMI. Community Finance: Bank of Guam donated $10,000 to help Monkubok Weto families rebuild after a fire on Ebeye. Business Climate: An OUR VIEW op-ed urges Guam to pause before raising tariffs during an election year, arguing timing and incoming leadership matter for long-term economic decisions.

Power Costs & LEAC Decision: Guam Power Authority says it wants to delay any Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause change until it can secure a line of credit, as the PUC weighs whether to raise the fuel surcharge again; a proposed 28.2 cents/kWh would mean about an $88.56 jump in the average monthly residential bill starting Oct. 1. Fuel Prices: Guam gas hit $6.479 for regular after a 25-cent Wednesday jump, with diesel at $7.669, adding pressure to already rising power costs. Port Authority Tariff Vote: The PUC is set to decide on a 17% tariff increase for the Port of Guam, citing higher service delivery costs and economic conditions. Education Facilities Oversight: GDOE says deficiencies at Tiyan and Simon Sanchez High Schools were fixed, but sanitary permits remain suspended pending further review. Healthcare Funding Process: Guam lawmakers paused a special session on Section 30 funding for GMH and UOG, scheduling public hearings first for competing bills. Tourism & Travel Policy: CNMI Del. Kimberlyn King-Hinds’ Marianas Tourism Advancement Act would expand the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program to include the Philippines and other countries, aiming to boost tourism and air service. Community & Business Support: Bank of Guam donated $10,000 to help Monkubok Weto families rebuild after a fire; GCC culinary programs received about $2,000 in equipment via a charity golf tournament. Regional Infrastructure: A U.S. House panel unanimously advanced a bill to raise the federal share of rural airport project costs to 95% for Guam and CNMI.

Energy Costs: Guam’s PUC is set to review a proposed LEAC fuel surcharge increase to 28.2 cents per kWh starting Oct. 1, which would add about $88.56 to the average monthly residential bill (to roughly $407) through January 2027, after a July hike tied to higher fuel costs. Local Relief & Community: Bank of Guam donated $10,000 to help Monkubok Weto families on Ebeye rebuild after a fire, targeting urgent needs like food, water, clothing, and recovery support. Healthcare Funding: Guam lawmakers paused a special session on using excess Section 30 funds, with senators planning public hearings before deciding whether to allocate about $19.8 million for GMH’s electronic health records system and UOG’s Blue Economy Innovation Center. Tourism & Travel Policy: CNMI Del. Kimberlyn King-Hinds and Guam Del. James Moylan are pushing a federal bill to expand the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program by adding the Philippines and other countries to boost regional tourism and air service. Maritime Security: The U.S. Coast Guard commissioned the Guam-bound fast-response cutter USCGC Jeffrey Palazzo, the fifth Sentinel-class vessel slated for the island, expanding search-and-rescue and port/security capabilities. Indo-Pacific Defense Debate: A U.S. think tank proposal to shift forces away from the “first island chain” and toward a “second island chain” has alarmed allies, with Guam and the CNMI highlighted as key locations.

Visa Waiver Expansion: CNMI Del. Kimberlyn King-Hinds and Guam Del. James Moylan introduced the Marianas Tourism Advancement Act of 2026 to add the Philippines plus India, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and Mongolia to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, aiming to boost tourism, air service and local business while limiting travel to Guam/CNMI. Health Care Funding: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero called a special session on a $19.8M Section 30 bill to fund a Guam Memorial Hospital electronic health records replacement ($15.9M) and a UOG aquaculture Blue Economy Innovation Center at Fadian Hatchery ($4M). Hospital Billing Risk: GMH leaders warned delays could trigger a “catastrophic blackout” of billing and patient records if procurement slips. Energy Costs: The PUC is set to review a possible LEAC fuel surcharge increase as GPA reports being $37M “in the hole” on fuel under-recovery. Public Input on Section 30: Senators recessed a Tuesday session and scheduled hearings before deciding how to allocate about $20M in excess Section 30 funds. Maritime Security: The Coast Guard commissioned the Guam-bound fast-response cutter USCGC Jeffrey Palazzo, the fifth Sentinel-class vessel in the western Pacific mission set. Tourism Incentives: GEDA is pushing the Enhancing Tourism Aesthetic Program, offering tax credits and abatements for visible commercial improvements starting Oct. 1. Community & Training: Bank of Guam donated $10,000 to Monkubok Weto families after a fire on Ebeye; GCC culinary programs received about $2,000 in equipment; Rotaract set a youth leadership conference Friday at Hyatt Regency Guam. Crime & Courts: Unsealed court records detail an underage sex sting on Guam with five men indicted and pleading not guilty. Logistics & Trade: Maersk added a $500 emergency surcharge for select Middle East destinations, with Guam listed as a “regulated country” for timing. Regional Voice: CNMI is seeking to keep observer status in the Pacific Islands Forum and may pursue associate membership to strengthen its regional role.

Hospital Funding Crunch: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero called a special Guam Legislature session Tuesday to approve $15.9 million for Guam Memorial Hospital’s electronic health records replacement, warning delays could trigger a “catastrophic blackout” of billing and patient records; the bill also folds in $4 million for UOG’s Blue Economy Innovation Center at the Fadian Hatchery. Power Rates Watch: The Public Utilities Commission will review Guam Power Authority’s Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause (LEAC) Thursday after GPA reported a $37 million fuel “under-recovery,” with global oil prices pushing pressure on the next possible fuel surcharge change. Freight Costs: Maersk announced a new $500 container surcharge for shipments to the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Iraq, with Guam listed among “regulated countries” getting later deadlines. Tourism Incentives: GEDA is rolling out the Enhancing Tourism Aesthetic Program starting Oct. 1, offering tax credits and abatements to spur “responsible private sector investment” that improves tourism-facing commercial properties. Workforce Tech: Guam’s Department of Labor is adding AI to HIREGUAM to help job seekers and employers, but the key question is whether it improves outcomes—so a “human handoff scorecard” is urged to track real performance gains.

Freight Costs: Maersk added a new $500 Emergency Operational Cost Recovery Surcharge for Gulf-bound containers to the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Iraq, with Guam and other “regulated” destinations getting later deadlines—another reminder that Middle East disruptions can quickly hit island supply chains. Power Rates: The PUC will discuss a possible LEAC fuel-charge increase Thursday; GPA says it will review the recommendation but will keep pushing to protect customers from sharp jumps while still covering real fuel costs. Health & Education Funding: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero called a special session on Tuesday for a $19.8M bill to fund a GMHA electronic health record system and UOG’s Blue Economy Innovation Center. Tourism Incentives: GEDA is rolling out the Enhancing Tourism Aesthetic Program starting Oct. 1, offering tax credits and abatements for visible commercial improvements tied to Guam’s tourism image. Local Governance & Business: A new Guam warehouse in Tamuning cleared GLUC approval for light industrial use, aiming to expand distribution capacity for the next 8–10 years. Public Safety & Community: McDonald’s of Guam donated $5,000 to Guam Crime Stoppers, continuing its long-running support for the Run Against Crime. Legal/Compliance: Federal documents detail an underage sex sting that led to five men indicted in Guam, including attempted enticement and child pornography charges. Tech & Connectivity: TPG Telecom’s fiber and submarine cable assets tied to Guam have transferred to Vocus, reshaping the carrier’s business model toward mobile and consumer broadband. Politics: AG Douglas Moylan skipped a Guam Bar Association debate, saying the forum is biased—while challengers plan to participate.

Pacific Islands Forum: CNMI wants to keep its observer status in the Pacific Islands Forum and could push for associate membership to strengthen its voice as great-power competition intensifies. Guam Power Rates: Guam Power Authority says the PUC is reviewing the LEAC and GPA will argue for a fuel-cost approach that avoids sharp customer spikes while managing cash needs. Workforce & AI: Guam’s labor department is rolling out AI workforce tools, but an opinion piece says success should be measured with a human handoff scorecard and rework tracking. Immigration & Labor: The U.S. H-2B visa cap for early 2027 jobs is full, closing the first-half application window for eligible temporary non-agricultural workers. Education Funding Pressure: Teachers testify on Bill 351-38, pushing back on pay and affordability concerns as lawmakers consider giving GDOE more control over educator compensation. Procurement & Courts: Former DPR certifying officer Christine Olkeriil pleads not guilty in a Comfort Cuts-related payment case, with disputes over service and procurement records expected. Local Business Development: GLUC approved a new Tamuning warehouse project to expand distribution capacity for Guam’s economy. Air Service Update: T’way Air rebranded as Trinity Airways, with Guam airport officials highlighting continued connectivity to Japan and Korea. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Lawsuits challenge deep-sea mining lease actions in the Marianas and American Samoa, while CNMI lawmakers push for revenue sharing protections.

Former DPR worker arraigned: Christine M. Olkeriil, a former Guam Department of Parks and Recreation certifying officer, pleaded not guilty to felony tampering and three misdemeanor official misconduct counts tied to a cemetery grounds maintenance contract; the magistrate set a $3,000 personal recognizance bond and kept her out of jail while the case heads toward jury trial and procurement-related discovery fights. Power rates watch: Guam Power Authority says the PUC opened a proceeding to review the Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause (LEAC) and warns it will push for a fuel-cost approach that avoids sharp customer increases while reflecting actual generation costs. Education enrollment pressure: GDOE Superintendent Judith Won Pat says public school enrollment fell to 21,840 students from 23,121 in 2025, citing off-island moves and teacher resignations, with the south hardest hit. School restart logistics: After an environmental health inspection, GDOE is preparing a double-session schedule for the Tiyan/Simon Sanchez campus to meet the 180-day mandate without a waiver. Teacher pay debate: Lawmakers continued hearings on Bill 351-38, with teachers again citing affordability and burnout concerns tied to current pay. Workforce tech with guardrails: DOL plans AI tools for HIREGUAM, but the key question is whether outcomes improve—calling for a human handoff scorecard and tracking rework and verification. Mail delays and de minimis changes: Rep. James Moylan pressed USPS over new customs steps and costs for Guam-bound packages after de minimis changes, using Zonos for customs processing. Local business capacity: GLUC approved Perez Properties’ new Tamuning warehouse, expanding light industrial space to support distribution needs. Tourism and community: GVB opened registration for the 2026 Guam International Dance Festival; Mangilao’s Donne’ Festival returns this weekend despite typhoon impacts, with peppers and vendors reporting strong demand. Health fundraiser: Bryant Taitano’s family launched a GoFundMe for congestive heart failure and kidney disease treatment, including possible off-island surgery. Aviation update: T’way Air rebranded as Trinity Airways, and GIAA congratulated the carrier as it continues Guam routes. Deep-sea mining legal pressure: New lawsuits challenge deep-sea mining plans in the Marianas and American Samoa, while CNMI’s delegate pushes for revenue sharing.

Education Enrollment: Guam Department of Education Superintendent Judith Won Pat says public school enrollment is falling islandwide, dropping from 23,121 students in 2025 to 21,840 now, with data pointing to families relocating off island and a shift from southern villages to central and northern areas. School Operations: After an Aug. 13 environmental health closure at the shared Tiyan High School campus, GDOE says it’s awaiting the official inspection report and is preparing a double-session schedule to keep the 180-day requirement without a waiver. Local Business & Trade: Perez Properties won GLUC approval to build a new Tamuning warehouse (1.28 acres) to support distribution and reduce waste, with operations planned roughly 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tourism Marketing: Guam Visitors Bureau says it’s pushing overseas promotions despite weaker arrivals, citing the 2026 Guam Mega Familiarization Tour and reporting August 2026 visitor numbers down 22.9% year over year, with South Korean and Japanese arrivals still leading the decline. Procurement & Costs: A Guam opinion piece criticizes a Medicaid computer-system procurement process, arguing competition and bid dynamics can drive up costs for families. CNMI Politics & Federal Ties: CNMI delegate candidates King-Hinds and Deleon Guerrero faced voters in a debate covering disaster recovery, federal contracting, Medicaid and tourism. Deep-Sea Mining Legal Fight: Conservation groups and Earthjustice filed lawsuits challenging deep-sea mining plans affecting Guam and the CNMI, while King-Hinds pushes for a 50% revenue share for territories.

Local Economy & Logistics: GLUC unanimously approved Perez Properties’ new Tamuning warehouse, a 1.28-acre light industrial project aimed at boosting reliable distribution and reducing waste for Guam’s essential sectors, with planned hours up to 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Tourism & Travel: Guam Visitors Bureau opened registration for the 2026 Guam International Dance Festival (Dec. 4–6), supported by PHR Ken Micronesia, United Airlines, Baldyga Group and Bank of Guam, as the bureau also pushes overseas marketing amid weaker arrivals. Education & Workforce: GDOE is awaiting an official environmental health report for the Tiyan High School campus and is preparing a double-session schedule to keep students on track for the 180-day mandate. Aviation & Business Travel: Guam airport officials congratulated T’way Air’s rebrand to Trinity Airways, highlighting its “selective service” model and continued Guam routes. Community & Culture: Mangilao Donne’ Festival returns despite typhoon crop losses, with vendors reporting strong pepper demand and a full weekend of food, music and competitions. Public Safety & Community Relations: Jamaican Grill marked the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with its annual first-responder luncheon across Guam. Policy & Risk: Lawsuits challenge deep-sea mining plans in the Marianas and American Samoa, while CNMI delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds pushes for revenue sharing tied to seabed mining.

Tourism Push Amid Slower Arrivals: Guam Visitors Bureau says it’s continuing overseas promotion as arrivals remain weak, citing Aug. 1–18 visitor numbers down 22.9% year over year, with South Korea and Japan still driving most of the market mix. MegaFAM Business Boost: GVB wrapped up the 2026 Guam Mega Familiarization Tour, bringing 240 travel pros, media and influencers to Guam and generating 700+ B2B connections plus 642 planned content pieces targeting 15M+ reach. Local Education Pay Pressure: Lawmakers kept hearing from teachers on Bill 351-38, with educators warning that pay and cost-of-living make it hard to recruit and retain staff. Deep-Sea Mining Fight in the CNMI: Conservation groups filed suit challenging deep-sea mining lease plans for the Marianas and CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds is pushing for revenue sharing tied to any federal bonuses and royalties. Hospitality Costs: New DOD per diem rates took effect Sept. 1, raising Guam meals and incidental allowances by $14, a direct hit to travel budgets that support local hotels and restaurants. Procurement Corruption Case: Christine Olkeriil pleaded not guilty in a DPR corruption matter, arguing she wasn’t properly served and seeking procurement records. Defense & Infrastructure: A Navy construction leader, Capt. Ana I. Franco, retired after 30+ years, including deployments that included Guam.

Tourism & Travel Trade: GVB says overseas promotion will continue despite weak arrivals, pointing to its 2026 Guam MegaFAM Tour that brought 240 travel pros, media and influencers and generated 700+ B2B connections and 642 content pieces. Local Business & Community Events: Mangilao’s Donne’ Festival returns Friday through Sunday with hot pepper competitions and a food lineup already sold out; KPRG-FM’s Thrift Store Ball comes back Saturday after 20+ years to raise funds amid funding pressure. Government & Economy: DOD raised Guam per diem for meals and incidentals effective Sept. 1, boosting M&IE by $14 total; separately, USPS de minimis changes are adding steps and costs for Guam-bound mail, prompting Rep. James Moylan to push for fixes. Energy/Defense & Risk: A war game flagged Andersen AFB as a potential North Korean nuclear target; USAF is also exploring long-term C-17/C-5M replacement planning. Environment & Industry: A lawsuit challenges deep-sea mining lease plans in the Marianas, while CNMI lawmakers push for stronger revenue sharing and protections. Tech & Consumers: Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro eSIM-only rollout includes Guam, meaning travelers need the right regional model for SIM setup.

Tourism & Marketing: Guam Visitors Bureau GM Régine Biscoe Lee says overseas promotion will continue even as arrivals stay weak, citing Aug. 1–18 visitor numbers down 22.9% vs. 2025 and South Korea/Japan still below last year (down 37.7% and 17.7%). The Guam Mega Familiarization Tour on Sept. 4 drew 200+ trade pros, media and influencers, with plans to make it annual. Hospitality Costs: New DOD per diem rates took effect Sept. 1, lifting Guam meals from $99 to $111 and incidentals from $25 to $27 (lodging stays $179), a change Guam’s hotel and restaurant industry says matters for government travel. Local Business Tech: A GVB talk says AI is reshaping trip planning—AI referral traffic for Guam rose 350% in 2025, so businesses should post clear, specific info to show up in AI answers. Deep-Sea Mining: Conservation groups and Earthjustice filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s push to start deep-sea mining around the CNMI and Guam, while CNMI Del. Kimberlyn King-Hinds urges a 50% revenue cut for territories. Policy & Trade: Rep. James Moylan says changes to the de minimis exemption are adding steps and costs for Guam-bound mail, pushing residents to use an online customs process via Zonos. Defense Infrastructure: A war-game report flags Andersen AFB as a potential target in a North Korean nuclear escalation scenario that also includes Guam.

Public Policy: Sen. Telo Taitague filed Bill 359-38 to create an executive director for Guam’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, aiming to fix long-running administrative and reporting gaps and revise the Commission on Post-Mortem Examinations’ meeting requirements. Travel & Hospitality: DOD per diem for Guam official travel jumped effective Sept. 1—meals rose from $99 to $111 and incidentals from $25 to $27, keeping lodging at $179, for a new total daily cap of $317—an update Guam’s hotel and restaurant industry says matters for government business. Courts & Accountability: A federal probation officer asked the District Court of Guam to adjust supervised release conditions for Evan Daniel Montvel-Cohen so the U.S. Probation Office can share his financial information with prosecutors; he owes about $74,826 in restitution. Energy Costs: Gas prices on Guam pushed above $6 a gallon and diesel above $7 after a midweek increase, with the report tying the move to broader global oil pressure from the U.S.-Iran conflict. CNMI Governance: CNMI Senate President Karl King-Nabors will serve as acting governor while Gov. David Apatang and Lt. Gov. Dennis Mendiola are off-island, citing the constitution’s succession rules. Tourism Marketing: Guam Visitors Bureau heard that AI is driving a big jump in travel planning traffic, and local businesses should tighten online info so they show up in AI recommendations. Defense Contracting: Cayuse Holdings’ subsidiary won a $249M Navy ship-repair contract for work in Guam, extending its role supporting vessels at Andersen and beyond. Local Economy & Grants: GEDA awarded $285,000 to 19 village mayors’ offices and planning councils for projects spanning healthcare, public safety, economic development, higher education and cultural preservation.

Defense Contract: Cayuse Holdings’ Guam subsidiary Cayuse Native Hawaiian Veterans LLC won a $249M Navy ship-repair contract for Military Sealift Command vessels, extending its Guam role supporting operations with partner MARUNDA Defense Services. Education & Workforce: Guam Department of Education says the Tiyan High School campus could reopen for full-time face-to-face instruction by early January 2027, pending a Friday inspection and remaining roof work. Local Grants: GEDA awarded $285K to 19 village mayor’s offices and municipal planning councils—$15K each—for projects spanning healthcare, public safety, economic development, higher education and cultural preservation. Tourism & Travel Costs: Guam’s federal per diem for official travel rose $14 daily (Sept. 1 update), with meals up to $111 and incidental to $27—an impact GHRA says matters for hotels and restaurants serving government travelers. Business & Community: Bank of Guam partnered with Guam Girl Scouts to launch a Money Master Patch Program, building financial skills through volunteer-led activities. Energy Prices: Gas climbed to over $6/gallon and diesel to over $7 after a Wednesday night increase, driven by global oil market pressure. Policy Watch: A lawsuit seeks to stop Mariana deep-sea mining lease sales, challenging federal environmental review under the Endangered Species Act.