AGP Executive Report

Guam Government & Courts: The Guam Legislature recessed its special session on Section 30 bills until Monday after debating four $20M-plus proposals, including funding for GMH electronic health records, power bill credits, GDOE facility fixes, and a Simon Sanchez modernization fund. Senators also advanced a bill letting the Barrigada Mayor’s Office enter concession agreements for Tiyan/Lot Naval Air Station Agana 19 sports and recreation use, with Interior review required. In court, a criminal sexual conduct case against Joseph Mantanona Jr. was dismissed without prejudice, while a federal judge denied reconsideration in a Guam police brutality summary-judgment fight. Public Safety & Health: Guam marked National Deaf Awareness Month with a proclamation ceremony at the Governor’s Complex, highlighting American Sign Language access. Military & Federal Policy: A Navy commander said Marines will come to Guam, with sourcing tied to Washington and Tokyo, as the Pentagon also cut Patriot Express service to Japan due to lower demand. Economy & Benefits: SNAP benefit increases take effect Oct. 1 for Guam and most states. Infrastructure & Oversight: CLTC reallocated $9.4M to GPA for Land Trust infrastructure work, while an audit flagged delinquent commercial lease receivables and control gaps at CLTC. Law Enforcement: A former Guam airport employee and his wife face federal trial Oct. 20 over nearly 10 pounds of meth alleged to have been shipped through FedEx. Weather: Tropical Depression 26W strengthened east of the Marianas, triggering tropical storm watches for the Northern Islands and Tropical Storm Condition III for Saipan and Tinian.

Guam Governance & Courts: Bills to double juror pay from $30 to $60 and shift signage waiver decisions to the Guam Land Use Commission advanced to the voting file, with lawmakers debating the cost impact on the Judiciary. Public Safety: Acting GPD Chief Joseph Carbullido says the department’s reorganization is still in a pilot phase and response-time effects are “yet to be determined,” even as temporary detail appointments cost more than $80,000. Land & Utilities: The CHamoru Land Trust Commission reallocated $9.4M to the Guam Power Authority for infrastructure work, after other agencies didn’t confirm feasibility in time. Health Care: GMH’s administrator search committee aims to deliver a recommendation by October, while the hospital projects about a 12% collections improvement and interest in a new internationally trained physician pathway. Corrections: DOC launched an internal investigation after a detainee alleged he was assaulted by cellmates at the Hagåtña jail; officials say the victim was medically evaluated and moved for safety. Military & Security: Joint Region Marianas says Guam bases remain at Force Protection Condition Bravo after arrests near a U.S. bomber base in England, with no additional public guidance planned. Defense Contracting: Tamuning firm Amorient Engineering won a $20M DOD architecture/design contract for Guam military facilities. Legislation & Agriculture: Sen. Telo Taitague’s estray livestock overhaul heads toward a floor vote by Oct. 9, starting with $200,000 for a stewardship program.

CNMI Self-Government Warning: A new opinion piece says the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands’ self-government could fail unless the local economy improves, arguing leaders must act together now to restore revenue and basic services. Guam Defense & Contracts: A Tamuning engineering firm, Amorient Engineering, won a $20M DOD architecture/design contract for Guam military facilities through 2031, while Tutor Perini’s Guam subsidiary also landed a $45.2M DPW bridge reconstruction job. Military Readiness & Security: Joint Region Marianas said Guam bases’ alert level remains at FPCON Bravo after arrests near a U.S. bomber base in England, with no new public guidance. Corrections Oversight: DOC launched an internal investigation after a detainee at the Hagåtña jail alleged he was assaulted by cellmates, and the suspects were criminally charged. Local Courts & Public Safety: A man accused in a Yigo stabbing of a 15-year-old was released on house arrest pending trial, and a separate sexual assault case was dismissed after key witnesses weren’t available. Legislative Watch: Guam lawmakers are set to debate competing bills using additional Section 30 funds, including proposals tied to energy credits and GMH’s electronic health record system. Finance & Governance: An audit of the CHamoru Land Trust Commission found heavy delinquency on commercial lease receivables and no new agricultural or residential leases in FY2024 amid a moratorium.

Naval Medicine Leadership: Rear Adm. Kevin Brown turned over command of Naval Medical Forces Pacific to Rear Adm. Reginald Ewing III in San Diego, as Brown heads to become the next Navy surgeon general. Veterans Access: A GAO report says veterans in Palau, FSM and the Marshall Islands face major barriers to VA care, often needing costly travel to Honolulu or Guam and lacking telehealth, with mental health services especially scarce. Guam Cyber Claim: GovGuam’s Department of Administration filed a court claim seeking about $1M of funds seized after a February cyberattack, arguing the U.S. has no right to keep the money. Public Safety/Health: Guam’s Board of Medical Examiners approved two incoming doctor license applications for work at Guam Memorial Hospital. Local Courts: A sexual assault case was dismissed without prejudice after key witnesses weren’t available, and a federal meth case tied to Guam is set for an Oct. 20 trial. Military & Environment: Oral arguments are set for Oct. 7 at the U.S. Supreme Court in Prutehi Guåhan’s Tarague Beach detonation range lawsuit. Legislature Watch: Lawmakers are set to debate competing Section 30 bills, including GMH’s electronic health record system and other capital projects.

Guam Legislature: Lawmakers advanced multiple measures tied to Section 30 funds, including a $16.8M proposal for $100 monthly energy credits and a Simon Sanchez High School modernization fund, while Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero’s Bill 1 (11-S) for GMH’s electronic health record system and a Blue Economy Innovation Center is being handled in special session. GMH & health policy: The Guam Board of Medical Examiners approved two new doctor license applications—pathologist Dr. Chase Hwang and internist Dr. Cortney Rosser—adding to staffing for GMH. Courts & public safety: A sexual assault case against Joseph Mantanona Jr. was dismissed without prejudice after key witnesses were unavailable, with prosecutors potentially able to refile. Environment & military accountability: Oral arguments are set for Oct. 7 at the U.S. Supreme Court in Prutehi Guåhan’s challenge to the Tarague Beach detonation range, arguing open-air blasts contaminate Guam’s water and air and should undergo a fuller NEPA review. Drugs: Federal court documents say nearly 10 pounds of meth were shipped to Guam in March, with a trial scheduled for Oct. 20. Elections & governance: A political op-ed argues the “business privilege tax” changes are done and warns the real challenge now is whether candidates can staff and fund housing, tourism, health care, education, and diversification amid Guam’s labor shortage.

Tarague Beach Supreme Court Fight: Prutehi Guåhan and the U.S. Air Force will face oral arguments next Saturday over claims the open-air detonation range is contaminating Guam’s water and air, with the group seeking a NEPA review before permits are renewed. Military Buildup Funding: The Pentagon’s FY2027 request includes $938M for the Guam Defense System, plus more missiles and interceptors, as Guam continues pushing for help with infrastructure and service strain. Local Government Oversight: Sen. Chris Barnett is asking for an oversight hearing into Guam Police Department reorganization costs after acting Chief Col. Joseph Carbullido’s responses left questions unanswered. Airport Costs: Guam International Airport Authority is raising FY2027 airline rates and fees to cover an estimated $12.5M shortfall. Historic Preservation Rules: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero opposes federal regulatory changes that could speed project approvals while weakening consultation and protections for CHamoru cultural and historic resources. Customs Modernization: Guam signed an agreement to move toward an automated customs data system with UNCTAD. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: NRDC says Marianas voices must be heard and warns the federal process is moving too fast. Business & Courts: Proa Restaurant faces eviction over alleged $62.6K lease debt, and GVB’s civil case continues amid disputes over representation. Community & Culture: Guam marks 20 years since Santa Marian Kamalen’s enshrinement in D.C., while Guam 4-H and UOG highlight youth and science programming.

Visa & Citizenship: White House border czar Tom Homan says the Trump administration is moving to close a visa-free “loophole” that lets Chinese visitors use Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands to pursue birth tourism, after court fights over birthright citizenship. Federal Funding: Treasury says it will fully release about $289M withheld for small-business lending through CDFIs after a legal challenge. Public Safety & Oversight: Lawmakers are pushing for oversight of Guam Police Department reorganization costs, while a bill would transfer the shuttered LBJ Elementary property to GPD for a permanent headquarters. Historic Preservation: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero opposes federal rules meant to speed project approvals, warning they could weaken consultation and protections for CHamoru cultural and historic sites during major construction. Military & Infrastructure: The Pentagon’s FY2027 budget request includes $938M for the Guam Defense System, alongside broader Indo-Pacific missile and interceptor funding. Local Government Services: GIAA plans airline rate and fee increases for FY2027 to cover an estimated $12.5M shortfall. Health & Education: Guam’s medical board is nearing resolution of its oldest complaint from 2022; GDOE seeks community input for its 2027-2032 strategic plan and holds CHamoru teacher orientation Sept. 29. Courts & Accountability: The GVB faces a civil case fight over counsel and sealed filings tied to a Jane Doe lawsuit seeking $121.5M. Community & Culture: UOG selected Rota journalist Thomas Mangloña II as the inaugural Marianas Science Communications Fellow; Guam 4-H announces free workshops for National 4-H Week. Sports: Virgil Toledo wins bronze at the 38th Asian Intercity Bowling Championship in Tamuning.

Military & Defense Budget: The Pentagon’s $1.45T FY2027 request includes $937M for the Guam Defense System, with major spending for Aegis and THAAD interceptors and new SM-3 missile procurement. Local Governance & Historic Preservation: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero opposes proposed federal rule changes meant to speed project approvals, warning they could weaken consultation and protections for CHamoru cultural and historic resources during Guam’s construction surge. Budget & Airport Costs: Guam International Airport Authority is set to raise FY2027 airline rates and fees to cover an estimated $10.3M–$12.5M shortfall after senators approved less than the airport sought. Courts & Public Agencies: A dispute continues over Guam Visitors Bureau representation in a civil case, with GVB opposing the substitution of Chief Deputy AG Joseph Guthrie and seeking enforcement around filings tied to a Jane Doe identity. Mental Health & Community: UOG Press and Brian Muña Films will premiere “One Kind Word” Oct. 2, a documentary focused on suicide loss and prevention. Public Services: Passports for the Pack is extended through December 2026, with Wednesday/Friday reserved for families and appointments booked by phone. Tourism & Economy: GVB says MegaFAM brought 240 travel professionals and media to Guam, generating hundreds of business connections and millions in projected reach.

Guam Budget Fight Ahead of Oct. 1: On the first day of fiscal year 2027, Guam will cut hundreds of dollars in childcare assistance for some working families while also moving forward with a business privilege tax cut for top earners, reigniting debate over who benefits from Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero’s tax and social policy tradeoffs. GVB Court Clash: The Guam Visitors Bureau is fighting the Guam Attorney General’s office over who should represent it in a civil case, with filings tied to a Jane Doe lawsuit now facing additional sealing after contempt allegations over potential identity disclosure. Military Mental Health Disclosure: Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao told Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand that eight suicide attempts occurred across the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group during its extended deployment, with no deaths reported—raising questions about support for sailors and families. Customs Modernization: Gov. Leon Guerrero signed an agreement to move Guam Customs and Quarantine toward UNCTAD’s Automated System for Customs Data, aiming to streamline revenue collection, declarations, and enforcement. Tourism Push: GVB wrapped up MegaFAM, bringing 240 travel pros and media/influencers to Guam and generating hundreds of B2B connections and millions in projected reach, while Guam also markets in Japan at Tourism EXPO Japan 2026. Community & Health: Guam 4-H kicks off National 4-H Week with free youth workshops; UOG named Rota journalist Thomas Mangloña II as the inaugural Marianas Science Communications Fellow; and the Guam Diabetes Control Coalition began work on its next five-year strategy. Education: GDOE set a CHamoru teacher orientation for Sept. 29 to expand language instruction pathways.

Military & Mental Health: Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao told Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand that eight sailors assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group attempted suicide during its extended Iran-war deployment, with no deaths reported, and described two incidents involving overboard attempts. Customs Modernization: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed an agreement with UNCTAD to move Guam Customs and Quarantine to the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA), replacing decades of paper processing and aiming to improve revenue collection, manifests, transparency, and enforcement. Courts & Public Records: A federal judge partially sealed Guam Visitors Bureau filings tied to a Jane Doe lawsuit that now seeks $121.5M, after contempt allegations over violations of an order protecting her identity. Health Care Leadership: Guam Memorial Hospital Authority is reviewing the final pool of applicants for a permanent hospital administrator/CEO, with Dr. Joleen Aguon continuing as interim. Housing Politics: Guam’s Realtors forum featured gubernatorial teams arguing over housing supply and permitting fixes, with proposals ranging from opening government land to subsidies and “build your own home” pre-approved plans. Military Buildup Costs: GovGuam officials in San Francisco pressed federal agencies on a projected $11.7B 30-year infrastructure and service need tied to the buildup, including an estimated $415M-plus annual services requirement by 2034. Education & Language: GDOE will hold a CHamoru teacher orientation Sept. 29 for residents interested in entering the classroom and strengthening CHamoru language education. Public Safety & Courts: A repeat sex offender, Ferrell A. Naputi, was sentenced to five years for sexually abusing a 12-year-old boy, with the court ordering DOC to provide required medical and rehabilitation care.

Military Buildup Funding Push: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero told federal agencies in San Francisco Guam faces up to $415M a year in added government services by 2034, totaling $11.7B over 30 years, and urged an Economic Adjustment Committee and a “One Guam” approach to keep civilian systems from breaking under the faster-than-planned buildup. Local Governance & Housing: At a Guam Realtors forum, gubernatorial teams traded plans to address the housing crunch, with both sides pointing to more homes, infrastructure, and faster permitting—Republicans emphasizing a “Homes First” push using government land and cost cuts, Democrats focusing on Guam Housing Corporation subsidies and a “build your own home” model. Elections Watch: PDN’s General Election poll drew 853 readers; results showed voters favoring Ada-Calvo for governor, Alicia Limtiaco for delegate, and a crowded field in the senatorial race. Public Safety & Courts: A foster parent, Lorenzo Mundo Calvo, was convicted of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old; and Lucian Maratita George Jr. is set for federal trial starting Sept. 29 in gas station robbery charges. Community & Education: GTA named five Youth Leaders for 2026-27; Okkodo High educator Max Ronquillo Jr. won a Fulbright Teacher Exchange award. Defense Personnel Mental Health: Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao disclosed eight suicide attempts by USS Abraham Lincoln battle group sailors during a 10-month deployment. Deep-Sea Mining Legal Fight: Blue Ocean Law says it will challenge federal deep-sea mining lease authority in court, while NRDC warns Marianas residents lack time and information to weigh the Dec. 16 sale. Other: Guam diabetes coalition begins work on a new five-year strategy; Guam hosted a bilateral RAN-JMSDF exercise off the island.

Military Mental Health: Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao told Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand that eight sailors tied to the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group attempted suicide during a prolonged Iran-war deployment, with one going overboard and another stopped before leaving the ship; no deaths were reported. Guam Buildup Costs: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero’s team says the military buildup will drive up to $415M a year in government services needs and $11.7B over 30 years, pushing for an “Economic Adjustment Committee” style federal response. Housing Crisis Forum: Guam gubernatorial candidates met at a Realtors forum and broadly agreed more homes are needed, with proposals ranging from opening government land and lowering costs to expanding Guam Housing Corporation subsidies and speeding permitting. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Blue Ocean Law plans a court challenge to deep-sea mining near Guam/CNMI, arguing federal agencies may lack authority; meanwhile CNMI mayors formally oppose seabed mining over missing impact assessments and unclear benefits. Local Government & Courts: A Guam bill would move the former LBJ school campus to the Guam Police Department for a permanent HQ; the Guam Parole Board denied a murderer’s 10th early-release request. Aviation/Trade: China Airlines says it may start charter flights between Taiwan and Guam by summer 2027, with a path toward scheduled service.

Military & Local Costs: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero told federal officials in San Francisco that Guam could face $11.7B in infrastructure and service costs from the military buildup by 2034, warning the territory can’t absorb the population surge without federal help. Navy Mental Health: Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao disclosed to Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand that eight sailors tied to the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group attempted suicide during an extended Middle East deployment supporting the Iran war; no suicides were reported. Guam Courts & Public Safety: The Guam AG filed multiple criminal charges, including a Dededo power-tool theft case captured on surveillance. Legislature: A bill would transfer the former LBJ Elementary School campus in Tamuning to the Guam Police Department as a permanent headquarters. Tourism & Travel: Guam officials say China Airlines could start charter flights between Taiwan and Guam by summer 2027, with a path toward regular service. Health & Schools: DPHSS clarified that Tiyan High/San Simon Sanchez campus return depends on a formal reinspection request and completed corrective actions, with the sanitary permit still suspended. Local Economy & Regulation: The Cannabis Control Board moved to remove a years-old license application after the applicant failed to respond. Sports: Tamuning Mayor Louise Rivera opened the 38th Asian Intercity Bowling Championship with 14 city teams competing on Guam.

Military Mental Health: Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao told Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand that eight sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group attempted suicide during its extended Middle East deployment, with no deaths; Gillibrand says earlier leadership dismissals were unacceptable. Local Infrastructure Push: Guam leaders met federal officials in San Francisco to press for funding to offset military buildup strain on hospitals, utilities, ports, schools, housing, and emergency services. GMH Funding Fight: Guam lawmakers recessed again on the governor’s $15.8M GMH electronic health record proposal, citing missing details and competing bills tied to Section 30 funds. Courts & Public Safety: A former school aide’s sexual assault trial continued as a judge weighs whether to strike testimony after witness-contact concerns; separately, AG Douglas Moylan asked a federal court to pause a remand decision until after the election. GVB Sex-Crimes Case: “Jane Doe” amended her federal lawsuit against the Guam Visitors Bureau, adding human trafficking allegations and seeking $121.5M. Cannabis Licensing: The Cannabis Control Board moved to deny a years-old cannabis license application after the applicant failed to respond to outreach. Community & Culture: UOG CIS & Sea Grant named Thomas Manglona II as its inaugural Marianas Science Communications Fellow. Sports: Tamuning Mayor Louise Rivera opened the 38th Asian Intercity Bowling Championship with 14 teams competing on Guam.

GMH Funding Stalls Again: Guam lawmakers recessed the special session on Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero’s $15.8M Guam Memorial Hospital electronic health record proposal, pushing action to Sept. 30 after senators said they need more GMH details and more agency leadership present. Military Impact Talks: Acting Gov. Josh Tenorio joined “high-stakes” federal-local discussions in San Francisco with 100+ federal participants and 57 Guam/CNMI reps to map the costs of the military buildup across health, utilities, roads, and telecom. DPR Quorum Delay: The Department of Parks and Recreation still can’t confirm new director Robert Lizama because the DPR board failed to meet quorum, leaving him in acting status. AG Election-Delay Request: AG Douglas Moylan asked the District Court to pause adjudicating a remand motion tied to alleged hiring improprieties until after the general election. Deep-Sea Mining Pressure Builds: Activists say Guam was pushed out of the comment period for a Marianas Trench lease sale and are ramping up a week of events and a Washington push as legal fights near turning points. Food Truck Costs: A Legislature roundtable heard vendors complain that permits, location fees, and event charges are squeezing profits and calling for more uniform rules. Public Safety: AG’s office filed multiple criminal charges, including a check-forgery case and a residential burglary arrest.

Guam Health Funding Fight: Guam lawmakers pressed GMH senators for $15.8M to replace a failing electronic health record system after doctors said the computer “died” mid-operation and records can’t transfer between departments, forcing staff to reconstruct patient histories. Education Governance: As four high schools move into double sessions, GEB member and senatorial candidate Angel Sablan publicly called for Superintendent Judith Won Pat to resign, while GDOE and DPW released late bus schedules for George Washington, Tiyan, Okkodo and Simon Sanchez. Military & Justice: A Docomo Pacific Wi‑Fi installer at Andersen dorm was charged federally with aggravated sexual abuse by force, and separate reports detail U.S. Navy sailors pleading guilty to selling fentanyl-laced pills to seamen. Military Buildup Push: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero’s team met federal officials in San Francisco to build toward an Economic Adjustment Committee to address civilian impacts from the military buildup. Local Economy & Permits: A food truck roundtable aired permitting woes and $6K fees, with Vice Speaker Tony Ada hearing from operators. Environment & Policy: Guam opposed federal rollback of historic-preservation reviews tied to military projects, warning it could permanently damage the island’s archaeological record. Science Outreach: UOG CIS & Sea Grant named Thomas Mangloña II as the first Marianas Science Communications Fellow to translate research for Guam and CNMI communities.