AGP Executive Report

Emergency Budget Shift: Guam senators will convene an emergency session at 6 p.m. Thursday to redirect potentially millions in unspent Sinlaku disaster funds to respond to Tropical Storm Bavi, after Speaker Frank Blas Jr. certified the developing weather as an emergency condition. Airport Weather Prep: GIAA urged travelers to sign up for airline mobile alerts and check flight status, warning that the airport stays open 24/7 but services may be limited if flights are suspended or delayed. Air Defense Upgrade: Task Force Talon formally stood down as the 3rd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment took over THAAD and expanded Guam’s air missile defense posture, with full activation planned for October. Local Government & Elections: Micronesia Mall hosts a “Meet the Candidates” event Sunday, July 5 (12-3 p.m.) with the Guam Election Commission offering voter registration help ahead of the 2026 primary. Public Trust Focus: The Guam Ethics Commission will launch the Guam Public Trust Index July 8, surveying residents to rank the top agencies for its initial review. Childcare Funding: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero released $5 million in local funds to keep licensed childcare providers paid while federal subsidies are delayed. Courts & Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld broad birthright citizenship, rejecting Trump’s executive order; Guam and territories advocates said it reinforces citizenship for those born on U.S. soil. Invasive Species Volunteers: Volunteers at Andersen Air Force Base helped catch about 20 brown tree snakes during a workshop and night hunt.

Marianas Defense & Readiness: Task Force Talon formally stood down at Andersen, handing Guam’s air defense mission to the newly reactivated 3rd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment as it ramps up toward full activation in October. Missile Defense Upgrade: In related Pacific drills, a U.S. Air Force test highlighted the B-2’s anti-ship role with LRASM fired during Valiant Shield exercises north of the Marianas. Local Government Trust: The Guam Ethics Commission is launching the Guam Public Trust Index July 8, aiming for 1,000 resident responses to rank the top agencies for its first focus phase. Courts & Legal Ethics: The Guam Supreme Court ordered attorney Rachel Taimanao-Ayuyu to show cause over alleged generative AI issues in a Sunshine Act case tied to Sen. Telo Taitague. Childcare Funding: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero released $5 million to keep licensed childcare providers paid while federal subsidies are delayed. Disaster Preparedness: A tropical disturbance east of the Marianas has been upgraded and could impact Guam and the CNMI over the July 4 weekend, with officials urging readiness. Economy & Oversight: A legislative tourism/airport oversight hearing found Guam’s visitor outlook “pretty bleak,” questioning the results of a $10 million airline incentive. Environment & Fisheries: Guam extended public comment on the draft Coastal Fisheries Management Plan through July 21. Public Safety & Accountability: A Guam Fire Department official signed a plea agreement in a federal fraud case involving alleged improper collection of $46,392 in benefits.

Emergency Preparedness: A push for community bomb shelters is gaining traction, with advocates calling for islandwide access across Southern, Central and Northern Guam and urging grant funding if DoD won’t build them. Elections & Democracy: Local voices are urging residents to “celebrate the vote” and keep fighting for full voting rights as Guam marks the U.S. 250th anniversary and the Organic Act milestone. Tourism & Airport Oversight: Guam’s visitor economy is under strain; lawmakers grilled GVB and airport officials after reports of a $1.4M operating revenue shortfall at the airport in April, with hopes for a July rebound. Public Finance Accountability: The Public Auditor says GovGuam’s FY2025 audit will be late, citing missing component unit financial statements and other-post-employment benefits reporting gaps. Education Leadership: Judith P. Guthertz is set to become Guam Community College president starting July 6. Military Readiness: USPACOM Commander Adm. Paparo visited Guam and CNMI, including Tinian’s STRONG Roof disaster relief effort, while Valiant Shield 2026 continues to spotlight Guam’s role in regional defense. Defense Tech & Training: The U.S. Air Force confirmed B-2 LRASM integration during Valiant Shield, and Guam National Guard units trained jointly with Navy helicopter forces at the THAAD site.

Guam Government Oversight: The Office of Public Accountability says GovGuam’s FY2025 audit will miss the June 30 deadline, citing unfinished component-unit audits and missing Other Post-Employment Benefits cost details, with the auditor warning it’s the 15th missed deadline since 2000. Public Finance & Cost Shifts: Guam could be forced to cover 15% of SNAP costs after a reported 11.7% payment error rate, under a new sliding-scale federal reform starting in 2027. Tourism & Transportation Scrutiny: Lawmakers grilled Guam Visitors Bureau and airport officials over a $10M-plus shortfall tied to passenger recovery and FAA grant payments, with the airport authority signaling it may need about $17.7M to stay afloat. Local Justice: Guam Police Sgt. Jeffrey Leon Guerrero Santos was charged federally with sex trafficking of a minor and placed on administrative leave after an FBI investigation. Defense & Readiness on Guam: As Exercise Valiant Shield and Citadel Pacific run through late June, Guam residents are warned to expect more traffic and base activity, while the U.S. highlights new long-range maritime strike and island defense system testing.

Federal Criminal Case: A Guam Police Department sergeant, I Jeffery Leon Guerrero Santos, was taken into federal custody Monday and placed on administrative leave, facing federal sex-trafficking charges involving a 14-year-old girl, with a preliminary examination set for July 20. Elections & Voting Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld mail-in ballot grace periods, allowing states to count ballots postmarked by Election Day even if received afterward—an issue that also affects Guam. Military Readiness in the Marianas: U.S. and allied forces are running Valiant Shield 2026 across Guam, CNMI and Japan, while Citadel Pacific 2026 tests force protection at Naval Base Guam; separate reports highlight B-2 Spirit SINKEX use of the AGM-158C LRASM. Local Governance & Services: Groundbreaking began for the Dededo Park & Ride Northern Terminal, funded by a $9.5M federal grant to support GRTA’s “Road to Education” route. Public Safety & Courts: A medical issue delayed sentencing in the Hafa Adai Bingo fraud case, while another case saw a charter school teacher jailed after repeated no-contact violations with a 13-year-old victim. Economy & Community: Guam’s bar and entertainment sector is shrinking amid inflation, labor crunch and uneven military foot traffic.

Elections & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Mississippi’s rule allowing mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if they arrive afterward, a major setback to efforts to tighten federal deadlines. Local Elections Access: Guam Election Commission will use 10 ballot-marking devices at Westin Resort Guam for early voting starting July 7 through July 25, helping voters with disabilities cast private, independent ballots. Transit & Community Infrastructure: Dededo broke ground on a $9.5M Park & Ride Northern Terminal tied to GRTA’s “Road to Education” route, aiming to connect residents to schools, health care, and government services. Legislation & Public Safety: Senators advanced a bill to modernize Guam’s estray livestock laws, creating an Estray Livestock Stewardship Program and stronger mayor enforcement. Government Accountability: A performance audit found oversight and monitoring gaps in Guam’s $10.8M Village Community Care childcare program, with inconsistent recordkeeping across municipalities. Tourism & Economy: Despite a 24% May decline in arrivals, GVB reported stronger-than-expected tourism tax collections and approved a Matapang Beach rescue station bid to ease emergency response bottlenecks. Military Readiness: U.S. Marines tested an Iron Dome-derived MRIC air defense system on Guam during Valiant Shield 2026, as the Air Force also moves to create dedicated point defense flights against drones and cruise missiles.

Education & Courts: GDOE is asking the court to overturn a Civil Service Commission ruling granting psychologist Sonia R. Pablo a 35% BRIP pay adjustment retroactive to 2014, arguing the commission exceeded its authority when it expanded the remedy beyond the grievance board’s recommendation. Accessibility & Elections: The Guam Election Commission is using ballot-marking devices that let voters with disabilities cast private, independent ballots; 10 machines will be available at the Westin during early voting (July 7–25), alongside on-site voter registration. Government Accountability: A performance audit says the Village Community Care childcare program lacked consistent oversight and monitoring, with recordkeeping gaps across municipalities limiting accountability for about $10.8M. Local Governance: A bill from Sen. Shawn Gumataotao would transfer Liguan Terrace’s “Liguan Park” to the Dededo Mayor’s Office and allow the Guam Football Association to lease it for up to 30 years to build a soccer pitch plus walking paths, playground, and a pavilion. Tourism & Public Safety: Despite a 24% May decline in arrivals, GVB reports stronger-than-expected tourism tax collections and approved a Matapang Beach rescue station bid to reduce emergency response bottlenecks in Tumon. Military & Training: Camp Blaz will restrict nearby waterways near Ritidian for live-fire training June 30–July 1, raising concerns among local fishermen and activists about safety and communications.

Military & Security: Guam’s airport is being used as a support and divert location for Valiant Shield 2026, with Ospreys spotted and commercial operations expected to stay within set windows. Local Governance: The Mayors’ Council is rolling out a new digital residency verification system, aiming for full implementation by FY2027 while village offices keep review and approval authority. Education Oversight: GDOE told lawmakers it is not closing schools “at this time,” but acknowledged gaps in the policy for how closures or consolidations are decided as concerns continue around the J.P. Torres Success Academy program. Public Finance: An auditor review found GDOE’s $82.1M cash balance is constrained by old obligations, missing invoices, and restricted funds. Courts & Access to Justice: Guam and CNMI courts signed a reciprocity agreement letting lawyers practice across both jurisdictions without a second bar exam. Legislation: A bill would double juror pay to $60 a day, or $70 for trials lasting over a month. Public Health: Shriners Children’s Hawaii’s July 8–11 Guam outreach filled up again, with families urged to join future call lists. War History: Guam marked War Survivor Remembrance Day with mass and ceremonies honoring survivors of the Japanese occupation.

UN Decolonization: Guam’s Commission on Decolonization says the U.S. delegation repeatedly leaves the room during Guam’s UN Fourth Committee statements, with concerns raised about renewed colonial pressure amid U.S.-China competition and possible deep-sea mining. Military Posture: Valiant Shield 2026 is using A.B. Won Pat International Airport as a support and divert location, with Osprey sightings reported and officials saying commercial operations should stay unaffected. Local Governance & Justice: Guam and CNMI courts signed a reciprocity agreement letting lawyers practice across both jurisdictions without a second bar exam, aiming to ease the local lawyer shortage. Legislature: A bill would double daily juror pay in Superior Court, from $30/$40 to $60/$70 depending on trial length. Public Health Leadership: Guam TB program manager Chima Mbakwem was selected to lead the National Tuberculosis Coalition of America, marking a first for the Pacific islands. Education Oversight: GDOE told senators it has $82.1M in cash, but auditors flagged old obligations, missing invoices, and restricted funds that reduce what’s actually spendable. Elections: A Guam Women’s Chamber forum featured first-time Legislature candidates pitching procurement and village-based service improvements. War Remembrance: Guam marked War Survivor Remembrance Day with mass and ceremonies honoring WWII survivors.

Military Buildup Hearings: At Sen. Telo Taitague’s reconvened briefing, residents and advocates argued Guam is being treated as a forward offensive platform with little civilian sheltering and no seat at decision-making, warning missile tech has shifted the island from “sanctuary” to “vulnerability.” Air Force Drone Move: The U.S. Air Force permanently relocated three RQ-4B Global Hawk drones from Andersen to Yokota, citing typhoon resilience but also boosting persistent Indo-Pacific surveillance near key flashpoints. Education Oversight: GDOE told lawmakers it has rejected closing any school “at this time,” while acknowledging gaps in the closure/consolidation process and addressing concerns tied to the J.P. Torres Success Academy program. School Finance Scrutiny: A financial review found GDOE’s $82.1M cash balance is constrained by old obligations, restricted funds, and disputed expenses. Renewables & Power Costs: The PUC approved the next renewable energy awards, including sites tied to the Guam International Country Club, and also backed a power rate hike averaging about $58 starting July 1. Hospital Politics: After years of debate, officials dedicated the Mangilao site for Guam’s new hospital, ending the location fight and setting up a major next phase for planning and funding. Community Health Access: Shriners Children’s Hawaii’s July 8-11 outreach filled up fast, with families urged to join future outreach or telehealth lists. Scam Alert: DRT warned residents about a fake Facebook page promising driver’s license shortcuts.

Historic Preservation: Prutehi Guåhan postponed its second community forum on the 2026 Guam Historic Preservation Programmatic Agreement after a broken AC system at the Hagåtña venue; a new date is coming as speakers plan to revisit the draft PA after the State Historic Preservation Officer said he would not sign it in its current form. Healthcare & Local Politics: Mangilao leaders held a dedication ceremony for the new hospital site, ending the latest location fight; Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said the choice is final and framed it as a “one whole Guam hospital” plan, with costs cited at about $743 million for a new build versus $763 million to repair the old facility. Education Governance: A bill to overhaul the Guam Education Board drew support and cautions at a public hearing, with testifiers urging lawmakers to protect employee voices and avoid political influence. Cannabis Regulation: Guam’s Cannabis Control Board approved the first permit to operate a cultivation facility, clearing another step toward a fully regulated market. Military & Guam’s Role: Valiant Shield 2026 is underway with Typhon missile system training across Guam and the region, underscoring Guam’s growing strategic footprint. Public Safety: The Department of Revenue and Taxation warned residents about a fake Facebook page pushing a driver’s license scam that claims shortcuts around required tests.

Guam Education Reform: Guam’s education leaders told senators that no public schools will be consolidated for the 2026-27 school year, but warned the enrollment debate isn’t over and future recommendations will depend on updated data and stakeholder input. Cannabis Milestone: The Cannabis Control Board approved Guam’s first permit to operate a cultivation facility—Deep Green Guam/Guam Real Deal LLC—clearing another step in the 12-year push since medical marijuana legalization. Local Governance & Schools: A bill hearing drew broad support for replacing Guam’s hybrid elected/appointed school board with a fully appointed body, but testifiers urged tighter guardrails to prevent political influence and protect staff voices. Port Authority Watch: The Port Authority of Guam posted a clean audit and cut operating expenses by $5.9M, but is proposing a 17% multi-year tariff increase to offset revenue declines. Military & Guam’s Role: Multiple Indo-Pacific drills are underway, including Valiant Shield 2026 with Typhon missile system training across Guam and nearby waters, while the U.S. also permanently basing RQ-4B Global Hawk drones in Japan to strengthen regional ISR. Public Safety Scam Alert: Guam’s Rev & Tax warned residents about a fake Facebook page pushing a driver’s license shortcut scam, urging people to use authorized testing channels.

Gubernatorial Politics: Democrats split on taxes and online purchases at the Guam Chamber of Commerce forum, with teams also agreeing that government funding and executive roles should be tied to measurable performance. Education Oversight: Guam Education Board chair Judi Guthertz told senators no public schools will be consolidated for school year 26-27, but officials said the enrollment debate isn’t over and future recommendations will depend on updated data. Land & Military Heritage: The CHamoru Land Trust Commission approved two previously voided leases, while Prutehi Guåhan is holding a second public forum this Saturday on the Draft 2026 Guam Historic Preservation Programmatic Agreement amid calls for major changes. Energy & Infrastructure: The Hybrid Land Use Commission approved a conditional permit for a Yona solar farm, and the PUC approved a GPA fuel surcharge hike that will raise the average residential bill by about $58 starting July 1. Cannabis Regulation: The Cannabis Control Board approved Guam’s first permit to operate for a cultivation facility, seven years after legalization. Public Safety & Courts: A man who stole an SUV during a test drive avoided jail time but received 2.5 years of electronic monitoring. Elections & Integrity: The Guam Election Commission forwarded suspected nominating petition forgeries to the attorney general. Regional Security: Valiant Shield 2026 is underway across Guam and CNMI, with Guam also seeing Operation IRENSIA maritime security activity.

Democratic Party Forum: Guam’s three Democrat gubernatorial teams split on replacing the Business Privilege Tax with a visible sales tax and on how to tax online purchases, but all backed tying government funding and executive roles to measurable performance and standard operating procedures across agencies. Energy Costs: The Public Utilities Commission approved a GPA fuel surcharge hike that will raise the average residential power bill about $58 per month starting July 1, returning bills to $300-plus levels. Elections & Integrity: The Guam Election Commission forwarded suspected nominating petition forgeries to the Attorney General after a circulator failed to respond to discrepancies. Public Safety Law: A victim protection bill gained support at a hearing, aiming to keep protective orders from expiring before offenders are released, though court officials said existing law already covers the gap. Military & Guam’s Role: Defense policy coverage and Guam-focused commentary continue to center on missile defense, land issues, and the push for federal “burden sharing” in the territory that hosts U.S. readiness. Cannabis: Guam’s first cannabis cultivation operating permit was approved, marking a slow start since legalization in 2019. Veterans Cemetery: AG Moylan signed off on the engineering contract for the Guam Veterans Cemetery expansion, unlocking about $15.4M in grant funding as the governor’s signature is awaited.

Cannabis Regulation: Guam’s Cannabis Control Board approved the island’s first permit to operate for Real Deal LLC (Deep Green Guam), clearing the way for production and sales after remaining steps. Military & Local Voice: Community members will get another chance to weigh in on the Draft 2026 Guam Historic Preservation Programmatic Agreement at a Hagåtña forum Saturday, after residents pushed for a full overhaul. Victim Protection: A bill to automatically renew expiring protective orders after prison sentences drew support and pushback at a Judiciary hearing, with court officials saying parts may already be covered in existing law. Veterans Affairs: AG Douglas Moylan signed off on the engineering contract for the $15.4M Guam Veterans Cemetery expansion in Piti, now awaiting the governor’s signature to keep grant deadlines on track. Defense Spending Concerns: A Guam-focused review of the FY27 NDAA flags missile-defense delays, housing shortfalls, and unresolved land acquisition questions tied to Guam’s military buildup. Public Health Enforcement: Public Health is investigating banned, coral-hurting sunscreen imports and coordinating with customs to pull violations from commerce. Education Governance Fight: Bill 286-38, which would replace Guam’s elected school board with a largely appointed system, sparked deep divisions over legality, public participation, and oversight. Energy/Infrastructure: Guam and CNMI officials reported progress on restoring power systems after storm damage, with new materials arriving to speed Saipan’s recovery. Upcoming Community Events: GSAT’s Assistive Technology Fair returns Saturday at Micronesia Mall, and Chiefs Rugby Club hosts the free Golden Hour Cup touch rugby tournament in Malesso’.

Military & Defense: The MQ-28 Ghost Bat uncrewed fighter will join the US-led Valiant Shield exercise, flying in concert with crewed platforms near Guam, the Northern Marianas and Japan (June 22–July 1), as commanders test new coalition tactics. Local Governance & Security: Guam leaders are pushing for a stronger local voice as reports surface about possible offensive missile plans and long-range strike concepts tied to the broader Pacific buildup. Public Utilities & Cost of Living: Residents react to Guam Power Authority’s proposed rate hike, with the average bill expected to rise about $58 starting July 1, ahead of a Thursday Public Utilities Commission vote. Cannabis Regulation: Guam’s Cannabis Control Board approved the island’s first permit to operate, clearing Deep Green Guam/Real Deal LLC after years of regulatory delays. CNMI Recovery: Commonwealth Utilities Corporation says long-delayed power materials are arriving in Saipan, boosting restoration progress as FEMA generators are phased out. Elections & Labor: IBEW Local 1260 endorsed Sne Patel for Hawaii House District 14, highlighting labor support across utilities and construction. Sports & Community: Pacific Volleyball Academy sent two youth teams to a Metro Manila tournament, and Chiefs Rugby Club hosts its inaugural Golden Hour Cup touch rugby tournament Saturday in Malesso’.