AGP Executive Report

Defense & Security: A new report says Chinese military planners are studying a coordinated anti-carrier “swarm” approach aimed at dispersed U.S. groups, including assets tied to Guam. Local Economy & Jobs: Guam’s March employment rose by 790 net jobs year-over-year, driven by private-sector gains while government payrolls dipped; unemployment stayed at 3.4%. Energy Costs: A bill would fund $100 monthly power credits, but lawmakers are debating whether excess revenue and upcoming business tax cuts leave room. Hospitals & Federal Funds: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero is moving ahead on the Mangilao hospital after a Supreme Court win, but most ARP money must be reallocated to other eligible projects under federal deadlines. Procurement & Oversight: A contractor sued Black Construction over an alleged Tinian jobsite pipe incident tied to a roughly $225M project; separate reporting highlights ongoing DPR contract issues at Tiguac Cemetery. Tourism & Markets: Guam’s “Wellness Island” push scored awards at the Seoul International Travel Fair, while GVB and local partners also worked to restore travel links in the region. Housing Policy: GHURA is downsizing Section 8 units under federal cost-cutting, reducing bedroom sizes and payment standards. Elections Administration: The Guam Election Commission is relaunching its College Poll Worker Program starting June 16. Maritime Cooperation: Operation Irensia 2026 wrapped up in Guam with partners from the Freely Associated States and others training on maritime law enforcement.

Housing & Cost-Cutting: GHURA says federal Section 8 cost-cutting is forcing families into smaller units and cutting payment standards, with HUD warning Guam could lose funds if it doesn’t comply. Public Safety & Utilities: GPA secured a $35M Bank of America credit line to cover rising fuel costs, while DPR is still stuck with a Ypao Beach Park water leak costing about $33K a month. Education Oversight: Sen. Vincent Borja set a June 24 oversight hearing on GDOE school closures and consolidation plans, as lawmakers and candidates press for more transparency. Licensing Update: Guam’s new school psychologist licensing rules give GDOE psychologists a 90-day window to apply under a grandfather provision. Elections Administration: The Guam Election Commission is relaunching its College Poll Worker Program starting June 16, with grant-funded course fees. Tourism & Travel: GVB marketed Guam as a “Wellness Island” at the Seoul International Travel Fair, and Philippine Airlines’ Manila–Saipan flights are set to resume in October. Regional Security: Operation Irensia 2026 wrapped up in Guam with Pacific partners training on maritime law enforcement and counter-narcotics. Weather Watch: CNMI is monitoring Invest 92W and urging residents to prepare, not panic.

Tourism & Markets: A 12-business Guam Visitors Bureau delegation pitched Guam as a “Wellness Island” at the 41st Seoul International Travel Fair, highlighting nature, relaxation, sports and CHamoru culture to Korean travelers. Public Safety & Weather Readiness: CNMI officials are monitoring Invest 92W in Eastern Micronesia, saying there’s no cause for alarm yet but urging residents to review plans and supplies as the system could gradually organize. Energy Costs & Utilities: Guam Power Authority secured a $35M Bank of America credit line to cover fuel spikes for 18 months, while lawmakers also flagged a long-running Ypao Beach Park water leak costing DPR about $33K monthly. Elections Administration: The Guam Election Commission is relaunching its College Poll Worker Program starting June 16, with courses running through July 9 and grant-funded fees. Education Oversight: Sen. Vincent Borja set a June 24 GDOE oversight hearing focused on school closures, Special Education, readiness for SY 2026–27, and the department’s finances. Defense & Regional Role: Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s remarks to Congress underscored Guam’s strategic importance as he fielded questions on Pacific security and federal services. Health Funding: Del. James Moylan says Guam may receive over $5M in FY27 Agriculture bill funding for hospital upgrades, fire/emergency response, and forensic lab improvements.

GPA Fuel Relief: Guam Power Authority secured a $35M Bank of America credit line to cover rising fuel costs, with repayment set monthly and a possible 5.8-cent fuel surcharge increase looming. Education Oversight: Sen. Vincent Borja scheduled a June 24 GDOE oversight hearing targeting school closures, consolidation plans, special education, facilities, and the department’s finances. School Closures Backlash: Gubernatorial teams clashed at a Women’s Chamber forum over abortion policy and proposed school closures, with candidates pressing for clearer plans and accountability. CHamoru Language Push: Kumision I Fino CHamoru urged charter school expansion to reverse CHamoru language decline, arguing language survival is at risk without more CHamoru-medium education. GVB Legal Risk: AG Douglas Moylan warned a federal GVB lawsuit over alleged sexual harassment could expose taxpayers to about $61M in debt liability. Tourism Marketing: GVB and local partners pitched Guam as a “Wellness Island” in Seoul, highlighting packages and local experiences to Korean travelers. Military/Infrastructure: Tutor Perini won a NAVFAC Pacific task order (~$651.8M) for hardening critical electrical feeders at Naval Base Guam, with design starting Aug. 2026. Maritime Security: The Coast Guard accepted delivery of the 63rd Fast Response Cutter, Jeffrey Palazzo, homeported in Guam.

Education & Language: The Guam Charter School Council heard testimony backing expansion of Maga’lahen Hurao-CHamoru Academy into 7th–9th grade, with language advocates warning CHamoru speakers are declining fast and that CHamoru-medium education is key to reversing the trend. Local Governance & Oversight: Sen. Vincent Borja set a June 24 GDOE oversight hearing focused on proposed southern school closures, Special Education services, facilities, and the department’s financial position. Utilities & Federal Funding: CCU authorized GWA to use ARPA/CSLFRF funds for eligible water and wastewater projects obligated before Dec. 31, 2024, as the Mangilao hospital project faces legal fights and tight deadlines. Elections & Policy: Five gubernatorial teams clashed at a Guam Women’s Chamber forum on abortion access and school closures ahead of the August election. Military & Readiness: Cyber Guam 2026 trained 60 service members with OTECH to strengthen Guam’s emergency radio and cyber networks. Courts & Public Risk: AG Douglas Moylan warned a $61.5M GVB lawsuit over alleged sexual harassment and assault could create major taxpayer debt exposure. Economy & Jobs: Guam’s unemployment stayed at 3.4% while March added 790 jobs year-over-year, led by private-sector gains. Environment & Heritage: Prutehi Guåhan urged GovGuam to halt a draft military cultural heritage pact, warning it could weaken local oversight and open the door to future land expansion.

Election Forum: Five gubernatorial teams clashed at a Guam Women’s Chamber forum over abortion policy and school closures, with competing approaches to reproductive health and how to handle education cuts. GVB Legal Exposure: AG Douglas Moylan warned a federal lawsuit against the Guam Visitors Bureau could create up to $61.5M in taxpayer debt tied to alleged sexual harassment and assault by former GVB leadership. Education Funding: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed a bill unlocking about $77M for GDOE, while vetoing a measure that would expand licensing pathways for internationally trained doctors into Guam’s private sector. Military & Infrastructure: NAVFAC Pacific awarded a ~$651.8M task order for hardening critical electrical feeders at Naval Base Guam, with design starting Aug. 2026 and construction in 2027. Public Safety & Courts: A felon in possession case sent Joseph Mallo to 71 months in federal prison; separately, a psychiatrist evaluation delayed a murder case with the next hearing set for August. Economy & Jobs: Guam reported 790 more jobs in March year-over-year, with unemployment holding at 3.4%. Tourism Push: GVB and local partners marketed Guam as a “Wellness Island” at the Seoul travel fair. Environment: Volunteers completed the annual fanihi count across Guam, Saipan and Tinian, recording 269 Mariana fruit bats.

GVB Lawsuit Fallout: Guam AG Douglas Moylan warned a $61.5 million civil suit over alleged sexual harassment and assault at the Guam Visitors Bureau could expose taxpayers to major public debt. Local Courts & Public Safety: A psychiatrist’s evaluation delayed a murder case, pushing a hearing to August, while another defendant—William Robert Reyes—pleaded guilty in a separate child sexual abuse case and will serve 12 years. Defense & Infrastructure: Tutor Perini won a $651.8M Naval Base Guam hardening task order for electrical resiliency, and the U.S. Coast Guard accepted delivery of the 63rd Fast Response Cutter, Jeffrey Palazzo, homeported in Guam. Economy & Jobs: Guam added 790 jobs in March year-over-year, with unemployment steady at 3.4%. Governance & Schools: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed a bill unlocking $77M for GDOE, but vetoed a measure expanding licensing pathways for internationally trained doctors into Guam’s private sector. Environment & Policy: Trump opened parts of three Pacific marine national monuments to commercial fishing, including waters tied to the Mariana Trench unit. Community & Local Law: Sen. Telo Taitague introduced a bill to overhaul Guam’s stray livestock/estray enforcement and raise penalties.

Education Funding Fight: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed Bill 309-38 into law, unlocking $77M for GDOE, including $26M in lapsed funds and $51M in federal ARP reimbursements, while vetoing a separate bill that would have expanded licensing pathways for internationally trained doctors into Guam’s private sector. Public Safety & Accountability: AG Douglas Moylan said the Gutierrez sexual assault allegations could create a $61M taxpayer debt, even as GPD confirmed it has no record of criminal sexual conduct complaints against Carl Gutierrez since 2022. Disaster Funds Update: Budget director Lester Carlson said nearly $10M of Super Typhoon Sinlaku emergency money is likely to return to GovGuam coffers. Accessibility Case: GLSC-DLC disputes GDOE’s account after a court ruling closed the Southern High School wheelchair access case, arguing key facts were left out. Veterans Services: Guam Veterans Affairs Office in Assan will close June 15 and reopen June 22 in Hagåtña. Government Operations: DPHSS is centralizing divisions via new commercial leases as SNAP-related waivers expire, reshaping where services are delivered. Defense & Guam’s Role: U.S. Navy reactivated Submarine Squadron 3 in Australia to support AUKUS undersea operations, and a Guam-based DoD contract covers submarine propeller/propulsor engineering services with 15% work in Guam. Local Oversight: DPR acting director Robert Lizama told senators Comfort Cuts’ cemetery contract is under AG investigation. Elections Watch: A campus poll reported close governor race numbers and a delegate lead for incumbent James Moylan. Letters/Opinion: Multiple opinion pieces urge voters to consider Guam’s political status and criticize leaders for not listening to youth.

DPHSS Centralizes Operations: Guam’s Department of Public Health and Social Services is moving divisions into new commercial leases as federal SNAP waivers expire, aiming to reduce internal bottlenecks; the General Administration unit is set for ParkPlace and Public Welfare for a two-year lease at University Castle Mall, with the federally certified Public Health Laboratory staying put until a Mangilao facility opens in August. Public Finance Update: Guam’s tax and fee collections are up about $21M overall despite a $24M property tax shortfall, blamed on delayed real property invoices; GovGuam expects payments to “catch up” after extending deadlines. Education Oversight: Sen. Vincent Borja called a June 23 GDOE oversight hearing focused on school closure plans, including J.P. Torres Success Academy and reopening for 2026-27. Military & Infrastructure: A $12.47M DoD contract will fund engineering repairs for Guam-based Navy submarines over five years, and the Navy is planning P-8 reconnaissance flights from Wake Island later this year. Cultural Heritage Fight: Activists held a forum on the proposed military cultural heritage pact, saying it would shift control of ancestral sites to the Navy and vowing to push the governor. GVB Sexual Assault Lawsuit Scrutiny: Guam Police say there’s no record of sexual assault allegations against former Gov. Carl Gutierrez dating back to 2022, as the $61M GVB lawsuit proceeds. Local Tourism/Property Rules: GovGuam signed a law allowing fines up to $5,000 for poor upkeep in hotel-zoned areas, targeting tourism district appearance. Space Tracking for Valiant Shield: LeoLabs’ new transportable space-tracking radar is operational and will participate in Valiant Shield 2026 around Guam and Hawaii.

Election Pulse: A new Guam student poll puts governor/independent-leaning races in the spotlight—Tenorio-Muña-Barnes 28%, Terlaje-Perez 27%, Ada-Calvo 24%, Blas-Okada 17%—and shows Delegate James Moylan leading at 53% with Camacho Torres at 24% and Limtiaco at 23%. Budget & Taxes: Budget officials say overall Guam tax and fee revenue is up $21M versus projections, even as property tax collections lag by about $24M due to delayed real property invoices, with expectations that payments will “catch up.” Tourism & Cost of Living: Opinion pieces argue Guam should shift from chasing visitor counts to boosting visitor spending and satisfaction, while another column pushes for policy fixes to lower healthcare costs and ease household strain. Education Oversight: Sen. Vincent Borja calls a June 23 GDOE oversight hearing on school closure plans and reopening for 2026-27, as staffing and access concerns continue. Public Works/DPHSS: DPW is moving on property upkeep standards in hotel zones with fines up to $5,000, while DPHSS says only half of required high-risk inspections are getting done due to staffing shortages. Defense & Heritage: Activists plan to escalate opposition to a proposed military cultural heritage pact, and separate reporting notes Global Hawk basing shifts that add to Guam’s debate over who carries defense burdens.

Military & Defense: The Air Force is permanently relocating three RQ-4 Global Hawk drones and about 150 personnel from Andersen to Yokota in Japan, fueling fresh debate over Guam’s role in shifting Pacific defense. Cultural Heritage & Governance: Activists in Hagåtña are pushing back on a proposed 2026 military cultural heritage pact, saying it would hand Navy control over ancestral and “sacred” sites, and they’re planning to take the fight to the governor. Education Oversight: Sen. Vincent Borja has called a June 23 GDOE oversight hearing focused on school closure plans and Southern High accessibility issues. Courts & Public Safety: Guam Police say there’s no record of sexual assault allegations against former GVB boss Carl Gutierrez dating back to 2022, despite a lawsuit alleging abuse and coverup. Procurement & School Rebuild: OPA is weighing whether to dismiss an appeal that’s stalling the Simon Sanchez High School rebuild. Health & Inspections: DPHSS says staffing shortages mean only about half of required high-risk facility inspections are being completed. Fiscal & Hiring: GovGuam’s hiring/pay freeze proposal faces pushback from the acting governor over whether the Legislature can encroach on executive staffing powers. Courts (Hospital Fight): A District Court ruling remanded the governor’s hospital authority case back to the Guam Supreme Court and awarded attorney’s fees against the AG. Energy Relief (CNMI): FEMA approved an $8M Compact Disaster Declaration for FSM after Typhoon Sinlaku, while Tinian residents get temporary “free” electricity usage beyond a basic $7 fee.

Election Pulse: A UOG survey of about 260 likely voters shows a statistical deadlock for Guam governor—Joshua Tenorio at 28% and Therese Terlaje at 27%—while Tony Ada leads Frank Blas Jr. among Republicans; for delegate, incumbent James Moylan leads at 53% over Mary Camacho Torres (24%) and Alicia Limtiaco (23%). Public Finance & Oversight: The Guam Visitors Bureau cleared its FY2025 audit with a clean opinion but still saw revenues drop $9.3M, driven by lower GovGuam appropriations and weaker visitor arrivals, even as it ramped up airline incentives. Health & Courts: AG Douglas Moylan says he’ll fight to the end to prevent Guam from repaying $105M tied to the Mangilao hospital project, pointing to a July mediation conference. Education Governance: Two letters urge voters to scrutinize the Guam Education Board as school-closure plans and Simon Sanchez High School reconstruction delays draw attention ahead of the election. Territorial Security & Energy: A House Armed Services amendment would pilot small modular nuclear reactors in the Indo-Pacific, alarming Guam security advocates; separately, Tinian residents get temporary “free” electricity usage as FEMA and the military cover generation and fuel. Environment & Compliance: Public Health is investigating banned coral-hurting sunscreen imports and says violators could face civil fines up to $5,000 per violation. Disaster & Readiness: NWS forecasts up to seven more storms in 2026 for the Marianas and Micronesia, with several expected to reach typhoon strength. International Shock: A 7.8 quake struck the southern Philippines, killing dozens and triggering tsunami advisories across the Pacific as rescue teams search damaged areas.

Guam Election Watch: A University of Guam poll finds Rep. James Moylan leading the delegate race (53%) while governor primary voters split tightly—Joshua Tenorio (28%) vs. Therese Terlaje (27%), with Tony Ada (24%) ahead of Frank Blas Jr. (17%) among Republicans. AG vs. Hospital Funding: Attorney General Douglas Moylan says he’ll keep fighting to stop Guam from repaying about $105M in federal funds tied to the Mangilao hospital project, pointing to a July mediation. GVB Financial Reality Check: The Guam Visitors Bureau cleared its FY2025 audit with zero findings, but revenues fell $9.3M to $23.7M as visitor arrivals dipped and airline incentive spending rose. Public Health Enforcement: Public Health is investigating banned, coral-hurting sunscreen chemicals and says violators face civil fines. Military Readiness & Presence: A new Guam-based communications squadron hit readiness for real missions, and OICC MCM was disestablished after a decade supporting major bases. Regional Security/Disaster: The U.S. approved an $8M disaster package for FSM after Typhoon Sinlaku, while tsunami advisories followed a 7.8 quake off Mindanao with hazardous ocean conditions for Guam and CNMI. Local Governance: Lawmakers Blas and Ada propose suspending broad pay raises and freezing some hiring; Acting Gov. Tenorio calls it unenforceable. Environment & Courts: GovGuam is reviewing a DC settlement proposal in the Ordot dump CERCLA case. National Heritage Push: A public survey is open through July 2 on whether Guam should become a national heritage area.

Federal Funding Push: Guam Delegate James Moylan says the U.S. House passed the FY 2027 Agriculture Appropriations Bill that could send more than $5 million to Guam for health care and public safety, including $1.76 million for emergency access and structural stabilization at Guam Memorial Hospital’s Z-wing, plus upgrades for the Guam Fire Department and the forensic science/DNA lab. CNMI Recovery & Utilities: CNMI officials report major progress after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with about 99% of Saipan’s primary power lines re-energized and generation capacity restored above pre-storm levels, while Guam and CNMI leaders thank the GPA and CUC crews. Defense & Education: A House Armed Services Committee amendment backed by Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds adds one more CNMI service academy slot for FY2027, raising the total to four. GovGuam Pay & Hiring Fight: Speaker Frank Blas Jr. and Vice Speaker Tony Ada propose pausing broad pay raises and freezing certain hiring through election-year timelines, while Acting Gov. Joshua Tenorio calls the move unenforceable. Tsunami Watch: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, tsunami advisories were issued for Guam and the Northern Marianas, with hazardous ocean conditions and strong currents warned along coastlines. Public Health: Guam Public Health confirms another whooping cough case, bringing the total to 17 for the year. Courts: The Guam Supreme Court hears an appeal from a car theft/burglary defendant arguing the jury wasn’t properly instructed on whether the vehicle was “abandoned.” Local Governance: GovGuam is reviewing a federal settlement proposal in the Ordot dump CERCLA case, seeking more time to reach agreement.

Rev & Tax Facilities: Sen. Jesse Lujan is pushing for a permanent Department of Revenue and Taxation home after the agency’s $1.3M-a-year rent for the “leaky” old Price Costco warehouse in Barrigada, citing roof, plumbing, mold, and fire-safety concerns and warning it could be inoperable if Super Typhoon Sinlaku hits directly. Fiscal Controls: Guam legislative leaders propose a moratorium on limited-term and unclassified government hiring plus a suspension of pay raises during the election year, pointing to audit concerns and uncertainty around federal funding. Public Health: Guam Public Health confirmed another whooping cough case, bringing the total to 17 confirmed this year, with several hospitalizations and an emphasis on getting vaccinated early. Regional Disaster Watch: A 7.8 earthquake off Mindanao triggered tsunami warnings and coastal evacuations across parts of the Philippines and the wider Pacific, including Guam, as officials assess damage and aftershocks. Education Expansion: SIFA secured a Tamuning campus and will expand into 9th grade for the 2026–2027 school year with a new lease contract. Infrastructure & Roads: DPW says it can spend $20M in federal ARP funds on village street paving and is asking senators to consider a $5,000 penalty for abandoned vehicles. Aviation Update: United Airlines will move Micronesia and Guam routes to Boeing 737 MAX 8 service earlier than planned, with Guam-Saipan and Guam-Manila changes scheduled for mid- to late-2026.

Nuclear Power & Guam’s Voice: A House NDAA amendment would require the Pentagon to deploy transportable nuclear microreactors in the Indo-Pacific by Jan. 1, 2030, with Guam Del. James Moylan voting against the provision and urging transparency and meaningful engagement with Guam’s elected leaders. GVB Sexual Assault Probe Demands: Sen. Therese Terlaje is pushing the Guam AG to investigate allegations tied to a $61.5M lawsuit against the Guam Visitors Bureau, calling for transparency and warning lawmakers not to involve people who may be witnesses. School Closure Fight: Guam Education Board leadership and senators are challenging Judith Won Pat’s plan to close six southern elementary schools, citing alleged opacity and process problems. Tourism Policy & Standards: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed a new law requiring property maintenance standards in Guam’s hotel/tourism “H-zone,” using the International Property Maintenance Code. Visa Waiver Push: Guam and CNMI governors renewed their push to add the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program to boost tourism and regional connectivity. Storm Season Outlook: NWS forecasts 3–5 typhoons possible in CNMI waters in 2026, with Guam and the Marianas facing 4–7 named storms overall. Youth Corrections Budget Debate: DYA director Melanie Brennan told lawmakers she opposes building a larger youth correctional facility, arguing for community-based and mental health services instead. Ocean Protection Convening: Guam advocates helped bring ocean justice voices to Washington at Upwell 2026, emphasizing the fight against deep-sea mining and climate impacts. Environment & Compliance: Guam EPA issued a notice of violation and compliance order to GICC over underground storage tank documentation and testing failures.