AGP Executive Report

Tourism & Markets: The Guam Visitors Bureau and 12 local partners pitched Guam as a “Wellness Island” at the 2026 Seoul International Travel Fair, using one-on-one consultations and a Guam pavilion that drew strong interest in pricing and packages. Public Finance & Risk: Guam’s attorney general Douglas Moylan warned a $61.5 million federal lawsuit against the Guam Visitors Bureau could create major public-debt exposure for taxpayers. Energy & Jobs: Renewable energy groups sued the Pentagon, saying national security reviews for new wind farms have stalled for months, putting $47 billion in investment and thousands of jobs at risk. Defense & Infrastructure: The U.S. Coast Guard accepted delivery of the new fast response cutter Jeffrey Palazzo, expected to join Guam’s homeport fleet after commissioning. Fishing & Local Economy: President Trump opened parts of three Pacific marine national monuments—including the Mariana Trench area off Guam—to commercial fishing, a move supporters say boosts jobs and seafood supply, while critics warn it sacrifices protected waters. Local Business: Guam’s first trading card café expanded in Harmon, adding play space and a café concept for Pokémon and other card-game communities. GovGuam Services: Guam Veterans Affairs Office in Assan closes June 15 and reopens June 22 in Hagåtña.

Defense & Local Industry: The U.S. Coast Guard accepted delivery of the 63rd Fast Response Cutter, Jeffrey Palazzo, the fifth FRC homeported in Guam—another boost for maritime readiness and local defense-linked activity. Public Safety: A woman was taken to Guam Regional Medical City after a vehicle crashed into Don Don Donki in Tamuning; injuries were non-fatal and police are investigating. Pacific Fisheries & Cost Pressure: President Trump lifted fishing limits in parts of three Pacific marine national monuments, including the Mariana Trench area near Guam, aiming to expand access and lower seafood prices. Construction Pipeline: Guam’s SAME Industry Forum 2026 (July 28–30) is being positioned as a key networking and contracting hub for Indo-Pacific readiness, with infrastructure and workforce capacity front and center. Tax & Cash Flow: Guam’s Department of Revenue and Tax reports 36,692 returns filed for tax year 2025, with $59.84M in refunds so far, though processing is running slower after Sinlaku-related disruptions. Small Business Spotlight: Guam’s first trading card café expanded in Harmon, pairing a larger card shop with a new café concept for the growing collector community. Government Operations: Guam Veterans Affairs Office in Assan will close June 15 and reopen June 22 in Hagåtña. Legal/Compliance Watch: A Southern High School elevator accessibility case is still sparking dispute over what GDOE did and when, after a court ruling favored the superintendent.

Guam Budget Watch: Bureau of Budget and Management Research Director Lester Carlson says nearly $10M of Sinlaku emergency funds is likely to be returned to GovGuam after spending tapers off, with $9.9M held in reserve. Tax & Revenue: Rev and Tax Director Maria Lizama reports 36,692 tax returns filed for tax year 2025, with $59.84M in refunds paid so far; refund processing is slower (13–14 weeks) due to Sinlaku-related system disruptions. Public Works & Compliance: DPHSS says only half of required high-risk inspections are being completed because it has just three fully trained inspectors. Education Oversight: Senators call for a June 23 oversight hearing on GDOE school closure plans and reopening for 2026–2027 amid transparency concerns. Legal/Accessibility: District Court ruled in favor of GDOE superintendent in the Southern High elevator accessibility case, closing the matter at the district level. Local Business & Community: Guam’s first trading card café expands in Harmon, adding play space and a café concept under a husband-and-wife duo. Workforce/Contracts: S.A.M.E. Guam Industry Forum 2026 returns July 28–30 at Dusit Thani, pitching defense and infrastructure contracting opportunities to local firms. Guam Veterans Services: Guam Veterans Affairs Office in Assan permanently closes June 15 and reopens June 22 in Hagåtña. Tourism & Events: Mall Ball 3x3 summer circuit opens registration at Micronesia Mall, with the high school tournament starting June 19.

Guam Tax Update: Property tax collections are down about $24M versus projections for FY2026, but overall tax and fee revenues are up roughly $21M, with GovGuam expecting the shortfall to “self-rectify” as delayed invoices get paid. Public Finance & Hiring: Speaker Frank Blas Jr. and Vice Speaker Tony Ada propose freezing limited-term/unclassified hiring and suspending pay increases through FY2027, while Acting Gov. Josh Tenorio says the Legislature can’t encroach on executive staffing powers. Education Oversight: Sen. Vincent Borja schedules a June 23 GDOE oversight hearing focused on school closure plans and reopening for 2026-27 amid transparency concerns. Health Inspections: DPHSS says only three trained inspectors are handling high-risk facility inspections, completing about half of required checks. Tourism Strategy: An opinion argues Guam should shift from chasing visitor counts to boosting visitor spending and authentic experiences. Local Business & Events: Registration is open for Micronesia Mall’s Mall Ball 3x3 summer circuit, with high school, adult/open, and middle school tournaments. Conservation Funding Model: UOG’s Research Corporation (RCUOG) highlights how it manages grant-funded conservation work, growing to $100M in its first decade and managing $130M+ across 200+ awards.

Education Oversight: Sen. Vincent Borja called a June 23 GDOE oversight hearing focused on school closure plans, decommissioning, the J.P. Torres Success Academy situation, and reopening for SY 2026-2027, after criticism that the process lacks transparency. Public Health Staffing: DPHSS told lawmakers it’s completing only about half of required high-risk inspections due to a shortage—26 of 52 for Category 4 food facilities and 62 of 124 for Category 4 institutional facilities. Hospital Legal Fight: A Guam District Court remanded the governor’s hospital authority case back to the Guam Supreme Court and awarded attorney’s fees against the AG, after the AG’s attempt to move it to federal court was rejected. GovGuam Hiring/Pay Freeze: Speaker Frank Blas Jr. and Vice Speaker Tony Ada proposed freezing limited-term/unclassified hiring and suspending pay increases, but Acting Gov. Josh Tenorio says it conflicts with prior AG opinions. Tourism Strategy: An opinion urges Guam to shift from chasing visitor counts to boosting visitor spending and satisfaction, and to build more authentic experiences as arrivals remain well below pre-pandemic levels. Aquaculture & Seafood Supply: UH Hilo is joining a $13.5M national NOAA aquaculture consortium (CIFARM) to expand sustainable U.S. seafood production. Power Relief in Tinian: FEMA and the U.S. military are covering generation and fuel costs temporarily, so Tinian residents are billed only a basic $7 service fee until around July 10. Local Business: Guam’s first trading card café expanded in Harmon, pairing a card shop with a new café concept.

Aquaculture & Food Security: The University of Hawaiʻi is joining a new $13.5 million NOAA-backed aquaculture consortium (CIFARM) aimed at boosting U.S. seafood supply and sustainable marine farming, with UH Hilo’s Chatham Callan leading the research team. Disaster Relief (FSM): FEMA approved a Compact Disaster Declaration for the Federated States of Micronesia after Typhoon Sinlaku, releasing an initial $8 million for immediate unmet needs in Chuuk. Guam Tourism Strategy: An opinion piece argues Guam should shift from chasing visitor counts to targeting higher-spending travelers and building more authentic Guam experiences. Public Health Staffing: DPHSS says only three trained inspectors are handling high-risk facility inspections, completing about half of required Category 4 checks. Hospital Legal Fight: A District Court ruling remands Guam’s hospital authority case back to the Guam Supreme Court and awards attorney’s fees against the AG. Government Finance: A proposed GovGuam hiring/pay freeze faces pushback from the acting governor, who says it conflicts with prior AG opinions. GVB Audit: Guam Visitors Bureau cleared a clean FY2025 audit but reported $9.3M lower revenue amid weaker appropriations and visitor arrivals. Local Business: Guam’s first dedicated trading card café expands in Harmon, combining a card shop and a new café concept. Community & Events: Micronesia Mall opens registration for Mall Ball 3x3 summer tournaments, running June through August.

Tourism & public finance: Guam Visitors Bureau’s FY2025 audit landed a clean opinion, but revenues fell $9.3M to $23.7M as GovGuam appropriations dropped $8.3M and visitor arrivals slipped 3%, while operating expenses rose and a new $4.6M airline incentives push drove higher payables. Local governance & staffing: Acting DPR director Robert Lizama told lawmakers Guam’s parks system is stretched thin—5 workers covering 85-plus parks—with 35 DPR positions vacant and park maintenance and recreation hit hardest. Deep-sea mining regulation: Experts warn proposed U.S. seabed-mining rules are “bare bones” and may weaken environmental oversight as leasing and permitting move forward. Election politics & government costs: Speaker Frank Blas Jr. and Vice Speaker Tony Ada propose a hiring freeze for limited-term/unclassified staff and a pay-raise suspension through Sept. 30, 2027; Acting Gov. Joshua Tenorio calls it unenforceable. Environment & consumer compliance: Public Health is investigating banned, coral-hurting sunscreen chemicals and says violators could face civil fines. Business growth: Guam’s first trading card café expanded in Harmon, pairing a bigger retail space with a new café concept for the island’s card-game community. Regional economy: The U.S. approved an initial $8M disaster package for FSM after Typhoon Sinlaku, with FEMA funding under the Compact.

GVB Audit: Guam Visitors Bureau cleared a clean FY2025 audit but still took a hit: revenues fell $9.3M to $23.7M as GovGuam appropriations dropped $8.3M and visitor arrivals slipped 3%, while expenses rose to $30M, including a new $4.6M airline incentives push. GovGuam Finances: April tax collections were down $36.6M after Sinlaku delayed income tax filings, but May is expected to rebound. Workforce Policy: Guam lawmakers propose a hiring freeze for limited-term/unclassified staff and a pay-raise suspension through Sept. 30, 2027; Acting Gov. Tenorio says it’s unenforceable. Public Health Enforcement: The Department of Public Health is investigating banned coral-hurting sunscreen ingredients (oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene) and says violators face removal orders and fines up to $5,000. Telecom & Retail: DOCOMO Pacific opens at Donki’s Village of Donki in Tamuning, expanding local connectivity. Regional Relief: The U.S. approved an initial $8M disaster package for FSM after Typhoon Sinlaku. CNMI Recovery: Guam/CNMI typhoon response updates show power and water restoration progress. Elections: A University of Guam poll shows Tenorio and Terlaje in a statistical deadlock; Ada leads Blas among Republicans.

GovGuam Fiscal Tension: Speaker Frank Blas Jr. and Vice Speaker Tony Ada propose suspending broad pay raises and freezing limited hiring through the election year, citing audit concerns and uncertainty over federal funds—Acting Gov. Joshua Tenorio calls the move unenforceable and warns it could disrupt essential services. Tourism Watch: Guam Visitors Bureau’s FY2025 audit shows an unmodified clean opinion, but net position fell by $5.9M as visitor arrivals dropped about 3%, hitting Tourist Attraction Fund collections while spending rose. CNMI/Guam Travel Push: Guam and CNMI governors renew calls for adding the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program, arguing it would boost tourism and regional air connectivity. Disaster Recovery: CNMI reports major progress restoring power and water after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with nearly all primary power lines re-energized on Saipan and generation capacity back above pre-storm levels. Public Works Funding: DPW says it can spend $20M in federal ARP funds on village street paving and seeks tougher rules for abandoned vehicles, including $5,000 fines. Energy Supply Risk: Guam Power Authority reviews alternative fuel sources beyond Asia as regional oil stocks tighten, while officials say current supplier channels remain intact. Defense & Security: Guam’s National Guard begins another THAAD site security rotation, underscoring ongoing local support for U.S. missile-defense operations. Education Expansion: SIFA secures a new Tamuning lease to add a ninth-grade program starting 2026–27, with plans for science labs and robotics.

Energy & Finance (FSM): Vital FSM Petroleum Corp. says President Wesley Simina signed Public Law 24-65 on June 2, formalizing up to $5M in loans for fuel price stabilization, boosted by a Japan grant for about $3.1M—adding roughly $8M in stabilization capacity to protect electricity, transport, food distribution and essential services. Transportation (Guam/Region): United Airlines will move its 737 MAX 8 “Island Hopper” service earlier—shifting FSM/Marshall/Palau/Saipan operations to all-MAX 8 by early October 2026, with Guam-Saipan starting July 19 and Guam-Koror-Manila Oct. 2. Local Infrastructure (DPW): DPW says it will use $20M in federal ARP funds for village street paving and is asking senators to introduce a $5,000 charge for abandoned vehicles and bar repeat offenders from registering new cars. Courts/Shipping (Sinlaku): A District Court of Guam judge approved a $226,800 claims fund in the M/V Mariana limitation case tied to Sinlaku deaths and injuries, directing claims to be filed in Guam by July 31. Governance & Business Risk (GVB): Guam AG Douglas Moylan is reviewing allegations in a federal complaint involving public funds and sexual misconduct, while senators call for criminal investigation and police review whether complaints were filed since 2022. Tourism & Travel Policy: Guam and CNMI governors are pushing the U.S. to add the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program to boost tourism and air connectivity. Food & Markets (UOG): UOG’s Land Grant Extension is inviting farmers and food entrepreneurs to a 5P Agricultural Marketing Workshop series focused on product, price, place, promotion and people to grow Guam-grown sales. Environment/Compliance (GICC): Guam EPA issued a notice of violation and compliance order with administrative penalties to Guam International Country Club over underground storage tank documentation and testing issues. Disaster Watch (Philippines): A 7.8 quake off Mindanao triggered tsunami warnings and evacuations across parts of the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia, with at least four deaths and 200+ injuries reported.

Visa & Tourism: Guam and CNMI governors are again pushing Washington to add the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, arguing it would boost tourism, strengthen regional ties, and support more air service after Super Typhoon Sinlaku disruptions. Energy & Compliance: Guam EPA issued a notice of violation and compliance order to Guam International Country Club over underground storage tank documentation and leak-detection system issues, with administrative penalties assessed. Public Finance: A GEDA FY2025 audit shows improving operating performance but flags cash-flow strain and reliance on less-stable funding like bond fees. Education Oversight: Lawmakers are criticizing GDOE’s school decommissioning process, saying potential closures are being handled without enough transparency and community input. Local Business: Crowns Guam opened a larger Hagåtña flagship store, signaling continued momentum for local retail despite tough economic conditions. Fraud Watch: The FBI added Guam bingo fraud defendant Michael Lizaso Marasigan to its Most Wanted Fraudsters list, seeking a $150,000 reward. Agriculture & Markets: UOG is inviting Guam farmers and food entrepreneurs to a marketing workshop series focused on product, price, place, promotion and people, plus a new farmer community gathering called “Hotnu Heals.” Tourism Sentiment: GVB exit survey data for April shows 91% of surveyed visitors said they’d return, even with April arrivals down about 28% year over year.

Sports Tourism & Local Retail: Crowns Guam opened a new Hagåtña flagship store at Ada Plaza Center, expanding to about 15,000 square feet and betting on stronger local demand as it grows its summer line. BJJ & Guam Branding: The Guam Marianas Pro Korea Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship returned to Seoul with record participation, nearly doubling competitors from 2024 and reinforcing Guam’s sports-travel pipeline. Youth Justice Budget Debate: DYA Director Melanie Brennan told lawmakers she opposes a new or larger youth correctional facility, citing declining youth admissions and pushing community-based and mental health-focused alternatives. Fraud & Public Safety: The FBI added Michael Lizaso Marasigan—convicted in a $34M Guam bingo fraud—to its Most Wanted Fraudsters list, offering up to a $150,000 reward. Food Systems & Consumer Trust: UOG is running marketing workshops for Guam farmers and food entrepreneurs, while a separate push highlights how food traceability can help local products stand out. Tourism Policy: Guam signed a law allowing fines up to $5,000 for poor property upkeep in hotel zones, aiming to protect Tumon’s appearance. Immigration & Air Connectivity: GovGuam and CNMI renewed their push to include the Philippines in the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program to boost travel demand and spur more airline service. Environment & Industry Rules: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed Guam’s deep-sea mining ban in territorial waters, with steep daily fines and port-use restrictions tied to “full consultation.” Housing Payments: GHURA said Section 8 landlord payments won’t be deposited by the usual date due to federal transmission timing issues.

SNAP Relief Processing: Guam DPHSS says disapproval notices for denied Food Loss Affidavit claims will be mailed this week, after extra review to fix address issues and complete quality checks; the program ran May 11–14 after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Fraud Crackdown: The FBI’s new “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list includes Guam bingo fraud figure Michael Lizaso Marasigan, convicted in a $34M case tied to alleged misuse of fundraising proceeds; the bureau is offering up to $150,000 for tips. Tourism & Air Connectivity Push: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and CNMI Gov. David Apatang are urging federal officials to expand the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program to include the Philippines, aiming to boost regional travel demand and airline service. Local Governance & Costs: Gov. Leon Guerrero signed a law allowing fines up to $5,000 for poor upkeep in hotel zones, giving DPW enforcement tools to protect Tumon’s appearance. Energy Transition: CCU approved GPA power purchase deals for a 57.4-MW solar farm at the old Dededo golf course, pending final PUC approval. Housing Payments Glitch: GHURA says Section 8 rental payments won’t be deposited by June 5 due to HUD/Treasury transmission timing, with other payments expected to resume. Deep-Sea Mining Ban: The governor signed Public Law 38-129 banning deep-sea mining in Guam territorial waters and setting $10,000–$50,000 daily fines, with added leverage via port-use restrictions. Education Oversight Fight: Sen. Chris Barnett is demanding records on proposed southern school closures as GDOE weighs rightsizing and budget needs.

Tourism & Travel Policy: Guam and CNMI renewed their push for the Philippines to be included in the visa waiver program, arguing it would boost lawful travel demand and encourage more airline service to the islands. Local Business & Property Standards: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed Bill 160-38 into law, letting the Department of Public Works enforce property maintenance standards in hotel zones with fines up to $5,000—aimed at keeping Tumon’s tourism corridor in better shape. Energy & Infrastructure: Utilities regulators cleared the way for Guam Power Authority to move ahead with power purchase deals for a 57.4-megawatt solar farm at the old Dededo golf course, pending final Public Utilities Commission approval. Housing Payments: GHURA said Section 8 landlord payments won’t be deposited by June 5 due to federal transmission delays, though other monthly payments are expected to resume on schedule. Environment & Ports: Guam also signed a deep-sea mining ban (Public Law 38-129) covering territorial waters, with penalties up to $50,000 per day and a key port-access lever requiring “full consultation” before mining-linked operations can use the Port Authority of Guam. Agriculture & Workforce: UOG’s Land Grant Extension launches “Hotnu Heals,” a farmer-focused workshop series mixing community support and locally produced food, starting Sunday in Talo’fo’fo’. Education Oversight: Sen. Chris Barnett demanded records from GDOE as lawmakers weigh possible consolidation or closure of six southern elementary schools. Fraud & Public Safety: Michael Marasigan, tied to a $34M bingo fraud case, landed on the FBI’s new Most Wanted Fraudsters list, with a reward up to $150,000. Ocean Science: The Ocean Exploration Trust says E/V Nautilus returns to Mariana waters June 10 with missions that include local participants and a new sonar system to map deeper seafloor.

Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Push: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and CNMI Gov. David Apatang urged Washington to expand the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program to include the Philippines, arguing it would boost travel, air traffic, and regional investment while keeping security screening in place. Deep-Sea Mining Ban: Leon Guerrero signed Public Law 38-129 banning deep-sea mining in Guam’s territorial waters, with fines up to $50,000 per day and a key enforcement lever: mining-linked vessels could be blocked from using the Port Authority of Guam without “full consultation.” Housing Cash Flow: GHURA said June Section 8 payments won’t be deposited by June 5 due to a federal transmission delay, though other monthly payments are expected to resume on schedule. Education Oversight: Sen. Chris Barnett demanded records from GDOE as lawmakers weigh potential consolidation/closures of six southern elementary schools amid budget pressure. Energy Deal: Utilities regulators approved an energy agreement for a Dededo golf course solar farm, moving Guam toward a long-term power purchase plan. Fraud Enforcement: Michael Marasigan, tied to a $34M bingo fraud case, landed on the FBI’s new Most Wanted Fraudsters list, with a reward up to $150,000. Public Works Funding: DPW is seeking $12M from the Recycling Revolving Fund to expand an abandoned vehicles program for FY2027. Tourism & Sports: Guam’s Marianas Pro Korea Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu event returned to Seoul with record participation, highlighting sports tourism momentum. Weather Forecast Funding Risk: A proposed NOAA budget cut could reduce programs tied to typhoon forecasting, fisheries, and coral conservation that matter to Guam and CNMI.

Deep-Sea Mining Ban: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed Public Law 38-129 banning deep-sea mining in Guam’s nearshore waters, with fines up to $50,000 per day and a requirement for “full consultation” before the Port Authority of Guam can be used. The ban targets Guam’s 3-nautical-mile territorial waters and is meant to deter Guam as a staging area. Energy & Development: The Consolidated Commission on Utilities approved energy deals for a 57.4-megawatt solar farm on the old Guam International Country Club site in Dededo, with GPA set to buy power for 25 years (plus a 5-year option) pending Public Utilities Commission approval. Infrastructure After Storms: Guam and CNMI leaders met at a Joint Typhoon Preparedness Summit to set regional recovery milestones and align cross-territory emergency planning. Public Works Funding: DPW is seeking $12 million for an expanded abandoned vehicles program, a major jump from current authorization, after taking over responsibilities following a cleanup program discontinuation. Weather Forecasting Risk: Proposed NOAA budget cuts could reduce typhoon forecasting, fisheries, and coral/coastal resilience programs that support island economies. Crime & Courts: A final defendant in a Guam meth trafficking conspiracy was sentenced to nine years in federal prison.