AGP Executive Report

Education Accountability: A Guam Department of Education letter/column blasts the closure of the Tiyan and Simon Sanchez High Schools shared campus, saying Core Tech’s delayed response and the lack of a clear apology leave families and students without answers. Budget & Tax Policy: The Guam Legislature is set to vote Monday on the governor’s revised fiscal 2027 budget, with lawmakers keeping the Business Privilege Tax at 4% and retaining a 5% BPT on military buildup construction projects. Hospitality & Workforce: GHRA’s Pacific Hotel & Restaurant Expo 2026 (PHARE) opens Wednesday at the Hyatt Regency Guam, bringing dozens of exhibitors plus training on food safety, customer service, and alcohol management. Agriculture Relief: Guam Department of Agriculture opens applications Aug. 17 through Sept. 2 for its Crop Loss Compensation Program for Typhoon Bavi losses, covering qualifying crop input damages. Legal Services Access: The Superior Court is recruiting bilingual interpreters for its on-call registry, paying $28 an hour and seeking more Philippine and Micronesian language speakers. Local Business Hiring: Atkins Kroll Guam held its first 2026 job fair, drawing 50+ applicants and completing 70+ on-site interviews.

Guam Budget Vote: The Guam Legislature is set to vote Monday on the governor’s revised fiscal 2027 budget, after Friday amendments kept the business privilege tax cut at 4% and preserved a 5% BPT on military buildup construction projects—an issue lawmakers are still debating. Hospitality & Tourism Business: The Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association kicks off PHARE 2026 Wednesday at the Hyatt Regency Guam with chef demos, networking, and hospitality showcases for more than 40 exhibitors. Workforce & Education: Career Tech High Academy Charter School makes its case for renewal, highlighting hands-on career programs tied to real-world training, including maritime and diving certifications. Agriculture Relief: The Guam Department of Agriculture opens applications Aug. 17 through Sept. 2 for its Crop Loss Compensation Program for Typhoon Bavi losses, aimed at eligible farmers’ crop input costs. Courts & Compliance: Superior Court is considering a motion by SelectCare to dismiss and compel arbitration in a breach-of-contract dispute, after a judge’s disqualification challenge was denied. Local Business Costs: Guam residents face higher shipping costs to the U.S. states after USPS added third-party duty collection via the Zonos Prepay app. Interpreter Shortage: Guam’s Judiciary is recruiting bilingual residents for an on-call interpreter registry, paying $28 an hour, with training sessions Aug. 17 and Aug. 24. CNMI Agriculture Funding: CNMI Sen. Corina Magofna is asking Guam’s agriculture leadership about disaster funding opportunities after Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi.

Budget & Governance: Guam lawmakers approved amendments to the governor’s revised fiscal 2027 budget, including striking a proposal to raise the attorney general’s procurement legal-adviser threshold from $500,000 to $5 million—Sen. Telo Taitague’s 10x jump drew pushback. Courts & Insurance: A Superior Court judge is weighing a motion to dismiss and compel arbitration in a SelectCare breach-of-contract case tied to premature birth coverage disputes. Local Economy & Jobs: Atkins Kroll Guam held its first 2026 job fair, drawing 50+ seekers and 70+ on-site interviews across finance, service, sales and equipment and rental divisions. Tourism & Community Planning: The Guam Visitors Bureau held a town hall on the Sella Bay Overlook Trail project, focusing on access, safety, erosion and cultural preservation as the plan stays in conceptual design. Disaster Recovery: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero formally requested a major disaster declaration for Super Typhoon Bavi, seeking FEMA and SBA support for eligible damages. Workforce & Access: Guam’s judiciary is recruiting bilingual interpreters for its on-call registry, paying $28 an hour and targeting Philippine and Micronesian languages. Business Legacy: Longtime Guam entrepreneur Mark Pangilinan, founder of MVP Enterprises, died at 99.

Local Elections: Three gubernatorial teams will debate Saturday, Aug. 15, at the NMDC forum in Susupe, with Guam’s former delegate and UOG president Dr. Robert Underwood moderating. Courts & Workforce: Guam Superior Court is recruiting bilingual residents for an on-call interpreter registry, paying $28 an hour, with Aug. 17 and Aug. 24 training sessions; it’s especially seeking Philippine and Micronesian languages. Shipping Costs: Guam residents are paying more to mail to the U.S. states after USPS added third-party duty collection via the Zonos Prepay app, prompting local shippers like CROWNS Guam to raise rates. Fisheries & Disaster Aid: Guam fishers say shark deterrents aren’t working and that a clear path to federal disaster money for storm-damaged gear remains out of reach. Military Economy & Policy: Senators are debating whether to keep a 5% BPT on military construction contracts, with arguments over revenue versus jobs and DoD funding. Business & Jobs: Atkins Kroll Guam held its first 2026 job fair, drawing 50+ applicants and running 70+ on-site interviews. Community & Tourism Projects: Sinajana and MTM mayors are awaiting $250,000 each in ARPA interest funds for a green marketplace and a renovated storage workshop. Typhoon Recovery: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has requested a major disaster declaration for Super Typhoon Bavi to unlock additional FEMA and SBA assistance. Aviation/Travel: Delta Air Lines signals renewed Asia growth, including a return to Singapore, as it rebuilds Pacific long-haul routes. Business Legacy: Mark Pangilinan, a longtime Guam entrepreneur and Business Hall of Fame inductee, died at 99.

Defense & Guam readiness: New reporting on U.S. missile shortages tied to the Iran war is reigniting Guam leaders’ questions about whether the island’s missile shield can handle a China conflict, as analysts warn interceptor and long-range munitions stockpiles are being depleted faster than industry can replace them. Local recovery funding: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has formally requested a major disaster declaration for Super Typhoon Bavi, seeking more FEMA and SBA support for storm-damaged homes, infrastructure and utilities. Banking after the storm: Bank of Guam says its Rota branch will resume normal operations Aug. 11, with the Rota ATM back online 24/7. Workforce & training reality check: A CNMI-focused editorial argues technical training won’t fix the skilled-worker gap unless wages and job conditions improve after graduation. Business community: Longtime Guam entrepreneur Mark Pangilinan, founder of MVP Enterprises, died at 99. Tourism & trails: Guam Visitors Bureau held a town hall on the Sella Bay Overlook Trail concept, gathering input on safety, access and cultural preservation. CNMI travel rules: The Saipan Chamber is reviewing DHS vetting changes for Chinese travelers under EVS-TAP, saying the program is important for the tourism-driven economy. Retail expansion: Cost.U.Less’ new Hagåtña flagship is set to open Aug. 28, with the Tamuning store closing Aug. 27.

Banking & Travel Rewards: SC Bank Korea launched a deposit product that pays after-tax interest in Korean Air miles, with 3.15%–3.55% annual rates and bonus miles for new customers—tying banking to airline loyalty. Disaster Recovery & Public Finance: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero formally requested a major disaster declaration for Super Typhoon Bavi, aiming to unlock more FEMA and SBA support for homes and infrastructure. Local ARPA Funding: Sinajana and Mongmong-Toto-Maite mayors are awaiting $250,000 each in ARPA interest funds for a green marketplace and a renovated storage workshop. Defense Readiness Debate: New reporting on U.S. missile shortages is renewing Guam leaders’ questions about whether the island’s missile shield can hold up in a China contingency. Banking Operations: Bank of Guam says its Rota branch will resume normal hours Aug. 11, with the Rota ATM available 24/7. Business Community Loss: Guam entrepreneur Mark Pangilinan, founder of MVP Enterprises, died at 99. Retail Expansion: Cost.U.Less’ new Hagåtña flagship opens Aug. 28; the Tamuning store closes Aug. 27. Tourism Planning: GVB held a Humåtak town hall on the Sella Bay Overlook Trail project, focusing on safety, access, and cultural and environmental preservation. Workforce/Training: UOG will host a free Mental Health First Aid training for farmers and families on Aug. 22. Education Facilities Pressure: A letter highlights overcrowding tensions between Simon Sanchez and Tiyan high schools tied to delayed campus rebuilds.

CNMI Deep-Sea Mining Watch: BOEM is weighing up to six preliminary mineral exploration leases around the Northern Mariana Islands, with Saipan’s port expected to be a key support hub—while church leaders and others warn that deep-sea mining could cause serious, irreversible harm without full scientific certainty. Tourism & Entry Rules: The Saipan Chamber is reviewing DHS’s proposed EVS-TAP vetting changes for Chinese travelers, saying the program’s continuation is vital for the tourism-driven economy. Guam Budget Politics: Lawmakers debate the governor’s revised FY2027 budget as concerns resurface over reducing the business privilege tax (BPT) to 4% and what that means for revenue stability. Local Retail Expansion: Cost.U.Less will open a new flagship in Hagåtña Aug. 28 (50,000+ sq. ft.) and close the Tamuning store Aug. 27 as part of a realignment. Workforce & Health Training: UOG opened a new nursing hub (about $9M) to boost training capacity, and UOG’s Farmer Focus Program will host free Mental Health First Aid training Aug. 22 for agricultural organizations and families. Business Community Signals: Saipan’s restaurant closures after Super Typhoon Sinlaku continue, while Artspace Guåhan’s “The Art Yard” pop-up highlighted local makers and kept commissions local. Defense Contracting: The U.S. Navy awarded a $249M HUBZone ship-repair contract for Military Sealift Command vessels in Guam, running through Nov. 2027.

Retail Expansion: Cost.U.Less will open its new flagship in Hagåtña on Aug. 28 (more than 50,000 sq. ft., the island’s largest) while the Tamuning store closes Aug. 27 after 31 years, with staff shifting to other locations. Workforce & Education: UOG unveiled a nearly 12,000-sq.-ft. $9M Margaret Perez Hattori-Uchima School of Health Nursing Hub, adding simulation beds and VR training to boost nursing graduates by up to 60 per cohort. Local Governance & Budget: Lawmakers debated the governor’s revised FY2027 budget, including questions about executive control over GDOE finances and corporate income tax projections. Tourism & Travel Rules: CNMI’s Marianas Visitors Authority is reviewing DHS’s updated EVS-TAP vetting requirements for Chinese visitors, which could affect arrivals and tourism operations. Business Community: Artspace Guåhan launched “The Art Yard,” a Tamuning pop-up market featuring 25 local artist and maker vendors and keeping 100% of commissions. Public Health & Safety: Guam’s DOL opened enrollment for the In-School Youth Year-Round Program (Aug. 24–Sept. 30) pairing students with paid private-sector work. Regional Environment: Bishops of the Pacific urged caution on deep-sea mining, calling for transparency and due care amid uncertainty.

Tourism Accountability: Sen. Jesse Lujan is pushing Guam Visitors Bureau management accountability as the public debate over declining tourism shifts from “seat shortages” and currency talk to whether GVB oversight is doing enough—especially as analysis suggests many seats flew empty. Aviation & Border Rules: The Marianas Visitors Authority is reviewing DHS’s Aug. 4 changes to EVS-TAP pre-arrival screening for Chinese tourists, warning that any major federal tweaks must be clearly communicated to protect visitor operations. Healthcare Workforce: UOG opened its $9M Margaret Perez Hattori-Uchima School of Health Nursing Hub, aiming to nearly double nursing admissions starting in 2027 to address Guam’s projected nursing shortage. Local Economy & Jobs: Guam DOL opened enrollment Aug. 24–Sept. 30 for the In-School Youth Year-Round Program, pairing classroom prep with paid summer work experience. Public Finance: Senators are tackling the governor’s revised fiscal 2027 budget in a special session, with lawmakers and financial officials debating revenue and service funding priorities. Business Growth (Pacific): Polar Power reported $7.9M in Pacific Islands revenue since 2024, driven by repeat telecom orders that are expanding solar-hybrid power to more remote sites, including Guam. Education & Community Partnerships: Junior Achievement Guam signed a five-year partnership with Pacific AI Media & Communications to expand AI, data science, entrepreneurship, and career readiness mentoring for students.

Workforce & Education: UOG opened its new $9M Margaret Perez Hattori-Uchima School of Health Nursing Hub, aiming to nearly double nursing admissions starting in 2027 with advanced simulation and clinical training. Youth Employment Pipeline: Guam DOL opened enrollment for the In-School Youth Year-Round Program (Aug. 24–Sept. 30), pairing eligible students with paid summer work and career-focused classroom sessions. Local School Leadership: Academy of Our Lady named UOG alumna Kristina Louise C. Sayama as interim principal for the new school year. Tourism & Operations: Aquarium of Guam appointed international aquarium leader Aaron Sprowl as general manager ahead of its reopening and operational overhaul. Island Economy & Credit: Moody’s affirmed the Port of Guam’s Baa2 senior lien revenue bond rating with a stable outlook, citing liquidity and disciplined financial management. Housing Stability: Vice Speaker Tony Ada asked GHURA for clarification on protections for Housing Choice Voucher holders facing downsizing under limited rental availability. Cyber & Utilities Risk: Suspected Iran-linked cyberattacks on U.S. water systems are renewing warnings that many local systems—including Guam’s—remain vulnerable. Military & Infrastructure: The U.S. Air Force plans Andersen AFB expansion for more aircraft parking and capacity, while critics question the lack of hardened shelters. Environment & Cost Pressures: Guam deployed paracetamol-baited mice by helicopter to curb brown tree snakes, targeting both ecology and power-grid short circuits.

Port Finance: Moody’s affirmed the Port Authority of Guam’s Baa2 senior lien revenue bond rating with a stable outlook, citing the port’s essential role, low debt, strong liquidity and disciplined management. Housing & Social Services: Vice Speaker Tony Ada asked GHURA for clarification on protections for Housing Choice Voucher holders forced into smaller units amid Guam’s limited rental market. Education Oversight: Sen. Vincent Borja pressed the Guam Academy Charter Schools Council for answers on monitoring and enforcement as charter school concerns grow, including facility instability at SiFA. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Suspected Iran-linked hackers targeted U.S. water utilities, renewing warnings that many systems—including Guam’s—remain vulnerable. Guam Economy & Tourism: Marianas Visitors Authority reported 1,497 arrivals in June 2026, down 81% year over year after Typhoon Sinlaku disrupted flights. Energy & Business: Polar Power won additional orders for 15 Solar Hybrid Power Systems to expand off-grid broadband power in the Solomon Islands, building on prior deployments. Geopolitics: China’s nuclear-capable missile test into the Pacific deepened divisions among Pacific leaders over rising militarization.

Guam Budget & Procurement: Lawmakers passed a revised fiscal 2027 spending package in a special session, including $38.7M for Super Typhoon Bavi relief, childcare subsidies, and a Guam International Airport Authority bailout, with airport and family support funded partly by excess 2026 revenues and $13.4M from the Rainy Day Fund. Tourism & Recovery: The Marianas Visitors Authority reported 1,497 arrivals in June 2026, down 81% from June 2025, after Sinlaku disrupted flights; leisure travel is starting to return as international service resumes. Port Finance: Moody’s affirmed the Port Authority of Guam’s Baa2 revenue bond rating with a stable outlook, citing strengths like low leverage and liquidity while flagging small scale and environmental risk. Local Governance & Housing: Vice Speaker V. Anthony Ada asked GHURA for protections for Housing Choice Voucher families forced into smaller units when Guam’s rental market can’t meet occupancy standards. Health & Community: UOG Land Grant’s Farmer Focus is hosting free farmer health checkups and seminars across villages, covering screenings, mental well-being, injury prevention, substance abuse prevention, and financial sustainability. Veterans Services: H-2A Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWRs) for 2026-2027 are set to rise, a reminder of broader labor-cost pressures affecting agriculture. Public Safety: Guam’s parole board is weighing whether to release a convicted sex offender after about a decade, drawing strong reactions from the victim’s family.

Tourism & Travel Recovery: The Marianas Visitors Authority reported 1,497 arrivals in June 2026, down 81% from June 2025, after Super Typhoon Sinlaku disrupted flights; international service resumed in late June and leisure travel is starting to return. Local Governance & Business Climate: The Guam Legislature passed a $38.7M supplemental package for Super Typhoon Bavi response, childcare subsidies, and Guam International Airport Authority obligations, with funding sources split between excess revenues and the Rainy Day Fund. Airport Upgrades & Financing: GIAA’s board approved FAA-funded terminal upgrades plus a $9M bond defeasance to meet debt-service coverage and help prevent higher airline costs, while also noting a 20% jump in August seat capacity. Housing Stability: Vice Speaker V. Anthony Ada asked GHURA for clearer protections for Housing Choice Voucher families whose voucher bedroom sizes shrink but who can’t find qualifying units. Coral-Safe Compliance: Guam’s AG says the sunscreen import ban doesn’t automatically stop retail sales, creating enforcement gaps unless labeling/documentation is used. Regional Expansion Watch: Korean coffee chain Ediya opened its first Laos outlet and is pushing further Southeast Asia growth, including Guam as an earlier overseas foothold. Credit & Port Outlook: Moody’s affirmed the Port of Guam’s Baa2 revenue bond rating with a stable outlook, citing its key role in island cargo but noting scale and environmental risk.

Super Typhoon Bavi + childcare + airport bailout: Guam lawmakers passed a $38.7M spending package covering Bavi relief, childcare subsidies and a Guam International Airport Authority financial bailout, funded largely by GovGuam’s above-projected FY2026 revenues and the Rainy Day Fund. Airport upgrades & bond moves: GIAA’s board approved a $5.34M FAA grant for terminal repairs plus a $9M bond defeasance to meet debt coverage rules and help prevent higher airline costs. Housing stability: Vice Speaker V. Anthony Ada asked GHURA for clarification on protections for Housing Choice Voucher families forced into smaller units they can’t find in Guam’s tight rental market. Tourism hit + rebound planning: Marianas visitor arrivals totaled 1,497 in June 2026, down 81% year over year after Sinlaku disrupted flights, with leisure travel resuming as service returned. Coffee expansion abroad with Guam ties: Ediya Coffee opened its first Laos outlet as it pushes Southeast Asia growth, building on prior overseas expansion that includes Guam. Coral-protection law gap: The AG says Guam’s sunscreen import ban doesn’t automatically stop retail sales, leaving enforcement gaps for DPHSS under the current wording. Cruise business: Mitsui Ocean Cruises announced its first Australia visit in Feb. 2027, with Guam listed among Pacific stops. Public safety/justice: The AG is seeking a 52-year sentence in the Tumon murder case involving a Korean tourist; separately, a man avoided extra prison time after pleading guilty in a 2022 home invasion.

Super Typhoon Bavi & Budget Math: The Guam Legislature is set to vote Monday on a supplemental funding bill covering Bavi response, childcare subsidies, and airport obligations, after Friday amendments including an audit requirement and shifting Bavi funding to the Rainy Day Fund; lawmakers will then turn to the governor’s revised FY2027 budget. Airport Fees at Stake: Airport officials warn that without about $27 million in supplemental support, airline fees could jump to about $20.01 more per passenger, pushing the airport’s cost-per-enplanement higher. Wrongful Death Deadlines: In the federal admiralty case tied to the M/V Mariana capsizing during Sinlaku, Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood granted families more time to file wrongful-death claims while estates for missing crew members are established. Insurance Dispute: A couple sued Pacific Indemnity Insurance in federal court, alleging it promised to pay accident-related medical bills after a $50,000 settlement but later refused, triggering Medicare reimbursement demands. Tourism & Hospitality Calendar: GHRA says PHARE 2026 is back Aug. 19-20 at the Hyatt Regency Guam after a storm delay, with more than 40 exhibitors and training sessions for the visitor industry. Sportfishing Derby Registration: The Greg D. Perez International Sportfishing Derby opens registration for Aug. 22-23, with cash prizes across species categories and a $50,000 marlin challenge. Back-to-School Costs: Families are bracing for higher spending and lingering uncertainty as students head back to class Monday, with some reporting near-$100 per child on supplies. Deep-Sea Mining Push: Pacific leaders say the U.S. proposed deep-sea mining auctions near Guam and the CNMI without “consultations,” raising concerns about food security and disruption to ocean resources.

Airport Funding Watch: Guam lawmakers weigh whether to step in for A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority costs, with officials warning airline fees could jump if supplemental money falls short. Hospitality & Tourism: PHARE 2026 is back after Typhoon Sinlaku delays, set for Aug. 19-20 at the Hyatt Regency Guam with dozens of exhibitors and training for hotels and restaurants. Disaster Relief & Costs: Senators set aside $2M for farmers and $500K for a fishermen’s co-op facility as they amend a Bavi relief bill, while families also brace for rising back-to-school expenses and uncertainty. Legal & Insurance: A lawsuit alleges Pacific Indemnity Insurance failed to pay accident-related medical bills after a $50K settlement. Maritime Claims: The court granted families more time to file wrongful death claims tied to the M/V Mariana capsizing. Community Business: Junior Achievement Guam and Pacific AI Media & Communications signed a five-year partnership to expand AI and career education, and Bank of Hawaiʻi backed JA Guam with a $3,000 sponsorship. Sports Tourism: Registration opened for the 6th Annual Greg D. Perez International Sportfishing Derby, Aug. 22-23, with cash prizes across five species categories.