AGP Executive Report

Guam Waterworks Authority Financing: GWA is seeking another $100M in bond borrowing to fund more water and sewer upgrades, tackle PFAS and other emerging contaminants, and refund older bonds—part of a broader push lawmakers already approved up to $560M. Digital Security Warning: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero told local business and government leaders that a China-linked hacking group (Volt Typhoon) has already gained long-term access to Guam-connected critical infrastructure, urging faster readiness for a digital economy. Broadband Expansion: Adelup says new agreements with GTA and IT&E will bring high-speed internet to about 1,340 unserved/underserved homes and 175 community anchor institutions, supported by roughly $5M in federal and private investment. Visa Waiver Push (Guam-CNMI-Philippines): Guam and CNMI officials met with Philippine counterparts to advance adding the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, with lawmakers also drafting legislation to lock in the change. Typhoon Recovery Support (Rota/Bavi): The American Red Cross is opening resource centers for residents impacted by Super Typhoon Bavi, offering help applying for financial assistance. Healthcare Workforce Grant: GMHA is set to expand critical care nurse training with a $17,980 grant via GEDA, supporting nationally recognized critical care orientation for more nurses. Local Governance/Disbursement Confusion: DOA told mayors that emergency funding rules differ between Sinlaku and Bavi laws, affecting how $250,000 payments are processed. Business & Community: McDonald’s of Guam donated $50,000 to Ronald McDonald House after its inaugural Guam Golf Classic.

Disability & Politics: A rally remark comparing political candidates to students in special education sparked backlash and a public apology from the Josh Tenorio–Tina Muña-Barnes campaign after a video circulated in Hagåtña. Regional Travel & Tourism: Guam and CNMI leaders, with Philippine officials, pushed a working-group plan to add the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, framing it as both an economic boost and a security issue; CNMI Del. Kimberlyn King-Hinds’ office is also drafting legislation to make the change law. Typhoon Recovery & Education: Rota schools are beginning recovery after Super Typhoon Bavi, with damage largely limited to solar panels, power lines, cabling and air-conditioning units rather than classrooms. Energy & Business: Guam Power Authority’s Phase IV solar push has new contracts totaling about $2.48B over 25 years, with 330 MW targeted by 2028. Government Accountability: Auditors flagged GHURA’s handling of a $12.2M loan tied to Mangilao hospital land acquisition, citing improper accounting for loan and land transactions. Broadband Expansion: Adelup says new agreements with GTA and IT&E will bring high-speed internet to about 1,340 homes and 175 community anchor institutions. Public Health & Food Security: The CDC declared the moringa leaf powder Salmonella outbreak over after 131 illnesses across 38 states, with Guam among affected areas. Disaster Relief Costs: Guam SNAP recipients will see a 30% automated benefit replacement after Bavi food loss. Legal Watch: Prutehi Guåhan urged the U.S. Supreme Court to allow its Tarague detonation-range lawsuit to proceed, arguing environmental harm. Workforce & Health Care: GMHA received a QC grant to expand critical-care training for nurses, supporting its critical care residency and orientation program.

Renewables Push: Guam Power Authority’s “Phase IV” solar push is nearing $2.5B in 25-year power purchase agreements, with approved deals since Aug. 2024 totaling about $2.48B and adding 330 MW targeted by 2028. Local Accountability: Auditors flagged GHURA’s handling of a $12.2M loan tied to Mangilao hospital land, citing improper accounting for the loan and land transactions, even as the agency received a “clean” opinion overall. Regional Travel Talks: Guam and CNMI leaders moved from discussion to action on adding the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, with a working group meeting at the airport and CNMI drafting legislation to make the change law. Citizenship Fight: Guam and CNMI officials urged U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith to withdraw his birthright citizenship termination bill for U.S. territories, warning it could create stateless outcomes. Broadband Expansion: Adelup says agreements with GTA and IT&E will bring high-speed internet to about 1,340 unserved/underserved homes and 175 community anchor institutions. Disaster Relief & Food Support: Bank of Guam expanded typhoon recovery loans, while SNAP recipients will see a 30% automated benefit replacement after Super Typhoon Bavi food loss. Energy Reliability: Ukudu power plant issues and delayed startups contributed to limited load shedding over the past week. Health Workforce: A GMHA grant will expand critical care nurse training, aiming to bring more nurses into nationally recognized critical care orientation. Legal Watch: Prutehi Guåhan filed Supreme Court arguments in its Tarague detonation range suit. Elections & Business Community: Micronesia Mall hosts a “Meet the Candidates” event ahead of Guam’s 2026 primary.

Local Politics & Voter Outreach: Micronesia Mall hosted a “Meet the Candidates” forum Saturday, giving voters a face-to-face look at governor, lieutenant governor, Legislature, attorney general and congressional hopefuls, with daycare owners pressing senators on childcare support. Childcare Funding: An opinion piece argues Guam’s early-childhood and workforce needs hinge on reliable Child Care and Development Fund reimbursements, calling out delays that strain providers. SNAP Recovery: Guam SNAP recipients saw an automatic 30% replacement of July benefits after Super Typhoon Bavi food losses, while Disaster SNAP for some households remains pending. Housing Finance Oversight: Auditors flagged GHURA’s handling of a $12.2M federal loan for Mangilao hospital land, citing improper accounting for the loan and land transactions. Broadband Expansion: Adelup says agreements with GTA and IT&E will bring high-speed internet to about 1,340 homes and 175 community institutions. Education Disruption Risk: SIFA is scrambling for temporary classrooms after GCC exit and a Tamuning permitting/zoning delay. Healthcare Workforce: A GEDA-backed grant will expand critical care nursing training at GMHA. Regional Travel Push: Guam and CNMI leaders advanced efforts to add the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program via a working group at the airport. Disaster Relief Services: The American Red Cross will open recovery resource centers across Agana Shopping Center, Micronesia Mall and Talo’fo’fo’.

Public Finance & Accountability: Auditors flagged GHURA’s handling of a $12.2M federal loan tied to Mangilao hospital land, saying the loan and land transactions were improperly recorded, even as GHURA received a “clean” FY2025 audit opinion. Broadband & Economic Access: Adelup says agreements with GTA and IT&E will bring high-speed internet to about 1,340 previously unserved/underserved homes and 175 community anchor institutions, with nearly $5M in federal and private investment. Health Workforce Investment: GEDA grant funding will expand Guam Memorial Hospital Authority’s critical care nursing training, supporting nationally recognized orientation for ICU nurses. Disaster Relief & Household Costs: After Super Typhoon Bavi, Guam SNAP recipients will see a 30% automated benefit replacement, and the American Red Cross will open resource centers across Agana Shopping Center, Micronesia Mall, and Talo’fo’fo’ for major-damage claims. Regional Travel & Tourism: Guam and CNMI leaders are pushing to add the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, with CNMI Del. Kimberlyn King-Hinds drafting legislation to lock in the change through federal law. Utilities & Reliability: Guam Power Authority reported limited load shedding tied to issues at the new Ukudu power plant, including a steam turbine generator offline period. Waste & Rates: GSWA outlined plans for islandwide residential trash collection that could nearly double residential customers and potentially lower monthly rates.

Broadband Expansion: Adelup says Guam is signing with GTA and IT&E to bring high-speed internet to about 1,340 unserved/underserved homes and 175 community anchor institutions, backed by nearly $5M in federal and private investment—aimed at boosting education, telehealth, public services and emergency communications. Court Fight Over Range Impacts: Prutehi Guåhan attorneys filed with the U.S. Supreme Court to argue Guam can sue the Air Force over the Tarague Beach detonation range, claiming contamination risks and pushing for tighter environmental review before permits renew. Disaster Relief & Household Support: The American Red Cross will open resource centers for Super Typhoon Bavi-impacted residents starting July 27 (Agana Shopping Center) and moving to Micronesia Mall and Talo’fo’fo’ later, while Guam SNAP recipients will receive a 30% automated benefit replacement after 7 p.m. Friday due to Bavi food loss. Finance for Rebuilding: Bank of Guam expanded recovery support with a Disaster Relief Loan Program offering up to $20,000 unsecured loans at a 5% APR, with applications running July 8–Sept. 4. Waste Services Plan: GSWA says islandwide residential trash collection could nearly double its residential customer base (about 43,000 qualifying homes/properties), potentially lowering rates as costs spread. Public Health Recall Fallout: CDC declared the imported moringa leaf powder Salmonella outbreak over, after 131 illnesses in 38 states, with Guam and other territories included in the affected distribution. Tech & Workforce: Guam Tech Conference highlighted cybersecurity, AI and infrastructure needs, positioning Guam as a regional tech hub. Cannabis Market Update: The Cannabis Control Board conditionally approved ECPZ Farms’ cannabis establishment license pending Department of Land Management clearance, moving Guam’s third-ever license forward.

Disaster Relief & Household Costs: Guam’s islandwide residential trash collection plan could nearly double GSWA’s residential customer base to about 43,000 qualifying homes and small multifamily properties, with the larger rate base expected to support lower monthly rates as the program phases in next year. Public Health & Consumer Safety: The CDC has officially closed the multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to imported moringa leaf powder after 131 illnesses in 38 states; Guam and other territories were included in distribution, and officials warn some recalled bottles may still be in homes. Banking & Recovery Financing: Bank of Guam expanded its Disaster Relief Loan Program for eligible residents, offering up to $20,000 in unsecured financing at a 5% fixed APR with a July 8–Sept. 4 application window. Food Assistance After Typhoon Bavi: Guam SNAP recipients will receive an automated 30% benefit replacement by Friday night after food spoilage from power outages and flooding, approved through a USDA waiver. Local Elections & Business-Community Pulse: Micronesia Mall will host a “Meet the Candidates” event Saturday (3–6 p.m.) ahead of the Aug. 1 primary, giving voters a face-to-face look at gubernatorial, congressional, and senatorial teams. Tech & Infrastructure: A Guam Tech Conference highlighted how cybersecurity, AI, and digital infrastructure are converging for businesses and government, with speakers urging stronger regional defenses and updated enterprise tech strategies.

Disaster Finance: Bank of Guam expanded recovery support with a Disaster Relief Loan Program for eligible Guam and CNMI residents rebuilding after two super typhoons, offering up to $20,000 unsecured loans for as long as 60 months at a fixed 5.00% APR, with applications open July 8–Sept. 4, plus a refinance option for customers who stayed current on prior typhoon forbearance. Power Reliability: Guam Power Authority reported the new Ukudu power plant saw about three hours of load shedding over the past week, tied to a steam turbine generator going offline for repairs after Super Typhoon Bavi and a turning gear issue, with parts already on island and a restart expected soon. Cannabis Licensing: Guam’s Cannabis Control Board conditionally approved ECPZ Farms’ third cannabis establishment license, pending a Department of Land Management clearance, after verifying the site and confirming only that item remained before further permits and inspections. Tech & Cybersecurity: The Guam Tech Conference spotlighted how cybersecurity, AI, and infrastructure are converging, urging businesses to treat them as one risk system as threats increasingly target supply chains. Northern Marianas Update: CUC said new restoration materials arrived July 22 to speed power repairs across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, though some customers remain without service. Court Calendar: A federal PUA fraud trial for seven defendants was pushed again to April 14, 2027, after new discovery expanded the document stack. Tourism & Workforce: SKÅL International Guam awarded a $1,000 scholarship to a Dusit Beach Resort Guam employee pursuing a tourism degree at GCC, backing efforts to strengthen the visitor industry workforce.

Guam Politics & Governance: Guam’s birthright citizenship fight escalated as Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero urged Rep. Morgan Griffith to withdraw his bill ending automatic citizenship for children born in Guam after Jan. 1, 2027, warning it could create stateless outcomes and calling for stronger enforcement instead. Hospital Project: AG Douglas Moylan said he has no objection to the proposed Mangilao or Tamuning hospital sites, but argued the governor didn’t get legislative approval—adding that the next governor will decide where to build. Broadband & Business Growth: Guam’s broadband push under the federal BEAD initiative is expanding high-speed service to about 1,340 homes and 175 community anchor institutions via agreements with GTA and IT&E. Tourism & Workforce: Candidates outlined competing tourism rebuild plans, with a common message that Guam must improve the visitor experience first—citing airline capacity, aging infrastructure, and labor shortages. Tech & Cybersecurity: A Guam tech conference highlighted how cybersecurity, AI, and infrastructure constraints are forcing regional businesses to rethink their technology strategies. Local Economy & Community: SKÅL Guam awarded a $1,000 scholarship to a Dusit Beach Resort Guam employee pursuing a tourism degree, while GRMC’s Steel Strong, Heart Driven Health Fair offers free screenings and prizes. Regional Markets: CNMI and Guam leaders renewed efforts to include the Philippines in the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program, pitching it as a tourism and family reunification boost.

Broadband Expansion: Guam and partners are moving ahead with BEAD high-speed internet agreements, targeting about 1,340 homes and 175 community anchor institutions with $5M in federal and private investment. Disaster Recovery & Infrastructure: Guam’s Ninth Special Session is weighing Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero’s typhoon recovery funding request, including repairs to the Marine Drive seawall after Super Typhoon Bavi. Cannabis Licensing: The Cannabis Control Board conditionally approved an additional applicant, with final approval tied to Department of Land Management clearance. Hospital Site Fight: AG Douglas Moylan says the next governor will decide where to build the Mangilao hospital, arguing the current plan didn’t get legislative approval. Citizenship Policy Backlash: Guam and CNMI leaders are urging Rep. Morgan Griffith to withdraw a bill ending birthright citizenship for children born in territories after Jan. 1, 2027, warning it could create legal and community harm. Regional Travel Push: Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver talks are advancing with renewed efforts to include the Philippines, citing strong demand and tourism upside. Tech & Business Resilience: A Guam tech conference highlighted how cybersecurity, AI, and grid constraints are forcing companies to rethink integrated technology strategies. Energy Costs: Gas prices rose on Guam after renewed Iran-related oil supply strain, with regular up 20 cents and diesel up 30 cents at Mobil. Northern Marianas Power Update: CUC says new restoration materials have arrived, but many Saipan customers will still face longer outages as repairs continue. Workforce & Immigration: USCIS says the H-1B cap for FY2027 has been reached, with Guam and CNMI workers potentially exempt from the cap.

Visa Waiver Push: Guam and CNMI officials met with Philippine counterparts to advance adding the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, framing it as a tourism and family-reunification boost while building security and administrative safeguards for DHS approval. Birthright Citizenship Fight: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero’s administration says it opposes H.R. 9724, urging Congress to withdraw the bill that would end automatic citizenship for many children born in territories, as Guam and CNMI leaders warn it could create legal limbo and undercut the Covenant. Hospital Site Legal Pressure: AG Douglas Moylan says he has no objection to Mangilao or Tamuning for a new hospital, but argues the governor didn’t get legislative approval—leaving the next governor to decide. H-1B Cap Hit: USCIS says the FY2027 H-1B cap is reached, with 65,000 regular and 20,000 master’s petitions received; Guam and CNMI workers may be exempt. Fuel Costs: Gas at Mobil rose 20 cents and diesel 30 cents amid renewed Iran-related oil supply strain. Local Business: Ross Stores expanded in Guam and Puerto Rico as it opened dozens of new Ross and dd’s Discount locations nationwide. Cannabis Milestone: Green Flash Guam became the first company issued a recreational cannabis cultivation license on Guam.

Visa & Travel Policy: Guam and CNMI leaders launched the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Working Group at the Guam International Airport Authority to expand the program to include the Philippines, aiming to align security safeguards and administrative frameworks for federal approval. Immigration & Workforce: USCIS says the H-1B program has hit its 2027 cap, while noting Guam and CNMI workers may be exempt in some cases—an issue for local employers planning talent pipelines. Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity: Two weeks after Super Typhoon Bavi, the American Red Cross is still operating out of Guam as Rota recovery continues, with volunteers returning from earlier storms. Local Economy & Tourism: At a Guam Tourism Educational Forum, industry leaders discussed rebuilding the visitor economy (2025 impact: $1.6B) and the workforce strain hurting arrivals and spending. Regulatory/Finance Watch: Guam lawmakers passed a record-high $1.4B FY27 budget in an 8-7 vote, but a promised gubernatorial veto and a potential shutdown loom if there’s no compromise. New Local Cannabis Milestone: Adelup officials celebrated Guam’s first recreational cannabis cultivation license being issued to Green Flash Guam. Public Assistance: SNAP recipients in Guam can expect August payments from Aug. 1–10.

Guam Budget Showdown: The 38th Guam Legislature passed the FY27 budget in an 8-7 vote, but Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero says she’ll veto it—raising the stakes for a possible Oct. 1 shutdown if lawmakers can’t reach a compromise. Super Typhoon Bavi Funding Push: A 9th special session is set to start Thursday as agencies are asked to justify a requested $42.4 million for Bavi recovery, childcare, FAA fuel tax remittances, and airport needs. Cannabis Industry Milestone: Adelup marked the first recreational cannabis cultivation license on Guam, issued to Green Flash Guam’s Stephen Roberto—signaling the regulated market is finally moving from rules to real operations. Tourism Workforce & Strategy: At a Guam Tourism Educational Forum, industry leaders discussed how to rebuild the visitor economy, citing $1.6B in 2025 impact and ongoing labor and arrivals challenges. Travel Perks for Cardmembers: United MileagePlus benefits for Guam travelers expand through the First Hawaiian Bank United Credit Card, boosting miles earning and adding perks. SNAP Timing for Guam: August SNAP payments are scheduled for Guam from Aug. 1 to 10, with benefits varying by household size and income. Local Governance & Accountability: A Guam Chamber forum op-ed argues Guam must “climb the accountability ladder” to stop blaming and start delivering results with existing resources.

Guam Budget Showdown: Guam senators passed the FY27 $1.4B budget in an 8-7 vote, but Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has promised a veto—raising the stakes for a possible Oct. 1 shutdown if lawmakers can’t strike a compromise. Tourism Workforce & Strategy: The Guam Tourism Educational Forum drew about 500 industry leaders and candidates, with teams pitching how to rebuild arrivals and address a shrinking local workforce; meanwhile, Guam’s hospitality sector is pushing earlier career pipelines through a hotel youth apprenticeship program. Local Economy & Business Climate: A new recreational cannabis cultivation license was issued on Guam, marking the start of the adult-use commercial market under the 2019 Guam Cannabis Industry Act. Public Finance & Housing Pressure: Section 8 families say GHURA downsizing under a federal cost-cutting directive is forcing disruptive moves and poor notifications. Legal & Public Safety: A newly hired AG attorney was arrested over a vehicle theft suspicion but released without charges after a rental dispute was resolved. Regional Trade & Travel: Marianas business groups backed efforts to block changes that would end CNMI’s EVS-TAP, warning it could hurt tourism and security screening. Typhoon Recovery & Community: Bank of Guam launched Super Typhoon Bavi customer relief, while a Tumon Liberation Day art sale will send half proceeds to Rota recovery.

Guam Budget Showdown: The Guam Legislature passed the FY27 budget in an 8-7 vote, but Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has promised a veto—raising the stakes for funding levels and a planned business privilege tax cut. Housing & Displacement: Section 8 families say GHURA’s unit downsizing is leaving them short on bedrooms and with poor notice, adding pressure to an already fragile rental market. Tax Policy for Military Work: Senators are debating changes tied to the $10M threshold for gross receipts tax on military buildup construction, with supporters arguing it would simplify and close loopholes. Cannabis Market Opens: Guam issued its first recreational cannabis cultivation license, signaling the start of a regulated commercial grower pipeline. Tourism Push: The Guam Visitors Bureau launched the Guam Photo Hunt, a free Instagram-based campaign running through Sept. 30 to drive visits to 100+ destinations and support local businesses. Public Safety & Courts: Two separate federal meth conspiracy indictments landed in Guam, while an AG-hired attorney was arrested in a vehicle theft case that was resolved without criminal charges. Regional Business Risk: CNMI leaders say a Senate move blocking EVS-TAP repeal protects tourism and security screening—key for visitor-driven local economies.

Guam Budget Showdown: Guam senators passed a record-high $1.4B FY2027 budget in an 8-7 vote, but Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has promised a veto tied to business privilege tax cuts and funding levels; Republicans fell short of the votes needed to override, raising the risk of a shutdown if no compromise lands before Oct. 1. Housing & Displacement: Section 8 families say GHURA’s unit downsizing under a federal cost-cutting directive is forcing moves, with complaints about last-minute notice and bedroom standards. Education Rebuild Pressure: Simon Sanchez students plan to restart efforts to be heard over stalled high school rebuilds and procurement disputes after Super Typhoon Bavi derailed an earlier protest wave. Cannabis Market Opens: Guam issued its first recreational cannabis cultivation license, signaling the start of a regulated adult-use industry for local growers. Tourism Push: The Guam Visitors Bureau launched the Guam Photo Hunt, a free Instagram-based campaign running through Sept. 30 to spotlight 100+ destinations and support local businesses. Public Safety/Justice: The AG’s former chief prosecutor resigned after a court ruling barred him from representing private clients while serving as a government attorney. Military Infrastructure: Reporting says the U.S. Air Force is expanding Andersen AFB with 20 acres of concrete for aircraft parking while not building shelters. Finance & Recovery: Guam Recovery Office begins Individual Assistance initial damage assessments for Super Typhoon Bavi and urges residents to self-report residential damage.