AGP Executive Report

Indo-Pacific Patrol: The Navy’s only permanently deployed carrier, USS George Washington, slipped out of Yokosuka to begin its second Indo-Pacific patrol since returning in 2024, with about 70 family members waving goodbye. Education Accountability: Guam’s Department of Education has been ordered to pay $292,151 in legal fees after a lawsuit over inadequate education rights—final mold issues were settled after court action. Power Costs: The Public Utilities Commission approved up to a $70M Guam Power Authority line of credit as fuel expenses surge from the Iran war; a proposed fuel surcharge could add about $58 to the average bill starting July. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Senators advanced a Guam ban on deep-sea mining with $50,000-per-day penalties, even as regulators elsewhere move to fast-track permits. UOG Funding: UOG asked senators for $45.9M for fiscal 2027 operations to cover core costs and four new campus buildings. Military Community: Blue Star Museums opens free admission for active-duty families nationwide, including Guam, running May through Labor Day.

Guam Legislature: Senators passed a deep-sea mining ban for Guam and nearby waters, with $50,000-per-day fines for violators, and also cleared bills to unlock $77M for the school district, tighten hotel-zone property standards, and expand options for Guam Memorial Hospital and physician licensing. Power Costs: The PUC approved a up-to-$70M Guam Power Authority line of credit to manage fuel spikes tied to the Iran war, as GPA seeks a 5.8-cent fuel surcharge increase that could add about $58 to an average bill starting in July. Church & Human Rights: Bishops from across Oceania met on Guam to tackle modern slavery risks for migrant workers and to boost digital ministry. Community & Culture: Micronesia Mall welcomed three new spots—Blangka’s Boutique, The Dollhouse, and Maui Tacos—adding island-inspired fashion and fresh dining. Memorial Day: Coverage highlighted the meaning of the holiday and remembrance traditions. Elsewhere: Cuba saw tens of thousands rally in Havana against U.S. aggression as Raúl Castro faces indictment.

Power Bills Watch: Guam Power Authority is seeking a jump in its fuel surcharge (LEAC) from about 13.6 cents to 19.4 cents per kWh, which could add roughly $58 to an average $260 bill starting July 1, with the authority projecting oil costs up about $234 million through FY2027. Local Governance: The request is tied to global fuel disruptions linked to the Iran war, and GPA says a line of credit up to $70 million would help it keep buying fuel while costs are recovered through the surcharge. Community & Education: UOG will hold its Fañomnåkan (Spring) Commencement May 24 at 2 p.m., awarding more than 370 degrees. Military Families: Blue Star Museums is offering free summer admission for active-duty service members and families at participating sites, including in Guam, running May 16 through Sept. 7. Regional Accountability: In Palau, a former Angaur governor faces felony charges over alleged misuse of Japan grant funds tied to a boat-and-trailer project.

Biosecurity Partnership: Hawaiʻi’s Department of Agriculture honored Matson with a Western Plant Board Partnership Award for helping keep invasive pests out, including Guam-linked cargo screening for brown tree snakes. Power Costs: Guam Power Authority is asking regulators to raise the fuel surcharge (LEAC) from about 13.6 to 19.4 cents per kWh—pushing an average 1,000 kWh monthly bill up about $58 starting July 1, tied to a projected $234M oil cost hit from the Iran war. Memorial Day: Guam and the U.S. mark Memorial Day with a national moment of remembrance at 3 p.m. local time, honoring service members who died. Local Justice: Three people tied to a $10.7M Guam bingo fraud scheme targeting money meant for sick children were sentenced, with restitution ordered to the Aloha Shriners and one defendant still a fugitive. Governance Watch: Guam’s recycling program is under scrutiny after an Office of Public Accountability audit found GEPA’s Recycling Revolving Fund rules and spending controls weren’t consistently followed.

Coast Guard Commissioning: The Coast Guard will commission the new Fast Response Cutter Vincent Danz on May 22 in New York, honoring a 9/11 hero and a Coast Guard reservist who died during the rescue effort. Deep-Sea Mining Push: A year after Trump’s executive order, deep-sea mining is moving fast—new companies, fast-tracked permits, and possible seabed auctions from American Samoa to Alaska—while critics warn key questions about costs, processing, and real-world payoff are still unanswered. Guam Procurement Fight: Guam lawmakers are set for a special session over whether to let the Simon Sanchez High School rebuild proceed despite a procurement protest, with the governor disputing “sweetheart deal” claims. Fraud Case Fallout: In the Hafa Adai Bingo scheme tied to children’s travel, the Aloha Shriners are set to receive $10.7M in restitution as sentencing continues. Accountability Watch: Guam’s Office of Public Accountability says GEPA’s Recycling Revolving Fund rules and spending records have major compliance and transparency gaps. Tech & Privacy: The FBI is seeking access to nationwide license plate reader data, including Guam, aiming for near real-time tracking.

Simon Sanchez High School Standoff: Guam lawmakers are set for a special session Tuesday after Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero asked them to let the rebuild contract move forward even though a procurement protest is still pending—an effort to avoid more years of delay, as critics argue the process and pricing were mishandled. Fraud Case Fallout: In the biggest Hafa Adai Bingo scandal tied to the Aloha Shriners, Michael Marasigan was sentenced to nearly 22 years in federal prison while still a fugitive, with restitution ordered for the charity. Local Accountability: A new Office of Public Accountability audit says the Guam Environmental Protection Agency’s Recycling Revolving Fund rules and spending controls weren’t consistently followed, with missing approvals and unclear records. FBI Surveillance Push: The FBI is seeking a vendor to access nationwide license plate reader data, including Guam, aiming to track vehicles “in near real time.” Policy Shockwaves: The OCC finalized rules preempting state mortgage escrow-interest laws, and the CFTC is escalating its fight over prediction markets with more state crackdowns.

FBI License-Plate Dragnet: The FBI is shopping for a private contractor to tap nationwide license plate reader data “in near real time,” including coverage in Guam, paying up to $36 million total and aiming for broad highway reach—while state rules in places like California and Virginia push back on sharing. Guam Accountability: A new Office of Public Accountability audit says Guam’s Recycling Revolving Fund rules and spending records don’t consistently match the law, with missing approvals and unclear use of funds. Simon Sanchez High School: Guam lawmakers are set for a special session on whether to let the Simon Sanchez rebuild move forward even while a procurement protest is still pending, after the governor disputed “sweetheart deal” claims. Hafa Adai Bingo Fallout: Michael Marasigan, still a fugitive, was sentenced in absentia to about 22 years for leading a $34 million bingo fraud scheme tied to charity money. Sports & Culture: The Philippines’ men’s team will play Guam and Myanmar in June friendlies in Manila, and Guam’s state historic preservation officer says another public forum on a military heritage pact is effectively over after process concerns.

Recycling Fund Scrutiny: Guam’s Office of Public Accountability says GEPA’s Recycling Revolving Fund rules weren’t fully codified, leaving conflicts with law and creating gaps in how money was tracked and spent—plus missing or incomplete operation and expenditure plans for the MCOG IECP. School Rebuild Showdown: The Legislature is in a special session over whether to let Simon Sanchez High School rebuilding move forward with a pending procurement protest, after Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero called it a “sweetheart deal” dispute and said students have waited over a decade. Navy Budget Pitch: Navy leaders told a Senate panel their $377.5B request aims to catch up after years of underspending, while pushing new ship and unmanned plans. Law Enforcement Tech: The FBI is seeking access to license-plate reader data from across the U.S., including Guam, via a private vendor. SNAP Timing: June SNAP payment dates vary by location, with schedules set by each state/territory. Military Heritage Process: Guam’s state historic preservation officer says another public forum on the military cultural heritage pact won’t be productive and plans to post an updated draft for review.

School Rebuild Showdown: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has called a special session Tuesday over whether to let Simon Sanchez High School rebuild proceed even while a procurement protest is still pending, arguing students have waited more than a decade and that the “sweetheart deal” claim doesn’t match the sealed pricing rules in the RFP. Disaster Relief Update: FEMA has told Guam it meets criteria for a major disaster declaration after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with public damage estimates around $435M and possible $21M for private damage, while some agencies are still waiting on older Mawar-related claims. Justice in Bingo Fraud: Michael Marasigan, still a fugitive, was sentenced in federal court to nearly 22 years for his role in a $34M Hafa Adai Bingo scheme. Local Governance Watch: Guam’s enforcement gap is again in focus as lawmakers pass laws that don’t get implemented—like the long-stalled beverage container recycling plan. Community & Culture: Scouts Read Sacred Texts highlighted the “duty to God” part of the oath at an interfaith event tied to National Day of Prayer.

Simon Sanchez High School Standoff: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has called a special session Tuesday to decide whether Guam can award the long-delayed rebuild contract even though a procurement protest is still pending, disputing “sweetheart deal” claims and saying the protesting bidder’s price remains sealed. Local Governance: The OUR VIEW column warns Guam keeps passing laws without enforcing them, pointing to examples where rules sit on paper while imports and sales continue. Federal Banking: The OCC finalized a rule preempting state escrow-interest requirements, setting up fresh legal fights over what banks must pay. Public Safety & Justice: A judge ordered a man accused of sexually abusing two girls to stop contacting a key witness after prosecutors said he used a jail call to pressure testimony. Education Watch: Senators raised concerns about UOG enrollment sustainability as it weighs its FY2027 budget request. Tech & Security: A new report says many island nations—including Guam’s region—remain exposed to internet cable failures and sabotage risks.

Simon Sanchez High School Fight: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero called a Tuesday special session to decide whether Guam can move ahead with the long-delayed rebuild contract even while a procurement protest is still pending—she says the “sweetheart deal” claims don’t match the sealed bid process. FEMA Disaster Update: Federal officials told Guam it meets major disaster criteria after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with public damage estimated around $435M and individual assistance tied to SBA thresholds, while Mawar claims are still pending. Bingo Fraud Fallout: Michael Marasigan, still a fugitive, was sentenced in absentia to nearly 22 years for his role in a $34M Hafa Adai Bingo scheme. Local Governance Reality Check: A new OUR VIEW warns Guam keeps passing laws without enforcing them, pointing to long-stalled environmental and public-safety measures. Finance Rule Shift: The OCC finalized a rule preempting state escrow-interest requirements, setting up more legal fights over how much control states have. Regional Watch: Georgia and Ukraine foreign ministers met again as ties warm, while Pacific leaders gear up for the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau.

Memorial Day & community reflection: As Memorial Day nears, Guam voices are looking back at service and sacrifice, from graduation milestones to family promises kept. Hospital funding squeeze: A new Adelup report says ARP money for Guam’s new hospital has fallen to $83.5M, down from $103.5M earlier this year, with spending and encumbrances tracked as the Dec. 31, 2026 deadline looms. Education spotlight: Ethan Donato, Father Duenas valedictorian, earned a full-ride Navy ROTC scholarship to USC after keeping a late mother’s promise. Public safety & courts: A judge ordered a man accused of sexually abusing girls for years to stop contacting a key witness after prosecutors said he used a jail call to tell the mother to have victims “lie on the stand.” Tourism & culture: GovGuam signed a law extending Lotte’s airport retail deal up to three years, while Tourism Month kicked off with events like the Run with Friends and Tumon Night Market. Global risk watch: A new report warns island nations are dangerously exposed to undersea cable attacks and failures.

Court Order: A judge ordered accused serial sexual abuser Rufing Niki to stop contacting the mother of his children after prosecutors said he used a jail phone call to tell her to make the alleged victims “lie on the stand.” Elections: The Guam Election Commission finalized ballot order for the Aug. 1 primaries after a drawing, placing top races first and confirming 44 qualified candidates. Politics & Oversight: A fresh pushback against a part-time Legislature argues Guam’s agencies already miss deadlines and rely on legislative intervention—so cutting oversight would worsen failures. Security Forum: Island leaders and analysts at the Micronesia Security Dialogue warned that U.S.-China competition is no longer “over there,” with Guam and the region squarely in the mix. Public Health Moves: DPHSS plans office relocations from Hagåtña to Tamuning, while lawmakers question what happens to the old Mangilao headquarters and related funding. Letters: Memorial Day reflections and calls to “chase out” crooked politicians also filled the opinion pages.

Legislature Debate: A new letter argues Guam can’t afford a part-time Legislature, saying it would mean fewer hearings and weaker oversight in a government already missing deadlines and relying on legislative pressure to fix problems—especially in procurement. Public Health Moves: DPHSS says some offices will shift from Hagåtña to Tamuning, but funding for the old Mangilao headquarters refurbishment is still unclear. Tourism Month: GovGuam has officially declared May Tourism Month, with major events like the Run with Friends race and Tourism Industry Night at Tumon Night Market. Education Waiver: The governor signed a law giving GDOE a reprieve from the 180-day instructional requirement after Sinlaku disrupted schools. Security Focus: Islanders are pushing for a bigger say in Pacific security after a Beijing summit, as regional experts warn Guam and Micronesia are now central to great-power competition. Sports & Schools: GCC graduates 324 students; Guam athletes also wrapped up strong results in regional swimming and track.

Interim leadership in Philly: Don Mattingly has stepped into an unexpected interim manager role for the Phillies, and the early results are already turning heads after a rough stretch. Education wins: Guam Community College celebrated 324 Spring 2026 graduates, while UOG is asking for $45.9M for FY2027 to avoid tuition hikes. Local governance sparks friction: A military cultural heritage roundtable at the Guam Museum was cut short after open-government concerns, with a reschedule agreed. Legal closure: The last active federal lawsuit against former Archbishop Anthony Apuron is set to be dismissed. Tourism keeps moving: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed the Lotte Duty Free extension into law, and May is now officially Tourism Month. Community life: The Valley of the Latte’s “Flavors of Micronesia” River Festival drew hundreds of vendors and performers, and the Head for Hope 2K/5K honors a brain cancer memorial scholarship.

Tourism Month Kickoff: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed a proclamation making May Guam’s month-long celebration of tourism, calling it a reflection of inafa’maolek and a way to share Guam’s people and culture—events include the Run with Friends (May 20), a GVB membership meeting (May 26), and Tourism Industry Night at Tumon Night Market (May 31). Homelessness Update: Anigua’s 18-unit homeless shelter is nearing completion and could open by August, while a newly purchased 32-unit building in Tamuning may be renovated by the end of the fiscal year. Schools & Recovery: The governor signed an emergency 180-day instructional waiver law for GDOE after Sinlaku, and Guam’s typhoon damage estimate is now about $435M for public infrastructure, with a major disaster request for individual relief expected. Sports: Guam High’s Panthers won their ninth straight boys track title; JFK’s girls took back the overall championship. Public Health: DPHSS says nearly 7,000 people will lose SNAP benefits starting June 1 under new federal work requirements.