AGP Executive Report

Retail & Food: Cost.U.Less finally opens its new flagship in Hagåtña, a 55,000-square-foot store with expanded bakery, deli and fresh food, built to match today’s “pressed for time” shopping needs. Elections & Civic Life: “Lunch with the Leaders” returns on WAVE 105 FM with candidate interviews for governor, lieutenant governor, and Congress, running Sept. 8–24. Schools & Safety: High school football is delayed again—first games move to Oct. 23–24—while Tiyan and Okkodo may combine teams if rosters fall short. Health & Accountability: Guam Board of Nurse Examiners faces a fresh complaint after a father says two nurses’ substandard care contributed to a 5-year-old’s 2018 death and the case was closed without resolution. Tourism Oversight: Sen. Jesse Lujan criticized GVB’s tourism recovery performance despite incentive spending, while GVB says funding mix and staffing impacts are at issue. Aviation & Concessions: Airport board to review potential new retail and food/beverage concession deals, with procurement expected to wrap by December. Community Events: Guam Nikkei Association’s Lantern Floating Ceremony is set for Sept. 19 at Ypao Beach. Public Safety/Infrastructure: Guam Power Authority testified on Bill 345-38 to issue about $300M in revenue bonds for grid resilience and upgrades. Regional/World: Palau will host about 2,000 Pacific leaders for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting Aug. 30–Sept. 4.

Guam Education Crisis: Sen. Vince Borja’s oversight hearing put the spotlight on school readiness and campus failures, with Tiyan and Simon Sanchez shut down after a public health inspection found major demerits; Tiyan High could reopen as early as Tuesday if it passes another inspection, while Simon Sanchez still lacks its own campus. GPA Bonds & Grid Resilience: Guam Power Authority testified on Bill 345-38 to authorize about $300M in revenue bonds for refinancing and upgrades, aiming to avoid base-rate hikes while expanding generation and modernizing transmission and distribution. Tourism Accountability: Sen. Jesse Lujan criticized the Guam Visitors Bureau over a tourism slump despite a $10M incentive investment, pushing for performance-based results as GVB faces staffing uncertainty. Local Procurement Scrutiny: Records allege GVB spent $1,799 in public funds on a “steam closet” for management uniforms, raising questions about transparency and spending priorities. Health Disparities: A new American Cancer Society report says Native Hawaiian women have the highest breast cancer incidence among AANHPI groups, with large differences hidden when data is combined. Community & Safety: The 32nd Annual Guam International Coastal Cleanup is set for Sept. 19 with mandatory pre-registration; high school football was delayed to Oct. 23 and Tiyan/Okkodo may combine teams. Regional Watch: Forecasters say two systems near Wake Island pose no threat to Guam this week, but typhoon-season odds are rising.

Coastal Cleanup Call: Guam’s Bureau of Statistics and Plans and Coastal Management Program are urging residents, schools, agencies, and businesses to join the 32nd Annual Guam International Coastal Cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 19, with online pre-registration required (no day-of signups), capped site capacity, and check-in starting at 6:30 a.m. Education Crisis: Sen. Vince Borja opened an oversight hearing saying Guam “failed our students” as GDOE faces mounting school readiness and facilities failures, while lawmakers also move to reset procurement for a permanent Simon Sanchez High School campus after protests derailed the prior process. Power Reliability Backlash: A new round of Guam Power Authority load shedding has reignited frustration over reliability and the promise of the Ukudu plant, as GPA points to reduced capacity and maintenance needs. Sewer Upgrades: CCU approved about $1.5M for Morrico Equipment to buy two truck-mounted sewer cleaning combination units to meet court-ordered obligations. Typhoon Season Watch: Forecasters say two systems east of the Marianas pose no threat to Guam this week, but they’re tracking rising odds of a closer storm as peak season ramps up. Fishing Shift: A Smart-FAD push is promoting pelagic fishing with smart buoys to reduce pressure on declining reef fish. Local Business & Community: Guam’s first trading card café expanded in Harmon, and Mount Carmel School is inviting families to a Heritage Fair focused on family roots. Elections & Accountability: The Guam Chamber of Commerce launches a 60-day Project Prosperity initiative asking candidates what they’ll do, when, and how Guam will measure results.

Guam Education Crisis: Yigo Mayor Frances Lizama urged the Guam Education Board to seek Superintendent Judi Won Pat’s resignation, citing the abrupt closure of the Tiyan High School and Simon Sanchez shared campus just days into the school year and alleging mishandling of the rebuild process. School Reconstruction Procurement Reset: The Department of Public Works is reissuing the solicitation for a Simon Sanchez High School campus after canceling a stalled procurement tied to protests, with DPW saying the move avoids years of litigation that would keep students displaced. Local Utility Pressure (CNMI + Guam): In the CNMI, ratepayers are being warned they can’t keep carrying a broken utility system; on Guam, the Solid Waste Authority board voted for mandatory islandwide trash collection and $4 million for more carts, with enforcement tied to delinquent accounts. SNAP Confusion: A viral claim says a move cut food stamps from about $870 to $243, but SNAP guidance says relocation within the same state shouldn’t change benefits. Big Tech Settlement: Guam is included in a proposed $17.1 billion multistate Meta settlement over alleged addictive design aimed at minors, with safety changes promised for Instagram and Facebook. Defense Radar Update: GAO cleared the Pentagon’s radar funding shift to Guam, rejecting claims that congressionally directed money was improperly repurposed. Public Safety Bill: Sen. Chris Barnett’s beach and coast warning system bill drew supportive testimony, aiming to standardize flags and signage after drowning-related fatalities. Courts: Former Guam Police K-9 officer Brian Dacanay Awa was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for meth distribution.

Meth Sentencing: Former Guam Police Department K-9 officer Brian Awa was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for selling meth to a confidential informant in 2024, with the judge calling the term “fair.” Education Pay Control: Lawmakers introduced Bill 351-38 to give the Guam Department of Education more independence over educator classification, compensation, and benefits, aiming to address long-standing pay gaps and retention issues. Nuclear Fallout Claims: Rep. James Moylan filed a bill to restore Guam’s eligibility for radiation exposure compensation, raising payments and extending the filing deadline. Waste Collection: The Guam Solid Waste Authority board voted to require islandwide trash collection and spend $4 million on more carts, with enforcement tied to delinquent accounts. Beach Safety: Sen. Chris Barnett’s Bill 268-38 would create uniform warning flags and signs at public beaches after lawmakers cited about 12 water-related fatalities per year. Invasive Species Research: New University at Buffalo genome work explains how a small number of brown tree snakes spread across Guam, reaching densities up to 30,000 per square mile. Tourism/Air Travel: United Airlines announced new Japan service that includes nonstop flights to Okinawa and Osaka starting March 2027, building on existing Guam routes. School Board Tensions: Yigo Mayor Lizama urged the Guam Education Board to seek Superintendent Judi Won Pat’s resignation over the stalled Sanchez rebuild and campus closures.

Solid Waste Overhaul: GSWA’s board voted unanimously to mandate islandwide trash collection and spend $4 million on new trash and recycling carts, with eligible households required to register under last year’s law and nonpayment enforcement possible after 60 days. Justice System: Former Guam Police Department K-9 officer Brian Dacanay Awa was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for meth distribution tied to his work as an officer. Education Crisis: GDOE Superintendent Judi Won Pat says she’s pushing to reopen Tiyan High and Simon Sanchez by Aug. 31, warning that delays could force double-session classes elsewhere. Seabed Mining Pushback: The Marine Minerals Administration says it won’t do a full environmental study of seabed mining until after leases are issued, drawing renewed concern from Guam senators. Public Safety Bill: Guam lawmakers heard bills to create a beach and coastal warning and notification system for hazardous conditions, citing drowning fatalities and the need for clearer public alerts. Pacific Security: Reports highlight China’s hypersonic missile advances and U.S. efforts to bolster missile and drone defenses in the Pacific. Air Travel: United announced its biggest international expansion yet for 2027, including new service to Okinawa from San Francisco.

Elder Care Crime: A 42-year-old caretaker, Sinora John, was charged in Guam Superior Court with financial exploitation of the elderly after allegedly stealing more than $50,000 over 16 months from an 81-year-old bedridden woman, using the victim’s debit card details and identity. Local Lawmaking: The Guam Legislature held a public hearing on three measures, including Bill 268-38 to create a beach and coastal warning and notification system for hazardous conditions. Water Security: A University of Guam study says Guam’s groundwater may already be absorbing more salt as sea levels rise, adding urgency to conservation warnings. Pacific Defense & Missiles: Multiple reports highlight escalating missile threats in the region, including China’s YJ-20 hypersonic anti-ship missile rollout and new U.S. efforts to strengthen missile and drone defenses across the Pacific. Education Crisis: GDOE Superintendent Judi Won Pat said she’s pushing to reopen Tiyan High and Simon Sanchez by Aug. 31, with possible double-session if repairs run long. Seabed Mining Fight: U.S. territories criticized a Trump-era plan to auction deep sea mining leases near the Marianas, with Guam objections tied to environmental review timing and protections.

Guam Education: A letter urges urgent action on GDOE, saying aging facilities and delays are costing classroom time and calling for a recovery plan plus long-term restructuring. School Campus Crisis: Students and supporters rallied at “SSHS STAND UP” over Simon Sanchez High School’s stalled rebuild and Tiyan disruptions, demanding a campus “every single day” until students have a home base. Power & Utilities: Guam Power Authority reported $10.3 million in typhoon recovery costs from Sinlaku and Bavi, and Guam Waterworks Authority is seeking to charge off about $926K in uncollectible past-due water bills. Health Care: Guam Memorial Hospital says it’s current on power and water after correcting outdated balances, with no threat to operations. Tourism & Economy: Guam Visitors Bureau says South Korea fuel surcharges eased in August, though a rebound is possible; local leaders also push tourism recovery alongside broader economic reset ideas. Pacific Defense & Logistics: U.S. Marines tested mobile air defense in Palau, and DLA Energy signed a new fuel support arrangement with Australia to bolster Pacific readiness. Regional Security: South Korea says North Korea is preparing more troops for Russia, but not imminently.

Local Education Crisis: Students and alumni rallied at the ITC Building intersection for “SSHS STAND UP,” demanding action after Simon Sanchez High School’s campus procurement was canceled and Tiyan’s closure displaced students into unstable learning plans. Utilities & Health Care: Guam Memorial Hospital says it’s current on power and water after paying GPA and processing GWA payments, with no threat to operations. Water Affordability & Debt: GWA is seeking to charge off about $926K as uncollectible, tied to $9.6M in water debt more than 120 days past due. Housing & Services: DHAPP launched a five-year roadmap to cut homelessness and poverty, including a dedicated office by Oct. 1 and a centralized drop-in center by Oct. 1, 2028. Economy & Politics: Guam’s gubernatorial candidates discussed keeping young people and families from having to leave, with tourism, schools, and workforce development at the center of “Lunch with Leaders.” Pacific Security: US territories criticized a Trump plan to explore deep sea mining in the Pacific, as Guam and CNMI face seabed lease pressure.

Guam Tourism: GVB says South Korea fuel surcharges are easing in August after a painful stretch, with jet fuel surcharges falling from “Level 33” ($341) to “Level 14” ($140), though Middle East developments could push them back up in September. Power Costs: Guam Power Authority reports fuel oil still runs about 60% higher than pre-Iran war levels, keeping pressure on bills even as the LEAC rate was adjusted. Homelessness Plan: DHAPP unveiled a five-year roadmap to cut homelessness, including a dedicated office by Oct. 1 and a centralized drop-in center by 2028. Schools & Redistricting: GDOE says no redistricting vote is planned for Monday’s Guam Education Board meeting as Tiyan and Simon Sanchez students face contingency options. Local Economy & Business: Custom Fitness closed its Anigua location and is relocating classes and physical therapy to Assan; Guam also welcomed a Japan inbound trade mission tied to PHARE to help local firms sell abroad. Health System: Sen. Telo Taitague is pushing for an executive director role in the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner after Dr. Keng-Chih “Kenny” Su’s resignation. Sports: RUNGUAM drew 850+ runners at Tumon Bay, with top finishers across 10k and 5k.

Education Update: Guam Education Board says no vote on Tiyan-Simon Sanchez redistricting Monday; Superintendent Judi Won Pat will present contingency options for displaced students, with the meeting framed as information-only. Community Pressure: A petition from “Pro Public Schools Guam” is pushing for solutions—async learning, redistricting, or double session—with double session argued as the least disruptive; it had 1,875 signatures and 2,773 shares by Saturday. Power Costs: Guam Power Authority fuel remains about 60% higher than pre-Iran war levels; GPA expects September fuel around $160–$165 per barrel and says the July fuel surcharge raised average bills by about $58. Public Health/Benefits: DPHSS advises SNAP recipients to check EBT balances after power outages delayed benefits for 223 people. Local Business & Economy: Custom Fitness closed its Anigua location and is moving classes/physical therapy to Assan and using Tamuning as a temporary hub; Guam also welcomed a Japan inbound trade mission tied to PHARE, and Pepper Lunch opened a second Guam site in Hagåtña. Sports/Community Events: RUNGUAM drew 850+ runners to Tumon Bay, with Fulkerson-Smith and Sugahara winning the 10k and Tropf and Paz taking the 5k. Weather Watch: Typhoon Saudel strengthened to Category 1 with rain the main concern as it tracks through the northern islands.

Energy Costs & Reliability: Guam Power Authority says fuel costs fell from about $53.5M (April) to $37.8M (June) but rose again to about $39.2M (July), around $157 a barrel, with the next shipment due around Sept. 3 and expected fuel pricing still “hanging there.” The PUC’s Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause rate hike took effect in July, adding nearly $60 to monthly bills for typical residential users, while GPA warns load shedding risk stays high through the end of the month as Ukudu’s steam turbine remains under repair. Public Health & Benefits: DPHSS told SNAP recipients whose benefits were delayed by a power-outage glitch to check EBT balances after 7:15 p.m. Local Governance & Services: Sen. Telo Taitague is pushing for an executive director role in the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner after Dr. Keng-Chih “Kenny” Su resigned, citing staffing and equipment gaps. Economy & Business: Pepper Lunch opened a second Guam location in Hagåtña at Agana Shopping Center, and GEDA highlighted local firms at the Japan Inbound Trade Mission tied to PHARE. Water Rates: PUC approved Guam Waterworks’ rate increases starting Oct. 1, with most residential bills rising $2.39 to $4.67. Environment & Policy: Guam is again raising concerns about being shut out of formal comments on a CNMI seabed mining lease sale, calling it a “race to the bottom.” Community Notes: Sakura Noodle House closed after 54 years, and funeral services were announced for longtime Filipino Community of Guam leader Mark Pangilinan.

Election Anxiety: A new op-ed asks “What’s the point?” and presses voters to judge what changes after Election Day—housing, schools, Guam Memorial Hospital, tourism jobs, veterans’ care, and self-determination. Local Economy Woes: Another column says Guam isn’t dying, but the economy has shifted—store closures, school problems, and hospital fragility point to a loss of momentum. Health System Stability: Sen. Telo Taitague says Guam needs an executive director for the Chief Medical Examiner’s office after Dr. Keng-Chih “Kenny” Su resigned, citing staffing, outdated equipment, and weak admin support. Power and Bills: GPA reports fuel costs bouncing again; PUC approved water rate hikes starting Oct. 1, while load shedding risk stays high as repairs continue at Ukudu. Seabed Mining Tension: Guam is shut out of CNMI’s seabed mining comment process as Leon Guerrero’s office calls it a “race to the bottom.” Typhoon Saudel: Saudel strengthened into a typhoon; forecasters warn Guam’s bigger threat is heavy rain, while northern islands face the worst winds. Business and Culture: Pepper Lunch opens a second Hagåtña location; Sakura Noodle House closes after 54 years; Guam mourns Filipino leader Mark Pangilinan.

Japan Trade Mission: GEDA hosted a Japan Inbound Trade Mission with WUSATA and the Guam Hotel & Restaurant Association’s PHARE expo, bringing seven Japanese food-industry businesses to meet Guam makers and explore export ties. Brown Tree Snake Rules: Gov. David Apatang issued an emergency order directing DLNR to require brown tree snake inspections for vessels departing Guam to CNMI after snakes were found on Rota. Power & Internet Disruptions: Guam’s government internet outage was traced to power outages draining OTECH’s data center UPS batteries; separately, GPA reported Piti 9 tripped offline and load shedding risk remains high through month-end as Ukudu repairs continue. Local Business News: Sakura Noodle House closed Aug. 20, ending 54 years; Pepper Lunch opened a second location in Hagåtña at Agana Shopping Center. Health Watch: A CDC update says COVID-19 activity is rising in the U.S., with Guam showing moderate wastewater detection. Community: The Filipino Community of Guam is holding Mark Pangilinan’s funeral Saturday. Sports: Guam athletes earned podium finishes at Spartan Asia Pacific in China, and Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone says more work is needed ahead of key qualifiers.

School Safety: A reminder for drivers and families to slow down and watch carefully in school zones, where child pedestrian crashes remain a serious risk. Housing & Procurement: GHURA approved $152,040.06 in tenant account write-offs and created a new housing procurement specialist position to strengthen procurement work. Public Health Compliance: DPHSS says all GDOE schools with sanitation permits expiring Sept. 30 passed inspections except Tiyan High School, which was suspended after a low sanitation rating. Invasive Species Oversight: An OPA audit found Guam Agriculture and the Invasive Species Council haven’t used the Invasive Species Inspection Fee Fund to complete the required Guam Invasive Species Management Plan. Power Reliability: GPA warns islandwide load shedding risk stays high until Aug. 31 as Ukudu repairs continue. Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Saudel is expected to intensify as it moves through the northern Marianas; CNMI issued preparedness guidance and conditions. Community & Culture: Bank of Guam renewed $15,000 support for Make-A-Wish Guam & CNMI, and the Filipino Community of Guam is holding services for longtime leader Mark Pangilinan. Sports: Spartan racers Belen Sidell, Tess Esma and James Sardea earned podium finishes at the Spartan Asia Pacific Championship in China. Tourism Push: GVB is leaning into digital marketing to boost arrivals as costs and flight disruptions continue to pressure travel.

Tropical Storm Saudel: The NWS upgraded 17W to Tropical Storm Saudel, with Guam unlikely to see tropical-storm force winds, though hazardous seas are possible; CNMI issued Tropical Storm Condition III for Saipan and Tinian, with typhoon watches for Pagan/Alamagan/Agrihan. Local Education: Letters urge GDOE to replace the aging Tiyan school facilities with a new high school and call for stronger executive leadership when the system can’t fix crises fast enough. Guam Tourism: GVB says visitor arrivals are down year-over-year and is leaning on digital marketing and airline/travel partnerships as fuel surcharges and flight disruptions squeeze demand. Guam Sports & Community: East Bengal Women made headlines with a 12-0 AFC Women’s Champions League win over Guam’s Rovers FC, while Mall Ball 2026 wrapped up another summer of 3x3 basketball at Micronesia Mall. Governance: Guam lawmakers passed multiple bills, including a FY2027 budget measure with a BPT rollback, and advanced land and public investment items.