AGP Executive Report

9/11 Remembrance: Guam’s Sept. 11 memorials included a Peace Memorial wreath-laying ceremony at Two Lovers Point, with first responder Dr. Gerald Flint recalling treating victims at the Pentagon and World Trade Center, and a separate Tower for Humanity lighting ceremony featuring a toy-log replica of the Twin Towers. CNMI Politics: Incumbent Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds and challenger Galvin Deleon Guerrero faced off in a Saipan Chamber debate on disaster recovery, federal contracting, birthright citizenship, Medicaid and tourism, with closing arguments after questions 6-10. Guam Elections: The Guam Bar Association will host a public attorney general debate Sept. 16 featuring four candidates; incumbent AG Douglas Moylan is not listed. Local Sports: George Washington’s Geckos opened high school football with a 29-6 win over Guam High, while defending champion GW Geckos and the FD Friars both started fast in early-season action. Business/Development: GLUC approved a new Tamuning warehouse for Perez Properties to support distribution and reduce waste. Tech/Consumer Note: Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro lineup is eSIM-only in Guam, with pre-orders and carrier-dependent features shaping the switch.

Local Festival Resilience: Mangilao Donne’ Festival runs Fri–Sun at the Mangilao Night Market grounds, with vendors saying they still saved peppers and produce after Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi; the weekend includes kadun pika and pepper competitions plus live local music. Legal & Elections: Four attorney general candidates—Phillip J. Tydingco, Jordan L. Pauluhn, Thomas J. Fisher and Peter J. Santos—will debate Wednesday at the Central Community Arts Hall; incumbent AG Douglas Moylan is not participating. Land Use & Business: GLUC unanimously approved Perez Properties’ new Tamuning warehouse, citing added capacity for essential economic sectors. Public Safety & Courts: A woman pleaded not guilty in a DPR corruption case tied to a landscaping contract, arguing she wasn’t properly served. Education: Teachers testified on Bill 351-38, saying pay and affordability issues are pushing educators out. Community & Remembrance: Guam marked Sept. 11 with wreath-laying and stories from local first responders and military leaders.

Election Watch: Guam Election Commission says AG Douglas Moylan can run in the 2026 General Election even after complaints he’s effectively tied to the Republican Party, while he maintains he has no party affiliation for the non-partisan attorney general post. Education & Pay: Teachers testified on Bill 351-38, pushing back on educator pay and affordability and warning that burnout and low salaries are driving people out of the profession. Courts & Corruption: Christine Olkeriil pleaded not guilty to DPR corruption-related charges, arguing she wasn’t properly served and that the AG’s office announced charges publicly before serving her. Tourism Push: Guam Visitors Bureau keeps promoting overseas as arrivals lag, pointing to the 2026 Guam Mega FAM Tour and saying the decline is moderating. Sovereignty Talk: A conference on Guam’s political future heard Robert Underwood argue the biggest obstacle to self-rule is “resignation,” tying it to issues like seabed mining and accountability. Public Safety/Justice: A man on felony release was charged again after an alleged attack on a pregnant woman in Tamuning, including strangulation and assault on an unborn child. Military/Travel Costs: New DoD per diem rates took effect Sept. 1, raising meals and incidental expenses on Guam by $14.

9/11 Remembrance in Guam: A new Tower for Humanity replica of the Twin Towers lit up at Micronesia Mall, built in 12 days from toy timber logs, with organizers saying it’s both remembrance and a fundraiser for child hunger relief. Crisis Preparedness: Retired Army Lt. Col. David Okada, who was near the Pentagon on Sept. 11, urged Guam residents to mentally plan for disasters so people don’t freeze when the next crisis hits. Tourism Push: Guam Visitors Bureau says overseas promotion continues despite weaker arrivals, highlighting the 2026 Guam MegaFAM Tour that brought 240 travel professionals and generated 700+ B2B connections. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation groups filed suit to block deep-sea mining in the Marianas, while CNMI leaders and advocates press for a halt and revenue share. Local Public Safety: A man on felony release faces new charges after police allege he punched and strangled a pregnant woman. Sports & Community: UOG Tritons fell in volleyball; Tribal Theory returns to Guam this Saturday for ROOTED at LeoPalace. Travel/Tech: Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro arrives eSIM-only in Guam and other markets, with no SIM tray. Cost of Living/Travel: DOD per diem for meals and incidentals on Guam rose $14 starting Sept. 1.

Tourism Push: Guam Visitors Bureau GM Régine Biscoe Lee says the bureau is doubling down on overseas marketing after arrival data (Aug. 1–18) showed visitor numbers down 22.9% vs. 2025, with South Korea and Japan still driving most of the market; the Guam Mega Familiarization Tour on Sept. 4 drew 200+ trade pros, media and influencers and is planned to become annual. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation groups and Earthjustice sued to block the Trump administration’s push to restart deep-sea mining around the Marianas and American Samoa, while CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds urges a 50% revenue cut for territories; advocacy groups also urged CNMI Gov. David Apatang to ask Interior to halt the Marianas leasing process. Defense & Guam Costs: DOD raised Guam per diem rates effective Sept. 1, boosting meals to $111 and incidentals to $27 (lodging stays $179), and a new report flags Guam’s Andersen AFB as a potential target in a simulated North Korean nuclear escalation scenario. Local Courts: A murder trial tied to the July 2024 killing of Joshua Taitague was delayed again as the judge warned the case must be resolved. Community & Culture: Tribal Theory returns to Guam this Saturday for “ROOTED” at LeoPalace Resort Guam, and a UOG Land Grant workshop “Tilapia to Table” teaches raising, processing and curing fish on Sept. 12.

Medical Examiner Office: Sen. Telo Taitague introduced Bill 359-38 to create an executive director role for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, aiming to fix long-running administrative and reporting gaps and revise the Commission on Post-Mortem Examinations’ meeting rules. Travel Costs: New DoD per diem rates for Guam took effect Sept. 1, lifting meals and incidental expenses (meals to $111; incidentals to $27) while lodging stays at $179. Court Update: A probation officer asked the District Court of Guam to adjust supervised release conditions for Evan Montvel-Cohen, who still owes about $75,000 in restitution after fraud convictions. Justice Delayed: The murder trial tied to the July 2024 Talo’fo’fo killing was delayed again, with the judge warning the case must be resolved. Local Economy & Tourism: Guam businesses are being urged to optimize for AI trip planning as AI referral traffic to Guam surged in 2025. Energy Prices: Gas rose above $6 a gallon and diesel above $7 after a midweek increase. Culture & Community: Tribal Theory returns to Guam this Saturday for “ROOTED,” featuring Wavvy, at LeoPalace Resort Guam. Aquaculture Workshop: UOG Land Grant will host “Tilapia to Table” on Sept. 12, teaching tilapia raising plus salting and smoking for shelf-stable products.

Navy Contract in Guam: Cayuse Holdings’ subsidiary Cayuse Native Hawaiian Veterans LLC won a $249 million Military Sealift Command general ship-repair contract tied to Guam, with a $3,500 minimum guarantee and funding via delivery orders. Maritime Training: MARAD named 16 2026 maritime training “Centers of Excellence,” including Western Pacific Maritime Academy in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Local Economy & Tourism: GEDA awarded $285,000 to 19 village mayors’ offices and municipal planning councils for projects in healthcare, public safety, economic development, higher education and cultural preservation; Guam’s Tumon Night Market marked its first anniversary. Education Funding Push: Sen. Sabrina Matanane asked for an emergency session to use $19.8 million in Section 30 funds for a Simon Sanchez High School Modernization Fund, while Bill 351-38 on educator pay drew support and concerns at a public hearing. Public Safety/Justice: “Baby Joe” Taimanglo’s assault trial began; a former DPR official Christine Olkeriil is set for a first court appearance in a corruption case. Cost of Living: Gas rose to over $6 per gallon and diesel to over $7 after a Wednesday night increase; federal Guam travel per diem also climbed by $14 to $317 total daily. Business/Community: Bank of Guam hosted Girl Scouts for a Money Master patch program, and Guam Girl Scouts earned the patch at the event.

Courts & Accountability: Families of victims in the Dec. 29, 2024 Jeju Air crash are expanding a U.S. product-liability lawsuit against Boeing, now covering dozens of victims as they seek Boeing-held records. Local Justice: “Baby Joe” Taimanglo has begun jury selection for an assault trial, while another man accused of raping a woman at a Dededo encampment faces a bail decision delay tied to a prior warrant. Education Funding: Sen. Sabrina Matanane is pushing an emergency session on a bill to create a Simon Sanchez High School Modernization Fund using about $19.8 million in Section 30 money; meanwhile, Bill 351-38 to give GDOE educator pay-setting authority drew support and concerns at a public hearing. Health Care: Guam Regional Medical City will stop being in-network for TakeCare Insurance starting Wednesday, meaning many patients will be treated as self-paying at GRMC. Economy & Tourism: Guam’s unemployment rate rose slightly to 3.6% in June, and Tumon Night Market marks its first anniversary, growing from a pilot into a weekly hub for food, culture, and local vendors. Environment & Policy: Conservation groups sued to block Trump-era deep-sea mining lease actions in the Marianas, challenging federal review under endangered species law. Travel Costs: DoD updated Guam federal per diem rates effective Sept. 1, adding $14 total daily.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation groups and community organizations sued to block the Trump administration’s plan to kick-start deep-sea mining around the CNMI and Guam, arguing the government’s review understates harm to humpback whales, manta rays, and sea turtles. Local Economy Watch: Guam’s unemployment rate rose 0.2 points in June to 3.6%, while private and “contracted” government jobs showed growth. Healthcare Access: GRMC will stop being an in-network provider for TakeCare Insurance starting Wednesday, meaning many patients will be treated as self-paying at the Dededo hospital. Maternal Care Upgrade: GMHA says its long-delayed maternity and child health renovation is cleared to move into construction after final procurement approvals and funding certification. Citizenship Uncertainty: A federal judge blocked Trump’s latest birthright citizenship push, but Guam leaders warn the island’s legal basis is different and could be targeted next. Community & Culture: Guam’s Tumon Night Market marks its first anniversary, and GEDA’s inaugural Håfa Adai Guam Festival in Japan showcased Made in Guam products to thousands.

Healthcare & Courts: Guam Memorial Hospital Authority says it will stop being an in-network provider for TakeCare Insurance starting Wednesday, meaning TakeCare members will generally be treated as self-paying at GRMC. Maternal Health: GMHA’s long-awaited maternity and child health renovation is cleared to move into construction after final procurement approvals, with Phase 1 certified at about $17.85M. Public Safety & Justice: A man accused of repeatedly raping a girl starting at age 8 is set for jury trial Sept. 14 after plea talks collapsed. Another murder case is scheduled for trial in November. Local Governance: Speaker Frank Blas Jr. says a military briefing for legislative leaders was “closed by design,” with oversight chairs not invited. Education & Community: Tiyan High School’s campus repairs are underway after a sanitation closure; a new inspection is set for Friday. Economy & Tourism: Tumon’s long-vacant mall is being pitched as a future educational facility by iLearn Academy. Elections & Youth Outreach: “Lunch with the Leaders” is expanding to interview 18 senatorial candidates and all attorney general candidates. Geopolitics: Pacific Islands Forum leaders push back on China’s threats during the Palau meeting.

Education & Development: The long-vacant Tumon Bay Mall could finally get a new life as a 40-classroom educational facility, with iLearn Academy Charter School aiming for a 2027 start—pending zoning and approvals. Local Business: Grease Monkey Drive-In opened in Tamuning, but is running limited hours while staffing and ordering systems get fully set up. Elections & Youth Engagement: “Lunch with the Leaders” is expanding into a nonpartisan candidate interview series, locking in 18 senatorial candidates and all attorney general candidates for Sept. 8–22 broadcasts. Courts & Public Safety: A man accused of raping a girl starting at age 8 will go to jury trial in September after plea talks collapsed. Health Care: GMHA says its Maternal and Child Health renovation is cleared to move from planning to construction, with Phase One certified for funding. Environment & Enforcement: GEPA says abandoned-vehicle litter citations are being dismissed in court because owners can prove they no longer held vehicle ownership. Tourism: Guam’s MegaFAM Trade Show drew 200+ international partners and media to local businesses at LeoPalace Resort Guam.

Guam Politics & Elections: A youth-led “Lunch with the Leaders” interview series is expanding fast, locking in 18 senatorial candidates and all five attorney general candidates for Wave 105 and livestreams from Sept. 8–22. Local Courts: In the Tenorio corruption case, federal court again allowed defendants Charissa Tenorio and Frankie Rosalin to travel to Manila for medical care, with dates set for early September. Public Health & Schools: Guam’s Tiyan High School campus is reopening after major repairs, but another inspection is scheduled Friday before students can return. Healthcare Infrastructure: GMHA says it has cleared final approvals and certified $17.8M for Phase One of its long-delayed Maternal and Child Health renovation, moving from planning to construction. Environment & Enforcement: GEPA says abandoned-vehicle litter citations are being dismissed in court because defendants show proof they no longer own the vehicles. Economy & Funding: Guam is set to receive $105M in Section 30 federal remittances, including about $20M tied to delayed IRS certifications. Tourism: Guam’s MegaFam trade show drew 200+ international partners and media to LeoPalace Resort, with local businesses pitching Guam experiences. Defense & Security: The U.S. Navy is ordering five deployable expeditionary repair facilities to support dispersed operations across the Pacific.

Deep-Sea Mining Showdown: Guam and CNMI voices are clashing over a proposed Marianas seabed mining sale as Guam senators push for a pause and lawmakers in Washington reject efforts to block fast-track permitting for seabed mining. Local Education Update: After a decade-plus delay, Guam Memorial Hospital Authority says GMH maternity and child health renovations are finally cleared to move into construction. School Rebuild Funding Fight: With $105M in federal Section 30 money arriving early, senators are racing to steer excess funds toward Simon Sanchez High School, power bill credits, and broader school repairs. Tiyan Campus Repairs: Work continues at the Tiyan High School campus after it was shut for failing sanitation; a new inspection is set for Friday. Court Developments: A man accused in a December murder case seeks pretrial release over untreated medical needs, while other defendants in a major corruption case are allowed to travel to Manila for medical care. Tourism Push: Guam’s MegaFAM trade show drew 200+ international partners and influencers, with local businesses pitching Guam experiences. Household Costs: EVA Air is raising excess baggage fees starting Sept. 29, and GSWA is set for another rate increase Oct. 1. Sports: Guam’s U20 men opened AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers with a 3-0 win over the Northern Mariana Islands.

GMH Modernization: Guam Memorial Hospital Authority says it has cleared final procurement approvals and certified $17.85M for Phase One of its long-delayed Maternal and Child Health Renovation, aiming to modernize Labor and Delivery, Maternity, Postpartum, Nursery and NICU services. Court Travel Allowed: In the Tenorio corruption case, federal court filings show Charissa Tenorio and partner Frankie Rosalin were again allowed to travel to Manila for medical care, with return dates set later this month. Local Governance & Schools: Guam senators are pushing competing uses for an expected Sept. 15 advance of extra Section 30 funds—power bill credits, public school repairs, and a new Simon Sanchez High School—while an editorial urges lawmakers to fix the Ma Kahat Act before another SSHS procurement failure. Waste Rates: GSWA plans another residential rate increase Oct. 1 tied to Public Law 38-39’s islandwide collection rollout, with possible customer assistance as rules get finalized. Tourism Push: GVB says it launched a MegaFam Tour after years, bringing 240 travel agents and media/influencers, with returns expected to show up in FY27 collaborations. Federal Budget Watch: GovGuam collected about $95.9M more than expected this fiscal year, but officials say most is already obligated, with remaining funds slated for the Rainy Day Fund. Aviation Business: Avolta is set to take over A.B. Won Pat airport specialty retail and food & beverage concessions after GIAA board approval. Sports: Guam U20 men opened AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers with a 3-0 win over the Northern Mariana Islands, and the next match is Sept. 6 vs. Mongolia.

Seabed Mining Fight: Guam Delegate James Moylan says the House Rules Committee blocked his amendment to keep Marianas seabed mining off the FAST-41 “fast track,” while the Protecting Domestic Mining Act still passed the House, raising fresh concerns about rushed environmental review. Marine Energy Watch: University of Guam and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory held a town hall on Tanguisson for possible OTEC and South Tumon Bay for seawater air conditioning, with researchers also exploring whether AI-backed funding could help marine energy projects. Local Courts: The chief prosecutor objected to paying a $2,550 juror fine after a trial was delayed by a superseding indictment, and an inmate accused of prison contraband is set for release later this month as plea talks continue. Education & Food: UOG Land Grant will host a “Tilapia to Table” workshop on Sept. 12, teaching raising, salting/smoking, and turning fish waste into fertilizer. Tourism & Business: GVB launched a new online portal for its Tourism Works Micro-Grant, aiming to cut paperwork and speed up applications. Sports: Guam’s U20 men opened AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers with a 3-0 win over Northern Mariana Islands, next match vs. Mongolia on Sept. 6.

Guam Politics & Economy: Senators are moving to spend nearly $20 million in excess Section 30 money—proposing $100 power bill credits for GPA customers, public school repairs, and major funding toward rebuilding Simon Sanchez High School. Local Governance: The House Rules Committee rejected Del. James Moylan’s bid to block seabed mining from using FAST-41’s expedited permitting track, keeping deep-sea mining eligible for faster federal review. Aquaculture & Food Security: UOG Land Grant is hosting a first-time workshop, “Tilapia to Table,” teaching tilapia raising in saltwater, plus salting and smoking fish, with lessons on turning fish waste into fertilizer. Sports: Guam’s U20 men opened the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers with a dominant 3-0 win over the Northern Mariana Islands; captain Levi Berg scored twice. Tourism & Business: Guam Visitors Bureau launched a new online portal for the Tourism Works Micro-Grant, and airport concessions news says Avolta is set to take over A.B. Won Pat’s specialty retail and food & beverage contracts. Community & Culture: World Theatre brings “Frozen: The Broadway Musical” to the University of Guam Sept. 4-6.