AGP Executive Report

Visa Waiver Push: Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and CNMI Gov. David Apatang are urging the U.S. to add the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, arguing it would boost tourism, strengthen regional ties, and support air service after Super Typhoon Sinlaku disruptions. School Closure Fight: Opposition is growing to Judith Won Pat’s plans to close six southern public elementary schools, with Education Board members and officials criticizing the decommissioning process and calling for more transparency. Environment & Compliance: Guam EPA issued a notice of violation and penalties to Guam International Country Club over underground storage tank documentation and leak-detection compliance issues. Local Economy Watch: A GEDA fiscal year 2025 audit says operating performance improved, but flags cash flow and reliance on unstable funding. Public Safety & Youth: DYA leadership told lawmakers it doesn’t support expanding or building a new youth correctional facility, pointing to declining detention numbers and a shift toward community-based and mental health programs. Justice System: A man charged with molesting a 13-year-old could be placed on electronic monitoring after a home eligibility finding, while prosecutors say key reports weren’t served. Fraud Alert: FBI added convicted Guam bingo fraud figure Michael Lizaso Marasigan to its Most Wanted Fraudsters list. Community & Recovery: Kagman residents held an appreciation lunch for Guam Power Authority linemen after Sinlaku restoration work.

FBI Most Wanted: Michael Lizaso Marasigan, convicted in Guam’s $34M Hafa Adai bingo fraud, is now on the FBI’s “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list, with up to a $150,000 reward for tips leading to his arrest. Youth Justice: DYA Director Melanie Brennan told lawmakers she opposes a new or larger youth jail, pointing to declining youth detention numbers and pushing community-based, mental health-focused alternatives while defending a $10.5M FY2027 budget request. Court Case: A man charged with molesting a 13-year-old could be released on electronic monitoring after a judge found his proposed Tamuning home eligible, even as prosecutors said key reports weren’t served to the victim. Tourism & Economy: Guam’s April visitor exit survey found 91% of surveyed travelers said they’d return, despite Super Typhoon Sinlaku and a reported 28% drop in arrivals. Local Business & Food: UOG is inviting farmers and food entrepreneurs to a five-session agricultural marketing workshop series, and another UOG effort is highlighting how food traceability can help Guam-grown products stand out. Community & Access: GSAT’s 32nd Assistive Technology Conference opens June 12-13 with a focus on “Unlocking the Everyday.” Regional Travel Push: Guam and CNMI governors renewed calls to expand the visa waiver program to include the Philippines. Weather Preparedness: NWS says Guam and CNMI could see 3 to 5 more storms before the end of 2026, urging continued readiness.

SNAP Food Loss Affidavit: Guam DPHSS says denial/disapproval notices for households rejected under the Super Typhoon Sinlaku emergency Food Loss Affidavit program will be mailed this week after extra review and address checks. Territorial democracy push: Guam advocates joined a June 4 bipartisan congressional briefing arguing the “consent of the governed” still doesn’t apply to the 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories. GVB sex misconduct probe: Senators Therese Terlaje, William Parkinson, and Sabrina Salas Matanane are calling for full, independent investigations into allegations tied to a $61.5M lawsuit involving Guam Visitors Bureau leadership and alleged coverup. FBI Most Wanted: The FBI’s new “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list includes Guam bingo fraud figure Michael Lizaso Marasigan, tied to a $34M scheme. Visa waiver push: GovGuam and CNMI renewed their bid to expand the Guam-CNMI visa waiver to include the Philippines. Weather readiness: NWS officials warn Guam and CNMI could see 3 to 5 more storms before end of 2026, urging continued preparedness. Local economy & services: GHURA says Section 8 landlord payments won’t be deposited by June 5 due to federal transmission issues. Energy: CCU approved steps for a 57.4-megawatt solar farm at the old Dededo golf course, pending PUC approval.

Ocean Exploration: E/V Nautilus is returning to Mariana waters with a June 10 start, bringing eight local participants aboard for deep-sea mapping missions, including new sonar that can map farther and deeper. Immigration & Tourism: Guam and CNMI renewed their push to include the Philippines in the visa waiver program, aiming to boost travel demand and add more airline service. Local Education & Careers: UOG grad Kyra Dela Cruz heads to UC Berkeley optometry; UOG also launches “Hotnu Heals,” a farmer-focused workshop series starting Sunday. Typhoon Preparedness: NWS says Guam and CNMI could see 3 to 5 more storms before end of 2026, urging stronger readiness as El Niño boosts activity. Public Accountability: Lawmakers are calling for investigations into GVB sexual misconduct allegations, while Guam’s whistleblower protections are criticized as too weak in practice. Housing & Utilities: GHURA says Section 8 payments will be late; CCU approved solar deals for the Dededo golf course. Fraud Watch: FBI added Michael Marasigan to its Most Wanted Fraudsters list.

GVB Accountability: Sen. Therese Terlaje is demanding a “full” investigation into allegations tied to a $61.5M lawsuit accusing a Guam Visitors Bureau employee of sexual assault and describing a culture of institutional failure. Education Oversight: Sen. Chris Barnett wants records before GDOE moves ahead with possible closures of six southern elementary schools, pushing back on claims the threat is being used for budget leverage. Housing Payments: GHURA says Section 8 landlord payments won’t be deposited by June 5 due to a federal transmission issue, with other payments expected to resume on schedule. Energy & Infrastructure: CCU approved energy deals for a 57.4-megawatt solar farm at the old Dededo golf course, pending final Public Utilities Commission approval. Seabed Mining: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed Guam’s seabed mining ban, but leaders warn the tougher fight is ahead as federal lease sales loom. Regional Preparedness: Guam and CNMI leaders marked Typhoon Preparedness Month with updated recovery and resilience coordination goals. Public Safety & Justice: The FBI added Michael Marasigan to its Most Wanted Fraudsters list, and a final defendant in a $34M bingo fraud case remains sought for pretrial release violations. Health Funding: Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center faces cuts starting Oct. 1, threatening crisis response and treatment services.

Typhoon Recovery & Infrastructure: Guam and CNMI leaders marked Typhoon Preparedness Month with joint recovery milestones, stressing stronger, shared logistics and resilience after Super Typhoon Yutu. Education: Carolyn E. Haruo of John F. Kennedy High School was named Guam Teacher of the Year 2027, with plans to advocate for students and protect Guam’s land and ocean. Energy & Local Economy: The Consolidated Commission on Utilities approved energy deals that could turn the old Dededo golf course (over 200 acres) into a 57.4-megawatt solar farm, pending final Public Utilities Commission approval. Public Safety & Health Funding: Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center says crisis and treatment services tied to $5.3M in federal funding will end by Oct. 1. Crime & Courts: The final defendant in a Texas-to-Guam meth trafficking ring was sentenced to nine years. Environment & Weather: NOAA budget cuts proposed for 2027 could hit Pacific weather forecasting, fisheries, and coral programs. Community & Culture: Registration opened for the 82nd Guam Liberation Parade on July 21. Sports: The Philippines beat Guam 5-1 in Tri-Nation friendlies.

Sports & Culture: The Philippines opened the Tri-Nation Friendlies by beating Guam 5-1 at Rizal Memorial Stadium, with Cole Mrowka scoring early and Andre Leipold adding two more as Guam’s Levi Burg pulled one back. Local Sports: Guam’s Masakåda women kick off EAFF E-1 prelims at home against Korea Republic (6 p.m.), with admission proceeds going to Northern Marianas recovery after Super Typhoon Sinlaku; the men’s team also has international matches this week. Community & Governance: Registration is open for Guam’s 82nd Liberation Day Parade (July 21), themed “Para I Onra, Para I Gloria,” with a July 7 deadline. Health & Services: Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center says about $5.3M in funding tied to crisis and treatment services will end after Sept. 30, threatening programs including mobile crisis response and children’s home-based services. Civic Debate: Activists are hosting a public forum Saturday over critics’ concerns that a 2026 military cultural heritage agreement was rushed and weakens protections. Democracy Watch: A new piece highlights how U.S. territories like Guam have a voice in Congress but no vote, tying it to the Insular Cases and the island’s political status.

Military & Readiness: The USS George Washington is set for a Guam port visit June 16-20 as it heads out on spring deployment, with the USS Blue Ridge also departing Japan; Local Governance: The Guam Legislature’s budget hearing for Parks and Recreation was abruptly postponed after no appointed department head showed up, drawing sharp criticism from Sen. Chris Duenas; Courts & Public Safety: A judge granted Jose and Christine Chan continued release pending appeal in their bingo fraud case; Health & Community: UOG launched Hotnu Heals, a farmer-focused gathering modeled on Pizza4Producers, and also marked the graduation of 35 BSN nursing students; Tourism & Economy: Marianas visitor arrivals fell sharply in April and March, with Sinlaku recovery and flight disruptions still weighing on travel; Sports: Guam’s Masakåda women’s team kicks off home international play this week in the EAFF E-1 prelims, with proceeds supporting Northern Marianas recovery.

GVB Lawsuit: Guam Visitor’s Bureau is facing a $61.5M federal suit alleging repeated sexual assault/harassment and a culture of coverup involving former president Carl Gutierrez and board chair George Chiu; the governor’s office called the allegations “serious” and said it will be handled through the law. AI Court Scrutiny: Guam Legislature legal counsel Michael Phillips responded to a Supreme Court order to show cause over AI-related briefing errors, saying he reviewed citations, didn’t intend to mislead, and added safeguards for future filings. Local Governance: A DPR budget hearing was paused after the appointed head didn’t show up, with Sen. Chris Duenas saying the committee won’t question career staff without an appointee. Military & Pacific: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged allies to “pay up” on burden-sharing, and Guam officials pushed back that Guam already carries the security load. Tourism Hit Hard: Marianas visitor arrivals fell sharply—April down 72% and March down 8%—as Sinlaku recovery and flight disruptions continue. Regional Recovery: From the wreckage of Super Typhoon Sinlaku, Pacific Islanders are slowly rebuilding, with rising death tolls and widespread displacement. Sports: Masakåda and Matao play international matches this week, with admission proceeds supporting Northern Marianas recovery. Politics/Status Vote: The Commission on Decolonization says there’s no new movement on Bill 242-38 for a political status plebiscite.

Court & Accountability: A former Guam Visitors Bureau employee filed a $61.5M federal lawsuit alleging years of sexual assault and harassment by ex-GVB boss Carl Gutierrez, plus coverup and institutional failures by GVB leadership, including board chairman George Chiu. Local Governance: Six southern Guam Department of Education elementary schools are flagged for possible closure as enrollment drops and costs rise, part of a multi-phase rightsizing plan. Public Safety/Justice: Guam Fire Department assistant fire chief Michael Uncangco remains on duty as federal charges allege he and his brother collected more than $45,000 in their deceased father’s benefits. Economy & Business: Guam’s commercial supply chain is back to full capacity one month after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, though perishable logistics and fuel/utility dependencies still strain distributors. Sports & Community: Guam’s beach volleyball duo Niesha Chen and Carmen Eugenia head to an international AVC tourney in Chinese Taipei. Letters/Opinion: Writers push back on “leave Guam” messaging and urge voters to focus on cost of living and jobs in the Aug. 1 primary. Environment: Volunteers counted 269 fanihi (Mariana fruit bats) across Guam, Saipan and Tinian to guide conservation actions.

Burden-Sharing Clash: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Asian allies “partners, not protectorates,” pushing higher defense spending—Guam’s government fired back that the island is already central to U.S. operations and has hosted a major Pacific buildup. GVB Lawsuit: A former Guam Visitors Bureau employee filed a $61.5 million federal lawsuit alleging sexual assault, harassment, and institutional failures by former GVB leadership, including claims tied to trips to Osaka and Saipan; GVB says it hired an off-island investigator. Public Safety Fallout: Guam Fire Department assistant fire chief Michael Uncangco remains on duty as federal charges allege he and his brother collected more than $45,000 in their deceased father’s benefits. Education Watch: GDOE is weighing possible closure of six southern elementary schools as enrollment drops and budgets tighten. Tourism Numbers: April visitor arrivals fell 28% year-over-year, with declines concentrated in Korea and Japan. Environment & Conservation: Volunteers counted 269 fanihi (Mariana fruit bats) across Guam, Saipan, and Tinian to guide conservation actions.

GVB Lawsuit: A former Guam Visitors Bureau employee filed a $61.5 million federal lawsuit alleging sexual assault, harassment, and institutional failures by former GVB leadership, including claims tied to former governor and GVB general manager Carl Gutierrez and board chairman George Chiu; GVB says it has hired an independent off-island investigator. Education Right-Sizing: GDOE is weighing closing six southern elementary schools as enrollment declines and costs rise, with Phase II next expected to move from south to central then north. Housing & Construction: Guam’s housing strain is still visible after recent typhoons, and accessory dwelling units are now legal in residential zones, while small contractors increasingly fill village-level needs. Tourism Watch: April visitor arrivals fell 28% year-over-year, with declines concentrated in Korea and Japan, even as the calendar-year picture shows slight gains. Public Safety & Health: UOG’s Land Grant Soil Lab is offering free post-storm soil testing for farmers in June and July, and a free Mental Health First Aid training is set for June 6. Environment: Volunteers counted 269 fanihi (Mariana fruit bats) across Guam, Saipan, and Tinian to guide conservation actions. Cybersecurity: Auditors found GPA didn’t revoke computer access quickly enough after some employees left, creating a potential security risk.

Tourism Watch: Guam Visitors Bureau says April visitor arrivals fell 28% to 36,818, with the biggest drops in Korea and Japan tied to Super Typhoon Sinlaku, travel softness, higher jet fuel surcharges, and fewer seats. Local Recovery & Agriculture: University of Guam’s Land Grant Soil Lab is offering free post-storm soil testing for farmers in June and July, with field visits, sample collection, and crop-specific recommendations. Mental Health Training: UOG Land Grant’s Farmer Focus is hosting a free Mental Health First Aid course June 6 for farmers and farm workers, teaching early recognition and response to mental health and substance use crises. Government & Courts: Guam Memorial Hospital Authority responded to a lawsuit from the estate of Marylee Palomares, who died after an alleged unwitnessed fall; GMHA says the complaint fails to state a claim. Public Safety & Community: Guam kicked off Pride Month with a proclamation and flag raising at Adelup, with leaders calling for continued inclusion efforts. Sports: Markus Nanpei won the Guam Amateur Golf Championship, taking the men’s title by 13 strokes. Education Funding: GDOE is holding about $51M in federal ARP reimbursement funds, citing caution while it seeks a determination letter from the U.S. Department of Education.

UOG Drone Corps: The University of Guam is opening applications for its 2026 Drone Corps cohort, training students and staff to become FAA Part 107b licensed remote pilots, with classes tentatively set for July 27–Aug. 7 and application deadline June 26. Cybersecurity & GPA: Auditors say Guam Power Authority didn’t remove system access quickly enough after some employees separated, leaving accounts active for months and raising security concerns. Education funding delay: Guam Department of Education is holding about $51M in federal ARP reimbursement funds while it waits for a determination letter, with EFSC pushing for clearer timelines. Local governance & housing costs: A House defense bill leaves Guam housing unfunded, including omission of a Naval Base Guam Lockwood Terrace revitalization project. Immigration policy pressure: Candidates in Guam and CNMI are criticizing a new USCIS memo that treats adjustment of status as discretionary, warning it could worsen labor shortages and costs. Mangilao hospital court fight: The governor says she’ll join a court-ordered settlement conference in the medical complex dispute, despite concerns about timing. Foster care need: Guam is short 70 foster homes for 693 children in the system, with recruitment efforts and a May 31 fundraiser underway. Culture & tourism: The Port board is set to consider negotiations for an inflatable ocean park near Port Beach, while CNMI tourism leaders debate bringing arts and culture under one tourism framework.

Defense & Federal Funding: The House defense bill leaves Guam housing unfunded, with the House Armed Services mark dropping a proposed $79M Lockwood Terrace revitalization and other Andersen projects. Courts & Health Care: Guam Supreme Court says the attorney general can’t block the governor from using federal money to establish a Mangilao hospital, while a settlement conference is still moving forward in the medical complex dispute. Education Finance: GDOE is holding about $51M in federal ARP reimbursement funds, citing caution after an audit finding and waiting on a determination letter. Immigration Impact: Guam and CNMI candidates warn a new USCIS policy memo could worsen labor shortages and raise costs by treating adjustment of status as discretionary. Local Government Costs: Lawmakers are pressing for a tally of excess annual leave that could trigger millions in payouts. Public Safety/Justice: Two brothers face federal charges for allegedly collecting about $45K in a dead father’s Social Security benefits. Business & Ports: Port board OKs talks for an inflatable ocean park on Port property. Sports & Culture: Guam Amateur Golf crowns new champions; Guam Marianas Open Taiwan sells out with 1,000+ athletes; Piti Sea Festival spotlights maritime traditions.

Guam Foster Care Crisis: Guam is short 70 foster homes for 693 children in the system, with 512 already placed but many still in shelters and group homes; officials say a May 31 2k/5k fundraiser and Foster Care Month outreach are aimed at recruiting more licensed families. Mangilao Hospital Court Fight: The Guam Supreme Court ruled the attorney general can’t use procurement law as a veto to block the governor from using federal funds to establish the Mangilao medical complex hospital, and said disputes over executive actions should be handled through the courts. UOG Drone Corps: The University of Guam is accepting applications for its next Drone Corps cycle, offering training and a path to a federally recognized remote pilot license, with an in-person course planned for late July into early August. Education Spotlight: Inalahan Middle School earned a six-year ACS WASC accreditation status, according to GDOE. Local Culture at Risk: A Dededo landowner running Åmot Para Taotao Tåno says she faces eviction and nonprofit disruption after a CHamoru Land Trust Commission review questioned lease eligibility and documentation. Sports Tourism Win: The Guam Marianas Open Taiwan sold out and surpassed 1,000 athlete entries, a record milestone for the event.