AGP Executive Report

Super Typhoon Bavi: Guam is bracing as the storm strengthens to Category 5, with forecasts warning it could pass between Rota and Tinian early Monday and bring damaging winds to the Marianas; officials urged residents to prepare now as tracks can still shift. Emergency planning: Guam moved to COR 3 and shelters are set to open 7 a.m. Sunday with ID required; pets won’t be allowed in shelters, and residents were told to bring 7 days of food/water, meds, bedding, and hygiene items. Local readiness: Mayors across the island are securing infrastructure and clearing debris risks, including river and bridge preparations, while campaign crews began dismantling signs to prevent them becoming dangerous projectiles. Bank closures: Bank of Hawai‘i will temporarily close Guam and Saipan branches starting Monday, July 6, while call centers and online/mobile banking stay available. America 250 in Guam: Times Square’s July 4 ball-drop sequence included Guam’s midnight mark, with the ball dropping eight times across U.S. time zones. Sports: Guam’s teams faced tough qualifiers—Australia routed Guam 124-52, while Gilas’ double-OT loss to New Zealand kept Guam eliminated from Pool A.

Typhoon Bavi Emergency: Guam is under a State of Emergency and Condition of Readiness 3 as Typhoon Bavi strengthens, with a typhoon watch in effect and forecasts warning it could rapidly intensify into a Category 4 or 5 near the Marianas; Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero moved Guam to COR 3 at 3 p.m. Friday, with shelters and further readiness steps planned as damaging winds could begin Sunday into early Tuesday. Local Response Funding: Lawmakers passed an emergency Bavi response measure using unspent Sinlaku disaster funds, creating Public Law 38-134 and setting allocations for mayors, storm-shelter-ready schools, and coordination. Port & Logistics Prep: The Port of Guam is securing operations under Port Heavy Weather Condition X-Ray, with cargo operations set to halt within 24 hours and vessels preparing to depart if needed. Citizenship Milestone: The U.S. Supreme Court’s birthright citizenship ruling is being hailed by advocates as strengthening Guam’s constitutional citizenship case, while Guam also held a naturalization ceremony for 35 new citizens ahead of America’s 250th. America 250 in Guam’s Time Zone: Times Square’s America 250 ball drop will mark midnight across U.S. time zones, starting with Guam at 10 a.m. Thursday/Friday local schedule. Sports: Guam’s Rovers FC is set for the AFC Women’s Champions League preliminary round, while Guam’s men’s team was eliminated from Pool A after losses in World Cup qualifying windows.

Typhoon Bavi: Tropical Storm Bavi strengthened into a typhoon overnight and is forecast to potentially intensify rapidly as it nears the Marianas, with officials warning the track could still shift closer to Guam; the National Weather Service and Joint Typhoon Warning Center say conditions could become dangerous for Guam and Rota by late Sunday into Monday. Local emergency funding: Guam lawmakers passed an emergency measure using leftover Super Typhoon Sinlaku disaster funds to fund Bavi response, including $250,000 to each village mayor, plus school shelter allocations, with Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signing it into law. Price gouging crackdown: Attorney General Douglas Moylan says price gouging is prohibited as Bavi approaches and urges residents to report suspected violations; prices freeze once Guam moves into Condition of Readiness. Election logistics: Guam Election Commission says early in-person voting will continue through July 25 even if Bavi delays the planned Westin opening, and homebound voting call-outs are being pushed to protect staff and vulnerable voters. CNMI preparations: CNMI Gov. David Apatang advises Saipan, Tinian and Rota residents to monitor forecasts; Liberation Day parade plans were canceled as seas are expected to turn hazardous. Business: Bank of Guam and Shell launched an everyday 6% fuel discount for Bank of Guam Visa Debit cardholders at participating stations. Leadership: SPPC named Bill Ada as its new CEO, the first Guam-born leader in the company’s 25-year history.

Typhoon Bavi Alert: Forecasters say Tropical Storm 09W/Bavi could rapidly intensify into a super typhoon before reaching the Marianas early next week, with Guam’s projected path shifting closer and emergency leaders urging residents to prepare now. Local Lawmakers: Guam senators plan an emergency session Thursday at 6 p.m. to reprogram unspent Sinlaku disaster funds to respond to Bavi. Power Prep: GPA advises customers to clear trees and secure loose items, and to shut off electricity before evacuating; it also warns against using portable generators indoors. Event Cancellations: Naval Base Guam canceled the July 4 Freedom Rocks festival and fireworks due to Bavi’s approach. UOG Governance: The UOG Board of Regents elected Mike W. Naholowaa as chair and Dr. Janice Malilay as vice chair effective June 1. Tourism/Airport Funding: GIAA asked senators for $17.7M amid a projected revenue shortfall, warning airlines could face major fee hikes without the money. Sports: Guam’s Alessandra Leon Guerrero and Erica Cassidy will represent the island at the FIVB U18 Beach Volleyball World Championships in The Hague.

Typhoon Watch: Tropical Storm 09W/Invest 95W is forecast to rapidly intensify and could bring super typhoon conditions to Guam and the Northern Marianas Sunday into Monday, with emergency managers urging residents and businesses to finalize 7–10 days of supplies, secure property, and clear drainage. Airport Funding: Lawmakers grilled GIAA over a $17.7M request amid a projected $10.5M revenue shortfall, warning airlines could face fee hikes of 23% to nearly 50% without the money. Local Childcare Relief: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero released $5M in local funds to keep licensed childcare providers paid while federal subsidies are delayed. Foster Care Push: The Mayors’ Council of Guam is weighing a foster parent recruitment and support campaign as foster children rise and foster homes lag. Public Trust Survey: The Guam Ethics Commission will launch the Guam Public Trust Index July 8, surveying residents to rank top agencies for focus. Invasive Species: Volunteers at Andersen Air Force Base helped catch about 20 brown tree snakes during a workshop and hunt. Cannabis Licensing: Guam approved its first cannabis permit to operate for Real Deal LLC/Deep Green Guam, clearing a major step toward production and sales. Civic Engagement: Micronesia Mall hosts a free “Meet the Candidates” event July 5 (noon–3 p.m.) with voter registration support. Education & Research: UOG graduate awards recognized student research and impact; UOG also has sea-level work tied to saltier groundwater.

Storm Watch: Invest 95W has been upgraded to Tropical Depression 09W and could pass the Marianas as a Category 3 typhoon by Sunday night or Monday, with officials urging residents to prepare now. Childcare Funding: GovGuam released $5 million to keep licensed childcare providers paid while federal subsidies are delayed. Trust in Government: The Guam Ethics Commission is launching the Guam Public Trust Index on July 8, aiming to survey 1,000 residents to rank the top agencies for its first focus. Power Costs: The PUC approved a GPA fuel surcharge increase under the LEAC, raising the average residential bill by about $58 starting July 1. Public Safety Case: A man charged after allegedly dropping a bag of meth in front of police says he was “set up,” as witness-tampering charges move through court. Environment & Fishing: Guam’s draft Coastal Fisheries Management Plan comment period was extended to July 21. Local Business & Community: GTA Gives kicked off its Back-to-School Supply Drive through July 31 for Sanctuary, Inc. Cannabis: Guam approved its first cannabis cultivation operating permit, seven years after legalization. Tourism/Business: Dusit Place announced new tenants and attractions, including a reimagined Aquarium of Guam.

Power Costs: The Public Utilities Commission approved Guam Power Authority’s LEAC fuel surcharge increase effective July 1, pushing the average residential bill up about $58 as the fuel recovery charge rises to $0.194150 per kWh through Jan. 31, 2027. Weather Watch: Forecasters say Invest 95W could strengthen and bring an “impactful” storm—at least heavy rain—over the July 4 weekend into Sunday/Monday, with the track still uncertain. Military & Readiness: U.S. and allied forces keep training around Guam and the Marianas with Valiant Shield and Citadel Pacific, bringing more traffic and possible gate delays. Local Safety/Community: Naval Base Guam’s “Freedom Rocks!” July 4 festival at Sumay Cove includes food trucks, water activities, and fireworks at 8 p.m., with base-access rules and a long list of prohibited items. Crime Update: A Guam Police Department sergeant, Jeffrey Leon Guerrero Santos, is charged federally with sex trafficking of a minor and is on administrative leave. Sports: Guam’s U18 beach volleyball pair Alessandra “Ally” Leon Guerrero and Erica Cassidy will represent Guam at the July 8-12 World Championships in The Hague.

Guam Public Safety: Guam Police Department Sgt. Jeffrey Leon Guerrero Santos was taken into federal custody and charged with sex trafficking of a minor, with the FBI alleging abuse over an 18-month period; he’s on administrative leave as the case moves through federal court. Court Watch: Two men shot after a police chase—Heric Suda Andrew and Wayner George—remain set for trial next week despite plea discussions for one suspect. Local Economy & Tourism: Guam’s bar and entertainment sector is shrinking amid inflation, labor shortages, and weaker military foot traffic, with active liquor licenses reported down sharply from pre-pandemic levels. Infrastructure & Transit: Dededo’s new Park & Ride Northern Terminal broke ground, funded by a $9.5M federal grant, to connect riders to GRTA’s “Road to Education” route serving schools and health sites. Weather: Tropical disturbance Invest 95W is still a medium risk for development and could bring a rainy Independence Day weekend, with Guam urged to stay prepared. Business/Health: Dr. Paul Coty opened a medical oncology practice at Tumon Sands Plaza to expand local cancer care access. Sports: Guam’s bid in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers is highlighted as a key Group A storyline.

Weather Watch: Tropical disturbance Invest 95W could strengthen and pass the Marianas by late weekend or early next week, with Guam and the northern islands bracing for a rainy Independence Day weekend. Independence Day on Base: Naval Base Guam plans a July 4 festival at Sumay Cove with fireworks at 8 p.m., but access is limited by force protection and a long list of prohibited items applies. Courts & Justice: A medical issue delayed sentencing for a 90-year-old convicted in the $34 million Hafa Adai Bingo fraud case; sentencing will resume later. Local Economy: Guam’s bar and entertainment sector is shrinking as inflation, labor shortages, and weaker military foot traffic squeeze alcohol sales. Transit Upgrade: Dededo Park & Ride Northern Terminal broke ground to anchor GRTA’s “Road to Education” route, funded by a $9.5 million federal grant. Public Safety & Animals: Lawmakers advanced a bill to modernize estray livestock rules, with officials saying Guam needs at least $200,000 just to respond to wandering cattle. Accessibility in Voting: The Guam Election Commission showcased ballot-marking devices for private, independent voting; early voting runs July 7–25. Community & Youth: Junior Achievement Guam is recruiting volunteers to mentor students in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and career readiness. Sports: Registration is open for Fall 2026 PONY Baseball League divisions from 8U to 18U.

Guam Military Readiness: Marines tested an Iron Dome-derived MRIC air defense system on Guam during Valiant Shield 2026, aiming to protect command posts, fuel sites, aviation facilities, and missile positions as forces train across the Pacific. Transit & Local Infrastructure: Officials broke ground on a Dededo Park & Ride tied to a new “Road to Education” route, funded by $9.5M in federal grants, with plans for buses and neighborhood feeder service. Water Quality Research: A University of Guam study using AI found rising sea levels may be increasing salt (chloride) in coastal groundwater wells. Education Leadership: UOG Provost Dr. Sharleen Santos-Bamba was selected for a national higher-education leadership initiative. Public Accountability: An audit found oversight and monitoring gaps in Guam’s $10.8M Village Community Care childcare program. Public Safety & Health Policy: DPHSS says Medicaid will reimburse doula services starting July 1, and Guam lawmakers advanced a bill to modernize estray livestock laws after incidents and enforcement shortfalls. Tourism Update: GVB reported stronger-than-expected tourism tax collections even as May visitor arrivals fell 24%, and approved a Matapang Beach rescue base to ease emergency response bottlenecks.

Public Health: Expectant mothers on Guam Medicaid can start using reimbursable doula services for dates of service on or after July 1, with prenatal and postpartum support covered through 180 days after pregnancy ends; DPHSS is holding a virtual public comment Village Meeting June 30. Tourism & Safety: GVB says May tourism tax collections beat budget despite a 24% drop in arrivals, and the board moved forward with an Invitation for Bid for a permanent Guam Fire Department rescue station at Matapang Beach in Tumon. Military & Community Impact: Local fishermen and activists are raising concerns as the Marine Corps temporarily restricts nearby waterways near Ritidian for live-fire training June 30 and July 1, with maritime traffic required to stay clear. Elections 2026: A new online tool from the Territorial Review tracks what past and current Guam senators have done, including bills and links to legislative hearings. Child Welfare: Advocates warn Guam’s foster care system is strained by a shortage of foster homes, rising removals, and the ongoing meth crisis. Legislation: A bill would double juror pay to $60 per day, and $70 if trials run longer than a month. Public Works: The Port Authority named GM Rory Respicio the 2025-2026 Professor John M. Phillips Excellence in Government Accountability Award winner.

Military Buildup & Guam’s Role: Residents and advocates told senators Guam is being repositioned as a forward offensive platform, raising alarms about housing, labor, shelters, and having no seat at the table as missile plans emerge. Local Economy & Energy Costs: The Public Utilities Commission approved a Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause increase, pushing average residential power bills up about $58 starting July 1. Public Health Leadership: Guam TB program manager Chima Mbakwem was selected to lead the National Tuberculosis Coalition of America, marking a first for the Pacific islands. Education Oversight: GDOE says no schools will close “at this time,” while lawmakers press for clearer rules on school closures and consolidations. New Hospital Milestone: A Mangilao hospital site dedication ended a long-running location fight, with the governor aiming to consolidate Public Health and Behavioral Health services under one complex. Port Authority Accountability: The Port Authority of Guam received a clean FY 2025 audit and reported lower operating expenses, while outlining modernization plans. Tourism & Travel: Guam’s visa-waiver push with the Philippines continues after a Manila delegation meeting, and a Mall Ball 3x3 tournament opens registration for July.

Military Buildup & Housing/Labor: At a reconvened briefing, residents and analysts warned Guam is being repositioned as a forward offensive platform with little civilian say, citing missile-focused shifts and concerns about shelters, labor impacts, and infrastructure. Public Utilities: The PUC approved a Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause increase, pushing the average residential power bill up about $58 starting in July, tied to fuel cost spikes. Health Leadership: Guam’s TB program manager Chima Mbakwem was selected to lead the National Tuberculosis Coalition of America, marking a first for the Pacific islands. Education Oversight: GDOE says no schools will close “at this time,” while lawmakers press for clearer rules on closures and consolidations; a separate review found GDOE cash is constrained by old obligations and restricted funds. Local Governance: A bill would double juror pay for Superior Court trials, aiming to better reflect lost wages for private workers. Infrastructure/Ports: The Port Authority of Guam received a clean FY2025 audit and cut operating expenses by $5.9M. Sports & Community: The Månha Outlaws beat the Packers 40–14, and registration is open for the Mall Ball 3x3 tournament at Micronesia Mall. Business/Permits: Dededo’s mall project on Ancestral Lands is still stuck in permitting, with rent owed reported at about $2.6M.

Weather Watch: A surface trough brought heavy showers, thunderstorms, and gusty winds to Guam Friday, with wind gusts up to 36 mph at the airport and a flood advisory issued; conditions are expected to improve overnight with more sun and fewer clouds. Education & Money: GDOE told senators it has $82.1M in cash as of June 15, but auditors flagged that much of it is tied up in old obligations, missing invoices, and restricted funds; officials also reiterated no school closures for 2026-27 while consolidation debate continues amid declining enrollment. Power Costs: The PUC approved a Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause increase to 19.4 cents per kWh starting July 1, pushing the average residential bill up about $58. Local Infrastructure: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero dedicated the Mangilao site for a new hospital, aiming to consolidate Public Health and Behavioral Health “under one area.” Port Update: The Port Authority of Guam received a clean FY2025 audit and cut operating expenses by $5.9M, while proposing a 17% multi-year tariff increase to offset revenue declines. Military & Community: Residents again pressed lawmakers on Guam’s military buildup, warning the island is being repositioned without civilian shelter plans or a seat at decision-making tables.

Power Costs: The Guam Public Utilities Commission approved a Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause increase, pushing the rate to 19.4 cents per kWh starting July—about $58.31 more per month for a typical 1,000 kWh residential user—driven by fuel price shocks tied to the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Hospital Site: After years of debate, Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero held a dedication ceremony for the new Mangilao hospital location, ending the fight over where the medical complex should go and outlining plans to expand services under “one area.” Port Authority Audit: The Port Authority of Guam received a clean FY 2025 audit with no material weaknesses and reported a $5.9M drop in operating expenses, ending with a $40.9M net position, while also moving toward a proposed 17% tariff increase to offset revenue declines. Education Overhaul: A bill to replace Guam’s hybrid elected/appointed school board with a fully appointed body drew support at a public hearing, but testifiers urged safeguards to prevent political influence and protect staff voices. Cannabis Milestone: The Cannabis Control Board approved Guam’s first permit to operate a cannabis cultivation facility, clearing another step toward a regulated market 12 years after medical marijuana legalization. Environment & Fisheries: Palau researchers reported new findings on the longnose emperor reef fish, including growth, lifespan, and spawning biology that could shape future catch limits and protections.

Port Authority of Guam: The port cleared a clean audit and cut operating expenses by $5.9 million, but it’s also looking at a 17% multi-year tariff increase as margins narrow. Power Costs: The PUC approved a new LEAC fuel surcharge that will push average residential bills up about $58 a month starting July 1. Education Governance: A bill would replace Guam’s hybrid elected/appointed school board with a fully appointed body; supporters say it could improve accountability, while testifiers want safeguards against politics and stronger transparency. Cannabis Milestone: Twelve years after medical marijuana legalization, the Cannabis Control Board approved Guam’s first permit to operate a cannabis cultivation facility. School Consolidation Debate: Education leaders say no public schools will be consolidated for 2026-27, but they’re still weighing options as enrollment declines. Community & Culture: YouthBuild graduates credited the program with pushing them out of their comfort zones; UOG archaeologist Dr. Michael Carson is featured in an upcoming National Geographic documentary. Sports & Local Life: The Chiefs Rugby Club launched a new south-side tournament aimed at getting more kids into rugby and higher education.