AGP Executive Report

Power Rates & Cost of Living: The Guam PUC is weighing a proposed jump in the Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause (LEAC) that could add about $88.56 to the average monthly residential power bill starting Oct. 1, with the decision set for Thursday. Education Disruption: With the Tiyan campus still closed, officials say 12% of Tiyan students and 20% of Simon A. Sanchez students haven’t engaged with assigned schoolwork, raising concerns as students are marked absent during the shutdown. Legislature & Section 30 Funds: Guam senators recessed a special session on Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero’s Section 30 proposal for GMHA and UOG, choosing instead to hold public hearings first on competing bills before returning Sept. 23. Elections & AG Race: Incumbent AG Douglas Moylan “passed” on a Guam Bar debate, while four challengers are set to face voters at the Thursday forum. Aviation Funding: A U.S. House panel advanced a bill to raise the federal share of airport project costs to 95% for rural, remote, and underserved areas, including Guam and CNMI. Military & Indo-Pacific Strategy: A U.S. think tank report calling for a major troop pullback from the western Pacific is drawing alarm from allies, including references to Guam and the Northern Marianas. Community & Health: A “Wellness Wednesday” column spotlights Guam’s suicide-prevention needs and the role of community connections, while a local non-profit event celebrates wish kids with a black-tie-and-tennis-shoes gala.

Guam Health Funding: The Guam Legislature paused its 11th special session on Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero’s Section 30 plan for $19.8M for GMH and UOG, choosing instead to hold public hearings first on competing bills before returning Sept. 23. Public Utilities: PUC Chief Administrative Law Judge Fred Horecky is recommending a LEAC fuel surcharge increase to 28.2 cents per kWh starting Oct. 1, which would add about $88.56 to the average monthly residential bill, as the commission reviews power-rate impacts. Attorney General Race: Incumbent AG Douglas Moylan “passed” on a Guam Bar Association debate, while four candidates are set to debate Thursday night at Sinajana. Tourism & Travel Policy: CNMI Del. Kimberlyn King-Hinds and Guam Del. James Moylan introduced the Marianas Tourism Advancement Act to expand the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, including adding the Philippines and other countries. Regional Geopolitics: A U.S. think tank report argues for shifting forces from the “first island chain” toward Guam and the Northern Marianas, drawing alarm from allies. Weather Watch: NWS Guam is monitoring two weak disturbances near the Marianas as peak typhoon season ramps up. Community & Recovery: Bank of Guam donated $10,000 to help Monkubok Weto families rebuild after a fire on Ebeye. Local Innovation: GAMMA says Guam’s first Navy-grade 3D-printed metal parts have been produced at its Dededo facility.

Guam Health Funding: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero called a special session to push a $19.8 million Section 30 bill for Guam Memorial Hospital’s electronic health records system and a University of Guam Blue Economy Innovation Center at the Fadian Hatchery, warning delays could trigger a “catastrophic blackout.” School Oversight: Public Health kept Tiyan High and Simon Sanchez’s sanitary permits suspended after follow-up inspections found uncorrected sanitation and safety issues, extending the no-return-to-class situation. Elections & Law: The Guam Election Commission took no further action on a complaint challenging AG candidate Douglas Moylan’s “nonpartisan” status, while Moylan also skipped a Guam Bar Association debate, calling it biased. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Guam’s governor says she’ll seek “adjacent state” consultation rights for seabed mining, while CNMI Del. Kimberlyn King-Hinds pushes a 50-50 revenue split bill (PACMESA) and a broader visa waiver expansion for the Marianas. Military Posture & Logistics: A Pacific-focused strategy proposal would shift more U.S. forces toward the “second island chain,” and the Quad advanced a civilian disaster logistics network after a Tokyo tabletop exercise, building on prior Guam drills. Local Economy & Utilities: GEDA rolled out tourism tax incentives (ETAP) to spur visible private investment, and the PUC is reviewing Guam Power Authority’s fuel surcharge as GPA reports a $37M fuel under-recovery. Public Safety: Federal agents unsealed details of a Guam child-luring sting; five men pleaded not guilty to attempted enticement and child pornography charges.

Health Care Funding: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero called a special Guam Legislature session Tuesday to approve about $15.9 million (plus $4 million for UOG’s Fadian Hatchery Blue Economy Innovation Center) to replace Guam Memorial Hospital’s electronic health records system, warning delays could trigger a “catastrophic blackout” of billing and patient records. School Oversight: Tiyan and Simon Sanchez students won’t return to full-time classes this week as inspectors keep Tiyan’s sanitary permit suspended, citing repeated sanitation and safety issues that remain uncorrected. Medical Licensing: The Guam Board of Medical Examiners is finalizing rules to let internationally trained physicians apply for Guam licenses, with inquiries already coming in and an initial focus on GMHA for an 18-month evaluation. Public Safety & Courts: A jury trial is set to begin this week for a man accused of raping a girl, with allegations spanning multiple years. Attorney General Race: Incumbent AG Douglas Moylan says he’s skipping a Guam Bar Association debate, alleging bias, while the Election Commission previously weighed a complaint tied to his claimed nonpartisan status. Deep-Sea Mining Politics: The governor wants Guam treated as an “adjacent state” for deep-sea mining consultation, seeking similar input rights to CNMI. Crime Sting Details: Federal court records describe an underage sex sting where agents posed as minors and a parent, leading to indictments and not-guilty pleas. Military Presence: USS San Diego departed Naval Base Guam after a routine stop, continuing its forward deployment to Sasebo, Japan. Workforce & Tech: Guam’s Department of Labor is moving to add AI tools to HIREGUAM, raising the question of how to measure real improvements with a “human handoff” scorecard. Tourism Incentives: GEDA is pushing the Enhancing Tourism Aesthetic Program, offering tax credits for visible tourism improvements starting in October.

Tourism & economic development: GEDA is rolling out the Enhancing Tourism Aesthetic Program, a new tax incentive aimed at “responsible private sector investment” to upgrade publicly visible commercial improvements, with applications opening Oct. 1 and credits/abatements capped at $5M per fiscal year. Elections & governance: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero still hasn’t endorsed either gubernatorial ticket—Tony Ada/EJ Calvo or Therese Terlaje/Sabina Perez—but says she’ll back a Democratic majority in the Legislature. Regional security & Guam’s role: A defense analyst argues the U.S. should shift more commitments away from China/Taiwan and toward Guam and the “second island chain” to reduce war risk. Pacific diplomacy: CNMI wants to keep its Pacific Islands Forum observer status and could seek associate membership to boost its voice amid great-power competition. Education & enrollment: GDOE says student numbers keep falling islandwide, with the biggest declines in the south and plans to manage under-enrollment. Public safety & courts: Five men were arrested in a multi-agency child-luring sting; separately, a former DPR certifying officer accused in a cemetery contract case pleaded not guilty, and a lawsuit over an officer-involved shooting is seeking reconsideration. Healthcare infrastructure: Letters and commentary continue to push Tiyan as the best site for Guam’s new hospital.

Guam Election & Law: The Guam Election Commission ruled incumbent Attorney General Douglas Moylan can run in the 2026 general election despite complaints about his Republican ties, keeping the nonpartisan race on track. Education & Public Health: GDOE says Tiyan High School’s campus inspection is complete and it’s preparing a double-session schedule so students can still meet the 180-day requirement without a waiver. Local Government Finance: GovGuam announced another $1.7M in individual income tax refunds, bringing total refunds paid to about $142.6M year to date. Workforce & Tech: A Guam labor proposal to add AI tools to HIREGUAM is drawing a push for measurable “human handoff” scorecards so faster processing doesn’t mean worse outcomes. Environment & Sovereignty: Decolonization advocates at a “sovereign futures” conference argued Guam needs real bargaining power to protect lands and waters from sidelined federal decisions tied to military impacts. Military & Pacific Posture: The Air Force’s KC-46 tanker fleet and broader Pacific basing plans keep Guam’s role in high-end operations in focus, while a separate report highlights Andersen-linked dispersal concepts. Courts & Accountability: A former DPR certifying officer, Christine Olkeriil, pleaded not guilty in a Comfort Cuts payment-related case; and a motion seeks reconsideration in an officer-involved shooting lawsuit tied to an airsoft rifle death. Criminal Justice: Five men were arrested in a multi-agency sting on Guam over alleged child luring. Shipping & Costs: Del. James Moylan pressed USPS over new de minimis-related customs steps and Guam-bound mail delays that add cost and friction for residents. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Lawsuits challenge deep-sea mining plans in the Marianas and American Samoa, with CNMI lawmakers also pushing for revenue sharing. Community & Culture: Mangilao Donne’ Festival returns despite typhoon crop losses, with peppers and produce still making it to the weekend lineup.

Guam Education: Superintendent Judith Won Pat says GDOE schools are under-enrolled islandwide, with student count falling from 23,121 in 2025 to 21,840 now, driven by families relocating off island and resigning teachers—plus a shift from southern villages to central and northern areas. School Facilities: After DPHS environmental health inspection results for the shared Tiyan High School campus, GDOE is preparing a double-session schedule to keep the 180-day requirement, with students potentially returning once the official report clears them. Elections & Law: The Guam Election Commission ruled AG Douglas Moylan can run in the 2026 general election for a non-partisan office despite complaints about Republican Party affiliation. Attorney General Race: Four AG candidates will debate Sept. 16 at the Central Community Arts Hall, with the Guam Bar hosting the public forum. Public Safety: Five men were arrested on Guam after a multi-agency undercover sting targeting alleged online child luring, with federal and local agencies involved. Local Courts: GVB is seeking to disqualify an assistant AG from its civil case, alleging unauthorized filings and conduct that violates professional rules. Military & Defense: The U.S. Navy began major hull assembly for USS John E. Kilmer (DDG 134), a Flight III Arleigh Burke destroyer built for advanced air and missile defense.

Attorney General Eligibility Fight: The Guam Election Commission ruled incumbent AG Douglas Moylan can run in the 2026 general election for a non-partisan post, despite complaints tied to alleged Republican Party affiliation. Education & Health Compliance: GDOE says it’s waiting on the official environmental health inspection report for the Tiyan High School campus; once cleared, students would return to a double-session schedule to still meet the 180-day requirement. GVB Court Fight: Guam Visitors Bureau asked the court to disqualify Assistant AG David Austin as its attorney of record in a civil case, alleging unauthorized filings and conduct that violates professional conduct rules. Legal Watch: Four attorney general candidates will debate Sept. 16 at the Central Community Arts Hall in Sinajana. Public Safety: A jury found Maria Dolores Cruz Lorenzo guilty of meth possession with intent to distribute; prosecutors say the OAG will seek up to 20 years. Local Land Use: GLUC unanimously approved a Tamuning warehouse zone change for Perez Properties to support islandwide distribution needs. Community & Culture: Mangilao’s Donne’ Festival runs Friday through Sunday despite earlier typhoon crop losses, with pepper competitions and food vendors.

Education Oversight: GDOE says it has finished the Tiyan High School campus environmental health inspection and is preparing a double-session schedule to keep students on track for the 180-day mandate, without seeking a waiver, while it waits for the official report after the Aug. 13 closure. Elections & Eligibility: The Guam Election Commission says Attorney General Douglas Moylan can run in the 2026 General Election for a non-partisan seat despite complaints about alleged Republican ties, after Moylan denied authorizing party identification. Courts & Corruption: Former DPR official Christine Olkeriil pleaded not guilty in a corruption case tied to a landscaping contract, while her lawyer argued she wasn’t properly served. Public Safety: Federal authorities say five men were arrested in an online undercover operation targeting attempted enticement of a minor, including an active-duty Navy service member. Defense & Guam’s Role: A South Korean naval training deployment includes a Guam port call, with cadets conducting readiness drills and defense diplomacy across the Pacific. Marianas Deep-Sea Mining: Conservation groups sued over the Trump administration’s push to start deep-sea mining near Guam and the CNMI, while CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds backs revenue-sharing legislation. Aviation/Travel: Guam airport officials congratulated T’way Air’s rebrand to Trinity Airways, highlighting new routes and a hybrid service model. 9/11 Commemoration: Guam marked the 25th anniversary with first responders and community leaders at Two Lovers Point, including stories from a Pentagon and World Trade Center responder.

Education & Pay Fight: Lawmakers kept hearings moving on Bill 351-38 as teachers testified that Guam’s pay and benefits structure is pushing educators out, with concerns about cost of living and burnout. Courts & Corruption: Former DPR official Christine Olkeriil pleaded not guilty to corruption-related charges, arguing she wasn’t properly served and seeking procurement records. Public Safety: Three of four suspects in a fatal July home invasion pleaded not guilty, but the case has been slowed by repeated attorney changes. Health System Oversight: Sen. Telo Taitague introduced Bill 359-38 to create an executive director for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, aiming to stabilize administration and reporting. Tax Dispute: A whistleblower tied to a $150,000 alcohol tax fight won the right to intervene in the case. Federal Child-Safety Sting: U.S. authorities announced arrests of five men accused of attempted enticement of a minor after an online undercover operation. CNMI Politics: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds defended her record while challenger Galvin Deleon Guerrero pushed a “political reset” at a Saipan Chamber forum. Deep-Sea Mining Legal Push: Conservation groups sued to block deep-sea mining plans in the Marianas and CNMI delegate King-Hinds urged a 50% revenue share for territories. Defense & Guam Presence: A South Korean naval cadet training deployment is set to include Guam port calls as it travels across the Pacific. Commemoration & Community: A Tower for Humanity 9/11 remembrance replica lit up at Micronesia Mall, with organizers saying it will stand through Sept. 20. Local Culture: Mangilao’s Donne’ Festival returns this weekend, and KPRG’s Thrift Store Ball comes back after more than 20 years.

CNMI Governance: CNMI Senate President Karl R. King-Nabors says he’ll serve as acting governor after Gov. David M. Apatang and Lt. Gov. Dennis Mendiola left the islands, citing Article III, Section 8(a). Governor’s Defense: Apatang also issued a statement clarifying he left on Sept. 10 for an official trip tied to regional military developments and a National Guard commissioning ceremony, and argued the Constitution already covers acting governorship when both top officials are absent. Political Future Talks: At the Hita La’mon: Toward Sovereign Futures conference, speakers discussed what “sovereign Guam” could look like under independence or free association. CNMI Election Forum: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds defended her first-term record while challenger Galvin Sablan Deleon Guerrero pushed for a “political reset” at a Saipan Chamber delegate forum. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation groups and Earthjustice filed a lawsuit challenging deep-sea mining plans around the Marianas and American Samoa; CNMI Del. King-Hinds also wants territories to receive a 50% revenue cut. Courts: A judge dismissed former garment worker Amalia Abo Guanlao’s complaint against former attorneys without prejudice for failure to prosecute. Public Service Funding: Serve Guam Commission awarded $3.65M in AmeriCorps grants to three local organizations, creating about 290 service positions. Defense & Guam: A war-game report lists Andersen AFB among U.S. targets in a simulated North Korean nuclear escalation scenario. Travel/Cost Pressures: DOD per diem for Guam meals and incidentals rose to $111 and $27, and diesel prices at U.S. military gas stations in the region are climbing.

CNMI Leadership Shuffle: Senate President Karl R. King-Nabors will serve as acting governor after Gov. David Apatang left the Commonwealth on Sept. 9, citing the CNMI constitution. Public Safety & Courts: The Supreme Court of Guam heard arguments in Frank Reyes’ bid to dismiss a 2024 murder case, alleging prosecutorial misconduct in grand jury proceedings. Health Care Oversight: Sen. Telo Taitague introduced Bill 359-38 to create an executive director for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and tighten Commission on Post-Mortem Examinations requirements. Government Travel Costs: DoD per diem for Guam rose Sept. 1—meals up $12 to $111 and incidentals up $2 to $27; lodging stays $179. Community Service Funding: Serve Guam Commission awarded $3.65M in AmeriCorps grants for 290 part-time positions across education, health, disaster preparedness, and community capacity building. Military & Pacific Readiness: Guam was included in a simulated North Korean nuclear escalation scenario targeting Andersen AFB, underscoring concerns about limited nuclear attacks. Deep-Sea Mining Pressure (CNMI): CNMI advocacy groups urged Gov. Apatang to ask Interior to halt the Marianas deep-sea mining lease process. Education Facilities Update: GDOE says the Tiyan campus could reopen for full-time instruction by early January after a Friday inspection and remaining roof work. Americans’ Wallets: Treasury says FinCEN identified about $17.5B in suspicious activity tied to suspected health care fraud.

Education & Schools: Guam’s Tiyan and Simon Sanchez campuses may not fully return to full-time face-to-face instruction until 2027, after a Friday inspection and ongoing roof-leak work at Tiyan. Local Governance & Funding: GEDA awarded $285,000 to 19 village mayors’ offices and municipal planning councils for projects spanning healthcare, public safety, economic development, higher education, and cultural preservation. Public Finance & Cost of Living: Federal per diem rates for Guam travel rose by $14 effective Sept. 1, pushing the total daily per diem to $317, a move Guam’s hotel and restaurant industry says matters for government travel. Territorial Policy: Sen. Sabrina Matanane asked the Speaker to call an emergency session for Bill 358-38 to set up a Simon Sanchez High School Modernization Fund using $19.8 million in Section 30. Health & Safety: The U.S. Treasury says FinCEN flagged about $17.5 billion in suspicious activity tied to potential health care fraud. Defense & Military: The Air Force announced the “North Star Readiness Campaign” to keep more strategic bombers mission-ready, including faster parts delivery for B-52 and B-1 fleets. Maritime Workforce: MARAD designated 16 maritime training institutions—including Western Pacific Maritime Academy in Guam and the CNMI—as 2026 Centers of Excellence. Community & Culture: The Guam Visitors Bureau marked the Tumon Night Market’s first anniversary, highlighting a year of local and international performances and vendors.

Guam Education: Lawmakers held a public hearing on Bill 351-38, which would give the Guam Department of Education independent authority over educator classification and compensation, with support from some speakers but worries about how fast and how far the changes could go. Section 30 / Simon Sanchez: Sen. Sabrina Matanane asked Speaker Frank Blas Jr. to call an emergency session for Bill 358-38 to create a Simon Sanchez High School Modernization Fund using about $19.8 million in Section 30 funds. Deep-sea mining fight: CNMI groups Our Common Wealth 670 and PåganWatch sued the federal government in Hawaii to stop the Marianas deep-sea mining lease plan, arguing the review ignored impacts beyond the lease sale itself. Local economy / grants: GEDA awarded $285,000 to 19 village mayors’ offices and municipal planning councils, with $15,000 each for projects ranging from healthcare and public safety to cultural preservation. Courts / corruption: Former DPR official Christine Olkeriil is set for her first court appearance in a corruption case tied to alleged improper payments and tampering with public records. Weather / risk: Guam’s NWS says El Niño is strengthening toward “very strong,” with concern for a higher-than-usual number of super typhoons. Tourism / community: The Tumon Night Market marked its first anniversary, highlighting a year of local culture and visiting performers. Public travel costs: Federal per diem rates for Guam increased by $14 starting Sept. 1, affecting lodging, meals, and incidental expenses for government travelers.

Marianas Deep-Sea Mining Fight: CNMI groups Our Commonwealth 670 and PåganWatch, backed by Conservation Council for Hawai‘i and Center for Biological Diversity, sued the Trump administration over a plan to lease more than 67 million acres for potential deep-sea mining, arguing NMFS wrongly concluded the sale won’t harm threatened species and their habitat. Local Education Pay Debate: A Guam bill would let the Department of Education set pay for educators outside the government’s unified classification system; the hearing drew support for retention but also concerns about how fast and how far the changes could go. Public Safety Court Updates: A man accused in a Dededo encampment rape case had a bail decision delayed amid identity and prior-case issues; separately, another alleged strangulation case saw three misdemeanor charges dismissed after the alleged victim declined to testify, while a felony remains eligible for reindictment. Health System: Guam Memorial Hospital Authority cleared procurement approvals to move forward with its long-delayed maternal and child health renovation, certifying $17.8M for Phase 1. Economy Snapshot: Guam’s unemployment rate rose 0.2 points in June to 3.6%, while private and “contracted” government job growth was reported. Trade & Culture: Guam’s inaugural Håfa Adai Guam Festival in Japan showcased Made in Guam products to Japanese consumers, with local companies selling directly for the first time.

Marianas Fisheries & Mining: CNMI left the 28th Micronesian Islands Forum in Pohnpei with regional backing for sustainable commercial fisheries and a push for more scientific data before any deep-sea mining moves. Forensics Staffing: Guam’s vacant chief medical examiner role may be temporarily covered by a Hawaii-based forensic pathologist who could rotate in starting Sept. 1, while Guam Memorial Hospital waits for a final local solution. Hospital Construction: GMHA cleared final approvals and certified about $17.8M for Phase 1 of its long-delayed maternity and newborn care renovation, setting up major labor-and-delivery upgrades after more than a decade. Legislative Oversight Clash: Speaker Frank Blas Jr. says a closed Aug. 14 military briefing was “by design” and that oversight chairs weren’t invited, reigniting questions about transparency. Insurance Network Change: GRMC will stop being in-network for TakeCare Insurance on Wednesday, shifting many patients to self-pay at the Dededo hospital. Citizenship Fight: A federal judge blocked Trump’s birthright citizenship narrowing order—but Guam leaders warn the island’s legal basis is different. Tourism & Economy: Tumon Night Market marks its first anniversary, while early August data shows South Korean arrivals down 37.3% year-over-year, a “key area of concern” for GVB. Elections & Access: A youth-led “Lunch with the Leaders” series is expanding to interview 18 senatorial candidates and all AG candidates ahead of the Nov. 3 election.