AGP Executive Report

DPHSS Centralizes Operations: Guam’s Department of Public Health and Social Services is moving divisions into new commercial leases as federal SNAP waivers expire, aiming to reduce internal bottlenecks; the General Administration unit is set for ParkPlace and Public Welfare for a two-year lease at University Castle Mall, with the federally certified Public Health Laboratory staying put until a Mangilao facility opens in August. Public Finance Update: Guam’s tax and fee collections are up about $21M overall despite a $24M property tax shortfall, blamed on delayed real property invoices; GovGuam expects payments to “catch up” after extending deadlines. Education Oversight: Sen. Vincent Borja called a June 23 GDOE oversight hearing focused on school closure plans, including J.P. Torres Success Academy and reopening for 2026-27. Military & Infrastructure: A $12.47M DoD contract will fund engineering repairs for Guam-based Navy submarines over five years, and the Navy is planning P-8 reconnaissance flights from Wake Island later this year. Cultural Heritage Fight: Activists held a forum on the proposed military cultural heritage pact, saying it would shift control of ancestral sites to the Navy and vowing to push the governor. GVB Sexual Assault Lawsuit Scrutiny: Guam Police say there’s no record of sexual assault allegations against former Gov. Carl Gutierrez dating back to 2022, as the $61M GVB lawsuit proceeds. Local Tourism/Property Rules: GovGuam signed a law allowing fines up to $5,000 for poor upkeep in hotel-zoned areas, targeting tourism district appearance. Space Tracking for Valiant Shield: LeoLabs’ new transportable space-tracking radar is operational and will participate in Valiant Shield 2026 around Guam and Hawaii.

Election Pulse: A new Guam student poll puts governor/independent-leaning races in the spotlight—Tenorio-Muña-Barnes 28%, Terlaje-Perez 27%, Ada-Calvo 24%, Blas-Okada 17%—and shows Delegate James Moylan leading at 53% with Camacho Torres at 24% and Limtiaco at 23%. Budget & Taxes: Budget officials say overall Guam tax and fee revenue is up $21M versus projections, even as property tax collections lag by about $24M due to delayed real property invoices, with expectations that payments will “catch up.” Tourism & Cost of Living: Opinion pieces argue Guam should shift from chasing visitor counts to boosting visitor spending and satisfaction, while another column pushes for policy fixes to lower healthcare costs and ease household strain. Education Oversight: Sen. Vincent Borja calls a June 23 GDOE oversight hearing on school closure plans and reopening for 2026-27, as staffing and access concerns continue. Public Works/DPHSS: DPW is moving on property upkeep standards in hotel zones with fines up to $5,000, while DPHSS says only half of required high-risk inspections are getting done due to staffing shortages. Defense & Heritage: Activists plan to escalate opposition to a proposed military cultural heritage pact, and separate reporting notes Global Hawk basing shifts that add to Guam’s debate over who carries defense burdens.

Military & Defense: The Air Force is permanently relocating three RQ-4 Global Hawk drones and about 150 personnel from Andersen to Yokota in Japan, fueling fresh debate over Guam’s role in shifting Pacific defense. Cultural Heritage & Governance: Activists in Hagåtña are pushing back on a proposed 2026 military cultural heritage pact, saying it would hand Navy control over ancestral and “sacred” sites, and they’re planning to take the fight to the governor. Education Oversight: Sen. Vincent Borja has called a June 23 GDOE oversight hearing focused on school closure plans and Southern High accessibility issues. Courts & Public Safety: Guam Police say there’s no record of sexual assault allegations against former GVB boss Carl Gutierrez dating back to 2022, despite a lawsuit alleging abuse and coverup. Procurement & School Rebuild: OPA is weighing whether to dismiss an appeal that’s stalling the Simon Sanchez High School rebuild. Health & Inspections: DPHSS says staffing shortages mean only about half of required high-risk facility inspections are being completed. Fiscal & Hiring: GovGuam’s hiring/pay freeze proposal faces pushback from the acting governor over whether the Legislature can encroach on executive staffing powers. Courts (Hospital Fight): A District Court ruling remanded the governor’s hospital authority case back to the Guam Supreme Court and awarded attorney’s fees against the AG. Energy Relief (CNMI): FEMA approved an $8M Compact Disaster Declaration for FSM after Typhoon Sinlaku, while Tinian residents get temporary “free” electricity usage beyond a basic $7 fee.

Election Pulse: A UOG survey of about 260 likely voters shows a statistical deadlock for Guam governor—Joshua Tenorio at 28% and Therese Terlaje at 27%—while Tony Ada leads Frank Blas Jr. among Republicans; for delegate, incumbent James Moylan leads at 53% over Mary Camacho Torres (24%) and Alicia Limtiaco (23%). Public Finance & Oversight: The Guam Visitors Bureau cleared its FY2025 audit with a clean opinion but still saw revenues drop $9.3M, driven by lower GovGuam appropriations and weaker visitor arrivals, even as it ramped up airline incentives. Health & Courts: AG Douglas Moylan says he’ll fight to the end to prevent Guam from repaying $105M tied to the Mangilao hospital project, pointing to a July mediation conference. Education Governance: Two letters urge voters to scrutinize the Guam Education Board as school-closure plans and Simon Sanchez High School reconstruction delays draw attention ahead of the election. Territorial Security & Energy: A House Armed Services amendment would pilot small modular nuclear reactors in the Indo-Pacific, alarming Guam security advocates; separately, Tinian residents get temporary “free” electricity usage as FEMA and the military cover generation and fuel. Environment & Compliance: Public Health is investigating banned coral-hurting sunscreen imports and says violators could face civil fines up to $5,000 per violation. Disaster & Readiness: NWS forecasts up to seven more storms in 2026 for the Marianas and Micronesia, with several expected to reach typhoon strength. International Shock: A 7.8 quake struck the southern Philippines, killing dozens and triggering tsunami advisories across the Pacific as rescue teams search damaged areas.

Guam Election Watch: A University of Guam poll finds Rep. James Moylan leading the delegate race (53%) while governor primary voters split tightly—Joshua Tenorio (28%) vs. Therese Terlaje (27%), with Tony Ada (24%) ahead of Frank Blas Jr. (17%) among Republicans. AG vs. Hospital Funding: Attorney General Douglas Moylan says he’ll keep fighting to stop Guam from repaying about $105M in federal funds tied to the Mangilao hospital project, pointing to a July mediation. GVB Financial Reality Check: The Guam Visitors Bureau cleared its FY2025 audit with zero findings, but revenues fell $9.3M to $23.7M as visitor arrivals dipped and airline incentive spending rose. Public Health Enforcement: Public Health is investigating banned, coral-hurting sunscreen chemicals and says violators face civil fines. Military Readiness & Presence: A new Guam-based communications squadron hit readiness for real missions, and OICC MCM was disestablished after a decade supporting major bases. Regional Security/Disaster: The U.S. approved an $8M disaster package for FSM after Typhoon Sinlaku, while tsunami advisories followed a 7.8 quake off Mindanao with hazardous ocean conditions for Guam and CNMI. Local Governance: Lawmakers Blas and Ada propose suspending broad pay raises and freezing some hiring; Acting Gov. Tenorio calls it unenforceable. Environment & Courts: GovGuam is reviewing a DC settlement proposal in the Ordot dump CERCLA case. National Heritage Push: A public survey is open through July 2 on whether Guam should become a national heritage area.

Federal Funding Push: Guam Delegate James Moylan says the U.S. House passed the FY 2027 Agriculture Appropriations Bill that could send more than $5 million to Guam for health care and public safety, including $1.76 million for emergency access and structural stabilization at Guam Memorial Hospital’s Z-wing, plus upgrades for the Guam Fire Department and the forensic science/DNA lab. CNMI Recovery & Utilities: CNMI officials report major progress after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with about 99% of Saipan’s primary power lines re-energized and generation capacity restored above pre-storm levels, while Guam and CNMI leaders thank the GPA and CUC crews. Defense & Education: A House Armed Services Committee amendment backed by Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds adds one more CNMI service academy slot for FY2027, raising the total to four. GovGuam Pay & Hiring Fight: Speaker Frank Blas Jr. and Vice Speaker Tony Ada propose pausing broad pay raises and freezing certain hiring through election-year timelines, while Acting Gov. Joshua Tenorio calls the move unenforceable. Tsunami Watch: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, tsunami advisories were issued for Guam and the Northern Marianas, with hazardous ocean conditions and strong currents warned along coastlines. Public Health: Guam Public Health confirms another whooping cough case, bringing the total to 17 for the year. Courts: The Guam Supreme Court hears an appeal from a car theft/burglary defendant arguing the jury wasn’t properly instructed on whether the vehicle was “abandoned.” Local Governance: GovGuam is reviewing a federal settlement proposal in the Ordot dump CERCLA case, seeking more time to reach agreement.

Rev & Tax Facilities: Sen. Jesse Lujan is pushing for a permanent Department of Revenue and Taxation home after the agency’s $1.3M-a-year rent for the “leaky” old Price Costco warehouse in Barrigada, citing roof, plumbing, mold, and fire-safety concerns and warning it could be inoperable if Super Typhoon Sinlaku hits directly. Fiscal Controls: Guam legislative leaders propose a moratorium on limited-term and unclassified government hiring plus a suspension of pay raises during the election year, pointing to audit concerns and uncertainty around federal funding. Public Health: Guam Public Health confirmed another whooping cough case, bringing the total to 17 confirmed this year, with several hospitalizations and an emphasis on getting vaccinated early. Regional Disaster Watch: A 7.8 earthquake off Mindanao triggered tsunami warnings and coastal evacuations across parts of the Philippines and the wider Pacific, including Guam, as officials assess damage and aftershocks. Education Expansion: SIFA secured a Tamuning campus and will expand into 9th grade for the 2026–2027 school year with a new lease contract. Infrastructure & Roads: DPW says it can spend $20M in federal ARP funds on village street paving and is asking senators to consider a $5,000 penalty for abandoned vehicles. Aviation Update: United Airlines will move Micronesia and Guam routes to Boeing 737 MAX 8 service earlier than planned, with Guam-Saipan and Guam-Manila changes scheduled for mid- to late-2026.

Nuclear Power & Guam’s Voice: A House NDAA amendment would require the Pentagon to deploy transportable nuclear microreactors in the Indo-Pacific by Jan. 1, 2030, with Guam Del. James Moylan voting against the provision and urging transparency and meaningful engagement with Guam’s elected leaders. GVB Sexual Assault Probe Demands: Sen. Therese Terlaje is pushing the Guam AG to investigate allegations tied to a $61.5M lawsuit against the Guam Visitors Bureau, calling for transparency and warning lawmakers not to involve people who may be witnesses. School Closure Fight: Guam Education Board leadership and senators are challenging Judith Won Pat’s plan to close six southern elementary schools, citing alleged opacity and process problems. Tourism Policy & Standards: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed a new law requiring property maintenance standards in Guam’s hotel/tourism “H-zone,” using the International Property Maintenance Code. Visa Waiver Push: Guam and CNMI governors renewed their push to add the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program to boost tourism and regional connectivity. Storm Season Outlook: NWS forecasts 3–5 typhoons possible in CNMI waters in 2026, with Guam and the Marianas facing 4–7 named storms overall. Youth Corrections Budget Debate: DYA director Melanie Brennan told lawmakers she opposes building a larger youth correctional facility, arguing for community-based and mental health services instead. Ocean Protection Convening: Guam advocates helped bring ocean justice voices to Washington at Upwell 2026, emphasizing the fight against deep-sea mining and climate impacts. Environment & Compliance: Guam EPA issued a notice of violation and compliance order to GICC over underground storage tank documentation and testing failures.

Guam Education Board showdown: Chairwoman Judith Guthertz joined Angel Sablan and other officials in pushing back on Superintendent Judith Won Pat’s plan to close six southern elementary schools, arguing the process lacks transparency and board/community consultation. Tourism district enforcement: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed Public Law 38-127, setting property maintenance standards in hotel zones and allowing DPW to fine noncompliant owners up to $5,000. Youth justice budget debate: DYA Director Melanie Brennan told lawmakers she opposes a larger/new youth correctional facility, citing declining detention numbers and urging community-based and mental health services instead, while defending a $10.5M FY27 request. GVB rape/coverup fallout: Senators Shelly Vargas Calvo and Vincent Borja called for serious, independent review and stronger protections for women and whistleblowers amid allegations involving a Guam Visitors Bureau employee. Environment & compliance: Guam EPA issued a notice of violation and compliance order with penalties to GICC over diesel and gasoline underground storage tank documentation and testing failures. Local governance & oversight: OPA’s FY25 audit of GEDA found improved operating performance but flagged cash flow strain and reliance on unstable funding like bond fees. Community services: The 32nd Guam System for Assistive Technology conference opens June 12-13 with a focus on “Unlocking the Everyday.” Sports & culture: Team Masakåda opened EAFF E-1 qualifying at home, falling 5-0 to Korea Republic, while Guam’s Marianas Pro Korea BJJ event returned to Seoul with record participation.

Territorial Democracy Push: A bipartisan congressional briefing at the U.S. Senate on June 4 heard why 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories still lack full “consent of the governed,” with Guam climate advocate María Hernandez urging federal decisions to include territorial input. Education Oversight: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed two school bills—one creating a licensure framework for school psychologists and another letting GDOE use lapsed funds for campus and typhoon recovery projects—while Guam Education Board member Angel Sablan and Sen. Chris Barnett demand records and a halt to proposed southern school closures. Health & Safety Policy: Sen. Sabrina Salas Matanane introduced a bill to create assisted living residences and community-based care options, and Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center warned $5.3M in federal cuts could end key crisis and treatment programs. GVB Sexual Misconduct Fallout: Senators Terlaje, Borja, Parkinson, and Muna Barnes called for transparency and a full criminal investigation into allegations tied to a $61.5M lawsuit against the Guam Visitors Bureau. Typhoon Preparedness: NWS and local officials said Sinlaku’s broad wind field drove impacts and warned Guam and CNMI could see 3–5 more storms later in 2026. Regional Travel & Economy: Guam and CNMI renewed their push to expand the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program to include the Philippines. Deep-Sea Mining: The governor signed a ban on deep-sea mining in Guam waters with fines up to $50,000 per day, aiming to deter staging through Guam’s port.

Visa Waiver Push: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and CNMI Gov. David Apatang are urging DHS and Interior to expand the Guam-CNMI visa waiver carveout to include the Philippines, arguing it would boost tourism, air service, and regional security ties. School Closure Fight: A Guam Education Board member is demanding an immediate halt to plans to close six southern elementary schools, saying GDOE is moving without required data, transparency, or board approval—while Sen. Chris Barnett also asks for records before any consolidation. Behavioral Health Funding Gap: The Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center says $5.3M in federal CCDF cuts could end key crisis and treatment programs unless it gets about $4M in supplemental funding for FY27. Deep-Sea Mining Clampdown: Gov. Leon Guerrero signed a seabed mining ban (Public Law 38-129) with fines up to $50,000 per day and new limits tied to port use without “full consultation.” Tourism & Property Rules: A new law (Public Law 38-127) allows fines up to $5,000 for poor upkeep in hotel zones, giving DPW stronger enforcement tools. Public Services: Rev & Tax launched “Passports for the Pack,” reserving Wednesdays for families to apply for passports. Typhoon Preparedness: Guam and CNMI officials marked Typhoon Preparedness Month, with NWS forecasting 3 to 5 more storms later in 2026. GVB Misconduct Fallout: Multiple senators are calling for investigations and accountability after a $61.5M lawsuit alleges sexual assault and institutional coverup at the Guam Visitors Bureau.

Typhoon Preparedness: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio marked June as Typhoon Preparedness Month, with NWS warning Guam and CNMI could see 3 to 5 more storms before year’s end as a strong El Niño boosts activity. Regional Infrastructure: Guam and NMI leaders also laid out recovery milestones and coordination priorities at a joint typhoon preparedness briefing. Education Policy: The Guam Education Board approved GDOE’s adoption of USDA Smart Snacks standards, tightening rules on junk food across public schools. School Closure Fight: Sen. Chris Barnett demanded records from GDOE as senators push back on proposed closures of six southern elementary schools, calling the process “political theater.” GVB Accountability: Sen. Therese Terlaje called for a full investigation into Guam Visitors Bureau allegations tied to a $61.5M lawsuit, while other senators echoed demands for transparency and safeguards. Behavioral Health Funding: The Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center is seeking $4M to offset $5.3M in federal CCDF cuts that could disrupt crisis and treatment programs in FY27. Deep-Sea Mining: Leon Guerrero signed a seabed mining ban into law (Public Law 38-129), with fines up to $50,000 per day and port restrictions tied to “full consultation.” Energy & Utilities: CCU approved GPA’s path to buy power for a planned 57.4MW solar project at the old Dededo golf course, pending final PUC approval. Public Works: DPW is asking for $12M to expand an abandoned vehicles program after taking over responsibilities from the Mayors’ Council.

Education Oversight: Sen. Chris Barnett is pressing GDOE for records tied to potential closure or consolidation of six southern Guam schools, arguing any plan must show students get equal or better access—not just relocation or cost savings. Historic Preservation Process: Prutehi Guåhan is inviting the public to a Saturday forum on the 2026 Guam Historic Preservation Programmatic Agreement, after critics say notice rules under Guam’s Open Government law weren’t followed. Deep-Sea Mining Ban: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed a ban on deep-sea mining in Guam and nearshore waters, with fines up to $50,000 per day and a requirement for “full consultation” before the port can be used. Regional Disaster Readiness: Guam and CNMI leaders met at a Joint Typhoon Preparedness Summit to align recovery milestones and infrastructure metrics after recent storms. Military & Infrastructure: A $249M U.S. contract was awarded for electrical architect-engineer work across Guam and the region, while Indo-Pacific Command and CNMI stakeholders discussed military timelines and environmental compliance. Energy Policy: The Consolidated Commission on Utilities advanced power purchase deals for a 57.4MW Dededo solar project, pending final Public Utilities Commission approval. Public Safety Funding: DPW is seeking $12M to restart an abandoned vehicles program after funding gaps tied to the Recycling Revolving Fund. Cyber & Governance: A new report warns Guam’s networks face constant hacker threats, while a separate billboard lawsuit continues as AG motions are contested. Sports Spotlight: Two Guam athletes, Deren Perez and Rai Flores, will appear on American Ninja Warrior, with a free watch party planned at the Guam Museum.

Billboard Lawsuit: Attorney Thomas Fisher says he’s filed opposition to AG Douglas Moylan’s bid to dismiss a lawsuit over the AG’s “3Rs” billboards, arguing the displays promote Judeo-Christian messaging at public expense. Public Works Funding: DPW is asking lawmakers for $12 million from the Recycling Revolving Fund to expand an abandoned vehicles program—up from $2 million currently authorized—after DPW took over the workload when the Mayors’ Council of Guam ended an environmental cleanup effort. Behavioral Health Cuts: Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center warned senators that about $5.3 million tied to federal Child Care Development Fund support will end after September, threatening crisis response and treatment services. Corrections & Public Safety: A letter and commentary renewed focus on Guam’s corrections crisis and the risks of aging detention facilities. Education Tensions: Southern village mayors pushed back on GDOE plans to potentially close six elementary schools, saying talks are happening without their input. Military Presence: USS George Washington is set for a Guam port visit June 16-20, while the Air National Guard’s new 293rd Combat Communications “Gåmson” Squadron marked its first readiness milestone. Justice & Courts: A federal grand jury indicted a man on meth distribution and illegal firearm possession charges; separately, a judge granted continued release pending appeal in a bingo fraud case. Sports & Culture: Philippines beat Guam 5-1 in a Tri-Nation friendly; Hafaloha Part 5 brings J Boog and Sammy J to Ypao Beach Park Friday.

Military & Courts: West Virginia AG John B. McCuskey leads 21 state AGs urging the U.S. Supreme Court to stop a Ninth Circuit ruling that halts Guam EPA review in a Guam Air Force munitions permitting fight. Behavioral Health Funding: Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center says about $5.3M tied to crisis and treatment services will end Oct. 1, threatening mobile crisis response, family stabilization, children’s home-based services, and autism services. Public Safety & Justice: Dipson Billy was sentenced to 5 years for aggravated assault and family violence that shattered his former partner’s elbow, with possible deportation. Drug & Guns: A federal grand jury indicted Gregorio Pinaula Cruz on meth distribution and firearm possession counts. Education & Community Input: Southern mayors are demanding a seat at the table as GDOE weighs closing six elementary schools. Military Presence: USS George Washington is set for a Guam port visit June 16-20, while the Guam Air National Guard’s new 293rd Combat Communications “Gåmson” Squadron cleared its first readiness evaluation. Environment & Permits: Guam Solid Waste Authority reverted to appointment-only curbside bulky waste after a $341,000 budget overrun from self-haul. Culture & Civic Life: Registration opened for the 82nd Liberation Day Parade; Guam will also kick off America’s 250th with a House resolution.

Military & Health Oversight: A new GAO report says DoD should review TRICARE’s ECHO special-needs home health coverage because limits haven’t kept up since 2009 and may not be meeting military families’ needs. Corrections & Public Safety: A Guam-focused letter warns overcrowded cells and overlooked risks at local correctional facilities are weakening homeland security and shifting danger onto officers and neighborhoods. Legislative Oversight: Sen. Chris Duenas postponed the DPR budget hearing after no appointed department head showed up, arguing career staff can’t answer for agency leadership. Military Heritage Fight: Activists are hosting a community forum Saturday over critics’ claims that a 2026 DoD cultural heritage agreement is being rushed and weakens protections. GVB Lawsuit: Guam’s tourism agency is facing a $61.5M federal suit alleging sexual harassment and assault tied to former GVB leadership and alleged failures by board leadership. Courts & Governance: In a Guam Supreme Court filing, Legislature counsel says AI-related briefing errors were unintentional and that safeguards were added; separately, a court weighs whether the AG must honor a signed dismissal deal in a terroristic conduct case. Indo-Pacific Posture: The Air Force is moving a Global Hawk unit from Guam to Tokyo, and the USS Springfield returned to Naval Base Guam after a Western Pacific deployment. Tourism & Recovery: Marianas visitor arrivals fell 72% in April after Sinlaku disruptions, with stakeholders looking to summer for a rebound.