AGP Executive Report

CNMI Courts & Elections: Nearly 67% of active CNMI Bar members who responded to this month’s judicial evaluation backed retaining Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro for the November 2026 general election, citing “good” ratings across integrity, impartiality, professionalism and legal ability. GovGuam & Public Works: GovGuam held its annual Labor Day picnic under the “Pillars of Service” theme, while the Department of Education says Tiyan High School repairs are largely done but a new DPHSS inspection is still pending after the campus was closed for sanitation demerits. Health Care Funding: Guam Memorial Hospital Authority cleared final procurement for its maternal and newborn renovation, certifying about $17.85M for Phase One so construction can begin within 30 days. Federal Money Watch: The Office of Insular Affairs says Guam’s Section 30 payment is set at $105M, including nearly $20M from delayed IRS certifications. Mining & Federal Oversight: Guam senators are pressing for a pause on the Marianas seabed mining sale after the acting Marine Minerals Administration director left, while Delegate James Moylan’s bid to block seabed mining from FAST-41 expedited review failed in the House. Tourism Push: GVB and partners staged the 2026 Guam MegaFAM Trade Show with 200+ international travel partners and influencers to sell Guam to key markets. Courts & Public Safety: In the Tenorio corruption case, federal court again allowed defendants Charissa Tenorio and Frankie Rosalin to travel to Manila for medical care; separately, a Yigo home invasion defendant asked for a separate trial as arraignments proceed. Environment: NWS Guam warned of regional haze tied to wildfire smoke from Indonesia.

Emerging Adult Sentencing: Guam Superior Court sentences for two men facing serious charges involving 13-year-old girls were pushed to Jan. 7, 2027 as lawyers build a unified framework after the Guam Supreme Court flagged possible constitutional problems with mandatory life-without-parole for youthful offenders. GovGuam Budget Watch: Guam collected about $95.9M more than expected in fiscal year 2026, but the extra money is already earmarked to cover special-fund shortfalls, Legislature IT upgrades, and other 2027 needs, with remaining balances slated for the Rainy Day Fund. Section 30 Race in the Legislature: With an expected Sept. 15 advance payment of Section 30 funds totaling $105M, senators filed competing bills for power bill credits, public school repairs, and a new Simon Sanchez High School. Seabed Mining Fight: Delegate James Moylan’s bid to block seabed mining from FAST-41 expedited permitting failed after the House Rules Committee declined to bring his amendment to a vote. GMH Maternity Upgrade Moves Forward: Guam Memorial Hospital Authority cleared final procurement for Phase I of a $17.8M maternal and newborn care renovation, with construction expected to start within 30 days after a notice to proceed. Airport Concessions: Avolta was conditionally selected for A.B. Won Pat’s specialty retail and master food-and-beverage concessions, setting up a Dec. 21 start date after final negotiations. AG Sanctions Case: Guam’s Supreme Court is weighing whether Attorney General Douglas Moylan should face sanctions for moving a governor declaratory judgment case to federal court, which the high court said may violate appellate rules and professional conduct.

Guam Health & Infrastructure: Guam Memorial Hospital Authority cleared final procurement for Phase 1 of its long-stalled $17.8M maternal and newborn care renovation, with construction expected to start within 30 days after a notice to proceed, including upgrades to labor and delivery, postpartum, NICU and maternity spaces. Local Courts & Public Safety: In Superior Court, an inmate accused in a 2025 prison contraband case is set to be released Sept. 23 in a separate matter while plea negotiations continue, with a follow-up hearing set for Oct. 1. Seabed Mining & Federal Oversight: House Rules Committee rejected Del. James Moylan’s bid to block seabed mining from using FAST-41 expedited review, keeping Guam and CNMI mining eligible for faster federal permitting. Government Accountability: Guam Supreme Court is weighing whether AG Douglas Moylan should face sanctions for removing a governor declaratory judgment case to federal court, a move the high court said may violate Guam appellate and professional conduct rules. Education Continuity: Tiyan High School repairs are largely complete, but remaining roof and safety work could keep students on a proposed double-session schedule after a Sept. 11 inspection. Legislative Funding Push: Senators introduced bills to target expected excess Section 30 money for power bill credits, public school repairs, and rebuilding Simon Sanchez High School. Regional Security: Pacific Islands Forum leaders urged transparency and advance notice for ICBM tests after China’s July missile launch drew criticism, with Nauru the lone dissenter.

Guam Courts: The Guam Supreme Court is weighing whether to sanction Attorney General Douglas Moylan for moving a governor declaratory-judgment case to federal court, with Moylan arguing the action was proper while the high court says it may have violated Guam appellate rules and professional conduct. Civil Service Discipline: A Superior Court judge will decide whether the Civil Service Commission can overturn a government firing after the Office of the Attorney General failed to fully comply with discovery orders in the termination appeal of Investigator III Bryan J. Cruz. Legislative Funding: Senators are pushing three bills to spend expected excess Section 30 money—power bill credits for Guam Power Authority customers, public school repairs, and rebuilding Simon Sanchez High School. Government Operations: Guam’s airport concession contracts are moving forward as the GIAA board conditionally awards Avolta the specialty retail and master food-and-beverage deals, while Tiyan High School repairs near completion with a Sept. 11 inspection that could trigger a double-session schedule. Regional Politics: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero urged Pacific Islands Forum members to grant Guam full membership, arguing Guam is “watching through the window” on regional opportunities.

Guam Airport Contracts: The Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport Authority board conditionally awarded two major concession deals to Avolta AG—specialty retail (including duty free) and master food & beverage—setting up a Dec. 21 switch after Lotte Duty Free’s extension runs through Dec. 20. Local Education: Tiyan High School repairs are largely done, but roof work and remaining safety upgrades could keep students on a proposed double-session schedule after a Sept. 11 inspection. Medical Examiner Staffing: Guam’s chief medical examiner post is still in flux after Dr. Keng-Chih “Kenny” Su’s resignation took effect; a Hawaii-based pathologist candidate is discussed for temporary autopsy coverage. Navy & Mental Health: A new report on the USS Abraham Lincoln’s long deployment argues the Navy and San Diego should treat returning sailors and Marines’ mental health needs as urgent, not something to wait on. Regional Politics: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero pressed Pacific Islands Forum leaders for full Guam membership, saying the territory status leaves Guam “watching through the window” on regional decisions and financing. Court Update: The Supreme Court of Guam overturned a meth case sentence because mandatory drug rehab enrollment was not properly ordered. Weather: A system pulling away from the Marianas eases wind, but holiday weekend plans still face rip currents and heavy showers risk.

Guam & Regional Politics: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero renewed her push for full Pacific Islands Forum membership, arguing Guam “watches through the window” as a U.S. territory and needs real access to regional financing and decisions. Pacific Security: At the PIF summit in Palau, leaders again stopped short of condemning China’s July ballistic missile test, choosing instead to “register concern” over inadequate notice—an approach Nauru dissented from. Local Governance & Schools: Sen. Sabrina Salas Matanane introduced Bill 358-38 (COR) to dedicate nearly $19.9M in added Section 30 funding toward a new Simon Sanchez High School, reducing the government’s borrowing for the project. Ports & Trade Security: Lawmakers advanced a bill to require standardized, high-security container seals to address recurring seal discrepancies at Guam’s port. Courts & Public Safety: The Supreme Court of Guam overturned a meth case sentence because mandatory drug rehabilitation enrollment was not properly ordered. Business & Travel: Guam’s airport board conditionally selected Swiss-based Dufry for both main retail and master food-and-beverage concessions, pending final talks. Community & Culture: Guam’s U20 men’s team heads to Mongolia for AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, with matches vs. NMI and host Mongolia.

Military & Guam Readiness: The Marine Corps wants high-resolution 3D CT scanners to spot cracks in body armor plates, with one of 10 planned scanner sites in Guam. Civil-Military Oversight: Sen. Sabrina Salas Matanane’s committee chair, Sen. Telo Taitague, says she learned only after the fact that the military had met privately with a small group of lawmakers, raising questions about transparency ahead of a Sept. 10 hearing. Courts & Public Safety: Guam’s Supreme Court overturned a first-time meth offender’s sentence because mandatory drug rehab was not properly ordered; separately, a repeat probation violator’s maximum sentence was upheld. Marianas Mining & Federal Process: A federal official tied to the accelerated Marianas seabed mining lease timeline is reportedly leaving for Halliburton as the proposed Dec. 16 sale date nears, with Guam still seeking a formal role. Local Government & Money: Guam is set to receive about $105.1M in remitted Section 30 federal income taxes on Sept. 15, and Salas Matanane introduced a bill to dedicate nearly $19.9M of that boost to a new Simon Sanchez High School. Environment & Community: DOAG planted 2,200 trees at As Gadao in Malesso’, while the GROW watershed restoration effort highlights how hillside work protects Guam’s reefs. Regional Politics: Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero pushed for full Pacific Islands Forum membership and urged a precautionary pause on deep-seabed mining. Business & Law: Lawmakers advanced a bill to standardize high-security container seals after port seal discrepancies, and a Guam couple sued DRT over denied tax credits tied to CNMI business taxes. Sports & Tourism: UOG is bringing about 1,000 Meikai University freshmen to Guam, and Guam is preparing for more international visitors through 2026.

Guam-Military Relations: JTF-M and JRM leaders met with the 38th Guam Legislature to push a stronger “One Guam” civil-military partnership, with senators and commanders discussing Guam’s role in regional defense. Port Security: Sen. Therese Terlaje’s Bill 310-38 would require standardized, high-security container seals for shipments to Guam after lawmakers cited repeated seal discrepancies at the port. Local Government & Economy: Acting Gov. Josh Tenorio signed multiple bills, including one transferring over 700 acres in Yigo to the Guam Ancestral Lands Commission and another expanding the Criminal Injuries Compensation Commission’s ability to consider late applications. Budget Watch: The U.S. Interior Department says Guam will receive more than $105M in advance Section 30 payments this month, tied to increased federal activity and military presence. Education Update: After a Tiyan campus shutdown, GDOE says a Sept. 11 inspection could allow a double-session return for Tiyan High and Simon Sanchez students. Public Safety: AG Douglas Moylan launched the “Guam Bomb Busters Program” to crack down on abandoned vehicles, warning of criminal charges. Courts: Guam’s acting chief prosecutor was ordered to pay a $2,550 fee after a late superseding indictment derailed a child sex abuse trial. Tourism & Culture: Guam Motorsports and the Chamorro Land Trust Commission finalized a 20-year Yigo raceway lease, ending a multi-year shutdown.

Section 30 Boost: Acting Gov. Josh Tenorio says Guam will receive more than $105 million in advance Section 30 payments this month, citing increased federal activity and military presence. Pacific Islands Forum Push: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero urged forum leaders to grant Guam full membership, arguing the territory status leaves Guam “watching through the window” on financing and partnerships. Education Accountability: An audit found significant procurement and contract administration problems in GDOE’s 2023 air-conditioning spending, with millions in questioned costs and unresolved work tied to 286 units. Courts & Prosecutors: Guam’s acting chief prosecutor was sanctioned $2,550 after a late superseding indictment derailed a child sex abuse trial, leading to juror disruption and a rescheduled case. Public Safety Crackdown: AG Douglas Moylan launched the “Guam Bomb Busters Program” targeting people who abandon vehicles, warning of criminal charges including felony tampering. Utilities & Costs: The PUC approved GWA’s 6.25% water/wastewater rate component increase and a 3.55% legislative surcharge starting Oct. 1. Port Oversight: The Port Authority board approved the FY2027 budget and reviewed the FY2026 year-end report as modernization continues. Tiyan School Timeline: A Sept. 11 inspection will decide whether Tiyan High can reopen more areas, with possible double-session classes the following week. Customs Enforcement: Customs flagged broken seals and missing items on Guam-bound containers, and lawmakers are pushing higher-security seal requirements to reduce drug smuggling risk.

Gubernatorial Forum: Ada-Calvo and Terlaje-Perez traded plans at a Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce forum, with childcare affordability and healthcare among the hot topics. Women’s Health Access: Todu Guam Foundation welcomed OB/GYN Dr. Jacqueline M.K. Wong to its Women’s Health team, now accepting new patients and referrals. Tourism Push: GVB is gearing up for the Guam Mega FAM Tour (Sept. 3–7), bringing 200+ Japan, Korea, Philippines, Taiwan and Malaysia travel partners and media to connect Guam operators with overseas distributors. FEMA Funding: FEMA awarded more than $16M for Guam Memorial Hospital and University of Guam resilience projects tied to Typhoon Mawar, including a secondary power source for the island’s public hospital. Education Disruption: Tiyan High remains shut after a failed inspection, sending about 2,300 GDOE students to remote learning while a new inspection is set for Thursday. Customs Enforcement: Customs found tampering and missing items on some containers with broken seals, as lawmakers consider tougher high-security seal requirements. Utility Rates: The PUC approved GWA’s 6.25% nonlifeline rate increase and 3.55% legislative surcharge effective Oct. 1. Military Readiness: JTF Micronesia declined to say whether Guam has enough interceptor missiles, citing operational security. Regional Diplomacy: Guam is seeking full membership in the Pacific Islands Forum to strengthen its voice on regional security, governance and climate priorities.

Congressional Race: Democrat Alicia Limtiaco faced questions at a Guam Women’s Chamber forum after Delegate James Moylan skipped, arguing against a push to end birthright citizenship and saying the security rationale can be handled another way. Tourism Funding: GVB rolled out an online grants portal for its Tourism Works Micro-Grant, letting businesses and nonprofits apply electronically for the first cycle. Courts & Public Safety: A child sex abuse trial was derailed when prosecutors filed a superseding indictment days before jury selection, with the judge ordering a fresh arraignment and reviewing whether the defendant can be released. Port Infrastructure: The Port Authority won approval to petition the PUC to extend and expand a $2.8M engineering design contract tied to the port’s fuel pipeline system. Utilities & Finance: GPA says it plans to borrow up to $375M in bonds without raising rates, using staged issuance and expected demand growth to cover costs. Navy & Guam Link: South Korea’s ROKS Dosan Ahn Chang-ho returned home after a record Pacific transit that included port calls in Hawaii and Guam for RIMPAC drills. Local Government: GMHA opened 38 new parking spaces as part of a hospital modernization push aimed at reducing appointment delays caused by parking barriers. Policy Watch: A revised Guam budget bill lapses into law without the governor’s signature, with her main concerns focused on changes affecting the attorney general’s oversight.

Navy & Guam Presence: South Korea’s indigenous submarine ROKS Dosan Ahn Chang-ho returned home after a 161-day, 28,000-kilometer Pacific voyage that included port calls in Hawaii and Guam for RIMPAC drills. Defense & Deployments: Navy leaders faced sailors and families at a town hall over record-long deployments like USS Abraham Lincoln, with officials pointing to supply shortages and mental health strain. Regional Security Infrastructure: The U.S. and New Zealand announced a $60M deep-sea port project on the Cook Islands’ Penrhyn atoll, a strategic move tied to Pacific basing interests. Nuclear Policy: The UN warned that nuclear-armed states refusing to ratify the test ban treaty could trigger an arms race if testing resumes. Citizenship Fight: U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith introduced a bill targeting birthright citizenship, and a new legal report argues Congress can restrict citizenship in territories like Guam. Local Governance: Guam’s fiscal year 2027 budget bill lapsed into law after Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero raised concerns about changes to the Attorney General’s oversight. Public Safety: Guam OAG launched “Bomb Busters” to pursue criminal charges over abandoned vehicles. Elections & Campaigns: Alicia Limtiaco held a Guam delegate forum alone after James Moylan skipped, pressing for a more assertive Guam agenda in Washington. Tourism & Travel: Guam’s Guam Visitors Bureau announced a Sept. 3–7 Mega FAM tour bringing 200+ travel professionals and media to boost international partnerships. Biosecurity: Guam’s biosecurity chief says a new regional seat will help finally complete Guam’s overdue invasive species plan.

Citizenship Fight: A conservative think tank says Congress can “turn off” birthright citizenship for children born in Guam, pointing to the Insular Cases and arguing citizenship in territories is statutory—fueling debate as Guam’s delegate has called similar efforts dead. Budget & Oversight: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero let the revised FY2027 budget bill lapse into law without her signature, saying she’s satisfied with funding levels but objecting to added provisions that reduce financial and administrative oversight of the Attorney General. Public Safety: Guam AG Douglas Moylan is launching “Guam Bomb Busters,” shifting abandoned-vehicle cases toward felony and misdemeanor charges tied to last registered owners. Courts & Crime: A man convicted of assaulting multiple Guam Police Department officers after allegedly driving at them faces up to an 11-year sentence request; separately, a deported man who returned under a false identity has been deported again. Local Government & Infrastructure: GMHA cut the ribbon on 38 new hospital parking spaces as a modernization push continues, while GWA approved $24.3M for northern sewer transmission upgrades. Military & Regional Cooperation: Pacific Vanguard 2026 begins Aug. 30 in Guam’s vicinity, and Guam’s Coast Guard Cutter Oliver Henry held a change of command; Guam also advances Pacific biosecurity standards via an invasive species plan. Tourism & Culture: Guam’s Visitors Bureau will host a Mega FAM Tour bringing 200+ travel partners to Guam, and Guam athletes head to Tokyo for jiu-jitsu world championships.

Guam Infrastructure: GWA secured CCU approval to add $24.3 million for design services tied to Northern Sewer Transmission Systems upgrades, expanding work under a 2024 EPA consent decree and a change order with Duenas, Camacho & Associates. Education Accountability: A new Office of Public Accountability audit says GDOE bought 286 air-conditioning units worth $2.7 million that sat uninstalled in a warehouse, with possible additional costs of $9.5 million, after contract failures and incompatible procurement. Public Works Oversight: Lawmakers pressed GDOE over an estimated $427 million school repair backlog, warning the agency remains reactive and calling for a master “punch list” instead of piecemeal fixes. Local Politics: Guam’s gubernatorial candidates clashed at a Women’s Chamber forum over tourism recovery, government efficiency, and cost of living, with Republicans emphasizing management and workforce pipelines and Democrats pushing reforms and transparency. Elections & Federal Ties: Delegate candidates also faced questions on federal equity and “Guam first” priorities, while one candidate sought another Philippines medical trip amid a PUA fraud case. Courts & Public Safety: AG Doug Moylan said a fatal Yigo crash investigation is still open pending toxicology, and he’s also weighing whether criminal charges are warranted; separately, the AG argued a driver in a fatal Tumon robbery deserved a longer sentence. Military & Readiness: A GAO report says DOD facility maintenance funding has fallen short since 2017, with Guam included, raising concerns about readiness and quality of life. Energy Projects: HLUC unanimously approved Pacific Energy’s conditional use permit for a solar farm in Inalåhan as part of a 20-megawatt deal with GPA. Regional Security: Pacific Vanguard 2026 kicks off Aug. 30 in Guam’s vicinity, bringing together U.S. and allied naval forces through Sept. 11.

Military Readiness & Guam Bases: A Pentagon-backed Andersen AFB ramp expansion adds 20 acres of concrete parking for strategic aircraft, framed as a Gulf War lesson—make planes hard to find or hit, not just hard to shelter. Education Accountability: An OPA audit says GDOE bought 286 warehouse-stored AC units worth $2.7M that couldn’t be installed without major extra costs, raising questions of contract enforcement and potential millions more in spending. Congressional Race: Alicia Limtiaco took questions alone at a Guam Women’s Chamber forum, pitching “Guam first” federal equity and infrastructure; Del. James Moylan skipped. Courts & Public Safety: The federal court kept parts of a Guam police brutality case alive, denying officers’ push to dismiss; meanwhile AG Moylan said a driver in a fatal Tumon tourist robbery deserved a longer sentence than 15 years. Health & Disaster Prep: FEMA awarded Guam Memorial Hospital $16M for a second backup generator after Typhoon Mawar. Local Politics: Guam’s gubernatorial hopefuls clashed on workforce and tourism revival at a Women’s Chamber debate. Regional Security: U.S. and allied forces kicked off Exercise Pacific Vanguard 2026 with multiple navies and air components training together. Culture & Community: The Yona Cultural Festival continued weaving and heritage traditions, with organizers also flagging threats to CHamoru practices.

Education Accountability: The Office of Public Accountability says Guam’s Department of Education mismanaged ARP-funded contracts for school air-conditioning units, citing $14.6M in questioned costs and possible legal exposure, after auditors found AC units sitting in a warehouse. Local Governance: Lawmakers grilled GDOE over a $427M school repair backlog, warning the problem goes beyond classrooms and pointing to staffing and preventive maintenance gaps. Public Health & Schools: JQ San Miguel Elementary and Luis P. Untalan Middle School both improved health inspection scores to A ratings after refurbishments and community/Guard support. Teacher Pay Push: Guam Federation of Teachers is urging lawmakers to back a bill targeting teacher salaries at 95% of the national average within five years, with GDOE control over pay classifications and schedules. Disaster Readiness: Guam Memorial Hospital secured a $16M FEMA grant for a second backup generator, aimed at keeping emergency power steady during extended outages. Military & Security: Guam and the Marshall Islands National Guard partnership expands Indo-Pacific cooperation, including emergency management and cyber defense. Community & Culture: Yona’s Second Annual Cultural Festival continues weaving and CHamoru traditions while highlighting threats to cultural practices. Public Safety: AG Doug Moylan’s “Guam Bomb Busters” program will pursue felony and misdemeanor charges for people who abandon vehicles.