AGP Executive Report

Guam Defense & Procurement: Lockheed Martin tested an AI-driven Guam Defense System battle manager prototype at Fort Bliss, aiming to fuse air and missile defense feeds into one tactical picture for commanders. Local Utilities & Oversight: GPA officials testified on Bill 345-38 to authorize about $300M in new revenue bonds for refinancing and grid upgrades, including generation, transmission, distribution, and storm resilience. Education Accountability: Sen. Vince Borja opened a GDOE oversight hearing saying the government “failed our students,” as lawmakers press on school readiness and facility/policy failures tied to campus closures. Courts & Public Trust: DPR employee Christine M. Olkeril was indicted over alleged unauthorized “Comfort Cuts” grounds maintenance payments; a separate Guam police brutality case saw claims dismissed against two officers. Elections & Economy: The Guam Chamber of Commerce launched a 60-day “Project Prosperity” voter initiative asking candidates what they’ll do, when, and how Guam will measure results. Community & Environment: The 32nd Annual Guam International Coastal Cleanup is set for Sept. 19, with pre-registration required; Guam Agriculture and LOVE Guam plan a tree-planting restoration event Saturday at As Gadao Plantation. Regional Security: A Coast Guard security zone near Apra Harbor will be enforced for a DHS visit tied to a multi-asset tactical exercise.

Meta Settlement Watch: New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte and AG John Formella announced a landmark $17.1 billion multistate Meta deal, with Guam included among the territories covered, requiring major child-safety changes on Facebook and Instagram and payouts that could reach up to $224.3 million for New Hampshire. Local Education Oversight: Sen. Vince Borja opened a Guam Education Board hearing with a blunt message that the government “failed our students,” as lawmakers press for fixes tied to school readiness and campus closures. Election-Season Push: The Guam Chamber of Commerce launched a 60-day “Project Prosperity” voter initiative asking candidates what they’ll do, when, and how results will be measured, tying it to workforce and cost-of-living concerns. Procurement Reset for Simon Sanchez: Guam DPW moved to reissue the solicitation for the Simon Sanchez High School campus after protests, effectively resetting a long-stalled procurement that has left students displaced. Radiation Compensation: Del. James Moylan introduced a bill to expand RECA eligibility back to Guam and boost payments, extending filing deadlines and allowing sworn affidavits when records are missing. Public Safety & Crime: A former Guam police K-9 officer, Brian Awa, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for meth distribution. Maritime Security: The Coast Guard will close certain waters near Apra Harbor during a DHS visit, with a temporary security zone enforced Aug. 27.

Guam Education & Workforce Policy: Senators introduced Bill 351-38 to give the Guam Department of Education independent authority over educator classification, compensation, and benefits—aimed at fixing pay gaps and retention problems. Public Works / Schools: DPW is resetting the bidding process for the long-stalled Simon Sanchez High School reconstruction after canceling a procurement tied up in repeated protests. Radiation Compensation: Rep. James Moylan filed a bill to restore Guam’s eligibility under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act of 2026, raising payments and extending the filing deadline. Local Governance / Accountability: Yigo Mayor Frances Lizama pressed the Guam Education Board to seek Superintendent Judi Won Pat’s resignation over Simon Sanchez campus closures and alleged mishandling. Justice System: A former Guam Police Department K-9 officer, Brian Awa, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for meth distribution, while another Guam meth case advanced with a guilty verdict for Kenneth Cruz II. Environment & Health: Guam residents have filed hundreds of dieldrin-related claims tied to drinking water contamination, as lawmakers also advanced a bill for uniform beach and coast warning systems. Solid Waste: The GSWA board voted for islandwide mandatory trash collection and approved $4 million for more carts. Federal Military / Guam Link: The USS Abraham Lincoln is set for a Thailand port call after a long Iran-war deployment, with Guam’s role in Pacific readiness still in the spotlight.

Local Legislation: Sen. Chris Barnett’s Bill 268-38 advanced in a Guam Legislature hearing, aiming to cut water-related deaths by requiring uniform beach and coast warning flags, legible notification signs, and beach safety education—Barnett cited a lack of local data and said Guam averages about 12 water-related fatalities a year. Education & Governance: Yigo Mayor Frances Lizama pressed the Guam Education Board to seek Superintendent Judi Won Pat’s resignation, tying her criticism to the long-delayed Simon Sanchez rebuild and the abrupt Tiyan/Sanchez campus closures that hit students at the start of the school year. Public Services: The Guam Solid Waste Authority board voted to mandate islandwide trash collection and approve $4 million for new trash and recycling carts, with delinquent accounts facing enforcement after 60 days. Courts & Public Safety: Former Guam Police Department K-9 officer Brian Dacanay Awa was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for meth distribution tied to his time as an officer, while a separate case saw a federal jury convict Kenneth Scott Cruz II in a Guam-linked meth conspiracy. Defense & Readiness: The USS Abraham Lincoln is set to dock in Thailand next week after more than 250 days at sea, as lawmakers and reports raise concerns about conditions and mental health aboard. Regional Security: South Korea says North Korea is preparing additional troop deployments to Russia but not imminently, while China’s hypersonic advances continue to reshape Pacific threat planning. Environment & Water: Conservation leaders warned about rising salt impacts on Guam groundwater and discussed conservation district challenges, as Guam’s aquifer remains central to both culture and survival planning.

Federal Courts & Public Safety: A former Guam Police Department officer, Brian Dacanay Awa, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for meth distribution, with the judge citing his PTSD and his account that he used meth to self-treat after failing to get help. Drug Conspiracy Case: A federal jury found Kenneth Scott Cruz II guilty of conspiring to distribute about 444 grams of meth mailed to Guam in 2021; he faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years, with sentencing set for Nov. 24. Local Governance: The Guam Legislature held a short public hearing on a trio of bills, including one to create a beach and coastal warning and notification system for hazardous conditions. Seabed Mining Oversight: The Marine Minerals Administration confirmed it will delay a full environmental review of deep-sea mining until after leases are issued for the Marianas sale, drawing renewed pushback from Guam senators. Guam Water & Climate: A University of Guam study adds urgency to warnings that rising salt may already be moving into Guam’s groundwater aquifer. Power & Data Centers: Sen. Will Parkinson pressed Guam Power Authority for details on how much electricity is truly available for data centers amid tight generation capacity and load-shedding risk. Defense & Readiness: A major U.S. Navy carrier, USS Abraham Lincoln, is set to dock in Thailand next week after a record-long deployment, while lawmakers demand answers about quality-of-life and readiness issues aboard extended deployments.

Guam Power & Data Centers: Sen. Will Parkinson pressed Guam Power Authority for details on how much electricity data centers are drawing, warning the grid has almost no margin as load shedding risk grows. Education Facilities: Guam Education Board member Angel Sablan floated a “long shot” plan to use unused northern military facilities as a temporary campus for Simon Sanchez High School, amid ongoing Tiyan/Sanchez closure fallout. USS Abraham Lincoln Scrutiny: Democrats in the Senate are demanding a Pentagon review of quality-of-life and readiness issues aboard USS Abraham Lincoln and other ships tied to the Iran blockade, as families report mental health strain and supply problems. Military Readiness Costs: A new GAO report says maintenance needs across Pentagon facilities have ballooned to $285 billion, highlighting staffing and underfunding gaps. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: U.S. territories, including Guam and the Northern Marianas, criticized a Trump-era plan to auction seabed mining leases near the Marianas Trench, calling for stronger baseline studies and protections. Local Utilities: Guam Waterworks Authority is seeking to charge off about $926K in uncollectible past-due water debt. Pacific Security Posture: U.S. Marines demonstrated mobile air defense in Palau, underscoring a more distributed Pacific defense strategy beyond Guam.

Guam Election Watch: A complaint filed against the Guam Election Commission alleges violations of the Open Government Law, raising fresh questions about transparency in election administration. Public Works & Traffic: DPW says Seagull Avenue at the Tiyan Barrigada tri-intersection is reopening with right-turn-only limits, plus two more planned entrances to ease congestion. Education Disruptions: Tiyan High School and Simon Sanchez High School have been closed for seven school days after failed public health inspections; meal pickup and homework distribution were arranged while GDOE awaits reinspection timing. Utilities & Accountability: Guam Waterworks Authority is seeking to charge off $926,283.89 in uncollectible past-due water debt, while an OPA audit flags gaps in invasive species planning and questionable travel payments. Tourism & Air Service: GVB reports South Korea visitor arrivals down sharply, even as fuel surcharge levels ease; separately, Starlux will adjust excess baggage fees starting Sept. 1, with Guam included in its pricing region. Legislative Process: A public hearing is set for Aug. 31 on a bill to set minimum high-security seal requirements for containers arriving in Guam. Regional Security: South Korea says North Korea is preparing more troop deployments to Russia but no imminent move is detected. Weather Alert: NWS warns heavy rain and flooding risk midweek as a monsoon surge builds near Guam and the Northern Marianas.

North Korea-Russia Watch: South Korea says North Korea is preparing for possible more troop deployments to Russia, but no imminent signs have been detected, after Kim Yo Jong denied Zelenskiy’s claims of a major new surge. Nuclear Alarm: Trump’s “57 nuclear weapons” remark is stoking proliferation fears in Seoul and Tokyo, with experts warning it could weaken the U.S.-South Korea alliance and trigger a nuclear domino debate. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Guam and the Northern Marianas are pushing back on a Trump plan to auction seabed mining leases near the Marianas Trench, arguing for “rigorous” safeguards before any activity proceeds. Traffic & Infrastructure: DPW is reopening Seagull Avenue into Tiyan with restricted turns, plus two more new entrances planned to ease congestion. School Closures: Tiyan High School and Simon Sanchez High School lost seven school days after failed public health inspections; meal and homework pickup plans were set while reinspection timing remains unclear. Invasive Species Audit: Guam’s invasive species inspection fee fund didn’t fully meet its intended plan, and an audit flagged off-island travel paid by a private construction firm for the state entomologist. Public Safety/Accountability: A senator is moving to create an executive director role for the Chief Medical Examiner’s office as Guam prepares for another leadership gap after Dr. Su’s resignation.

Guam Politics & Oversight: Sen. William Parkinson is pressing Del. James Moylan to give a firm date for a 2026 “State of the Congress” address, arguing Washington decisions are directly shaping health care, disability services, radiation survivor justice, and Guam’s role in the Indo-Pacific buildup. Public Safety & Health: Sen. Telo Taitague is pushing for an executive director role in the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner as Guam faces leadership instability after Dr. Keng-Chih “Kenny” Su’s resignation, while residents and advocates continue to demand accountability amid serious concerns about death-certification practices. Local Government & Services: Guam’s coral reef resilience strategy is getting fresh public input, with residents calling for stronger enforcement, tighter development and pollution controls, and more environmental education. Economy & Infrastructure: Guam Power Authority reports fuel shipment costs have swung sharply, with rate impacts already hitting bills, and the next shipment expected to remain costly. Education: Tiyan and Simon Sanchez are still dealing with closures and uncertainty over reinspection timelines, as students and families push for clearer answers. Community & Culture: RUNGUAM’s second annual running festival drew 850+ runners to Tumon Bay, with top finishers across 10k and 5k races. Regional/International: South Korea says North Korea is preparing for possible additional troop deployment to Russia, but no imminent move has been detected.

Guam Power Authority Fuel Costs: GPA says fuel-oil costs fell from about $53.5M (April) to $37.8M (June) but rose again to about $39.2M (July), with the next shipment due around Sept. 3 and expected pricing roughly $160–$165 per barrel; the Public Utilities Commission approved a July Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause rate hike that added nearly $60 to some residential bills. School Closures: Tiyan and Simon Sanchez High Schools were closed for seven school days after public health inspections flagged sanitation issues, with meal and homework pickup sites set while GDOE waits on reinspection timing. GovGuam Tech Disruption: OTECH blamed a power outage that drained the data center’s backup battery, causing several hours of internet service disruption across government; no hacking was found, and benefits processing delays were limited. Chief Medical Examiner Shakeup: Sen. Telo Taitague is pushing an executive director role for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner as Dr. Keng-Chih “Kenny” Su resigns earlier than expected, raising staffing and accountability concerns. Seabed Mining Tension: Sen. William Parkinson urged Del. James Moylan to answer federal issues, including Guam’s lack of a formal say as a seabed mining lease sale advances near CNMI. Local Economy & Trade: GEDA backed a Japan Inbound Trade Mission tied to PHARE, while the Guam ABC Board approved licenses for several new establishments. Weather Watch: Tropical system Saudel strengthened into a typhoon, with Guam’s main risk shifting toward heavy rain as it tracks near the northern islands.

Immigration & China: A DOJ indictment alleges a long-running sham-marriage scheme used U.S. citizens to help Chinese nationals obtain immigration status, raising fresh concerns about foreign exploitation of weak enforcement. Elections & civic fatigue: A new opinion piece asks “What’s the point?” as Guam heads toward the next leadership vote, arguing the real stakes are what changes after Election Day—schools, health care, tourism, and the economy. Seabed mining power struggle: Guam officials say they’re being shut out of a CNMI-adjacent seabed mining lease sale process while the federal push moves ahead, prompting calls to slow down and consult. Local governance & public health: Sen. Telo Taitague is proposing an executive director role for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner as Guam loses another chief medical examiner; meanwhile, Tiyan and Simon Sanchez remain closed after failing health inspections. Utilities & cost of living: The PUC approved water rate hikes starting Oct. 1, and GPA fuel costs remain volatile as power bills adjust. Trade & business: GEDA and partners hosted a Japan inbound trade mission tied to PHARE, spotlighting Guam-made products and export opportunities. Weather readiness: Typhoon Saudel is strengthening, with northern islands bracing for heavier impacts and rain-driven flooding risk.

Education & Health Compliance: Guam DPHSS says all GDOE schools with sanitation permits expiring Sept. 30 were inspected, but Tiyan High School is still the only one failing for the fiscal year—receiving a “D” rating and 50 demerit points in Aug. 12-13 checks, triggering permit suspension. Local Protest: Students, alumni, and supporters are planning an Aug. 23 “SSHS Stand up!” demonstration to demand the long-delayed Simon Sanchez rebuild. Government Tech Reliability: OTECH says Guam’s government internet disruption this week was caused by power outages draining an uninterruptible power supply battery bank—no hacking, malware, or data compromise. Hospital Governance: GMHA held a second emergency executive session in three weeks to discuss “potential litigation,” with details kept attorney-client privileged. Marianas Seabed Mining Fight: Guam’s governor’s office and Del. Kimberlyn King-Hinds criticize a federal seabed mining comment process that gives CNMI the formal say while Guam is excluded, with warnings to “slow down” and consult residents. Invasive Species Emergency: Gov. David Apatang issued emergency rules requiring vessel inspections for brown tree snakes before leaving Guam for CNMI. Trade & Jobs: GEDA hosted a Japan Inbound Trade Mission with seven Guam businesses seeking export deals, timed with PHARE. Military & Morale: The USS Abraham Lincoln began its return home after a 272-day Middle East deployment, as lawmakers and families continue to raise quality-of-life concerns.

Internet Disruption in GovGuam: OTECH says the governmentwide outage this week was caused by power outages draining the Office of Technology data center’s UPS battery bank—no hacking, malware, or data compromise—though some services were delayed and GPD RIDS firearms ID processing resumed Friday. Medical Examiner Resignation: Guam’s chief medical examiner Dr. Keng-Chih “Kenny” Su left the island ahead of his Aug. 31 resignation date, with AG Douglas Moylan raising concerns about OCME staffing and who is handling autopsies. USS Abraham Lincoln Returns: The carrier’s Middle East mission is complete and the USS Abraham Lincoln has begun its journey home to San Diego after about nine months, with the Japan-based USS George Washington taking its place. Seabed Mining Pushback: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and Del. James Moylan warn the federal government not to rush the proposed Northern Marianas seabed lease sale, stressing environmental risks must be understood first. Invasive Species Audit: A new OPA performance audit finds gaps in Guam’s invasive species management—especially the failure to develop an updated management plan—limiting standards and reporting. Tiyan Sanitation Inspection: All GDOE schools with permits expiring Sept. 30 passed inspections except Tiyan High, which failed and had its sanitary permit suspended after a demerit “D” rating. GMHA Executive Sessions: Guam Memorial Hospital Authority held a second emergency executive session in three weeks to discuss “potential litigation,” with details kept confidential under attorney-client privilege. FCG Marks Mark Pangilinan: The Filipino Community of Guam is holding funeral services Saturday for longtime leader Marciano “Mark” Pangilinan, a major figure in local civic and cultural life.

School Sanitation Enforcement: Guam DPHSS says all GDOE schools with sanitary permits expiring Sept. 30 passed inspections except Tiyan High, which failed Aug. 12-13 with 50 demerit points and a “D” rating, triggering suspension of its sanitary permit after local reports raised health-risk concerns. Education Crisis Pressure: Letters and community voices are again calling for leadership to take over and for GDOE to build a new high school rather than rely on aging Tiyan facilities, while Simon Sanchez’s campus situation remains tied to the broader Tiyan/Sanitation and procurement delays. Legislature Action: Guam senators passed five bills and approved one appointment, including land transfer to the Guam Ancestral Lands Commission, expansions under qualifying certificate law for emergency response and public needs, and changes to parking-space rules for homeless shelters. Election Ballot Placement: The Guam Election Commission set ballot numbers for 44 General Election candidates, including races for the Legislature, attorney general, the Guam Education Board, and the Consolidated Commission on Utilities. Tourism Push: GVB says it’s leaning into digital marketing to offset higher travel costs and flight disruptions, reporting a July 2026 visitor drop of 36.7% versus last year. Military Families & Carrier Return: Reports continue to swirl around quality-of-life complaints aboard USS Abraham Lincoln, while the ship has begun its journey home after nearly 300 days deployed. Storm Readiness (CNMI): CNMI issued Tropical Storm Condition III for Saipan and Tinian and Typhoon Condition III for Alamagan, Pagan, and Agrihan, with the Coast Guard setting PHWC YANKEE for Saipan/Tinian ports ahead of Tropical Storm Saudel.

CNMI Storm Prep: Gov. David M. Apatang declared Tropical Storm Condition III for Saipan and Tinian, with a typhoon watch still up for Pagan, Alamagan and Agrihan as Tropical Storm Saudel strengthens in the Far North. Guam Weather Watch: Guam also faced flooding and heavy rain advisories, while forecasters tracked a separate system that could bring rough conditions to the Marianas by the weekend. Simon Sanchez Rebuild Push: Youth leaders plan a Sunday demonstration over long delays tied to Simon Sanchez High School’s procurement and the ongoing Tiyan/Sanchez campus closure fallout. Tourism & Workforce: GVB says visitor demand is being hit by fuel and exchange-rate pressures and flight disruptions, while Guam’s hospitality sector highlights local product innovation and workforce engagement at the SHRM Guam conference. Education Access: UOG launched its College Credit for Lived Experience program, letting adults and service members earn up to 30 credits through prior work and training. Legislature Moves: Senators passed multiple bills, including land transfers to the Guam Ancestral Lands Commission and changes to public investment rules, plus an appointment to the Contractors Licensing Board. Military Contracts: A joint venture won a $61.58M modification for fiber optic upgrades at two military bases, with work expected through 2029. Legal/Policy: Guam lawmakers and federal regulators continue to clash over environmental review and seabed-mining timelines near the Marianas, as lawsuits aim to stop lease sales.

Guam Legislature: Senators passed five bills and approved one appointment Wednesday, including transferring more than 700 acres in Yigo to the Guam Ancestral Lands Commission, expanding qualifying-certificate public investments for emergency response, public health, education, economic development and cultural preservation, expanding Gold Star license plate eligibility, allowing late Criminal Injuries Compensation Commission applications with “good cause,” and giving the Department of Parks and Recreation authority to set minimum parking for homeless shelters. They also voted 15-0 to appoint Peter B. Frias to the Guam Contractors Licensing Board. Elections: The Guam Election Commission set ballot placement for the Nov. 3 General Election, drawing 44 candidates for the Legislature, attorney general, Guam Education Board and the Consolidated Commission on Utilities. Schools & civil rights: Guam Legal Service Corporation filed a government claim against GDOE over the Tiyan High School shutdown, arguing students were denied an adequate public education after a DPHSS inspection found major sanitation and safety deficiencies. Campaign trail: Sen. Therese Terlaje and Sen. Sabina Perez told “Lunch with Leaders” audiences they want more accountability for contractors after the Tiyan-Simon Sanchez campus disruptions. Tourism watch: MVA said it’s monitoring the Trump administration’s birth-tourism order and stresses it supports legitimate travel while backing safeguards that curtailed CNMI overstay rates under EVS-TAP. Weather: Flooding hit Guam Wednesday as forecasters tracked Tropical Depression 17W. Military & health: A TRICARE Global Nurse Advice Line explainer highlighted 24/7 nurse support for beneficiaries, as military families continue raising concerns about conditions during long deployments. Deep-sea mining: Guam’s governor’s office said BOEM’s latest seabed leasing notice is a “significant new step,” while environmentalists sued to halt seabed-mining rights.