AGP Executive Report

Military & Infrastructure: A Guam-based Navy contract worth $12.47M will fund engineering services for submarine propellers and propulsors, with 15% of work tied to Guam locations. Defense Industry & Readiness: The U.S. Navy reactivated Submarine Squadron 3 in Australia to support AUKUS undersea operations, while NAVELSG leaders visited Guam, Singapore, and Hawaii to assess expeditionary logistics. Space & Tech for Guam’s Defense Role: LeoLabs’ new mobile space-watch radar is set to join the Valiant Shield exercise around Hawaii, Guam, and Japan. Energy Policy: Guam’s governor signed a law banning deep-sea mining, with violators facing up to $50K fines; separate reporting warns U.S. deep-sea mining rules may be too “bare bones” to manage environmental risk. Local Business & Workforce: S.A.M.E. Guam Industry Forum returns July 28–30 at Dusit Thani, pushing defense, infrastructure, and contracting connections. Public Services: Rev and Tax says 36,692 returns were filed for 2025, with $59.84M in refunds paid, but refund processing is slower after Sinlaku. Tourism & Community: Guam tourism leaders argue the island should shift from counting arrivals to boosting visitor spending and experiences. Food Safety: DPHSS says staffing shortages mean only about half of high-risk inspections are completed.

Defense & Contracts: A Guam-based Navy submarine maintenance contract worth $12.47M was awarded June 8 to Defense Martine Solutions Inc., covering on-site repairs of submarine propellers and propulsors across multiple states plus Guam, with 15% of work here. Regional Readiness: NAVELSG senior leaders visited Guam, Singapore and Hawaii to assess expeditionary logistics support and address field needs. Space & Training: LeoLabs’ new mobile space-watch radar is set to participate in the Valiant Shield exercise around Hawaii, Guam and Japan. Maritime Industry: National Maritime Day was marked at Naval Base Guam with a wreath-laying ceremony and a Guam proclamation recognizing the Merchant Marine’s role. Aquaculture & Food Supply: UH Hilo is joining a $13.5M national aquaculture research consortium (CIFARM) led by NOAA to expand sustainable U.S. seafood production. Tourism & Local Business: Guam tourism leaders urged a shift from counting arrivals to boosting visitor spending and experiences, while a new law allows fines up to $5,000 for property upkeep in hotel zones. Public Health & Inspections: DPHSS says staffing shortages mean only about half of required high-risk facility inspections are being completed. Energy & Policy Debate: Guam’s nuclear reactor discussion continues as lawmakers weigh a push for small modular reactors in the Western Pacific.

SNAP Oversight Push: Sen. Rick Scott’s new SNAP Fraud Reporting Act would require states (including Guam) to report suspected fraud cases to USDA, including enforcement actions and recoveries—after a fight over whether the federal government could collect recipients’ personal data. Education Leadership: Public School System Commissioner Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho wrapped up nearly 2½ years, citing accreditation and funding milestones as he steps down to pursue a governor bid. Tourism District Rules: Guam’s new law (Public Law 38-127) lets the Department of Public Works fine property owners near hotels up to $5,000 for upkeep failures, aiming to clean up tourism zones like Tumon. Food Safety Staffing Strain: DPHSS says only three trained inspectors are handling high-risk facility checks, completing about half of required Category 4 inspections. Courts—Hospital Authority Fight: A District Court decision remands the governor’s hospital authority case back to the Guam Supreme Court and awards attorney’s fees against the AG. Aquaculture Boost: UH Hilo is set to lead research for a new $13.5M national aquaculture consortium (CIFARM) to strengthen U.S. seafood supply. Defense Infrastructure Update: Navy Facilities Engineering disestablished OICC Marine Corps Marianas and shifted construction oversight to a newly established Resident Officer in Charge of Construction command. Local Youth Farming: Fam Farms’ Famagu’on Farmers program returns with a 6-week Saturday workshop series starting June 13, pairing youth with Guam agriculture and aquaculture mentors. Energy Relief for Tinian: FEMA and the U.S. military are covering Tinian power generation and fuel costs temporarily, leaving residents paying only a basic $7 customer fee. Global Hawk Debate: The Air Force plans to permanently relocate Andersen-based Global Hawk assets and personnel to Yokota, adding fresh questions about Guam’s role in Pacific defense.

Aquaculture & Food Supply: The University of Hawaiʻi is joining a new $13.5M national aquaculture consortium (CIFARM) aimed at strengthening America’s seafood supply and expanding sustainable marine farming. Public Health & Food Safety: Guam’s DPHSS says it’s short-staffed, completing only about half of required high-risk facility inspections, including Category 4 food and institutional sites. Courts & Healthcare Oversight: A Guam District Court remanded the governor’s hospital authority case back to the Guam Supreme Court and awarded attorney’s fees against the AG. Maritime & Logistics: Naval Base Guam marked National Maritime Day with a wreath-laying ceremony and proclamation, highlighting the role of the Merchant Marine and fallen mariners. Energy & Cost Relief (CNMI): FEMA and the U.S. military are covering Tinian power generation and fuel costs temporarily, leaving residents paying only a basic $7 service fee. Tourism Strategy: A local opinion piece argues Guam should shift from chasing visitor counts to boosting visitor spending and building authentic experiences. Community Sports: Micronesia Mall and Clutch Guam opened registration for Mall Ball 3x3 summer tournaments for high school, adult/open, and middle school teams. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Experts warn U.S. rules for deep-sea mining are outdated and may weaken environmental oversight as Guam and Pacific nations weigh seabed risks. Workforce & Economy: Another opinion calls for stronger resident job creation so economic gains translate into local wages and reduced reliance on public assistance.

Nuclear Policy & Security: A House Armed Services Committee amendment would let DoD pilot small modular nuclear reactors in the Indo-Pacific, raising fresh alarm for Guam amid concerns about contested operations and expanded “microreactor” definitions. Energy & Infrastructure: Guam Power Authority is weighing alternative fuel sources beyond Asia as regional oil stocks tighten, while Guam Memorial Hospital and public safety projects could get more than $5M in new federal Agriculture Appropriations funding. Deep-Sea Mining Oversight: Experts warn proposed U.S. seabed mining rules are outdated and may weaken environmental review and public input as leasing moves toward auction. Public Health Enforcement: Guam’s Public Health is investigating banned, coral-hurting sunscreen ingredients and says it’s coordinating with Customs to stop violative shipments and pursue fines. Local Economy & Jobs: A push to move SNAP participants into resident employment aims to strengthen Guam’s local spending and tax base. Agriculture & Food: Famagu’on Farmers Program returns for summer 2026, and UOG workshops are inviting farmers and food entrepreneurs to sharpen marketing and traceability for Guam-grown products. Education & Workforce: SIFA Learning Academy secures a Tamuning campus expansion for new ninth-grade STEM/AI offerings. Defense & Logistics: OICC MCM is disestablishing after a decade supporting Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz and other Guam/Navy projects, and Guam’s THAAD site security rotates to new Guard forces. Tourism: Guam tourism leaders debate whether to target the backpacker market as Southeast Asia draws budget Gen Z travelers. Maritime Courts: A Guam federal court approved a $226,800 claims fund in the M/V Mariana limitation case tied to Sinlaku deaths and injuries.

College & Rugby Pipeline: Four top Guam rugby student-athletes signed collegiate letters of intent at The Boka Box, including JFK’s Don Aldis to Belmont Abbey (Division I), GWHS’s Christin Mafnas to Mount St. Mary’s (Division I), and Academy of Our Lady of Guam’s Aliyah Riffey plus Jeremiah Sablan to Thomas College (Division III), underscoring more local pathways beyond the island. Public Health Enforcement: Guam Public Health is investigating violations tied to Guam’s ban on coral-hurting sunscreen chemicals (oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene), coordinating with Customs to stop shipments and pursue fines up to $5,000 per violation. Workforce & Local Jobs: A new GovGuam executive order aims to help SNAP participants transition into resident employment, boosting local spending and tax revenue. Federal Funding Push: Rep. James Moylan says Guam could see over $5M in FY2027 Agriculture Appropriations for GMH upgrades, fire/emergency response, and forensic/DNA lab improvements. Education & Growth: SIFA secured a Tamuning campus expansion with a $754,800 lease contract to add ninth grade, including science/robotics and AI-focused learning. Energy & Industry: Guam Power Authority is evaluating alternative fuel sources beyond Asia as regional stocks tighten, while Guam’s GEDA audit flags improving performance but warns about unstable funding reliance. Agriculture Marketing: UOG’s Land Grant Extension is running a 5P Agricultural Marketing workshop series to help Guam farmers and food entrepreneurs sell more locally with product, price, place, promotion, and people strategies.

Chamorro Land Trust: A new push calls for revamping the CHamoru Land Trust Commission after decades-long delays for residential and agricultural leases, urging faster surveys, infrastructure funding, and fewer bureaucratic hurdles. Agriculture & Youth: Famagu’on Farmers returns for summer 2026 with a 6-week hands-on program for youth, plus UOG’s marketing workshops helping Guam farmers and food entrepreneurs boost sales through product, price, place, promotion, and people. Education & Skills: SIFA Learning Academy Charter School expands into 9th grade for 2026–27 with a new Tamuning campus lease and added science/robotics focus. Defense & Infrastructure: Guam National Guard soldiers take over security at the THAAD site for another rotation, while Congress weighs nuclear microreactors for the Indo-Pacific by 2030—an issue Guam’s delegate opposed without transparency. Environment & Courts: GovGuam is reviewing a federal settlement proposal in the Ordot dump CERCLA case, and a court approved a $226,800 claims fund tied to the M/V Mariana disaster. Energy & Business: Guam Power Authority explores alternative fuel sources beyond Asia as stocks tighten, and Guam EPA issued compliance orders and penalties to GICC over underground storage tank documentation and testing. Tourism & Community: GVB exit survey data shows 91% of April visitors said they’d revisit Guam after Sinlaku, despite lower arrivals.

Earthquake & Tsunami Watch: A 7.8 quake hit southern Philippines near Mindanao, collapsing buildings in General Santos and triggering tsunami warnings across parts of the region, including Guam, with officials urging coastal residents to move to higher ground. Local Education Expansion: SIFA Learning Academy Charter School secured a new Tamuning campus lease and will expand into 9th grade for the 2026–2027 school year, adding science lab and robotics space. Energy & Fuel Security: Guam Power Authority is exploring alternative fuel sources beyond Asia, including North America, as regional fuel stocks tighten. Nuclear Policy Debate: Congress is weighing a push to deploy nuclear microreactors to the Indo-Pacific by 2030; Guam’s delegate James Moylan voted no, citing concerns about transparency and Guam’s interests. Maritime Legal Move: A Guam court approved a $226,800 claims fund in the M/V Mariana limitation case tied to Sinlaku deaths and ordered claims to be filed in Guam by July 31. Agriculture & Food Markets: UOG is rolling out farmer-focused marketing workshops on product, price, place, promotion and people, plus a “Hotnu Heals” community gathering aimed at supporting local producers and mental health. Tourism & Compliance: Guam signed a law allowing fines up to $5,000 for poor upkeep in hotel zones, targeting maintenance standards in Tumon. Sports Pipeline: Four Guam rugby student-athletes signed letters of intent to play college rugby in the U.S., extending Guam’s growing presence in collegiate programs.

Ocean Protection & Activism: At Upwell 2026 in Washington, D.C., Micronesia Climate Change Alliance co-director María Hernandez pushed for Guam’s voice in ocean justice as advocates warned deep-seabed mining must not move forward without community input. Environment & Compliance: Guam EPA issued a notice of violation and compliance order to Guam International Country Club over missing records and leak-detection power issues tied to underground storage tanks in Dededo. Energy & Utilities: CCU approved steps for Guam Power Authority to buy power from a planned 57.4-megawatt solar project at the old Dededo golf course, with final approval still pending from the Public Utilities Commission. Education Governance: Lawmakers criticized the Guam Department of Education’s school decommissioning process, calling for more transparency as officials weigh potential closures of southern elementary schools. Youth Services Budget: DYA director Melanie Brennan told lawmakers she opposes a larger/new youth detention facility, citing lower youth admissions and urging community-based and mental health supports instead. Agriculture & Food Markets: UOG’s Land Grant Extension invited farmers and food entrepreneurs to a 5P Agricultural Marketing workshop series, while local producers are urged to use food traceability to stand out from imports. Tourism & Community: GVB exit survey data shows 91% of April visitors said they’d return to Guam after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Sports Tourism: The Guam Marianas Pro Korea Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship returned to Seoul with record participation, positioning Guam as a growing destination for international competition. Seabed Mining Law: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed a ban on deep-sea mining in Guam’s territorial waters, with violators facing fines up to $50,000 per day and added restrictions tied to port use.

Sports Tourism: The Guam Marianas Pro Korea Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship returned to Seoul with record participation, nearly doubling the 2024 turnout and positioning the Marianas Pro Series as a major Asia-Pacific destination for international athletes and families. Youth Services: Guam’s Department of Youth Affairs director told lawmakers she opposes a larger youth jail, pointing to declining youth admissions and arguing for community-based, mental-health focused alternatives as the agency defends a $10.5M FY2027 budget. Agriculture & Food Markets: UOG’s Land Grant Extension is inviting farmers and food entrepreneurs to a 5P Agricultural Marketing Workshop series, while another piece highlights how food traceability can help Guam-grown products stand out to consumers. Tourism Resilience: Guam Visitors Bureau exit survey data shows 91% of April visitors said they’d revisit Guam after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, despite a smaller survey sample. Food Assistance Admin: Public Health says SNAP households denied under the Food Loss Affidavit program will receive disapproval notices this week. Defense & Industry Impact: A coalition of 21 states and industry groups backed the Air Force in the Tarague Beach detonation range lawsuit, arguing a Prutehi Guåhan win could ripple into permitting nationwide. Energy & Infrastructure: CCU approved steps toward turning the old Dededo golf course into a 57.4MW solar farm, pending Public Utilities Commission approval. Environment & Compliance: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed a seabed mining ban (with fines up to $50K/day) and added enforcement tools tied to port access and consultation. Disaster Preparedness: NWS expects 3 to 5 more storms in the second half of 2026, urging continued typhoon readiness across Guam and CNMI.

Food Assistance Follow-Up: Guam’s Department of Public Health and Social Services says SNAP households denied under the Food Loss Affidavit program will receive disapproval notices by mail this week, after extra review time for address and case checks following the May 11–14 emergency effort after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. SNAP Fraud Crackdown: USDA’s Inspector General has subpoenaed four states (California, Illinois, Michigan, New York) that refused to share SNAP data for a fraud investigation, while Guam is among the jurisdictions sharing SNAP information with USDA. Tourism & Property Standards: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed a law allowing fines up to $5,000 for poor upkeep in hotel zones, giving enforcement tools aimed at keeping Tumon looking its best. Agriculture Support: UOG’s Farmer Focus launches “Hotnu Heals,” a farmer-focused workshop series starting Sunday, June 7, mixing community support with locally rooted food and mental health conversation. Storm Readiness: NWS is forecasting 3 to 5 more storms for Guam and the Northern Marianas before the end of 2026, urging continued preparedness as the region faces an active second-half season. Education Nutrition Rules: GDOE secured approval to adopt USDA Smart Snacks standards across Guam public schools, tightening what students can buy during the school day. Deep-Sea Mining Ban: Guam signed a seabed mining prohibition into law, with fines up to $50,000 per day and added restrictions tied to port use unless there’s full local consultation. Ocean Exploration: E/V Nautilus returns to Mariana waters starting June 10, with local participants joining deep-sea mapping missions using a newly installed sonar system. Infrastructure & Energy: Utilities commission approval moves Dededo’s old Guam International Country Club site closer to a 57.4-megawatt solar farm, pending final Public Utilities Commission approval.

Deep-Sea Mining Ban: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed Public Law 38-129 to prohibit seabed mining in Guam’s territorial waters, with fines up to $50,000 per day and a key enforcement lever tied to Port Authority access unless there’s “full consultation.” Tourism Property Rules: Bill 160-38 (Public Law 38-127) now lets the Department of Public Works enforce property maintenance standards in hotel zones, with penalties from $25 to $5,000 to protect Tumon’s look and upkeep. Agriculture & Food Systems: UOG’s Land Grant Extension launches “Hotnu Heals,” a farmer-focused workshop series starting Sunday, June 7, pairing community support with locally produced meals and mental health stress reduction. School Nutrition: GDOE won Guam Education Board approval to adopt USDA Smart Snacks standards across public schools, covering vending, fundraisers, and student stores. Energy & Solar: Utilities commission approval moves GPA forward on a Dededo golf-course solar plan (57.4 MW), pending final Public Utilities Commission sign-off. Storm Preparedness: NWS says Guam and CNMI could see 3 to 5 more storms before year-end, urging stronger coordination as El Niño boosts activity. Infrastructure Delays: GMH’s $815,000 parking expansion is pushed to Nov. 25 after Super Typhoon Sinlaku and wet-ground conditions. Ocean Science: E/V Nautilus returns to Mariana waters June 10 with local participants and a new sonar system to map deeper seafloor.

Smart Schools Update: Guam Education Board approval lets GDOE adopt USDA Smart Snacks standards, tightening what’s sold in public schools via vending, fundraisers, and student stores. Seabed Mining Clampdown: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed Public Law 38-129 banning deep-sea mining in Guam territorial waters, with fines up to $50,000 per day and a key Port Authority lever requiring “full consultation.” Energy & Construction: CCU cleared power deals for a 57.4MW solar project at the old Dededo golf course (plus nearly 5MW at Yigo), pending final PUC approval; GMH’s $815K parking expansion is now pushed to Nov. 25 after Sinlaku and heavy rains. Regional Resilience: Guam and CNMI leaders set infrastructure recovery milestones at a Joint Typhoon Preparedness Summit. Military & Infrastructure Services: A $249M MilCon architect-engineer JV contract will cover electrical work with major portions in Guam and Tinian. Community & Food Systems: UOG launches “Hotnu Heals” for agricultural producers, pairing cultural healing with practical producer support. Sports Tourism: Guam Marianas Pro Korea returns to Seoul with record participation, feeding the next wave of athletes and visitors to Guam. Public Health Admin: Disapproval notices for the Food Loss Affidavit Program are set to mail this week.

Deep-Sea Mining Ban: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed Bill 253-38 into law banning deep-sea mining in Guam’s nearshore waters and blocking use of the Port Authority of Guam without “full consultation,” with fines up to $50,000 per day (Public Law 38-129). Disaster-Ready Infrastructure: Guam and CNMI leaders met at a Joint Typhoon Preparedness Summit to set shared recovery milestones and align power and restoration metrics after Super Typhoon Yutu. Solar for Dededo: The Utilities Commission approved energy deals for a 57.4-megawatt solar farm at the former Guam International Country Club site, with GPA set to buy power for 25 years pending final Public Utilities Commission approval. Hospital Construction Update: GMH’s $815,000 parking lot expansion is delayed to Nov. 25 after Sinlaku, with the work still fully funded despite weather, ground conditions, and labor/material constraints. Military & Engineering Contract: A POWER-HDR JV won a $249 million architect-engineer contract with major work across Guam and the Pacific, while senior Indo-Pacific and CNMI leaders met to coordinate timelines and environmental compliance. Food Aid Processing: Public Health said disapproval notices for the Food Loss Affidavit Program will be mailed this week for eligible SNAP households after Sinlaku.

Military & Ports: USS George Washington is scheduled for a Guam port visit June 16–20 as it continues spring deployment in the Indo-Pacific, a boost for local hospitality while regional carrier activity stays high. Defense Infrastructure: Boingo Wireless has activated 1 Gbps internet at Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, with capacity planned for up to 5,000 Marines—raising the question of whether the force build-out will match the telecom upgrade. Environment & Permitting: West Virginia AG JB McCuskey leads a 21-state amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to protect state/territory control of environmental permitting in the Air Force hazardous waste disposal case involving Guam EPA review. Food Assistance Admin: Guam Public Health says disapproval notices for the Food Loss Affidavit Program will be mailed this week after final quality checks. Agriculture & Community: UOG’s Farmer Focus launches “Hotnu Heals,” a farmer mental-health and community gathering starting June 7. Public Safety & Corrections: A Guam corrections crisis op-ed argues overcrowded cells and overlooked risks weaken homeland security and public safety. Supply Chain: Post–Super Typhoon Sinlaku, Guam’s commercial supply chain is back to full operational capacity, though logistics headaches linger for local distributors.

Maritime & Defense: The USS George Washington is set for a Guam port visit June 16–20 as it heads into spring deployment, with the USS Blue Ridge also departing Japan; separately, the U.S. Global Hawk unit is moving from Guam to Tokyo (Yokota) in phases, and the Army is creating a new Air and Missile Defense Systems Repairer MOS (14W) to consolidate Patriot and THAAD maintenance roles. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Guam’s corrections crisis is flagged in a letter warning that aging facilities and overlooked risks undermine public safety and homeland security. Energy & Utilities: A proposed Guam Power Authority rate increase is criticized by residents as another cost squeeze on families. Environment & Permitting: West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey leads a coalition urging the U.S. Supreme Court to protect states/territories from activist groups suing to halt federal permitting before Guam EPA review. Agriculture & Food Systems: UOG’s Farmer Focus launches Hotnu Heals, a community gathering for agricultural producers, while UOG’s Soil Lab offers free post-storm soil testing for farmers. Business & Workforce: Guam’s Motor Carrier Safety program gets an $855K grant after 90 of 511 commercial vehicles were found out of compliance; plus, UOG Drone Corps opens applications for its 2026 cohort.