AGP Executive Report

Guam Power Authority: Load shedding began Tuesday night in parts of Yigo, Dededo, Mangilao and Harmon after emergency repairs at Piti 8; Ukudu’s steam turbine is offline and GPA says full return is expected by end of next week, with a schedule in place if demand stays tight. Local Economy/Tax: The 38th Guam Legislature passed the FY2027 $1.42B budget bill, clearing the way for a rollback of the Business Privilege Tax to 4% (from 4.5%) while keeping a 5% BPT rate on prime military buildup construction contracts. Education & Procurement: DPW canceled the Simon Sanchez High School procurement after denying three protests, saying restarting is the fastest responsible path to avoid years of court delay. Defense & Construction Materials: The Air Force is seeking public comment on expanding the 554th Red Horse Squadron quarry at Andersen by about 29 acres to secure construction aggregate for ongoing and future base work. Coral Conservation: Guam’s Coral Reef Initiative gathered public input to set coral reef conservation priorities and funding for 2027-2032. Workforce/Schools: A U.S. House education panel heard Guam concerns on aging school infrastructure and labor shortages, urging more federal flexibility for the island’s unique needs.

Guam Budget & Taxes: Lawmakers passed the governor’s FY2027 budget compromise in a 13-2 vote, keeping the business privilege tax rollback to 4% and preserving a 5% BPT on military buildup construction projects. Education Procurement: DPW canceled the Simon Sanchez High School campus procurement after denying three protests, saying restarting is the fastest way to avoid more delay and litigation. Agriculture Relief: The Guam Department of Agriculture opened applications for the Crop Loss Compensation Program for Typhoon Bavi losses, with a deadline of Sept. 2 and compensation focused on crop input costs. Housing Upgrades: GHURA approved $401,000 in renovations for seven public housing units, with work scheduled to run within 60 days. UOG Leadership: The UOG Board of Regents rated President Anita Borja Enriquez “better than satisfactory,” the top mark in its evaluation framework. Defense & Local Impact: A new Patriot air-defense battalion is slated to stand up on Guam in October, as Guam continues to expand its air and missile defense posture. Military Families: Reports continue to spotlight mental health strain aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln during an extended deployment, with families raising concerns about conditions and support. Hospitality & Workforce: GHRA’s PHARE 2026 expo at the Hyatt Regency Guam is set to kick off with chef demos and hospitality training starting Wednesday.

Courts & Public Safety: Kenneth Scott Cruz II goes on trial Tuesday in the District Court of Guam over a 2021 meth shipment allegedly concealed inside a Bunn coffee maker, with prosecutors saying a controlled delivery to an Agat post office box led to a pickup and a planned payoff. Agriculture: Guam Department of Agriculture opened applications Monday for its Crop Loss Compensation Program tied to Typhoon Bavi, with eligible farmers able to apply through Sept. 2 (inputs receipts required) and a hotline/email listed for help. Housing & Infrastructure: GHURA approved about $401,000 in AMP renovations for seven public housing units, while postponing a larger Guma Trankilidat rehabilitation effort. Local Economy & Tax Policy: Guam lawmakers are set to vote Monday on the revised FY2027 budget, where the business privilege tax stays at 4% and a 5% BPT applies to military buildup construction projects. Education & Workforce: Career Tech High Academy is making its case for charter renewal, highlighting construction, maritime, diving, and other career-linked programs aimed at local job pathways. Community & Services: Guam’s law enforcement junior cadet program graduated its first cohort, giving high school students hands-on training and a pathway toward park police careers. Shipping Costs: Guam residents and businesses face higher mail costs to the 50 states after USPS added third-party duty collection via the Zonos Prepay app.

Defense Readiness: New reporting says U.S. interceptor missile stockpiles are running “dangerously low” amid the Iran conflict, with PAC-3 and THAAD usage cited as sharply depleting inventories. Local Governance & Schools: Guam lawmakers are urging Navy and the Guam National Guard to help prevent Southern High School from facing another shutdown after inspection-driven closures hit Tiyan and Simon Sanchez. Budget & Construction Costs: The Guam Legislature is set to vote Monday on the FY2027 budget, with debate focused on keeping the Business Privilege Tax at 4% and a 5% BPT tied to military buildup construction projects. Hospitality & Tourism Industry: GHRA’s PHARE 2026 expo opens Wednesday at the Hyatt Regency Guam, featuring food safety, alcohol management, and business networking for hotels and restaurants. Agriculture Support: The Guam Department of Agriculture opened applications for its Crop Loss Compensation Program for Typhoon Bavi losses through Sept. 2. Housing Upgrades: GHURA approved $401K in renovations for seven public housing units, with work scheduled to start while units remain vacant for maintenance. Workforce Pipeline: Career Tech High Academy is making its case for charter renewal, highlighting construction, maritime, drone, and diving certifications. Maritime Research Disruption: Typhoon Dolphin forced the Nautilus expedition more than 1,000 miles off Guam and CNMI survey plans. Shipping Costs: Guam residents are paying more to mail to the U.S. states after USPS added third-party duty collection via the Zonos Prepay app.

Guam Budget Vote: The Guam Legislature is set to vote Monday on the governor’s revised FY2027 budget, keeping a 4% Business Privilege Tax and a 5% BPT on military buildup construction projects despite pushback. Hospital & Schools: Senators are pressing for urgent help to keep Southern High School open as Tiyan High and Simon Sanchez face shutdowns after failed inspections. Agriculture & Food Security: The Guam Department of Agriculture opened applications for its Crop Loss Compensation Program for Typhoon Bavi losses, running Aug. 17 to Sept. 2. Housing Upgrades: GHURA approved about $401,000 to renovate seven public housing units, while postponing a larger Guma Trankilidat rehabilitation. Hospitality & Workforce: PHARE 2026 kicks off Wednesday at the Hyatt with chef demos, networking, and training tied to Guam’s visitor economy. Education & Skills Pipeline: Career Tech High Academy is making its case for charter renewal, highlighting construction, maritime, drone, and diving certifications. Community & Tourism Planning: GVB held a town hall on the Sella Bay Overlook Trail concept, focusing on access, safety, and cultural preservation. Local Industry Costs: USPS now requires Guam-to-states mailers to use a third-party app to pay duties and fees, raising shipping costs for local businesses. Maritime Research Disrupted: Typhoon Dolphin pushed the Nautilus expedition more than 1,000 miles off its planned survey route. Public Safety Careers: Guam’s first junior cadet law enforcement training cohort graduated five students.

Guam Education & Public Safety: Senators Vincent Borja and Jesse Lujan asked the U.S. Navy and the Guam National Guard for immediate help to prevent another school shutdown, after Southern High School concerns surfaced while Tiyan High and Simon Sanchez were closed following an inspection failure. Military & Workforce Pressure: New reporting and Navy leadership responses keep spotlighting strain on aircraft carrier crews, with the USS Abraham Lincoln’s long deployment tied to serious morale and mental health alarms. Local Economy & Infrastructure: The Legislature debate over Guam’s 5% business privilege tax (BPT) on military buildup construction contracts continues, with senators arguing over revenue needs versus economic impact. Shipping Costs: Guam residents and businesses say USPS policy changes now require third-party payment for duties and fees before mailing to the 50 states, raising costs. Fisheries & Disaster Gaps: Guam fishers say shark deterrents aren’t working and federal disaster aid remains out of reach after storms. CNMI Agriculture Recovery: CNMI Senate VP Corina Magofna is seeking disaster funding pathways for farmers and ranchers hit by Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, pointing to Guam’s use of multiple USDA disaster programs. Workforce Pipeline: Guam’s first law enforcement junior cadet cohort graduated, giving high school students hands-on training and a local career pathway. Tourism Planning: The Guam Visitors Bureau held a Humåtak town hall on the Sella Bay Overlook Trail project, focusing on safety, access, and cultural and environmental preservation. Health & Food Access: UOG Land Grant’s SNAP-Ed announced a free nutrition workshop series for adults, aimed at budget-friendly meal planning.

Shipping Costs: USPS now requires Guam-to-states mailers to pay duties/taxes/fees via the Zonos Prepay app, adding steps and driving “significant” rate hikes for local shippers. Education & Safety: Senators Borja and Lujan are pushing the Navy and Guam National Guard for urgent help to keep Southern High School from becoming the next closure after Tiyan and Simon Sanchez were shut over failed health inspections. Defense Budget Fight: Guam lawmakers spar over whether to keep or remove the 5% business privilege tax on military construction contracts, with senators arguing over jobs and revenue impacts. Mental Health & Living Conditions: Reports and lawmakers highlight worsening conditions and a mental health emergency aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln during an extended deployment. Workforce Pipeline: Guam’s first junior cadet law enforcement training program graduates five high school students after hands-on sessions with DPR and GDOL. Fisheries Pressure: Guam fishers say shark deterrents aren’t working and disaster aid remains out of reach as federal fisheries groups gather input on Marianas Trench rules. Tourism Planning: The Guam Visitors Bureau holds a town hall on the Sella Bay Overlook Trail project, focusing on safer access while protecting cultural and natural resources. Local Infrastructure Funding: Sinajana and MTM mayors await $250K each in ARPA interest funds for a green marketplace and a renovated storage workshop. Hospital Water Leak: Guam Memorial Hospital officials describe a persistent “failure point” tied to typhoon damage and ongoing roof/envelope upgrades. Military Construction Contract: The Navy awards a $78M deal for ammunition storage magazines and a maintenance facility at NAS Sigonella, Italy.

Defense & Logistics: The U.S. Army unveiled its first production Maneuver Support Vessel Light, USAV Craney Island, built to move tanks and supplies across shallow coasts and unimproved beaches—an Indo-Pacific logistics upgrade. Local Workforce & Training: Guam’s GDOL wrapped up the island’s first law enforcement junior cadet program for five high school students, pairing CPR, tactical medicine, and career exploration with local agency exposure. Military Contracting in Guam: The Navy awarded Cayuse Native Hawaiian Veterans LLC a $249M Guam-based contract for Military Sealift Command general ship repair, with work running through Nov. 2027. Community & Tourism Projects: Sinajana and MTM mayors say they’re still waiting on $250K each in ARPA funds for a green marketplace and a renovated storage workshop. Public Health & Facilities: Guam Memorial Hospital officials told lawmakers about persistent water leaks tied to typhoon damage and ongoing roof/envelope upgrades. Agriculture & Health: UOG Land Grant’s SNAP-Ed is hosting a free “Ready, Set, Eat” nutrition workshop series for adults starting Aug. 21. Environment & Fishing: The Western Pacific Fishery Council is preparing possible rule changes as parts of the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument move toward reopening commercial fishing. Education Safety: Tiyan High School and Simon Sanchez were closed after a Public Health inspection found major sanitation and ventilation deficiencies.

Defense & Logistics: The U.S. Army unveiled its first production Maneuver Support Vessel Light, USAV Craney Island, built to move tanks and supplies through shallow coasts and unimproved beaches—an Indo-Pacific logistics upgrade aimed at reducing reliance on major port infrastructure. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Sinajana and Mongmong-Toto-Maite mayors say they’re still waiting on $250,000 each in ARPA funds for a green marketplace and a renovated storage workshop. Public Health & Facilities: Guam Memorial Hospital is facing persistent water-leak failures tied to a “weak link” in roof/envelope upgrades, with lawmakers asking questions amid potential litigation. Education & Safety: Tiyan High and Simon Sanchez High were closed after a Public Health inspection found major sanitation, ventilation, lighting, and restroom deficiencies. Workforce & Youth: Guam’s first law-enforcement junior cadet program wrapped up with five high school students completing CPR, tactical medicine, and career training. Tourism & Community Planning: The Guam Visitors Bureau held a Humåtak town hall on the Sella Bay Overlook Trail concept, focusing on access, safety, erosion, and cultural preservation. Agriculture & Health: UOG Land Grant’s SNAP-Ed is running a free four-part nutrition workshop series for adults, plus a separate Mental Health First Aid training for farmers and families. Fisheries & Access: The Western Pacific Fishery Council is discussing possible regulatory changes as parts of the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument move toward reopening commercial fishing access. Military Readiness Concerns: New reporting on missile and drone shortages is renewing debate over whether Guam’s missile shield can hold up in a China conflict.

Deep-Sea Mining & Ports: BOEM says CNMI mineral leasing could boost Saipan port activity via survey support, but warns of risks to fragile deep-sea habitats. School Facilities & Public Health: Guam’s Tiyan High and Simon Sanchez High were closed after a Public Health inspection found major sanitation, ventilation, lighting, and restroom deficiencies tied to a complaint about sewage backup and pests. Tax Policy: Guam lawmakers and critics debate Business Privilege Tax reductions amid fiscal uncertainty, with concerns about shifting revenue and who bears rising costs. Workforce & Training: UOG will host a free Mental Health First Aid course for farmers and families on Aug. 22, while Guam DOL opens enrollment for an In-School Youth Year-Round Program starting Aug. 24. Healthcare Capacity: UOG unveiled a nearly $9M nursing hub to expand nursing graduates using simulation and virtual training. Tourism Accountability: A Guam tourism critique argues visitor declines aren’t just about seats or currency, calling for stronger Guam Visitors Bureau oversight. Defense & Readiness: Reports and officials continue to clash over conditions aboard USS Abraham Lincoln during an extended Iran deployment. Pacific Business & Energy: Polar Power reported $7.9M in Pacific Islands revenue since 2024, driven by repeat telecom orders, including activity in Guam.

Guam Tax Debate: Lawmakers and Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero clash again over the Business Privilege Tax rollback to 4% in the FY2027 budget, with critics saying it’s a sudden policy shift and lacks a clear replacement revenue plan. Healthcare Workforce: The University of Guam opened a nearly $9M Margaret Perez Hattori-Uchima Nursing Hub, adding simulation beds and VR training to boost nursing graduates by up to 60 per cohort. Tourism Accountability: A local letter argues Guam’s tourism slowdown isn’t just about fewer airline seats or currency swings, calling for stronger Guam Visitors Bureau oversight tied to results. Education & Work Pipeline: Guam’s Department of Labor opened enrollment for the In-School Youth Year-Round Program (Aug. 24–Sept. 30), pairing classroom prep with paid summer placements. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Pacific bishops urged caution on commercial deep-sea mining, warning that lack of full scientific certainty shouldn’t justify proceeding without due care. Local Business Impact: After Super Typhoon Sinlaku, two long-running Saipan restaurants permanently closed, underscoring ongoing storm-driven economic strain. Pacific Power Growth: Polar Power reported $7.9M in Pacific Islands revenue since 2024, with repeat telecom orders supporting expansion that includes Guam.

Tourism Accountability: A Guam Visitors Bureau board “rubber stamp” critique is gaining traction after a seat-capacity mismatch argument, with Sen. Jesse Lujan pushing for management accountability as public explanations shift from airline capacity and currency effects to deeper performance questions. Education & Agriculture: Jewell School District won a $200,000 USDA Farm to School grant to build a greenhouse and expand year-round ag education tied to school meals. Workforce Pipeline: Guam DOL opened enrollment Aug. 24–Sept. 30 for the In-School Youth Year-Round Program, pairing classroom prep with paid summer work experience. Healthcare Training: UOG opened a $9M Nursing Hub to nearly double nursing admissions starting in 2027, adding simulation and virtual reality training. AI Career Prep: Junior Achievement Guam and Pacific AI Media & Communications signed a five-year MOU to expand AI and career education mentorship. Energy & Telecom Growth: Polar Power reported $7.9M in Pacific Islands revenue since 2024, including Guam shipments, with repeat orders supporting broader solar-hybrid broadband expansion. Cybersecurity Watch: Suspected Iranian-linked attacks on U.S. water utilities are spotlighting long-standing vulnerabilities, including a prior Guam intrusion. Defense & Regional Tensions: North Korea launched a ballistic missile about 700 km ahead of major U.S.-South Korea exercises, while U.S. officials warned China’s space and counterspace pace is accelerating.

Guam Public Safety: GPD identified the man killed in an Anigua auto-pedestrian crash as Charles Rachen, 57, after officers investigated the July 22 incident on West Soledad Avenue. Workforce Development: Guam DOL opened enrollment for the School Year 2026-2027 In-School Youth Year-Round Program, running Aug. 24 through Sept. 30, with classroom prep and paid summer work placements. Healthcare Training: UOG officially opened its $9M Margaret Perez Hattori-Uchima School of Health Nursing Hub, aiming to nearly double nursing admissions starting in 2027 with simulation and virtual reality training. Energy & Telecom Resilience: Polar Power received new purchase orders for 15 additional Solar Hybrid Power Systems in the Solomon Islands to expand off-grid broadband support, building on 2024 deployments. Cybersecurity & Critical Infrastructure: A suspected Iran-linked campaign targeting U.S. water utilities is renewing warnings that many systems, including Guam’s past intrusion, remain vulnerable. Tourism Impact (CNMI): Marianas visitor arrivals fell to 1,497 in June 2026, down 81% year-over-year, after Super Typhoon Sinlaku disrupted flights and travel. Defense Posture (Pacific): U.S. PACOM/INDOPACOM chiefs urged more Pacific defense spending as Taiwan braces for potential invasion amid China’s readiness timeline.

Workforce Pipeline: Guam DOL says open enrollment for the SY 2026-2027 In-School Youth Year-Round Program runs Aug. 24–Sept. 30, pairing eligible high schoolers with classroom prep and paid summer work experience. Defense & Readiness: Raytheon won a $745M Missile Defense Agency contract for SM-3 Block IIA ship interceptors, boosting ballistic missile defense for Guam and allied bases. Local Security Risk: Suspected Iran-linked cyberattacks are hitting U.S. water utilities, spotlighting weak protections that also raise concerns for Guam’s critical infrastructure. Veterans Support: Guam’s Office of Veterans Affairs will miss a $14M veterans cemetery grant deadline and wait another year after required design work wasn’t finished. Tourism Impact: Marianas visitor arrivals fell to 1,497 in June 2026, down 81% year-over-year, after Super Typhoon Sinlaku disrupted flights. Port Finance: Moody’s affirmed the Port of Guam’s Baa2 revenue bond rating with a stable outlook. Agriculture & Health: UOG Land Grant’s Farmer Focus invites residents to free health checkups and seminars Aug. 18–25 across multiple villages. Education Logistics: Guam public schools end double-session for some students as Simon Sanchez High School students move to share the Tiyan High campus for SY26-27.

Health & Community: UOG’s Farmer Focus, with Guam Community Health Centers, is hosting free farmer health checkups and seminars Aug. 18, 20 and 25 in Mangilao, Barrigada and Inalåhan, covering blood sugar, blood pressure, BMI, nutrition, strength and depression screening, plus sessions on mental well-being, falls/injury prevention, substance abuse prevention and financial sustainability. Veterans & Benefits: HMI’s 5th Annual Veteran Symposium runs Aug. 11–13 at the UOG Lecture Hall, followed by Benefits Bootcamp #55, with a reported finding that about 1 in 5 veterans who signed up had never filed a VA claim. Tourism: Marianas visitor arrivals fell to 1,497 in June 2026, down 81% year-over-year, as typhoon impacts and flight suspensions continued before leisure travel resumed. Energy & Utilities: The PUC approved GPA’s $6.1M payment to Guam Ukudu Power for late-2025 testing energy, despite subcontractor objections. Cybersecurity & Water: A new report highlights how state and local water systems, including Guam’s past hack linked to China, remain vulnerable and are pushing lawmakers to strengthen federal cybersecurity rules. Port Finance: Moody’s affirmed the Port of Guam’s Baa2 rating with a stable outlook. Defense Posture: U.S. Pacific Command says hypersonic Dark Eagle was deployed during a June exercise, as China’s missile tests continue to raise Pacific militarisation concerns.

Medicare Watch: A U.S. subsidy that helped lower Medicare Part D drug-plan costs is ending early, raising worries about higher 2027 premiums and co-pays for Guam-area seniors and other beneficiaries. Marianas Tourism: The Marianas Visitors Authority reports 1,497 arrivals in June 2026, down 81% year over year after Super Typhoon Sinlaku disrupted flights; South Korea’s Jeju Air resumed Seoul–Saipan service with 4 weekly flights through March 2027. Cyber & Water Security: Experts warn Iran-linked hackers have targeted municipal water systems in the U.S., and Guam’s past water-system hack shows why local utilities need stronger defenses. Port Finance: Moody’s affirmed the Port Authority of Guam’s Baa2 rating with a stable outlook, citing the port’s key role in island imports and modest growth expectations. Energy Oversight: The PUC approved GPA’s $6.1M payment to the Ukudu contractor for late-2025 testing energy, despite subcontractor objections. Local Governance & Culture: CNMI’s Arts Council is moving under the Marianas Visitors Authority, aiming to better connect cultural grants and tourism promotion. Disaster Relief & Infrastructure: Lawmakers passed a $38.7M spending package for Bavi relief, childcare support, and a Guam airport bailout. Education: GDOE says schools are ready for SY26–27, ending double sessions for some students as Simon Sanchez and Tiyan High share a campus. Environment & Courts: SCOTUS set Oct. 7 arguments in a Guam environmental case tied to Andersen Air Force Base open burning/detonation. Business & Trade: Ediya Coffee opened its first Laos outlet as it expands Southeast Asia, including Guam as a prior overseas stop.