AGP Executive Report

Tourism & Trade: GVB is pushing overseas marketing as arrivals stay weak, with the Sept. 4 Guam MegaFAM Tour bringing 240 travel pros and generating 700 B2B connections, while Aug. arrivals were down 22.9% year-over-year and South Korea/Japan remain the biggest markets. Shipping & Port Operations: The Port Authority of Guam will resume issuing grounded containers after restoring more top lifters to service, following equipment failures tied to Super Typhoon Bavi recovery. Energy Costs: Gas prices on Guam jumped again, with regular now over $6 and diesel over $7 after a midweek increase, adding pressure to the cost of living. Environment & Mining: CNMI and allied groups are challenging the deep-sea mining push in the Marianas, while Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds backs PACMESA to boost revenue sharing and strengthen protections for nearby territories. Local Food & Aquaculture: UOG Land Grant is hosting “Tilapia to Table” on Sept. 12 to link tilapia raising with salting, smoking, and value-added fish processing for more resilient local food supply. Security & Preparedness: A Guam 9/11 remembrance piece highlights calls for mental readiness for future crises, from typhoons to potential missile threats.

Tourism Push: GVB says overseas promotion is continuing despite weak arrivals, citing Aug. 1–18 visitor numbers down 22.9% vs. 2025 and South Korea/Japan still below last year, even as the Sept. 4 Guam MegaFAM Tour drew 240 trade pros and generated 700+ B2B connections. Port Operations: The Port Authority of Guam will resume issuing grounded containers after restoring more top lifters, following Super Typhoon Bavi-related equipment failures that left availability at one point at zero. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation groups and CNMI advocates are pressing for a halt or pause to Marianas deep-sea mining; a lawsuit challenges the NMFS endangered-species review, while CNMI Del. Kimberlyn King-Hinds backs revenue-sharing and stronger protections via PACMESA. Energy Costs: Gas rose 30 cents and diesel 20 cents, pushing regular above $6 and diesel above $7—another hit to Guam’s cost of living amid global oil pressure. Workforce & Training: MARAD named 16 maritime Centers of Excellence, including Western Pacific Maritime Academy in Guam/NMI, expanding the domestic mariner pipeline.

Tourism Push vs. Arrival Slump: Guam Visitors Bureau GM Régine Biscoe Lee says overseas marketing will intensify as arrivals stay weak, with Aug. 1–18 visitor numbers down 22.9% vs. 2025; South Korea and Japan still drive nearly 80% of the market mix, though the decline is moderating after July. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation groups and CNMI lawmakers are escalating legal and political pressure against Marianas deep-sea mining, including a lawsuit challenging lease plans and a push for territories to receive 50% of revenues. Port Operations: The Port Authority of Guam will resume issuing grounded containers after restoring additional top lifters, following equipment failures tied to storm damage. Energy Costs: Gas rose 30 cents and diesel 20 cents, pushing regular above $6 and diesel above $7—another hit to Guam’s cost of living and travel spending. Aquaculture & Food: UOG Land Grant is hosting “Tilapia to Table” to link tilapia raising with salting and smoking for shelf-stable local products. Maritime Workforce: MARAD named 16 2026 Centers of Excellence, including Western Pacific Maritime Academy in Guam and the CNMI, expanding training capacity for mariners.

Fuel Costs: Guam gas jumped 30 cents and diesel 20 cents after an increase Wednesday night, pushing regular above $6.22/gal and diesel above $7.19/gal—another hit tied to global oil pressure from the U.S.-Iran conflict. Port Operations: The Port Authority of Guam will resume issuing grounded containers after restoring an additional top lifter to service, following a halt when equipment availability dropped to zero during recovery from Super Typhoon Bavi. Aquaculture & Food Processing: UOG Land Grant’s “Tilapia to Table” workshop (Sept. 12) links tilapia raising with salting, smoking, and curing—plus turning fish parts into fertilizer to support local, shelf-stable seafood. Marianas Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: CNMI groups and conservation advocates sued to stop the federal deep-sea mining lease plan, arguing the government didn’t properly assess impacts beyond the initial lease decision. Local Business Trade: GEDA’s inaugural Håfa Adai Guam Festival in Japan showcased Made in Guam products and helped seven local companies sell directly to Japanese consumers. Maritime Workforce: MARAD named 16 maritime training Centers of Excellence, including Western Pacific Maritime Academy in Guam and CNMI, expanding the pipeline for mariners and apprentices. Cost of Living Politics: A local opinion piece argues election choices should focus on real cost-of-living outcomes, criticizing past tax cuts while everyday supports lag.

Cost of Living Politics: A Guam opinion piece argues the GOP’s “RIFLE” push to cut government spending and jobs hasn’t been matched with relief for groceries, health care, childcare, or housing, while business tax rollbacks are projected to cut revenues by about $80M a year. Maritime Training Pipeline: MARAD designated 16 maritime training institutions as 2026 Centers of Excellence, expanding the network to 48 institutions and about 58,000 trainees annually—highlighting Guam’s Western Pacific Maritime Academy among the designees. Military Readiness & Guam Ties: The Air Force announced the “North Star Readiness Campaign” to speed bomber parts and maintenance, with Andersen AFB imagery underscoring Guam’s role in strategic operations. Fuel Prices: Gas rose above $6 and diesel above $7 after a midweek increase, adding pressure to Guam’s cost of living and tourism. Deep-Sea Mining Legal Fight: CNMI groups sued the U.S. to stop Marianas deep-sea mining lease actions, challenging the federal finding that mining won’t harm threatened species. Local Health Infrastructure: GMHA cleared procurement approvals and certified $17.85M for Phase 1 of the long-delayed maternal and child health renovation, moving toward construction. Tourism & Trade: GEDA launched the inaugural Håfa Adai Guam Festival in Japan, showcasing Made in Guam products and opening direct sales to Japanese consumers.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: CNMI groups Our Common Wealth 670 and PåganWatch, joined by conservation partners, sued the U.S. over the federal plan to auction deep-sea mining leases covering 67+ million acres around the Marianas, arguing regulators didn’t properly assess impacts beyond the lease sale. Local Business & Trade: Guam Economic Development Authority launched the inaugural Håfa Adai Guam Festival in Japan, bringing seven Made-in-Guam companies to sell directly to Japanese consumers and build market ties. Hospital Construction: Guam Memorial Hospital Authority cleared final procurement approvals and certified $17.85M to start Phase 1 of its long-delayed maternity and child health renovation, targeting modern labor, delivery, and neonatal services. Tourism Watch: Guam Visitors Bureau reported South Korean arrivals down 37.3% in early August, citing tighter seat capacity and travel costs. Travel Costs: DoD updated Guam per diem rates effective Sept. 1, adding $14 total daily per diem—important for hotels and restaurants serving government travelers. Governance & Funding: Sen. Sabrina Matanane asked for an emergency session to move $19.8M in Section 30 funds for a Simon Sanchez High School modernization fund. Public Safety: A man accused of raping a woman at a Dededo encampment appeared in court; bail was delayed amid a pending warrant and identity questions. Workforce & Economy: Guam’s unemployment rate rose 0.2 points in June to 3.6%, while private and “contracted” government job growth was reported.

Deep-Sea Mining Legal Push: Conservation and community groups, backed by Earthjustice, filed a lawsuit in Hawaii challenging the Trump administration’s plan to move forward with deep-sea mining lease sales around the CNMI and Guam, arguing the National Marine Fisheries Service underestimated harm to humpback whales, manta rays, and sea turtles. CNMI/Guam Policy Pressure: CNMI and Guam lawmakers are also demanding a 90-day public comment period for proposed deep-sea mining leases, warning the first-of-its-kind offshore critical mineral leasing could set a precedent for the U.S. Local Economy Snapshot: Guam’s unemployment rose 0.2 points in June to 3.6%, while preliminary data points to growth in private and “contracted” government jobs. Healthcare Construction: Guam Memorial Hospital Authority cleared final procurement approvals and certified $17.85M for Phase 1 of its maternal and child health renovation, moving the long-stalled project toward construction. Tourism Push: GVB and partners held the Guam MegaFAM Trade Show with 200+ travel buyers and influencers, while early August data shows South Korean arrivals down 37.3% year-over-year. Made in Guam Abroad: GEDA’s inaugural Håfa Adai Guam Festival in Japan showcased seven local companies selling directly to Japanese consumers. Community & Business: Tumon’s long-vacant mall is again eyed for a 40-classroom school, and Grease Monkey Drive-In opened in Tamuning with limited hours as it ramps up.

Maternal Care Upgrade: Guam Memorial Hospital Authority cleared final procurement approvals and certified $17.85M for Phase 1 of its Maternal and Child Health renovation, moving a decade-long project into construction soon and expanding labor, maternity, postpartum, nursery and NICU spaces. Tourism Watch: Guam Visitors Bureau reported South Korean arrivals down 37.3% for Aug. 1–12, citing tighter seat capacity and travel costs, even as some markets held steady. Local Business & Food: Grease Monkey Drive-In opened in Tamuning, aiming to be a car-community hangout, with limited hours while staffing and ordering systems come online. Education Real Estate: The long-vacant Tumon Bay Mall is again being pitched as a 40-classroom educational facility, with iLearn Academy Charter School targeting a 2027 school-year move-in pending zoning and approvals. Community & Culture: Tower for Humanity is hosting a lighting and remembrance ceremony at Micronesia Mall for its 25th anniversary 9/11 Twin Towers project, with both towers nearing completion. Public Safety Case: Guam’s $50K reward tied to the 2024 Tumon tourist killing remains unclaimed, with GVB noting payout depends on conviction certification. Marine Energy Planning: UOG Land Grant and federal partners are advancing Guam marine energy ideas, including possible OTEC at Tanguisson and seawater air conditioning studies for South Tumon Bay. Waste & Rates: GSWA is preparing for an Oct. 1 residential rate increase tied to islandwide collection rules, with potential customer assistance and cart purchases moving forward.

Education & Real Estate: The long-vacant Tumon Bay Mall is back in play, with iLearn Academy Charter School seeking to move in and target a 2027 school year, pending zoning variance, a tentative development plan, and public meetings. Local Business: Grease Monkey Drive-In in Tamuning opened this week as a car-community hangout, but is running limited hours while staffing and ordering tech are set up. Healthcare Construction: Guam Memorial Hospital Authority cleared final procurement for its Maternal and Child Health renovation, certifying $17.85M for Phase One and aiming to start work within 30 days. Tourism & Travel Trade: GVB hosted the Guam MegaFAM Trade Show with 200+ local exhibitors and international partners, while early August data shows South Korean arrivals down 37.3% year-over-year. Waste & Utilities: GSWA is moving toward an Oct. 1 rate increase tied to the Islandwide Collection Plan, with rules and customer assistance programs advancing. Aviation & Airport Retail: Avolta is set to take over A.B. Won Pat airport speciality retail and food & beverage concessions after GIAA board approval. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Guam lawmakers and senators are renewing pressure as federal seabed mining timelines advance, including concerns after a key regulator’s exit and fights over fast-track review. Marine Energy Planning: UOG and federal researchers are studying Tanguisson for possible OTEC and South Tumon Bay for seawater air conditioning, with AI data-center financing also discussed.

Pacific Defense & Infrastructure: The U.S. Navy is buying five deployable Expeditionary Maintenance and Repair Facilities under a $47.77M deal, using containerized modules to spread ship repair capacity across the Indo-Pacific when fixed bases are exposed. Leadership & Military Personnel: President Trump nominated Vietnam-displaced veteran Hung Cao to lead the Navy, teeing up Senate confirmation for the acting secretary. Guam Tourism & Travel Demand: Guam’s Visitors Bureau flags South Korea arrivals as a “key area of concern,” down 37.3% (9,561 visitors from Aug. 1–12), while a MegaFAM trade push brought 200+ international partners and media to experience Guam. Local Health & Construction: Guam Memorial Hospital Authority cleared final procurement for Phase One of a $17.8M maternal and newborn renovation, with work expected to start within 30 days. Waste & Household Costs: GSWA is moving toward another Oct. 1 rate increase tied to islandwide collection rules, with possible customer assistance options. Deep-Sea Mining Policy: Guam lawmakers and senators are pressing for slower, tougher oversight as federal seabed mining timelines advance, including House action that keeps deep-sea mining eligible for expedited review. Marine Energy & Aquaculture: UOG and federal researchers are exploring OTEC and seawater air conditioning sites, while a UOG workshop will teach tilapia raising plus salted-and-smoked processing.

Marianas Deep-Sea Mining: Guam and CNMI voices are pushing back as federal regulators move toward a Dec. 16 Marianas lease sale, with senators citing concerns over rushed oversight and limited local say after the acting Marine Minerals Administration director’s exit. Tourism & Local Business: Guam’s MegaFAM Trade Show drew 200+ international partners, media, and influencers, spotlighting hotels, food, shopping, and local makers as GVB ramps up tourism outreach. Healthcare Construction: Guam Memorial Hospital Authority cleared final procurement for a $17.8M maternal and newborn care renovation, with Phase One certified and work expected to start within 30 days. Waste & Utilities: GSWA is set for another Oct. 1 rate increase tied to islandwide collection rollout, while power and school repair proposals are circulating after expected excess Section 30 funds. Aquaculture & Food Processing: UOG Land Grant is hosting a “Tilapia to Table” workshop on raising, salting/smoking, and turning fish waste into fertilizer. Energy Planning: UOG and PNNL are weighing Tanguisson for OTEC and South Tumon Bay for seawater air conditioning, with possible AI data center funding discussed. Education Operations: Tiyan High School repairs are mostly done, but a Sept. 11 inspection could trigger a double-session schedule into the semester.

Healthcare Construction: Guam Memorial Hospital Authority cleared final procurement approvals and certified $17.848M for Phase One of its Maternal and Child Health renovation, with work expected to start within 30 days after a notice to proceed; the project will modernize labor and delivery, maternity, postpartum, nursery and NICU space. Waste & Utilities: GSWA is set for another residential rate increase Oct. 1 as it moves toward an islandwide collection plan under Public Law 38-39, including new rules, possible penalties, and a customer assistance program. Tourism & Business: GVB hosted its first MegaFam Tour in five to six years, bringing 240 travel agents and international media/influencers, while also launching a new online portal for the Tourism Works Micro-Grant to streamline applications. Aviation Concessions: Guam airport concession awards are moving forward, with Dufry International provisionally ranked for specialty retail and master food & beverage contracts, and Avolta positioned to take over specialty retail plus food & beverage. Aquaculture & Food Processing: UOG Land Grant will hold a first-time “Tilapia to Table” workshop (Sept. 12) linking tilapia raising with salting/smoking and turning fish waste into fertilizer. Education Facilities: Tiyan High School repairs are largely done, but roof and remaining work could keep students on a double-session schedule through the semester pending a Sept. 11 inspection. Public Finance: Senators are racing to use expected excess Section 30 funds, proposing power bill credits, public school repairs, and funding toward a new Simon Sanchez High School. Policy & Industry Risk: A House Rules Committee move keeps seabed mining eligible for FAST-41 expedited review, drawing criticism from Delegate Moylan and others.

Healthcare & Construction: Guam Memorial Hospital Authority cleared final procurement approvals for Phase I of its $17.8M maternal and newborn care renovation, with $17,848,305 certified and work expected to start within 30 days after a notice to proceed—renovating and expanding labor, delivery, postpartum, nursery and NICU spaces. Marine Energy & AI Funding: A UOG and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory team is evaluating the abandoned Tanguisson power plant site for an ocean thermal energy conversion project, South Tumon Bay for seawater air conditioning, and whether AI data center backers could help finance marine energy. Education & Facilities: Tiyan High School repairs are largely done, but roof and remaining work could keep students on a proposed double-session schedule through the semester if a Sept. 11 inspection goes well. Aquaculture & Food Processing: UOG Land Grant will host a “Tilapia to Table” workshop (Sept. 12) covering raising tilapia, salting/smoking fish, and turning fish waste into fertilizer. Aviation Concessions: Guam airport concession updates move forward as Avolta is provisionally set to take over specialty retail and master food & beverage contracts at A.B. Won Pat, pending final negotiations. Seabed Mining Policy: Delegate James Moylan’s bid to block seabed mining from FAST-41 expedited permitting failed after the House Rules Committee declined to advance his amendment. Tourism Grants: GVB launched a new online portal for the Tourism Works Micro-Grant to streamline applications and improve transparency.

Healthcare Capital Projects: Guam Memorial Hospital Authority is moving ahead on its long-stalled $28M maternity ward renovation, with $17.8M certified for Phase 1 and construction planned in four stages so maternal and newborn services can keep running; work is expected to start within 30 days of the Notice to Proceed. Local Governance & Education Funding: Senators are pushing “excess” Section 30 money into power bill credits, public school repairs, and a new Simon Sanchez High School, after Guam’s expected Sept. 15 advance payment. Aquaculture & Food Processing: UOG Land Grant is hosting a “Tilapia to Table” workshop (Sept. 12) covering raising tilapia, salting/smoking for shelf-stable products, and turning fish waste into fertilizer. Energy & Reliability: Guam Power Authority says the Ukudu steam turbine is back online after a prolonged outage, aiming to restore full capacity and reduce grid stress. Tourism & Airport Concessions: GIAA is advancing Dufry International as the top-ranked bidder for A.B. Won Pat airport retail and master food & beverage contracts, pending final talks. Regional Security: Pacific leaders at the Pacific Islands Forum criticized China’s missile test for insufficient warning, calling for advance notification and transparency. Defense Industry: The Marine Corps is seeking 3D CT scanners for cracked body armor, with Guam listed for deployment.

Marianas Mining: The acting Marine Minerals Administration director, Matt Giacona, is set to resign Sept. 4 as the proposed Dec. 16 seabed mining lease sale moves forward, with Guam still lacking a formal role and no successor named. Healthcare & Construction: Guam Memorial Hospital is finally moving ahead on its $17.8M maternity ward renovation after 10 years, with Phase I procurement approved and work expected to start within 30 days. Education & Facilities: Tiyan High School repairs are mostly done, but roof and remaining work could keep both Tiyan and Simon A. Sanchez on a double-session schedule through the semester if a Sept. 11 inspection goes well. Aviation & Concessions: Avolta is provisionally set to take over A.B. Won Pat Airport specialty retail and master food & beverage contracts, while Dufry International is conditionally ranked top for the main retail and food & beverage bids. Tourism & Local Food: GVB launched a new online portal for the Tourism Works Micro-Grant, and UOG Land Grant hosted “Tilapia to Table” training tying aquaculture to salted and smoked fish products. Power & Energy: GPA says the Ukudu plant’s steam turbine is back online after a long repair stretch, helping restore generation capacity. Port & Security: Lawmakers are considering a bill to require standardized high-security container seals to reduce seal discrepancies and strengthen cargo integrity. Remittances: JuanPay added Western Union transfers across about 1,400 Philippine locations, with Guam/NMI/Palau included in Western Union’s regional push.

Aviation & Defense Posture: The first permanent F-15EX Eagle II jet for Kadena Air Base left Boeing’s St. Louis facility for Japan, signaling a shift back to permanently assigned fighters to bolster regional air defense. Local School Infrastructure: Tiyan High School repairs are largely done, but roof and safety work could keep both Tiyan and Simon A. Sanchez on a proposed double-session schedule until a Sept. 11 inspection. Tourism & Airport Concessions: GVB launched a new online portal for its Tourism Works Micro-Grant, while Avolta was provisionally set to take over A.B. Won Pat airport speciality retail and master food & beverage contracts; Dufry was also named top-ranked bidder for concessions. Aquaculture & Food Production: UOG Land Grant’s “Tilapia to Table” workshop links tilapia raising with salting, smoking, and value-added fish processing for shelf-stable local food. Port & Cargo Security: Lawmakers advanced a bill to require standardized, high-security shipping container seals to reduce seal discrepancies and strengthen port security. Energy & Reliability: Guam Power Authority cleared the Ukudu steam turbine to return to full load after an extended outage, aiming to stabilize generation and reduce fuel strain. Regional Governance: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero pushed for Guam to gain full Pacific Islands Forum membership, arguing territory status limits funding and meaningful regional voice.