AGP Executive Report

Local Jobs Pulse: Guam added 790 net jobs year-over-year in March 2026, driven by private-sector growth (+1,110 jobs) while government employment slipped (-180), with unemployment steady at 3.4%. Tourism & Marketing: The Guam Visitors Bureau and 12 businesses promoted Guam as a “Wellness Island” at the Seoul International Travel Fair, winning top marketing honors and reporting strong interest in packages and pricing. Construction & Safety: A contractor sued Black Construction Corp. in federal court, alleging he was crushed by a fuel pipe incident at a $225M Tinian military jobsite. Healthcare Funding Crunch: After a Supreme Court win, the Mangilao hospital project moves ahead, but most of the $104M ARP pot must be reallocated to other projects to meet federal deadlines. Defense & Industry Pipeline: The S.A.M.E. Guam Industry Forum returns July 28–30, aiming to align local contractors and workforce with rising DoD spending. Energy Costs: Guam Power Authority secured a $35M Bank of America credit line to cover fuel spikes, with potential customer impacts as fuel surcharges are considered. Agriculture Support: $239K in checks was released for farmers hit by Super Typhoon Sinlaku.

Tourism & Trade: Guam Visitors Bureau (with 12 local partners) pitched the island as a “Wellness Island” at the Seoul International Travel Fair, aiming to boost Korean demand with pricing and package interest. CNMI Connectivity: Marianas Visitors Authority says Philippine Airlines’ direct Manila–Saipan flights are set to resume in October, restoring a key leisure and business/medical link after typhoon-related suspension. Energy Costs: Guam Power Authority secured a $35M Bank of America credit line to cover rising fuel costs, with repayment monthly and potential customer impacts tied to a fuel surcharge. Construction/Engineering: AECOM won a nationwide DHS infrastructure modernization contract that includes Guam, supporting facility upgrades and design-build documentation. Maritime Security: The Coast Guard accepted delivery of the new Fast Response Cutter Jeffrey Palazzo, the fifth FRC homeported in Guam, strengthening port and coastal defense and response. Local Economy & Jobs: Guam’s private sector drove job growth in March, with construction and tourism/hospitality adding workers while unemployment held at 3.4%. Agriculture Relief: $239K in checks was released to farmers for Sinlaku crop losses, with more recovery phases expected. Marine & Environment: NOAA funding cuts could end Guam ocean research and reef protection programs, putting long-running monitoring and resilience work at risk. Small Business: Guam’s first trading card cafe expanded into a larger Dededo space, pairing card collecting with an in-house cafe. Workforce & Industry: A push to grow Guam’s next food-and-beverage workforce highlights career pathways beyond entry-level kitchen jobs. Defense Infrastructure: Tutor Perini’s Guam unit won a major NAVFAC Pacific task order for hardening Naval Base Guam electrical feeders, with design starting in August 2026. Fisheries Policy: Trump opened parts of Pacific marine monuments to commercial fishing, including waters around Guam, a move backed as job-boosting but criticized for reducing protected access.

Wellness Tourism Push: A 12-business Guam delegation led by the Guam Visitors Bureau marketed Guam as a “Wellness Island” at the Seoul International Travel Fair, using local hotel, golf, and experiences partners plus CHamoru performances to attract Korean travelers. Energy Costs Relief: Guam Power Authority secured a $35M Bank of America credit line to cover rising fuel expenses, with repayment monthly and a potential customer bill impact tied to a proposed fuel surcharge. Local Jobs Snapshot: Guam’s March employment rose by 790 year-over-year, driven mainly by private-sector growth—especially construction and hotel work—while unemployment held at 3.4%. Infrastructure & Engineering Contracts: AECOM won a nationwide DHS infrastructure modernization contract that includes Guam, while Tutor Perini’s Guam unit landed a NAVFAC Pacific task order for hardening Naval Base Guam electrical feeders. Agriculture Funding: Del. James Moylan says Guam could receive over $5M from the FY27 Agriculture Appropriations bill for hospital, fire response, and forensic lab upgrades, plus $239K already distributed to farmers for Sinlaku crop losses. Maritime & Defense Readiness: The Coast Guard accepted delivery of the 63rd Fast Response Cutter homeported in Guam, and Guam’s ocean research and reef protection programs face potential shutdown in FY2027. Small Business Spotlight: Guam’s first trading card cafe opened in Dededo with a combined card-shop and cafe setup, expanding local hobby and coffee culture. Fisheries Policy Shift: Trump opened parts of three Pacific marine national monuments to commercial fishing, including waters around Guam, drawing criticism from protected-fishing advocates.

Aviation & Logistics: ACDI Multipurpose Cooperative says its first Cessna 408 SkyCourier arrived at Clark Airport in the Philippines after a nearly 10-day trip from Texas and Guam, positioning the 19-seat twin-turboprop for cargo, passenger transport, humanitarian response, and inter-island connectivity. Maritime Safety & Response: In Saipan, Lt. Gabriel LaMartina took over command of the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit, which has been a key prevention and response hub across the CNMI, including support during Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Defense & Infrastructure: Tutor Perini Corp. won a roughly $651.8M NAVFAC Pacific task order for hardening critical electrical feeders at Naval Base Guam, with design starting Aug. 2026 and construction slated to begin April 2027. Local Economy: Guam’s Department of Labor reported 790 more jobs in March year-over-year, with tourism and hospitality adding 130 jobs; unemployment held at 3.4%. Agriculture Relief: Guam released the first batch of crop-loss checks for Sinlaku, totaling $239,000 for local farmers. Marine & Conservation: Guam’s ocean research and reef protection programs face potential shutdown in FY2027 as NOAA funding is proposed for cuts. Community & Tourism: Guam’s first trading card cafe opened in Dededo, and GVB’s Seoul push marketed Guam as a “Wellness Island.” Policy Watch: Trump signed a proclamation reopening parts of three Pacific marine national monuments to commercial fishing, including waters around Guam’s Mariana Trench.

Hospital Funding Shuffle: Guam’s Mangilao hospital infrastructure money is at risk of being reallocated as a Dec. 31 deadline nears, with CCU discussions pointing to GWA as the main agency able to spend the federal ARP funds. Farm Recovery: $239,000 in first checks for Super Typhoon Sinlaku crop losses has been released to Guam farmers, with more recovery work still ahead. Aquaculture Boost: UH Hilo is a core member of a new $13.5M federal aquaculture consortium (CIFARM), aiming to strengthen U.S. seafood supply using Pacific expertise. Defense & Infrastructure: Tutor Perini won a NAVFAC Pacific task order worth about $651.8M for hardening critical feeders at Naval Base Guam, with design starting Aug. 2026. Ocean Protection Under Threat: Guam’s ocean research and reef conservation programs face possible shutdown in FY2027 as NOAA budget cuts target marine grants. Local Jobs Snapshot: Guam added 790 jobs in March year-over-year, while unemployment stayed at 3.4%. Marine Conservation Count: Volunteers logged 269 fanihi fruit bats across Guam, Saipan, and Tinian in the annual coordinated count. Tourism Push: GVB and local partners marketed Guam as a “Wellness Island” at the Seoul travel fair, booking more inquiries and package questions. Commercial Fishing Policy Shift: Trump opened parts of three Pacific marine monuments to commercial fishing, including the Mariana Trench area off Guam. Agriculture Law Update: A bill would overhaul Guam’s estray livestock rules, raising penalties and expanding local enforcement to reduce cattle-related incidents.

Aquaculture & Food Security: The University of Hawaiʻi was named a core member of a new $13.5M federal seafood research consortium (CIFARM), with UH Hilo’s Chatham Callan leading work aimed at resilient, tech-driven aquaculture and stronger U.S. seafood supply. Maritime Defense: The Navy reactivated Submarine Squadron 3 to support AUKUS rotations at HMAS Stirling, while a separate defense push points to a planned 2027 demo pairing an autonomous surface vessel with Castelion’s Blackbeard hypersonic strike missile. Energy & Jobs: Renewable energy groups sued the Pentagon over stalled wind-farm national security reviews, warning of $47B in investment risk and job losses. Local Environment & Conservation: Guam’s ocean research and reef protection programs face possible shutdown in FY2027 as NOAA funding is proposed for cuts. Tourism & Local Economy: Guam’s Visitors Bureau and partners marketed the island as a “Wellness Island” in Seoul, and Guam’s labor market added 790 jobs in March year-over-year with unemployment steady at 3.4%. Navy Construction: Tutor Perini’s Guam unit won a NAVFAC Pacific task order (~$651.8M) to harden Naval Base Guam electrical feeders. Community: DAWR set a June 27 Kids Fishing Derby with a June 20 clinic, and Pride Month continues with Love Out Loud II at Club Zoh. Policy Shock to Fisheries: Trump opened parts of three Pacific marine national monuments to commercial fishing, including waters tied to the Mariana Trench unit off Guam.

Pride & Nightlife: Love Out Loud II returns to Club Zoh in Tumon tonight with local DJs and a featured drag performance, running 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Undersea Defense: The U.S. Navy reactivated Submarine Squadron 3 to support AUKUS rotations at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia, strengthening allied undersea logistics and readiness. Pacific Fisheries Policy: Trump opened protected Pacific waters to commercial fishing, lifting limits in the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument near Guam, a move aimed at boosting the fishing industry and lowering seafood prices. Guam Jobs Snapshot: Guam added 790 jobs in March year-over-year, with unemployment holding at 3.4%, as tourism and hospitality posted gains. Aquaculture Research: UH Hilo was named a core member of a $13.5M federal aquaculture consortium to expand U.S. seafood supply and sustainable marine farming. Local Agriculture Law: Sen. Telo Taitague introduced Bill No. 330-38 to overhaul Guam’s stray livestock rules, raising penalties and expanding local enforcement tools. Construction/Defense Industry: A Virginia firm won a $12.47M Navy contract for engineering services tied to Guam’s submarine fleet, including on-site propeller and propulsor repairs. Business & Workforce: The S.A.M.E. Guam Industry Forum 2026 is set for July 28–30 at Dusit Thani Guam Resort, focusing on Indo-Pacific readiness through infrastructure, innovation, and industry capacity.

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.