AGP Executive Report

Indo-Pacific Security: The Republic of the Marshall Islands joined the U.S. State Partnership Program, forming a tri-lateral security link with the Guam National Guard and Nebraska National Guard, focused on emergency management, cyber defense, and interoperability. Defense Tech for Guam: Lockheed Martin says it completed Phase 2 testing of its Guam Defense System Battle Manager prototype, merging Aegis Guam and IBCS data into a single tactical picture and ranking response options. Energy & Utilities: Guam Power Authority testified on Bill 345-38 to authorize about $300M in revenue bonds for generation upgrades and grid resilience, aiming to avoid base-rate hikes while improving reliability. Tourism Accountability: Guam Visitors Bureau board tension rose as Sen. Jesse Lujan criticized tourism recovery results despite incentive funding, pushing for performance-based outcomes. Local Industry & Food: Guam’s Smart-FAD project is promoting pelagic fishing (tuna/mahi/blue marlin) with upgraded satellite echosounder buoys to ease pressure on declining reef fish. Water & Wastewater: GWA approved nearly $1.5M to buy two truck-mounted combination sewer trucks to support sewer cleaning under court and EPA-related obligations. Community & Environment: Guam’s Agriculture Forestry team and LOVE Guam will plant native trees Saturday at As Gadao Plantation to restore the Manell-Geus watershed. Retail & Logistics: Cost.U.Less opened a new Hagåtña flagship, highlighting global sourcing and port coordination to keep Guam shelves stocked.

Guam Business & Trade: Philippine National Bank Guam marked 13 years on island and says it’s pushing deeper into digital banking and expanding commercial and consumer services. Retail & Supply Chain: Cost.U.Less opened a new flagship in Hagåtña, highlighting how its Oakland distribution center and local port coordination help keep shelves stocked despite Guam’s logistics challenges. Tourism & Governance: Guam Visitors Bureau board tensions rose as Sen. Jesse Lujan questioned tourism recovery results after incentive spending, while GVB leaders pointed to longer-term program impacts. Energy & Utilities: GPA testified on Bill 345-38 to authorize about $300M in revenue bonds for generation upgrades and grid resilience, aiming to avoid higher base rates. Water & Wastewater: GWA moved toward buying two 12-yard sewer cleaning trucks to meet court and EPA-related obligations, with delivery expected over 300 days. Fisheries & Food Security: Guam is promoting pelagic fishing with smart buoys to steer fishers away from declining reef stocks. Defense & Tech: Lockheed and Anduril reported Guam Defense System battle-manager progress, while a Hong Kong-flagged tanker helped rescue 18 crew from a flooding cargo ship en route to Okinawa. Community & Culture: The Aydlett brothers begin building a 25-foot “Tower for Humanity” Twin Towers tribute at Micronesia Mall using 100,000+ toy logs, with completion targeted around Sept. 9. Regional Security: Palau is preparing for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, expecting about 2,000 attendees focused on climate, ocean stewardship, and energy security. Online Safety: A landmark Meta settlement includes Guam and requires new child-safety limits and features on Facebook and Instagram.

Tourism & Governance: Sen. Jesse Lujan grilled the Guam Visitors Bureau board, saying tourism is still lagging despite a $10M airline incentive and warning that performance-based budgeting will demand measurable results. Utilities & Infrastructure: GPA testified on Bill 345-38 to authorize about $300M in revenue bonds for generation, transmission, distribution, and storm resilience, while separate updates show Ukudu output rising to 135MW as repairs continue on the steam turbine. Public Works Procurement: DPW is resetting the bidding for the long-stalled Simon Sanchez High School campus after protests and litigation risk, leaving students still displaced. Defense Tech: Lockheed and Anduril both tested AI-enabled battle manager prototypes for Guam’s defense system, aiming to fuse sensor and interceptor data into a single operational picture. Environment & Fisheries: Guam is pushing pelagic fishing with smart buoys to ease pressure on declining reef fish, and a tree-planting event is set for Saturday at As Gadao Plantation. Social Media Accountability: Guam is included in a multistate Meta settlement over child-safety claims, with new platform limits and “protective pauses” tied to the case.

Child Safety & Big Tech: Meta agreed to pay states up to about $17B in a landmark settlement over alleged addictive design of Facebook and Instagram for minors, with required platform changes like default daily time limits and “protective pauses,” and Guam is named among the territories in the claims. Guam Utilities & Infrastructure: The Consolidated Commission on Utilities approved about $1.5M for GWA to buy two truck-mounted sewer cleaning combination units, tied to court and EPA-related obligations, as the island also continues to wrestle with power reliability issues tied to Ukudu operations. Local Economy & Governance: The Guam Chamber of Commerce launched a 60-day “Project Prosperity” voter initiative focused on workforce, accountability, revenue diversification, and cost of living, while lawmakers and agencies continue to debate major public works and utility burdens. Fisheries & Food Security: Guam is promoting pelagic fishing with smart buoys to reduce pressure on declining reef fish stocks, pairing a community derby with NOAA-funded FAD upgrades. Environment & Community: A tree-planting restoration event is set for Saturday at As Gadao Plantation, and GSWA moved toward islandwide mandatory trash collection with new carts funding. Defense & Regional Watch: Taiwan’s first F-16 Viper Block 70 jets are arriving in Guam en route to Taiwan for inspections and training, underscoring shifting air-defense needs in the region.

Big Tech & Youth Safety: Guam is named among the jurisdictions in a proposed $17.1B multistate Meta settlement over claims Instagram/Facebook were designed to be addictive to minors, with required safety changes like daily time limits and “Protective Pauses” now heading for court approval. Utility & Power Reliability: Guam Power Authority reports Ukudu plant output rising to about 135 MW as combustion turbines ramp up while the steam turbine stays offline for repairs, with a target return to service by Aug. 31. Local Schools & Construction: Guam DPW will reissue the Simon Sanchez High School campus solicitation after protests and litigation risk, resetting a long-stalled procurement that has left students displaced. Waste & Household Services: GSWA’s board voted to mandate islandwide trash collection and approve $4M for more carts, with rules tied to Public Law 38-39 and enforcement for nonpayment. Nuclear Health Compensation: A bill introduced by Rep. James Moylan (R-Guam) would expand the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to include Rocky Flats and other sites, aiming to open new pathways for affected workers and downwind residents. Seabed Mining Pushback: Reporting highlights concerns that full environmental review for Marianas seabed mining won’t come until after leases are issued, keeping pressure on Guam and CNMI lawmakers. Community & Agriculture: Mangilao’s Donne’ Festival returns Sept. 11-13, spotlighting the island’s hot pepper culture and local food traditions.

Power & Utilities: Guam Power Authority says Ukudu’s output is up to 135 MW after a temporary waiver boosted the three combustion turbines to ~45 MW each while the steam turbine stays offline for repairs; GPA expects the steam turbine back by Aug. 31, aiming to reduce load-shedding risk. Waste & Household Services: The Guam Solid Waste Authority board voted to mandate islandwide trash collection and spend $4 million on new carts, with non-subscribers facing enforcement after 60 days. Education & School Facilities: Yigo Mayor Lizama urged the Guam Education Board to seek Superintendent Judi Won Pat’s resignation over stalled Simon Sanchez rebuild and campus closures; the issue follows a failed inspection that shut down the shared Tiyan/Sanchez campus early in the school year. Agriculture & Training: UOG will host free pesticide applicator exam review workshops (Aug. 31–Sept. 2 and Sept. 14–16) for Guam EPA licensure, supporting farmers and farm workers. Environment & Water Security: A University of Guam study highlights saltwater intrusion risks to Guam’s groundwater aquifer as sea levels rise, adding urgency to conservation efforts. Regional Industry Watch: Opposition continues to grow to U.S. plans for deep sea mining leases near the Marianas, with critics pushing for stronger protections and earlier environmental review.

Education & Local Governance: Yigo Mayor Lizama urged Guam Education Board to seek Superintendent Judi Won Pat’s resignation, citing stalled Simon Sanchez rebuild and the abrupt Tiyan/Sanchez campus shutdown after a failed Aug. 13 inspection. Power & Utilities: Guam Power Authority reported Ukudu output rising to 135 MW after combustion turbines ramped up while steam-turbine repairs continue, with a target return to service by Aug. 31—amid renewed calls for transparency on grid reserve margins. Waste & Household Services: GSWA board voted for islandwide mandatory trash collection and approved $4 million for new waste and recycling carts, with enforcement tied to Public Law 38-39. Legislation & Public Safety: The Guam Legislature heard bills including a coastal warning and notification system for hazardous conditions and other financing-related measures. Energy & Environment: A University of Guam study warns rising salt could threaten Guam’s groundwater, adding pressure to protect the island aquifer. Regional Trade & Community: Mangilao’s Donne’ Festival is set for Sept. 11-13, spotlighting the island’s key pepper crop and local food culture. Healthcare Workforce: GRMC credentialing supervisor Tanya Grant earned a national certification, strengthening medical staff services capacity.

Power Reliability: Guam Power Authority says Ukudu’s output is up as three combustion turbines run at about 45 MW each (135 MW total), while steam-turbine repairs continue with spring supports on island and a target return to service by Aug. 31—aimed at reducing load-shedding risk. Local Lawmaking: The Guam Legislature held a public hearing on a coastal warning and notification bill after lawmakers cited drowning fatalities, plus other measures moving through committee discussion. Seabed Mining Watch: The Marine Minerals Administration confirmed it will delay a full environmental review of deep-sea mining until after leases are held, drawing renewed concern from Guam officials as lease-sale steps advance. Water Security: A University of Guam study warns rising salt could be moving into Guam’s groundwater aquifer as sea levels climb. Energy Demand Pressure: Sen. Will Parkinson is pushing for details on how much power data centers are drawing, citing tight generation reserves amid DOE and GPA grid-capacity concerns. Health & Credentials: GRMC recognized Tanya Grant for earning a national provider credentialing certification. Education Facilities: GEB member Angel Sablan floated using unused northern Guam military facilities as a temporary Simon Sanchez campus. Agriculture Training: UOG will host a free pesticide applicator exam review workshop for Guam EPA licensure. Defense & Tech: Reports highlight China’s hypersonic glide advances and the U.S. Navy’s new AIM-424 “Malice” missile—both raising stakes for Guam’s regional security posture.

Pacific Defense & Readiness: Two Democratic senators are pushing the Pentagon for an independent review of quality-of-life and readiness issues aboard USS Abraham Lincoln and other Iran-blockade deployments, while a U.S. Marine live-fire in Palau highlights how mobile MADIS air defense can extend protection beyond Guam. Fuel & Logistics: DLA Energy signed a new fuel support arrangement with Australia to expand aviation fuel storage and terminaling at RAAF bases, and the Guam Power Authority says fuel oil costs remain about 60% above pre-Iran-war levels, with another Sept. shipment still expected around $160–$165 per barrel. Guam Utilities & Costs: GWA is seeking to charge off $926K in uncollectible customer debt, and the Port Authority of Guam is working through a container yard backlog tied to cargo equipment issues. Local Governance & Environment: Guam’s coral reef resilience plan is getting fresh resident input, while an OPA audit says Guam’s invasive species inspection fee fund didn’t meet its goal of developing the invasive species management plan. Education & Community: GDOE clarified that Tiyan-Sanchez redistricting won’t be voted on Monday, and two JFK High School cadets earned flight academy scholarships. Economy & Tourism: The Democratic gubernatorial team pitched an economic reset centered on tourism recovery plus expanded agriculture and workforce development. Aviation & Travel: Starlux will adjust excess baggage fees starting Sept. 1, with Guam included in its region pricing. Sports & Culture: Weightlifter Chloe Santos returned home with gold, now starting a new career in UOG’s Agriculture and Life Sciences Division.

Invasive Species & Biosecurity: Guam’s invasive-species program is under scrutiny after an OPA audit found the Agriculture invasive species inspection fee fund wasn’t used to develop or implement the Guam Invasive Species Management Plan, and flagged a high conflict-of-interest risk when a private construction firm paid for off-island travel for the State Entomologist. Utilities & Cost of Living: Guam Power Authority says fuel costs tied to the Iran war remain about 60% above pre-conflict levels, with September fuel expected around $160–$165 per barrel and a continuing hit to power bills. Water Affordability: GWA is seeking to charge off $926K in uncollectible customer debt, tied to $9.6M over 120 days past due, with the CCU set to decide next week. Ports & Logistics: Port Authority of Guam reported a container yard backlog caused by container-moving equipment issues, then brought gantry crane 6 back online and restored top lifters to improve cargo flow. Education & School Planning: GDOE says redistricting is not on the agenda for Monday’s Guam Education Board meeting; leaders will present contingency options for Tiyan and Simon Sanchez students instead. Deep-Sea Mining Policy: US territories criticized a Trump plan to explore and lease Mariana Trench seabed mining areas, while Guam’s governor’s office says Guam lacks a formal say and calls for slowing down and more study. Local Business & Trade: GEDA hosted a Japan inbound trade mission alongside PHARE, bringing seven Japan-based businesses to meet Guam makers and explore export deals. Tourism & Economy: Terlaje-Perez pitched an economic reset centered on making Guam cleaner, safer, and more reliable for visitors—while also expanding agriculture and workforce pathways.

Guam Power Authority Fuel Crunch: GPA says fuel oil for power generation is still about 60% higher than pre-Iran war levels, with September shipments expected around $160–$165 per barrel, after July’s LEAC rate hike pushed average bills up nearly $60 for typical residential users. Power Reliability: Load shedding risk remains high as Piti 9 tripped offline and Ukudu repairs keep capacity constrained until Aug. 31, with GPA urging conservation. Port Authority Backlog: Container yard congestion hit the Jose D. Leon Guerrero Commercial Port due to equipment issues; gantry cranes and top lifters were brought back online and gate access expanded to move cargo faster. Local Business & Food: Pepper Lunch opened a second Guam location in Hagåtña at Agana Shopping Center, aiming to serve central and southern Guam customers who don’t want the drive to Dededo. Trade & Exports: GEDA hosted a Japan inbound trade mission alongside PHARE, bringing seven Japan-based businesses to meet Guam makers and explore export deals. Environment & Industry: BOEM says proposed CNMI deep-sea mining leasing won’t affect Guam’s coastal zone, while residents weigh in on Guam’s coral reef resilience plan and call for stronger enforcement. Education & Services: GDOE clarified that Tiyan-Simon Sanchez redistricting won’t be voted on Monday; the board will hear only contingency options for students and busing. Policy & Oversight: Guam’s seabed mining voice remains limited as federal processes move forward without Guam’s formal comment standing, drawing criticism from the governor’s office. Military Infrastructure: A major U.S. push is upgrading Pacific airfields to support tanker refueling hubs under the Pacific air strategy. Supreme Court Watch: A Guam-led lawsuit against the Air Force over NEPA compliance for explosives detonation near Tarague Beach is set for Supreme Court oral arguments Oct. 7.

Defense & Energy Contracting: Ten construction firms won a combined $997M U.S. Navy contract to build, maintain, and repair fuel pipelines and storage tanks worldwide, with Pacific Design Builders LLC of Tamuning among the awardees. Power Costs & Reliability: Guam Power Authority reported fuel oil still about 60% higher than pre-Iran war levels, with September barrels expected around $160–$165, while load shedding risk remains elevated as units stay under repair. Local Infrastructure Disruption: Port Authority of Guam said container yard backlogs were tied to container-moving equipment issues, with gantry crane repairs and gatehouse access changes aimed at easing congestion. Education Operations: GDOE clarified no redistricting vote is planned for Monday’s Guam Education Board meeting as Tiyan and Simon Sanchez students are handled via contingency plans. Coral & Environment: Residents weighed in on Guam’s coral reef resilience strategy update, urging stronger enforcement, tighter development and pollution controls, and more environmental education. Seabed Mining Tension: BOEM said preliminary deep-sea mining leasing near the CNMI won’t affect Guam’s coastal zone, but Guam leaders criticized the broader federal push for moving ahead without Guam’s formal say. Trade & Food Industry: GEDA and WUSATA hosted a Japan inbound trade mission alongside PHARE, connecting seven Japan-based businesses with Guam makers; locally, Pepper Lunch opened a second Guam location in Hagåtña. Public Health: A CDC wastewater update flagged rising COVID-19 activity in U.S. territories including Guam.

Energy Costs & Reliability: Guam Power Authority says fuel-oil costs swung from about $53.5M (April) to $37.8M (June) then back to $39.2M (July), with the next shipment due around Sept. 3 and power bills still feeling the impact; GPA also warned load shedding stays a high risk until the end of the month as Ukudu repairs drag, with rotating outages possible if demand outpaces generation. Port & Logistics: The Port Authority of Guam is working through a container backlog after equipment issues, restoring gantry cranes and top lifters and expanding gate access to help trucks move cargo. Local Business & Food Industry: Pepper Lunch opened its second Guam location in Hagåtña at Agana Shopping Center, aiming to serve central and southern customers faster; meanwhile, PHARE 2026 kept local hospitality and food makers in the spotlight, including chef competitions featuring island and distributor products. Trade & Exports: GEDA hosted a Japan Inbound Trade Mission with seven Japan-based businesses meeting Guam companies to explore buyer-supplier ties, tied to PHARE. Governance & Environment: Guam’s governor’s office is pushing back on a fast-moving Marianas seabed mining lease sale that would let CNMI lead comments while Guam lacks a formal say; Guam also faces an OPA finding that invasive species funding hasn’t produced the required management plan. Public Safety: Gov. David Apatang ordered emergency rules for brown tree snake inspections of vessels leaving Guam for CNMI after new detections on Rota.

Port Operations: The Port Authority of Guam says container backlog is tied to issues with container-moving equipment, with Gantry Crane 6 back in service and crews restoring top lifters and repairing cargo-handling gear; the gatehouse will open Saturday to help truckers retrieve containers. Energy & Cost Pressures: GPA reports fuel shipment costs swinging again after July’s jump, while load shedding risk stays high through late August as Piti 9 trips offline and Ukudu repairs drag on. Local Business & Trade: GEDA and PHARE hosted a Japan Inbound Trade Mission with seven Japanese firms meeting Guam makers and food businesses, while GEDA also highlighted local products at the Pacific Hotel & Restaurant Expo. Food & Retail: Pepper Lunch opened a second Guam location in Hagåtña at Agana Shopping Center, drawing early crowds and aiming to serve central and southern Guam faster. Seabed Mining Politics: Guam leaders and Sen. William Parkinson are pushing back on a CNMI-led seabed mining lease sale process that excludes Guam from formal comments, calling for slower, science-led review. Public Health Watch: CDC wastewater data shows COVID-19 activity rising in U.S. states and Guam, signaling a summer uptick. Infrastructure & Safety: Gov. David Apatang issued emergency rules requiring brown tree snake inspections for vessels departing Guam to protect CNMI ecosystems. Hospitality Competition: PHARE 2026 chefs competed using local distributor products, including Impossible plant-based beef and Marufuku eggs.

Trade & Food Exports: Guam Economic Development Authority hosted a Japan Inbound Trade Mission with seven Japan-based businesses, pairing them with local makers like Denanche’ Guam, Kingfisher’s Noni, Local Jerk Guam, The Coconut Tree Company and The Green Turtle Coffee, as talks tied to PHARE aim to open Japan retail and foodservice channels. Tourism & Hospitality: The Guam Visitors Bureau says tourism recovery is being pressured by higher travel costs and weaker demand, with June arrivals down sharply year-over-year and Korea hit hardest; GVB is leaning on digital marketing and airline/travel partnerships to lift bookings. Power & Utilities: GPA reported baseload Piti 9 tripped offline, triggering rotating load shedding, and warned the island remains at high risk until late August as Ukudu repairs continue, with conservation urged during peak hours. Local Business & Jobs: Pepper Lunch opened its second Guam location in Hagåtña at Agana Shopping Center, positioning the new site to support growing management staffing. Governance & Environment: A new Office of Public Accountability audit found gaps in Guam invasive species management planning, including the lack of an updated management plan since 2017. Education & Workforce: UOG launched a College Credit for Lived Experience program, offering up to 30 credits for skills gained through work, certifications, service, and other real-world experience. Public Safety: Gov. David M. Apatang issued emergency rules ordering brown tree snake inspections for vessels departing Guam to protect the CNMI from a potentially irreversible ecological threat.

Guam Power Reliability: Guam Power Authority says the islandwide system stays at high risk for load shedding until Aug. 31 as Ukudu’s steam turbine remains offline for repairs, with a fix tied to specially fabricated springs expected Aug. 25. Local Housing & Procurement: GHURA approved a $152,040.06 write-off of tenant accounts receivable and created a new housing procurement specialist role to strengthen procurement and compliance reviews. School Operations: McCool Elementary/Middle School will shift to virtual instruction while air-conditioning repairs continue, with teams still troubleshooting and working toward a safe reopening. Seabed Mining Pushback: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and Del. James Moylan warn Washington not to rush the Northern Marianas seabed mining plan as a proposed leasing notice moves forward. Invasive Species Oversight: An OPA audit finds gaps in Guam’s invasive species management, including the lack of an updated management plan since 2017. Hospitality & Food Industry: PHARE 2026 at Hyatt Regency Guam spotlights local products and hospitality innovation, including chef competitions featuring distributor-supplied ingredients. Workforce Development: UOG launched a College Credit for Lived Experience program allowing up to 30 credits for work, certifications, military service, and other experience. Defense & Infrastructure: A Guam-based fiber optic upgrade contract modification was awarded for communications work at Naval Base Guam and Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, with completion targeted for 2029.