AGP Executive Report

Former Public Health fire update: Guam’s DPHSS says no lifetime or Office of Vital Statistics records were lost in the Mangilao blaze; GCC now plans to “raze” the damaged building to make room for new nursing and paramedic simulation labs. USS Abraham Lincoln liberty in Thailand: After 286 days at sea, the carrier docked near Pattaya for rest and relaxation, with sailors and Marines heading to shore under curfews and restrictions, while new photos show heavy “running rust” and chipped paint described as mostly cosmetic. Education facilities timeline: Tiyan High and Simon Sanchez students could return to the Tiyan campus for double-session classes the week after a Sept. 11 inspection, as roof repairs continue. Tourism push: GVB’s Guam Mega FAM brings 200+ international travel partners to Guam Sept. 3–7, and it also launched an online grants portal for the Tourism Works Micro-Grant. STEM and health on Guam: Society for Science named the Top 300 for the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (including U.S. territories), while MDX Imaging installed a new digital X-ray system and Todu Guam Foundation welcomed OB/GYN Dr. Jacqueline M.K. Wong.

Education & Campus Safety: Tiyan High and Simon A. Sanchez students are set for a possible return to the Tiyan campus under a Sept. 11 Department of Public Health inspection, with double-session classes planned for the week after if more areas can reopen after the Aug. 13 shutdown. Accountability in School Procurement: A Guam audit found significant deficiencies in GDOE’s 2023 air-conditioning procurement, citing unresolved work tied to 286 units and listing millions in questioned costs and financial impacts. Tourism Push: GVB and the Guam Visitors Bureau will host the Guam Mega FAM Sept. 3–7, bringing 200+ travel partners, media, and influencers for tours, cultural experiences, and a tabletop marketplace. Regional Leadership & Climate: Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero is in Palau for the Pacific Islands Forum, calling climate change, security, and health top agenda items as leaders discuss storm impacts and regional priorities. Health Services Upgrade: MDX Imaging Center installed a new digital X-ray system to speed imaging, reduce radiation dose, and improve diagnostic clarity. Local Community & Wellness: Todu Guam Foundation welcomed OB/GYN Dr. Jacqueline M.K. Wong to its Women’s Health team, now accepting new patients and referrals. Public Safety: Guam Fire Department said Monday’s fire at the former Mangilao Public Health building took about six hours to suppress; the cause is still under investigation. Sports & Culture: Guam Ninja Association’s quarterly competition drew 26 athletes, while Guam’s fall sports action continues with teams preparing for upcoming meets and tournaments.

Education Disruption: Tiyan High and Simon Sanchez students are still learning remotely after a failed building inspection shut down the Tiyan campus; another inspection is set for Thursday after the Aug. 13 check found major issues. Local Fire Response: Guam Fire Department says Monday’s fire at the former Mangilao Public Health building took about six hours to suppress, damaging furniture, equipment and files; the cause is still under investigation. Tourism Funding Push: GVB launched an online grants portal for its Tourism Works Micro-Grant, with applications now open for tourism-related cultural, sports, eco-tourism, wellness, education and community projects. Hospital Access Upgrade: GMHA cut the ribbon on 38 new parking stalls at Guam Memorial Hospital to help patients and visitors who’ve been struggling to find parking. Regional Diplomacy: Guam is seeking full membership in the Pacific Islands Forum, arguing it will strengthen Guam’s voice on regional economic, security and climate efforts. Navy & Guam Connections: A MyNavy HR Career Development Symposium wrapped up in Japan and Guam, and the USS Abraham Lincoln is set to dock in Thailand after a long deployment. Politics & Citizenship Debate: Congressional candidate Alicia Limtiaco says she opposes efforts to end birthright citizenship for children born in Guam and other U.S. territories. Sports & Culture: Guam athletes are heading to Tokyo for the 2026 SJJIF World Jiu-Jitsu Championship, and Fish & Kon Mart opened in Saipan to help restore breadfruit access after Typhoon Sinlaku.

Guam Fire Response: The Guam Fire Department said it took about six hours to suppress a Monday fire at the former Department of Public Health and Social Services building in Mangilao, damaging furniture, personal items, and files; the cause is still under investigation. Local Health & Infrastructure: Guam Memorial Hospital Authority cut the ribbon on 38 new parking stalls to ease patient and visitor stress, with a second phase expected to add sidewalks by November. Education Support: Marines from Camp Blaz welcomed students back at Finegayan Elementary, helping with cleanup, classroom repainting, and storm recovery support. Sports on the Global Stage: Guam MMA fighter Joseph “Seay” Camacho heads to Tokyo for PANCRASE 365 on Sept. 6, and a 16-athlete Guam jiu-jitsu delegation will compete in the SJJIF World Jiu-Jitsu Championship Sept. 3–6. Budget & Governance Debate: A revised fiscal 2027 budget bill has become law after Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero let it lapse, citing concerns about changes affecting the Office of the Attorney General. Regional Geopolitics: The UN warned that nuclear test bans are at risk as major powers refuse to ratify the treaty.

Citizenship Fight: A new legal blueprint argues Congress can “turn Guam citizenship on and off,” reviving the birthright citizenship debate tied to a bill by Rep. Morgan Griffith. Local Healthcare: GMHA cut the ribbon on 38 new parking stalls at Guam Memorial Hospital to help patients who have been canceling or postponing care due to parking stress. Budget Watch: Guam’s revised FY 2027 budget bill has become law after Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero let it lapse, citing concerns about changes that reduce oversight in the Attorney General’s office. Education Accountability: An audit says GDOE bought 286 air-conditioning units worth $2.7M that sat in a warehouse, with questioned costs and possible additional installation expenses. Public Safety: The Guam Attorney General launched “Bomb Busters,” moving toward felony and misdemeanor charges for people abandoning vehicles. Tourism Push: Guam Visitors Bureau’s Guam Mega FAM Tour brings 200+ travel trade and media partners to boost international arrivals. Sports & Culture: Guam athletes head to Tokyo for jiu-jitsu worlds, while parkour coaching begins at Sindalu Siha with a visiting Japanese instructor.

Hospital & Health: Guam Memorial Hospital cut the ribbon on 38 new parking stalls to ease stress for patients and visitors, with more upgrades planned for sidewalks by November. Emergency Care Upgrade: GRMC is advancing emergency heart attack treatment with Bluetooth-enabled pre-hospital EKG tech, letting ambulances transmit 12-lead results to the cardiac team en route. Public Safety & Enforcement: The Office of the Attorney General launched “Guam Bomb Busters,” moving toward felony and misdemeanor charges against owners of abandoned vehicles to tackle blight and health risks. Local Government & Budget: Guam’s FY 2027 budget act lapsed into law without Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero’s signature, though she flagged concerns about changes affecting the Attorney General’s oversight. Sports & Culture: Guam will send a 16-athlete jiu-jitsu delegation to Tokyo for the SJJIF World Jiu-Jitsu Championship, and Joseph “Seay” Camacho returns to the PANCRASE cage Sept. 6. Education Accountability: An audit says GDOE bought 286 AC units worth $2.7M that sat in a warehouse, raising potential additional costs to install them.

GDOE Accountability: An OPA audit says Guam Department of Education mishandled a federally funded air-conditioning buy—286 units worth about $2.7M sat in a warehouse, with potential additional costs of $9.5M, after the agency failed to enforce installation requirements. Hospital Resilience: Guam Memorial Hospital won FEMA approval for $16.1M to add a second backup generator, aiming to keep emergency power steady during long outages. Education Oversight: Lawmakers pressed GDOE over a roughly $427M school repair backlog, while individual campuses scored improvements—JQ San Miguel Elementary jumped from a C to an A after health inspections. Campaign Watch: Guam’s gubernatorial candidates clashed on how to revive the economy and fix government operations at a Women’s Chamber forum, while delegate candidates debated CNMI’s economy and federal ties and Guam’s congressional race focused on “Guam first” federal equity. Health & Community: Pay-Less Community Foundation’s Circle of Care offers free cancer support services through September, including an online group. Culture & Sports: Yona’s second cultural festival continued CHamoru traditions, and a parkour clinic at Sindalu Siha took first steps toward a new program.

Education Accountability: An OPA audit says Guam Department of Education has 286 uninstalled, ARP-funded air-conditioning units worth about $2.7M in a Piti warehouse, with possible $9.5M in extra costs and questioned contract handling. Hospital Resilience: FEMA approved $16.1M for Guam Memorial Hospital’s second backup generator, boosting emergency power during long outages. School Conditions: Lawmakers pressed GDOE over a $427M school repair backlog, while two schools improved after health inspections—JQ San Miguel from C to A and Luis P. Untalan from B to A. Teacher Pay Push: Guam Federation of Teachers is urging support for a bill targeting teacher salaries at 95% of the national average within five years, and a separate measure would give GDOE more control over educator pay structures. Public Health & Safety: Guam delayed a warning after tests found banned pesticide in a well serving about 1,200 residents; residents were told to boil water. Politics & Federal Focus: Alicia Limtiaco took questions at a women’s forum on federal equity and “Guam first” priorities, while Guam’s gubernatorial candidates clashed on rebuilding the economy and workforce. Community & Culture: Yona’s second cultural festival continues CHamoru traditions, and Sindalu Siha is starting a parkour program after a Japanese coaching clinic.

FEMA Funding for GMH: Guam Memorial Hospital won federal approval for a $16.1 million FEMA grant to install a second backup generator, with about $94,354 for project management, pushing the hospital’s $17.9 million project closer to completion and boosting emergency power resilience after Typhoon Mawar. Education Oversight: Lawmakers grilled the Guam Department of Education over a $427 million school repair backlog, warning the problem goes beyond fixing classrooms and pointing to staffing and maintenance gaps tied to sanitation inspection failures. Head Start Protection Bill: Senators Chris Barnett and Sabina Perez introduced Bill 350-38 to lock in Guam’s baseline Head Start standards, aiming to stop federal “streamlining” from lowering protections for local children. Local School Wins: JQ San Miguel Elementary improved from a C/28 to an A/8 on health inspections, while Luis P. Untalan Middle School rose from B/17 to A/6 after cleanup and facility upgrades. Tourism Accountability: A Guam Visitors Bureau board meeting drew criticism from Sen. Jesse Lujan over tourism recovery results despite incentive spending, as the bureau faces pressure to show measurable outcomes. Heritage Area Deadline: Residents have until Monday to weigh in on whether Guam should become a National Heritage Area, with military access concerns still lingering.

School Updates: JQ San Miguel Elementary jumped from a “C” to an “A” after a Public Health inspection, and Luis P. Untalan Middle School also improved from a “B” to an “A,” with GDOE crediting staff, families, and community partners for sanitation and safety upgrades. Education Pay & Autonomy: Guam Federation of Teachers is urging lawmakers to back a bill targeting teacher pay at 95% of the national average within five years, while another proposal would give GDOE more control over educator salary schedules through the Guam Education Board. Health & Safety Funding: Guam Memorial Hospital secured a $16M FEMA grant for a second backup generator after Typhoon Mawar, plus additional hazard-mitigation support for University of Guam. Public Health Alert: GWA issued a “Boil Your Water” notice for well Y-09 after E. coli was found in raw water serving multiple areas. Local Youth & Culture: More Like Jimmy Scholarship awarded $15,000 to six University of Guam students, and the Guam International Dance Festival returns Dec. 4–6, 2026. Tourism Politics: A Guam Visitors Bureau board meeting drew criticism from Sen. Jesse Lujan over tourism recovery results despite incentive spending.

Radiation Compensation Expansion: Rep. James Moylan (R-Guam) says a new bipartisan bill would expand Missouri’s eligibility for radiation exposure compensation tied to Manhattan Project contamination, adding nine St. Louis-area ZIP codes. Drinking Water Alert: Guam Waterworks Authority issued a “boil your water” notice for well Y-09 in Yigo and nearby areas after E. coli was detected in raw water, even as treated water tested negative. Education Update: Tiyan High and Simon Sanchez could partially reopen next week after a public health inspection, but roof repairs are still projected to run until December. Nursing Oversight Complaint: A father is challenging the Guam Board of Nurse Examiners after it closed a case tied to the 2018 death of 5-year-old Asher Lubofsky, alleging substandard care and lack of accountability. Tourism Accountability: Sen. Jesse Lujan criticized the Guam Visitors Bureau over a tourism slump despite incentive funding, while GVB leaders disputed “budget cuts” as the cause. Cannabis Delivery Rules: The Cannabis Control Board reviewed a request to confirm delivery rules for a new applicant, including whether current law allows delivery and how transportation rules apply. Local Events: The Guam International Dance Festival returns Dec. 4–6, 2026, and the Guam Nikkei Association’s Lantern Floating Ceremony is set for Sept. 19.

Education Accountability: Sen. Vincent Borja opened a Guam Education Board oversight hearing saying the government “failed our students” and pushing for solutions as Tiyan and Simon Sanchez campuses remain in crisis. School Readiness: Tiyan High could partially reopen next week if a public health inspection clears the ground floor, while roof repairs may drag on until December; meanwhile, high school football scheduling has been adjusted and Tiyan/Okkodo may combine teams if rosters fall short. Teacher Pay Reform: Borja also proposed giving the Guam Department of Education autonomy to set its own educator salary and benefits structure, phasing changes in over up to five years. Tourism Politics: Sen. Jesse Lujan criticized the Guam Visitors Bureau board over a tourism slump despite a $10 million incentive investment, warning performance-based budgeting is coming. Public Health Alert: GWA issued a “Boil Your Water” notice for well Y-9 after fecal indicator bacteria tested positive. Community Events: The Guam Nikkei Association will hold its 12th Lantern Floating Ceremony Sept. 19, and Special Olympics Guam hosts a Badminton Skills Challenge Aug. 29. Safety & Justice: A new complaint challenges the Guam Board of Nurse Examiners’ closure of a case tied to the 2018 death of a 5-year-old at Guam Memorial Hospital.

Tourism Oversight: Sen. Jesse Lujan grilled the Guam Visitors Bureau board over a tourism slump, saying the bureau’s results haven’t matched a $10 million airline incentive while 16 limited-term staff jobs are now “in jeopardy.” School Readiness: A Guam Education Board hearing focused on Tiyan and Simon Sanchez, where both campuses were shut down after public health demerits; Tiyan and Simon Sanchez could reopen as early as Tuesday pending inspection. Water Safety: GWA issued a “Boil Your Water” warning for the northern system after well Y-9 tested positive for fecal indicator bacteria, advising residents to boil for three minutes or use bottled water. Education Crisis Politics: Sen. Vince Borja opened another oversight session saying “we failed our students” and pushing for solutions instead of blame as closures and readiness issues continue. Health Disparities: A new American Cancer Society report finds Native Hawaiian women have the highest breast cancer incidence among AANHPI groups, with rates rising across many groups. Community & Sports: Special Olympics Guam will host a 50th-anniversary Badminton Skills Challenge Saturday in Barrigada. Local Government/Utilities: GWA approved nearly $1.5M for two sewer trucks to support ongoing court-ordered cleanup and emergency wastewater response.

Guam Education Crisis: Sen. Vince Borja told lawmakers the Guam Department of Education system “failed our students,” as an oversight hearing focused on school readiness and ongoing campus closures. Local Governance & Schools: A bill introduced by Borja and others would give GDOE more independent control over educator pay and benefits, aiming to address low wages and retention problems. Utilities: CCU approved nearly $1.5M for GWA to buy two sewer-cleaning trucks to meet court and EPA-related obligations. Public Safety: A proposed beach and coast warning system would require uniform flags and signs after lawmakers cited about 12 water-related fatalities per year. Community & Culture: Mount Carmel School’s Heritage Fair invites families to trace clan and familian roots. Sports & Inclusion: Special Olympics Guam will host a Badminton Skills Challenge Saturday, Aug. 29, as it marks its 50th anniversary. Crime: Former GPD K-9 officer Brian Awa was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for meth distribution. Tourism & Heritage: Guam Preservation Trust is accepting teacher applications for $500 classroom grants through Project S.H.O.P. Marianas Spotlight: CNMI’s Kelvin “The Big Hit” Fitial won in bare-knuckle boxing, representing “One Marianas, One Micronesia.”

Meta Settlement: Guam is among the jurisdictions included in a proposed $17.1 billion multistate settlement with Meta over claims Facebook and Instagram were designed to be addictive to minors, with sweeping child-safety changes and major payouts. Local Education: A bill would give the Guam Department of Education more independent control over educator classification, compensation, and benefits to help address pay gaps and retention issues. School Crisis: Yigo Mayor Frances Lizama urged the Education Board to seek Superintendent Judi Won Pat’s resignation, citing stalled Simon Sanchez rebuild efforts and mishandled campus closures tied to the Tiyan/Sanchez shutdown. Public Safety: A bill would create a uniform beach and coast warning system, including standardized flags and signage, after lawmakers cited high water-related fatality rates. Justice: Former Guam Police Department K-9 officer Brian Awa was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for meth distribution. Culture & Community: The Guam Preservation Trust is accepting applications for Project S.H.O.P., offering teachers $500 to fund classroom heritage and CHamoru culture projects. Tourism: Mangilao’s Donne’ Festival is set for Sept. 11-13, celebrating the island’s hot pepper tradition. Environment: Scientists rescued endangered humped tree snails from Guam ahead of Super Typhoon Bavi, and the group has been moved to the St. Louis Zoo.

Education & Local Governance: Yigo Mayor Lizama urged the Guam Education Board to seek Superintendent Judi Won Pat’s resignation, citing stalled Simon Sanchez High School rebuilding and campus closures that left students bouncing between sites and schedules. Public Safety: Sen. Chris Barnett’s Bill 268-38 would create a uniform beach and coast warning system, including safety flags and clear signage, after lawmakers noted limited local data on water-related fatalities. Health & Community: Guam Preservation Trust’s Project S.H.O.P. is accepting teacher applications for $500 grants to bring Guam history and CHamoru culture into classrooms. Courts & Crime: Former Guam Police K-9 officer Brian Dacanay Awa was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for meth distribution. Tourism & Travel: United Airlines announced new direct Japan routes—San Francisco to Okinawa and Los Angeles to Osaka—starting March 2027, building on its Guam service. Military & Readiness: A new GAO report flags a $285B maintenance backlog at U.S. bases, with impacts on barracks and mission-critical infrastructure. Sports & Culture: The Guam Micronesia Island Fair returns at Ypao Beach in late October, highlighting Micronesian arts, dance, and crafts.