AGP Executive Report

Tourism & Airport Funding: Guam International Airport Authority asked senators for $17.7M after warning airline fees could jump 23% to nearly 50% without the money, as lawmakers grilled GIAA over a $10.5M revenue shortfall and passenger declines. Elections & Community: Micronesia Mall hosts a free “Meet the Candidates” event Sunday, July 5 (12-3 p.m.) with voter registration help from the Guam Election Commission. Invasive Species Response: Volunteers with Joint Region Marianas and UOG caught about 20 brown tree snakes during a workshop and night hunt at Andersen Air Force Base. Local Culture & Arts: Guam Museum announces “Mark Dell’Isola: A Retrospective 1986-2026,” opening July 10 and running through Oct. 16. Public Safety & Justice: A man was sentenced to life without parole plus 25 years for raping a 13-year-old girl, with additional vulnerable victim enhancements. Foster Care Push: Mayors’ Council of Guam plans a new campaign to recruit and support foster families as the shortage worsens. Health & Environment: Guam extended public comment on the draft Coastal Fisheries Management Plan through July 21. Sports: Guam athletes will represent the island at the 2026 FIVB U18 Beach Volleyball World Championships in The Hague (July 8-12).

Tourism & Airport Oversight: Guam lawmakers grilled Guam Visitors Bureau and airport officials at a joint hearing, with senators warning results are “pretty bleak,” criticizing a $10 million airline incentive as a “bad bet” and pressing for measurable accountability as April enplanements fell sharply before a hoped-for July rebound. Coastal Fisheries: The Guam Department of Agriculture extended public comment on the draft Guam Coastal Fisheries Management Plan through July 21, 2026 after town halls with fishers across the island. Education Leadership: Judith P. Guthertz was named Guam Community College president, starting July 6, as the school heads into its 50th year. Energy & Environment: GovGuam agencies received eight plug-in hybrid electric vehicles funded by federal grants to cut fuel costs and emissions. Sports & Youth: Guam’s U18 beach volleyball pair Alessandra “Ally” Leon Guerrero and Erica Cassidy will represent Guam at the FIVB U18 World Championships in The Hague. Community Events: Freedom Rocks! returns for July 4 at Naval Base Guam’s Sumay Marina with food trucks, family activities, and fireworks at 8 p.m. Deep-Sea Mapping: Nautilus set sail for Guam with a new sonar upgrade to map deeper seafloor.

Electric Vehicles for GovGuam: The Guam Energy Office handed over eight plug-in hybrid vehicles to agencies including DPHSS, Youth Affairs, and DPW, aiming to cut fuel costs and emissions. Tourism & Airport Scrutiny: Lawmakers grilled Guam Visitors Bureau and airport officials over a tourism slowdown and an April operating revenue shortfall, with questions about accountability and needed funding. Sports on the World Stage: Guam’s Alessandra “Ally” Leon Guerrero and Erica Cassidy will represent the island at the FIVB U18 Beach Volleyball World Championships in The Hague (July 8-12). Independence Day Plans: Naval Base Guam and MWR’s “Freedom Rocks!” set July 4 festivities at Sumay Marina, with fireworks at 8 p.m. Public Health Alert: FDA recalls moringa leaf powder supplements tied to Salmonella illnesses, including cases reaching 119 in 37 states. Military Drill Update: A B-2 reportedly fired an LRASM during Valiant Shield 2026, targeting the decommissioned USS Juneau north of Guam. Local Education: F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School in Yigo passed phase one of a health inspection, clearing the way for reopening. Youth Sports: Registration is open for Fall 2026 PONY Baseball League and the 11th Annual Softball Academy (July 6-10 and July 13-17).

Tourism & Economy: Guam Visitors Bureau officials faced lawmakers in a tough oversight hearing, explaining returns on a $10 million tourism appropriation as airport leaders warned of a major FY2026 revenue shortfall tied to passenger recovery. Public Health & Schools: F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School in Yigo passed phase one of a health inspection and is one step closer to reopening after a 2023 closure. Legislation & Environment: Senators and shippers backed a bill to simplify Guam’s invasive species inspection fee collection, aimed at speeding up remittance and keeping biosecurity funding focused on importers and carriers. Local Infrastructure: Groundbreaking moved ahead for the Dededo Park & Ride Northern Terminal, a three-acre hub meant to feed GRTA’s “Road to Education” route linking schools, health services, and northern villages. Crime & Courts: A man was sentenced to 30 years in prison for impregnating a 13-year-old girl, with prosecutors citing the case’s extreme victim-blaming. Community & Safety: Guam lawmakers advanced a plan to modernize estray livestock laws after reports of cattle roaming and damage, including higher fines and new village enforcement authority. Sports & Youth: Registration opened for the Fall 2026 PONY Baseball League, with divisions from 8U to 18U and a path to regional travel teams. Disaster Relief: The Red Cross reported more than $1.5 million in immediate aid for Sinlaku-affected households across Guam and the CNMI.

Naval Base Guam Independence Day: The base will host a July 4 Freedom Rocks festival at Sumay Cove Marina with games, water sports rentals, food trucks and live entertainment starting 5 p.m., followed by fireworks at 8 p.m. (about 12 minutes), with access limited by current Force Protection Conditions and strict prohibited items plus security screening. Health Care Pressure: Guam health leaders are renewing calls for more hospitals and stronger emergency capacity as beds run short, ER waits grow, and patients are often sent off-island for specialized care. Tourism Reality Check: A local opinion piece argues Guam’s tourism problem isn’t solved by more funding alone, pointing to changed markets, airline access, and visitor expectations. Transit Upgrade: Dededo Park & Ride Northern Terminal broke ground Monday, a three-acre hub funded by a $9.5 million federal grant to support GRTA’s “Road to Education” route linking northern/central villages to schools and medical services. Education Leadership: UOG Provost Dr. Sharleen Santos-Bamba was selected for the 2026 Millennium Leadership Initiative, a national higher-ed executive program. Youth Sports: Registration is open for Fall 2026 PONY Baseball League (eight-game season at Okkodo) and the 11th Annual Softball Academy runs July 6–10 and July 13–17 with local and visiting Japanese coaches. Public Accountability: An audit found oversight and monitoring gaps in Guam’s $10.8M Village Community Care childcare program, with inconsistent recordkeeping across municipalities.

Education & Leadership: UOG Provost Dr. Sharleen Santos-Bamba was picked for the 2026 Millennium Leadership Initiative, a national higher-ed leadership program. Transit & Infrastructure: Officials broke ground in Dededo on a new Park & Ride facility that will anchor the “Road to Education” transit route, funded by $9.5M in federal grants. Public Health & Courts: GDOE asked the court to overturn a Civil Service ruling granting a GDOE psychologist a 35% retroactive pay adjustment dating to 2014. Childcare Accountability: A performance audit found oversight and monitoring gaps in Guam’s $10.8M Village Community Care childcare program. Livestock Law Update: Lawmakers held a hearing on a bill to modernize Guam’s estray livestock rules, including stronger enforcement and higher fines. Tourism Watch: Despite a 24% May drop in arrivals, the Guam Visitors Bureau reported tourism tax collections running above budget and approved infrastructure bids. Community & Sports: Senators want a “neglected” Liguan Terrace park in Dededo turned into a soccer pitch plus community recreation facilities. Disaster Relief: The Red Cross reported more than $1.5M in immediate aid for Sinlaku-affected households across Guam and CNMI.

Medicaid & Maternal Care: DPHSS says doula services will be reimbursable for eligible expectant mothers starting July 1, with prenatal and postpartum coverage through 180 days after pregnancy end and separate billing rules for delivery and visits. Tourism & Public Safety: Guam Visitors Bureau approved infrastructure work for a new Tumon-area Guam Fire Department rescue station even as May arrivals fell 24%, citing stronger-than-expected tourism tax collections. Child Welfare Crisis: Advocates warn Guam’s foster care system is strained by a shortage of foster homes, rising removals, and the ongoing meth crisis, leaving children waiting for placements. Drinking Water Update: A Mangilao well shut down for dieldrin concerns was turned back on after Super Typhoon Sinlaku recovery, with officials saying levels stayed below required limits. Education Oversight: GDOE told lawmakers it has $82.1M in cash but much is tied up in old obligations and restricted funds; school closure and consolidation debates continue. Healthcare Access: Shriners Children’s Hawaii’s July 8-11 outreach clinic in Dededo is filled, with families urged to join future call lists or use telehealth. Military Buildup Concerns: Residents and preservation advocates again raised worries about firing range restrictions near Ritidian and about Guam being repositioned for conflict without civilian input.

Military Buildup Accountability: A sparse but pointed public briefing on Guam’s military buildup heard residents and preservation advocates warn the island is being repositioned as a forward offensive platform, with concerns about missiles, possible microreactors, and civilians lacking shelter and a seat at decision-making tables. Education Governance: Lawmakers heard broad support for a bill to replace Guam’s hybrid school board with a fully appointed Education Board, but testifiers urged tighter guardrails to prevent political influence and protect staff voices. School Closures Debate: GDOE told senators it is not closing schools “at this time,” even as consolidation discussions continue amid declining enrollment and questions about data and community engagement. New Hospital in Mangilao: After years of controversy, officials dedicated the Mangilao site for the new hospital and medical complex, ending the location fight and laying out plans to consolidate Public Health and Behavioral Health services. Public Health Access: Shriners Children’s Hawaii’s July 8-11 outreach clinic in Dededo is filled, with families directed to a waitlist or telehealth options. Tourism & Community Events: Tumon Night Market returns Sunday with a Pride theme, plus road closures and traffic controls starting early. Local Leadership Wins: Port Authority GM Rory Respicio received a top government accountability award, and Guam’s TB program manager was selected to lead the National Tuberculosis Coalition of America. Education & Culture: A St. John’s student, Sujin Oh, earned multiple top honors in mock trial and debate, while Guam Masters Award nomination packets are now available.

Government Accountability: Port Authority of Guam GM Rory J. Respicio received the 2025-2026 Professor John M. Phillips Excellence in Government Accountability Award for strengthening financial accountability, transparency, and repeated clean audits. Public Health Leadership: DPHSS says Guam TB program manager Chima Mbakwem was selected to lead the National Tuberculosis Coalition of America, giving the Pacific a stronger voice in national TB policy. Education Watch: GDOE told lawmakers it won’t close public schools for SY 2026-2027, but consolidation debate continues as enrollment drops; meanwhile, oversight hearings also flagged that GDOE’s $82.1M cash figure is tied up in old obligations and restricted funds. Healthcare Access: Shriners Children’s Hawaii will return July 8-11 for free pediatric orthopedic, burn, and sports injury consultations in Dededo, but appointments are already filled. Tourism & Community: Tumon Night Market goes Pride-themed Sunday with music, performances, and road closures starting 7 a.m. Local Culture: Guam Masters Award nomination packets are available now for “Guam National Treasure” heritage arts honors.

Military Buildup: Sen. Telo Taitague’s reconvened briefing drew sparse attendance but residents and preservation advocates warned Guam is being repositioned as a forward offensive platform without civilian shelters, notice, or a real seat at the decision table. Education Oversight: GDOE told lawmakers no public schools will close or consolidate for 2026-27, even as officials acknowledge enrollment decline and keep consolidation options under review; the department also reported $82.1M in cash but said a review found millions tied to old obligations and restricted funds. New Hospital in Mangilao: A dedication ceremony marked the Mangilao site for Guam’s new hospital complex, ending the location fight; Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said she’s seeking more land and aims to bring Public Health and Behavioral Health under one “whole Guam hospital.” Health Access: Shriners Children’s Hawaii returns July 8-11 for free pediatric orthopedic, healed-burn, and sports-injury consultations, but in-person appointments are filled; families can join a call list or seek telehealth. Tourism & Community: Tumon Night Market goes Pride-themed Sunday with road closures starting 7 a.m., and Guam visitor arrivals fell 23.5% in May, driven largely by South Korea flight schedule changes and higher travel costs. Local Culture: Nomination packets are open for the Guam Masters Award, “Guam National Treasure,” honoring master practitioners of Heritage Arts.

Mangilao Hospital Decision: After years of debate, a dedication ceremony marked the Mangilao site for Guam’s new hospital and medical complex, with Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero saying the plan aims to bring Public Health and Behavioral Health “under one area” and expand capacity. Hospital Audit & Port Watch: The Port Authority of Guam received an unmodified FY 2025 audit opinion, reporting a $40.9M net position and modernization plans totaling about $260M. Youth Health Access: Shriners Children’s Hawaii’s July outreach clinic on Guam is fully booked again, with DPHSS saying bookings are closed for the July 8–11 free pediatric consultations. Pride in Tumon: The Tumon Night Market is set for a Pride-themed celebration Sunday, with road closures starting at 7 a.m. Education Governance: A bill to overhaul the Guam Education Board drew support and cautions at a public hearing, as officials also reiterated no school closures for 2026–27 while consolidation debate continues. Renewables in Yona: The Guam Hybrid Land Use Commission approved a conditional permit for a solar farm in Yona, despite concerns about cultural and environmental impacts. Tourism Update: Guam visitor arrivals fell 23.5% in May, driven largely by South Korea’s drop and reduced flight schedules.

Education Reform: Guam’s education overhaul talks are heating up as lawmakers weigh Bill 286-38 to replace the Guam Education Board with a mostly appointed body, drawing support for clearer accountability but sharp cautions about political influence and public input. School Consolidation: In the meantime, GDOE leaders told senators no public schools will close or consolidate for SY 2026-2027, even as enrollment keeps sliding. Hiring Push: GDOE also hosted a job fair to fill 240 teacher and staff vacancies for 2026-2027, with the biggest needs in elementary, middle, high, and special programs. Contract Fight: A $20M dispute between GDOE and Core Tech International over school repairs is headed into legal and procurement questions. Tourism Watch: Guam visitor arrivals fell 23.5% in May, driven largely by South Korea’s reduced flights and higher travel costs. Military & Local Impact: Naval Airborne Weapons Maintenance Unit One broke ground on a missile test facility while phasing construction to protect and relocate more than 100 threatened native orchids. Community & Culture: The CHamoru Land Trust Commission approved two previously voided leases, and Prutehi Guåhan is set for a second heritage pact forum Saturday.

Education Hiring Push: GDOE held a job fair at Adacao Elementary to fill 240 teacher and staff vacancies for SY 2026-2027, with the biggest needs in elementary, middle, high, and special programs. School Governance Fight: A public hearing on Bill 286-38 drew sharp division over replacing Guam’s elected school board with a largely appointed one, while GDOE said the proposal could illegally limit the executive branch. Contract Clash: GDOE and Core Tech are locked in a nearly $20M dispute over unpaid school repair work, with senators weighing whether payment is legal after a contract expired. Local Land Decisions: The CHamoru Land Trust Commission approved two previously voided leases tied to rules against transferring applicant rights while the original applicant is alive. Renewables in Yona: The Guam Hybrid Land Use Commission approved a conditional permit for a Yona solar farm, with commissioners raising concerns about cultural sites and environmental impacts. Tourism Watch: Guam’s May visitor arrivals fell 23.5% year over year, driven largely by a steep South Korea decline tied to reduced flight schedules and higher travel costs. Public Health Alert: The Department of Public Health is investigating banned, coral-hurting sunscreen chemicals and says it’s working with customs to target shipments. Sports & Community: Chiefs Rugby Club launched its inaugural Golden Hour Cup in Malesso’, aiming to grow rugby in the south and open scholarship pathways for kids. Military & Health Prep: GMHA says it plans to apply for national accreditation in August 2026 and is partnering with the Guam National Guard to prepare.

Military & Community Voice: Guam and CNMI officials are pushing back on federal plans after reports of Chinese strategy targeting U.S. carrier groups and a Pentagon push for offensive missiles on Guam, saying the island is taking more risk without a real say. Historic Preservation: Acting Gov. Josh Tenorio paused the Draft 2026 Guam Historic Preservation Programmatic Agreement for more review, after community concerns and Prutehi Guåhan’s advocacy. Public Health Enforcement: Guam Public Health is investigating violations involving banned, coral-hurting sunscreen chemicals, coordinating with Customs to stop shipments and pursue fines. Education Showdown: A proposed overhaul of Guam’s elected school board system drew sharp division at a legislative hearing, while GDOE and contractor Core Tech clash over nearly $20M in unpaid school repairs. Local People & Culture: Prutehi Guåhan will hold a second heritage pact forum in Hagåtña Saturday; Guam’s CHamoru music community is also spotlighted in a new opinion column. Sports & Pride: 13-year-old wrestler Tåsi Boots makes national headlines, representing Guam bloodlines. Health & Access: UOG-linked Goodwind partnership expands internships and career pathways, and a Guam assistive tech fair Saturday highlights tools to help people live more independently. Tourism Update: Marianas visitor arrivals fell 82% in May after Typhoon Sinlaku disrupted flights.

Public Health Enforcement: Guam’s Department of Public Health is investigating reports of banned, coral-hurting sunscreen still being imported and sold, citing violations of Public Law 38-5 and the Guam Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; officials say they’re coordinating with Customs and will require confirmed products to be removed from commerce and face civil fines. Education Governance Fight: A proposed overhaul of Guam’s elected school board system (Bill 286-38) is drawing sharp pushback at a public hearing, with the education superintendent warning it would improperly shift power and reduce public participation. School Repairs Dispute: GDOE and contractor Core Tech are at odds over nearly $20M in unpaid school repair work, with GDOE arguing the work continued after an expired contract. Courts & Public Safety: A man accused in the 2021 killing of GMH radiologist Dr. Miran Ribati was denied release from custody under electronic monitoring while awaiting trial. Military & Community Voice: Guam leaders are pressing for more public input as missile plans and military buildup discussions intensify, including a legislative briefing opening to community comments. UOG & Careers: UOG signed an MoU with Goodwind Development Corporation to expand internships and career pathways for students and graduates. Tourism & Travel: Marianas visitor arrivals fell 82% in May after Super Typhoon Sinlaku disrupted flights, with airlines and partners working on recovery. Health & Safety Reminder: An AP report highlights what to do when caught in a rip current—don’t panic, relax, and float out of danger.

Military & Culture: Guam leaders are pushing back on federal missile plans and Chinese carrier-strike reporting, while the Legislature is set to hear community concerns about the military buildup after earlier briefings skipped public input. Historic Preservation: Acting Gov. Josh Tenorio paused review of a draft historic preservation agreement for military land, extending time for community feedback and keeping the 2008 deal in place. Education Watch: Students are staging a peaceful protest urging transparency and progress on the long-delayed Simon Sanchez High School project, as Guam’s pertussis outbreak is declared over. UOG Accountability: The University of Guam received a clean FY2025 audit opinion, but auditors flagged internal control weaknesses. Public Health & Safety: Public Health says the pertussis outbreak is over, and a separate national report highlights how to survive rip currents. Local Economy & Community: The VA opened a Dededo clinic annex for veterans, and Guam’s first cannabis permit to operate was approved. Tourism: Marianas visitor arrivals fell 82% in May after Sinlaku disrupted flights.