AGP Executive Report

GVB Lawsuit: Guam Visitor’s Bureau is facing a $61.5M federal suit alleging repeated sexual assault/harassment and a culture of coverup involving former president Carl Gutierrez and board chair George Chiu; the governor’s office called the allegations “serious” and said it will be handled through the law. AI Court Scrutiny: Guam Legislature legal counsel Michael Phillips responded to a Supreme Court order to show cause over AI-related briefing errors, saying he reviewed citations, didn’t intend to mislead, and added safeguards for future filings. Local Governance: A DPR budget hearing was paused after the appointed head didn’t show up, with Sen. Chris Duenas saying the committee won’t question career staff without an appointee. Military & Pacific: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged allies to “pay up” on burden-sharing, and Guam officials pushed back that Guam already carries the security load. Tourism Hit Hard: Marianas visitor arrivals fell sharply—April down 72% and March down 8%—as Sinlaku recovery and flight disruptions continue. Regional Recovery: From the wreckage of Super Typhoon Sinlaku, Pacific Islanders are slowly rebuilding, with rising death tolls and widespread displacement. Sports: Masakåda and Matao play international matches this week, with admission proceeds supporting Northern Marianas recovery. Politics/Status Vote: The Commission on Decolonization says there’s no new movement on Bill 242-38 for a political status plebiscite.

Court & Accountability: A former Guam Visitors Bureau employee filed a $61.5M federal lawsuit alleging years of sexual assault and harassment by ex-GVB boss Carl Gutierrez, plus coverup and institutional failures by GVB leadership, including board chairman George Chiu. Local Governance: Six southern Guam Department of Education elementary schools are flagged for possible closure as enrollment drops and costs rise, part of a multi-phase rightsizing plan. Public Safety/Justice: Guam Fire Department assistant fire chief Michael Uncangco remains on duty as federal charges allege he and his brother collected more than $45,000 in their deceased father’s benefits. Economy & Business: Guam’s commercial supply chain is back to full capacity one month after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, though perishable logistics and fuel/utility dependencies still strain distributors. Sports & Community: Guam’s beach volleyball duo Niesha Chen and Carmen Eugenia head to an international AVC tourney in Chinese Taipei. Letters/Opinion: Writers push back on “leave Guam” messaging and urge voters to focus on cost of living and jobs in the Aug. 1 primary. Environment: Volunteers counted 269 fanihi (Mariana fruit bats) across Guam, Saipan and Tinian to guide conservation actions.

Burden-Sharing Clash: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Asian allies “partners, not protectorates,” pushing higher defense spending—Guam’s government fired back that the island is already central to U.S. operations and has hosted a major Pacific buildup. GVB Lawsuit: A former Guam Visitors Bureau employee filed a $61.5 million federal lawsuit alleging sexual assault, harassment, and institutional failures by former GVB leadership, including claims tied to trips to Osaka and Saipan; GVB says it hired an off-island investigator. Public Safety Fallout: Guam Fire Department assistant fire chief Michael Uncangco remains on duty as federal charges allege he and his brother collected more than $45,000 in their deceased father’s benefits. Education Watch: GDOE is weighing possible closure of six southern elementary schools as enrollment drops and budgets tighten. Tourism Numbers: April visitor arrivals fell 28% year-over-year, with declines concentrated in Korea and Japan. Environment & Conservation: Volunteers counted 269 fanihi (Mariana fruit bats) across Guam, Saipan, and Tinian to guide conservation actions.

GVB Lawsuit: A former Guam Visitors Bureau employee filed a $61.5 million federal lawsuit alleging sexual assault, harassment, and institutional failures by former GVB leadership, including claims tied to former governor and GVB general manager Carl Gutierrez and board chairman George Chiu; GVB says it has hired an independent off-island investigator. Education Right-Sizing: GDOE is weighing closing six southern elementary schools as enrollment declines and costs rise, with Phase II next expected to move from south to central then north. Housing & Construction: Guam’s housing strain is still visible after recent typhoons, and accessory dwelling units are now legal in residential zones, while small contractors increasingly fill village-level needs. Tourism Watch: April visitor arrivals fell 28% year-over-year, with declines concentrated in Korea and Japan, even as the calendar-year picture shows slight gains. Public Safety & Health: UOG’s Land Grant Soil Lab is offering free post-storm soil testing for farmers in June and July, and a free Mental Health First Aid training is set for June 6. Environment: Volunteers counted 269 fanihi (Mariana fruit bats) across Guam, Saipan, and Tinian to guide conservation actions. Cybersecurity: Auditors found GPA didn’t revoke computer access quickly enough after some employees left, creating a potential security risk.

Tourism Watch: Guam Visitors Bureau says April visitor arrivals fell 28% to 36,818, with the biggest drops in Korea and Japan tied to Super Typhoon Sinlaku, travel softness, higher jet fuel surcharges, and fewer seats. Local Recovery & Agriculture: University of Guam’s Land Grant Soil Lab is offering free post-storm soil testing for farmers in June and July, with field visits, sample collection, and crop-specific recommendations. Mental Health Training: UOG Land Grant’s Farmer Focus is hosting a free Mental Health First Aid course June 6 for farmers and farm workers, teaching early recognition and response to mental health and substance use crises. Government & Courts: Guam Memorial Hospital Authority responded to a lawsuit from the estate of Marylee Palomares, who died after an alleged unwitnessed fall; GMHA says the complaint fails to state a claim. Public Safety & Community: Guam kicked off Pride Month with a proclamation and flag raising at Adelup, with leaders calling for continued inclusion efforts. Sports: Markus Nanpei won the Guam Amateur Golf Championship, taking the men’s title by 13 strokes. Education Funding: GDOE is holding about $51M in federal ARP reimbursement funds, citing caution while it seeks a determination letter from the U.S. Department of Education.

UOG Drone Corps: The University of Guam is opening applications for its 2026 Drone Corps cohort, training students and staff to become FAA Part 107b licensed remote pilots, with classes tentatively set for July 27–Aug. 7 and application deadline June 26. Cybersecurity & GPA: Auditors say Guam Power Authority didn’t remove system access quickly enough after some employees separated, leaving accounts active for months and raising security concerns. Education funding delay: Guam Department of Education is holding about $51M in federal ARP reimbursement funds while it waits for a determination letter, with EFSC pushing for clearer timelines. Local governance & housing costs: A House defense bill leaves Guam housing unfunded, including omission of a Naval Base Guam Lockwood Terrace revitalization project. Immigration policy pressure: Candidates in Guam and CNMI are criticizing a new USCIS memo that treats adjustment of status as discretionary, warning it could worsen labor shortages and costs. Mangilao hospital court fight: The governor says she’ll join a court-ordered settlement conference in the medical complex dispute, despite concerns about timing. Foster care need: Guam is short 70 foster homes for 693 children in the system, with recruitment efforts and a May 31 fundraiser underway. Culture & tourism: The Port board is set to consider negotiations for an inflatable ocean park near Port Beach, while CNMI tourism leaders debate bringing arts and culture under one tourism framework.

Defense & Federal Funding: The House defense bill leaves Guam housing unfunded, with the House Armed Services mark dropping a proposed $79M Lockwood Terrace revitalization and other Andersen projects. Courts & Health Care: Guam Supreme Court says the attorney general can’t block the governor from using federal money to establish a Mangilao hospital, while a settlement conference is still moving forward in the medical complex dispute. Education Finance: GDOE is holding about $51M in federal ARP reimbursement funds, citing caution after an audit finding and waiting on a determination letter. Immigration Impact: Guam and CNMI candidates warn a new USCIS policy memo could worsen labor shortages and raise costs by treating adjustment of status as discretionary. Local Government Costs: Lawmakers are pressing for a tally of excess annual leave that could trigger millions in payouts. Public Safety/Justice: Two brothers face federal charges for allegedly collecting about $45K in a dead father’s Social Security benefits. Business & Ports: Port board OKs talks for an inflatable ocean park on Port property. Sports & Culture: Guam Amateur Golf crowns new champions; Guam Marianas Open Taiwan sells out with 1,000+ athletes; Piti Sea Festival spotlights maritime traditions.

Guam Foster Care Crisis: Guam is short 70 foster homes for 693 children in the system, with 512 already placed but many still in shelters and group homes; officials say a May 31 2k/5k fundraiser and Foster Care Month outreach are aimed at recruiting more licensed families. Mangilao Hospital Court Fight: The Guam Supreme Court ruled the attorney general can’t use procurement law as a veto to block the governor from using federal funds to establish the Mangilao medical complex hospital, and said disputes over executive actions should be handled through the courts. UOG Drone Corps: The University of Guam is accepting applications for its next Drone Corps cycle, offering training and a path to a federally recognized remote pilot license, with an in-person course planned for late July into early August. Education Spotlight: Inalahan Middle School earned a six-year ACS WASC accreditation status, according to GDOE. Local Culture at Risk: A Dededo landowner running Åmot Para Taotao Tåno says she faces eviction and nonprofit disruption after a CHamoru Land Trust Commission review questioned lease eligibility and documentation. Sports Tourism Win: The Guam Marianas Open Taiwan sold out and surpassed 1,000 athlete entries, a record milestone for the event.

Hospital Fight in Court: Guam Supreme Court says AG Douglas Moylan can’t use procurement law to block Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero from using federal money to build the Mangilao hospital, calling it an unlawful “statutory veto” and directing disputes to the courts. Agriculture Relief Debate: A farmer says he waited for help after Typhoon Sinlaku damage, but officials say Guam’s disaster-compensation rules cover production costs, not market value of lost crops—sparking calls to revisit the law. Power Update: Ukudu Power Plant held a ribbon cutting after full commissioning, with KEPCO/partners saying it will cut fuel imports and improve reliability, while GPA still pursues a rate increase. Local Governance & Ethics: An ethics complaint targets a nearly $200k AI contract used for drafting legislation, alleging procurement rule issues and a possible conflict. Immigration Policy Shift: A new USCIS memo signals tougher scrutiny for in-country green card adjustments, likely affecting many Guam workers. Gas Prices: Regular gas fell 15 cents to $5.829; diesel stayed at $6.849.

Guam Courts: The Guam Supreme Court ruled Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero can establish and run hospitals under the Organic Act, blocking the Legislature and AG Douglas Moylan from using local procurement rules to halt the federally funded Mangilao hospital project. Power & Infrastructure: Guam Power Authority and partners held a ribbon cutting for the Ukudu Power Plant, a 198-megawatt project expected to cut fuel imports by 900,000 barrels a year, while GPA still seeks a rate increase and pushes for more funding to strengthen the grid. Education Finance: The Education Financial Supervisory Commission reviewed GDOE arrears totaling $3.4 million, with questions raised about aged bills and reporting delays. Legislature Ethics: An ethics complaint was filed over a nearly $200k AI contract used to help draft legislation, alleging procurement rule violations and a conflict concern. Immigration: A USCIS memo signals tougher scrutiny for in-country green card adjustments, likely affecting Guam’s foreign workforce. Tourism & Community: GVB says its finances remain “healthy” despite April TAF drops, and announced the Tumon Night Market Summer Showcase moving to Tumon Sands Plaza.

Immigration: A new USCIS memo says people seeking green cards from inside the U.S. will face tougher scrutiny, with most applicants expected to return home unless they meet “extraordinary circumstances.” Mangilao Hospital Funding Fight: A judge ordered settlement talks over a $100M+ Mangilao hospital dispute, but Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero says it’s too late to use American Rescue Plan utility money. Government Accountability: A letter calls for an audit of GovGuam phone lines and streetlight waste, arguing taxpayers deserve clear, centralized reporting. Tourism & Local Business: GVB says its finances are “healthy” despite April visitor-attraction fund collections running below last year; Tumon Night Market is moving for a Summer Showcase series starting May 31. Energy: KEPCO commissioned the Ukudu power plant in Guam, touting capacity to supply up to 75% of peak demand. Public Health: Pertussis cases are rising, hitting infants and school-age children hardest. Conservation: NAVFAC and partners logged 269 fanihi (Mariana fruit bats) across the Marianas during the annual count. Small Business Support: GEDA received an additional $19.5M under SSBCI to back local small businesses.

Military Heritage Pact: A letter urges Guam’s administration to stop locking the public out as the SHPO prepares to sign an island-wide Programmatic Agreement, warning past failures led to major environmental and cultural harm. Health Watch: DPHSS reports pertussis is spreading, with infants and school-age children hit hardest; some cases are linked through households and community spread. Local Economy: GEDA received a second $19.5M tranche under the State Small Business Credit Initiative to expand loan guarantees, surety bond help, and its Destinu Guåhan venture fund. Energy: KEPCO commissioned the Ukudu combined-cycle power plant (198 MW), saying it can supply about 75% of Guam’s peak demand and boost long-term energy cooperation. Public Safety & Justice: A Mobil worker accused of pocketing customer payments is also charged in a 2025 forgery case. Cybersecurity: GovGuam says a recent cPanel-related attack didn’t expose sensitive data, but it did reveal security gaps. Tourism & Culture: GVB and GIAA unveiled winners of the 2026 Guam Youth Art Contest at the airport to showcase “Håfa Adai Spirit.” Governance: CCU tabled a GPA solar deal after commissioners said they need more time to review the paperwork. Sports: JFK High School won its sixth straight girls soccer title in a rainy championship match.

Cybersecurity & Governance: GovGuam websites were hit by a cPanel zero-day attack, but acting CTO Bea Santos said no sensitive data was taken—while the incident exposed gaps and staffing shortfalls at OTECH. Energy & Utilities: CCU tabled a GPA-linked 25–30 year solar deal for the old GICC golf course after commissioners said they needed more time to review the 1,000-page package. Local Public Safety: Mangilao again cleared debris and abandoned vehicles near a Pagat bus stop, with the mayor citing safety risks for children and ongoing questions about land status. Tourism Push: Guam Visitors Bureau and Marianas Visitors Authority plan to promote the Marianas at Japan’s travel trade expo and join Brand USA missions, with some fees waived. Sports: JFK High School won its sixth straight girls soccer title in a rain-soaked championship match. Economy & Small Business: Guam’s GEDA received a second SSBCI tranche (about $19.5M) to keep small-business lending and support moving. Food Assistance: SUN Bucks Summer EBT is set to run in Guam and CNMI this summer, with benefits starting in June. Immigration: A new USCIS memo signals tighter scrutiny for in-country green card adjustments, likely affecting many foreign workers in Guam. Military Readiness: Valiant Shield will still run June 22–July 1, but exercises will also spread to Japan and Hawaii; Guam’s role remains tied to Andersen and Naval Base Guam.

Guam Energy & Logistics: Navy Cmdr. Justin Gay took over command of DLA Energy Indo-Pacific South-West on Guam, tasked with keeping fuel flowing across 20 countries. Storm Watch: Maps track Tropical Depression Jangmi in the Philippine Sea, with a reminder that even weak systems can bring flash flooding. Local Economy: Gas prices at Mobil Guam fell 15 cents for regular to $5.979; diesel dropped 50 cents to $6.849. Cost of Living: Guam Power Authority’s fuel surcharge proposal cleared the CCU, setting up a possible July rate hike that could raise the average residential bill by about $58. Government & Money: Public Auditor Benjamin Cruz said the fiscal 2025 GovGuam audit could be released by November. Immigration: A new USCIS memo signals tougher scrutiny for in-country green card adjustments, likely affecting Guam’s foreign workforce. Cannabis Compliance: The Cannabis Control Board may act on applicants whose credentials expired after no response from a potential grower and lab operator. Sports & Community: Guam’s fishermen lost longtime co-op champion Manuel “Manny” Duenas. Liberation Day: The Governor’s Office unveiled this year’s Liberation Day theme, “Para I Onra, Para I Gloria.”

Medicare Access: Starting July 1, eligible Medicare Part D beneficiaries can get GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound for a $50 copay through a Medicare “GLP-1 Bridge” demo running to Dec. 31, 2027. Local Courts: Guam Attorney General Douglas Moylan is pushing for settlement talks in the Mangilao hospital fight, aiming to resolve four related cases before the governor’s locked-in federal funding runs out on Dec. 31. Power Costs: The Consolidated Commission on Utilities approved a Guam Power Authority fuel surcharge hike that could raise the average residential bill by about $58 starting in July. Food Assistance: SNAP participation is falling nationwide after federal changes, and Guam is facing its own SNAP work-rule enforcement, with thousands of able-bodied adults without dependents at risk. Gas Prices: On Guam, regular gas dropped 15 cents to $5.979, sliding below $6 again. Tourism: Guam Visitors Bureau reports April arrivals down 28% year-over-year, with the industry watching jet fuel and airlift as June stays soft. Deep-Sea Mining: Regulators and companies are moving ahead with deep-sea mining licenses, while Guam lawmakers have advanced a ban with steep daily fines.

Power Bills: Guam Power Authority got CCU approval to pursue a fuel surcharge hike that could raise the average residential bill by about $58 starting in July, with GPA citing a $234M fuel jump tied to the Iran war and saying it’s “not even a full recovery.” SNAP Pressure: Federal SNAP work-rule enforcement is set to cut off 6,956 able-bodied adults without dependents unless they meet work or waiver requirements—raising fresh worries about food security. Tourism Hit: The Guam Visitors Bureau says April arrivals fell 28% year-over-year to about 36,818, blaming softer regional travel, reduced air-sea supply, and higher jet fuel surcharges after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Local Politics: Del. James Moylan declined a GOP primary debate with Sen. Mary Camacho Torres, citing a long-standing party principle against attacking fellow Republicans. Heritage Push: The Guam Preservation Trust is urging public comment on a National Park Service feasibility study that could designate Guam as a National Heritage Area. Pacific Defense Watch: South Korea’s KSS-III submarine Dosan Ahn Changho completed a first trans-Pacific voyage to Canada, with Guam listed among its logistics stops.