AGP Executive Report

Power & Reliability: Guam Power Authority says Ukudu’s output is up after repairs—three combustion turbines now running about 45 MW each (135 MW total), with the steam turbine repair work targeting a return to service by Aug. 31. Elder Care Crime: A caretaker was charged with stealing more than $50,000 over 16 months from an 81-year-old bedridden woman, along with identity theft and fraudulent credit card use. Legislature Watch: The Guam Legislature held a short hearing on three bills, including one to create a beach and coastal warning and notification system for hazardous conditions. Seabed Mining Pushback: A federal plan to lease seabed for deep sea mining near the Marianas and Guam is drawing opposition, with critics saying full environmental review won’t come until after leases are issued. Water & Food Security: A University of Guam study warns rising salt could be entering Guam’s groundwater. Health: GRMC earned national recognition for stroke care excellence, including AHA/ASA 2026 Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus. Education: GDOE is accepting Universal Pre-K applications after a site change, and officials are racing to reopen Tiyan and Simon Sanchez by Aug. 31. Safety: No injuries reported in a Route 9 crash involving a school bus and another vehicle. Defense & Threats: Reports highlight China’s hypersonic advances and U.S. efforts to bolster missile and drone defenses in the Pacific.

USS Abraham Lincoln: Families say a port call is finally set for the carrier in early September, with a planned stop in Thailand, after a record-setting Middle East deployment and renewed scrutiny over crew conditions. Senate Oversight: Two Democratic senators are pushing the Pentagon for an independent review of quality-of-life and readiness issues on the Lincoln and other ships tied to the Iran standoff. Pacific Readiness: DLA Energy signed a new fuel support arrangement with Australia to expand storage and terminaling at RAAF bases, aiming to strengthen logistics across the region. Guam Education: A letter urges urgent action on GDOE, saying students are losing classroom time and calling for a recovery plan and long-term restructuring. Local Weather: NWS warns Guam and Rota could see heavy monsoon rain midweek, with flooding and mudslides possible even as storms steer clear. Public Safety: A man shot by police after a May car chase was placed on pretrial release; another suspect faces charges after allegedly pointing a green laser at police and vehicles. Power Update: GPA reports $10.3M in typhoon recovery impacts from Sinlaku and Bavi and seeks bond authorization for improvements. Community & Culture: Ocean Exploration Trust’s Nautilus expedition heads to remote Wake Atoll to survey biodiversity, geology, and WWII shipwrecks. Sports: Guam’s Chloe Santos returns from the Philippines with gold; Guam’s Francesca Lizama posts another double-gold in Seoul jiu-jitsu.

Tiyan Traffic Relief: Guam DPW says Seagull Avenue at the Barrigada tri-intersection is reopening with restricted turns to ease congestion, plus two more planned entrances into Tiyan. Education Crisis: Simon Sanchez and Tiyan High School remain closed for seven school days after public health inspections; students are getting meals and homework pickups while GDOE awaits reinspection timelines. Open Government Fight: A complaint against the Guam Election Commission alleges violations of the Open Government Law, adding pressure as tensions also flare at a Guam Education Board meeting. Public Health & Utilities: GMH says it is up to date on power and water payments and that patient operations aren’t threatened after outdated past-due figures circulated. Local Governance & Oversight: OPA audit finds Guam’s invasive species inspection fee fund didn’t meet one intended purpose and flags off-island travel paid by a private construction firm. Tourism & Air Travel: GVB reports South Korea fuel surcharges easing in August, but warns costs could rise again; separately, Starlux will adjust excess baggage fees starting Sept. 1, with Guam included in one region. Community & Culture: Guam hosts the National Conservation Conference for the first time this week, and the Guam Micronesia Island Fair returns Oct. 23-25.

Guam Schools Disrupted: Tiyan High School and Simon Sanchez High School have been closed for seven school days, with GDOE offering no decision on when it will request reinspection; students are getting meals and assignments off-campus while officials weigh options like redistricting or double-session. Public Input on Reefs: About 40 residents attended a Guam Museum town hall to shape the next five-year coral reef resilience strategy, calling for stronger enforcement, tighter development and pollution controls, and more environmental education. Homelessness Plan: Guam’s five-year roadmap to reduce homelessness and poverty is underway, including plans for a dedicated DHAPP office and a centralized drop-in center for essential services. Fuel Costs Watch: Guam Power Authority says fuel oil costs remain far above pre-Iran-war levels, with September shipments still expected around the $160-per-barrel range. Tourism Pressure Point: Guam Visitors Bureau reports South Korea fuel surcharges eased in August (from Level 33 to Level 14) but warns Middle East developments could push them back up. Legislative Hearing Notice: Senator Jesse Lujan scheduled a public hearing Aug. 31 on a bill to set minimum high-security seal requirements for containers arriving in Guam.

Education & Student Disruption: GDOE says no redistricting vote is on Monday’s Guam Education Board agenda for Tiyan-Simon Sanchez students; leadership will present options as information only, amid ongoing closures and displacement. Public Safety & Accountability: Guam Police defended its organizational realignment, citing the chief’s authority under Guam law. Environment & Community Input: Residents at a Guam Museum town hall urged stronger enforcement, tighter development and pollution controls, and more education for Guam’s coral reef resilience plan. Power & Household Costs: Guam Power Authority fuel prices remain high, with September shipments still projected around $160–$165 per barrel; SNAP recipients were also told to check EBT balances after delayed benefits tied to power outages. Local Life & Events: RUNGUAM drew 850+ runners to Tumon Bay with Fulkerson-Smith and Sugahara winning the 10k; Tropf and Paz took the 5k. Business & Culture: Custom Fitness closed its Anigua location and moved classes/physical therapy to Tamuning/Assan; Pepper Lunch opened a second Guam spot in Hagåtña; Guam Preservation Trust reopened teacher heritage grants. Regional Watch: BOEM says preliminary deep-sea mining leasing near the CNMI won’t affect Guam’s coastal zone.

Fuel and rates: Guam Power Authority says fuel costs are still volatile after Strait of Hormuz disruptions, with next residual fuel shipment due around Sept. 3 and expected pricing roughly $160–$165 per barrel; the Public Utilities Commission’s July Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause raised typical residential bills by nearly $60. SNAP update: DPHSS tells SNAP recipients who missed Wednesday/Thursday benefits to check EBT balances after a power-outage glitch delayed payments for 79 new households. Power reliability: GPA reports Ukudu’s steam turbine is under repair and currently producing about 90 MW of 198 MW, with load-shedding plans in place. Typhoon Saudel watch (Northern Islands): Saudel strengthened near Agrihan with typhoon-force winds and rapid intensification; Alamagan, Pagan and Agrihan remain under typhoon warnings as Guam’s main concern shifts toward heavy rain. Far Northern school disruption: Tiyan High and Simon Sanchez High remain closed after failing public health inspections, with meal pickup sites set for students. Local economy: Port Authority of Guam says container-yard backlog is tied to equipment issues, with gantry cranes restored and the gatehouse reopening to help move cargo. Education and community: Okkodo High teacher Joseph Chargualaf II named a National Book Foundation Teacher Fellow; Guam Preservation Trust reopens its $500 teacher grant cycle for heritage projects. Business and culture: Pepper Lunch opens a second location in Hagåtña; Sakura Noodle House closes after 54 years. Sports: NMI U20 Men’s team gets a send-off before AFC qualifiers against Mongolia, Guam and Nepal; GFA hosts an AFC-aligned technical analysis workshop. Governance: Sen. Telo Taitague proposes an executive director role for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner amid leadership instability.

Typhoon Saudel Watch (Far North Marianas): Typhoon Saudel hit 100 mph as it neared Agrihan, with Alamagan, Pagan and Agrihan under typhoon warnings and forecasts of 80–100 mph winds and gusts up to 130 mph. Port Delays: Port Authority of Guam reported a container backlog tied to equipment issues, with gantry crane repairs underway and the gatehouse set to open Saturday to speed pickups. Local Politics & Accountability: Sen. William Parkinson pressed Guam Del. James Moylan to give a firm date for a 2026 State of the Congress address and answer questions on seabed mining, radiation waste concerns, and other federal issues. Education Disruptions: Tiyan and Simon Sanchez schools lost seven days after public health inspection problems, with meal and homework pickup plans in place while GDOE awaits reinspection. Public Utilities Costs: Guam Waterworks’ Authority got approval for water rate increases starting Oct. 1, and GPA fuel costs remain volatile after recent rate adjustments. Heritage & Community: Guam Preservation Trust reopened teacher grants for Project S.H.O.P., offering $500 awards for heritage-focused classroom projects. Business & Culture: Pepper Lunch opened a second Guam location in Hagåtña, and Sakura Noodle House closed after 54 years. Sports/Regional: NMI U20 men’s team received a send-off before AFC U20 qualifiers in Mongolia, facing Mongolia, Guam and Nepal.

Japan Trade: GEDA hosted a Japan Inbound Trade Mission with seven Japan-based food and hospitality businesses meeting Guam companies at PHARE, aiming to turn island-made products into export opportunities. Storm Watch: Tropical Storm Saudel is expected to pass well east of Guam, with no watches or warnings for the island, but Guam faces a high risk of rip currents along east-facing reefs. Local Food: Sakura Noodle House closed after 54 years, ending a long-running Tamuning staple. Power Strain: GPA reported Piti 9 tripped offline, triggering load shedding, as Ukudu remains below capacity and repairs run through late August. Gov Internet Glitch: OTECH said a governmentwide internet disruption was caused by power outages draining backup batteries, not hacking. Public Health: DPHSS said 79 SNAP households saw delayed benefits due to power-related EBT loading issues, with payments expected to process Friday night. Brown Tree Snake Rules: Gov. Apatang issued emergency rules requiring vessel inspections for brown tree snakes before departing Guam for the CNMI. Community Loss: The Filipino Community of Guam is holding funeral services for longtime leader Mark Pangilinan Saturday.

School Safety Reminder: Safe Kids Worldwide and NHTSA data highlight the danger of school zones, with child pedestrian crashes and deaths still a major concern. Housing & Procurement: GHURA approved $152,040.06 in tenant account write-offs and created a new housing procurement specialist role to modernize procurement and compliance. Food Assistance Glitch: DPHSS says delayed SNAP benefits hit 79 households (223 people) and should be processed tonight after power-related issues affected EBT loading. Education Disruption: McCool Elementary/Middle School will stay closed and shift to virtual instruction while repairs continue on its air-conditioning system. Public Health Inspections: All GDOE schools with sanitation permits expiring Sept. 30 passed inspections except Tiyan High School, which failed and faced enforcement action. Local Safety Incident: DPW is investigating after 18 Agueda Middle School students walked uphill when a bus couldn’t climb after stopping short. Crime & Scams: GPD reports a fatal crash in Yona involving a 1-year-old backed over by a family member; DRT warns of a WhatsApp scam impersonating a former tax official. Defense & Weather: Guam’s defenses get a boost with a new Army Patriot/THAAD layer; Tropical Storm Saudel continues tracking north of Guam with CNMI preparations underway. Sports & Community: Richard Wenden won Round 6 of the Guam motocross championships; Guam’s FCG mourns longtime leader Mark Pangilinan with funeral services set.

Tropical Weather: NWS upgraded TD 17W to Tropical Storm Saudel and issued typhoon watch for Alamagan, Pagan and Agrihan, while Guam’s risk stays low; CNMI later declared Tropical Storm Condition III for Saipan and Tinian and Port Heavy Weather Condition YANKEE for Saipan/Tinian. Water Update: GWA rescinded a boil-water notice after E. coli was found in Well Y-09, saying an alternate water source fixed the issue and boiling is no longer needed. Schools: GDOE said affected schools in Barrigada, Latte Heights, Mongmong-Toto-Maite, Mangilao, Route 15 and Yigo will reopen Friday after the water disruption. Power: Ukudu steam turbine remains offline for repairs, expected back by end of August, leaving the plant at under half capacity. Public Safety: GPD is investigating a fatal auto-pedestrian crash in Yona involving a 1-year-old girl. Health in Custody: DOC quarantined a prison housing block after a detainee was suspected of having tuberculosis. Sports (Guam ties): Rajshahi Stars were eliminated after losing 2-1 to Sabah FA; their final group match is vs Guam’s Rovers FC. Community & Business: PHARE 2026 continues at Hyatt Regency Guam, and the hospitality expo highlights local products and tourism workforce needs.

Hospitality & Tourism: PHARE 2026 opened at the Hyatt Regency Guam with more than 40 vendors and free admission, highlighting how local products are getting built into Guam’s food and beverage scene, plus a Japan buyer delegation. Public Safety & Health: GWA issued a boil-water notice after E. coli was found in Well Y-09 serving several villages; residents are told to boil water before drinking or cooking. Corrections & Disease Control: DOC quarantined a Hagåtña prison housing block after a detainee was suspected of tuberculosis, while court proceedings continued nearby. Local Education: UOG launched its College Credit for Lived Experience program, letting adults earn up to 30 credits through work, training, service, and other prior learning. Weather & Storm Prep: Tropical Storm Saudel (17W) is intensifying and could become a major typhoon in the far northern Marianas; Guam remains low risk for direct impacts, but hazardous seas and rain are possible. Legislature: Senators passed five bills, including a land transfer to the Guam Ancestral Lands Commission and other measures on emergency resources, Gold Star plates, and parking rules for homeless shelters. Crime: A man faces felony charges for allegedly possessing meth and fentanyl after marshals found suspected drug items in plain view at a Hagåtña residence.

Tropical Weather Watch: Tropical Depression 17W is soaking Guam with heavy rain and flooding risk, while forecasters say it could strengthen into a typhoon as it nears the northern Marianas this weekend; NWS says Guam’s risk of tropical storm conditions is about 5%, but residents should stay alert for choppy seas and shifting tracks. Education & Health: The Guam Legal Service Corporation filed a government claim against GDOE over the Tiyan High School closure, arguing students were denied civil rights to an adequate, safe education after a DPHSS inspection shut the campus; meanwhile, GDOE superintendent Judi Won Pat still can’t give a firm reopening date for Tiyan and Simon Sanchez. Local Governance & Procurement: DPW canceled the Simon Sanchez High procurement after months of protests and delays, with General Pacific Services saying DPW took 271 days to resolve protests before denying them and restarting the process. Marianas Seabed Mining: Guam’s governor’s office says BOEM’s new seabed-lease notice near the Northern Marianas is a “significant new step” that still demands more science and consultation, as environmentalists sue to halt deep-sea mining lease sales. Public Safety/Justice: Guam State Historic Preservation Officer Patrick Lujan was released from jail pending trial on strangulation and assault charges. CNMI-Guam Travel Policy: The Marianas Visitors Authority is monitoring the Trump birth-tourism executive order’s rollout and says it supports curbing abuse while protecting legitimate travel under EVS-TAP. Business & Community: Sakura Noodle House in Tamuning announced it will close Aug. 31 after nearly 54 years, citing Guam’s tough economy.

Tiyan High School closure: Guam Legal Service Corporation filed a government claim against GDOE, saying the shutdown of the Tiyan campus denied students civil rights to a safe, sanitary education after a DPHSS inspection found major facility problems. Local Politics & Accountability: Sen. Sabina Perez and Sen. Therese Terlaje discussed the closure at “Lunch with Leaders,” pointing to maintenance gaps and contractor delays as key issues. Education Oversight: GDOE continues to face scrutiny as the school year starts, with students and families dealing with disrupted schedules across Tiyan and Simon Sanchez. Seabed Mining Fight: Environmental and community groups sued to stop the first commercial sale of deep-sea mining leases in American waters, challenging a federal decision that said mining wouldn’t harm endangered species. Marianas Weather Watch: Tropical Depression 17W is forecast to intensify and could pass the far northern Marianas as a typhoon, with Guam expecting more rainy conditions. Tourism Pressure: Guam Visitors Bureau says jobs for 16 limited-term employees are “in jeopardy” after the Legislature passed a budget that leaves GVB with less funding. Workforce Tech: GDOL says it’s testing an AI tool on HIREGUAM to help job seekers with resumes and matching, and to assist employers with job descriptions. Local Business News: Sakura Noodle House in Tamuning will close Aug. 31 after nearly 54 years, citing tough economic conditions.

Customs Enforcement: Guam lawmakers set aside a bill that would have made tampering with Customs and Quarantine seals a third-degree felony, because the penalty language was already folded into this week’s budget bill. Homeless Shelter Planning: Vice Speaker Tony Ada’s bill would let the Department of Public Works decide how many parking spaces are required at local homeless shelters. CNMI Court Fight: The CNMI Supreme Court heard petitions asking it to rehear parts of the Magofna estate ruling, tied to how the “poksai” test applies to adoption and inheritance. Power Restoration Pressure: CUC says a $40M line of credit stalled in the Legislature is forcing cuts to overtime and contracts, slowing restoration; about 3,000 customers remain without power. Workforce Tech: Guam DOL is discussing testing VOS Sapphire AI in HIREGUAM to modernize job and employer services. Local Courts: Guam State Historic Preservation Officer Patrick Lujan was arrested and charged with strangulation and assault. Sports: Kai Sotto and Corey Webster are back with their national teams for upcoming FIBA World Cup qualifiers.

Drug Bust: Two men face federal conspiracy charges after Guam-bound mail was found with about 39 pounds of 99% pure meth, seized in a controlled delivery operation. Tax Relief: Guam paid out $2.44M in 2025 individual tax refunds for returns filed through May 10, with processing still running and turnaround averaging 8–10 weeks. Public Safety & Courts: Guam State Historic Preservation Officer Patrick Lujan was arrested and charged with strangulation and assault in an alleged bathroom confrontation. Power Update: GPA says load shedding begins Tuesday night as repairs continue, with Ukudu and Piti 8 impacts and a schedule tied to system demand. Local Schools: DPW canceled the Simon Sanchez High School procurement and plans to reissue it after protests and an appeal process delayed the project. Legislature: The 38th Guam Legislature passed the $1.42B FY2027 budget, including a rollback of the Business Privilege Tax to 4% while keeping a 5% rate on military buildup construction contracts. Weather Watch: CNMI and Guam officials are monitoring Invest 92W, with preparedness steps urged as models converge on a possible track near the far northern Marianas. Military Moves: The U.S. Army confirmed a new Guam Patriot missile battalion will stand up in October.

Guam Homelessness Plan: DHAPP’s 2026-2030 five-year strategy says homelessness rose sharply from 2020-2024, then fell in 2025, but most households still lack shelter—driving goals like a centralized service center by 2028 and at least 50 transitional/emergency beds by 2030. Local Budget & Taxes: Lawmakers passed the FY2027 budget compromise in a 13-2 vote, keeping a business privilege tax rollback from 4.5% to 4% while adding about $18 million for healthcare and public safety. Simon Sanchez High School: DPW canceled the Simon Sanchez procurement after denying three protests, saying it will restart with revised requirements to avoid further delays. Public Safety & Courts: Guam State Historic Preservation Officer Patrick Lujan was booked on assault and strangulation charges and placed on administrative leave. Weather Watch: NWS says residents should monitor Invest 92W as it could bring increased wind and rain later this week into next week. Military on Guam: A new U.S. Army Patriot air-defense battalion is set to stand up on Guam in October. U.S. Navy Spotlight: Reports continue to swirl around the USS Abraham Lincoln’s extended deployment and crew mental health concerns as the ship heads home. Sports: East Bengal women opened the AFC Women’s Champions League with a 4-0 win over Rajshahi Stars; Guam’s NAPA Rovers also qualified for the preliminary stage.