AGP Executive Report

Daylight Saving Time: Congress still hasn’t locked in a permanent fix, so Guam residents should be ready to “fall back” as daylight saving ends Nov. 1, 2026. Power & Utilities: The Consolidated Commission on Utilities approved Guam Power Authority financing—$22.5M loan plus a $10M line of credit—to help cover soaring fuel costs. Traffic Fatalities: A female minor died after an auto-pedestrian crash Tuesday morning near the old Latte Heights Store on Route 26; police say the case remains open. Schools Update: Tiyan High School passed its latest health inspection with an “A,” but student return timing is still being planned; GDOE also reports WASC accreditation was terminated effective immediately. Community Access: Hagåtña installed a community fishing locker at the mayor’s office, offering free rod-and-tackle rentals for residents and visitors. Public Safety/Weather: NWS says Typhoon Choi-wan is exiting while Tropical Storm Koguma is being watched, though no direct threat to the Marianas is expected. Local Governance & Courts: Lawmakers weigh $20M for GMH records upgrades and a UOG aquaculture innovation center; in court, a defense seeks review of a photo tied to a 2023 GPA-related crash case.

GMH & UOG Funding: Guam lawmakers are debating Bill 1 (11-S) to tap $20M in excess Section 30 money—$15.9M for GMH to buy and implement an electronic health records system, and $4M for UOG to build a Blue Economy aquaculture innovation center at the Fadian Hatchery. Courtroom Update: In the Shawn Camacho Damian vehicular case, defense attorneys say a photo of Guam Power Authority light installation near the 2023 crash could affect how prosecutors proceed. Education Shock: The Guam Department of Education’s WASC accreditation was terminated effective immediately, though GDOE says its Cognia accreditation remains in place. Port Disruption: After high winds dislodged a gantry crane, the Port of Guam has returned one STS crane to service and is repairing and recertifying the others to keep cargo moving. CNMI Immigration Pressure: An immigration attorney told CNMI HR leaders to prepare for tighter federal caps affecting CW and H-1B/H-2B options. Weather Watch: A new tropical depression, Koguma (27W), formed east of Guam and could strengthen into a typhoon later in the week, though it poses no imminent threat right now. Public Safety: Guam DAWR says a localized atulai fish die-off appears linked to fishing-related mortality and warns residents not to collect or consume dead fish.

Port Recovery: After high winds damaged Port of Guam gantry cranes, Crane 4 is back in service and loading containers, while Crane 5 is back on the rails awaiting repairs and Crane 6 recovery continues after it was dislodged and collided with other cranes. CNMI/Guam Weather: Tropical Storm Koguma formed far east of the Marianas and remains well away from Guam and CNMI, while Typhoon Choi-wan has moved away and watches/warnings ended, though hazardous seas and some flight disruptions linger. Local Health Policy: The Guam Board of Examiners for Dentistry is reviewing whether Guam law needs changes to regulate dental lasers, citing limited current rules and concerns about possible irreversible use. Government/Finance: Lawmakers met with officials on Bill 1 (11-S) to fund Guam Memorial Hospital Authority’s electronic health records system and a Blue Economy Innovation Center, with competing Section 30 proposals also in play. Environment & Culture: Guam’s Bureau of Statistics and Plans objected to a federal finding that a seabed mining lease sale won’t affect Guam, and Guam Community Archaeology Day highlighted pressure on buried history from development. Community & Sports: U13 and U15 baseball teams from CNMI are raising about $40,000–$50,000 for a Philippines tournament, and ACF Guam recognized culinary students at Burgerfest 2026.

Guam Politics & Elections: The Guam Election Commission is defending AG Douglas Moylan’s eligibility for the 2026 ballot as a Superior Court judge weighs a challenge ahead of early voting Oct. 8. Port & Infrastructure: Port Authority crews are working to restore gantry cranes after 100 mph winds Friday knocked all three offline; Sunday fixes got two wheels back on Crane 5’s rail system, with cargo operations still a priority. CNMI Weather: Saipan and Tinian got an all-clear as Typhoon Choi-wan moved away, but hazardous winds, seas, and flooding risks linger; Pagan, Agrihan, and Alamagan remain under Typhoon Condition I. Economy & Travel: A Korean Fair Trade Commission examiner recommended rejecting airlines’ bid to cut Guam-bound seat capacity requirements, citing insufficient demand-change grounds. Food Assistance: SNAP changes took effect Thursday, with small inflation-based benefit increases but bigger impacts tied to new rules that could affect eligibility. Community & Culture: The Guam Museum’s main exhibit is set to reopen soon after storm repairs, and the Guam Museum Foundation held a gala marking 100 years of preserving island history.

Port of Guam Recovery: After Friday’s 100 mph wind incident knocked all three gantry cranes offline, the Port says it’s assessing damage and restarting recovery work Sunday, with Crane 6 off the rails and Crane 5 partially off-track—cranes that handle nearly all island cargo. Election Watch: The Guam Election Commission is defending AG Douglas Moylan’s ballot eligibility as early voting nears, arguing it corrected voter registration records after challenges. Public Access Debate: Senators discussed bills that would let village mayors lease public land for sports facilities, including a Dededo football pitch and Barrigada’s Tiyan complex—while lawmakers weighed public access requirements. Health Systems: Lawmakers return for a special session on Section 30 funding for GMHA’s new electronic health records system and a Blue Economy Innovation Center, with priorities still uncertain. Sports & Schools: The Cougars won the IIAAG 3x3 girls title and the Warriors took the boys crown; ISA also raised concerns about referee conduct in a Guam High vs. Southern fight. Community & Culture: Guam’s hemophilia and von Willebrand’s program is hosting specialist clinics and a bleeding disorders walk in October, and the Guam Museum Foundation marked 100 years with its first gala. Weather & Safety: Typhoon Choi-wan is moving away, but Guam is still under hazardous wind and sea conditions into the weekend.

Typhoon Choi-Wan Watch: Even as Choi-Wan pulls farther north, Guam and Rota are still dealing with a multi-day monsoon surge—strong winds, rough seas, and flash-flood risk linger through the weekend and into early next week. Port Disruption: The Port Authority is assessing all three gantry cranes after Friday night high winds dislodged Crane 6, damaging Cranes 4 and 5; none are operational and recovery depends on inspections and weather. Local Funding for Border Security: Del. James Moylan says Guam Customs and Quarantine received about $1M for new X-ray and CCTV inspection systems at the airport. Education Pay Raises: Gov. Lourdes Leon Guerrero approved a Guam DOE educator pay plan—15% for teachers and 5% for administrators—though officials warn about long-term funding. Business & Community: Smart Town expanded at Agana Shopping Center, and PowerUP is targeting an early December opening at Micronesia Mall with bowling, go-karts, and a zip line. Culture & History: The Guam Museum Foundation held a gala marking 100 years of museum preservation efforts.

Typhoon Choi-wan: Guam is not in the direct path, but the monsoon surge and strong winds are still bringing hazardous seas and flash-flood risk through the weekend and into early next week. Port of Guam: High winds dislodged Gantry Crane 6, damaging cranes 4 and 5; the port is assessing all three and none were operational as of Saturday morning. Local education pay: Gov. Lourdes Leon Guerrero approved a Guam Department of Administration educator pay plan—15% for educators and 5% for administrators—while DOE leaders warn about long-term funding. UOG milestones: Kayleena Blas Diaz became the first UOG civil engineering graduate to earn a Guam professional engineer license, and the UOG Drone Corps expanded to 9 more FAA-licensed remote pilots. Business & community: PowerUP is targeting an early December opening at Micronesia Mall, and SCOOP’D held its grand opening after a GCC taste test. Sports: Guam Bowling Congress highlighted Aubreale Charfauros’ big Week 3 comeback in high school bowling. Courts: Guam Supreme Court reversed part of a land dispute involving Core Tech and GWA over property tied to the Northern District Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Education & Governance: Guam lawmakers sent Sen. Vince Borja’s Bill 286-38 back to committee, aiming to change the Guam Education Board so members are appointed by the governor instead of elected, with Borja arguing the shift is about accountability and who’s responsible for GDOE when problems arise. GDOE Planning: GDOE is holding community input sessions for its 2027-2032 strategic plan, including a Marcial Sablan Elementary meeting where students raised immediate safety concerns like an active shooter scenario. Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Choi-Wan has passed closest to Saipan and Tinian, but Guam and Rota are still dealing with a monsoon surge—strong winds and rain continue into the weekend, with advisories in effect. Public Health/Policy: A physician disclosure bill (Bill 322-38) made it onto Guam’s voting file, requiring more detail on physician practice type and liability insurance status, plus how services may be subject to GovGuam’s claims process. Local Achievement: UOG civil engineering graduate Kayleena Blas Diaz became the first in her program to earn a Guam Professional Engineer license. Community & Sports: CNMI paddlers are fundraising for the Guam Micro Cup canoe race, and the Tumon Night Market was canceled Sunday due to inclement weather.

Education & Community Input: GDOE held a community meeting at Marcial Sablan Elementary in Hagåt for its 2027-2032 strategic plan, with students raising immediate concerns like campus safety and an active shooter scenario. Weather & Safety: Tropical Storm Choi-wan has moved away, but Guam and Rota remain under a wind advisory/gale conditions through the weekend, with strong gusts and rain tied to a monsoon surge; Saipan and Tinian face ongoing flooding risk, and a Flood Watch remains in effect. CNMI/Guam Storm Disruptions: Week 4 high school football games and outdoor sports for Friday and Saturday were canceled due to heavy flooding and high winds. Health Policy: A physician disclosure bill (Bill 322-38) reached the voting file, requiring more details on Guam physician profiles, including practice setting and liability insurance status. Public Safety (Crime): GPD is investigating an armed robbery at Ipan Village Mart; separately, a man was accused of meth distribution after a traffic stop turned up drugs and paraphernalia. Regional/Defense: Taiwan received the first two of 66 F-16V Block 70 jets, flying via Hawaii and Guam, as tensions with China persist. Economy/Cost of Living: Guam gas prices fell 1 cent per gallon after a 4-cent drop. Local Life: Tumon Night Market was canceled Sunday due to inclement weather.

GDOE Pay Raise: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero approved a 15% pay increase for Guam public school teachers and a 5% boost for school administrators under the 2026 Educator Pay Plan, with $26.1M needed for the raises. Business Privilege Tax Cut: Oct. 1 also starts the fiscal year 2027 change lowering Guam’s BPT rate from 4.5% to 4%, a move expected to reduce revenues by about $40M annually. PFAS Accountability Fight: AG Nick Brown joined a bipartisan coalition suing DuPont (EIDP), Corteva and Vylor to stop a “shell game” meant to dodge PFAS cleanup liabilities. SNAP Changes: SNAP benefit maximums rise slightly for many recipients starting Thursday, while new rules shift more administrative costs to states. Guam Power Credit Watch: Moody’s downgraded Guam Power Authority to Baa3, citing fuel cost volatility and limits on rate flexibility. Tourism Spotlight: Guam promoted CHamoru culture at Tourism EXPO Japan 2026, drawing more than 183,000 visitors overall. Weather: Tropical Storm Choi-wan remains north of Guam, but rough surf, heavy rain and strong winds are expected to affect the Marianas. Local Notes: Oishi Curry House closed after 13 years; GPD is investigating a Thursday armed robbery at Ipan Village Mart.

Guam Legislature: Senators recessed Thursday afternoon due to a lack of quorum, after a morning session on amendments to Sen. Shawn Gumataotao’s Tiyan recreational fields bill and other measures. Public Safety: GPD is investigating an armed robbery at Ipan Village Mart where a suspect in all black allegedly demanded cash with a firearm and fled toward Route 4. Community & Culture: Guam Girl Scouts held its 2nd annual Tough Cookie Fun Run with nearly 400 participants; organizers say next year’s event will add a 10K and half-marathon. Local Spotlight: Hagatna-area human rights lawyer Julian Aguon made TIME100 Next 2026, the first person from Guam to land on the list. Weather: Tropical Storm Choi-Wan is strengthening east of the Marianas; Saipan and Tinian are under Tropical Storm Condition I/II and warnings are in effect as the system could become a typhoon. Economy & Daily Life: Gas prices fell about 4 cents and diesel about 41 cents as Guam sees a slight dip after recent highs. Education: GDOE deputy superintendent sought a restraining order against Guam Education Board member Angel Sablan amid allegations of threats and harassment.

Guam Military & Policy: The Guam Legislature recessed its special session on Section 30 bills until Monday, Oct. 5, after debating four proposals including GMH’s electronic health records, power bill credits, GDOE facility fixes, and a Simon Sanchez modernization fund. Tropical Weather: Tropical Depression 26W continues strengthening east of the Marianas; tropical storm watches are in effect for Alamagan, Pagan and Agrihan, and Saipan/Tinian are under a tropical storm watch as forecasts point to impacts even if the center stays north. Aviation & Tourism: The FTC examiner recommended rejecting airlines’ bid to lower Guam seat-capacity requirements after demand fell, keeping pressure on carriers tied to the 90% threshold. Public Safety & Courts: A former Guam airport employee and his wife are set for federal trial Oct. 20 over alleged meth trafficking via FedEx packages intercepted by Guam Customs. Community & Health: Guam marked National Deaf Awareness Month with a proclamation ceremony, while WestCare Pacific Islands held its “Small Steps, Big Dreams” youth conference with a job fair and employer outreach. Food Assistance: SNAP benefits rise Oct. 1 for most places; Guam’s maximum benefit for a family of four is listed at $1,507.

Guam Legislature: Senators recessed a special session on Section 30 bills until Monday, Oct. 5, after reviewing four proposals totaling $20 million, including GMH’s electronic health records push, power bill credits, GDOE facility fixes, and Simon Sanchez High modernization funding. Tiyan / Barrigada: Senators also spent the morning on a bill letting the Barrigada Mayor’s Office enter concession agreements for Tiyan Lot Naval Air Station Agana 19 for community recreation, with Interior review required. Courts / Public Safety: A former Guam airport employee and his wife accused of mailing nearly 10 pounds of meth are set for federal trial Oct. 20. In Superior Court, a criminal sexual conduct case was dismissed without prejudice after witness availability issues. A man accused in a fatal Yigo stabbing was released on $500,000 personal recognizance with electronic monitoring and house arrest. Weather / Storm Watch: Invest 93W has become Tropical Depression 26W; tropical storm watches are up for Alamagan, Pagan and Agrihan, with NWS warning of possible strengthening and rough seas. Health / GMH: GMH’s administrator search committee aims for a recommendation by October, while collections are projected to improve about 12%. Infrastructure / CLTC: CLTC approved reallocating $9.4 million to the Guam Power Authority for Land Trust infrastructure and surveying work. Community / Culture: Guam will march for the first time in Madrid’s Hispanic Cultural Heritage parade next week, with a delegation of mostly CHamorus. Travel / Military: United Airlines announced a new SFO-to-Sapporo nonstop route, and the Pentagon cut Patriot Express service to Japan, including fewer flights involving Guam.

Local Governance: Bills to double Guam juror pay from $30 to $60 and let the Guam Land Use Commission decide on signage waivers advanced to the voting file. Housing & Recovery: GHURA reminded residents the online portal for the Guma Na Maolek Housing Program 1 closes Wednesday at 11:59 p.m., with up to $350,000 for Typhoon Mawar home repairs and resiliency work. Public Safety & Courts: A man charged in a Yigo stabbing that killed a 15-year-old was released on house arrest pending trial; DOC also launched an internal probe after a detainee alleged assault by cellmates. Weather: NWS says Invest 93W is expected to bring stronger showers, thunderstorms, and a monsoon surge with gusty winds and rough seas, though it’s not expected to directly hit the Marianas. Defense & Infrastructure: A Tamuning engineering firm won a $20M DOD contract for civil and structural design work across Guam through 2031; USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. returned after a 10-month deployment. Economy & Federal Policy: SNAP benefit changes and new eligibility rules take effect Oct. 1, with Guam included in the updated allotments. Community & Culture: Isabela Tiene Sabor returns Nov. 7-8 with Puerto Rican food, artisans, and live entertainment.

Defense & Contracts: Tamuning firm Amorient Engineering won a $20M DOD architecture/design contract for Guam military facilities, with work expected through Sept. 2031. Weather Watch: NWS says Invest 93W isn’t expected to hit Guam directly, but it should bring more showers and thunderstorms late in the week plus a monsoon surge with gusty winds and rough seas. Housing Deadline: GHURA warns the Guma Na Maolek Housing Program 1 online portal closes Wednesday at 11:59 p.m., offering up to $350,000 for eligible Typhoon Mawar home repairs. Local Government Oversight: OPA audit highlights for the CHamoru Land Trust Commission show major delinquent commercial lease receivables and no new agricultural or residential leases issued in FY2024. Public Safety & Courts: A man charged in a Yigo stabbing that killed a minor was placed on house arrest pending trial; DOC also launched an internal probe after a detainee accused cellmates of assault. Community & Culture: Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce sets Fanachu Famalåo’an 2026 for Oct. 29 at Dusit Thani Guam. Business & Economy: Tutor Perini subsidiaries landed Guam bridge work and a U.S. Coast Guard facility improvement contract.

Guam Public Safety & Courts: Guam Police promoted 18 people at Government House, including officers and civilian staff recognized for decades of service. Cyber & Government Finance: GovGuam’s Department of Administration filed a court claim seeking about $1M stolen in a February cyberattack and later seized by the FBI; total taken was about $1.79M. Health Care & Infrastructure: A GMH facilities assessment described the hospital’s electrical system as a catastrophic “single point of failure,” raising fresh urgency as lawmakers debate Section 30 funding tied to GMH’s electronic health record replacement. Legislature Watch: Two bills competing for Section 30 funds—energy credits vs. a Simon Sanchez High School modernization fund—are on the session agenda. Weather: The NWS says a disturbance east of Guam could bring wind and rain this weekend or race north and miss; Guam should be fine for at least the next day or two. Public Safety Incidents: A motorcycle crash in Hågatña sent a man to Naval Hospital, and police reported a detainee assault case involving four cellmates. Regional/Defense: Japan seeks reassurance from Washington as Guam’s role in US-China security dynamics comes into focus.