AGP Executive Report

Watershed Restoration: UOG Sea Grant secured $550,000 in grants to expand watershed education and restoration at Ugum, including a second season of the GROW Conservation Corps. The work aims to curb erosion and sediment washing onto coral reefs. Tarague Beach Case: The U.S. Supreme Court heard Prutehi Guåhan’s challenge to the Air Force’s planned munitions detonations. Justices questioned whether the group can bring its case; a ruling is expected by the end of June. The dispute centers on environmental review and threats to habitat, cultural sites and Guam’s water supply. Wet Weather: Forecasters warned of more rain through the weekend, with heavy showers capable of causing minor flooding in poorly drained areas. Community Stewardship: Hagåtña residents and visitors can borrow fishing rods and tackle for free through a new community locker promoting access to fishing and responsible care of aquatic resources.

Tarague Beach Case: The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments over whether Prutehi Guåhan can challenge the Air Force’s permit renewal for detonating munitions at Tarague Beach. The site sits above Guam’s drinking-water aquifer and near sea turtle nesting habitat and culturally important areas. Several justices questioned whether blocking the group from court would shut down a chance to challenge the program; others worried about opening the door to more lawsuits. A ruling is expected by June. Green Workforce: Guam Green Growth and UOG programs are training residents through hands-on work in conservation, agriculture, aquaculture, waste reduction and renewable energy, linking sustainability goals with local job skills. Fisheries: Guam fishers reportedly spent more time trolling but landed 53% less fish in 2025, a troubling sign for the island’s fishing sector and food supply.

Tarague Beach Case: The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments over whether the Air Force must complete an environmental review before seeking to renew its permit for detonating old munitions at Tarague Beach. Prutehi Guåhan says the activity risks Guam’s drinking-water aquifer, wildlife and culturally important sites; the justices’ ruling could shape when federal agencies must assess environmental impacts. Seabed Mining: Guam’s Bureau of Statistics and Plans is challenging a federal finding that a proposed mining lease sale near the CNMI would not affect Guam, citing potential risks to water, fisheries, wildlife and archaeological sites. Rain and Flooding: More showers are possible through the weekend, with forecasters warning of localized flooding in poor-drainage areas.

Supreme Court Showdown: Prutehi Guahan’s Tarague Beach challenge heads to the U.S. Supreme Court Oct. 7, with five amici briefs filed urging the justices to require proper environmental review before the Air Force renews open burn/open detonation permits. Local Economy Pressure: Guam Chamber chair Ed Untalan calls the business privilege tax rate returning to 4% a “win,” but warns it won’t bring recovery without real relief for families and customers. Storm Watch: NWS says Typhoon Nolo poses no threat to Guam/Wake, while Tropical Depression Koguma forms far east and could strengthen into a typhoon later this week, though it’s not expected to directly threaten the Marianas. Coastal Impacts: High surf from Typhoon Choi-wan buried parts of Micro Beach and sanded over the American Memorial Park pavilion, with outages and minor flooding reported. Wildlife & Invasives: Guam urges cargo, vehicles, and vessels to be inspected before and after travel to CNMI to help keep brown tree snakes out. Community Access: Hagåtña installs a free community fishing locker with rods, tackle, and supplies to boost hands-on fishing and stewardship. Port Disruption: After 100 mph winds damaged Guam’s STS cranes, one crane is back in service and repairs/recertification continue on the others.

Typhoon Choi-wan Aftermath: All watches and warnings for the Marianas have ended as Choi-wan moves away, but hazardous seas and lingering wind impacts continue to disrupt travel and recovery. Coastal Impacts: High surf from Choi-wan reshaped Micro Beach, burying paths and sanded over the American Memorial Park pavilion. New Storm to Watch: Tropical Depression Koguma formed far east of Guam and is forecast to strengthen as it tracks toward the Wake area, with no direct threat to the Marianas expected right now. Port Resilience: After 100 mph winds knocked out all three STS cranes, the Port Authority of Guam has restarted one crane and is repairing the others to keep cargo flowing. Invasive Species Prevention: Guam’s DAWR is urging cargo, vehicles, and vessels headed to CNMI to be inspected to keep brown tree snakes from hitchhiking to other islands. Environmental Justice in Court: A Guam environmental lawsuit tied to Air Force operations is set for Supreme Court arguments this week, focusing on NEPA review and impacts to sensitive habitats and cultural areas. Local Conservation Access: Hagåtña launched a community fishing locker offering free rod-and-tackle rentals to boost hands-on fishing and stewardship. Archaeology Under Pressure: A Navy public access program for military sites is paused due to a hiring freeze, limiting community tours of cultural and historic locations.

Regional Weather Watch: Typhoon Choi-wan is exiting the Marianas, with watches and warnings lifted, but hazardous seas and lingering wind impacts continue; meanwhile Tropical Depression Koguma (27W) formed far east of Guam and could strengthen toward a typhoon later this week, though it’s not expected to directly threaten the Marianas. Invasive Species Prevention: Guam’s Department of Agriculture is urging cargo, vehicles, and vessels heading to CNMI to be inspected before departure and after arrival to help keep brown tree snakes from hitchhiking to other islands. Local Fisheries Access: Hagåtña launched a community fishing locker at the Mayor’s Office offering free rentals of rods, tackle, and supplies to boost hands-on fishing and responsible stewardship. Health & Environment Governance: Guam lawmakers are weighing $20M for GMH electronic health records upgrades and UOG aquaculture innovation; separate coverage also highlights Guam’s Supreme Court case tied to environmental review and Air Force activities. Coastal Impacts & Wildlife: After Choi-wan’s high surf, Micro Beach and a pavilion near American Memorial Park were buried in sand; DAWR also addressed a localized atulai (mackerel) die-off, warning residents not to collect or consume dead fish. Port Resilience: The Port Authority returned one STS gantry crane to service after 100 mph winds knocked all three cranes offline, with repairs and inspections ongoing.

Port Recovery: Guam’s Port Authority is working to restore operations after 100 mph winds derailed gantry cranes, with Crane 4 back online and Cranes 5 and 6 still needing repairs, inspections, and recertification. Coastal Impacts: High surf from Typhoon Choi-Wan piled sand into Micro Beach and buried parts of the American Memorial Park pavilion, adding to the region’s lingering hazardous seas and winds. Invasive Species Watch: Guam DAWR is urging cargo, vehicles, and vessels headed to CNMI to be inspected before departure and after arrival to stop brown tree snakes from hitchhiking. Wildlife & Food Safety: DAWR clarified an atulai (mackerel) die-off on Guam’s south shore, warning residents not to collect, consume, sell, or distribute dead fish. Legal Fight Over Environment: A Guam activist group’s lawsuit against the U.S. Air Force over open burning/detonation near the aquifer and endangered sea turtle habitat is set for Supreme Court arguments this week. Storm Monitoring: A new tropical depression, Koguma (27W), formed far east of the Marianas and could strengthen over the coming days. Local Science Capacity: UOG’s Drone Corps expanded, adding more FAA-licensed remote pilots for research and environmental monitoring.

Typhoon Choi-wan Aftermath: Choi-wan moved away from Guam and the Northern Marianas after briefly reaching super typhoon strength, and the National Weather Service says all watches and warnings for the Marianas are now ended—though hazardous seas and some flight cancellations linger as winds and rain ease only gradually. Port Recovery: The Port Authority of Guam is still assessing and repairing three gantry cranes after 100 mph winds dislodged Crane 6 and damaged Cranes 4 and 5, taking all three offline; crews have begun repositioning wheels and restoring access, with cargo flow still a key concern. Local Marine Life: Guam DAWR is investigating a localized atulai (mackerel) die-off shown in a video, saying it appears different from natural strandings and may be linked to fishing gear and fish discarded in one area; residents are urged not to collect or consume dead fish. Coastal Planning Clash: Guam’s Bureau of Statistics and Plans has objected to a federal finding that a CNMI seabed mining lease sale would have no foreseeable effects, citing potential impacts to air, water, underwater archaeology, wildlife habitat, fisheries, and public access. Community Archaeology Pause: A Navy archaeologist says a public access tour program on military land is paused due to a hiring freeze, leaving the program idle since last year. Workforce & Resilience: UOG’s Drone Corps expanded FAA-licensed pilots for research and environmental monitoring, and a UOG civil engineering graduate became the first in the program to earn a Guam professional engineer license.

Typhoon Choi-wan Aftermath: Saipan and Tinian got an all-clear as Choi-wan moved away, but officials warn hazardous winds, seas, surf, thunderstorms, and heavy rain can linger—plus a wind advisory and flood watch remain in play for parts of CNMI. Port Resilience: Guam’s Port Authority is still recovering after 100 mph winds derailed and damaged all three gantry cranes, with crews working to restore operations and keep cargo moving. Local Monitoring Power: UOG’s Drone Corps expanded again, with nine more FAA-licensed remote pilots ready for research, environmental monitoring, and public work. Marine Life & Food Security: A fisheries update says Guam boat fishers spent more time trolling in 2025 yet landed 53% less pelagic fish, with ocean changes suspected but no single cause confirmed. Climate Adaptation Push: Island leaders highlighted Guam’s Green Growth (G3) circular economy efforts, including Conservation Corps training and community aquaponics systems. Aviation Pressure on Guam Tourism: A Korean Fair Trade Commission examiner recommended rejecting airlines’ bid to cut Guam-bound seat capacity requirements, as South Korean arrivals drop sharply. Workforce Development: GRMC expanded Cath Lab training by bringing in specialized instruction for technologists, citing a lack of local formal programs.

Typhoon Choi-Wan Aftermath & Marine Hazards: Even as Choi-Wan moves away, Guam and Rota are still dealing with a multi-day monsoon surge—strong, gusty winds and dangerous seas are expected to linger into Sunday and possibly beyond, with flash-flood risk also on the radar. Port Resilience: The Port Authority of Guam began crane repairs after Friday’s 100 mph wind incident knocked all three gantry cranes offline; crews got Gantry Crane 5 wheels back on the rail Sunday, while the port continues assessing damage and working to keep cargo flowing. Cultural Access Paused: A Navy archaeologist says a hiring freeze has paused Guam’s Public Access Program that brings the public to WWII sites, traditional CHamoru places, and a sunken ship on military land. Local Capacity Building: UOG’s Drone Corps expanded with nine new FAA-licensed remote pilots for research and environmental monitoring, and UOG also marked a milestone as Kayleena Blas Diaz became the first civil engineering graduate to earn a Guam professional engineer license. Fisheries Watch: Guam boat fishers spent more time trolling in 2025 but landed 53% less pelagic fish, with changing ocean conditions cited as a possible factor.

Typhoon Choi-Wan’s aftermath for the Marianas: Even as the storm’s center moves farther from the far Northern Marianas, strong winds and hazardous weather are still spreading across the region. A Typhoon Warning remains for Alamagan, Pagan and Agrihan, while Wind Advisories continue for Saipan and Tinian (All Clear doesn’t mean conditions are safe). Guam impacts: Guam and Rota are not in the typhoon’s core wind field, but a monsoon surge is keeping gusty winds and rough seas around into the weekend, with flash-flood risk lingering. Port of Guam recovery: High winds knocked a gantry crane off its rails and damaged two others; the Port is assessing all three cranes and says none are operational while inspections continue. Local capacity-building: UOG’s Drone Corps expanded to more FAA-certified pilots for research and environmental monitoring, and GRMC boosted Cath Lab training by bringing in specialized instruction for a Guam team. Fisheries update: Guam boat fishers spent more time trolling in 2025 and landed 53% less fish, with ocean conditions suspected but no single cause confirmed.

Typhoon Choi-wan Update (Guam/Rota): Choi-wan’s center stayed well north of Guam, but the monsoon surge is still bringing strong winds, rough seas, and flash-flood risk through the weekend. NWS says gusts have reached around 50 mph on Guam, with a wind advisory running until early Sunday and hazardous marine conditions likely into Monday. Port & Shipping Impacts: The Port Authority is assessing all three gantry cranes after Friday night high winds dislodged Gantry Crane 6, which struck the other two; none were operational as of Saturday morning. Marine & Fisheries: Guam boat fishers spent more time trolling in 2025 yet landed 53% less pelagic fish; the council can’t pin one cause, while local staff point to changing ocean conditions and possible lingering El Niño effects. Local Workforce/Tech for Environment: UOG’s Drone Corps expanded its FAA-licensed pilot pool, supporting research and environmental monitoring; UOG also highlighted a new Guam civil engineering P.E. license milestone. PFAS Accountability: Guam AG Nick Brown joined a bipartisan PFAS lawsuit aiming to stop DuPont/Corteva from shifting assets to avoid cleanup responsibilities.

Tropical Storm Choi-Wan: Even after moving away from Guam, the monsoon surge is keeping strong winds, heavy rain, and rough surf in the forecast, with NWS reporting gusts up to 62 mph on Saipan, 46 mph on Rota, and 51 mph on Guam, plus a wind advisory for Guam and Rota through early Sunday and a flood watch for Saipan and Tinian into late Sunday night. PFAS Accountability: Guam AG Nick Brown joined a bipartisan push to block DuPont/Corteva from shifting assets into a new entity (Vylor) to dodge cleanup costs from “forever chemicals,” while separate state action targets Corteva’s Vylor spinoff over alleged PFAS liability shielding. Climate & Ocean Governance: Guam Governor Leon Guerrero highlighted the Guam Green Growth (G3) circular economy push—plus conservation corps training and aquaponics for food security—at a virtual island summit focused on climate adaptation and ocean governance. Local Engineering Milestone: UOG civil engineering alum Kayleena Blas Diaz became the first UOG graduate in the program to earn a Guam Professional Engineer license. Community Weather Impacts: Tumon Night Market and multiple high school football games were canceled due to Choi-Wan-related flooding and high winds.

Tropical Storm Choi-wan: Guam may be outside the storm’s core, but a monsoon surge is still bringing strong, gusty winds and heavy rain. NWS says a wind advisory and gale warning for Guam and Rota run into early Sunday, with 5–8 inches of rain possible through Monday and rough surf risks. CNMI Flooding: Saipan and Tinian remain under a Flood Watch into late Sunday night as excessive runoff could trigger flash flooding. Local Impacts: Week 4 high school football games and outdoor sports were canceled due to flooding and high winds; Tumon Night Market was also called off Sunday for safety. Climate & Ocean Governance: Island leaders met at a virtual summit pushing stronger collaboration and finance for climate adaptation and ocean governance, highlighting Guam’s circular-economy push. PFAS Accountability: Guam joined a bipartisan lawsuit targeting corporate moves meant to dodge PFAS cleanup liabilities, as attorneys general challenge DuPont/Corteva’s asset-shuffling. Energy Costs: Moody’s downgraded Guam Power Authority to Baa3, citing fuel-cost volatility and limits on rate increases.

PFAS Accountability Fight: Guam is named in a new lawsuit by 15 U.S. states targeting Corteva and a spinoff called Vylor, alleging the deal was designed to dodge “forever chemical” liabilities tied to polluted drinking water and natural resources; Local Utility Pressure: Moody’s downgraded the Guam Power Authority to Baa3, citing fuel-cost volatility, weaker liquidity, and limits on rate increases as the EPA consent decree looms; Storm Watch for the Marianas: Tropical Storm Choi-wan is strengthening north of the islands, with Saipan and Tinian under tropical storm warnings and Guam expecting rough seas, strong winds, and heavy rain impacts; Military Environmental Review Push: 18 Guam and Pacific groups filed a Supreme Court amicus brief urging the U.S. Air Force to follow environmental and public participation rules for open detonation of dangerous explosives near culturally and ecologically significant areas; Energy Resilience Funding: Hawaiʻi’s State Energy Office opened applications for the DOE ETIPP program, offering Pacific communities technical help to build more reliable, resilient energy systems.

Tropical Storm Choi-Wan Threatens CNMI: Guam’s governor moved Saipan and Tinian to Tropical Storm Condition I (and Pagan/Alamagan to Typhoon Condition I) as Choi-Wan strengthens and is likely to become a typhoon Friday, with hazardous winds, heavy rain, and rough seas expected. Marianas Storm Watch Updates: Tropical Depression 26W was upgraded to Tropical Storm Choi-Wan, with tropical storm warnings for Saipan/Tinian and watches for the northern islands as the system tracks toward the CNMI. Climate & Ocean Governance Push: Island leaders at the 8th Virtual Island Summit highlighted Guam’s circular-economy push (G3) and called for stronger climate adaptation finance and ocean governance partnerships. Guam Research Funding: UOG’s Guam NSF EPSCoR E-CORE awarded nearly $200,000 in seed grants to boost local STEM research and workforce development. Military Explosives Lawsuit: 18 territorial groups filed a Supreme Court amicus brief urging the Air Force to follow environmental and community engagement standards for open detonation near sensitive areas, including concerns tied to Guam’s Northern Lens Aquifer. Community & Culture: Guam Girl Scouts’ Tough Cookie Fun Run drew nearly 400 participants, and Mission Bayfest returns Oct. 16–18 with major music headliners.