AGP Executive Report

Recycling Fund Scrutiny: Guam’s Office of Public Accountability says GEPA’s Recycling Revolving Fund still has major gaps—rules weren’t fully codified, records don’t reliably match internal reports, and closed-year figures were revised without clear explanation. It also flags missing or incomplete operation and expenditure plans for the MCOG IECP, plus confusion over when spending happened and what year it actually belonged to. Pacific Security Pressure: A separate week of coverage keeps circling the same theme: Micronesia and the wider Pacific are no longer “on the edge” of great-power competition, with leaders and security experts warning that big-power brinkmanship could quickly become local risk. Local Enforcement Reality Check: Older reporting adds context to the enforcement problem—Guam has passed laws before and then struggled to follow through, from banned sunscreens still being imported to recycling rules left unfunded.

Pacific Security Tensions: A Guam-hosted Micronesia Security Dialogue warned that great-power rivalry is no longer “over there,” with leaders gaming out what U.S.-China brinkmanship could mean for island security as Taiwan and missile risks loom. Local Governance: Guam is still struggling to enforce its own laws—most notably a year-old ban on coral-harming sunscreen chemicals that officials say is still being imported and sold. Public Health & Recovery: The U.S. EPA wrapped up drinking-water and wastewater assessments after Typhoon Sinlaku in Guam and CNMI, shifting work back to local partners. Environment & Heritage: A Guam cultural heritage study is moving toward possible National Heritage Area designation, while a separate push seeks access to Land Trust parcels for wildlife conservation. Education & Community: Senators raised concerns about UOG enrollment sustainability, and Guam’s EMS providers are set to be honored during EMS Week.

Guam Governance Under Pressure: A new push is underway to move DPHSS offices from Hagåtña to Tamuning, but lawmakers are still asking hard questions about what’s moving, what stays, and what happens to the old Mangilao headquarters funding. Legislative Follow-Through: Guam’s own laws are being called out for not being enforced—an oxybenzone ban is still seeing imports and sales, and older recycling and “two-strikes” rules reportedly never fully delivered. Public Health & Resilience: EMS Week is set to spotlight first responders, while EPA has wrapped up drinking-water and wastewater assessments after Typhoon Sinlaku in Guam and CNMI. Education & Community: Senators raised concerns about UOG enrollment sustainability as the university points to pandemic-era shifts and feeder-school declines. Security Context: Guam-based island security discussions are framing the Pacific as a front row seat to great-power rivalry, not a distant sideshow.

Law enforcement gap: A year after Guam’s sunscreen ban took effect, banned chemicals are still being imported and sold on island, with no fines or shelf pullbacks—another sign Guam often passes laws without enforcing them. Local governance: Senators also raised fresh worries about University of Guam enrollment sustainability as budget talks continue. Public health operations: DPHSS plans to move several offices from Hagåtña to Tamuning by summer, but Mangilao headquarters funding remains unclear. Regional security: Guam hosted a Micronesia security dialogue warning that great-power competition is no longer “over there,” with leaders gaming out what Taiwan brinkmanship could mean locally. Environment & resilience: EPA finished water assessment work after Typhoon Sinlaku, shifting drinking-water recovery back to local partners. Community spotlight: EMS Week is set to recognize first responders, highlighting how care kept moving through the storm.

Marianas Weather Watch: Meteorologists say Super Typhoon Sinlaku’s slow, punishing passage produced one of the longest extreme-wind events in a U.S. jurisdiction, and more heavy weather could follow. Coral Protection & Enforcement: A year-old Guam sunscreen ban is still being undermined by imports of products with oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene—lawmakers and businesses are now clashing over who’s complying. Heritage on the Line: A Guam National Heritage Area study is moving toward possible congressional designation, with community input sought—especially around cultural sites tied to military lands. Public Health Operations: DPHSS offices are set to move from Hagåtña to Tamuning, but Mangilao headquarters funding and timelines remain unclear. Infrastructure & Recovery: EPA has completed water assessment work after Sinlaku, and the Port Authority is advancing a $74.5M gantry crane replacement project. Security & Connectivity: A new report warns island nations depend on a small number of vulnerable undersea cables, raising blackout and sabotage risks.

Nursing Workforce & Tech: A Guam nurse regulator reports the profession is stabilizing after COVID—better retention and rising pay—but Guam still faces shortages and burnout, while AI is rapidly reshaping nursing education and day-to-day practice. Governance Watch: A fresh opinion argues Guam can’t afford a part-time Legislature because oversight is the only real control left when agencies miss deadlines and procurement gets stuck. Public Health Moves: DPHSS is relocating parts of its Hagåtña operations to Tamuning, but Mangilao HQ refurbishment funding remains unclear. Typhoon Recovery Water Check: US EPA finished drinking-water and wastewater assessments in Guam and CNMI after Sinlaku, handing work back to local partners. Community & Safety: EMS Week runs May 17–23 with a proclamation honoring first responders, while Guam’s port advances a $74.5M gantry crane replacement.

Water Recovery: The U.S. EPA has wrapped up its drinking-water and wastewater assessment mission in Guam and the CNMI after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, handing the work back to local partners and aiming to restore public confidence in water for drinking, cooking, and bathing. Public Health Moves: DPHSS is relocating parts of its offices from Hagåtña to Tamuning, but lawmakers are still pressing for clarity on what happens to the old Mangilao headquarters and related funding. Emergency Services: EMS Week runs May 17–23, with GovGuam and DPHSS highlighting how first responders kept going through Sinlaku’s aftermath. Governance Debate: A new letter argues Guam can’t afford a part-time Legislature “not now, not like this,” warning oversight gaps would worsen already fragile compliance and procurement. Homelessness: An Anigua shelter project is nearing completion for an August opening, while a Tamuning apartment purchase is set for renovations later this fiscal year.

Governance Under Pressure: Guam’s push for a part-time Legislature is being challenged as a fantasy that ignores how agencies already miss deadlines and rely on legislative pressure to stay compliant—meaning fewer hearings could weaken the only real oversight Guam has left. Homelessness Update: An 18-unit shelter in Anigua is nearing completion and could open by August, while a newly purchased 32-unit apartment building in Tamuning may be renovated by the end of the fiscal year. Disaster Relief & Schools: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed bills waiving the 180-day school requirement after Super Typhoon Sinlaku and extending the Lotte Duty Free Guam airport concession. Environment & Science: Guam swimmers wrapped up a successful Suva campaign; and GACS recognized an 8th grader’s third-place science fair win for bioplastic research. Military Footprint: The Pentagon approved another $407M for Lockheed Martin’s Guam missile defense work, lifting the contract total to $1.9B. Health Watch: Guam’s hypertension rates are trending upward, with officials urging more screening and awareness.

Homelessness & Housing: Guam’s homeless count is preliminarily down to 849 (from 861 last year), but officials say need is still rising; an 18-unit Anigua shelter is nearing completion after four years, with a separate 32-unit Tamuning apartment set for renovations by year’s end. Disaster Recovery Funding: Guam Power Authority is still waiting on FEMA for its $34.4M Typhoon Mawar claim, though FEMA has approved $10.8M for Mawar power distribution repairs—GPA says it’s still clarifying how that fits its larger request. Education & Airport Business: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed an emergency bill waiving the 180-day school requirement after Sinlaku and extended the Lotte Duty Free Guam concession up to three years. Marine Life Protection: A tourist in Hawai‘i was arrested after allegedly throwing a rock at an endangered monk seal—another reminder that enforcement across the Pacific is hard. Ports & Transit: The Port Authority is moving ahead with a $74.5M gantry crane replacement, and GRTA plans 40 new buses for about $13M to expand routes.

Guam Power Authority: GPA says its $34.4M Typhoon Mawar damage claim is still stuck in FEMA review, even as FEMA recently approved $10.8M for power distribution repairs—GPA hasn’t confirmed whether that amount is part of its Mawar total. Disaster response funding: Vice Speaker Tony Ada is pushing a new $50M disaster relief fund that would let the governor access up to $10M immediately after declared emergencies, aiming to cut the “wait weeks or months” problem. Military buildout on Guam: The Pentagon approved another $407M for Lockheed Martin’s Guam missile defense work, lifting the contract total to $1.9B, while a separate report warns CNMI’s military spending may deepen dependence rather than create lasting local prosperity. Local infrastructure: The Port of Guam is moving ahead with a $74.5M gantry crane replacement project, and GRTA plans to procure 40 new buses using about $13M in federal support. Marine life science: Whale sharks are shown to travel far farther across the Indo-Pacific than previously understood, underscoring the need for wider protection.

Wildlife Land Access: Guam’s Department of Agriculture is asking the CHamoru Land Trust Commission for access to 68 Land Trust parcels to support wildlife conservation, with lands still owned by CLTC but placed under contract for habitat work. Military Spending, Again: The Pentagon has approved another $407 million for Lockheed Martin’s Guam missile-defense system, pushing the contract total to $1.9 billion as the 360-degree network continues toward a 2035 completion. Disaster Relief Push: Vice Speaker Tony Ada filed a bill to create a $50 million disaster relief fund so the governor could tap up to $10 million immediately after declared emergencies. Port Upgrade: Federal officials moved forward a $74.5M project to replace Guam’s aging gantry cranes, aiming to install up to three new cranes. Transit Boost: GRTA is set to procure 40 new buses for about $13M to expand routes and replace older fleet. Community & Culture: A Saturday fundraiser event, “Matao, in process,” blends meditation, chant, poetry, dance, and sound healing to support Sinlaku relief.

Missile Defense Funding: The Pentagon just approved another $407M for Lockheed Martin’s Guam missile-defense work, pushing the contract total to $1.9B as the island’s 360-degree Aegis network keeps expanding toward a 2035 completion. Military-Culture Tensions: At the annual military historic-preservation meeting, officials surfaced anger over suspended public access to cultural sites on base lands, setting up a tougher discussion on a new cultural heritage agreement. AI Push: Guam’s new Artificial Intelligence Regulatory Task Force met for early progress, with pilots aimed at streamlining government services and workforce readiness. Disaster Relief Plan: Vice Speaker Tony Ada filed a bill for a $50M disaster relief fund that could let the governor access up to $10M immediately during declared emergencies. Port Upgrade: The Port Authority moved forward on a $74.5M gantry crane replacement project. Health & Safety: Public health reminders also made news, including a push to track high blood pressure and a community event tied to typhoon relief.

Health Alert: NIH and CDC are flagging May as National High Blood Pressure Education Month, with Guam’s hypertension rates trending up—30.3% (2019) and 33.5% in newer 2024 BRFSS figures—while the World Hypertension League marks World Hypertension Day on May 17. Port Upgrade: The Port Authority of Guam is moving ahead with a $74.5M MARAD-backed plan to replace aging gantry cranes, starting formal grant coordination to procure and install up to three new cranes. Housing Relief: GHURA says some residents may qualify for income-limit waivers under the $500M “Fix in Six” Typhoon Mawar aid, and it’s setting a job fair for May 22 to staff the rollout. Transit Push: GRTA plans to buy 40 new buses (about $13M) to expand routes and replace aging fleet. Security & Environment: A Micronesia security forum warned deep-sea mining and advanced weapons are tied to future drone warfare, while Guam’s weather watch continues with Invest 96W bringing showers near Yap and possibly Palau. Community Life: Tourism Month gets a free Run With Friends event May 20 in Tumon, and Saturday night features meditative CHamoru chants, poetry dance, and sound healing with Sinlaku relief fundraising.

Energy Cost Shock: A new Guam bill would expand who can build solar and battery projects under the Virtual Power Plant Program, as fuel prices tied to the U.S.-Israel war with Iran push electricity costs toward record highs—GPA warned a $152 jump is possible for a typical residential bill if fuel costs fully pass through. Transit Upgrade: GRTA is set to procure 40 new ADA-compliant buses (about $13M in federal funding) to replace aging vehicles and expand routes. After Sinlaku, Aid Still Needed: The Red Cross is handing out digital cards for Sinlaku damage, with residents reporting roof failures and ongoing gaps in help. Security Spotlight: A Micronesia security forum at Hyatt Regency Guam focused on rising U.S.-China pressure and regional threats, from narco subs to deep-sea ambitions. Community Life: GuamTime’s Mad Collab block party returns to Tumon Night Market Sunday, pairing local food, art, and music with nonprofit support.

Public Transit Upgrade: GovGuam says GRTA will buy 40 new buses this year—30 first, then 10 more—using about $13M in federal funds to expand fixed routes and paratransit and replace aging vehicles. Security Spotlight: At the Micronesia Security Dialogue in Guam, leaders warned that narco submarines, mapping research vessels, and deep-sea mining interest are all feeding a bigger U.S.-China security squeeze across the region. Defense Spending: The Pentagon is pushing harder on Guam missile defense—MDA awarded Lockheed Martin a $407M modification, lifting the Guam program to $1.9B through 2029. After Sinlaku, Aid Still Matters: The Red Cross is providing financial help to Sinlaku-affected families in the CNMI, while UOG’s Drone Corps is mapping storm damage to support recovery planning. Local Governance Watch: In court, Ordot dump contractor defendants are asking the judge to keep a stay in place, arguing mediation isn’t finished. Health & Community: Allergy awareness coverage notes Guam’s year-round pollen, and a wellness column breaks down common triggers and reactions.

Disaster Relief: The American Red Cross opened a financial aid site at Micronesia Mall for Sinlaku-affected households, handing out help via digital cards—Guam resident Margie De Leon described roof and ceiling damage and said, “I need help.” Storm Watch: The NWS says Invest 96W will bring showers to Yap and possibly Palau, while Guam stays in a drier trade-wind pattern with a moderate rip-current risk. Damage Mapping: UOG Drone Corps teamed up with the Bureau of Statistics and Plans to survey coastal and agricultural damage from Sinlaku using drone mapping. Military Buildout: ASTRO America is pitching Guam’s GAMMA additive manufacturing push as a permanent, Navy-focused factory—while the Pentagon keeps expanding Guam missile defense funding, now up to $1.9B. Local Courts: Defendants are pushing back on GovGuam’s Ordot dump contractor case, arguing mediation isn’t finished. Public Health: Guam EPA issued beach advisories for five polluted swimming spots.