AGP Executive Report

Climate & Weather: NWS Guam says a dry pattern is holding across the Marianas with spotty, light showers and moderate trades, plus a moderate risk of rip currents this week. Disaster Recovery & Climate Change: Reporting from the Western Pacific notes Sinlaku’s rapid intensification was linked to unusually warm ocean waters, with climate change making such extremes more likely. Wildlife & Biodiversity: A Guam kingfisher (sihek) hatched at the National Aviary as part of the Sihek Recovery Program, aiming to restore the extinct-in-the-wild bird once brown tree snakes can be managed. Conservation Policy: American Samoa Democrats praised Guam’s deep sea mining ban push, calling it protection against irreversible ocean and environmental risks. Local Environment & Community: UOG’s Hotnu Heals gathers agricultural producers for culturally rooted community support—mixing local food with mental-health healing for farmers. Governance & Permitting: West Virginia AG JB McCuskey leads a multi-state amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to protect states and territories’ environmental permitting authority in a Guam EPA case tied to Air Force hazardous waste disposal. Tourism & Nature Storytelling: A Guam Visitors Bureau forum tackled tourism’s “birdless and snakeful” narrative, arguing Guam’s real natural and cultural assets need better public framing.

Wildlife & Conservation: A Guam kingfisher (sihek) hatched at the National Aviary and is part of the Sihek Recovery Program aimed at bringing the species back to Guam once brown tree snakes can be managed. Agriculture & Resilience: UOG’s Land Grant Soil Lab is offering free post–Super Typhoon Sinlaku soil testing for farmers in June and July to help rebuild long-term productivity. Community & Food Systems: UOG’s Hotnu Heals launches June 7 as a farmer-focused gathering blending cultural healing with support for local producers and food systems. Biodiversity Monitoring: NAVFAC Marianas and partners counted 269 fanihi (Mariana fruit bats) across Guam, Saipan, and Tinian, using the results to guide conservation actions. Climate & Disaster Recovery: Coverage from the Western Pacific highlights how Sinlaku’s rapid intensification—linked to warmer ocean conditions—left thousands displaced and many still without stable housing or power. Local Governance & Environment Permitting: West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey led a multi-state brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to protect states’ authority in environmental permitting, tied to a Guam EPA case involving an Air Force hazardous waste permit. Military Footprint: The U.S. Air Force is relocating Global Hawk surveillance drones and personnel from Guam to Yokota Air Base in Tokyo, shifting regional monitoring capacity. Public Safety Infrastructure: A Guam letter warns that overcrowded, aging correctional facilities are an overlooked homeland security risk during crises like blackouts and typhoons.

Typhoon Sinlaku Recovery: More than a month after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, Western Pacific communities are still rebuilding—Chuuk and Yap officials estimate over 7,000 homes damaged and more than 13,000 people displaced, with the regional death toll rising to 17; climate change is linked to the storm’s rapid intensification. Local Climate & Food Resilience: UOG’s Land Grant Soil Lab is offering free post-storm soil testing for Guam farmers in June and July to help restore productivity after Sinlaku. Wildlife Monitoring: Volunteers counted 269 fanihi (Mariana fruit bats) across Guam, Saipan, and Tinian, using the results to guide conservation actions for the threatened pollinator. Marine & Reef Collaboration: Palau joined the 51st U.S. Coral Reef Task Force in Puerto Rico to strengthen reef resilience and coordinated conservation. Governance & Environment Permitting: A Guam-related federal permitting fight is headed to the U.S. Supreme Court, with West Virginia leading a coalition arguing states and territories should control permitting timelines. Tourism Infrastructure (Ecotourism): GVB approved about $118,000 in contracts and sponsorships, including a $55.5K Sella Bay Overlook trail project framed as sustainable, accessible ecotourism. Community & Accountability: Guam’s GVB faces a $61.5M federal lawsuit alleging sexual assault and institutional failures, prompting official reactions from the governor’s office.

Mariana Islands wildlife: Volunteers counted 269 fanihi (Mariana fruit bats) across Guam, Saipan and Tinian, using a coordinated survey to guide conservation for the threatened pollinator. Disaster recovery & food security: UOG’s Land Grant Soil Lab is offering free post-storm soil testing for farmers in June and July after Typhoon Sinlaku, with field visits and crop-specific recommendations to rebuild productivity. Local environment & tourism access: Guam Visitors Bureau approved contracts to improve the Sella Bay Overlook trail with a focus on safer, more accessible, “natural setting” ecotourism. Biodiversity win: Trail cameras on Cocos Island captured what may be rare proof of ko’ko’ (Guam rail) mating in the wild, plus chicks seen with a parent. Regional reef resilience: Palau joined the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force to strengthen coral bleaching response and watershed/fisheries coordination. Maritime environment risk: Owners of the M/V Mariana filed a federal action seeking to limit liability after the capsizing during Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Climate signals: Coverage highlights Tropical Storm Jangmi impacts near Okinawa and points to a potentially active Super El Niño season affecting the Western Pacific.

Burden-Sharing Clash Hits Guam: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s “partners, not protectorates” push for allies to pay more landed locally as Guam officials said the island is already central to U.S. Indo-Pacific operations and needs Washington to act like a true partner. Permitting Fight With Environmental Stakes: A coalition led by West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey urged the U.S. Supreme Court to stop activist groups from suing to block federal permitting before Guam EPA can review—an issue tied to the Air Force’s long-running munitions disposal. Wildlife Update: Volunteers counted 269 fanihi (Mariana fruit bats) across Guam, Saipan, and Tinian, using the results to guide conservation actions for the threatened pollinator. Local Food Resilience: UOG’s Land Grant Soil Lab is offering free post-storm soil testing for farmers in June and July to help rebuild productivity after Typhoon Sinlaku. Tourism & Trails: Guam Visitors Bureau approved about $118K in contracts and sponsorships, including a $55.5K Sella Bay Overlook trail project framed as sustainable ecotourism. Climate/Storm Watch: Tropical Storm Jangmi is battering Japan’s Ryukyu Islands with heavy rain and damaging winds, with evacuations and flight disruptions reported.

Fanihi Conservation Count: Volunteers identified 269 Mariana fruit bats (fanihi) across Guam, Saipan, and Tinian in the 2026 annual count, with organizers saying the data will guide conservation actions for the threatened pollinator/seed disperser. Local Agriculture Resilience: After Typhoon Sinlaku, UOG’s Land Grant Soil Lab is offering free soil-testing for farmers in June and July to help rebuild long-term productivity. Wildlife Recovery Milestone: Trail cameras on Cocos Island captured photographic proof of ko’ko’ (Guam rail) mating in the wild, plus chicks seen trailing a parent—an encouraging sign for the native bird’s survival. Ecotourism Trail Upgrade: The Guam Visitors Bureau approved about $55,000 for the Sella Bay Overlook Trail project, aiming for safer, accessible, “natural surface” hiking and trail biking. Drone Skills for Environmental Work: UOG Drone Corps applications are open for a new cohort, offering training toward FAA Part 107b licensing and hands-on use for environmental monitoring and agriculture. Storm Watch: Tropical Storm Jangmi is battering Japan’s Ryukyu Islands with heavy rain and damaging winds, with evacuations and flight disruptions reported.

Storm & Climate Watch: Tropical Storm Jangmi is battering Japan’s Ryukyu Islands with damaging winds and heavy rain, prompting evacuations and flight cancellations—an added reminder for Guam’s weather readiness as forecasters warn the Pacific may be heading toward another Super El Niño summer. Agriculture Recovery: After Typhoon Sinlaku, UOG’s Land Grant Soil Lab is offering free June–July soil testing for farmers, with field visits and crop-specific recommendations to help rebuild long-term productivity. Wildlife & Biodiversity: Trail cameras on Cocos Island captured Guam’s native ko’ko’ rail mating and chicks, while Smithsonian reports four new sihek (Guam kingfisher) hatchlings—both signals of rare wins for endangered island species. Sustainable Tourism & Trails: Guam Visitors Bureau approved about $118K in contracts and sponsorships, including a $55.5K Sella Bay Overlook trail project framed as ecotourism with safer, accessible natural-surface routes. Local Skills & Monitoring: UOG Drone Corps is accepting applications for its next cohort, training residents toward FAA Part 107b licensing for environmental monitoring and agricultural uses. Marine Environment: Port Authority talks move forward on an inflatable ocean park near Port Beach, with claims it’s designed to be environmentally conscious.

UOG Drone Corps: The University of Guam is opening applications for its 2026 Drone Corps cohort, offering training that can lead to an FAA Part 107b remote pilot license, with classes set for July 27–Aug. 7 and webinars June 12; fees are covered. Coastal & tourism projects: GVB approved a $55,000 contract to build the Sella Bay Overlook Trail, positioning it as an ecotourism hub with safer access and a natural-surface route. Wildlife wins: Trail cameras on Cocos Island captured photographic proof of ko’ko’ (Guam rail) mating in the wild, plus chicks seen trailing a parent. Biodiversity conservation: NAVFAC Marianas and partners completed the Annual Fanihi (Mariana fruit bat) count, recording 269 bats across Guam, Saipan, and Tinian. Energy & resilience: Guam’s new 198-megawatt Ukudu power plant is expected to cut fuel oil use and reduce load-shedding vulnerability, supporting a cleaner transition. Storm outlook: The Atlantic hurricane season begins Monday, with forecasters watching Saharan dust and El Niño-linked conditions for 2026. Marine safety: Port Authority talks continue on an inflatable ocean park proposal near Port Beach, with claims it’s environmentally conscious and cleared by key federal agencies.

Wildlife & Invasives: Spanish researchers say a horseshoe whip snake has been swimming from Ibiza to Santa Eulària, confirming a new threat to endemic wall lizards. Local Conservation: Guam’s ko’ko’ rail may be reproducing on Cocos Island, with trail cameras capturing mating and chicks. Endangered Species: Four Guam kingfisher (sihek) chicks hatched at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, adding to the tiny global breeding population. Ecotourism & Trails: GVB approved a $55,000 contract for the Sella Bay Overlook Trail, aiming for a safe, natural-surface route with accessibility and improved parking/safety. Energy & Environment: Ribbon cutting for the 198-megawatt Ukudu power plant promises major fuel-oil reductions and supports Guam’s cleaner-energy transition. Weather: Tropical Depression Jangmi (Invest 99W) brought record rainfall and localized flooding, though it posed no direct threat to the Marianas. Marine Life & Habitat: NAVFAC and partners logged 269 fanihi (Mariana fruit bat) across Guam, Saipan, and Tinian in the annual count. Port & Coastal Use: Port Authority leadership can negotiate a lease for an inflatable ocean park at Port property, with claims of environmental safeguards.

Power & Energy: Guam’s new 198-megawatt Ukudu plant is expected to cut fuel-oil use by about 3,000 barrels a day and reduce annual oil imports by roughly 1 million barrels, a major step for reliability and the island’s clean-energy push. Wildlife Conservation: NAVFAC Marianas and regional partners wrapped up the Annual Fanihi (Mariana fruit bat) count, recording 269 bats across Guam, Saipan, and Tinian—supporting protection of a threatened native pollinator. Disaster Recovery: A 30-day interagency vessel-removal operation at Smiling Cove Marina in CNMI begins June 1 to restore safe waterway access after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with road closures around the work zone. Climate & Weather: Guam saw record rainfall tied to Tropical Depression Jangmi (Invest 99W), triggering a flood advisory in northern Guam even though the system posed no direct threat. Agriculture & Resilience: UOG is taking its Farmer Focus conference to Chuuk on July 1 and is also running a new Drone Corps cycle to train licensed remote pilots for environmental monitoring and agricultural applications. Local Governance & Accountability: A Guam Legislature debate over crop disaster compensation highlights a gap between what farmers lost and what the current program covers after typhoons.

Sihek Conservation Breakthrough: After Super Typhoon Sinlaku, Guam’s Department of Agriculture hatched a new female sihek (Guam kingfisher) through artificial incubation, confirmed by DNA testing, bringing the captive population to seven birds—an important step for a species extinct in the wild since 1988. Disaster Relief Rules for Farmers: A crop relief debate is heating up after a northern Guam farmer said he waited for compensation following Sinlaku damage; the Department of Agriculture says current law covers production costs but not lost market value, raising calls to clarify or change disaster-compensation rules. Wildlife Monitoring Across the Marianas: NAVFAC Marianas and partners completed the Annual Fanihi (Mariana fruit bat) count, recording 269 bats across Guam, Saipan, and Tinian, with the species still listed as threatened. Coastal Cleanup After Sinlaku: Federal and local partners begin a 30-day vessel removal operation at Smiling Cove Marina to restore safe waterway access, with road closures around the work area starting June 1. Energy & Resilience: Guam’s new Ukudu power plant ribbon cutting highlighted reduced fuel oil use and support for a cleaner transition, while broader regional weather and storm impacts continue to shape planning. Local Food & Markets: UOG is inviting farmers and food entrepreneurs to a marketing workshop series focused on product, price, place, promotion, and people—aimed at boosting sales for grown-in-Guam products.

Flood Watch: The National Weather Service issued a Guam flood advisory until 1 p.m. for heavy rain, warning of urban and small-stream flooding in low-lying, poorly drained areas. Coastal Cleanup: In CNMI, a federal-local interagency team begins a 30-day vessel removal operation at Smiling Cove Marina starting June 1 to restore safe waterway access after Super Typhoon Sinlaku; road access near Basin Place/Marina Lane will be closed during work. Wildlife Hope: Guam’s endangered sihek (Mariana kingfisher) conservation got a boost after a female chick hatched via artificial incubation at the Department of Agriculture—DNA confirmed her sex, bringing the captive population to seven. Bats Count: NAVFAC Marianas and regional partners wrapped up the Annual Fanihi Count, recording 269 Mariana fruit bats across Guam, Saipan, and Tinian. Energy Shift: Guam Power Authority’s new 198-megawatt Ukudu plant was highlighted with a promise of 3,000 fewer barrels of fuel oil burned per day and reduced oil imports, supporting a cleaner transition. Local Resilience: Guam’s community is also seeing recovery and preparedness themes as heavy rain advisories and post-storm recovery efforts continue.

Energy & Climate: Guam’s new 198-megawatt Ukudu power plant was officially ribbon-cut, with officials saying it could cut fuel-oil use by about 3,000 barrels a day and reduce annual oil imports by roughly 1 million barrels, while pointing to cleaner efficiency gains and possible LNG use. Wildlife Conservation: NAVFAC Marianas and regional agencies held the Annual Fanihi Count, recording 269 Mariana fruit bats across Guam, Saipan, and Tinian—showing the species’ role as a key pollinator and seed disperser. Storm Impacts & Flooding: Tropical Depression Jangmi (from Invest 99W) brought record rainfall to Guam and triggered a flood advisory for northern areas, with localized flooding reported but no major problems. Endangered Species Update: After Super Typhoon Sinlaku, Guam’s sihek recovery got a rare boost: a female sihek chick hatched through artificial incubation, bringing the captive population to seven birds. Local Food & Markets: UOG’s Land Grant Extension is inviting Guam farmers and food entrepreneurs to a 5P Agricultural Marketing Workshop series to strengthen product identity and sales of locally grown items. Community Safety: NWS Guam issued a flood advisory until 1 p.m. for heavy rain, urging drivers to slow down and watch for ponding and low visibility.

Flood & Storm Watch: Guam saw record rainfall as Tropical Depression Jangmi (Invest 99W’s earlier phase) pulled away northwest; a flood advisory stayed in effect until 1 p.m. for heavy rain and ponding in low-lying areas. Wildlife Recovery: After Super Typhoon Sinlaku, Guam’s sihek (endangered kingfisher) egg hatched through artificial incubation for the first time in the Department of Agriculture’s history; DNA sexing confirmed the chick is female, boosting the captive population. Water Safety Funding: EPA announced $9.5M in Guam PFAS grant support for testing, planning, and infrastructure work tied to PFAS and other emerging contaminants. Local Conservation & Heritage: Public comment is being sought on a Guam National Heritage Area study, with residents urged to weigh in. Tourism & Sustainability: Guam Visitors Bureau reported a volatile tourism rebound—April arrivals fell 28% after a March rise—while also discussing sustainable tourism innovation and diversification. Community Sports: The Guam Baseball & Softball Academy announced its 11th summer skills and games program with visiting coaches from Japan and Saipan.

Hurricane Readiness: FEMA acting administrator Bob Fenton says the agency is ready for the 2026 hurricane season as it runs a major preparedness exercise (“Silent Echo”) ahead of June 1. Storm Tracking: A tropical depression is forming from Invest 99W, but forecasters say it poses no threat to Guam; expect unsettled weather and spotty showers on the Marianas’ eastern periphery. Flood Risk: The National Weather Service issued a Guam flood advisory until 1 p.m. for heavy rain causing urban and small-stream flooding—slow down, watch for ponding, and drive cautiously. Conservation Win: After Typhoon Sinlaku, Guam’s sihek recovery got a rare boost: a female sihek chick hatched via artificial incubation at the Department of Agriculture, bringing the captive population to seven. Water Quality & PFAS: EPA announced $9.5M in Guam PFAS grant funding for testing, planning, and infrastructure, plus additional support for lead pipe replacement in the Northern Mariana Islands. Local Heritage Input: Guam Preservation Trust is urging residents to comment on a National Park Service feasibility study that could designate Guam—and its coastal waters—as a National Heritage Area. Tourism Update: GVB reports April arrivals fell 28% after a March surge, while June remains soft; the bureau is pushing campaigns and fuel-surcharge support to stabilize demand.

Conservation Win: Guam’s endangered sihek kingfisher is showing real progress after a chick hatched through artificial incubation just days after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with DNA sexing confirming the new female—boosting the captive population to seven. Storm Watch: Tropical Depression Jangmi is being tracked in the Philippine Sea, with forecasts highlighting the risk of heavy inland rain and flooding even away from the storm’s center. Local Weather Alerts: A flood advisory is in effect until 1 p.m. today due to heavy rain, with guidance for safer driving and caution in low-lying areas. Water Protection Funding: EPA announced $9.5M in Guam PFAS grants to support testing, planning, and infrastructure for PFAS and emerging contaminants. Heritage & Community Voice: The Guam Preservation Trust is urging public comment on a National Park Service feasibility study that could designate Guam—and its coastal waters—as a National Heritage Area, with community input due by July 2. Tourism & Sustainability: GVB reports a sharp April arrivals drop but points to easing jet fuel costs and ongoing efforts to diversify, including sustainable tourism innovation.