AGP Executive Report

Tourism & public finance: Guam’s AG says a $61.5M GVB lawsuit over alleged misconduct by former leaders could turn into a major public-debt risk for taxpayers. Marianas tourism funding: CNMI lawmakers’ conference committee restored full Marianas Visitors Authority tourism recovery funding in a compromise bill after earlier cuts. Pension uncertainty: CNMI retirees were told the 25% supplemental pension benefit may stop after July 31 because the Aug. 15 payment can’t be fully covered. CUC relief for Tinian: FEMA and the U.S. military are covering generation and fuel costs temporarily, so Tinian bills show only the basic $7 service fee until about July 10. Deep-sea mining rules: Experts warn U.S. deep-sea mining regulations for CNMI and other areas are outdated and may weaken environmental oversight. Commercial fishing access: Trump’s proclamation reopens parts of the Pacific around the Mariana Trench, Guam, and other monuments to U.S.-flagged commercial fishing under federal limits. Sinlaku recovery: Disaster food aid was approved for CNMI households, but distribution depends on local rollout; Guam also expects about $10M in Sinlaku emergency funds to return to its coffers. Local business & travel: Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan earned Tripadvisor’s “Best of the Best” ranking among top South Pacific hotels. Sports with an economic angle: CNMI’s Pickleball World Cup roster is set, but fundraising could shrink the team from six to four.

CNMI Recovery & Relief: Nearly two months after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, CNMI disaster food aid was approved—nearly $40M in nutrition assistance for households, though residents are warned benefits won’t arrive immediately as local procedures are finalized. Power & Utilities: On Tinian, residents are temporarily paying only a $7 basic service fee because FEMA and the U.S. military cover generation and fuel costs; the setup is expected to run until around July 10. Infrastructure Progress: CNMI Homeland Security Special Assistant Clement Bermudes says power restoration is largely back on Saipan (about 99% of primary lines re-energized) and generation capacity has returned above pre-storm levels, with distribution and reconnections still underway. Livestock Losses: Preliminary assessments show Sinlaku wiped out about 50–60% of Saipan livestock, with major drops across cattle, chickens, swine, and goats. Local Business & Tourism Funding: Lawmakers kept Senate versions of typhoon relief bills in conference, while the MVA pushed to maintain full tobacco-settlement funding tied to tourism-dependent jobs and services. Sports & Community: CNMI’s Pickleball Federation named six Open Division players for the 2026 World Cup in Vietnam, but the delegation size may shrink if fundraising falls short. Legal/Claims: A Guam federal court approved a $226,800 claims fund tied to the M/V Mariana loss and set a July 31 deadline for filing claims in Guam.

Pension Shock for Retirees: CNMI’s NMI Settlement Fund says the 25% pension benefit will end after July 31, 2026, with Finance Secretary Tracy Norita citing an Aug. 15 shortfall. Local Courts & Money: Charges were dismissed against the second defendant in the Saipan Mayor’s Office funds case after a civil settlement—$7,500 paid in monthly installments—closed the matter with prejudice. Disaster Relief, Food First: Nearly two months after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, USDA disaster nutrition assistance was approved for CNMI households, including enhanced benefits for current recipients and a separate program for affected households, with timing still dependent on local rollout. Power Relief on Tinian: FEMA and the U.S. military will cover generation and fuel costs temporarily, so Tinian bills show only the basic $7 service fee until around July 10. Recovery Progress: Officials report major restoration gains—about 99% of Saipan primary power lines re-energized and generation capacity above pre-storm levels—while distribution repairs and reconnections continue. Tourism Funding Fight: The tobacco settlement fund measure heads to conference committee talks as lawmakers work to keep appropriations flowing to tourism-linked programs and small businesses. Small Business Recovery: SBA says Sinlaku recovery loans have reached $9M, with demand strongest among homeowners and expanded help centers now operating longer hours. Sports & Community Economy: CNMI’s pickleball federation selected six athletes for the 2026 World Cup in Vietnam, but funding could shrink the team from six to four. Energy Costs & Infrastructure: A Guam/CNMI push continues for visa-free travel for Filipinos to support regional air demand and tourism recovery.

Retiree Pension Shock: CNMI’s NMI Settlement Fund says the 25% pension benefit will end after July 31, 2026, citing a budget shortfall for the Aug. 15 payment—urging retirees to plan ahead. Mayor’s Office Funds Case: Charges were dismissed with prejudice for the second defendant, Euloida Dela Cruz Macaranas, after a civil settlement requiring $7,500 in monthly payments. Typhoon Recovery & Food Aid: Nearly two months after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, Congress delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds says USDA disaster food assistance is approved for CNMI households, with benefits set to roll out after local procedures are finalized. Power Relief on Tinian: FEMA and the U.S. military will cover generation and fuel costs temporarily, so Tinian residents will only see the $7 customer fee until about July 10. Utility Cash Crunch: CUC’s request for an upfront FEMA disaster payment was denied, forcing the utility to fund restoration first before reimbursement. Tourism Funding Fight: A conference committee kept Senate cuts to the tobacco settlement fund measure, shifting money away from MVA and toward schools and mayoral operations. Business Recovery Loans: SBA Sinlaku recovery loans reached $9M as of June 4, mostly for homeowners, with expanded help sites for businesses. Visa & Tourism Push: Guam and CNMI governors renewed calls to add the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program to boost regional travel and economic recovery. Sports With Funding Hurdles: CNMI named six pickleball players for the 2026 World Cup in Vietnam, but the delegation size may drop if fundraising falls short.

Typhoon Sinlaku Relief & Recovery: CNMI’s disaster food aid was approved nearly two months after the storm, with USDA nutrition assistance potentially bringing nearly $40M in food support, though local procedures still mean no immediate payouts; the U.S. Army Reserve’s 9th Mission Support Command also wrapped up its months-long Saipan relief mission. Power & Utility Costs: On Tinian, FEMA and the military are covering generation and fuel costs so residents pay only the basic $7 customer fee until about July 10, while Guam/CNMI officials report major progress restoring power and water. Cash-Flow Pressure for Utilities: FEMA denied CUC’s request for an upfront disaster payment, forcing the utility to fund restoration first and wait for reimbursement. Local Business Support: SBA Sinlaku recovery loans for CNMI survivors reached $9M as of June 4, with a new third help site added for applicants. Tourism Funding Fight: A CNMI conference committee kept the Senate version of typhoon relief/tobacco settlement spending, including reduced MVA funding and reallocated amounts for schools and local offices. Transportation & Travel Rules: Guam and CNMI governors renewed their push for adding the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program as PAL resumes Manila-Saipan flights in June. Sports & Community Economy: CNMI’s Pickleball Federation named six Open Division players for the 2026 World Cup in Vietnam, but the delegation size may shrink if fundraising falls short. Energy Policy & Deep-Sea Mining: Guam enacted a deep-sea mining ban in its nearshore waters with fines up to $50,000 per day, while U.S. deep-sea mining rules face criticism as outdated and weak on oversight. Regional Disaster Aid: The U.S. approved an initial $8M disaster package for the FSM after Sinlaku.

Disaster Recovery: FEMA denied CUC’s request for an upfront disaster payment after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, forcing the utility to fund restoration first and wait for reimbursement—while CNMI reports power line and water service gains. Livestock Losses: Preliminary Agriculture assessments say Sinlaku wiped out about 50–60% of Saipan’s livestock, with cattle, poultry, swine and goats hit hard. Small Business Relief: SBA recovery loans for Sinlaku survivors reached $9M, with most approvals going to homeowners and renters; a third recovery center is now open on Saipan. Tourism & Travel: CNMI and Guam pushed for adding the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program to boost visitor demand and air service; Philippine Airlines is also set to resume Manila–Saipan flights in June. Workforce Policy: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds advanced a bill to ease CW-1 “touchback” requirements, aiming to stabilize the territory’s workforce for businesses still recovering. Sports & Community: CNMI’s Pickleball Federation selected six Open Division athletes for the 2026 World Cup in Vietnam, but final team size depends on fundraising.

Pickleball & Sports Tourism: CNMI’s Pickleball Federation named six Open Division players for the 2026 Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang (Aug. 30–Sep. 6), but the CNMI delegation could shrink from six to four if fundraising falls short. Disaster Recovery & Utilities: FEMA denied CUC’s request for an upfront disaster payment, forcing the utility to fund restoration first while reimbursement remains under review; meanwhile, CNMI officials report major progress on power and water restoration after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Agriculture Shock: Preliminary assessments say Sinlaku wiped out about 50–60% of Saipan’s livestock, with cattle, poultry, swine and goats hit hard. Small Business Relief: SBA Sinlaku recovery loans in CNMI reached $9M as of June 4, with most approvals going to homeowners and renters and a third recovery center added on Capital Hill. Aviation & Visitor Economy: Philippine Airlines is targeting a June restart of Manila–Saipan flights after airport repairs, supporting tourism and regional business travel. Policy & Workforce: CNMI lawmakers push federal CW-1 immigration changes to address the touchback rule’s impact on workers and businesses still recovering. Regional Mobility: Guam and CNMI governors renewed their push for Philippines inclusion in the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program to boost air service and visitor demand. Energy Security: A CNMI senator filed a resolution to study small modular and micro nuclear reactors as a long-term hedge against imported fuel price swings.

Super Typhoon Sinlaku Recovery: CNMI agriculture officials say Sinlaku wiped out about 50–60% of Saipan’s livestock so far, with cattle falling from 675 to 280 and chickens from 7,148 to 4,554; Tinian and Rota assessments are next. Disaster Cash Flow: FEMA denied CUC’s request for an upfront disaster payment, meaning the utility must fund restoration first and wait for reimbursement on a months-long process. Utilities Update: CNMI officials report major progress—about 99% of Saipan primary power lines re-energized and generation capacity at 34.7 megawatts—while distribution repairs and reconnections continue. Tax Office Facilities: Senators push for a permanent home for the Department of Revenue and Taxation after it pays $1.3M a year in rent for a “leaky” Price Costco warehouse. Tourism & Air Travel: Philippine Airlines is targeting a June restart of Manila–Saipan service after airport repairs, with nighttime operations aimed for June 20. Business Support: SBA says Sinlaku recovery loans have reached $9M, with most going to homeowners and renters, and it’s adding a third recovery center on Capital Hill. Regional Travel Policy: Guam and CNMI governors renew their push for Philippines inclusion in the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program to boost visitor demand and air service. Energy Resilience: A CNMI senator files a resolution to study small modular reactors and microreactors as a long-term hedge against imported fuel volatility. Sports & Delegations: CNMI’s Pickleball Federation names six Open Division athletes for the 2026 World Cup in Vietnam, with final team size depending on fundraising.

FSM Energy Support: Vital FSM Petroleum Corp. says President Wesley W. Simina signed Public Law 24-65 on June 2 to back up to $5M in FSM fuel price stabilization loans, boosted by a Japan grant for about $3.1M—adding roughly $8M in stabilization capacity to protect electricity, transport, food distribution, and services. CNMI/Guam Tourism & Travel: Guam and CNMI governors Lou Leon Guerrero and David Apatang renewed their push for the Philippines to be added to the Guam-CNMI visa waiver, aiming to grow tourism and air links as Philippine Airlines prepares to resume Manila–Saipan service in June. Air Service Update: United Airlines will move Micronesia/Guam–Saipan routes to an all-MAX 8 plan by early October 2026, with Guam–Saipan MAX 8 starting July 19. Typhoon Recovery Loans: SBA says Sinlaku recovery approvals in CNMI now total $9M, with most going to homeowners and a smaller share to businesses. Tourism Numbers: CNMI visitor arrivals fell 72% in April to 3,277 as Sinlaku disrupted flights; hotels report March occupancy at about 29% and expect a rebound with June 20 airport repairs. Deep-Sea Mining Policy: Guam enacted a deep-sea mining ban in its nearshore waters (fines up to $50K/day) and barred port use without full community consultation, while NOAA budget proposals raise concerns for Pacific weather and ocean programs. Regional Legal/Business Risk: A Guam court approved a $226,800 claims fund in the M/V Mariana limitation case, directing Sinlaku-related claims to be filed in Guam by July 31.

Visa Waiver Push: Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and CNMI Gov. David Apatang are urging the U.S. to add the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Programme, aiming to boost tourism, strengthen regional ties, and support air service as Philippine Airlines prepares to resume Manila–Saipan flights in June. Air Travel Restart: The Commonwealth Ports Authority targets nighttime international operations at Saipan’s airport to resume June 20, with PAL’s twice-weekly Manila–Saipan service set for June 22. Workforce Reform: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds is pushing H.R. 8931 to reform CW-1 “touchback” rules, arguing the current system is hurting businesses still recovering from Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Small Business Recovery: SBA disaster loans for Sinlaku recovery have reached $9 million, and the agency opened a third Saipan recovery center on Capital Hill to help businesses and nonprofits apply and resolve documentation. Tourism Hit, Slow Rebound: CNMI visitor arrivals fell 72% in April, and hotel occupancy averaged about 29% in March as stakeholders look to the June 20 flight restart. Energy Security Debate: CNMI Sen. Jude Hofschneider is backing a study of small modular reactors and microreactors to reduce reliance on imported fuel. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Guam’s governor signed a law banning deep-sea mining in nearshore waters, with fines up to $50,000 per day. Ocean Exploration & Policy: The Nautilus expedition season returns to Mariana waters starting June 10, while NOAA budget proposals raise alarm over cuts that could affect weather forecasting and coastal resilience.

Tourism Shock and Recovery: CNMI visitor arrivals fell 72% in April to 3,277 after Super Typhoon Sinlaku disrupted flights and damaged infrastructure; stakeholders are watching the June 20 restart of direct Seoul–Saipan service and airport repairs as the key to summer rebound. Hotel Demand Check: The Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands reported March occupancy at 29.47% (down from 34.73% a year earlier), with some properties reopening and others still repairing. Regional Air Connectivity Push: Guam and CNMI governors renewed their call to add the Philippines to the Guam–CNMI visa waiver program to boost lawful travel, passenger demand, and airline routes. Deep-Sea Mining Policy: Guam’s governor signed a ban on deep-sea mining in Guam nearshore waters, with fines up to $50,000 per day and restrictions on port use without community consultation. Energy Resilience Debate: A CNMI senator filed a resolution to study small modular and micro nuclear reactors as a way to reduce fuel-price exposure and improve power resilience. Disaster Support for Businesses: SBA opened a third Saipan disaster recovery center to help businesses and nonprofits apply for federal aid after Sinlaku. Ocean Science and Local Jobs: The Ocean Exploration Trust’s Nautilus expedition season returns to Mariana waters starting June 10, bringing local participants and new sonar mapping capacity. Governance and Democracy Talk: A bipartisan congressional briefing highlighted how “consent of the governed” still doesn’t fully apply to 3.6 million Americans living in U.S. territories. Micronesian Games Host: Kiribati was selected to host the 2030 Micronesian Games, after CNMI withdrew its bid due to Sinlaku devastation.

Territorial Democracy Push: A bipartisan congressional briefing in the U.S. Senate examined why 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories still lack full democratic rights under the “consent of the governed” principle, with CNMI Gov. David Apatang and CNMI lawmaker Kimberlyn King-Hinds among participants. Visa & Tourism Growth: Guam and CNMI governors renewed their push to add the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program to boost regional travel, air service, and visitor-economy recovery. Deep-Sea Mining Rules: Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed a deep-sea mining ban for Guam’s nearshore waters, with fines up to $50,000 per day and restrictions on port use without community consultation. NOAA Budget Pressure: A proposed 2027 NOAA budget would cut more than $1 billion and end or reduce programs tied to typhoon forecasting, fisheries, coral protection, and coastal resilience—key for Guam and CNMI. CNMI Energy Security: CNMI Sen. Jude Hofschneider pre-filed a resolution calling for federal study of small modular reactors and microreactors to reduce fuel dependence and stabilize power after storm-driven outages. Tourism Hit by Sinlaku: CNMI visitor arrivals fell 72% in April to 3,277 as flight disruptions and damage linger; stakeholders are watching June 20 for the return of international flights and Jeju Air’s Seoul-Saipan plans. Recovery for Businesses: SBA opened a third disaster recovery center on Saipan to help businesses and nonprofits navigate federal assistance after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Power Restored on Tinian: Large-scale military generators were connected to Tinian’s grid to restore community power while permanent repairs continue. Ocean Exploration: The Nautilus expedition season returns June 10, with two consecutive missions exploring little-known Mariana waters and local participants joining the research.

Visa Waiver Push: Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and CNMI Gov. David Apatang urged federal officials to expand the Guam-CNMI visa waiver to include the Philippines, aiming to boost tourism, air service, and regional business ties. Ocean Exploration: The Ocean Exploration Trust’s E/V Nautilus returns June 10 for missions around the Marianas, with local participants and a new sonar system to map deeper seafloor. Deep-Sea Mining Ban: Guam Gov. Leon Guerrero signed a law banning deep-sea mining in Guam’s nearshore waters, with fines up to $50,000 per day and restrictions tied to port use without community consultation. Disaster Recovery & Power: Guam and CNMI leaders marked typhoon preparedness milestones, while Tinian restored community-scale grid power using temporary generators after Sinlaku damage. Tourism Hit, Slow Rebound: CNMI visitor arrivals fell 72% in April after Sinlaku; hotels reported low occupancy in March and stakeholders are watching June 20 flight resumption. Energy Security Idea: CNMI Sen. Jude Hofschneider filed a resolution to study small modular and micro nuclear options for long-term power resilience. Small Business Aid: SBA opened a third Saipan disaster recovery center to help businesses and nonprofits apply for federal assistance. Casino Fees Reallocated: Saipan approved $1.5M from remaining exclusive casino license fees for community projects, including health, youth, and infrastructure planning.

CNMI Energy Security: CNMI Sen. Jude Hofschneider pre-filed a resolution urging federal agencies to study small modular reactors and microreactors for Saipan, Tinian and Rota as a way to cut reliance on imported fuel and stabilize power costs. Tourism Shock in the CNMI: Marianas Visitors Authority reported just 3,277 visitor arrivals in April 2026, down 72% year over year after Super Typhoon Sinlaku disrupted flights and damaged the airport; recovery hinges on summer resumption of mainstream travel. Hotel Performance: Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands put March occupancy at 29.47% (down from 34.73% a year earlier), with some properties reopening as international flights are expected to restart June 20. Disaster Recovery for Businesses: SBA opened a third Business Recovery Center on Saipan at the One Stop Permitting Center on Capital Hill to help businesses and nonprofits apply for and fix federal assistance paperwork. Deep-Sea Mining Policy: Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed a law banning deep-sea mining in Guam’s nearshore waters and threatening fines up to $50,000 per day, while also restricting use of Guam’s port without full community consultation. NOAA Budget Risk: A proposed 2027 NOAA budget would cut more than $1 billion and eliminate or reduce programs tied to typhoon forecasting, fisheries, coral protection and coastal resilience—raising alarms for Guam and CNMI.

Deep-Sea Mining: Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed a law banning deep-sea mining in Guam and nearshore waters, with fines up to $50,000 per day and restrictions on using Guam’s port without “full consultation,” while the federal seabed area around the Marianas remains open. NOAA Funding Pressure: The Trump administration’s proposed 2027 NOAA budget would cut more than $1 billion and end or reduce programs tied to typhoon forecasting, fisheries, coral conservation, and coastal resilience—key for Guam and CNMI. CNMI Energy Security: CNMI Sen. Jude Hofschneider pre-filed a resolution calling for federal study of small modular reactors and microreactors for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota to reduce dependence on imported fuel. Tourism Hit, Then Hopeful Signals: CNMI visitor arrivals fell 72% in April after Super Typhoon Sinlaku; hotel occupancy averaged 29.47% in March, but stakeholders are watching for international flight resumption around June 20. Disaster Recovery for Businesses: SBA opened a third Business Recovery Center on Saipan to help firms and nonprofits apply for and fix federal assistance paperwork. Power Restored on Tinian: Large-scale military generators were connected to Tinian’s grid after Sinlaku damaged the power plant, aiming to stabilize recovery. Local Economy & Governance: Saipan allocated $1.5M from remaining casino license fees to health, solar, youth, and community projects. Legal/Workplace Risk: A $61.5M Guam Visitors Bureau lawsuit alleges sexual assault and harassment by former leadership and institutional coverup.

Tourism Shock From Sinlaku: The Marianas Visitors Authority says April visitor arrivals to the CNMI fell 72% to 3,277, as storm damage and flight disruptions hit demand; South Korea dropped 90% to 740 and Japan fell 75% to 225, though Jeju Air opened bookings for Seoul–Saipan flights starting June 20. Hotel Slowdown: HANMI reports March hotel occupancy at 29.47% (down from 34.73% a year earlier), with fewer room nights sold and some properties still repairing after Sinlaku. Recovery Support for Businesses: SBA opened a third Business Recovery Center on Saipan at the One Stop Permitting Center on Capital Hill to help firms and nonprofits with applications, documentation, and loan reconsiderations. Power and Utilities: U.S. military generators were connected to Tinian’s grid to restore community-scale electricity after Sinlaku damaged the power plant. Workforce Policy: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced a bill to remove the CNMI “touchback” requirement for CW-1 workers, aiming to stabilize staffing for rebuilding. Governance and Legal Risk: CNMI’s attorney general is seeking to reopen a settled case involving former Gov. Ralph Torres, arguing the immunity deal was unauthorized. Guam Tourism Lawsuit: A $61.5M federal lawsuit accuses the Guam Visitors Bureau and former leadership of sexual assault/harassment and institutional coverup. Fuel Costs: CNMI diesel prices dropped 30 cents to $7.08, while gasoline stayed at $6.11, a potential relief for utility costs.