AGP Executive Report

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation groups and Earthjustice filed a new lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s plan to move forward with deep-sea mining off the Marianas and Guam, disputing the National Marine Fisheries Service’s view that the lease sale won’t harm endangered species; CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds is also pushing her PACMESA bill to require a 50% revenue cut for nearby Pacific territories. Delegate Race & Local Economy: The Saipan Chamber of Commerce debate put King-Hinds and challenger Galvin Deleon Guerrero head-to-head on results for the CNMI economy, workforce, healthcare, disaster recovery, and air service, with King-Hinds defending her first-term work and Deleon Guerrero calling for a political reset. Disaster Recovery Funding Access: FEMA hired 22 CNMI residents under its Sinlaku Local Hire initiative, while Rota Bavi survivors face a 5 p.m. roofing registration deadline via USACE; SBA says missed Sinlaku deadlines may still be handled through in-person recovery centers with an explanation. Utilities & Infrastructure Needs: CUC executive director Kevin Watson said Judge David O. Carter is satisfied with recovery progress after two super typhoons but wants more funding, including major Tinian power plant replacement needs. Government Operations & Costs: DOD updated Guam/NMI per diem rates effective Sept. 1, raising meals and incidentals—an issue for the hospitality sector serving federal travelers. Public Safety Leadership: Acting Gov. Karl King-Nabors nominated Aniceto Ogumoro for CNMI Department of Public Safety commissioner, starting the Senate confirmation process. Biosecurity Reorg: Gov. Apatang transferred the CNMI Invasive Species Program to the Department of Finance’s Customs and Biosecurity division to streamline command and reduce overhead.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced the Pacific Minerals Economic Security Act (PACMESA), proposing a 50% revenue share from seabed mining bonuses, rentals and royalties to qualifying Pacific territories, alongside stronger bonding and environmental mitigation. Legal Challenge: Conservation and community groups filed a lawsuit to block the Trump administration’s Marianas deep-sea mining push, arguing the federal review wrongly concluded the lease sale won’t harm endangered species and critical habitat. Local Politics & Economy: The Saipan Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2026 Delegate debate, where King-Hinds defended her first-term record while challenger Galvin Deleon Guerrero called for a political reset and faster results for the CNMI economy and workforce. Disaster Recovery & Small Business: FEMA hired 22 CNMI residents under its Sinlaku Local Hire initiative, while SBA said Sinlaku applicants who missed deadlines may still request exceptions at recovery centers with a written explanation. Public Safety Appointments: Acting Gov. Karl R. King-Nabors nominated Aniceto T. Ogumoro to be CNMI Department of Public Safety commissioner, sending the nomination to the Senate for confirmation. Utilities Funding: CUC executive director Kevin Watson said Judge David O. Carter is pleased with recovery work after two typhoons but wants more funding for rebuilding, including major Tinian power plant repairs. Aviation & Infrastructure: FAA is seeking public comment on a draft environmental assessment for a long-range radar facility on Saipan’s Mount Petosukara to close a north-facing radar coverage gap. Government Travel Costs: DOD raised Guam/NMI per diem meals and incidentals effective Sept. 1, a change that local hotel and tourism groups say matters for federal travel demand.

Public Safety Appointments: Acting Gov. Karl R. King-Nabors has nominated Aniceto T. Ogumoro to become CNMI Department of Public Safety commissioner, sending the nomination to the Senate for advice and consent and directing him to file required financial and background documents. Disaster Recovery (Rota): Rota Bavi survivors have until 5 p.m. today to register for the Temporary Roofing Program at the Survivor Recovery Center, with FEMA Individual Assistance still open but no deadline set yet. Disaster Recovery (Sinlaku): SBA says missed Sinlaku aid deadlines may still be handled through in-person exceptions at recovery centers if applicants explain why they were late. Energy & Costs: Diesel prices jumped again after global oil rose past $100 a barrel, with local reports showing another 20-cent increase on Saipan. Utilities Funding: CUC executive director Kevin Watson says Judge David O. Carter is pleased with recovery work after two typhoons but wants more funding, including major Tinian power plant repairs. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation groups and Earthjustice filed lawsuits to stop Marianas deep-sea mining lease plans, while CNMI leaders and delegates push for revenue sharing and stronger protections; Gov. Apatang also transferred the Invasive Species Program to Finance’s Customs and Biosecurity to streamline biosecurity operations. Aviation/Infrastructure: FAA is seeking public comment on a long-range radar facility at Mount Petosukara to close a radar coverage gap for Saipan. Local Business & Community: Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan announced its 2nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament for Nov. 14 to benefit local nonprofits.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation and community groups filed a lawsuit to stop the Trump administration’s Marianas/Guam deep-sea mining push, challenging the National Marine Fisheries Service’s finding that the lease sale won’t harm endangered species; CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds is also pushing PACMESA to boost revenue sharing (50%) and strengthen local protections and consultation. Disaster Recovery & Small Business Help: On Rota, the USACE Temporary Roofing Program registration deadline is 5 p.m. today, with FEMA Individual Assistance still open; for Typhoon Sinlaku survivors, SBA says missed applicants may still request exceptions by visiting a recovery center and explaining why they were late. Utilities Funding: CUC executive director Kevin Watson says Judge David O. Carter is pleased with recovery work after two super typhoons but wants more funding, including major concerns about Tinian’s power plant. Local Policy & Operations: Gov. Apatang transferred the CNMI Invasive Species Program to the Department of Finance’s Customs and Biosecurity division to consolidate prevention and response. Cost Pressures: Diesel prices rose again in the CNMI after global oil jumped past $100 a barrel, adding to operating costs for local businesses. Aviation & Infrastructure: FAA seeks public comment on a long-range radar facility at Mount Petosukara to close a north-facing radar coverage gap for Saipan. Elections & Business Climate: Delegate debate coverage highlighted competing plans for the CNMI economy and workforce, while Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan announced its 2nd annual charity golf tournament supporting local nonprofits.

Deep-Sea Mining Push Meets CNMI Backlash: Advocacy groups urged Gov. David Apatang to ask the U.S. Interior Department to halt or suspend Marianas seabed mining leasing, including a Dec. 16, 2026 sale, arguing the ocean is not a “sacrifice zone.” Legal Challenge: Conservation and community groups also filed a lawsuit in Hawaii seeking to block the lease plan, saying federal regulators rubberstamped impacts under the Endangered Species Act. Local Policy Move: Apatang transferred the CNMI Invasive Species Program to the Department of Finance’s Division of Customs and Biosecurity to consolidate command from port interception through field response. Maritime Workforce & Training: MARAD designated 16 maritime training institutions—including the Western Pacific Maritime Academy in Guam and the CNMI—as 2026 Centers of Excellence, expanding the workforce pipeline. Aviation Infrastructure: The FAA opened public comment on a draft environmental assessment for a long-range radar facility on Saipan’s Mount Petosukara to close a radar coverage gap. Travel Costs for Hotels: DOD raised Guam/CNMI per diem rates effective Sept. 1, increasing meals to $111 and incidentals to $27 (total daily cap $317), a change hotels say matters for government travel demand. Power Reliability on Tinian: Aggreko generators arrived on Tinian to replace FEMA units powering the Tinian CUC power plant. Congressional Casework & Elections: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds highlighted CNMI-first casework and transportation priorities, while the NMI Democratic Party said it will withhold gubernatorial endorsement until after the Nov. 3 general election runoff. Workplace & Community: A federal court approved a $20,000 wage settlement for a former Shirley’s Coffee Shop dishwasher, and McDonald’s of Saipan donated $10,000 to the Salvation Army for disaster relief and assistance.

Seabed Mining Fight: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced PACMESA to boost revenue sharing (50% of covered lease revenues to adjacent territories), tighten environmental bonding, and expand local consultation as Marianas leaders and community groups push Governor Apatang to oppose the federal deep-sea mining lease sale. Legal Pressure on Mining: Conservation groups filed a lawsuit challenging NMFS’s finding that the lease sale won’t harm threatened species or critical habitat, while Guam lawmakers also criticized Congress for allowing seabed mining to qualify for FAST-41 expedited review. Regulatory/Agency Moves: The Marine Minerals Administration’s acting director is set to leave for Halliburton with no successor named, raising questions about the Dec. 16 timeline. Power & Infrastructure: Aggreko generators arrived on Tinian to replace FEMA units powering the Tinian CUC Power Plant. Aviation/Defense: FAA seeks public comment on a long-range radar facility at Mount Petosukara to close a north-facing radar gap for Saipan. Tourism & Visitor Upgrades: MVA broke ground on the Marpi Tourist Sites Improvement Project ($1.095M) for Bird Island Lookout, Suicide Cliff, and Last Command Post. Local Business Support: CNMI Innovation Incubator opens applications for a second startup cohort (deadline Sept. 11). Government Travel Costs: Guam per diem rates rose by $14 effective Sept. 1, a change hotel and tourism operators are watching closely. Workplace Justice: Court approved a $20,000 wage settlement for a former Shirley’s Coffee Shop dishwasher. Youth Safety Settlement: Meta reached a $17.1B multistate settlement over Instagram/Facebook youth safety, including requirements affecting the CNMI.

ICE Custody Death Update: CNMI DOC says ICE detainee Lian Yong Wei was found unresponsive with a ligature around his neck at Saipan’s facility on Aug. 23, treated as an apparent suicide while medical examiner and other reviews are still pending. Travel Costs & Tourism: DoD raised Guam per diem rates effective Sept. 1, adding $14 total daily per diem (meals up to $111; incidental to $27), a change Guam hotel and restaurant leaders say matters for government travel demand. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation and community groups sued to block the Trump administration’s Marianas deep-sea mining lease plan, arguing NMFS rubberstamped impacts on threatened species and critical habitat; separately, Guam lawmakers pushed back on fast-track permitting and questioned federal process control as a key regulator prepares to leave. Local Courts & Wages: A CNMI court approved a $20,000 wage settlement for a former Shirley’s Coffee Shop dishwasher over alleged unpaid overtime minutes. Community & Business: McDonald’s of Saipan donated $10,000 to the Salvation Army; CNMI Innovation Incubator opened applications for a second startup cohort; MVA broke ground on Marpi tourist site upgrades (Bird Island Lookout, Suicide Cliff, Last Command Post). Energy Costs: CNMI fuel prices rose again, with regular gasoline up 15 cents and diesel up 10 cents.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Conservation groups and partners filed a lawsuit in Hawaii challenging the Trump administration’s plan to move forward with deep-sea mining lease sales off the CNMI and Guam, arguing regulators downplayed harm to humpback whales, manta rays, and sea turtles. Local Courts & Wages: CNMI federal court approved a $20,000 settlement for a former Shirley’s Coffee Shop dishwasher, resolving a wage-and-hour dispute over unpaid minutes worked beyond scheduled shifts. Community & Business Support: McDonald’s of Saipan donated $10,000 to the Salvation Army for local assistance and disaster relief, while IT&E backed Saipan youth darts and billiards with $1,500 in sponsorships. Tourism Upgrades: The Marianas Visitors Authority broke ground on the Marpi Tourist Sites Improvement Project, a $1.095M effort to improve safety and accessibility at Bird Island Lookout, Suicide Cliff, and Last Command Post. Immigration Scrutiny: A Chinese national died less than a day after being taken into ICE custody in Saipan, prompting renewed questions about detainee medical screening and a demand from Chinese authorities for a full investigation. Tech & Consumer Protection: Meta reached a $17.1B multistate settlement over alleged harms to children on Instagram and Facebook, with the Northern Mariana Islands included among participating jurisdictions. Fuel Prices: Gas and diesel prices rose across the CNMI, adding pressure to household budgets amid weaker economic conditions.

CNMI Tourism & Infrastructure: The Marianas Visitors Authority broke ground on the $1.095M Marpi Tourist Sites Improvement Project, targeting Bird Island Lookout, Last Command Post, and Suicide Cliff with safety and accessibility upgrades funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, with work aimed to finish in Summer 2027. Local Business Growth: The CNMI Innovation Incubator is opening applications for its second cohort, seeking early-stage startups (up to five years old) across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, with a Sept. 11 deadline. Courts & Public Funds: Superior Court granted severance so Justin Paul Mizutani and Lt. Gov. Dennis Mendiola can face separate trials on misconduct charges tied to alleged misuse of public funds for vehicle transport to Rota. Federal Charges: A former Homeland Security Investigations trainee, Kane Alexzander Pangelinan Ybanez, was indicted on loan fraud and federal-agent impersonation allegations; a jury trial is set for Oct. 27. Energy Costs: Fuel prices rose across the CNMI, with regular gasoline up 15 cents/gal and diesel up 10 cents/gal, adding pressure as the economy remains weak. Immigration Scrutiny: China demanded answers after a Chinese national died less than a day after being taken into ICE custody in Saipan, renewing questions about detainee medical screening and disclosure timing. Deep-Sea Mining Politics: Guam Delegate James Moylan’s push to block seabed mining from the FAST-41 expedited track failed in the House Rules process, while regulators face leadership churn as an acting Marine Minerals Administration director prepares to leave.

Meta Settlement Reaches CNMI: South Carolina says it will receive nearly $247M from Meta’s $17.1B multistate deal over alleged Instagram/Facebook harms to children and teens, with new limits on daily use, “productive pauses,” overnight blocks, tighter age verification, and stronger protections for bullying and self-harm—covering 47 states plus D.C., Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. CNMI Politics & Courts: A Saipan House candidate’s remarks highlight how small vote totals can decide CNMI races, while Superior Court ordered separate trials for Justin Paul Mizutani and Lt. Gov. Dennis Mendiola on misconduct charges tied to alleged misuse of public funds. Federal Case Watch: A federal grand jury indicted former HSI trainee Kane Alexzander Pangelinan Ybanez on loan-fraud and federal-agent impersonation counts; a jury trial is set for Oct. 27. Marpi Tourism Upgrade: The Marianas Visitors Authority broke ground on the $1.095M Marpi Tourist Sites Improvement Project for Bird Island Lookout, Last Command Post, and Suicide Cliff, targeting safety, accessibility, and visitor amenities with completion slated for Summer 2027. Fuel Prices Rise: CNMI gasoline and diesel prices climbed this week, adding pressure to already-stressed household budgets. ICE Scrutiny Grows: China demanded answers after a 51-year-old Chinese national died less than a day after entering ICE custody in Saipan, renewing questions about detainee medical screening and disclosure timing. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Guam and lawmakers pushed back on fast-tracked seabed mining, as House Rules rejected a Moylan amendment to block expedited review, while a key federal official tied to the Marianas lease push is reportedly leaving for Halliburton ahead of a proposed Dec. 16 sale. Startup Support: The CNMI Innovation Incubator opened applications for a second cohort, with a Sept. 11 deadline for early-stage local businesses.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Guam Delegate James Moylan’s bid to block Marianas seabed mining from fast-track federal review (FAST-41) failed after the House Rules Committee declined to bring his amendment to a vote, keeping deep-sea mining eligible for expedited permitting. Regulatory Uncertainty: The acting director of the Marine Minerals Administration, Matt Giacona, is set to leave for Halliburton with no successor named as regulators push toward a proposed Dec. 16 lease sale for Marianas blocks—leaving Guam lawmakers pressing for a formal role and slower, more transparent review. Immigration & Health Scrutiny: In Saipan, a 51-year-old Chinese national, Lianyong Wei, died less than a day after being taken into ICE custody; China’s consulate is demanding a full investigation and timely findings, while questions remain about whether required early medical screening was completed. Tourism Investment: The Marianas Visitors Authority broke ground on the $1.095M Marpi Tourist Sites Improvement Project for Bird Island Lookout, Last Command Post, and Suicide Cliff, targeting safer access and upgraded visitor facilities through Summer 2027. Local Business & Community: IT&E sponsored Saipan darts and billiards leagues, backing tournaments and youth activities. Cost of Living: CNMI fuel prices rose again—gas up 15 cents and diesel up 10 cents—adding pressure as residents say the economy is already weak. Startup Support: The CNMI Innovation Incubator is opening applications for a second cohort, with a Sept. 11 deadline for early-stage startups. Youth Safety Settlement: AG Edward Manibusan announced CNMI and other jurisdictions’ landmark Meta settlement requiring new child-safety limits on Instagram and Facebook.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: U.S. House Rules blocked Delegate James Moylan’s push to keep seabed mining off Guam and the CNMI from using FAST-41’s expedited permitting, even as the House passed H.R. 1501 that permanently adds mining and mineral processing to the fast-track list. Regulator Shake-Up: The acting director of the Marine Minerals Administration, Matt Giacona, is set to leave for Halliburton with no successor named, while regulators still aim for a Dec. 16 Marianas lease sale—leaving island leaders pressing for a real role and slower review. CNMI Startup Pipeline: The CNMI Innovation Incubator Program is opening applications for its second cohort, with a Sept. 11 deadline for early-stage businesses (up to five years old) seeking hands-on support from the Northern Marianas College SBDC network. Tourism Upgrades: The Marianas Visitors Authority broke ground on the Marpi Tourist Sites Improvement Project, starting $1.095M in safety and accessibility work at Bird Island Lookout, Suicide Cliff, and Last Command Post, funded through the U.S. Economic Development Administration. Fuel Costs: CNMI gasoline and diesel prices rose again, with residents citing pressure on household budgets. Youth Safety Settlement: AG Manibusan announced the multistate Meta settlement requiring major Instagram/Facebook child-safety changes, including time limits and nighttime blocks. Local Sports Sponsorship: IT&E backed Saipan darts and billiards leagues with $1,500 for tournaments and youth activities. Immigration Custody Scrutiny: A Chinese national died in ICE custody in Saipan, prompting renewed calls for answers about detainee medical screening and care.

Marianas Deep-Sea Mining: The federal Marine Minerals Administration is moving toward a Dec. 16 sale of five Mariana Trench lease blocks, but Guam lawmakers are pressing for a slowdown after acting director Matt Giacona announced he’s leaving for Halliburton with no successor named—raising fresh questions about who will oversee decisions and whether regulators will keep the accelerated pace. CNMI Innovation & Small Business: The CNMI Innovation Incubator is opening applications for its second startup cohort, seeking early-stage businesses (up to five years old) across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota with a Sept. 11 deadline. Tourism Infrastructure: The Marianas Visitors Authority broke ground on the Marpi Tourist Sites Improvement Project, a $1.095M upgrade to make Bird Island Lookout, Suicide Cliff, and Last Command Post safer and more accessible, targeting summer 2027 completion. Local Economy Pressure: Fuel prices in the CNMI rose again this week, with regular gasoline up 15 cents and diesel up 10 cents, adding strain as residents say the economy is already weak. Youth Safety Settlement: Attorney General Manibusan announced CNMI is part of a multistate $17.1B Meta settlement focused on Instagram/Facebook child safety features. Immigration Custody Scrutiny: A Chinese national died in Saipan after ICE custody, and China is demanding answers about detainee medical screening and the timeline of notifications.

Immigration & Detention Scrutiny: A 51-year-old Chinese national, Lianyong Wei, died less than a day after being taken into ICE custody in Saipan; ICE says his cause of death is under investigation, while China’s consulate is demanding a thorough probe and answers about required medical screening. Deep-Sea Mining Policy: Guam Delegate James Moylan’s push to block seabed mining from the FAST-41 expedited permitting track was rejected by the House Rules Committee, keeping the Marianas/Guam mining effort on a faster federal timeline. Marianas Tourism Investment: The Marianas Visitors Authority broke ground on the $1.095M Marpi Tourist Sites Improvement Project for Bird Island Lookout, Suicide Cliff, and Last Command Post, targeting safety, accessibility, and visitor amenities through Summer 2027. Fuel Costs: CNMI gasoline rose 15 cents and diesel 10 cents amid broader regional tensions, adding pressure to already-stressed household budgets. Local Business & Money Transfers: JuanPay added Western Union transfers to about 1,400 locations in the Philippines, with Western Union’s Guam/CNMI/Palau coverage highlighted as a strategic fit. Energy & Operations: CUC scheduled a Tinian power interruption Sept. 3 (8 a.m.–3:30 p.m.) for temporary generation unit connections; water service continues.

CNMI Tourism & Infrastructure: The Marianas Visitors Authority broke ground on the $1.095M Marpi Tourist Sites Improvement Project, targeting Bird Island Lookout, Suicide Cliff, and Last Command Post with safety, accessibility, and cultural upgrades, including ADA-compliant stairs/walkways and a new restroom at Last Command Post, funded through the U.S. Economic Development Administration, with completion slated for Summer 2027. Energy Costs: Fuel prices rose across the CNMI, with Mobil and Shell increasing regular gasoline by 15 cents and diesel by 10 cents; Tinian and Rota saw higher rates as well, adding pressure to an already strained local economy. Social Media & Youth Safety: Attorney Edward Manibusan announced a landmark $17.1B multistate Meta settlement tied to Instagram/Facebook youth safety claims, requiring major child-focused safeguards and payments that include participation by the Northern Mariana Islands. Immigration Oversight: China pressed the U.S. for answers after a Chinese national died hours after being booked into ICE custody in Saipan, raising questions about required medical screening and prompting calls for a thorough investigation. Deep-Sea Mining Politics: A House Rules Committee move blocked Delegate James Moylan’s amendment aimed at preventing seabed mining from using FAST-41 expedited review, while the broader Marianas lease timeline continues amid leadership changes at the Marine Minerals Administration.

Marpi Tourism Upgrades: The Marianas Visitors Authority broke ground Sept. 3 on the $1.095M Marpi Tourist Sites Improvement Project for Bird Island Lookout, Suicide Cliff, and Last Command Post, with safety and accessibility work plus ADA-compliant stairs, walkways, viewing platforms, and a new restroom at Last Command Post, funded through the U.S. Economic Development Administration and targeted for summer 2027 completion. Meta Youth-Safety Settlement: CNMI Attorney General Edward Manibusan joined a landmark $17.1B multistate settlement with Meta over Instagram and Facebook youth harms, requiring new limits like daily time caps and nighttime blocks for children. Fuel Costs Rise: CNMI gasoline and diesel prices jumped this week—regular up 15 cents and diesel up 10 cents in Saipan/Tinian/Rota—adding pressure to already tight household budgets. Immigration Custody Scrutiny: China demanded answers after a 51-year-old Chinese national died hours after being booked into ICE custody in Saipan, with questions raised about required medical screening and the cause of death still under investigation. Seabed Mining Leadership Shakeup: A key federal official tied to Marianas seabed mining lease timelines is reportedly leaving for Halliburton as regulators move toward a Dec. 16 sale date, leaving Guam’s role still unclear. Local Business & Services: JuanPay added Western Union transfers to about 1,400 locations in the Philippines, with Western Union noting Guam and CNMI as part of its regional footprint. Power & Weather Notes: Tinian scheduled a CUC islandwide power interruption Sept. 3 for temporary generation setup, while forecasters flagged a developing system near the Marianas but said it’s not expected to be a major concern.