AGP Executive Report

Typhoon Bavi Watch: CNMI Gov. David Apatang urged Saipan, Tinian and Rota residents to monitor forecasts as Tropical Storm 09W is expected to intensify into a typhoon (possibly super typhoon strength) with hazardous seas building Saturday; officials canceled the 80th Liberation Day parade as recovery from Sinlaku is still underway. Utilities & Recovery: CUC says it’s racing to protect equipment and keep restoration moving, with 71% of Saipan and 73% of Tinian re-energized after Sinlaku, while preparing for Bavi’s impact. Disaster Funding: FEMA approved nearly $9.9M in new CNMI disaster funding, and SBA has approved over $30M in Sinlaku disaster loans to help businesses and residents rebuild. Energy & Cost Control: CUC is targeting solar-plus-storage completion by Dec. 2027, and Guam’s PUC approved a GPA fuel surcharge increase that will raise residential bills. Tourism & Business: Marianas Visitor Authority deputy managing director Judy Torres received a PATA Award of Merit; Bank of Guam and Shell launched a 6% everyday fuel discount for Visa debit cardholders in Guam and Saipan. Policy & Labor: USDOL approved CNMI’s 2026 prevailing wage study for the CW-1 program, effective July 1.

CNMI Disaster Finance: The SBA has approved more than $30 million in disaster loans for CNMI businesses, nonprofits, homeowners and renters after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with $2.11M for businesses and $30.95M for residents. Local Recovery Funding: The CNMI Senate passed a compromise package for Sinlaku relief and tourism recovery, including $300,000 from CEDA dividends for Tinian and Rota and $960,235.74 in tobacco settlement funds for the Marianas Visitors Authority. Energy & Utilities: CUC is targeting Dec. 2027 completion for a Saipan-Tinian-Rota solar-plus-storage project, while Guam’s PUC approved a GPA fuel surcharge increase that raises average residential bills. Workforce Rules: USDOL approved CNMI’s 2026 prevailing wage study for the CW-1 program, effective July 1, 2026. Tourism Leadership: MVA deputy managing director Judy Torres received a PATA Award of Merit. Storm Watch: Tropical Storm 09W/Bavi models shifted closer to Guam, and regional agencies urged residents and businesses to finalize 7–10 day preparedness kits. Birth Tourism Politics: Congress is moving to rein in birth tourism after the Supreme Court preserved birthright citizenship, setting up new federal legislative fights. Business Moves: A Guam oncologist opened a new practice at Tumon Sands Plaza, and Guam’s bar sector is shrinking amid inflation and labor strain.

Super Typhoon Watch: Tropical Storm 09W (now Bavi) is forecast to shift closer to Guam and could intensify to Category 5 near the Marianas early next week, prompting emergency planning calls for residents and businesses. Disaster Finance: The SBA has approved over $30M in disaster loans for CNMI recovery after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with Economic Injury Disaster Loans still available for eligible businesses and nonprofits. Local Energy: CUC is targeting solar project completion by Dec. 2027 (53 MW Saipan, 11 MW Tinian, 3 MW Rota) as contract talks move toward Public Utilities Commission review. Power Costs: Guam’s PUC approved a GPA fuel surcharge increase that lifts average residential bills by about $58 starting July 1. Workforce Rules: USDOL approved CNMI’s 2026 Prevailing Wage Study for the CW-1 program, effective July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027. Tourism Funding: CNMI Senate passed compromise spending measures for Sinlaku relief and tourism recovery, including $960,235.74 for the Marianas Visitors Authority. Marianas Tourism Build: MVA unveiled a concept to turn Saipan’s historic Japanese Lighthouse into a visitor and cultural experience center, seeking partners and entrepreneurs. Business Continuity: SBA Business Recovery Centers on Saipan will close Friday for Liberation Day/Independence Day, while online disaster loan applications remain open.

Energy Costs: Guam’s PUC approved a GPA fuel surcharge increase effective July 1, pushing the average residential power bill up about $58 as the fuel recovery charge rises. Tourism Leadership: Marianas Visitor Authority Deputy Managing Director Judy Torres received a Pacific Asia Travel Association Award of Merit for decades of Marianas tourism work, as MVA prepares a managing director search. Regional Security & Disaster Response: USPACOM commander Adm. Samuel Paparo wrapped up a Guam and CNMI visit, including Tinian’s STRONG Roof disaster-relief effort with U.S. agencies and local partners. CNMI Recovery Funding: FEMA says federal recovery aid for Super Typhoon Sinlaku has topped $52 million in committed assistance and loan offers, with households still moving through the recovery pipeline. Water Infrastructure: Commonwealth Utilities Corp. is seeking CPUC approval to buy over $2.2M in ultrasonic water meters to replace about 2,500 failed units across Saipan, Tinian and Rota. Business Continuity: SBA recovery centers on Saipan will close Friday for the Liberation Day holiday, while disaster loan applications remain available online. Deep-Sea Research: Ocean Exploration Trust’s Nautilus launched deep-sea expeditions east of the Mariana Trench to map habitats and assess critical minerals in U.S. waters around Guam and CNMI. Tourism Development: MVA unveiled a conceptual plan to transform Saipan’s historic Japanese Lighthouse into a visitor and cultural experience center, calling for business and community partners.

Energy Costs: Guam’s Public Utilities Commission approved a Guam Power Authority fuel surcharge increase effective July 1, lifting the average residential power bill by about $58 as the LEAC fuel recovery charge rises for meters read through Jan. 31, 2027. Tourism Leadership: Marianas Visitor Authority Deputy Managing Director Judy Torres received the Pacific Asia Travel Association Award of Merit for decades of work in Marianas tourism development and recovery; the MVA board also plans a hiring committee for a managing director transition. Disaster Recovery Dollars: FEMA says more than $52 million in federal disaster assistance and loan offers have been committed to CNMI after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with recovery shifting from emergency response to rebuilding the economy. Water Infrastructure: Commonwealth Utilities Corp. is seeking CPUC approval to buy over $2.2M in ultrasonic water meters to replace about 2,500 failed units across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Regional Defense & Readiness: USPACOM commander Adm. Samuel Paparo visited Guam and Tinian to reinforce regional partnerships, including STRONG Roof disaster relief coordination. Local Business & Community: SBA Business Recovery Centers on Saipan will close Friday, July 3 for the holiday, while disaster loan applications remain available online; separate local updates include sponsorships and new private-sector services opening on island. Marine & Fisheries Policy: CNMI is pushing for a South Pacific albacore management procedure at WCPFC22, while fisheries groups seek clarity on CNMI’s share of tuna allocations and related funds.

Disaster Recovery Funding: FEMA says more than $52M in federal disaster assistance and loan offers has been committed to CNMI after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with 12,136 households applying and $32.3M approved as recovery shifts from emergency response to rebuilding the economy. Unemployment Aid Hurdle: CNMI’s Disaster Unemployment Assistance is still under federal review because the territory lacks its own unemployment insurance system, forcing officials to build a new software and processing framework before benefits can be released. Water Infrastructure: CUC is seeking CPUC approval to buy $2.2M in ultrasonic water meters to replace about 2,500 failed units across Saipan, Tinian and Rota, citing corrosive groundwater that breaks down mechanical meters. Tourism Experience Push: The Marianas Visitors Authority unveiled a concept to transform Saipan’s historic Japanese Lighthouse into a visitor and cultural experience center, calling for business and community partners to shape the next generation of tourism. Local Business Moves: Guam’s Dr. Paul Coty opened a new medical oncology practice at Tumon Sands Plaza, aiming to expand accessible cancer care. Holiday Business Ops: SBA Business Recovery Centers on Saipan will close Friday, July 3 for the Independence/Liberation Day holiday, while online disaster loan applications remain available. Regional Trade & Markets: OECD/FAO projects the Philippines will stay the world’s No. 2 pineapple exporter through 2035 as China demand grows. Fisheries Allocation Questions: The Uraali Refaluwasch Association is asking WCPFC22 how CNMI will benefit from fisheries programs and clarifying CNMI’s role in the territorial bigeye tuna allocation. Weather Watch: Invest 95W is organizing near the Marshalls with models nudging toward Guam and the Marianas, but no cyclone watches or warnings are in effect for Guam.

Mariana Deep-Sea & Minerals: The Ocean Exploration Trust’s E/V Nautilus starts two back-to-back expeditions to map unsurveyed waters east of the Mariana Trench, aiming to build habitat and biodiversity baselines and assess marine critical minerals across 25% of U.S. waters around Guam and the CNMI. Disaster Jobs System: CNMI disaster unemployment assistance is still under federal review because the territory lacks its own unemployment insurance system, forcing officials to stand up a new FEMA-compatible software and claims process after Sinlaku. Water Infrastructure: Commonwealth Utilities Corp. is seeking CPUC approval to buy $2.2M in ultrasonic water meters to replace about 2,500 failed units across Saipan, Tinian and Rota, citing corrosive groundwater that breaks down older mechanical meters. Fisheries Policy: The Uraali Refaluwasch Association is asking WCPFC22 delegates for clarity on how CNMI benefits from tuna allocations and fisheries conservation funding under Magnuson-Stevens. Tourism Experience Buildout: The Marianas Visitors Authority unveiled a concept to turn Saipan’s historic Japanese Lighthouse property into a visitor and cultural experience center, calling for partners from government, business and the community. Community Support: Atkins Kroll Saipan is sponsoring the Saipan Chamber Scholarship Golf Tournament with a hole-in-one prize, while the American Red Cross reports $1.5M+ in immediate aid to Sinlaku-affected households.

Disaster Recovery & Jobs: CNMI’s Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds says FEMA has confirmed the territory’s Disaster Unemployment Assistance request after Super Typhoon Sinlaku is still under federal review, with extra steps required for awards over $1M. Utilities & Water Security: Commonwealth Utilities Corp. is seeking CPUC approval to buy $2.2M in ultrasonic water meters to replace about 2,500 failed units across Saipan, Tinian and Rota, citing corrosive groundwater that breaks down traditional meters. Tourism Rebuild: The Marianas Visitors Authority unveiled a concept to transform Saipan’s historic Japanese Lighthouse into a visitor and cultural experience center, while also pushing trail restoration and new visitor experiences as arrivals recover. Fisheries & Tuna Allocations: The Uraali Refaluwasch Association is asking the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council for clarity on how CNMI benefits from Magnuson-Stevens programs, including the territorial bigeye tuna allocation and related funds. Power Costs: Guam’s fuel surcharge hike story is a reminder of regional pressure—CNMI’s recovery context continues as utilities and households face higher energy costs. Local Business & Community: Atkins Kroll Saipan backs the SCC Scholarship Golf Tournament with a hole-in-one prize, while McDonald’s of Saipan and Guam supports community fundraising events. Legal & Labor: A Saipan visa fraud case ended with an 82-year-old sentenced to home detention for abusing the CNMI-Only Transitional Worker visa program. Regional Trade/Defense: Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat is set to appear at PACOM’s Valiant Shield exercise, with Rota as a key location.

Disaster Recovery & Jobs: CNMI’s Disaster Unemployment Assistance after Super Typhoon Sinlaku is still under active federal review because the territory lacks its own unemployment insurance system, forcing officials to build a new FEMA-required claims platform before benefits can flow. Utilities & Water: CUC is seeking CPUC approval to buy $2.2M in ultrasonic water meters to replace about 2,500 failed units across Saipan, Tinian and Rota, blaming corrosive groundwater and saltwater intrusion for meter breakdowns. Power Costs: Guam’s PUC approved a fuel surcharge hike that would raise the average residential bill by about $58 starting July 1—an example of how fuel-price shocks keep hitting household budgets across the region. Regional Fisheries: CNMI pushed at WCPFC22 for urgent adoption of a management procedure for South Pacific albacore, arguing SIDS can’t be sidelined in tuna rules that shape livelihoods. Tourism & Arrivals: MVA reported May arrivals at 2,171, down 82% year-over-year, as international flights resumed only recently; Jeju Air and United’s planned service are key recovery signals. Marianas Security & Business: DPS says business establishments made up about 45% of burglary/theft cases since Sinlaku, underscoring the need for tighter property security during recovery. Local Business Support: McDonald’s of Saipan donated $1,500 to back the Saipan Chamber of Commerce golf tournament, continuing community sponsorships as the business sector rebuilds. Election 2026 & Governance: A new online tool tracks what past and current Guam senators have done ahead of Election 2026, while CNMI political campaigning continues amid recovery pressures.

Utilities & Water Infrastructure: Commonwealth Utilities Corp. is seeking Commonwealth Public Utilities Commission approval to buy more than $2.2M in ultrasonic water meters to replace about 2,500 failed units across Saipan, Tinian and Rota, blaming corrosive groundwater and saltwater intrusion that clogs moving parts and stops accurate readings. Power Restoration & Costs: CUC says long-delayed power materials are arriving, with Saipan power restoration reported at 83.8% and load at 28.5 MW; separately, a scheduled Tinian power interruption runs June 27 from 2–4 p.m. for pole installation. Disaster Recovery Support: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds says FEMA confirmed CNMI’s Disaster Unemployment Assistance request after Super Typhoon Sinlaku remains under active federal review. Tourism & Travel: Marianas Visitors Authority reports May arrivals at 2,171, down 82% year-over-year, as international flights resume and airlines restart routes. Public Safety: CNMI Department of Public Safety reports business establishments drove nearly half of post-Sinlaku burglary/theft cases, urging tighter property security. Local Business Community: Saipan Chamber of Commerce plans a July 1 luncheon with CUC on recovery, grid resilience, rates, water improvements and renewable energy. Elections & Community Voices: Independent gubernatorial candidate Lawrence Camacho highlights the Filipino community as a key economic and political force, calling them the “swing vote.” Legal/Immigration Enforcement: A Saipan visa fraud case ended with Angel Paras Cruz Jr. getting 12 months home detention as part of a probation sentence.

CNMI Politics & Economy: Independent gubernatorial candidate Lawrence Camacho told a Garapan forum that the Filipino community is a key “swing vote” in CNMI’s future, promising continued outreach to Filipino residents and other sectors during the campaign. Disaster Recovery & Jobs: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds says FEMA has confirmed CNMI’s Disaster Unemployment Assistance request for Sinlaku recovery is under federal review, with a 72-hour congressional notification step for awards over $1 million. Power Costs: Guam’s PUC approved a fuel surcharge hike that would raise the average residential power bill by about $58 starting July 1, underscoring how energy costs are reshaping household budgets across the region. Utilities & Infrastructure: CUC says long-delayed power materials are arriving for Saipan restoration, with transformers and poles expected to speed grid recovery as FEMA generators are phased out. Tourism Hit: MVA reports May visitor arrivals fell 82% year-over-year to 2,171 as international flights resumed after Sinlaku. Business & Compliance: A Saipan businessman was sentenced to 12 months home detention for visa fraud tied to the CW-1 transitional worker program. Marianas Business Community: Saipan Chamber of Commerce plans a July 1 general membership luncheon focused on power restoration, rates, renewable energy, and economic development.

Disaster Relief Watch: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds says FEMA has confirmed the Commonwealth’s Disaster Unemployment Assistance request for Sinlaku recovery is still under federal review, with a 72-hour congressional notification step for awards over $1M. Power & Cost of Living: Guam’s PUC approved a fuel surcharge hike that will raise the average residential bill by about $58 starting July 1, as GPA faces under-recovered fuel costs. Utilities Recovery: CUC reports long-delayed power materials are arriving for Saipan and Tinian, with transformers and poles expected to speed restoration as FEMA generators are phased out. Local Business & Safety: DPS says business establishments accounted for about 45% of burglary/theft cases since Sinlaku, urging tighter property security. Tourism & Travel: MVA reports May visitor arrivals down 82% year-over-year, but notes international flights are resuming and highlights Jeju Air and United’s planned routes. Legal & Labor: A Saipan businessman was sentenced to 12 months home detention for visa fraud tied to the CW-1 transitional worker program. Regional Economy & Infrastructure: Saipan’s legislative delegation passed two spending measures for public works and local allocations, now headed to the governor. Military & Trade: Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat will join US-led Valiant Shield drills, with photos showing activity at Rota International. Sports & Community: Micronesian Games Council selected Kiribati to host the 2030 Micronesian Games after CNMI withdrew its bid post-Sinlaku.

Disaster Relief Watch: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds says FEMA has confirmed the commonwealth’s Disaster Unemployment Assistance request tied to Super Typhoon Sinlaku is still under federal review, with a process that includes a 72-hour congressional notification step for awards over $1M. Power & Cost of Living: Guam’s PUC approved a fuel surcharge jump for GPA that would raise the average residential bill about $58 a month starting July 1, as fuel costs climb. CNMI Recovery Logistics: Commonwealth Utilities Corporation reports long-delayed power materials are arriving for Saipan restoration, with Saipan power at 83.8% restored and more grid work ahead. Tourism Shock: MVA says May visitor arrivals to the Marianas fell 82% year-over-year to 2,171, as international flights only recently resumed. Business & Safety: DPS reports business establishments made up nearly half of burglary/theft cases since Sinlaku, urging tighter property security. Local Governance & Spending: Saipan’s legislative delegation passed two spending measures for public works and amusement/gambling-related collections. Legal Access: Guam and CNMI Supreme Courts signed reciprocity agreements to let licensed lawyers practice across both jurisdictions without extra bar exams. Regional Economy & Trade: Guam and CNMI officials advanced visa waiver talks with the Philippines to ease travel demand bottlenecks. Military-Linked Activity: The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is set to join US-led Valiant Shield drills near the Marianas, adding another defense-linked economic and logistics signal.

Power Costs & Recovery: Guam’s Public Utilities Commission approved a fuel surcharge hike for GPA, raising the average residential bill about $58 a month starting July 1, after rising fuel shipment costs. CNMI Utilities Update: CUC says delayed power materials are arriving, with Saipan’s restoration reported at 83.8% and more work expected as FEMA generators phase out. Tourism Hit Hard: MVA reported May visitor arrivals at 2,171—an 82% drop year over year—while international flights resume and airlines restart service. Saipan Business & Safety: DPS data shows business establishments made up nearly half of burglary/theft cases since Sinlaku, as recovery continues. Legal Access for Marianas: Guam and CNMI Supreme Courts signed reciprocity agreements letting licensed lawyers practice across both jurisdictions without an extra bar exam. Local Politics & Economy: CNMI Republicans endorsed Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds for reelection, citing economic recovery and small-business support. Workforce & Fraud: A Saipan businessman was sentenced to home detention for visa fraud tied to the CW-1 transitional worker program. Regional Trade & Security: The U.S. plans to reopen protected Pacific fishing waters, with Guam and CNMI leaders weighing the economic upside against conservation.

Utilities & Cost of Living: Guam’s Public Utilities Commission approved a fuel surcharge hike for GPA, raising the average residential bill about $58 a month starting July 1, as the LEAC rate climbs to 19.4 cents per kWh. Power Restoration & Recovery: In CNMI, CUC says long-delayed Saipan power materials are arriving, with 83.8% of Saipan’s power restored and FEMA generators being phased out; CUC also scheduled a Tinian power interruption June 27 (2–4 p.m.) for pole installation. Tourism Shock & Rebound: MVA reported May arrivals down 82% year over year to 2,171, with international flights resuming after Sinlaku; MVA is also pushing trail access like the June 27 Bird Island Fun Hike to rebuild visitor experiences. Local Business & Public Safety: DPS says business establishments made up nearly half of burglary/theft cases since Sinlaku (267 incidents from April 15–June 16), while the Saipan Chamber of Commerce plans a July 1 luncheon on recovery and utility affordability. Trade & Mobility: Guam and CNMI officials advanced visa waiver talks with Philippine immigration, aiming to add the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program. Legal & Labor Abuse: A Saipan-area case ended with an 82-year-old sentenced to probation and home detention for visa fraud tied to the CW-1 transitional worker program. Regional Security: The US-led Valiant Shield exercise is underway, with an MQ-28 Ghost Bat prototype flying from Rota as part of multinational drills. Energy Investment: Commonwealth Ports Authority and Eastern Power Solutions signed an MOU to develop a solar farm on CPA property at Saipan’s airport.

CNMI Power & Cost Pressure: Guam Power Authority’s PUC approved a fuel surcharge hike (LEAC) that will raise the average residential bill by about $58 a month starting July 1, with rates staying in place through Jan. 31, 2027. CNMI Recovery Infrastructure: Commonwealth Utilities Corporation says long-delayed power materials are arriving for Saipan and Tinian, with Saipan reporting about 83.8% power restored as FEMA generators are phased out. Tourism Hit, Flights Returning: MVA reported May arrivals at 2,171—an 82% drop year over year—while international flights resume and airlines like Jeju Air and United plan service restarts. Saipan Business & Community: Saipan Chamber of Commerce set a July 1 luncheon on recovery and utility plans, plus a July 25 scholarship golf tournament to support higher education. Legal Access for Residents: Guam and CNMI Supreme Courts signed reciprocity agreements letting licensed lawyers practice across both jurisdictions without an extra bar exam. Labor & Fraud Enforcement: A Saipan businessman, Angel Paras Cruz Jr., was sentenced to 12 months home detention for visa fraud tied to the CW-1 transitional worker program. Regional Security & Economy: The US-led Valiant Shield exercise is underway, with the MQ-28 Ghost Bat operating from Rota in the Northern Mariana Islands. Energy Transition Deal: Commonwealth Ports Authority and Eastern Power Solutions signed an MOU to develop a solar farm on CPA property at Saipan’s airport. Local Politics: CNMI Republican Party endorsed Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds for reelection, citing economic recovery and disaster priorities.