AGP Executive Report

Micronesian Games 2030: The Micronesian Games Council picked Kiribati to host the 2030 Micronesian Games after the most competitive bidding round yet. CNMI bid setback: The Northern Mariana Islands withdrew because of devastation from Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Typhoon science in focus: NWS officials said Sinlaku’s huge wind field—not just peak intensity—drove major impacts across the Marianas, with some stations going offline before peak winds. Territory democracy debate: A bipartisan congressional briefing highlighted how “consent of the governed” still doesn’t fully apply to the 3.6 million Americans living in U.S. territories. Visa waiver push: Guam and CNMI urged federal officials to expand the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program to include the Philippines to boost travel and air service. Tourism hit: CNMI visitor arrivals fell 72% in April to 3,277 after Sinlaku disrupted flights and damaged infrastructure. Energy resilience: A CNMI senator filed a resolution calling for studies on small modular and micro nuclear reactors as a way to cut fuel dependence and stabilize power costs. Local recovery help: Saipan’s SWEEP debris-removal program is accepting requests through June 12, with help for elderly and medically vulnerable residents.

Typhoon Preparedness Month: NWS officials say Super Typhoon Sinlaku’s huge wind field—not just peak intensity—drove widespread Marianas impacts, with key readings from Saipan and Tinian before some stations went offline, and they warned that landfall peak winds weren’t directly measured. Territorial Democracy: A bipartisan congressional briefing in Washington, D.C. pushed lawmakers to explain why “consent of the governed” still doesn’t fully apply to the 3.6 million Americans living in U.S. territories, including CNMI. Tourism & Travel Links: Guam and CNMI governors renewed their push to expand the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program to include the Philippines, aiming to boost lawful travel and air service. Regional Weather Outlook: NWS expects 3 to 5 more storms later in 2026, with a strong El Niño season raising the odds of active weather. CNMI Recovery & Community: BOX House/Ready Pod is donating 10 rapidly deployable homes for Sinlaku-displaced CNMI residents, including veterans and families. Saipan Power Update: CUC reported a power outage affecting parts of Saipan due to an auto trip, with crews working to restore service.

Visa Waiver Push: Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and CNMI Gov. David Apatang are urging federal officials to add the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI visa waiver, aiming to boost tourism and air service by expanding lawful regional travel. Deep-Sea Science: The Ocean Exploration Trust says its research vessel Nautilus will return to Mariana waters starting June 10, with local participants joining missions that map deep habitats using upgraded sonar. Typhoon Preparedness: Guam and CNMI officials marked Typhoon Preparedness Month, with the National Weather Service warning of 3 to 5 more storms later in 2026 and stressing coordination for faster recovery. Sinlaku Recovery Help: Saipan’s SWEEP debris-removal program is accepting requests from eligible residents until June 12. Power Update: CUC reported a power outage affecting Kiya 1 and several Saipan areas due to an auto trip, with crews working to restore service. Tourism Hit: The Marianas Visitors Authority reported April visitor arrivals down 72% after Sinlaku, with flight disruptions and storm damage still weighing on travel. Local Sports & Events: Saipan’s Colin Sinclair fell in men’s singles quarterfinals in King’s Guam World Tennis Tour play, while badminton tournaments are set to return to Saipan in July and LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort reopens June 6.

Typhoon Preparedness: Guam and CNMI officials marked Typhoon Preparedness Month, with NWS forecasting 3 to 5 more storms later in 2026 and urging tighter coordination as El Niño could boost activity. Local Recovery Help: Saipan’s SWEEP debris-removal program is open for elderly, medically vulnerable, and residents unable to safely move debris; requests are due June 12. Power Update: CUC reported a Kiya 1-area outage plus parts of Saipan including the airport and eastern As Perdido, caused by an auto trip, with crews working to restore service. GVB Scrutiny: Sen. Therese Terlaje called for a “full” investigation into allegations tied to a $61.5M Guam Visitor’s Bureau lawsuit over alleged sexual misconduct and workplace culture. Tourism Numbers: Marianas visitor arrivals fell 72% in April after Sinlaku, with South Korea and Japan hit hardest, though flight resumption plans are in sight. Housing for Sinlaku Displaced: BOX House/Ready Pod is donating 10 rapid-deploy homes for CNMI residents, including veterans and their families. Sports & Community: Saipan’s Colin Sinclair lost in men’s singles quarterfinals in the King’s Guam World Tennis Tour, while LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort reopened June 6 with limited play.

Typhoon recovery and resilience: Guam and CNMI leaders met at a Joint Typhoon Preparedness Summit, aligning on infrastructure recovery milestones and stressing cross-territory readiness after Super Typhoon impacts. Power and services: CUC reported a power outage affecting Kiya 1 and parts of Saipan, with crews working to restore service. Community cleanup help: Saipan’s SWEEP debris-removal program is still taking requests, with an assistance deadline of June 12 for eligible residents. Housing for Sinlaku survivors: A Utah-based firm, BOX House/Ready Pod, is donating 10 rapidly deployable homes for CNMI residents, including veterans and their families. Energy policy: CNMI Sen. Jude Hofschneider is pushing a resolution to study small modular and microreactors as a possible way to improve power resilience. Tourism hit and early signs of restart: Marianas visitor arrivals fell 72% in April after Sinlaku, while hotel occupancy in March lagged year-ago levels; stakeholders are watching the June 20 airport flight restart. Local governance funding: Saipan lawmakers approved $1.5 million from casino license fees for community projects, including health, youth, and solar upgrades. Sports and events: Saipan’s Colin Sinclair lost in King’s Guam World Tennis Tour quarterfinals, while badminton tournaments are set to return to Saipan in July.

Nuclear Energy Push: CNMI Sen. Jude Hofschneider pre-filed a resolution urging the U.S. to study whether small modular reactors and microreactors could reduce Saipan, Tinian and Rota’s dependence on imported fuel, citing volatile costs and Super Typhoon Sinlaku’s damage—without authorizing any nuclear plant. Typhoon Recovery—Power: Large-scale military generators have been connected to Tinian’s grid to restore community-scale electricity while repairs continue after Sinlaku. Tourism Hit, Signs of Return: Marianas Visitor Authority says April arrivals fell 72% to 3,277, with flight disruptions and storm damage still biting; Jeju Air opened bookings for planned Seoul-Saipan flights starting June 20, pending conditions. Tourism Numbers—Hotels: HANMI reports March hotel occupancy at 29.47%, down from 34.73% a year earlier, as properties recover and inventory shrinks. Relief Deadlines: The Red Cross says late applications for Sinlaku financial aid can still be reviewed for people affected by hospitalization or displacement—call 670-234-3459. Local Funding: Saipan’s exclusive casino fee collections were allocated in a new law totaling $1.5 million for community projects, including health, youth, and a library solar installation. Court Date Set: A former DPS officer accused in a 2023 assault will go to trial in 2027. Business Recovery Center: SBA opened a third disaster recovery site on Saipan at the One Stop Permitting Center on Capital Hill to help residents and businesses apply and resolve documents. Sports & Community: Saipan’s Colin Sinclair advanced in the King’s Guam World Tennis Tour, while local youth futsal awards highlighted Golden Boot winners and sportsmanship.

Tourism Hit by Sinlaku: The Marianas Visitors Authority says April visitor arrivals to the CNMI fell 72% to 3,277, as storm damage and flight disruptions at Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport kept international nighttime operations suspended; South Korea arrivals dropped 90% and Japan fell 75%, though Jeju Air bookings for Seoul–Saipan are set to resume June 20 if operations allow. Hotel Recovery Watch: The Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands reports March occupancy at 29.47% (down from 34.73% a year earlier), with some properties reopening and others still repairing after Sinlaku. Power Restored on Tinian: Large-scale U.S. military generators have been connected to the Tinian grid after Sinlaku damaged the power plant, giving residents a critical step toward stability. Relief Access Expands: The SBA opened a third disaster recovery center on Saipan at the One Stop Permitting Center on Capital Hill, while the Red Cross said late applications for Sinlaku financial help will still be reviewed for people affected by hospitalization or displacement. Sports & Community: Saipan’s Colin Sinclair advanced to the King’s quarterfinals, and the Masakåda women’s and Matao men’s teams are set for EAFF E-1 preliminary matches this week with admission proceeds supporting CNMI football recovery. Local Governance & Money: Gov. Apatang submitted a FY 2027 budget proposal totaling $157.7 million, with only $101.9 million available for appropriation after fixed obligations. Legal Storm in Tourism: A federal lawsuit in Guam seeks $61.5 million from the Guam Visitors Bureau over alleged sexual assault and harassment by former leadership, with CNMI-linked officials named in the broader dispute.

Typhoon Sinlaku recovery: More than a month after the strongest storm of the year hit the Pacific, Western Pacific communities are slowly rebuilding, with officials tracking displacement, damaged homes, and ongoing power and housing gaps; in the region, the death toll has risen to 17. Local disaster aid: The American Red Cross says missing the June 1 deadline won’t automatically disqualify Sinlaku survivors, and late applications tied to hospitalization or being unable to return home will be reviewed case-by-case. Business recovery support: The U.S. Small Business Administration opened a third disaster recovery center on Saipan at the One Stop Permitting Center on Capital Hill to help residents, nonprofits, and businesses apply for and fix federal assistance paperwork. Tourism hit: Marianas visitor arrivals fell sharply in April (down 72% year-over-year), and hotel occupancy in March averaged 29.47% as properties continue Sinlaku repairs and flight disruptions linger. Sports & community: Masakåda and Matao will play international matches this week in Guam, with admission fees donated to support the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association’s Sinlaku recovery. Health funding: $1.5 million from remaining exclusive casino license fees has been allocated to Saipan programs, including the Kagman Community Health Center and other community projects. Missing vehicle: The Red Cross is asking for help locating a missing 2023 flatbed truck, offering a $1,000 reward for verified tips.

Typhoon Recovery: US military generators have been connected to Tinian’s power grid after Super Typhoon Sinlaku damaged the island’s power plant, with temporary community-scale power delivered while repairs continue. Disaster Aid: The U.S. Small Business Administration opened its third disaster recovery center on Saipan, adding a new Capital Hill site to help residents and businesses apply for and fix paperwork for federal assistance. Local Economy & Shipping: A Sinlaku aftermath report says Guam’s commercial supply chain is back to full capacity, but lingering issues remain for perishable grocery logistics and fuel distribution. Courts & Accountability: CNMI’s attorney general is asking the Superior Court to reopen a settled case involving former Gov. Ralph Torres, arguing the immunity deal was unauthorized. Workforce: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced a bill to remove the touchback requirement for long-term CNMI-only CW-1 workers, aiming to stabilize the workforce for rebuilding. Sports & Community: The President’s Cup futsal awards highlighted youth Golden Boot winners, and the NMI women’s national team was honored ahead of upcoming EAFF E-1 prelims. Health & Safety: A Saipan mother filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against CHCC and a physician over a July 2024 neonatal circumcision. Missing Vehicle: The Red Cross is asking for help locating a missing 2023 flatbed truck in CNMI, offering a $1,000 reward for verified tips.

GVB Lawsuit: A former Guam Visitors Bureau employee (“Jane Doe”) has filed a $61.5 million federal lawsuit alleging sexual assault and harassment by former GVB president Carl Gutierrez, plus failures by GVB leadership to stop or address misconduct during trips to Osaka, Japan, and Saipan. CNMI Court Fight: The CNMI Office of the Attorney General is asking the Superior Court to reopen and invalidate a settlement that cleared former Gov. Ralph Torres, arguing the prosecutor who negotiated it acted without authority and improperly granted broad immunity. Post-Sinlaku Recovery: Coast Guard and partners are coordinating vessel clearance at Outer Smiling Cove near Saipan, while the Red Cross urges residents to apply today for remaining financial assistance and the CNMI’s S.T.R.O.N.G. tent/roof program has a June 1 deadline. Sports & Community: The NMI women’s soccer team was sent off for EAFF E-1 prelims in Guam (June 3–9), and CNMI pickleball is launching a major fundraiser tournament June 26–28 to support Team CNMI’s World Pickleball bid. Local Life: Residents are increasingly turning to solar as electricity costs rise, and volunteers counted 269 fanihi (Mariana fruit bats) across Guam, Saipan, and Tinian.

GVB Lawsuit: A former Guam Visitors Bureau employee filed a $61.5 million federal lawsuit on June 1, alleging sexual assault, harassment, and retaliation by former GVB president/general manager Carl Gutierrez, with board chairman George Chiu accused of facilitating misconduct during official travel and enabling a broken workplace system. Maritime Cleanup: The U.S. Coast Guard and partners will clear damaged vessels at “Outer Smiling Cove” near Saipan as part of a month-long FEMA-funded operation to restore safe waterway access. Disaster Aid Deadlines: Today is the last day to apply for Red Cross financial assistance for households with significant Sinlaku damage, and homeowners must register by June 1 for the no-cost S.T.R.O.N.G. tent and roofing program. CNMI Workforce: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced the Northern Mariana Islands Workforce Improvement Act to remove the CW-1 touchback requirement, aiming to stabilize the workforce as rebuilding continues. Sports & Community: The NMI women’s soccer team was sent off for EAFF E-1 prelims in Guam (June 3–9), while Northern Marianas Athletics hosted World Athletics Kids’ Athletics Day at Oleai Sports Complex. Environment & Wildlife: Volunteers counted 269 fanihi (Mariana fruit bats) across Guam, Saipan, and Tinian, using the annual survey to guide conservation actions. Energy Costs: Rising electricity bills are pushing more CNMI residents toward off-grid solar as concerns linger after Sinlaku damaged power infrastructure.

Typhoon Watch: Tropical Storm Jangmi is battering Japan’s Ryukyu Islands, including Okinawa, with damaging winds and heavy rain; evacuations and major flight cancellations are underway as it heads toward the mainland. Local Courts: A Saipan mother filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against CHCC and a physician over a July 2024 neonatal circumcision, alleging negligent performance and long-term injuries. Workforce Policy: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced the Northern Mariana Islands Workforce Improvement Act to remove the touchback requirement for long-term CNMI-only CW-1 workers, aiming for more stability for families and employers. Federal Probation Case: A Texas man arrested on Saipan for supervised-release violations admitted the allegations and is set for sentencing in federal court on June 9. Online Child Safety Fight: A bipartisan coalition of 44 AGs opposes the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would preempt state authority to protect children online. Disaster Recovery Deadlines: The Red Cross says June 1 is the last day to apply for financial assistance for significant home damage, and homeowners must register by June 1 for the S.T.R.O.N.G. Tent and Roofing Program. Saipan Marina Cleanup: A federal-local team begins a 30-day vessel removal operation at Smiling Cove Marina on June 1; Basin Place and Marina Lane road access will close while water/boat ramp access remains unaffected. Energy Costs: Rising electricity bills are pushing more CNMI residents toward off-grid solar as CUC’s fuel charge changes don’t fully ease concerns after Sinlaku. Tourism/Travel: United Airlines is delaying the Saipan–Tokyo Narita restart to Aug. 2 due to Sinlaku impacts.

Typhoon Recovery at Smiling Cove: A federal-local team starts June 1 to remove and process damaged vessels at Smiling Cove Marina, a 30-day job that will close road access at Basin Place and Marina Lane while keeping water and boat ramps open. Disaster Aid Deadlines: Red Cross household financial assistance for significant home damage is due today, and the S.T.R.O.N.G. tent and roofing program also has a June 1 deadline for eligible Sinlaku survivors. Local Costs, Local Power: Rising electricity bills are pushing more CNMI residents toward off-grid solar as providers report a surge in interest after Sinlaku, even with CUC’s June Fuel Adjustment Charge decrease. Air Service Update: United Airlines again delayed the Saipan–Tokyo Narita route, now planned to resume Aug. 2 (three times weekly). Maritime Liability Fight: Owners of the cargo vessel M/V Mariana seek to block or cap liability after it capsized during Super Typhoon Sinlaku, asking a Guam court to limit damages. Health Fees Debate (Guam): Guam Fire Department proposes steep ambulance fee hikes, including a new per-mile charge, with town halls set before final review. Sports & Community: CNMI women’s EAFF E-1 prelims roster and schedule were unveiled for June 3–9 in Guam; and a Paseo de Marianas cleanup is set for June 2.

Emergency Services Costs: Guam Fire Department proposes steep ambulance fee hikes, including a new $13.19 per-mile charge, potentially pushing rides from under $200 to over $1,000, with public town halls set before final Senate review. Typhoon Recovery & Safety: Federal and local teams begin a 30-day vessel removal at Smiling Cove Marina starting June 1, with road closures at Basin Place and Marina Lane while water access stays open; meanwhile, marine water monitoring sites on Saipan’s east beaches remain temporarily inaccessible after Sinlaku. Disaster Aid for Businesses: SBA will open an additional Business Recovery Center in Saipan on June 2 at the One-Stop Business Permitting Center, offering low-interest disaster loans for businesses, nonprofits, and residents. Community & Culture: House Floor Leader Marissa Flores urges the Marianas Visitors Authority to bring the CNMI Arts Council under a single tourism framework to better market local culture. Sports & Youth: NMI women’s soccer revealed its EAFF E-1 preliminary roster and schedule in Guam (June 3–9), and Northern Marianas Athletics hosted World Athletics Kids’ Athletics Day at Oleai Sports Complex. Local Sports Results: Kanoa FC 1 captured multiple titles in the President’s Cup futsal action.

Congressional Briefing on Self-Rule: Right to Democracy is organizing a June 4 briefing on what “consent of the governed” means for residents of Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands, tying the discussion to the Declaration of Independence. Typhoon Sinlaku Recovery at Smiling Cove: Starting June 1, a federal-local team will remove and process Sinlaku-damaged vessels at Smiling Cove Marina for about 30 days; Basin Place and Marina Lane road access will close, while water and boat ramp access remain open. Marine Monitoring Disruptions: After Sinlaku, several Saipan east-beach water quality monitoring sites (Jeffery’s, Bird Island, North Laulau, Old Man by the Sea) are temporarily inaccessible due to storm damage and unsafe access. Business Help for Storm Impacts: The SBA will open an additional Business Recovery Center in Saipan on June 2 at the One-Stop Business Permitting Center (Capitol Hill), offering low-interest disaster loans; a second center in Susupe stays open. Land Dispute Threatens Cultural Nonprofit: Åmot Para Taotao Tåno landowner Bernice Tudela Nelson faces potential eviction after a CHamoru Land Trust Commission hearing over lease eligibility and agricultural lease compliance. Local Sports: NMI women’s team heads to Guam for the EAFF E-1 preliminary tournament (June 3–9), and Kanoa FC 1 swept multiple titles in the President’s Cup futsal. Tourism Leadership Change: Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Jamika Taijeron will step down May 31 as the CNMI navigates a tough tourism climate. Federal Court Case: A Filipino national, Venerando Aquino Martin, was sentenced to 18 months in CNMI federal prison for submitting hundreds of fraudulent work permit applications.

Typhoon Recovery Updates: A federal-local team starts a 30-day vessel removal operation at Smiling Cove Marina on June 1, with road access closed at Basin Place and Marina Lane connection points while water and boat ramp access stay open. Business Recovery: The SBA will open an additional Business Recovery Center in Saipan on June 2 at the One-Stop Business Permitting Center (Capitol Hill), offering low-interest disaster loans for businesses/nonprofits up to $2M and homeowners/renters up to $500K/$100K, with a June 22 physical-damage deadline. Sports—Women’s Football: The NMI Women’s National Team gets a send-off ahead of the EAFF E-1 preliminary tournament on Guam (June 3-9), facing Chinese Taipei in back-to-back matches (June 5 and June 7). Land & Culture: Åmot Para Taotao Tåno landowner Bernice Tudela Nelson faces potential loss of her lease in Dededo over eligibility and agricultural lease compliance issues. Environment: Several Saipan east-beach marine water monitoring sites remain temporarily inaccessible after Sinlaku, including Jeffery’s Beach and Bird Island Beach. Local Governance & Tourism: MVA board swears in Kwang Joo “Tommy” Kim and discusses tourism rebuilding steps, including Brand USA missions and JATA Expo participation. Justice: A Filipino national, Venerando Aquino Martin, was sentenced to 18 months in CNMI federal prison for filing fraudulent work-permit applications.