AGP Executive Report

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.

CNMI Tourism Shock & Possible Summer Bounce: MVA says April visitor arrivals to the Marianas fell 72% to 3,277 after Super Typhoon Sinlaku disrupted flights and damaged the airport; South Korea plunged 90% to 740, while Jeju Air opened bookings for resuming direct Seoul-Saipan flights June 20 (subject to conditions). Hotel Demand Still Soft: HANMI reports March hotel occupancy at 29.47% (down from 34.73% a year earlier), with fewer room nights sold and lower average rates; several hotels are reopening as repairs continue. Recovery Support for Businesses: SBA opened a third Business Recovery Center on Saipan at the One Stop Permitting Center (Capital Hill) to help firms and nonprofits submit applications, fix documents, and seek loan reconsiderations. Power & Fuel Costs Matter: USACE connected temporary community-scale generators to Tinian’s grid after Sinlaku damage; meanwhile CNMI diesel dropped 30 cents to $7.08, with gasoline steady, potentially easing CUC fuel charges. Local Workforce Policy: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced a bill to remove the CW-1 “touchback” requirement, aiming to stabilize employers and workers during rebuilding. Maritime Legal Fallout: Owners of the capsized M/V Mariana filed in Guam federal court seeking exoneration or capped liability, arguing the loss occurred without their knowledge and that the vessel was seaworthy. Governance & Risk: CNMI AG is seeking to reopen a settled case involving former Gov. Ralph Torres’ immunity, while CNMI residents are also weighing off-grid solar as electricity costs and outage fears linger.

Typhoon Sinlaku Recovery: More than a month after Sinlaku, Western Pacific communities are still dealing with displacement, damaged homes, and uncertain power and housing; officials say Chuuk and Yap saw thousands of homes destroyed or badly damaged and the regional death toll has risen to 17. Tourism Hit & Rebound Planning: Marianas visitor arrivals fell sharply in April (3,277, down 72% y/y) and March (12,865, down 8% y/y), with South Korea and Japan still reeling from flight disruptions; stakeholders are watching the June 20 restart of direct Seoul-Saipan flights. Hotel Performance: HANMI reports March hotel occupancy at 29.47% (down from 34.73% a year earlier), with some properties reopening as repairs continue. Business Recovery Support: SBA opened a third Business Recovery Center on Saipan at the One Stop Permitting Center (Capital Hill) to help businesses and nonprofits apply for and resolve federal assistance issues. Power & Energy Costs: US military generators have been connected to Tinian’s grid to restore community-scale electricity while repairs continue; meanwhile, rising bills are pushing some CNMI residents toward off-grid solar. Local Funding from Casino Fees: Saipan lawmakers approved $1.5M from remaining exclusive casino license fees for library solar upgrades, youth substance abuse outreach, community health, and other projects. Red Cross Deadline Flexibility: Red Cross says late Sinlaku financial assistance applications can still be reviewed for people facing hospitalization or displacement barriers; residents are urged to call for case-by-case help. GVB Legal Storm: Guam’s tourism agency is facing a $61.5M federal lawsuit alleging sexual assault/harassment and institutional failures tied to former leadership, as officials respond to the allegations. Supply Chain Pressure on Small Firms: Even as some logistics normalize, businesses say Sinlaku exposed fragile supply chains and is raising shipping costs and complicating inventory and staffing decisions. CNMI Workforce Policy: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced a bill to remove the CW-1 “touchback” requirement, aiming to stabilize employers and workers during rebuilding.

Power & Recovery: US military generators were connected to Tinian’s grid after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, restoring community-scale electricity while repairs continue. Disaster Relief for Businesses: The SBA opened a third Business Recovery Center on Saipan at the One Stop Permitting Center (Capital Hill) to help firms and nonprofits with disaster loan applications and reconsiderations. Supply Chains: Even as Saipan’s commercial supply chain rebounded, businesses still face lingering logistics issues like port closures, debris, and freight delays. Tourism Workforce & Education: MTEC and MVA thanked schools for another year of tourism education, while MVA board discussions pushed a stronger tourism framework that better integrates local artists and culture. Energy Costs & Solar Interest: Rising electricity bills are driving more CNMI residents toward off-grid solar as solar providers report a surge in inquiries post-Sinlaku. Legal & Governance: A federal lawsuit seeks $61.5M from the Guam Visitors Bureau over alleged sexual assault/harassment and institutional coverups, and CNMI’s AG is trying to reopen a settled case involving former Gov. Ralph Torres’ immunity. Maritime Claims: Owners of the M/V Mariana filed in Guam federal court seeking exoneration or capped liability after the capsizing during Sinlaku. Workforce Policy: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced a bill to remove the touchback requirement for long-term CNMI-only CW-1 workers, aiming to stabilize employers and families.

GVB Lawsuit: A former Guam Visitors Bureau employee filed a $61.5M federal lawsuit alleging former GVB president Carl Gutierrez sexually assaulted her during official travel to Osaka and Saipan, and that GVB leadership enabled and concealed harassment and retaliation. CNMI Budget: CNMI Gov. David Apatang’s FY2027 budget totals $157.7M, but only $101.9M is available for appropriation after fixed obligations like debt service and settlement commitments. Workforce Policy: Rep. 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 to stabilize employers and families. Energy Costs & Solar: Rising electricity bills and post-Sinlaku concerns are pushing more CNMI residents toward off-grid solar as providers report a surge in interest. Fuel Prices: CNMI diesel dropped 30 cents to $7.08/gal while gasoline stayed steady at $6.11/gal; lawmakers say lower diesel could reduce utility fuel charges. Disaster Recovery: SBA will open an additional Business Recovery Center in Saipan June 2 to help businesses and residents apply for low-interest disaster loans. Maritime Cleanup & Liability: FEMA-funded partners begin clearing damaged vessels from Smiling Cove; meanwhile, owners of the cargo vessel Mariana seek to cap or eliminate liability after its capsizing.

GVB Legal Storm: A former Guam Visitors Bureau employee filed two federal suits totaling $61.5 million alleging sexual assault, harassment, and institutional failures by former GVB leadership, including claims against former governor and GVB general manager Carl Gutierrez and board chair George Chiu. CNMI Energy Pressure: Rising electricity bills are pushing more CNMI residents toward off-grid solar as providers report a surge in interest after Super Typhoon Sinlaku; CUC’s fuel adjustment charge is also moving, with diesel recently dropping while gasoline held steady. Disaster Recovery for Businesses: The SBA is opening an additional Business Recovery Center in Saipan (June 2) to help businesses and nonprofits apply for low-interest disaster loans, with a June 22 deadline for physical damage. Tinian Power Restored: Temporary large-scale generator power was delivered to Tinian after Sinlaku to keep critical services running while permanent repairs continue. Workforce Policy: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced the Northern Mariana Islands Workforce Improvement Act to eliminate the CW-1 “touchback” requirement, aiming to stabilize staffing for rebuilding. Tourism & Culture: Marianas Visitors Authority leadership changes continue as Jamika Taijeron steps down, while lawmakers push to better unify arts and culture under a tourism framework. Maritime Claims: Owners of the cargo vessel Mariana seek to cap liability and limit lawsuits after the capsizing during Sinlaku.

Federal Online Child-Safety Fight: A bipartisan coalition of 44 attorneys general, including the Northern Mariana Islands’ AG, urged Congress to reject the KIDS Act, saying it would preempt state child online safety laws and weaken accountability for tech platforms. CNMI Energy & Cost Pressures: CNMI residents are increasingly looking at off-grid solar as electricity bills rise and post-typhoon uncertainty lingers, even as CUC’s fuel adjustment charge shifts. Disaster Relief Deadlines: The Red Cross said June 1 is the final day to apply for household financial assistance after Sinlaku, with caseworkers still helping fill missing paperwork. Small Business Recovery: SBA will open an additional Business Recovery Center in Saipan on June 2 to help businesses and residents apply for low-interest disaster loans, with a June 22 deadline for physical damage. Workforce Stability: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced the Northern Mariana Islands Workforce Improvement Act to eliminate the CW-1 touchback requirement, aiming to give employers more predictable staffing during recovery. Tourism Moves: Marianas Visitors Authority leadership changes as managing director Jamika Taijeron steps down, while the agency pushes tourism readiness for the return of direct flights from key markets. Local Governance & Funding: Gov. David Apatang signed a law directing $220,000 from electronic gambling license fees to the Mariana Islands Nature Alliance and legislative delegation operations. Public Safety: DPS warned residents about burglaries reported during and after Sinlaku, urging vigilance as investigations continue.

Off-Grid Solar Demand: CNMI residents are increasingly looking at off-grid solar as electricity costs stay a concern even after CUC’s June Fuel Adjustment Charge decrease, with providers saying inquiries jumped after Super Typhoon Sinlaku and fears of outages linger. Typhoon Recovery—Maritime Cleanup: Local and federal partners begin June 1 work to clear damaged vessels from Smiling Cove near Garapan, funded through FEMA under the active disaster declaration. Liability Fight After Capsizing: Owners of the cargo vessel M/V Mariana ask a Guam federal court to exonerate them or cap damages at $226,800 and to funnel related claims into the Guam case. Red Cross Deadline: Today, June 1, is the last day to apply for Red Cross financial assistance for households with significant home damage; caseworkers will still help with missing paperwork. Business Recovery Support: SBA opens an additional Business Recovery Center in Saipan on June 2 at the One-Stop Business Permitting Center, offering disaster loan help for businesses, nonprofits, and residents. Tourism Moves: MVA advances tourism readiness as night operations at Saipan International Airport are set to resume June 20 and airlines begin restarting routes from key markets. Renewables Interest: South Korea’s KEPCO says it’s exploring photovoltaic development across CNMI as the push for more reliable power continues. Local Governance Funding: Gov. Apatang signs a law directing $220,000 in electronic gambling license fees to the Mariana Islands Nature Alliance and legislative delegation operations. OFW Cash Aid: The Philippines distributes $100 cash assistance to eligible OFWs affected by Sinlaku, with about 1,600 registered and expected to reach 2,000.

Immigration & Labor: A new USCIS memo (PM-602-0199) shifts adjustment of status toward “discretion,” and CNMI/Guam candidates warn it could worsen labor shortages and raise living costs by forcing more workers to complete green-card steps abroad. Disaster Recovery & Small Business: The SBA opens a new Saipan Business Recovery Center June 2 (Capitol Hill One-Stop Business Permitting Center) and reminds self-employed workers they may qualify for disaster loans even without physical damage. Power & Tinian Rebuild: USACE delivered temporary generator power to restore electricity on Tinian after Sinlaku, as permanent repairs continue. Tourism Readiness: The MVA board advanced plans for the return of direct flights from Korea and Japan, and night operations at Saipan airport are set to resume June 20. CNMI Governance & Culture: MVA managing director Jamika Taijeron steps down May 31; House Floor Leader Marissa Flores urges folding the Arts Council under MVA to unify culture and tourism marketing. Community Safety: DPS says burglaries rose during and after Sinlaku and urges vigilance while investigations continue. Renewables: South Korea’s KEPCO says it’s ready to support CNMI solar development as fuel costs and power reliability concerns grow. OFW Aid: The Philippines began $100 cash assistance for eligible OFWs affected by Sinlaku, with distribution extended through May 30.