AGP Executive Report

Overtime Rule Reversed: The U.S. Department of Labor restored the pre-2024 overtime exemption rules after federal court orders, a move that could quickly change payroll planning for employers nationwide. Connectivity Boost for Guam: Keppel and Telstra International locked in a 25-year deal for a fibre pair on the Bifrost subsea cable system—landing in Guam—aimed at growing AI and cloud traffic. Tourism Month Momentum: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero officially declared May as Guam Tourism Month, with events like Run with Friends (May 20) and Tourism Industry Night at the Tumon Night Market (May 31). Airport Deal Moves Forward: The governor signed a measure extending Lotte Duty Free’s Guam concession up to three years, framed as protecting jobs and tourism stability. Culture on Display: The Valley of the Latte’s “Flavors of Micronesia” River Festival drew hundreds of ticket buyers and vendors, spotlighting island food and dance. Travel Options Expanding: United announced new Japan service this winter, including Sapporo and Tokyo-Narita routes—more ways for visitors to reach the region.

US Mail Watch: USPS is still getting letters and packages to remote places—even as it faces a financial squeeze that’s meant higher prices and temporary pension pauses. Airport Retail Update: Guam’s Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed Public Law 38-125, letting the A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority extend the Lotte Duty Free specialty retail deal up to three years after a 10–2 Legislature vote—aimed at protecting jobs and airport stability while a new concession procurement runs. Tourism Month: Guam officially kicked off Tourism Month, with key events still ahead like the Run With Friends (May 20) and Tourism Industry Night at the Tumon Night Market (May 31). Memorial Day Change: The War in the Pacific National Historical Park says the Asan Beach Memorial Day flag display won’t happen this year due to Super Typhoon Sinlaku damage; it’s moving to Asan Bay Overlook with luminaria on May 23. Concert Buzz: J Boog and Sammy J hit Ypao Beach Park on June 5 for Hafaloha Concert Series Part 5.

Tourism & Community Spotlight: Guam kicked off Tourism Month with Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero’s proclamation, setting up a month of events like the Run With Friends Guam Visitors Bureau partnership on May 20 and Tourism Industry Night at the Tumon Night Market on May 31—plus a reminder that the island’s “Håfa Adai” spirit is the real draw. Aviation & Visitor Access: United Airlines is expanding Japan service this winter, including the first nonstop continental U.S. flights to Sapporo (seasonal Dec–Mar) and a new daily Chicago–Tokyo Narita route, adding more winter travel options for Guam-bound visitors and connections. Policy That Affects Travel: The governor signed bills waiving the 180-day school requirement after Super Typhoon Sinlaku and extending the Lotte Duty Free concession up to three years, aimed at protecting airport jobs and tourism stability. Heritage Tourism Push: A National Heritage Area study is moving forward, with the National Park Service seeking community input on what Guam’s heritage sites—especially those behind military fences—should include.

Hafaloha Concert Series: J Boog is back in Guam for the June 5 Part 5 show at Ypao Beach Park, with Sammy J joining as doors open 5 p.m. and music starts 7:30 p.m.; tickets are $75 GA and $150 VIP at www.guamtime.net. Tourism Month Momentum: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero officially signed May as Tourism Month, with Run With Friends on May 20 (free), plus Tourism Industry Night at the Tumon Night Market May 31. Airport Retail Stability: Guam lawmakers voted 10-2 to extend the Lotte Duty Free specialty concession up to three years, signed into law as Public Law 38-125, aimed at protecting jobs and airport finances while procurement continues. Regional Security Spotlight: Guam hosted Pacific Center for Island Security talks where leaders warned Micronesia is now squarely in the middle of U.S.-China competition. Travel Boost Watch: United Airlines announced new Japan service this winter, including nonstop SFO–Sapporo and a Chicago–Tokyo Narita route, expanding options for visitors planning ahead.

Pacific Security Talk: Island leaders at the Pacific Center for Island Security’s Micronesia Security Dialogue warned that Taiwan tensions after the Beijing summit could quickly become a Guam-and-Micronesia problem, with experts urging the U.S. to think about stability and “island chain” strategy. Tourism Month Momentum: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed Tourism Month into motion, setting up community events like the May 20 “Run With Friends” and a May 31 Tumon Night Market push. Airport Retail Stability: The Guam Legislature passed—and the governor signed—an up-to-three-year extension for the Lotte Duty Free concession, aimed at protecting jobs and airport finances while procurement continues. Culture on the Calendar: The Valley of the Latte’s “Flavors of Micronesia” River Festival drew hundreds with performances, food, and a portion of proceeds supporting Sinlaku relief. Travel Boost Watch: United Airlines announced new Japan service this winter, including nonstop Sapporo and a Chicago–Tokyo Narita route, adding more options for travelers heading toward Guam.

Lotte Airport Deal: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed Public Law 38-125, making the A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority’s extension of the Lotte Duty Free Guam specialty retail concession official for up to three years, after a 10-2 Legislature vote—aimed at protecting jobs and keeping airport revenue steady while a new procurement is still underway. Tourism Month Momentum: The governor also designated May as Guam Tourism Month, with community events like the Run With Friends on May 20 and Tourism Industry Night at Tumon Night Market on May 31. Culture on Display: The Valley of the Latte’s “Flavors of Micronesia” River Festival brought together island communities with dance, food, and vendors, drawing hundreds and supporting relief efforts for Sinlaku-affected neighbors. Visitor-Friendly Perks: Military families can get free museum admission this summer through the Blue Star Museums program, running May 16 through Sept. 7, 2026. Memorial Update: Memorial Day’s Asan Beach flag display is moved to Asan Bay Overlook due to Sinlaku damage.

Tourism Month Kickoff: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero officially dedicated May to Guam’s tourism industry, calling it a reflection of local values and community spirit, with key events still ahead including the Run With Friends on May 20 and Tourism Industry Night at the Tumon Night Market on May 31. Military Family Perks: Through Blue Star Museums, active-duty service members and their families can visit participating museums nationwide—including Guam—for free from May 16 to Sept. 7. Memorial Day Update: The Asan Beach Memorial Day flag display is moving to Asan Bay Overlook after Super Typhoon Sinlaku damage, with luminaria lighting the Memorial Wall on May 23. Airport Deal Watch: Lawmakers have voted to extend the Lotte Duty Free Guam concession up to three years, keeping the airport’s “front door” revenue steady while procurement continues. Tourism Pressure Point: GVB is responding to soaring jet fuel costs with a $2 million market defense plan and a Guam Fare Advantage Program aimed at protecting seat capacity.

Airport & Tourism Finance: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed two key bills—one waiving Guam’s 180-day school requirement after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, and another extending the Lotte Duty Free Guam concession up to three years to keep the airport’s “front door” revenue steady while procurement continues. Visitor Demand Pressure: Guam Visitors Bureau says it’s putting $2 million into a response plan to blunt the hit from jet fuel surcharges that have tripled and cut seat capacity by about 20%, while it rolls out the Guam Fare Advantage Program and keeps negotiating with low-cost carriers. Community & Culture Pull: Tourism Month momentum continues with a free Run With Friends sunset community run in Tumon on May 20, plus the Valley of the Latte River Festival this Saturday celebrating “Flavors of Micronesia” with food, dance, and live music. Regional Context: A Saipan relief push led by a Point Loma teen shows how donations are still flowing a month after Sinlaku.

Tourism Month Momentum: Guam is leaning into visitor experience and community events, with the Guam Visitors Bureau backing a free Run With Friends sunset run in Tumon on May 20 to boost local connection and keep the tourism spotlight bright. Airport Retail Stability: Lawmakers voted 10-2 to let the A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority extend the Lotte Duty Free concession up to three years, aiming to protect airport revenue while a new procurement process plays out. Air Access Watch: United Airlines announced new winter Japan routes—nonstop Sapporo from San Francisco and a Chicago–Tokyo Narita link—while Guam’s own tourism still faces pressure from elevated fuel costs and reduced seat capacity. Culture on the Calendar: The Valley of the Latte River Festival returns Saturday with “Flavors of Micronesia,” pairing Micronesian food tastings with cultural performances and support for relief efforts. Local Conservation Push: Agriculture is seeking access to 68 Land Trust parcels for wildlife conservation, with potential trail and road improvements tied to the island’s forest and habitat plans. Military Families Perk: Blue Star Museums continues through Sept. 7, with Guam included—military families can visit participating museums free.

Airport Retail Decision: Guam lawmakers voted 10-2 to let the A.B. Won Pat airport extend the Lotte Duty Free concession up to three years, with the deal set to expire July 20—aimed at keeping the airport “front door” running while a new bid process continues. Tourism Momentum: Guam Visitors Bureau is pushing Tourism Month with a free Run With Friends sunset community run on May 20 in Tumon, plus GVB has earmarked $2 million for a market response plan to blunt the hit from soaring jet fuel costs and reduced seat capacity. Relief & Recovery: GHURA says some Mawar aid applicants may qualify for income-limit waivers, and a job fair is set for May 22 to support the rollout. Culture on the Calendar: The Valley of the Latte River Festival returns Saturday with “Flavors of Micronesia,” featuring food tastings, music, and proceeds supporting Sinlaku relief. Regional Travel Pressure: Jet fuel surcharges remain high, and airlines across the region are cutting routes and capacity—so Guam’s next moves matter.

Boomers Spotlight: Six-time NBL MVP Bryce Cotton is set to debut for the Australian Boomers in the FIBA 2027 World Cup qualifiers—he’ll play Guam on July 3 at RAC Arena, a big moment for regional sports fans. Tourism Month in Tumon: The Guam Visitors Bureau’s “Run With Friends” kicks off May 20 with a free sunset community run and post-run networking. Mawar Relief Update: GHURA says some homeowners may qualify for income-limit waivers under the $500M Fix in Six Typhoon Mawar aid, with a job fair planned for May 22 to support the rollout. Airport Revenue Moves: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero called a special session to extend the A.B. Won Pat airport’s Lotte Duty Free concession up to three years—aimed at avoiding disruption while tourism recovery stays uneven. Fuel Pressure Response: GVB has deployed $2M for a jet-fuel market defense plan as surcharges and reduced seat capacity keep challenging arrivals. Military + Community: A USACE captain recently returned from a Guam deployment supporting engineering design work tied to both bases and local needs.

Airport Deal Watch: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero called a special session Thursday to let the A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority extend Lotte Duty Free Guam’s specialty retail concession up to three years, citing tourism still lagging post-COVID and the need to protect concession revenue for airport stability. Tourism Cost Pressure: Guam Visitors Bureau says it’s deploying $2 million for a “response plan” to counter surging jet fuel costs that have tripled fuel surcharges and cut seat capacity, while also rolling out the Guam Fare Advantage Program and negotiating with low-cost carriers. Travel Demand Reality Check: Guam’s unemployment rate debate continues as critics argue the low number masks a shrinking workforce. Crime & Trust: In the Hafa Adai Bingo fraud case, Jose Arthur Chan (77) was sentenced to five years, with others also receiving major prison terms. Community & Culture: GCC tourism grads (324) celebrate Friday, and GVB’s Mother’s Day Tumon Night Market runs Sunday. Safety & Weather: A fatal Tamuning crash is under investigation, and NWS is tracking Invest 96W near Yap with possible impacts for Palau.

U.S. Navy mental health push: Talkspace is expanding its virtual behavioral health partnership with the Navy, bringing the Talkspace Go app to more than 40,000 sailors and families across 13 installations, including Naval Base Guam—stress support, therapy tools, and TRICARE access. Aviation cost pressure: Fuel surcharges stay high as regulators set Guam-linked airline fuel fees at Level 15 for May 16–31, while South Korean budget carriers cut hundreds of flights and delay cabin crew starts amid Middle East-driven oil spikes. Local airport access: Guam airport shops and restaurants are now open to non-airline passengers through the new Concourse Access Pass (CAP), aiming to boost non-aeronautical revenue. Sinlaku relief continues: The Red Cross is providing digital-card financial aid to Sinlaku-affected residents on Guam, with some roof and ceiling repairs still urgently needed. Bingo fraud case nears end: Resentencing hearings are underway for defendants in Guam’s $34M Hafa Adai Bingo scheme, with one fugitive still on the FBI’s most wanted list.

Airline Strain Hits Guam Routes: South Korea’s budget carriers are cutting flights and tightening staffing as fuel prices spike—Jin Air delayed new cabin crew onboarding to late September/early October and has already slashed 176 round-trip flights, including services to Guam, with more cuts expected. Tourism Access Boost: Guam airport shops and restaurants are now open to non-airline passengers through the new Concourse Access Pass (CAP), aiming to lift non-aeronautical revenue. Sinlaku Relief, Still Ongoing: The Red Cross opened a financial aid site at Micronesia Mall for Sinlaku-affected residents, using digital cards for eligible households. Court Update: Christine Chan was sentenced to nearly 6 years and ordered to pay over $10M in restitution in the $34M Hafa Adai Bingo fraud case. Weather Watch: Invest 96W may bring showers to Yap and possibly Palau, while Guam sees a quieter pattern with spotty showers.

Military Mental Health Boost: Talkspace is expanding its virtual behavioral health partnership with the U.S. Navy, adding access for more than 40,000 sailors and families across 13 installations, including Naval Base Guam, via TRICARE. Air Travel Pressure: Budget carriers are cutting flights and delaying staffing as fuel costs spike—Jin Air pushed back onboarding for about 50 new cabin crew and cut routes including Guam, while other South Korean low-cost airlines trimmed hundreds of round-trips. Local Airport Access: Guam’s A.B. Won Pat Airport launched the Concourse Access Pass (CAP), letting eligible non-ticketed passengers shop and dine airside during set hours to boost non-airline revenue. Justice in the Spotlight: In the $34M Hafa Adai Bingo fraud case, defendants face resentencing this week and next, with fugitive Michael Marasigan still on the FBI’s most wanted list. Tourism Community Pulse: The Tumon Night Market’s “All About Moms” Mother’s Day event runs 5–9 p.m. today.

Wellbeing at Guam’s bases: Talkspace is expanding its U.S. Navy partnership, bringing the Talkspace Go self-paced app to 13 installations including Naval Base Guam, with access for 40,000+ sailors and families via TRICARE. Airport access for non-flyers: Guam airport shops and restaurants at A.B. Won Pat are now open to non-airline passengers through the new Concourse Access Pass (CAP), aiming to boost non-aeronautical revenue. Tourism + community events: GVB keeps the momentum with Tumon Night Market’s “All About Moms” (5–9 p.m. today) and a May 17 block party. Beach safety watch: Guam EPA issued advisories for five polluted beaches. Local spotlight: An 8-year-old Guam gymnast, Ava Skye Datu Jasmin, earned a spot at NGA Nationals after strong Southern Regional results. Sports + travel context: South Korean budget airlines cut about 900 round-trip flights amid fuel-price pressure. Safety update: A Tamuning crash killed Christopher Jacobie Lennon Robinson II; speed and impaired driving are being examined.