AGP Executive Report

GVB Court Fight: The Guam Visitors Bureau is pushing back in District Court over the Office of the Attorney General’s attempt to swap in Chief Deputy AG Joseph Guthrie as counsel, amid contempt concerns tied to a “Jane Doe” case. Veterans Funding: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds says the VA will invest $7.1M to build new veterans cemeteries on Tinian and Rota, expanding burial options beyond Marpi on Saipan. Mayors vs Seabed Mining: Saipan, Tinian/Aguiguan, Rota, and Northern Islands mayors formally oppose seabed mining, citing missing environmental studies and unclear benefits. Power Alert (Tinian): CUC schedules an islandwide power interruption Sept. 25, 8:30–9:30 a.m. (water stays on). Tourism Numbers: MVA reports Marianas visitor arrivals fell to 4,840 in July 2026, down 66% from July 2025, as recovery continues. Hotel Update (Saipan): Kensington Hotel Saipan is temporarily closed for repairs after Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, with a later-2026 reopening planned. Local Business Support: NMC and Bank of Hawai’i celebrate CNMI SBDC grant awardees receiving $5,000 each to revitalize small businesses.

GVB Court Fight: The Guam Visitors Bureau is pushing back in federal court over a substitution of counsel, opposing the move to replace Chief Deputy AG Joseph Guthrie—while the case also faces contempt-related arguments tied to filings in a “Jane Doe” lawsuit. Veterans & Travel Infrastructure: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds welcomed VA funding totaling more than $7.1 million to build new veterans cemeteries on Tinian and Rota, expanding burial access beyond Marpi on Saipan. Local Tourism & Business Support: Bank of Hawai’i and the CNMI Small Business Development Center Network celebrated 2026 grant awardees, with each recipient receiving $5,000 to revitalize and expand small businesses. Marine Protection vs. Seabed Mining: CNMI mayors (Saipan, Tinian/Aguiguan, Rota, and Northern Islands) formally opposed proposed seabed mining, citing missing environmental data and unclear benefits. Power & Visitor Planning: CUC scheduled an islandwide power interruption on Tinian Sept. 25, 8:30–9:30 a.m. Cost of Getting Around: Mobil Oil Marianas raised gasoline prices by 45 cents while diesel fell by 40 cents, affecting local driving budgets. Hotel Update: Kensington Hotel Saipan is temporarily closed for repairs after Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, with a reopening planned later this year. Community & Culture: A local musician and more than 300 arts practitioners oppose an executive order that would transfer the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture to the Marianas Visitors Authority, warning it could jeopardize federal arts funding.

VA & Community Services: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds says the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will invest more than $7.1 million to build new veterans cemeteries on Tinian and Rota, adding 40 pre-placed crypts at each site to complement Marpi on Saipan. Tourism & Travel Ops: Marianas Visitors Authority reports July 2026 arrivals totaled 4,840, down 66% from July 2025, with South Korea and Japan both sharply lower as recovery continues after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Local Power & Visitor Planning: CUC scheduled an islandwide power service interruption on Tinian for Sept. 25, 8:30–9:30 a.m., with water continuing. Business & Grants: NMC and Bank of Hawai’i celebrated 2026 Small Business Revitalization & Development Grant winners, awarding $5,000 each to help CNMI firms innovate and expand. Environment & Marine Tourism: Saipan, Tinian/Aguiguan, Rota, and Northern Islands mayors formally oppose proposed seabed mining, citing missing environmental data and unclear benefits. Fuel Costs: Mobil Oil Marianas raised gasoline prices (up 45 cents) while diesel fell (down 40 cents), affecting travel budgets across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.

CNMI Travel Watch (Guam-CNMI policy & flights): The Guam Office of the Public Auditor says it will scrutinize travel spending by a 30-member Guam delegation to San Francisco and require individual trip accomplishment reports—CNMI also sent a 24-member delegation led by Henry Hofschneider. Air Access: Philippine Airlines plans nonstop Manila-to-Delhi and Manila-to-Mumbai flights starting December 2026, a reminder of how Asia route growth can ripple into Pacific travel demand. Local Visitor Economy: Marianas Visitors Authority reports July 2026 arrivals at 4,840, down 66% from July 2025, with South Korea and Japan still recovering as flight patterns shift. CNMI Community & Tourism Support: Bank of Hawai’i and the CNMI Small Business Development Center Network celebrated 2026 Small Business Revitalization & Development Grant winners, each receiving $5,000 to help businesses innovate and expand. Island Operations: CUC scheduled a Tinian islandwide power interruption Sept. 25, 8:30–9:30 a.m. Environment & Marine Tourism: CNMI mayors (Saipan, Tinian/Aguiguan, Rota, Northern Islands) formally oppose seabed mining, citing missing environmental data and unclear benefits.

Chuseok Travel Treats: Hotels and resorts are leaning into instant, mobile-friendly meal and stay vouchers for last-minute Chuseok gifting, a reminder that visitor-facing hospitality perks can move fast during peak holiday demand. CNMI Business Support: Bank of Hawai’i and the CNMI Small Business Development Center Network celebrated 2026 Small Business Revitalization & Development Grant winners, each receiving $5,000 to help local firms innovate and expand. Local Governance vs. Seabed Mining: Saipan, Tinian/Aguiguan, Rota, and the Northern Islands mayors formally oppose proposed seabed mining, citing missing environmental data and unclear economic benefits. Power & Travel Planning: CUC scheduled a Tinian islandwide power interruption Sept. 25, 8:30–9:30 a.m.; water stays on. Fuel Costs: Mobil gasoline rose 45 cents while diesel fell 40 cents, with higher prices reported on Tinian and Rota. Tourism Numbers: MVA reported 4,840 Marianas arrivals in July 2026, down 66% year-over-year, as recovery continues after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Community Aid: Casa Marianas distributed 150+ pallets of pet food and 22,000 pounds of livestock feed across villages.

Tourism & Trade: WTTC, JATA and Tourism EXPO Japan signed a new cooperation deal to connect Japan’s travel trade with global tourism leaders, with destinations like Hawaii and Guam highlighted as key markets. CNMI Visitor Numbers: The Marianas Visitors Authority reported 4,840 arrivals in July 2026 (down 66% from July 2025), with South Korea and Japan both showing sharp declines as the destination continues recovering from Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Local Governance & Environment: CNMI mayors from Saipan, Tinian, Rota and the Northern Islands jointly opposed proposed seabed mining in Commonwealth waters, citing missing environmental data and unclear benefits. Arts & Culture: A local musician and more than 300 arts practitioners oppose Gov. Apatang’s executive order moving the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture to the Marianas Visitors Authority, warning it could jeopardize NEA funding. Disaster Recovery & Hospitality: Kensington Hotel Saipan is temporarily closed for typhoon repairs and is targeting a reopening later this year. Community Support: CASA Marianas distributed 150+ pallets of pet food and 22,000 pounds of livestock feed across the islands. Military Buildup Pressure: Guam is holding high-stakes talks with about 100 federal officials in San Francisco seeking help managing impacts of the Pacific military expansion. Travel Planning Angle: The U.S. published the 12-country Guam-CNMI visa waiver list, including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the UK—potentially easing travel for visitors heading to the region.

Tourism Numbers: The Marianas Visitors Authority reported 4,840 arrivals in July 2026—down 66% from July 2025—as the destination continues recovering from April’s Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with South Korea and Japan both showing steep declines despite some flight resumptions. Visa Boost Push: Guam and CNMI lawmakers unveiled the Marianas Tourism Advancement Act of 2026, aiming to add the Philippines and expand the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program to more countries to drive visitor spending (and not work). Local Travel Economy: A Saipan Chamber of Commerce debate heard calls for “better leadership” as tourist arrivals and utilities remain strained, with speakers pointing to weak economic returns from the military buildup. Seabed Mining Backlash: CNMI mayors from all four municipalities formally opposed proposed seabed mining in Commonwealth waters, citing missing environmental data and unclear benefits—an issue that could shape marine-based tourism. Arts & Culture Funding: A local musician and more than 300 arts practitioners oppose an executive order moving the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture under the Marianas Visitors Authority, warning it could jeopardize National Endowment for the Arts funding. Hotel Update: Kensington Hotel Saipan is temporarily closed for typhoon repairs, with a reopening planned later this year. Community Aid for Visitors & Residents: CASA Marianas distributed 150 pallets of pet food and 22,000 pounds of livestock feed across villages, including ongoing distributions on Saipan.

CNMI Politics: The CNMI Republican Party and the Torres-Jones campaign opened a new Chalan Laulau headquarters in the Ladera Building, adding space for planning, meet-and-greets, and rallies across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Hotel & Tourism: Kensington Hotel Saipan is temporarily closed again as of Sept. 1 to finish repairs from Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, with a reopening planned later this year. Visitor Numbers: The Marianas Visitors Authority reported 4,840 arrivals in July 2026, down 66% from July 2025, as the destination continues recovery and flight resumption. Travel Policy: A new push would expand the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program by adding the Philippines plus Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, India, and Mongolia—aimed at boosting tourism. Air Access: A House committee advanced the Rural Airport Infrastructure Support Act of 2026, which would raise the federal share for eligible airport projects to 95%, including in the Northern Marianas. Community & Nature: Joint Region Marianas and the University of Guam launched “Båsta BTS” to stop the spread of the invasive brown treesnake, with workshops for residents and military families. Weather Watch: NWS Guam says the current system near the Marianas poses no threat to CNMI, but travelers to Tokyo should monitor possible impacts.

Pacific Security & Travel Impact: A Washington think tank tied to Trump administration officials is urging a major U.S. military pullback in the Western Pacific, including shifting forces toward a “second island chain” centered on Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands—an idea critics say could weaken the region’s security setup that supports travel confidence. Tourism Numbers: The Marianas Visitors Authority reports 4,840 arrivals in July 2026, down 66% from July 2025, as recovery from Super Typhoon Sinlaku continued and flights resumed. Visa-Waiver Boost for Visitors: A new push would expand the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program to Philippines travelers and add eligibility for Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, India and Mongolia—supporters say it could drive major visitor growth. Saipan Community & Culture: Saipan International School’s Kindness Crew is sending aid to Rota after Typhoon Bavi, including 825 pounds of food and books. Health & Safety at the Beach: CNMI water testing flagged fecal bacteria at Saipan’s Grotto and Rota’s West Harbor Marina; officials advise no swimming or fishing within 300 feet for 48 hours. Local Opportunities: MVA launched the “My Marianas 2040” ideas competition for students in Grades 9-12, with entries due Oct. 23.

Visitor Numbers: The Marianas Visitors Authority says arrivals totaled 4,840 in July 2026, down 66% from July 2025, as recovery from Super Typhoon Sinlaku continued and international flights resumed in late June. New Student Tourism Ideas: MVA launched the “My Marianas 2040” High School Ideas Competition for Saipan, Tinian and Rota students (grades 9–12); entries are due Oct. 23. Visa Waiver Push: Congress is moving to expand the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program—adding the Philippines plus Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, India and Mongolia—aimed at boosting tourism and regional air service. Airport Funding Win: A House Transportation panel unanimously passed the Rural Airport Infrastructure Support Act, raising the federal share for rural/remote airport projects to 95%, including in the Northern Marianas. Nature & Beach Safety: CNMI water testing flagged fecal indicator bacteria at specific Saipan and Rota recreational sites; officials advise no swimming or fishing within 300 feet for 48 hours. Travel Weather Watch: NWS Guam says Tropical Storm Dujuan is pulling away and poses no threat to the Marianas, but a new system east of the islands could affect travel near Tokyo. Local Culture & Community: Saipan International School students sent 825 pounds of food and books to Rota as part of ongoing typhoon support. Tourism Spotlight: The Marianas was named Tripscout’s #1 Most Engaging Mountain Destination in the Western Pacific.

Visa & Tourism Boost: A new push in Congress would expand the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program to travelers from the Philippines plus Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, India, and Mongolia—aimed at bringing more visitors and strengthening regional air service. Local Travel Planning: The Marianas Visitors Authority launched the “My Marianas 2040” high school ideas competition (Grades 9–12 on Saipan, Tinian, Rota), with entries due Oct. 23, 2026—an effort to shape what visitors will find in the future. Airport Access: The U.S. House Transportation Committee unanimously passed the Rural Airport Infrastructure Support Act of 2026, raising the federal share of eligible airport project costs to 95% for rural, remote, and underserved communities including CNMI and Guam—key for tourism and getting residents to services. Nature & Beach Safety: CNMI water testing flagged fecal bacteria at specific Saipan and Rota recreational spots; officials advise no swimming or fishing within 300 feet for 48 hours. Community & Culture: Saipan International School students collected and packed 825 pounds of food and books to support Rota families after Typhoon Bavi. Weather Watch: NWS Guam says the current calm may precede a rougher October/November, while Tropical Storm Dujuan is moving away and poses no threat to CNMI.

Visa Boost for CNMI Tourism: A new push in Congress would expand the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program by adding the Philippines plus Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, India, and Mongolia—aimed at bringing more visitor arrivals and strengthening regional air service (not a work visa). Airport Funding Win: The U.S. House Transportation Committee unanimously passed the Rural Airport Infrastructure Support Act, raising the federal share for eligible airport projects to 95%—a key lifeline for CNMI tourism and essential travel. Travel Safety—Beach Water Alerts: CNMI water testing flagged fecal indicator bacteria at specific Saipan and Rota recreational sites; officials advise no swimming or fishing within 300 feet for 48 hours. Weather Watch for Travelers: NWS Guam says the current system near the Marianas poses no threat to CNMI, but forecasters warn September calm could be followed by rougher October/November conditions. Marianas Nature & Tourism Spotlight: The Marianas earned Tripscout’s #1 Most Engaging Mountain Destination in the Western Pacific, highlighting hiking beyond the beaches. Community Support for OFWs: Seven distressed overseas Filipino workers were repatriated from Saipan as economic pressures continue to hit families.

Visa Waiver Boost for Tourism: The U.S. has published the 12 countries eligible for the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, and a new push in Congress would add the Philippines plus Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, India and Mongolia—aimed at bringing more visitor arrivals and strengthening regional air service. Airport Funding for Remote Islands: A House Transportation bill would raise the federal share of rural airport project costs to 95% for places like CNMI and Guam, framing airports as lifelines for residents and a key driver for tourism. OFW Repatriation from Saipan: Seven distressed overseas Filipino workers were repatriated from Saipan after the island’s economic downturn, with airfare and cremation expenses covered by Philippine and OWWA funds. Marianas Visitor Economy & Nature: The Marianas were named Tripscout’s #1 most engaging mountain destination in the Western Pacific, while Joint Region Marianas and the University of Guam launched a “Båsta BTS” campaign to stop the spread of invasive brown treesnakes. Beach Safety Reminder: CNMI water testing flagged fecal indicator bacteria at specific Saipan and Rota recreational sites, advising people not to swim or fish within 300 feet for 48 hours. Weather Watch: NWS Guam says the current calm may be “before the storm,” as Tropical Depression 24W/Tropical Storm Dujuan moves away and later systems could affect the region.

Visa & Tourism Boost: The U.S. has published the 12 countries eligible for the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, and CNMI lawmakers are pushing to add the Philippines plus Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, India and Mongolia—aiming to bring more visitors and strengthen regional air service. Legislation for Travel Infrastructure: A House Transportation panel unanimously advanced the Rural Airport Infrastructure Support Act, which would raise the federal share of airport project costs to 95% for rural, remote and underserved areas including CNMI—key for keeping tourism and visitor access flowing. Beach Safety Update: CNMI environmental officials issued red-flag advisories for specific Saipan and Rota recreational areas after water samples showed excessive fecal indicator bacteria—residents are told not to swim or fish within 300 feet for 48 hours. Wildlife Protection for Travelers: Joint Region Marianas and the University of Guam launched the “Båsta BTS” campaign to stop the spread of the invasive brown treesnake, using workshops and community reporting. Tourism Spotlight: Tripscout named the Marianas the #1 Most Engaging Mountain Destination in the Western Pacific, highlighting hikes beyond the beaches. Weather Watch: NWS Guam says the current calm may precede a rougher October/November, while Tropical Depression 24W is forecast to curve toward Japan, not directly threatening the Marianas.

Visa & Tourism Boost: The U.S. published the official list of 12 countries eligible for the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, and CNMI lawmakers are pushing to expand it—starting with a bill that would add the Philippines plus Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, India and Mongolia, aiming to bring more visitors and strengthen regional air service. Local Airport Access: A House Transportation panel unanimously advanced the Rural Airport Infrastructure Support Act, raising the federal share of eligible airport project costs to 95% for rural, remote and underserved communities, including CNMI and Guam—key for tourism and getting residents to care and services. Travel Safety (Beaches): CNMI environmental officials flagged specific Saipan and Rota recreational areas after elevated fecal indicator bacteria readings; the public is advised not to swim or fish within 300 feet for 48 hours. Nature & Outdoor Appeal: The Marianas earned Tripscout’s #1 Most Engaging Mountain Destination in the Western Pacific, spotlighting hikes beyond the beaches. Invasive Species Watch: Joint Region Marianas and the University of Guam launched the “Båsta BTS” campaign to stop the spread of brown treesnakes via community training and reporting. Weather Heads-Up: NWS Guam says Tropical Depression 24W is expected to curve away from the Marianas, but travelers to Japan should monitor forecasts as conditions may worsen.

Visa & Tourism Boost: The U.S. published the first official list of countries eligible for the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program—12 nations including Australia, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, the UK, and several others—opening visa-free entry to Guam and CNMI for eligible travelers. New Expansion Push: CNMI Del. Kimberlyn King-Hinds’ Marianas Tourism Advancement Act of 2026 would add the Philippines plus Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, India, and Mongolia to the visa waiver program, with supporters projecting major tourism gains. Airport Funding: A House Transportation panel unanimously advanced the Rural Airport Infrastructure Support Act, raising the federal share of eligible airport project costs to 95% for rural, remote, and underserved communities in CNMI and Guam—key for visitor access and disaster resilience. Beach Safety: CNMI water quality checks flagged fecal indicator bacteria at Saipan’s Grotto and Rota’s West Harbor Marina; residents are advised not to fish or swim within 300 feet for 48 hours. Wildlife Protection: Joint Region Marianas and the University of Guam launched the “Båsta BTS” campaign to stop the spread of the invasive brown treesnake, using workshops and reporting tools for the community. Local Travel Spotlight: The Marianas were named Tripscout’s #1 Most Engaging Mountain Destination in the Western Pacific, highlighting hikes beyond the beaches.