AGP Executive Report

Invasive Species Overhaul: Gov. David Apatang moved CNMI’s Invasive Species Program from Lands and Natural Resources to the Finance Department’s Division of Customs and Biosecurity, aiming for one chain of command from port interception to field response for threats like the coconut rhinoceros beetle (Rota), Mucuna vine (Saipan), and the little fire ant. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: CNMI groups sued the federal government in Hawaii to stop the proposed Mariana Islands deep-sea mining lease sale, arguing regulators didn’t properly consider impacts beyond the initial approval; meanwhile, leaders urged Apatang to formally oppose the sale and seek more time for public participation. Congressional Push for Protections: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced PACMESA to boost revenue sharing and strengthen environmental bonding and local consultation tied to any seabed mining near U.S. Pacific territories. Local Governance & Accountability: A CNMI audit raised questions about how procurement and monitoring problems survived until FY2023 audit findings, spotlighting gaps in internal controls. Federal Funding & Services: King-Hinds said CUC is positioned for millions in federal support for power generation and poles, while she also highlighted her office’s heavy casework load helping residents navigate federal agencies. Courts & Compliance: The court approved a $20,000 wage settlement for a former Shirley’s Coffee Shop dishwasher, and another case saw a show-cause filing over missed service deadlines in a deportation-related fight. Community & Security: A Saipan-born Army sergeant won the Soldier’s Medal for a Pearl Harbor rescue, and a new reciprocity agreement brought Guam lawyer Julian Aguon into CNMI practice. Weather & Public Health: El Niño is strengthening toward “very strong,” while NWS warned of wildfire smoke haze from Indonesia affecting Saipan and the region.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: CNMI and regional groups sued the U.S. over the proposed Marianas deep-sea mining lease sale, challenging NMFS’s “not likely to adversely affect” finding and arguing the review ignored impacts from exploration through actual mining; Local Governance & Elections: The NMI Democratic Party says it will withhold endorsement in the Nov. 3 gubernatorial race until the runoff, keeping neutral between two independent tandems; Territorial Courts & Labor: The CNMI District Court approved a $20,000 wage settlement for a former Shirley’s Coffee Shop dishwasher, while another case saw a removal-order challenger explain missed deadlines and alleged attorney misconduct; Utilities & Federal Funding: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds told Rotary CUC is positioned for millions for power generation and poles, with more federal help being pursued tied to military infrastructure; Public Safety & Weather: Guam’s NWS warns El Niño is strengthening into a “very strong” phase, with peak storm-season risks rising; Community & Civic Life: A Saipan town hall invites Filipinos to raise consular concerns directly with Philippine consular officials, and a Saipan-born Army sergeant received the Soldier’s Medal for a Pearl Harbor rescue.

Deep-Sea Mining Lawsuit: CNMI groups Our Common Wealth 670 and PåganWatch, joined by Hawai‘i and conservation groups, sued the U.S. over the federal plan to lease more than 67 million acres for potential deep-sea mining, arguing NMFS wrongly concluded the sale won’t harm threatened species. Local Courts & Labor: A CNMI federal judge approved a $20,000 wage settlement for a former Shirley’s Coffee Shop dishwasher, resolving her Fair Labor Standards Act claim over unpaid extra minutes. Immigration Court Fight: Amalia Abo Guanlao filed a sworn declaration after a court order said she missed deadlines and failed to serve attorneys in her long-running challenge to a 2013 removal order. Gubernatorial Politics: The NMI Democratic Party says it will withhold endorsement in the Nov. 3 election until a runoff is set, aiming to stay neutral between two independent tandems. Utilities Funding: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds told Saipan Rotarians CUC is positioned for millions in federal support for power generation and poles, with more aid being pursued. Public Safety & Service: A Saipan-born Army sergeant received the Soldier’s Medal for a Pearl Harbor rescue, and the CNMI marked Sept. 11 with its Field of Heroes and “We Will Never Forget Community Heroes Month.” Election Dispute: Analee C. Villagomez withdrew petitions challenging her voter removal in Precinct 4D and mayoral qualifications, saying she’ll vote for a Saipan mayor instead. Federal Criminal Case: A former Homeland Security Investigations trainee was indicted in federal court for allegedly lying on a vehicle loan application and impersonating a federal agent. Sports: Saipan tennis player Carol Lee made history with a U.S. Open main-draw debut, while the NMI U20 men’s team closed qualifiers with a 3–0 loss to Guam.

Federal Utilities Funding: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds says CUC is poised to receive about $15M for power generation and $7M for poles, while talks continue with the Department of War on more infrastructure support tied to national security needs. Local Elections & Voter Status: Analee C. Villagomez withdrew her Precinct 4D election petitions after the Commonwealth Election Commission removed her from the voter list and she said she’ll vote for a Saipan mayor instead. Territorial Court Moves: Superior Court Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo granted Justin Paul Mizutani’s request to sever his trial from Lt. Gov. Dennis Mendiola’s, setting separate proceedings on misconduct charges tied to alleged misuse of public funds. Federal Criminal Case: A former HSI trainee, Kane Alexzander Pangelinan Ybanez, was indicted on loan fraud and federal-agent impersonation counts involving encounters with CNMI police. Marianas Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Guam Delegate James Moylan’s bid to block seabed mining from FAST-41 expedited review failed in the House Rules process, keeping the door open for faster federal permitting. Public Safety & Weather: NWS Guam warns wildfire smoke haze is coming from Indonesia, and a separate system moving away from the Marianas is expected to ease winds while rain remains the main weekend risk. Civic Remembrance: CNMI marked Sept. 11 with Field of Heroes and a governor-backed “We Will Never Forget Community Heroes Month.” Legal Milestone: Guam lawyer Julian Aguon was sworn in to practice law in the CNMI under a new Guam-CNMI reciprocity agreement. Youth Safety Settlement: A multistate Meta settlement includes the Northern Mariana Islands, requiring new child-safety limits on Instagram and Facebook.

CNMI Elections & Local Governance: Analee C. Villagomez withdrew her petitions after the Commonwealth Election Commission removed her from Precinct 4D, saying she lost her voting rights there and will vote for a Saipan mayor instead. CNMI Courts & Public Funds: Superior Court Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo granted Justin Paul Mizutani’s request to sever his case from Lt. Gov. Dennis Mendiola, setting separate trials on misconduct charges tied to alleged misuse of public funds for vehicle transport. Federal Criminal Case: A federal grand jury indicted former HSI trainee Kane Alexzander Pangelinan Ybanez on loan fraud and alleged federal-agent impersonation involving CNMI police encounters. Marianas Seabed Mining Fight: Guam’s senators and local leaders are pushing back as Congress moves to fast-track mining reviews; Del. James Moylan’s amendment to block seabed mining from FAST-41 was rejected, and the Marine Minerals Administration’s acting director is set to leave with no successor named. Meta Youth Safety Settlement: A multistate settlement with Meta requires new Instagram/Facebook limits and protections for children and teens, including for the Northern Mariana Islands. CNMI Legal Milestone: Lawyer Julian Aguon was sworn in under a Guam-CNMI reciprocity agreement allowing bar-licensed lawyers to practice across both jurisdictions. Public Service & Community: The CNMI marked Sept. 11 with the Field of Heroes and a governor’s proclamation for “We Will Never Forget Community Heroes Month,” honoring first responders and everyday service. Saipan Infrastructure: The Marianas Visitors Authority broke ground on the Marpi Tourist Sites Improvement Project, targeting Bird Island Lookout, Suicide Cliff, and Last Command Post with safety and accessibility upgrades.

Marianas Mining Fight: A key federal official tied to the Marianas deep-sea mining push, Matt Giacona, is leaving the Marine Minerals Administration for Halliburton as regulators move toward a proposed Dec. 16 lease sale—leaving Guam and critics asking who will oversee decisions and whether the timeline will hold. Federal Fast-Track Push: Rep. James Moylan’s bid to block seabed mining from the House’s FAST-41 expedited review track failed after the House Rules Committee declined to bring his amendment to a vote, keeping mining eligible for faster federal permitting. Local Tourism Upgrades: The Marianas Visitors Authority broke ground on the Marpi Tourist Sites Improvement Project, starting safety and accessibility upgrades at Bird Island Lookout, Suicide Cliff, and Last Command Post, with completion targeted for Summer 2027. Elections & Voting Rights: Analee C. Villagomez withdrew her Precinct 4D voter challenge and election petitions, saying she lost voting rights and will vote for a Saipan mayor instead. Legal Reciprocitiy: Guam attorney Julian Aguon was sworn in to practice law in CNMI under a new Guam-CNMI reciprocity agreement. Community Recognition: The Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation honored SNILD’s Gloria Worswick Hunter for decades of public service. Public Safety Weather: NWS reported wildfire smoke haze from Indonesia affecting the region, urging residents with health conditions to take precautions.

Immigration & Accountability: ICE says Chinese national Lianyong Wei died less than 24 hours after entering custody in Saipan, the fifth Chinese death in ICE detention since March 2025, prompting Beijing to demand a full investigation and consular access for the family. Local Governance: Analee C. Villagomez withdrew her Precinct 4D voter challenge and election petitions after the CEC removed her from the voter list, saying she’ll vote for the Saipan mayor instead of the Northern Islands mayor race. Sports & Youth Development: The NMI U20 men closed AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers with a 3–0 loss to Guam in Mongolia, with the team emphasizing grit and development despite the scoreline. Tourism Infrastructure: The Marianas Visitors Authority broke ground on the Marpi Tourist Sites Improvement Project to upgrade Bird Island Lookout, Suicide Cliff, and Last Command Post with safety and accessibility work. Public Service Recognition: CNMI and the Saipan/Northern Islands delegation honored long-time public servant Gloria Hunter with a House resolution for decades of service. Elections & Legal Practice: Julian Aguon was sworn in to practice law in CNMI under a new Guam-CNMI reciprocity agreement. Policy Fight Over Mining: Lawmakers and Guam officials pushed back on seabed mining fast-tracking in Congress as federal regulators move toward a Marianas lease sale timeline. Community Resilience: Saipan’s no-kill cat rescue reports major storm damage and slower adoptions after Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi.

Deep-Sea Mining Fight: A key federal regulator tied to the Marianas seabed mining push, Matt Giacona, is leaving the Marine Minerals Administration with no successor named as a Dec. 16 lease sale date nears—raising fresh questions in Guam and the Marianas about whether the accelerated timeline will hold and how Guam’s role will be handled. Congressional Pressure on FAST-41: Delegate James Moylan’s bid to block seabed mining from the federal FAST-41 expedited review track was rejected by the House Rules Committee, keeping deep-sea mining eligible for faster permitting. Local Governance & Tourism: The Marianas Visitors Authority broke ground on the Marpi Tourist Sites Improvement Project, starting upgrades to Bird Island Lookout, Suicide Cliff, and Last Command Post, with safety and accessibility work funded through the U.S. Economic Development Administration. Elections & Campaigning: Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Jose Blas Camacho kicked off a birthday fundraiser while laying out his record and seeking re-election. Rota Casino Oversight: A bill to fund $50,000 for Rota casino commissioners’ training travel to the Philippines stalled after Sen. Paul Manglona called it a “junket” and pushed for cheaper online options. Courts & Legal Access: Lawyer Julian Aguon was sworn in to practice law in CNMI under a new Guam-CNMI reciprocity agreement. Immigration Custody Scrutiny: China is pressing the U.S. for answers after a Chinese national died hours after entering ICE custody in Saipan, with officials refusing to say whether required medical screening occurred. Public Safety & Weather: NWS reported wildfire smoke haze from Indonesia affecting the region, and a separate system moving away from the Marianas is still tied to rain and possible rip currents over the holiday weekend.

Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: House Rules Committee blocked Delegate James Moylan’s bid to guarantee seabed mining off Guam and the CNMI would not use FAST-41’s expedited permitting, as the House passed H.R. 1501 anyway—raising fresh concerns about rushed environmental review. Marianas Mining Process in Flux: The acting Marine Minerals Administration director tied to the Marianas lease timeline is reported to be resigning Sept. 4, with no successor named as a Dec. 16 sale date approaches. Retiree Pensions Funding: Gov. David Apatang says his administration is still seeking more money for retirees’ 25% pension share, after signing a law appropriating $1.57M (including $991K for the 25% portion not required by the federal settlement). Tourism Upgrades in Saipan: MVA broke ground on the $1.095M Marpi Tourist Sites Improvement Project for Bird Island Lookout, Suicide Cliff, and Last Command Post, targeting safety and ADA access, with completion set for Summer 2027. Meta Youth-Safety Settlement: Attorney Edward Manibusan announced a landmark $17.1B multistate Meta settlement that includes the Northern Mariana Islands, requiring major Instagram/Facebook child-safety limits. Immigration Custody Death Raises Questions: China pressed the U.S. for answers after a Chinese national died hours after being booked into ICE custody in Saipan, with DHS declining to confirm whether the required early health screening occurred. CNMI Health Funding: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds says a federal continuing appropriations bill includes $21.4M in additional CNMI Medicaid funding for FY2026. Remembering 9/11 Locally: CNMI marked the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 with the Field of Heroes and a proclamation naming September “We Will Never Forget Community Heroes Month.”

Seabed Mining Showdown: Delegate James Moylan’s bid to block FAST-41 fast-tracking for seabed mining off Guam and the CNMI was rejected by the House Rules Committee, leaving the bill to move forward with expedited review. Marianas Mining Process: The acting Marine Minerals Administration director, Matt Giacona, is set to resign Sept. 4 as the Marianas lease sale timeline advances, with no clear successor named. Tourism Upgrades in Saipan: The Marianas Visitors Authority broke ground on the $1.095M Marpi Tourist Sites Improvement Project for Bird Island Lookout, Suicide Cliff, and Last Command Post, targeting safety and ADA-compliant access with completion slated for summer 2027. Youth Safety and Social Media: CNMI and other jurisdictions announced a landmark $17.1B multistate Meta settlement over Instagram/Facebook youth harms, including limits and nighttime blocks for children. Immigration Custody Scrutiny: China is pressing the U.S. for answers after a Chinese national died hours after entering ICE custody in Saipan, with questions raised about required medical screening. Medicaid Funding: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds says a federal continuing appropriations bill passed Congress, adding $21.4M in Medicaid funding for the CNMI. Local Justice: A federal jury trial is set for Oct. 27 for a man accused of loan fraud and falsely impersonating a federal agent.

Marine Minerals Administration Shake-Up: Acting Marine Minerals Administration director Matt Giacona is set to resign Sept. 4 as the Marianas seabed mining lease sale heads toward a proposed Dec. 16 date, with no named successor and questions about whether the timeline or Guam’s requested role will change. Tourism Upgrades in Saipan: The Marianas Visitors Authority broke ground Sept. 3 on the $1.095M Marpi Tourist Sites Improvement Project for Bird Island Lookout, Suicide Cliff, and Last Command Post, targeting safer access and ADA-compliant amenities, with completion eyed for summer 2027. AG Manibusan & Big Tech: Attorney General Edward Manibusan announced a landmark $17.1B multistate Meta settlement tied to youth safety on Instagram and Facebook, including daily time limits, nighttime blocks, and other child-focused protections. Disaster Response Spotlight: Catholic Charities says it has issued grants nationwide this summer, with close watch on the central Pacific after Super Typhoon Sinlaku devastated Saipan and knocked out power for more than a month. Federal Health-Care Funding: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds said a continuing appropriations bill passed Congress with $21.4M in additional CNMI Medicaid funding for FY2026. Immigration Custody Scrutiny: Reports continue to focus on the death of a 51-year-old Chinese national in ICE custody in Saipan, as China presses the U.S. for answers about required medical screening and the circumstances leading to his death. Local Justice: A federal jury trial is set for Oct. 27 for a man accused of lying on a vehicle loan application and falsely impersonating a federal agent.

Immigration Custody Scrutiny: China is pressing the U.S. for answers after a 51-year-old Chinese national, arrested in Saipan and later taken into ICE custody, died hours after intake; officials won’t confirm whether the required health screening happened within 12 hours, raising fresh questions for CNMI and federal detention practices. Federal Health Funding: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds says a continuing appropriations bill has passed Congress and would send $21.4 million more in federal Medicaid funding to the Northern Mariana Islands, with money tied to FY2026 and disaster-related needs. Tourism Safety Upgrades: The Marianas Visitors Authority broke ground on a $1M Marpi Tourist Sites Improvement Project to upgrade Bird Island Lookout, Last Command Post, and Suicide Cliff with safer access and ADA-compliant features. Marianas Economy & Jobs: Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan is running an engineering apprentice fair and a paid 12-week apprenticeship program to fill engineering roles, aiming to tap local talent. Local Courts: A federal jury trial is set for Oct. 27 for a Saipan man charged with lying on a vehicle loan application and falsely impersonating a federal agent. Coastal Resilience Training: NOAA helped CNMI coastal agencies with a two-day training on nature-based solutions for shoreline erosion, runoff, storm damage, and public access after storms.

Immigration Oversight: China is pressing the U.S. for answers after a 51-year-old Chinese national, Lianyong Wei, died hours after being booked into ICE custody in Saipan; ICE has not confirmed whether the required basic health screening happened within 12 hours, and the cause of death remains under investigation. Federal Funding: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds says Congress has passed a continuing appropriations package that includes $21.4 million in additional federal Medicaid funding for the Northern Mariana Islands, tied to help after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Tourism & Infrastructure: The Marianas Visitors Authority broke ground on a $1M Marpi Tourist Sites Improvement Project to upgrade Bird Island Lookout, Last Command Post, and Suicide Cliff with safety, accessibility, and cultural preservation upgrades. Local Economy & Jobs: Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan is running an engineering apprentice fair and a paid 12-week apprenticeship program to fill engineering roles. Public Safety & Environment: CNMI tightened cargo screening for brown tree snakes after stowaways were found on Rota, extending emergency biosecurity measures for 30 days. Sports: Saipan-area schools posted strong results at the Early Bird cross country qualifier, with SIS and ACS leading multiple divisions.

Immigration Custody Death in Saipan: ICE confirmed the death of 51-year-old Chinese national Lianyong Wei, found unresponsive hours after being booked into custody; federal officials still won’t say whether he received the required basic health screening within 12 hours, as China presses for answers and families seek clarity. CNMI Federal Health Funding: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds says a continuing appropriations bill passed Congress, adding $21.4 million for CNMI Medicaid tied to FY2026 needs. Marianas Mining Sale Leadership Change: The acting director of the new Marine Minerals Administration, Matt Giacona, is set to step down Sept. 4 as the Dec. 16 seabed-mining lease sale timeline for the Marianas moves forward. Local Tax Incentives Move Forward: The Commonwealth Economic Incentive Authority Board approved proposed regulations for a long-dormant tax incentive program, setting up a public comment period and planned intake rollout. Biosecurity on Rota Cargo: CNMI issued emergency measures to tighten double inspections of Guam cargo after brown tree snake stowaway reports on Rota. CNMI Youth Congress Seats Vacant: The 20th Youth Congress is down to two members after multiple resignations and expected departures, with schools preparing replacements. Saipan Delegate Debate Next Week: The Saipan Chamber of Commerce will host the U.S. Delegate debate Sept. 9 between King-Hinds and Galvin Sablan Deleon Guerrero.

ICE Custody Death in Saipan: China is pressing the U.S. for answers after 51-year-old Lianyong Wei died hours after being booked into ICE custody in the Northern Mariana Islands; ICE says he was found unresponsive during routine checks and taken to a hospital, while the cause of death is still under investigation and the Chinese consulate says it was notified. ICE Death-Toll Scrutiny: A separate report alleges ICE is “scrubbing” its detainee death count by releasing people before they die, raising questions about whether required health screenings are being followed. CNMI Biosecurity: Gov. David Apatang issued a 30-day emergency order to tighten double cargo inspections for all Guam shipments after brown tree snakes were spotted on Rota, aiming to prevent another invasive-pest introduction. Youth Safety & Social Media: The U.S. multi-state Meta settlement—covering the Northern Mariana Islands among others—requires new limits and safety rules for Instagram and Facebook aimed at reducing teen harms. Local Economy Incentives: The CEIA board adopted regulations for a long-dormant tax incentive program, moving toward a public comment period and an October 25, 2026 application rollout. Delegate Debate Watch: The CNMI Society of Professional Journalists’ delegate debate highlighted sharp clashes over military expansion, federal relations, land leases, and deep-sea mining.

Citizenship & immigration policy: A Pence-linked conservative think tank urged Congress to restrict birthright citizenship in U.S. territories, arguing Congress can rewrite territorial citizenship rules under the Insular Cases—an argument now feeding into hearings and competing delegate messaging in the CNMI. Local elections: The Saipan Chamber of Commerce set a Sept. 9 debate for U.S. Delegate candidates Kimberlyn King-Hinds and Galvin Deleon Guerrero, with tickets sold through Sept. 7. CNMI governance & economy: The Commonwealth Economic Incentive Authority advanced regulations for a long-dormant tax incentive program, aiming for application intake in late October 2026 to spur recovery after Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi. Disaster recovery & emergency powers: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero extended the territory’s State of Significant Emergency for another 30 days as reconstruction remains unfinished. Biosecurity: CNMI tightened Guam cargo inspections for 30 days after brown tree snakes were found on Rota, duplicating screening and coordinating with USDA and customs. Courts & rights: The U.S. District Court approved a $45,000 WARN Act settlement for former Pacific Rim workers tied to the Imperial Pacific casino construction layoffs. Youth civic life: The 20th CNMI Youth Congress is down to two members after multiple resignations/expected departures, as the Legislative Bureau works to fill vacancies. Social media settlement ripple: CNMI is among states included in a landmark $17.1B Meta youth-safety settlement requiring new limits and safety features for Instagram and Facebook. Public safety: ICE reported an immigrant detainee died hours after being admitted to detention in the CNMI, with the cause of death still under investigation.