AGP Executive Report

Typhoon Sinlaku Recovery & Tourism: CNMI tourism is still reeling after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with April visitor arrivals down 72% to 3,277 as flight disruptions and airport repairs keep demand weak; hotel occupancy also lagged, with HANMI reporting 29.47% average occupancy in March. Power Restoration on Tinian: US Army Corps of Engineers and the 249th Engineer Battalion connected large temporary generators to Tinian’s grid to restore community-scale electricity while permanent repairs continue. GVB Legal Fallout (Guam): A $61.5M federal lawsuit alleges sexual assault and harassment by former GVB leadership and claims institutional coverup; Guam officials said the allegations are serious and will be handled through proper process. CNMI Court Fight: CNMI Attorney General is asking the Superior Court to reopen and invalidate a settlement that cleared former Gov. Ralph Torres, arguing the immunity deal was unauthorized. Workforce Policy: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced the Northern Mariana Islands Workforce Improvement Act to eliminate the CW-1 “touchback” requirement, aiming to stabilize employers and workers during recovery. Sports & Community Events: Masakåda and Matao are set for international matches this week, with admission proceeds supporting CNMI football recovery after Sinlaku. Military Presence & Exercises: The USS George Washington is scheduled to visit Guam June 16–20, and Valiant Shield 2026 will run June 22–July 1 with Army operations on Tinian.

Typhoon Sinlaku Recovery: More than a month after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, Western Pacific communities are still piecing life back together, with thousands displaced and many households without stable housing or electricity; in CNMI, Tinian’s grid power has been restored via U.S. military generators while repairs continue. Tourism Hit, Then Trying to Restart: Marianas visitor arrivals fell 72% in April (3,277 vs. 11,880 a year earlier) and hotel occupancy averaged 29.47% in March as stakeholders look to the June 20 restart of international flights. Local Funding & Community Needs: Gov. David Apatang signed Saipan Local Law 24-27, allocating $1.5M from casino license fees to projects including the Kagman Community Health Center, solar work for Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, youth substance abuse outreach, and community upgrades. GVB Lawsuit Fallout: Guam Visitor’s Bureau is facing a $61.5M federal lawsuit alleging sexual assault/harassment and institutional failures by former leadership; CNMI officials also reacted to the case. Sports & International Play: Masakåda (Guam) and Matao (Guam) are set for EAFF E-1 preliminary matches this week, with admission fees supporting CNMI football recovery after Sinlaku. Workforce Policy: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced the Northern Mariana Islands Workforce Improvement Act to eliminate the CW-1 “touchback” requirement, aiming to stabilize the local workforce as rebuilding ramps up.

Typhoon Recovery & Power: U.S. military generators were connected to Tinian’s grid after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, restoring community-scale electricity while permanent repairs continue. Local Economy & Supply Chains: Businesses say Sinlaku exposed already-fragile NMI supply chains, with shipping changes forcing higher costs and tougher inventory decisions. Courts & Accountability: CNMI’s attorney general is asking the Superior Court to reopen and invalidate a settlement that cleared former Gov. Ralph Torres, arguing the prosecutor granted improper broad immunity. Workforce Policy: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced the Northern Mariana Islands Workforce Improvement Act to remove the touchback requirement for long-term CW-1 workers, aiming for more stability for families and employers. Sports & Community: Team Masakåda is set to host EAFF E-1 qualifiers in Guam with Northern Mariana Islands among the teams; CNMI also launched a fundraising push for Team CNMI’s World Pickleball bid. Education & Youth: Tinian High School held Class of 2026 graduation ceremonies, with Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence Camacho highlighting continued progress after Sinlaku disruptions. Energy Costs & Off-Grid Interest: Rising electricity bills and outage fears are driving more CNMI residents to explore off-grid solar options. Health & Legal Risk: A Saipan mother filed a medical malpractice suit against CHCC over a neonatal circumcision she says caused severe injuries and long-term complications.

GVB Lawsuit: A former Guam Visitors Bureau employee filed a $61.5 million federal suit alleging former GVB president Carl Gutierrez sexually assaulted her during official travel to Osaka, Japan, and later incidents tied to Saipan, while GVB leadership allegedly enabled and concealed harassment and failed to protect staff. CNMI Court Fight: CNMI’s Office of the Attorney General is asking the Superior Court to reopen and throw out a settlement that cleared former Gov. Ralph Torres, arguing the prosecutor who negotiated it acted beyond authority and granted improper immunity. Workforce Policy: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced the Northern Mariana Islands Workforce Improvement Act to eliminate the CW-1 “touchback” requirement, aiming to stabilize long-term CNMI-only workers and help employers plan. Healthcare Liability: A Saipan mother filed a medical malpractice suit against CHCC and a doctor over a July 2024 neonatal circumcision, alleging negligent performance and long-term injuries. Disaster Recovery: The Red Cross says June 1 is the last day to apply for financial assistance for Sinlaku-related home damage, and it continues large-scale shelter and casework support across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Sports & Community: Pickleball’s CNMI federation launched a major fundraiser tournament (June 26–28) to support Team CNMI’s push toward the World Pickleball Championships in Vietnam.

GVB Lawsuit: A former Guam Visitors Bureau employee filed a $61.5 million federal lawsuit alleging sexual assault, harassment, and long-running institutional failures by former leadership, including claims against ex-GVB president Carl Gutierrez and board chair George Chiu, with the bureau saying it has hired an independent off-island investigator. Workforce Policy: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced the Northern Mariana Islands Workforce Improvement Act (H.R. 8931) to remove the CW-1 “touchback” requirement, aiming to stabilize permits for long-term CNMI-only workers as the territory rebuilds after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Courts & Accountability: The CNMI government is asking Superior Court to invalidate a settlement that dismissed criminal charges against former Gov. Ralph Torres, arguing the prosecutor who negotiated immunity acted beyond authority. Health & Courts: A Saipan mother filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against CHCC and a physician over a July 2024 neonatal circumcision, alleging negligent procedure and lasting injuries. Disaster Recovery: Red Cross says its post-Sinlaku assistance push is at a “critical inflection point,” with deadlines for household financial aid and the S.T.R.O.N.G. tent/roofing program. Energy Costs: Rising electricity bills are driving more CNMI residents toward off-grid solar as providers report a surge in interest after Sinlaku. Sports & Community: CNMI pickleball organizers launched fundraising for Team CNMI’s World Pickleball Championships run in Vietnam, and NMIFA honored the NMI Women’s National Team Class of 2026.

Disaster Recovery: The Red Cross says it’s at a “critical inflection point” after Sinlaku, reporting 19,582 shelter nights, 220,902 meals, and 59,991 relief items delivered across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, with caseworkers still helping households through the paperwork process. Housing Assistance Deadlines: June 1 is the last day to apply for Red Cross financial help for significant home damage, and homeowners must also register by June 1 for the S.T.R.O.N.G. Tent and Roofing Program coordinated with FEMA, USACE, and local mayors. Tinian Power Restored: USACE and FEMA partners delivered temporary generator power to Tinian after storm damage to the island’s power plant, as officials push for longer-term restoration. Local Governance & Safety: A 30-day federal-local operation begins June 1 to remove damaged vessels at Smiling Cove Marina, with road access closures at Basin Place and Marina Lane while water and boat ramp access remain open. Federal Immigration & Work Policy: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced the Northern Mariana Islands Workforce Improvement Act (H.R. 8931) to eliminate the CW-1 “touchback” requirement, aiming to stabilize the CNMI workforce during recovery. Courts: A Saipan federal case continues for a Texas man who admitted supervised-release violations, and a separate federal sentencing in CNMI handed down 18 months for a visa-work-permit fraud scheme involving hundreds of fraudulent applications. Tourism Leadership: The Marianas Visitors Authority saw leadership churn as managing director Jamika Taijeron resigned, while the board swore in a new member and discussed tourism rebuilding steps. Sports & Community: Tinian High School celebrated its Class of 2026, and CNMI sports fundraising ramps up for Team CNMI’s World Pickleball push in Vietnam.

Disaster Recovery Deadlines: The Red Cross says June 1 is the last day to apply for financial assistance for households with significant home damage, with caseworkers still helping fill missing paperwork. Storm Recovery Support: CNMI’s S.T.R.O.N.G. Tent and Roofing Program also has a June 1 deadline for Sinlaku-impacted homeowners on Saipan and Tinian, with eligibility checks by USACE and no cost temporary roofing that won’t affect FEMA aid. Power Costs & Energy Choices: Rising electricity bills and post-Sinlaku grid worries are pushing more CNMI residents toward off-grid solar, even as CUC’s June Fuel Adjustment Charge drops. Maritime Legal Fight: Owners of the cargo vessel M/V Mariana are asking a Guam federal court to cap liability at $226,800 or fully dismiss liability after the vessel capsized during Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Immigration Policy Pressure: Candidates in Guam and CNMI are criticizing a new USCIS memo that treats adjustment of status as discretionary, warning it could worsen labor shortages and raise costs. Local Government & Services: Guam Fire Department’s proposed ambulance fee hikes would raise rides from under $200 to over $1,000 and add a per-mile charge, with public town halls and a Senate review before any changes. Tourism & Aviation: The Marianas Visitors Authority board swore in a new member and discussed tourism reboot steps, while airline route changes continue as services restart after Sinlaku. Federal Business Help: SBA is adding a Saipan Business Recovery Center location starting June 2 to help businesses and nonprofits apply for disaster loans.

CNMI Recovery & Services: The American Red Cross says it has reached a “critical inflection point” after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, reporting 19,582 shelter nights, 220,902 meals, and 59,991 relief items delivered across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, with 2,996 cases opened. Public Safety & Infrastructure: A federal-local interagency team begins a 30-day vessel removal operation at Smiling Cove Marina June 1, with road access closed at Basin Place and Marina Lane connection points while water and boat ramp access remain open. Local Governance & Tourism: The Marianas Visitors Authority swore in new board member Kwang Joo “Tommy” Kim and approved tourism recovery steps, including Brand USA missions and renewed exposure at JATA Expo; MVA managing director Jamika Taijeron also announced her resignation effective May 31. Immigration & Labor: A Filipino national, Venerando Aquino Martin, was sentenced to 18 months in CNMI federal prison for visa/work-permit fraud involving about 242 fraudulent Employment Authorization Document applications. Federal Policy Watch: CNMI is listed among 44 attorneys general urging Congress to reject the House KIDS Act and back the Senate KOSA, arguing the House bill would weaken state authority to protect children online. Disaster Aid: The Philippine government distributed $100 cash assistance to eligible OFWs affected by Sinlaku, with about 1,600 registered and expected to reach 2,000. Health Costs: Guam’s fire department proposes steep ambulance fee hikes, including a new $13 mileage charge, with CNMI residents likely watching how regional emergency costs evolve.

Territorial Democracy Debate: Right to Democracy is hosting a June 4 congressional briefing on what “consent of the governed” means for residents of U.S. territories, including the Northern Mariana Islands, with lawmakers and author Daniel Immerwahr. Typhoon Sinlaku Recovery: Federal and local partners are starting a 30-day vessel removal operation at Smiling Cove Marina on June 1 to restore safe waterway access, with road closures at Basin Place and Marina Lane during work. Power and Command Updates: USACE named Lt. Col. Simratpal Singh to lead the Super Typhoon Sinlaku Recovery Field Office, and Tinian received sustained temporary generator power after storm damage to its power plant. Tourism Governance: The MVA board swore in Kwang Joo “Tommy” Kim and advanced tourism reboot steps as direct flight plans return; MVA managing director Jamika Taijeron also announced her resignation effective May 31. Local Law and Funding: Gov. David Apatang signed a bill directing $220,000 from electronic gambling license fees to the Mariana Islands Nature Alliance and legislative delegation operations. Immigration and Fraud: A Filipino national, Venerando Aquino Martin, was sentenced to 18 months for visa fraud involving about 242 fraudulent work-permit applications. Online Child Safety Fight: Attorneys general, including Northern Mariana Islands’ AG in a coalition, are urging Congress to back the Senate KOSA version over the House KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state authority. Energy and Environment: The U.S. is preparing seabed-mining lease auctions, with a CNMI sale slated for November 2026, as renewable energy interest grows on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.

Typhoon Sinlaku Recovery: A federal-local team starts a 30-day vessel removal and processing operation at Smiling Cove Marina on June 1, with road closures at Basin Place and Marina Lane connection points to keep heavy equipment and diving work safe. Power Restoration: USACE delivered temporary large-scale generator power to Tinian’s grid May 28 after Sinlaku damaged the island’s power plant, as officials say reliable electricity is key to recovery. Leadership Change: USACE named Lt. Col. Simratpal Singh commander of the Super Typhoon Sinlaku Recovery Field Office, taking over from Lt. Col. Adrian Biggerstaff. Tourism Push: The MVA board advanced tourism reboot steps as night operations at Saipan’s airport resume June 20 and airlines announce route restarts; MVA also discussed potential office relocation to the Japanese Lighthouse property. Local Government Funding: Gov. David Apatang signed a law directing $220,000 in electronic gambling license fees—$10,000 to the Mariana Islands Nature Alliance and $210,000 to legislative delegation operations. Immigration & Courts: A Filipino man, Venerando Aquino Martin, was sentenced to 18 months in CNMI federal court for visa fraud involving about 242 fraudulent work-permit applications. Land & Culture: Åmot Para Taotao Tåno landowner Bernice Tudela Nelson faces potential eviction after CHamoru Land Trust Commission review over lease eligibility and agricultural lease compliance. Business Support: SBA will open an additional Saipan Business Recovery Center June 2 to help Sinlaku-impacted businesses and nonprofits with disaster loan applications. Online Safety Politics: Multiple AGs, including Northern Mariana Islands’ attorney general in a coalition, urged Congress to reject the House KIDS Act and back the Senate KOSA, arguing states’ authority should remain intact.

Online Child Safety Fight: Georgia AG Chris Carr joined a bipartisan push backing the Senate’s Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and urging Congress to reject the House KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken states’ ability to protect minors and shield Big Tech. CNMI Tourism Reset: The Marianas Visitors Authority board advanced tourism recovery steps as direct flights are set to resume, including Brand USA participation and possible cost-saving relocation discussions. MVA Leadership Changes: MVA managing director Jamika Taijeron announced she will step down May 31, citing family relocation to Guam, while the board swore in new member Kwang Joo “Tommy” Kim. Typhoon Recovery—Smiling Cove: A federal-local team will start a 30-day vessel removal and processing operation at Smiling Cove Marina June 1, with road closures at Basin Place and Marina Lane to restore safe waterway access. Tinian Power Restored: USACE and partners delivered temporary generator power after Sinlaku damaged Tinian’s power plant. Local Governance & Funding: Gov. Apatang signed a law directing $220,000 from electronic gambling fees—$10,000 to the Mariana Islands Nature Alliance and $210,000 to support legislative delegation operations. Federal Court Case: A Filipino national, Venerando Aquino Martin, was sentenced to 18 months for visa/work permit fraud involving hundreds of fraudulent applications. Business Recovery Support: SBA will open an additional Saipan Business Recovery Center June 2 to help disaster loan applicants. Immigration Policy Shift: A new USCIS memo signals tighter scrutiny for green card applicants adjusting status from within the U.S., pushing many back to consular processing.

USACE Leadership Change: Lt. Col. Simratpal Singh took over as commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Super Typhoon Sinlaku Recovery Field Office in Saipan, replacing Lt. Col. Adrian Biggerstaff and pledging continued coordination with FEMA and CNMI partners. Tinian Power Restored: USACE and the Army’s 249th Engineer Battalion delivered sustained temporary generator power to Tinian after Sinlaku damaged the island’s power plant, with officials calling electricity a key step toward families returning to normal. Tourism Authority Shake-Up: Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Jamika Taijeron announced she will step down May 31, citing family relocation to Guam as CNMI tourism still reels from market disruptions and Sinlaku recovery. MVA Board Moves: Kwang Joo “Tommy” Kim was sworn in to the MVA board, and directors advanced tourism reboot efforts including Brand USA participation and possible office relocation to the Japanese Lighthouse property. Renewables Interest: South Korea’s KEPCO says it’s exploring solar power options for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota as CNMI weighs renewable procurement amid fuel-charge concerns. Federal Court Case: A Filipino national, Venerando Aquino Martin, was sentenced to 18 months in CNMI federal court for visa/work-permit fraud involving about 242 fraudulent applications. Disaster Aid for Businesses: The SBA will open an additional Saipan Business Recovery Center on June 2 to help Sinlaku-impacted businesses and nonprofits apply for disaster loans. Kids Online Safety Fight: Northern Mariana Islands AG participation was noted in a broad coalition urging Congress to reject the House “KIDS Act” and instead back the Senate “KOSA,” arguing for stronger child online protections without weakening state enforcement. Local Governance Law: Gov. David Apatang signed Saipan Local Law 24-28, directing $220,000 in electronic gambling license fees—$10,000 to the Mariana Islands Nature Alliance and $210,000 to legislative delegation operations. Immigration Policy Signal: A new USCIS memo suggests stricter scrutiny for green card applicants seeking adjustment of status from within the U.S., potentially affecting foreign workers in the Marianas.

Disaster Recovery & Small Business: The U.S. SBA opened an additional Business Recovery Center in Saipan to help Sinlaku-impacted businesses and residents apply for disaster loans, with walk-ins welcome and set hours starting June 2. Tourism Readiness: The Marianas Visitors Authority advanced plans to restart direct flights from Korea and Japan, including airport night-operations resuming June 20 and board moves to cut costs and prepare for returning arrivals. Local Governance & Funding: Gov. David Apatang signed a law directing $220,000 in electronic gambling license fees—$10,000 to the Mariana Islands Nature Alliance and $210,000 to fund the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation’s operations. Education & Community: Tinian promoted 30 eighth graders in the first formal class celebration since Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with officials framing it as part of ongoing recovery. Immigration Policy Watch: A new USCIS memo signals tighter scrutiny for people seeking green cards from within the U.S., with advocates warning it could increase delays and family separation in Guam and the CNMI. Public Safety & Compliance: A Filipino man in CNMI was sentenced to 18 months for submitting hundreds of fraudulent work-permit applications used to unlawfully secure jobs. Environment & Infrastructure: EPA announced major PFAS and emerging-contaminant grants for Guam and the CNMI, plus funding to replace lead pipes in the islands.

Disaster Recovery: The U.S. SBA is adding a second Business Recovery Center location in Saipan starting June 2 to help Super Typhoon Sinlaku survivors with disaster loan questions and applications, with walk-ins welcome. Community Resilience: FEMA and partners are hosting the Heritage Emergency National Task Force at Saipan’s Survivor Recovery Center to teach residents how to safely save storm-damaged photos, artwork, textiles, and media. Tourism & Connectivity: The Marianas Visitors Authority board advanced tourism readiness as night operations at Saipan’s airport are set to resume June 20 and airlines begin announcing summer route returns from Korea, Japan, and Manila. Local Government: Gov. David Apatang signed a law directing $220,000 in electronic gambling license fees—$10,000 to the Mariana Islands Nature Alliance and $210,000 to fund the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation. Education: Tinian held its first post-Sinlaku eighth-grade promotion ceremony, marking 30 students’ advancement to high school. Immigration Policy: A new USCIS memo signals tighter scrutiny for green card applicants seeking adjustment of status inside the U.S., raising concerns about family separation and workforce instability in CNMI. Aviation & Military: Airline schedules for Guam and Saipan are shifting post-typhoon, while military exercises are expected to be less of an economic certainty as drills expand beyond CNMI.

Online Child Safety Fight: Multiple state attorneys general, including Hawaiʻi AG Anne Lopez and California AG Rob Bonta, joined a bipartisan push against the federal KIDS Act, saying it would preempt stronger state protections and shield Big Tech; they instead back the Senate’s KOSA, which would preserve state enforcement while adding a duty-of-care approach. US Immigration Policy: A new USCIS memo signals tighter scrutiny for green-card applicants already in the U.S., pushing most people back to consular processing unless they meet “extraordinary circumstances,” raising concerns for CNMI and regional workers and families. CNMI Tourism & Travel Readiness: The Marianas Visitors Authority board advanced tourism recovery steps as direct flights from Korea and Japan are expected to resume, with airport night operations set to restart June 20. Post-Typhoon Recovery: Tinian held a promotion ceremony for 30 eighth graders in the first formal class celebration since Super Typhoon Sinlaku; meanwhile, dredging continues at Smiling Cove Marina to reopen safer navigation after storm-altered channels. Local Governance & Funding: Gov. David Apatang signed a law directing $220,000 from electronic gaming fees to the Mariana Islands Nature Alliance and legislative delegation operations; he also reappointed Dina Tenorio to the NMTech board. Water, Airports, and PFAS: CNMI received $15.65M in EPA and FAA-related grants for PFAS testing and treatment planning, lead pipe replacement, and airport terminal improvements. Deadline Alert: The CNMI S.T.R.O.N.G. Tent and Roofing program registration deadline is June 1 at 5 p.m. Regional Aid: The Philippines began distributing $100 emergency assistance to eligible overseas Filipino workers in CNMI affected by Sinlaku.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: Multiple companies are lining up for Marianas deep-sea mining licenses as regulators fast-track permits, even as local leaders and residents keep pushing back over environmental and cultural risks. CNMI Utilities Crisis: After Super Typhoon Sinlaku, CUC CFO Betty Terlaje warned the utility is running out of cash and fuel, warning of possible disruptions to power, water, wastewater, and communications unless borrowing authority is approved. Kids Online Fight: AG Nick Brown joined a bipartisan coalition urging Congress to reject the KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state protections for children online. Disaster Recovery Deadline: CNMI’s S.T.R.O.N.G. Tent and Roofing program has a June 1, 5 p.m. deadline for Sinlaku-affected homeowners. Local Community & Sports: Guam’s 11th Annual Baseball/Softball Skills and Games Academy is set to run this summer with visiting coaches from Japan and Saipan, while CNMI education news includes a new EUCON–Hebei Oriental University partnership aimed at building a CNMI education hub.