AGP Executive Report

Typhoon recovery & lodging: Kensington Hotel Saipan says it may temporarily close to repair major Sinlaku/Bavi damage, with possible furloughs; management is still finalizing timing, and repairs are mainly tied to amenities like its swimming pools. Tourism & entry rules: Saipan Chamber and the Marianas Visitors Authority are reviewing DHS’s Aug. 4 EVS-TAP vetting changes for Chinese travelers, including new advance electronic submissions and extra questions—aimed at stronger pre-arrival screening. Travel services after storms: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds says U.S. State Department Honolulu Passport Agency staff will be on Saipan Aug. 18 (11 a.m.–4 p.m.) to help residents replace passports lost in Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Beach safety alerts: CNMI Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality issued “red flag” advisories at multiple Saipan west-coast recreation sites, urging people not to fish or swim within 300 feet for 48 hours. Local travel culture: Noah Omakase opened in Chalan Kanoa, offering a chef-driven Japanese multicourse experience with locally sourced seafood. Community events: Triple J Enterprises donated $3,000 toward the 80th Liberation Day festivities Aug. 21–22. Coastal resilience: Rotary Club of Saipan is organizing a push to address worsening coastal erosion and climate impacts. Politics shaping travel: CNMI’s 2026 general election field is taking shape, with major debates touching tourism, workforce, immigration, and disaster resilience. Sports spotlight: Saipan’s Carol Lee won her first WTA title in Warsaw, a big win for Northern Marianas tennis fans. Weather watch: High surf and rip-current risk remains a concern for the Marianas, tied to an El Niño pattern.

Passport Help After Sinlaku: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds says U.S. State Department Honolulu Passport Agency reps will be on Saipan Tuesday, Aug. 18 (11 a.m.–4 p.m., Susupe multi-purpose center) to help residents replace passports lost in Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Tourism & Entry Rules: Marianas Visitors Authority is reviewing new DHS EVS-TAP pre-arrival vetting changes for Chinese visitors, with possible impacts on CNMI tourism operations. Hotel Watch: Kensington Hotel Saipan is considering a temporary closure for storm-damage renovations, but dates aren’t finalized yet. Saipan Dining Losses: Two longtime Saipan restaurants—J’s Restaurant (San Jose) and Oleai Beach Bar & Grill—have permanently closed after Sinlaku, adding to ongoing business shutdowns. Coastal Safety: BECQ issued “red flag” advisories for multiple west-coast recreational spots, warning residents not to fish or swim within 300 feet for 48 hours due to bacteria levels. Weather Alert: High surf and dangerous rip currents remain a concern across the Marianas, tied to an active El Niño pattern and distant storms. Tourism Numbers: MVA reports June 2026 arrivals totaled 1,497, down 81% year-over-year, with leisure travel only beginning to rebound after late-June flight resumptions. Local Culture & Community: Rotary Club of Saipan is organizing to tackle worsening coastal erosion, while Triple J Enterprises donated $3,000 to support the 80th Liberation Day festivities Aug. 21–22. New Dining Opening: Noah Omakase opened in Chalan Kanoa, bringing a high-end Japanese counter experience and locally sourced ingredients.

Restaurant Closures After Sinlaku: Two longtime Saipan dining spots are now permanently shut following Super Typhoon Sinlaku’s damage, adding to a growing list of familiar businesses lost on-island. Tourism Screening Update: The Marianas Visitors Authority is reviewing new DHS EVS-TAP vetting changes for Chinese travelers, including added pre-arrival information and questions that could affect visitor flow. Coastal Resilience Effort: The Rotary Club of Saipan is organizing community talks and potential partnerships to tackle worsening coastal erosion and climate impacts. EVS-TAP Rules Check: MVA board member Joe Guerrero says any major federal changes must be clearly communicated to CNMI due to tourism operations. Liberation Day Support: Triple J Enterprises donated $3,000 to help fund the 80th Liberation Day festivities on Aug. 21–22. Beach Water Safety: BECQ issued “red flag” advisories at multiple west-coast recreational sites, warning residents not to swim or fish within 300 feet for 48 hours. New Dining for Visitors: Noah Omakase opened in Chalan Kanoa, bringing a high-end Japanese counter experience with locally sourced ingredients. Arrivals Snapshot: June 2026 Marianas arrivals totaled 1,497, down 81% year-over-year as leisure travel resumed after Sinlaku.

CNMI Audits: Ralph Torres responded to public debate over the CNMI audits, saying the “$1.2B” figure refers to liabilities (not the same as debt) and pointing to major disruptions during his leadership, including super typhoons, COVID, staffing shortages, and an audit backlog. Tourism Numbers: The Marianas Visitors Authority reported 1,497 arrivals in June 2026—down 81% from June 2025—after Super Typhoon Sinlaku and international flight suspensions; leisure travel is only starting to rebound as flights resumed in late June. Beach Safety: BECQ issued red-flag advisories for multiple Saipan west-coast recreational sites, warning visitors not to fish or swim within 300 feet for 48 hours due to elevated fecal indicator bacteria. New Dining: Noah Omakase opened in Chalan Kanoa, offering a reservations-only 23-course omakase experience with locally sourced seafood where possible. Elections Watch: CNMI’s 2026 general election field is taking shape, with three governor/lieutenant governor tickets competing and tourism, workforce, and disaster resilience dominating candidate forums. Sports Spotlight: Saipan’s Simon Tang set a new personal best at the World Athletics U20 Championships, while Carol Lee won her first WTA title in Warsaw. Cruise Interest: Mitsui Ocean Cruises announced its “Circle Pacific” voyage will include Saipan, with the Mitsui Ocean Fuji visiting Cairns first in February 2027.

Beach Safety Update: CNMI’s Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality flagged excessive fecal indicator bacteria at 15 Saipan west-coast recreational spots (including Plumeria Hotel, Aqua Resort, Tanapag Meeting, Garapan Fishing Base, and multiple drainage sites), advising no fishing or swimming within 300 feet for the next 48 hours. Tourism Numbers: Marianas Visitors Authority reported 1,497 arrivals in June 2026—down 81% from June 2025—after Super Typhoon Sinlaku disrupted flights, with leisure travel starting to rebound as international service resumed in late June. MVA & Culture: MVA chair Warren Villagomez says transferring the Arts Council to MVA could better link CNMI culture to tourism, while working through federal grant and payment transition issues. New Dining in Saipan: Noah Omakase opened in Chalan Kanoa, offering a reservations-only, chef-driven omakase experience with locally sourced seafood. Small Business Grants: CNMI SBDC Network and Bank of Hawaii are continuing the Small Business Revitalization & Development Grant program with up to five $5,000 awards, plus required Smart Money Seminar training. Local Governance: Superior Court Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo won’t seek retention in November, signaling the end of his term. Disaster Response: 21st Air Expeditionary Wing supported post-Typhoon Sinlaku recovery on Saipan and Tinian through cleanup, debris removal, and temporary shelter support.

Disaster Response: The 21st Air Expeditionary Wing backed Typhoon Sinlaku recovery, helping restore public spaces, clear debris, and set up temporary shelters on Tinian and Saipan from May 27 to July 1, working with FEMA and local partners. Tourism Numbers: Marianas Visitors Authority reports 1,497 arrivals in June 2026, down 81% from June 2025, with leisure travel only picking up after international flights resumed in late June; Jeju Air’s Seoul–Saipan service resumes June 20 through March 2027. Arts & Culture to Tourism: CNMI’s Arts Council is moving under the MVA, with board chair Warren Villagomez saying the shift could better connect culture to tourism while sorting grant and payment issues. New Dining for Visitors: Noah Omakase opened in Chalan Kanoa, offering a reservations-only, chef-driven omakase experience using locally sourced seafood. Travel Access: Direct Tokyo–Saipan flights resumed Aug. 2 with three weekly flights, reconnecting Japan to the Marianas after Sinlaku. Local Business Grants: CNMI SBDC and Bank of Hawaii are continuing the $5,000 revitalization grant program, with Smart Money Seminar sessions set for Aug. 19 and 20. Weather Safety: High surf and dangerous rip currents remain a concern across the Marianas, with advisories in effect through Thursday.

Birthright Citizenship & “Birth Tourism”: President Trump signed two Aug. 6 executive orders aimed at ending birth tourism and narrowing birthright citizenship eligibility, drawing sharp concern from territorial advocates who say it could treat U.S. territories differently from the mainland. Tourism Numbers: The Marianas Visitors Authority reports 1,497 arrivals in June 2026, down 81% from June 2025, with leisure travel only picking up as international flights resumed in late June. Air Access Boost: Direct Tokyo–Saipan service resumed Aug. 2, and Jeju Air extended Seoul–Saipan flights through March 2027—good news for travelers planning ahead. Arts-to-Tourism Move: CNMI’s Arts Council is being transferred to the MVA, with leaders saying it could better connect culture and tourism while working through grant and payment transitions. New Dining in Saipan: Noah Omakase opened in Chalan Kanoa, offering a reservations-only, 23-course omakase experience with locally sourced seafood when possible. Local Business Grants: CNMI SBDC and Bank of Hawaii are continuing the Small Business Revitalization & Development Grant program, offering up to five $5,000 grants plus required Smart Money Seminar training. Safety Watch: A high surf advisory and rip-current risk remain in effect for the Marianas, tied to an active El Niño pattern and nearby tropical systems.

Marianas Weather & Safety: Multiple tropical systems stayed north of the islands, but the National Weather Service kept high surf and rip-current warnings in place for the Marianas, with breaking waves and a high risk of dangerous currents along west and north-facing reefs—important for beachgoers and anyone planning water activities. Tourism Numbers: The Marianas Visitors Authority reported 1,497 arrivals in June 2026, down sharply year over year after Super Typhoon impacts and flight suspensions, with leisure travel starting to rebound as service resumed. Air Connectivity: Tokyo–Saipan direct flights resumed (three weekly flights), and Jeju Air extended Seoul–Saipan service through March 2027—both key for visitor recovery. Cruise Tourism: Mitsui Ocean Cruises’ Circle Pacific voyage will include Saipan and other Micronesian stops, with Mitsui Ocean Fuji debuting Down Under in Feb. 2027. Local Business Support: CNMI’s Small Business Development Center Network is continuing its Bank of Hawaii revitalization grant partnership, offering up to five $5,000 grants plus required training. New Dining: Noah Omakase opened in Saipan, bringing a 10-seat reservations-only omakase experience with locally sourced seafood when possible. Sports Tourism Push: MVA is leaning harder into sports tourism, while the Northern Marianas Sports Association points to upgraded facilities like Oleai Sports Complex to attract events and training camps.

Visitor Numbers: Marianas tourism took a big hit in June 2026, with just 1,497 arrivals—an 81% drop from June 2025—after Super Typhoon Sinlaku disrupted flights in April–June; leisure travel is only starting to rebound as international service resumed in late June. Air Connectivity: Tokyo–Saipan direct flights resumed Aug. 2 (three weekly flights), and Jeju Air extended Seoul–Saipan service through March 2027—both key for bringing back Japanese visitors. Tourism Growth Moves: MVA is pushing sports tourism and says upgraded facilities like Oleai Sports Complex can help attract overseas teams and training camps. New Programs for Travelers: Northern Marianas College launched its inaugural Marianas Education Tourism Program on Saipan, welcoming a Japanese cohort for English and culture exchange. Business Support: CNMI SBDC Network, with Bank of Hawaii, is continuing the Small Business Revitalization & Development Grant (up to five $5,000 grants) plus required Smart Money Seminar sessions in August. Safety Watch: Guam is under dangerous rip current and high surf advisories, a reminder for beachgoers across the region. Local Governance & Finance: Auditors say CNMI’s former Gov. Ralph Torres left $1.2B in debt and received the worst audit marks—another pressure point for tourism recovery and infrastructure.

CNMI Tourism & Air Access: Direct Tokyo–Saipan flights resumed Aug. 2 (three weekly flights), a boost for Japanese arrivals as MVA ramps up Brand USA Korea & Japan marketing and pushes “Far From Ordinary” experiences. Sports Tourism Push: The Marianas Visitors Authority is betting on sports tourism, while the Northern Marianas Sports Association points to upgrades at Oleai Sports Complex to attract international events and training camps. New Visitor Programs: Northern Marianas College launched its inaugural Marianas Education Tourism Program (English + culture) with a Japanese cohort, strengthening CNMI–Japan ties. Lodging & Dining: Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan is rolling out August staycation and dining promos, including Kids Eat FREE and new menu favorites. Local Business Grants: CNMI SBDC Network and Bank of Hawaii are continuing the Small Business Revitalization & Development Grant (up to five $5,000 grants) with required Smart Money Seminars. Safety for Travelers/Recovery: Guam agriculture urges free brown tree snake inspections for any cargo, vehicles, or vessels heading to CNMI. Governance & Finances: An audit says former Gov. Ralph Torres left CNMI with $1.2B debt and received the worst marks for parts of the FY2023 financial picture. Weather Watch: Guam remains under dangerous rip-current and high-surf advisories this weekend.

Air Access Boost: Direct Tokyo–Saipan flights resumed Aug. 2 (three weekly flights), reconnecting Japan with the Marianas after Super Typhoon Sinlaku disruptions—good news for visitor demand and travel planning. Tourism Growth Moves: Marianas Visitors Authority is pushing sports tourism as a visitor-economy pillar, and the Northern Marianas Sports Association points to upgraded Oleai Sports Complex facilities to attract higher-level events and overseas training camps. New Dining for Visitors: Noah Omakase opened in Saipan with a 10-seat, reservations-only 23-course Japanese omakase experience using locally sourced ingredients when possible. Education & Culture Exchange: Northern Marianas College launched its Marianas Education Tourism Program, welcoming an inaugural Japanese cohort for English and hands-on cultural experiences. Small Business Support: CNMI SBDC Network and Bank of Hawaii are continuing the Small Business Revitalization & Development Grant (up to five $5,000 grants), with mandatory Smart Money Seminar training. Safety for Travelers: Guam’s coastline faces dangerous rip currents and high surf this weekend; authorities warn even strong swimmers can be pulled out to sea. Wildlife Check for Cargo: Guam agriculture urges free brown tree snake inspections for any cargo, vehicles, or vessels heading to CNMI—especially important for recovery supplies after recent storms.

Air Connectivity: Direct Tokyo–Saipan flights resumed Aug. 2 with three weekly services, a boost for Japanese travelers returning after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Tourism Push: Marianas Visitors Authority is leaning harder into sports tourism, while upgraded facilities at the Oleai Sports Complex aim to attract international competitions and training camps. Local Business Support: CNMI SBDC Network and Bank of Hawaii are continuing the “I Kinometi Para I Kuminidat I Isla-ta” Small Business Revitalization & Development Grant, offering up to five $5,000 grants plus required Smart Money Seminar training. Education & Culture: Northern Marianas College launched its Marianas Education Tourism Program, welcoming an inaugural Japanese cohort for English and cultural exchange on Saipan. Travel Safety: Dangerous rip currents are gripping Guam this weekend, with high surf advisories affecting Marianas waters. New Dining: Noah Omakase opened in Saipan with a 23-course reservations-only omakase experience featuring locally sourced ingredients. Grants & Recovery: Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan is promoting August staycation and dining specials, while Rota recovery continues after major storms.

Education & Culture Exchange: Northern Marianas College’s Center for Training and Innovation launched its Marianas Education Tourism Program on Saipan, welcoming an inaugural Japanese cohort from Shizuoka for immersive English and cultural exchange through breakdance workshops and performances with local groups. Tourism & Air Access: Direct Tokyo–Saipan flights resumed Aug. 2 with three weekly services, a boost for Japanese visitor demand as Marianas tourism recovery continues. Tourism Marketing: The Marianas Visitors Authority backed Brand USA’s Korea & Japan mission to strengthen arrivals, citing Jeju Air’s Seoul–Saipan extension and the return of Tokyo service. Sports Tourism Push: CNMI sports leaders say upgraded facilities like Oleai Sports Complex are key to landing more international competitions and training camps. Local Travel Safety: Guam’s Department of Agriculture urges free brown tree snake inspections for cargo, vehicles, and vessels before travel to CNMI. Policy Watch: A new U.S. executive order targeting birthright citizenship is drawing “troubling” reactions for people in U.S. territories.

Air Connectivity: Direct Tokyo–Saipan flights resumed Aug. 2, with three weekly services helping Japan reconnect with Saipan, Tinian, and Rota after Super Typhoon Sinlaku disruptions. Tourism Push: Marianas Visitors Authority is also leaning into sports tourism, while Jeju Air extended Seoul–Saipan service through March 2027 to support steady arrivals. New Dining in Saipan: Noah Omakase opened as a 10-seat, reservations-only omakase spot with a 23-course experience and locally sourced seafood when possible. Recovery & Resilience: CNMI port leaders met FEMA to discuss shared typhoon preparedness and post-storm logistics, and the U.S. is expected to keep attention on disaster recovery as the 2026 storm season outlook warns of prolonged activity. Practical Travel Alerts: Guam agriculture urged anyone moving cargo, vehicles, or vessels to get free brown tree snake inspections before leaving Guam and again before arrival in the CNMI. Local Governance: Lt. governor candidates traded plans for fiscal reform, infrastructure hardening, and workforce stability at a Saipan Chamber forum. Policy Watch: Trump signed new executive orders narrowing birthright citizenship eligibility and targeting “birth tourism,” a move that could affect families planning travel and births.

New Dining in Saipan: Noah Jeong has opened Noah Omakase, a 10-seat, reservations-only Japanese omakase spot promising a 23-course experience and daily use of locally sourced seafood as the Marianas keep rebuilding after Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi. Campaign Moves After Typhoon Damage: Rep. Blas Jonathan “BJ” Tenorio Attao and House Speaker Edmund Joseph Sablan Villagomez launched their first community conversation at a new campaign HQ after storm damage forced a relocation. Business Forum on the Economy: At the Saipan Chamber debate, lieutenant governor candidates focused on fiscal reform, hardened infrastructure, workforce stability, and tourism-led recovery. Direct Japan Access Returns: Direct Tokyo–Saipan flights resumed Aug. 2, with three weekly flights helping bring Japanese visitors back to Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Tourism Boost via Sports: The Marianas Visitors Authority is pushing sports tourism, while the Northern Marianas Sports Association points to upgrades at the Oleai Sports Complex to attract international events and training camps. Travel Prep for Cargo: Guam’s agriculture department urges free brown tree snake inspections for any cargo, vehicles, or vessels heading to CNMI.

Direct Tokyo flights resume: The Marianas Visitors Authority says nonstop service between Tokyo and Saipan is back as of Aug. 2, with three weekly flights—an air-connectivity boost after Super Typhoon Sinlaku disruptions. Tourism & stays: Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan is rolling out August dining and staycation perks, including “Kids Eat FREE,” returning Pad Thai, and a coconut cheesecake special. Sports tourism push: MVA is betting on sports to grow visitor arrivals, while the Northern Marianas Sports Association points to upgraded Oleai Sports Complex facilities to attract overseas competitions and training camps. Korea momentum: Jeju Air is extending Seoul–Saipan service through March 2027, and MVA hosted Korean fam tours to help travel partners sell Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Disaster readiness: Officials are warning Marianas businesses and leaders to prepare for a prolonged typhoon season tied to El Niño, following recent storms. Local travel safety: Guam’s agriculture department urges free brown tree snake inspections for cargo and vehicles before moving to CNMI—important for anyone traveling to help with recovery.