AGP Executive Report

Community Arts & Memory: The Aydlett brothers are set to build a 25-foot toy-timber replica of the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers at Micronesia Mall, starting Aug. 29 and aiming for completion by Sept. 9—an effort to help younger residents understand the meaning of 9/11. Local Events: Micronesia Mall also hosts a 38th anniversary fair Aug. 8 (noon–3 p.m.) with live entertainment, tenant showcases, games, giveaways, face painting, and a ceremonial cake cutting. Youth Sports: Guam Chess Academy’s Summer Chess Camp wraps up Aug. 8 with an End of Summer tournament at Micronesia Mall (U8–U18). Entertainment & Culture: Apple TV’s Ted Lasso returns for Season 4, and the show is climbing to top streaming charts across many countries, including Micronesia. Music & Travel Lifestyle: Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan highlights August dining and staycation promos, while a weekend guide for Honolulu spotlights what to do Aug. 6–12.

Ocean Protection & Science: National Geographic Pristine Seas is launching a four-week survey in Samoa to map marine life across newly protected areas, building a baseline for the country’s plan to sustainably manage 30% of its ocean. Pacific Connectivity: Australia says a $500m push is now complete—new undersea cables mean Pacific Islands Forum members are “connected” for the first time, including support reaching Micronesia. Local Arts & Community: Micronesia Mall marks its 38th anniversary with an Aug. 8 fair (live entertainment, tenant pop-ups, games, giveaways, cake cutting, and performances). Youth Sports Spotlight: Guam Chess Academy wraps its Summer Chess Camp with an Aug. 8 Micronesia Mall tournament for ages U8–U18. Voyaging Update: Hokule‘a and Hikianalia reroute due to dangerous weather, extending the Moananuiakea Voyage with more stops across Micronesia and the Western North Pacific. Culture & Travel Picks: Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan highlights August dining and staycation specials, while Guam’s chess and mall events anchor the week’s family-friendly plans.

Ocean Protection & Science: National Geographic Pristine Seas is launching a four-week survey in Samoa to map biodiversity across newly protected marine areas—reef, mid-ocean, and deepwater—aiming to strengthen the country’s plan to sustainably manage 30% of its ocean. Pacific Connectivity: Australia says a $500m push is complete, delivering 10,300km of undersea cables so Pacific Islands Forum members are now fully connected for the first time. Micronesian Community & Culture: Guam Chess Academy wraps up its Summer Chess Camp with an Aug. 8 Micronesia Mall tournament, while Micronesia Mall celebrates 38 years on Aug. 8 with live entertainment, tenant pop-ups, games, giveaways, and a cake cutting. Traditional Voyaging: The Polynesian Voyaging Society extends the Moananuiākea Voyage by a year due to elevated Western North Pacific weather risks tied to El Niño and climate change. Sports Spotlight: Marianas swimmer Richard Zhao heads to the Patriot Games as CNMI’s pick for elite U.S. high school athletes.

Pacific Connectivity: Australia says it has finished a $500m undersea cable build, linking Pacific Islands Forum members with 10,300km of new telecommunications lines for the first time. Guam Community & Learning: Guam Chess Academy ends its Summer Chess Camp with an Aug. 8 Micronesia Mall tournament, bringing youth blitz competition and skills-building to the mall. Voyaging & Weather: The Moananuiākea Voyage sail plan is extended by a year as El Niño and climate-driven conditions raise risks for Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia’s Western North Pacific route. Guam Arts & Events: Micronesia Mall marks 38 years with an Aug. 8 fair featuring live entertainment, tenant pop-ups, games, giveaways, and a ceremonial cake cutting. Entertainment Pop Culture: Apple TV’s Ted Lasso Season 4 returns with episode 1 “Home,” quickly climbing to #1 across multiple countries including Micronesia. Sports Spotlight: Marianas swimmer Richard Zhao heads to the Patriot Games as CNMI’s pick for America’s 250th anniversary high school athlete showcase.

Resort Dining & Staycations (CNMI): Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan is rolling out August highlights, including Kids Eat FREE at The Terrace, the return of guest-favorite Pad Thai, and a Coconut Bliss Cheesecake special, plus ongoing promotions like its seafood buffet. Chess for Youth (Guam): Guam Chess Academy wraps Summer Chess Camp with an End of Summer Tournament on Aug. 8 at Micronesia Mall (11 a.m.–4 p.m.), featuring U8–U18 divisions in a seven-round Swiss blitz format. Community Fair (Guam): Micronesia Mall celebrates its 38th anniversary with an Aug. 8 fair (noon–3 p.m.) packed with live entertainment, tenant pop-ups, games and giveaways, kids’ activities, and a ceremonial cake cutting. Voyaging Update (Micronesia region): The Moananuiākea Voyage gets a one-year extension as Hokūle‘a and Hikianalia adjust plans due to elevated Western North Pacific weather risks tied to El Niño and climate change. Arts & Pop Culture (Honolulu): Hawai‘i’s Woodshow opens Aug. 7, Creative Micronesia runs Aug. 7–Oct. 1 with family performances, and the HNL x Fandom Expo spotlights pop culture. Sports Spotlight (CNMI): Marianas High School swimmer Richard Zhao heads to Ohio to represent CNMI at the Patriot Games as part of the U.S. 250th anniversary celebrations.

Honolulu Weekend Picks: A new “Hawai‘i’s Woodshow” opens Aug. 7 (Downtown Art Center) with heirloom carvings made from Hawai‘i-grown woods, plus a PopUp shop under $400. Creative Micronesia: Capitol Modern hosts “Arts of Oceania” Aug. 7–Oct. 1, with Micronesian and Melanesian art and opening-month dance, fashion, and poetry performances. CNMI in Sports Spotlight: Marianas High swimmer Richard Zhao heads to Ohio for Patriot Games, representing the CNMI alongside Addalee Taflinger. Community Celebrations (Guam): Micronesia Mall marks 38 years with an Aug. 8 fair featuring live entertainment, tenant showcases, games, giveaways, and a ceremonial cake cutting. Voyaging Update: Moananuiākea Voyage extends one year as El Niño and climate-driven weather risks force Hokūle‘a and Hikianalia to reroute through more Pacific stops. Remembering Sesario: Palau Community College mourns Grand Master Navigator Rapin Woeke “Sesario” Sewralur, honoring his wayfinding legacy and voyages.

Patriot Games Spotlight: CNMI swimmer Richard Zhao heads to Ohio this week to represent the Marianas at the White House–invited Patriot Games, joining Addalee Taflinger as one top male and one female athlete per state/territory for America’s 250th anniversary. Voyaging & Climate: The Polynesian Voyaging Society has extended the Moananuiākea Voyage by a year, rerouting Hokule‘a and Hikianalia after elevated El Niño–driven weather risks across the Western North Pacific. Community Celebrations: Micronesia Mall marks 38 years with an Aug. 8 anniversary fair featuring live entertainment, tenant pop-ups, kids’ activities, and giveaways. Church & Culture: Kent Lutheran’s second annual Block Party is set for Sept. 12, with line dancing, music, food, and a possible Micronesian-congregation performance. Remembering Sesario: Palau Community College mourns Grand Master Navigator Rapin Woeke “Sesario” Sewralur, honoring his decades of traditional wayfinding teaching and voyages. Ocean Stories: Chuuk Lagoon’s WWII sunken ships and aircraft are described as artificial reefs now hosting marine life, turning tragedy into a living dive destination.

Pacific Voyaging: The Polynesian Voyaging Society has extended the Moananuiākea Voyage by a year after El Niño and climate-driven weather risks forced a revised Western North Pacific sail plan, with Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia now set for additional stops across the Pacific including Micronesia next year. Community Celebrations: Micronesia Mall in Guam marks 38 years with an Aug. 8 anniversary fair (live entertainment, tenant showcases, games, giveaways, and a ceremonial cake cutting). Church & Culture in Public Space: Kent Lutheran’s second annual Block Party returns Sept. 12 with street-and-fellowship-hall activities, including line dancing, music, kids’ bouncy castle and face painting, plus a service project the following day. Arts & Heritage Spotlight: Palau Community College mourns the late Sesario Sewralur, Grand Master Navigator, credited with keeping traditional wayfinding alive through voyages and teaching. Ocean Governance & Music of the Sea: ISA Deep Sea Dialogues tackled deep-sea science, mining economics, and governance of the “Area,” bringing together researchers and policy voices.

Voyaging & Climate: The Polynesian Voyaging Society has extended the Moananuiākea Voyage by a year, rerouting Hokūle‘a and Hikianalia after El Niño–driven weather risks; the revised plan adds stops across Fiji, Aotearoa, the Cook Islands, French Polynesia, and later Micronesia, with departures toward the Philippines and Japan in early 2028. Community Celebrations (Guam): Micronesia Mall marks its 38th anniversary Aug. 8 with live entertainment, tenant pop-ups, games, giveaways, kids’ activities, and a ceremonial cake cutting. Local Arts & Music (Guam/Region): Kent Lutheran’s second annual Block Party is set for Sept. 12, featuring line dancing, piano music, recorded tunes, and a possible performance from a Micronesian congregation. Remembering a Navigator: Palau Community College mourns Sesario Sewralur (Grand Master Navigator), honoring his decades of teaching traditional wayfinding and leading voyages. Arts Calendar (Oregon): Eastern Oregon Regional Theatre’s “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” runs through Aug. 9, and cowboy singer Blaine Andrew Ross tours Northeastern Oregon Aug. 7–8. Ocean Governance: ISA Deep Sea Dialogues spotlight deep-sea science, deep-sea mining economics, and governance of the Area.

Pacific Voyaging: The Polynesian Voyaging Society is extending the Moananuiākea Voyage by a year after El Niño and climate-driven weather risks, reshaping stops across Micronesia, Melanesia, and beyond. Community Celebrations (Guam): Micronesia Mall marks 38 years with an Aug. 8 anniversary fair featuring live entertainment, tenant pop-ups, kids’ activities, and giveaways. Church & Culture (Seattle-area): Kent Lutheran’s second annual Block Party returns Sept. 12 with food, games, line dancing, and a possible Micronesian-congregation performance. Arts & Stage: Eastern Oregon Regional Theatre’s “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” wraps Aug. 7–9, while cowboy singer Blaine Andrew Ross tours Northeastern Oregon with shows Aug. 7–8. Remembering a Navigator (Palau): Palau Community College mourns Sesario Sewralur, a master wayfinder who helped carry traditional navigation forward through voyages and teaching. Deep-Sea Talk: ISA Deep Sea Dialogues spotlight deep-sea science, mining economics, and ocean governance.

Traditional Navigation & Climate: The Polynesian Voyaging Society has extended the Moananuiākea Voyage by a year, citing El Niño and rising weather risks; Hokule‘a and Hikianalia will shift stops across the Pacific, including planned returns through Micronesia before heading onward. Community Celebrations: Micronesia Mall in Guam marks 38 years with an Aug. 8 anniversary fair featuring live entertainment, tenant pop-ups, games, giveaways, and kids’ activities. Church & Local Culture: Kent Lutheran’s second annual Block Party runs Sept. 12 with food, music, line dancing, and a possible Micronesian-congregation performance. Remembering Sesario: Palau Community College mourns Grand Master Navigator Rapin Woeke “Sesario” Sewralur, honoring his decades of wayfinding teaching and voyages. Ocean Life From War: Chuuk Lagoon’s WWII sunken ships and aircraft are now thriving as artificial reefs, drawing divers to the “sunken weapons of death” turned habitat. Gaming in Guam: Don Donki’s new GiGo arcade opens in Guam as the first step in Western expansion, with a grand opening Aug. 1. Sports on TV: A guide to where to watch the Canadian Open across regions highlights the tournament’s Aug. 1–13 schedule.

Moananuiākea Voyage Update: Polynesian Voyaging Society is extending its Western North Pacific sail plan by a year after El Niño and climate-driven weather risks made conditions more unpredictable, with Hokūle‘a and Hikianalia adjusting stops across the Pacific before heading toward Micronesia next year. Community Celebrations: Micronesia Mall in Guam marks 38 years with an Aug. 8 anniversary fair featuring live entertainment, tenant pop-ups, games, giveaways, and a ceremonial cake cutting. Local Arts & Culture Events: Kent Lutheran Church’s Sept. 12 Block Party in downtown Kent plans music, line dancing, kids’ activities, and booths including Ubumwe Empowers and PFLAG Seattle—plus a possible performance from a Micronesian congregation. Remembering a Navigator: Palau Community College mourns Rapin Woeke “Sesario” Sewralur, a Grand Master Navigator who helped keep traditional wayfinding alive through voyages and teaching. Gaming in Guam: Don Donki’s new GiGo arcade opens Aug. 1, aiming at locals with daily hours and a cash-to-terminal transition.

Voyaging & Climate: Polynesian Voyaging Society has extended the Moananuiākea Voyage by a year, citing El Niño and hotter, more unpredictable seas; Hokule‘a and Hikianalia will shift stops across the Pacific, including planned visits to Micronesia next year before heading toward the Philippines, Taiwan, Japan, and beyond in early 2028. Community Celebrations: Micronesia Mall in Guam marks its 38th anniversary Aug. 8 with live entertainment, tenant pop-ups, games, giveaways, kids’ activities, and a ceremonial cake cutting. Local Arts & Music: Kent Lutheran’s second annual Block Party (Sept. 12) spotlights community performances, including possible dancing and song from a Micronesian congregation, plus line dancing, piano moments, and family-friendly activities. Heritage & Remembrance: Palau Community College mourns Rapin Woeke “Sesario” Sewralur, a Grand Master Navigator who taught wayfinding and led voyages that connected Palau with Yap, Guam, Saipan, and farther. Gaming & Entertainment: Don Donki’s newest Donki location in Guam opens GiGo—its first arcade on American soil—set for a grand opening Aug. 1. Arts, Faith & Craft: A Hawaii Catholic Herald story highlights Bishop Castori’s newly designed koa crosier, crafted on Oahu with cultural meaning built into the design.

Voyaging & Climate: The Polynesian Voyaging Society has extended the Moananuiākea Voyage by a year after El Niño and hotter oceans increased weather risks, rerouting Hokule‘a and Hikianalia to new stops across Fiji, Aotearoa, the Cook Islands, French Polynesia, and onward toward Micronesia and the Philippines, with departures from Micronesia heading to the Philippines, Taiwan, Okinawa, Japan, South Korea, and Hokkaido in early 2028. Community Events: Micronesia Mall in Guam marks its 38th anniversary with an Aug. 8 fair (noon–3 p.m.) featuring live entertainment, tenant pop-ups, games and giveaways, kids’ activities, and a ceremonial cake cutting. Local Culture & Service: Kent Lutheran Church’s second annual Block Party is set for Sept. 12 (11 a.m.–3 p.m.), with food, music, line dancing, kids’ activities, and a chance to connect to a service project the following day. Arts & Heritage Loss: Palau Community College mourns Rapin Woeke “Sesario” Sewralur, a master navigator who helped keep traditional wayfinding alive through voyages and teaching. Entertainment & Gaming: Don Donki’s newest Village of Donki location in Guam opens its first GiGo arcade on Aug. 1, aiming at locals with daily hours and a cash-to-terminal transition.

Polynesian Voyaging: The Moananuiākea Voyage is getting a one-year extension as Hokule‘a and Hikianalia face higher weather risks across the Western North Pacific, with stops shifting toward Fiji, Aotearoa, the Cook Islands, French Polynesia, and later Micronesia before heading on to the Philippines, Taiwan, Okinawa, Japan, South Korea, and Hokkaido. Community Celebrations: Micronesia Mall in Guam marks 38 years with an Aug. 8 fair featuring live entertainment, tenant showcases, kids’ activities, games and giveaways, and a ceremonial cake cutting. Local Arts & Culture: Kent Lutheran’s Sept. 12 Block Party (line dancing, piano music, recorded music, and possible performances from a Micronesian congregation) pairs community booths and a service project with family-friendly fun like face painting and a bouncy castle. Ocean Heritage: Palau Community College mourns the late Grand Master Navigator Sesario Sewralur, credited with keeping traditional wayfinding alive through voyages and teaching. Deep-Sea Talk: The ISA Deep Sea Dialogues spotlighted deep-sea science, the economics of mining, and ocean governance.

Community & Culture: Kent Lutheran’s second annual Block Party is set for Sept. 12 (11 a.m.–3 p.m.) in downtown Kent, with street and indoor activities, line dancing, piano and recorded music, plus a possible performance from a Micronesian congregation, and kids’ bouncy castle/face painting. Pacific Arts & Voyaging: The Moananuiākea Voyage sail plan is being extended by a year as El Niño and climate-driven weather risks rise, with Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia crews adjusting routes after talks with NOAA forecasters. Ocean Governance & Deep-Sea Debate: The ISA Deep Sea Dialogues (July 25) brought together deep-sea science, mining economics, and ocean governance voices, including live onboard sampling updates and policy discussions on how the “Area” should be managed. Regional Politics: A commentary flags the U.S. Trump administration’s limited Pacific engagement, noting a senior visit to the Solomon Islands and the Peace Corps’ return—while arguing the region still lacks bigger deliverables. Remembering a Navigator: Palau Community College mourns Rapin Woeke “Sesario” Sewralur, a master wayfinder who taught traditional navigation and guided voyages aboard the Alingano Maisu. Sports & Media: A quick guide to where to watch the Canadian Open (ATP/WTA) across regions, including Micronesia listed under Asia & Oceanic.