HAGÅTÑA, Guam — The Government of Guam is taking more time before signing a draft agreement governing how the military handles the island’s historic and cultural sites, Acting Governor Joshua Tenorio announced Tuesday.
The 2026 Draft Programmatic Agreement, under negotiation between Joint Region Marianas and the Guam State Historic Preservation Office, will not be signed while the government conducts further review. Tenorio, Rear Admiral Brett Mietus and Acting State Historic Preservation Officer Carlotta Leon Guerrero agreed there is no immediate urgency to sign, and the existing 2008 Programmatic Agreement stays in force in the meantime.
“This pause gives us the opportunity to take a closer look at the draft, the public comments submitted, and the concerns raised by members of our community,” Tenorio said. “An agreement of this importance should not be rushed. We appreciate Admiral Mietus’ willingness to work with our administration and the SHPO to ensure the process is given the time and attention it deserves.”
Governor Lourdes Leon Guerrero has separately directed State Historic Preservation Officer Patrick Lujan not to sign the draft while Adelup and legal counsel continue their review.
The added review period gives the government time to weigh whether the draft adequately reflects comments received during the 105-day review window, and to evaluate proposed amendments from the stakeholder group Prutehi Guåhan along with recommendations from the Office of the Governor.
“The administration recognizes the strong public interest in this matter and the responsibility we have to approach it carefully,” Tenorio said. “Our goal is to ensure that Guam’s historic and cultural resources are protected, that the public’s input is meaningfully considered, and that any agreement moving forward reflects the best interests of our island.”
The Office of the Governor said it will keep coordinating with the Guam SHPO, Joint Region Marianas, legal counsel and stakeholders as the review continues.
