Does this itinerary requires one or two regional upgrade?

It's all one way without any stop in between, just connecting flight. I requested upgrade online and it only asked for 1 regional upgrade. The upgrade for HKG-GUM and HNL-ORD cleared but then HNL-ORD got put back to economy later on. Called united and they said because there is a segment in between that requires SWU, therefore I would need 2 regional upgrade. So, is what the agent said right?

I am just wanting to know what the right answer is and not necessarily force an agent to bend the rule. Thanks!