Protesters March as APEC Tests Hawaii Hospitality

Published on Sunday, November 13, 2011 by Agence France-Presse

By Dan Martin

HONOLULU, Hawaii — Amid blasts on a traditional conch shell horn, hundreds of anti-globalization and native Hawaiian activists defied tight security to hold a protest march against an Asia-Pacific summit.

A protester holds a sign at the Occupy Honolulu encampment in Thomas Square Park in Honolulu, Hawaii. The annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit is taking place in HawaiiAt least 400 demonstrators sought to emulate the anti-capitalist "Occupy" protests seen elsewhere and highlight native Hawaiian issues as Honolulu native President Barack Obama hosted regional leaders.

"The leaders of the summit don't stand with the people of the world but we do!" Liz Rees, an organizer of activist group "World Can't Wait," shouted through a bull-horn.

Activists who dispute the 1898 annexation of the islands by the United States held signs reading "US govt give back stolen Haw'n lands," and speakers railed against perceived injustices against Hawaiians and other Pacific peoples.

But after a rally at a park dedicated to a revered former Hawaiian king, the marchers left famed Waikiki Beach, thwarted by security measures that were the tightest in Hawaii since after the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

The tourist playground appeared braced for an invasion, with Secret Service, police and army personnel swarming over the white sand beaches of Obama's birthplace.

Authorities locked down a roughly one-kilometer stretch of Waikiki and its offshore waters, leaving beaches that are normally filled with bikini-clad tourists walled off by concrete barriers and iron fencing.

Offshore, a pair of Coast Guard cutters cruised while police patrolled on jet-skis and small boats ahead of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

An orange boom cut across a bay fronting key hotels whose weekend guests include Obama, Chinese President Hu Jintao, and Russia's Dmitry Medvedev.

Several of the 21 member economies have agreed on the broad outlines of a new pan-Pacific trade pact being spearheaded by Obama.

But protester John Signor, a Honolulu teacher, said what the region needed was "fair trade, not free trade."

"If you look around at what is happening in the world and the economic troubles and unfairness, it is time to question the Western capitalist model. A lot of people are getting rich, but a lot are getting stepped on."

Some of his fellow demonstrators banged on drums or wore traditional Hawaiian kapa cloth garments.

Hawaiian officials had embraced the summit as a chance to showcase the islands' famed hospitality, but it also has sparked grumbling among ordinary Honolulu residents and tourists unhappy with security that interfered with life in the laid-back holiday idyll.

"This is totally not what Hawaii is about," local resident Tino Fornas said, gesturing at a roadblock manned by grim-faced police.

"Yeah, welcome to Hawaii. Now please leave," he said of the assembled Pacific Rim leaders.

Some of Waikiki's busiest streets were empty due to road closures on routes leading into the resorts area's forest of hotels as federal agents and police barked at any cars or pedestrians that went astray.

"It's insane. It feels like Communist China," said Marvin Schuster, a 39-year-old from the US state of Pennsylvania who shelved plans to leave his hotel due to the difficulties getting around.

The discontent has been exacerbated by the killing of a Hawaii man who was shot by a US State Department security agent in a late-night altercation last weekend.

Reports indicated both men were inebriated. The agent was charged with murder. Dozens of people held a protest march last week calling for justice.

Meanwhile, about 150 members of the Falungong spiritual movement held a protest along a two-block stretch throughout Saturday near the hotel where China's Hu was staying.

They held banners bearing statements such as "President Hu, stop persecuting Falungong," and jeered Chinese delegation members who hurried past.

"We want the world to know about the Chinese government's persecution of Falungong and its murder of our members," said Cornelia Ritter, a Swiss native who lives in San Francisco.

She said most protesters came from abroad, many from Japan, Taiwan and South Korea.

© 2011 Agence France-Presse

High-Ranking Navy Installations Expert To Keynote Guam-Centric Buildup Conference

High-Ranking Navy Installations Expert To Keynote Guam-Centric Buildup Conference

Written by Jeff Marchesseault, Guam News Factor Staff Writer
Monday, 16 November 2009 13:49

GUAM - Neither the President, the Vice President, the Secretary of Defense, nor Michelle Obama will make it to Guam for a Thursday-Friday conference focusing on the local perspective of the imminent $15 billion U.S. military buildup.

But someone from the Obama administration will keynote the two-day event at the Guam Legislature. And his expertise is probably just the right fit for an island that is concerned about the social and environmental impact of the buildup. Mr. Roger M. Natsuhara is Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Installations and Environment. He's scheduled to give a 20-minute address on Friday and to entertain questions for 10 minutes afterwards.

Natsuhara recently met with Governor Camacho on island to discuss pressing buildup issues.

In July, Guam Senator and Buildup Committee Chair Judi Guthertz had invited the President to attend what will now be called The Military Buildup And Beyond: Hinasson Taotao Guahan (The Guam Perspective). In a statement to media she said, “If the President cannot attend, we ask that the Vice President attend and if he is unavailable we will ask the Secretary of Defense to come and if he cannot, we ask that the First Lady Michelle Obama attends.”

Guthertz and Federal, Foreign And Micronesian Affairs Chairman Senator Rory Respicio, re-invited the President when it was learned that he'd be attending the 17th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Singapore on November 14 and 15.

The massive military buildup project is due to start on Guam this coming summer/fall and is scheduled for an early 'completion' deadline of 2014, though additional buildup activity is expected at least until the end of the next decade.

Here is an official conference update from Guthertz' office:

The 2009 Island Conference On Public Administration

The Military Buildup And Beyond: Hinasson Taotao Guahan (The Guam Perspective)

(November 16, 2009 – Hågatña, Guam – In just a few more days, I Liheslaturan Guahan will open its doors to the 2009 Island Conference on Public Administration – "The Military Buildup and Beyond: Hinasson Taotao Guåhan (The Guam Perspective)," hosted by the Committee on the Guam Military Buildup and the Committee on Federal Affairs, in conjunction with the University of Guam School of Business and Public Administration.

The conference kicks-off this Thursday, November 19 at 8:30 AM and runs through Friday, November 20. Open registration begins daily at 7:30 A.M. To RSVP or pre-register please contact the co-hosting

Offices of Senator Judi P. Guthertz, DPA and Senator Rory J. Respicio at 472-5834/472-7679 or e-mail Stephanie Mendiola at sem@guamlegislature.org

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

This conference will bring together representatives from all fields, inclusive of both the civilian, military and regional communities, to discuss the impact that the impending military buildup will have on the people of Guam and the surrounding region. As we know, thousands of U.S. Marines currently stationed in Okinawa, Japan will be relocated to Guam in just a few more years. Additionally, the two
existing bases will undergo extensive expansion. The aim of this event is to focus on how the everyday lives of our people will be impacted by this drastic undertaking.

"While this move is sure to bring benefits, the scope of this undertaking is enormous. As policymakers and representatives of the general public, it is our duty to ensure that our people know what to expect and what is coming," says Senator Guthertz.

Senator Respicio, "Many people have expressed concerns that the buildup may not be as beneficial for Guam and our region as it will be for the Department of Defense. Our conference will cultivate discussion on the everyday impacts on the lives of the people living outside the military's fences."

11/16/2009 ‐ 12:00 PM
The 2009 Island Conference on Public Administration
“The Military Buildup and Beyond: Hinasson Taotao Guåhan (The Guam Perspective)”

PROPOSED AGENDA

Thursday, November 19, 2009 • I Liheslaturan Guåhan, Hagåtña

7:30 AM Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:30 AM Conference Blessing
Traditional Chamorro Blessing
Fanohge Chamorro
National Anthem
Inifresi
8:45 AM Welcoming Remarks
The Honorable Rory J. Respicio, Acting Speaker, 30th Guam Legislature
The Honorable Felix P. Camacho, I Magalahen Guåhan
The Honorable Katherine A. Maraman, Acting Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Guam
9:00 AM Conference Opening
Remarks by Senator Judith P. Guthertz, DPA, Chairperson, Committee on the Guam Military Buildup
9:05 AM Keynote Address by Mr. Roger M. Natsuhara
Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Installations and Environment
*Please Note: 10‐minute “Question & Answer” period to follow.
9:35 AM Morning Break
9:45 AM Panel 1: “Family & Community”

Moderated by Dr. Ronald L. McNinch‐Su, University of Guam
*Please Note: Presentations will be followed by a 20‐minute “Question & Answer” period.

Ms. Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero, Guam Memorial Hospital Authority Board of Trustees
“Public Health: Pro‐Active Approaches to Building and Adequate Health Care Sytem”

Ms. Cerila M. Rapadas, Executive Director, Catholic Social Services
“The Disadvantaged Community: Current Strains, Future Growth, Anticipated Challenges”

Mr. Leonardo M. Rapadas, Esq., US Attorney, Guam & the CNMI
“Protecting our Community Inside & Out”

Speaker Derick B. Hills, 27th Guam Youth Congress
“Youth Concerns & the Guam Military Buildup: Recommendations for Consideration”

Dr. Mary A.Y. Okada, President, Guam Community College
“Building a Competent Workforce”

12:00 PM “Luncheon Mixer” (Lunch provided)
1:00 PM Special Guest Presentation by The Honorable Emanuel Mori
President, Federated States of Micronesia
*Please Note: Presentation will be followed by a 10‐minute “Question & Answer” period.
1:30 PM Panel 2: “Natural Resources”
Moderated by Dr. Maria Claret M. Ruane, University of Guam
*Please Note: Presentation will be followed by a 20‐minute “Question & Answer” period.

Ms. Lorilee T. Crisostomo, Administrator, Guam Environmental Protection Agency
“Preparing for an Energy Efficient & Environmentally Friendly Future”

Mr. Christopher Duenas, Director, Guam Department of Land Managment
“Our Land: Protecting a Vital and Finite Resource”

Mr. Bernard Watson, Farmers Co‐operative Association of Guam
“Impacting Local Agriculture: Challenges and Opportunities”

Mr. Alberto “Tony” Lamorena V, Chairperson, Civilian‐Military Task Force Committee on Natural Resources

“Protecting our Natural Resources”
3:30 PM Closing Remarks by Senator Judith P. Guthertz, DPA
11/16/2009 ‐ 12:00 PM
The 2009 Island Conference on Public Administration
“The Military Buildup and Beyond: Hinasson Taotao Guåhan (The Guam Perspective)”

PROPOSED AGENDA

Friday, November 20, 2009 • I Liheslaturan Guåhan, Hagåtña
7:30 AM Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:30 AM Conference Opening
Remarks by Senator Rory J. Respicio, Chairperson, Committee on Federal Affairs
8:35 AM Keynote Address by Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo
9:00 AM Special Presentation by Mr. Jose U. Munoz
Department Chair, Criminal Justice & Social Science Program, Guam Community College
*Please Note: Presentation will be followed by a 10‐minute “Question & Answer” period.
9:30 AM Morning Break
9:45 AM Panel 2: “Public Services & Systems”
Moderated by Mr. Clifford A. Guzman, Galaide Group
*Please Note: Presentations will be followed by a 20‐minute “Question & Answer” period.
Frederick J. Horecky, Esq., Legal Counsel, Guam Public Utilities Commission
“Potential Impact of the Military Buildup on Utility Rates”
Mr. Lawrence J. Perez, Director, Guam Department of Public Works
“The Transformation of Transportation”
Mr. Joseph M. Diego, Area Director, USDA Rural Development, Western Pacific Region
“The Affordability and Availability of Housing”
Mr. Perry Taitano & Mr. Dan Tydingco, Judiciary of Guam
“Preparing for an Expanding Client Base”
Ms. Maria S. Connelley, Director, Guam Department of Labor
“Regional Transformation”
Dr. Maria Claret M. Ruane, Associate Professor of Economics & Finance, University of Guam
“Guam’s Economic Forecast”
12:00 PM “Luncheon Mixer” (Lunch provided)
1:00 PM Panel 3: “Federal‐Territorial Relations”
Moderated by Debbie Quinata
*Please Note: Presentations will be followed by a 20‐minute “Question & Answer” period.
Dr. Robert A. Underwood, President, University of Guam
“Lessons from the Past, Challenges of the Future: Guam’s Historic Experience with the US Military”
Senator Frank F. Blas, Jr.
on Compact‐Impact Reimbursements
Attorney General Alicia G. Limtiaco
“Legal Strategies for Enhancing Federal Relations”
Dr. Michael L. Bevacqua, University of Guam
“Protecting our Culture in the Midst of Change”
Senator vicente (ben) c. pangelinan
on Chamorro Self‐Determination
3:30 PM Closing Remarks by Senator Judith P. Guthertz

Obama has to address US’ future on Asia trip

Obama has to address US’ future on Asia trip

By Richard Halloran

Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009, Page 8

US President Barack Obama is to begin his first trip to Asia as president this week, striding along a trail blazed by his straight-talking secretary of defense, Robert Gates.

Stripped of diplomatic lingo, Gates has recently insisted that the Japanese proceed with a realignment of US forces as agreed after 15 years of negotiation. He has insisted that China stop disrupting military exchanges whenever the US takes a position that displeases Beijing, and he has insisted that South Koreans not delay accepting full responsibility for the defense of their own nation.

Undoubtedly, Asian leaders will be watching to see whether Obama will be equally firm as he travels to Tokyo, Beijing and Seoul, with a stop in Singapore to attend the APEC forum and to meet Southeast Asian leaders.

A senior member of the US National Security Council staff, Jeffrey Bader, said on Friday Obama’s message would be that “the US is here to stay in Asia.” Bader also said the US president would “speak very directly” to Chinese leaders on human rights and other issues with “toughness and adaptability.”

The dilemma he faces in Japan concerns the execution of a plan to move the Futenma air base in Okinawa out of Ginowan City to a less constricted area; to transfer 17,000 Marines, civilians and dependents from Okinawa to Guam; and to return to Okinawans land used by US forces. The new government in Tokyo, led by Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, wants to reopen the issue.

“Our view is clear. The Futenma relocation facility is the lynchpin of the realignment road map. Without the Futenma realignment ... there will be no relocation to Guam. And without relocation to Guam, there will be no consolidation of forces and the return of land in Okinawa,” Gates said in Tokyo.

Among the critical issues with China are exchanges in which Chinese and US officers visit each other’s forces and discuss military concerns. When General Xu Caihou (徐才厚), who is among the most senior officers of the People’s Liberation Army, was in Washington recently, Gates emphasized that military relations were key to the overall China-US relationship.

Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell said Gates told Xu “there is a need to break the on-again, off-again cycle of our military-to-military relationship.” Often, Morrell said, China suspends exchanges to show its displeasure with Washington, the most recent having been an interruption after the US announced arms sales to Taiwan in October last year.

In response, the official Chinese press reported that Xu demanded that the US stop arms sales to Taiwan, keep US military aircraft and ships out of China’s exclusive economic zone and overcome a “lack of strategic trust” with China. He also said China had “no room to make concessions” on core issues such as sovereignty over Taiwan.

In South Korea, the question is Seoul’s assumption of responsibility for national defense, which is now shared with the US. The US and South Korea have agreed that will take place in 2012 but, Seoul officials said, South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and defense officials want to delay that shift for several years, asserting that South Korea is not ready.

Gates, in South Korea recently, sought to head off delays, asserting the country’s armed forces are “well positioned to take the lead in the combined defense of this country.” Gates quoted Lee as saying that South Korean forces must “adapt and transform to new environments and new types of threats” and to “carry out roles commensurate with its growing stature as a global Korea.”

As he begins his Asian venture in Tokyo, Obama’s agenda calls for a policy address in which he lays out his vision for the US’ future in Asia.