Relocation of up to 4,000 US troops to CNMI mulled
hursday, February 11, 2010
By Haidee V. Eugenio
JAPANESE LAWMAKERS STOP OVER SAIPAN
Visiting Japanese lawmakers said yesterday they may recommend the relocation of 2,000 to 4,000 U.S. troops from the aviation units at Futenma in Japan to the CNMI, on top of the 8,000 Marines to be relocated from Okinawa to Guam, said Senate Pres. Paul A. Manglona (R-Rota).
National Diet or Japan Legislature members Mikio Shimoji, Tomoko Abe, and Ryoichi Hattori met with Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos, House Speaker Froilan C. Tenorio (Cov-Saipan), and Manglona at the Saipan airport yesterday afternoon, on their way to Guam.
Shimoji, Abe, and Hattori are part of the 23-member Japanese government delegation arriving on Guam for what Fitial described as a “fact-finding” visit, particularly to see if there's suitable place on Guam for more U.S. troops to be relocated off Okinawa.
This is in addition to the estimated 8,000 Marines and their 9,000 dependents who are expected to be relocated by 2014, although Guam Gov. Felix P. Camacho asked for the military buildup to be delayed until after 2014.
Fitial and other CNMI officials were one in saying they welcome the relocation of U.S. troops to the Commonwealth provided the U.S. government consents to such move.
“We're not offering them anything. We're just telling them we welcome them, provided that the U.S. government consents or concurs,” the governor said.
Manglona and Fitial clarified that there is no definite plan to move U.S. troops to the CNMI, but it's one of the options being looked at.
“Shimoji said they will recommend moving troops to the CNMI. He gave the range. It could be 2,000 or 3,000 or 4,000,” he said.
Guam trip
Fitial will travel to Guam to attend today's meeting between Guam officials and the visiting Japanese delegation led by Yorihisa Matsuno, deputy chief Cabinet secretary of the Japan Diet.
The three Japanese lawmakers who made a stopover on Saipan were major players in the relocation talks. Shimoji is the policy chief of the People's New Party, one of the tripartite ruling coalitions in Japan, while Abe is the policy chief of the Social Democratic Party. Hattori is also with the Social Democratic Party.
“They're looking at all options, including Guam and the CNMI. I will be listening to what Guam has to say. As I said, I welcome them provided that the U.S. government concurs,” Fitial said.
Manglona said Tinian has been waiting for decades to welcome military presence on the island.
“It seems they have been listening to the people, as they prepare to meet with the U.S. government. We made it clear to the Japanese lawmakers that the CNMI is open, but we defer making decisions to the U.S. government,” Manglona said.
Fitial said as with all other existing relocation plans, any cost to move troops to the CNMI should not be borne by the CNMI.
Both the CNMI and Guam governors had said that socio-economic impacts are the major concerns when it comes to the massive military buildup on Guam, and Fitial said this is also true with any plan to relocate U.S. troops to the CNMI.
Fitial said Japanese lawmakers wanted to visit the CNMI again to see for themselves any room for U.S. troops to be relocated.
Sen. Jude U. Hofschneider (R-Tinian) said Tinian welcomes any plan to relocate U.S. troops to the island, two-thirds of which is leased by the U.S. Department of Defense.
“The lease makes it easier for them to come here. We certainly welcome the plan or the option of choosing the CNMI as a site for relocating U.S. troops from Japan,” said Hofschneider, who is the chairman of the Tinian Legislative Delegation.
Tinian Mayor Ramon Dela Cruz earlier said that an expected decrease in civilian tourist arrivals to the island as a result of he massive buildup should be mitigated by an increase in military personnel and their families' visit to Tinian for rest and recreation.
Dela Cruz also said the military should ensure an effective quarantine system to prevent brown tree snakes, rhinoceros beetles, and other invasive species from entering Tinian.
'Stretch out and spread out'
Sen. Judith Guthertz of Guam, in a Jan. 28 letter to Joint Guam Program Office executive director David Bice, recommended stretching out and spreading out the relocation of U.S. troops from Okinawa to Guam.
She said the U.S. military should consider relocating the First Marine Aircraft Wing aviation command from Futenma to Tinian and Agrigan or the Goat Island in the CNMI.
“This command numbers about 4,000. The mayor of Tinian and Agrigan has already asked the U.S. military to consider these islands for the buildup. Agrigan is uninhabited and the federal government already has a long-term lease for the northern two-thirds of Tinian,” she told Bice.
Guthertz, who chairs the Committee on the Guam Military Buildup and Homeland Security, said the Marines' movement should be spread over eight years instead of only two years from 2014.
Lastly, she suggested the reduction in size of the movement to Guam by 50 percent-for about 4,000 active duty Marines.
“This would still provide a greater than 100 percent jump in footprint, but provide a greater welcome mat for our Marines,” she told Bice.
The Futenma issue has become a sticking point in the military realignment talks.
The recent election of an anti-base mayor in Nago made it more difficult to move Marine air operations and led to a growing sentiment among Okinawans to move Futenma operations outside Okinawa and outside Japan.
Showing posts with label Brown Tree Snake. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brown Tree Snake. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Invasive species from buildup worry experts
Invasive species from buildup worry experts
Posted: Feb 10, 2010 2:27 PM
Updated: Feb 10, 2010 6:50 PM
by Janjeera Hail
Guam - There's been a lot of talk about what's in store for Guam with the military buildup. But it's more than the human population increase we've got to worry about.
Invasive species are defined as species that are not native to an area and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. And while Guam may be a small island, miles away from different ecosystems, we are not immune to foreign pests.
USDA Assistant State Director Dan Vice knows this all too well. His work focuses on eradicating the brown tree snake, a species that first arrived on Guam after World War II, on ships from its native South Pacific. "Anytime you have a substantial increase in traffic whether it's airplanes or boats or cargo you increase the risk of invasive species moving around so the challenge with the buildup or any sort of activity like that is to try and forecast to address what kinds of needs you have to address that increased risk," he said.
And the fear is that history may repeat itself as Guam prepares for an increase in traffic from the military buildup. Fortunately, an intensive study called the Micronesian bio-security plan is already underway so that prevention efforts can be implemented before the buildup is in full swing.
Phil Andreozzi with the Invasive Species Council said, "It's something that DoD has paid for to proactively look at all the invasive species problems and damages that could come into Guam and could come into the entire region because of the buildup and to do something about it now and do something about it now, to figure out how we can best address the situation now before the buildup starts," he said.
The study has picked up steam in the last several months as the region welcomed about 30 federal scientists to study local environmental concerns. While the military buildup will take place on Guam, the Micronesian Bio-Security Plan recognizes that prevention and mitigation efforts will have to spread throughout our region. "This kind of study has never been done anywhere on the planet before, not only just the United States, but nowhere on the planet have they looked at everything coming into an area and not only on the land but in the water as well so this is both terrestrial, marine, and freshwater," said Andreozzi.
When the study is complete, the hope is that it can be applied to the local agencies as soon as possible to avoid the kind of havoc wreaked by the brown tree snake and protect our fragile ecosystem.
Posted: Feb 10, 2010 2:27 PM
Updated: Feb 10, 2010 6:50 PM
by Janjeera Hail
Guam - There's been a lot of talk about what's in store for Guam with the military buildup. But it's more than the human population increase we've got to worry about.
Invasive species are defined as species that are not native to an area and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. And while Guam may be a small island, miles away from different ecosystems, we are not immune to foreign pests.
USDA Assistant State Director Dan Vice knows this all too well. His work focuses on eradicating the brown tree snake, a species that first arrived on Guam after World War II, on ships from its native South Pacific. "Anytime you have a substantial increase in traffic whether it's airplanes or boats or cargo you increase the risk of invasive species moving around so the challenge with the buildup or any sort of activity like that is to try and forecast to address what kinds of needs you have to address that increased risk," he said.
And the fear is that history may repeat itself as Guam prepares for an increase in traffic from the military buildup. Fortunately, an intensive study called the Micronesian bio-security plan is already underway so that prevention efforts can be implemented before the buildup is in full swing.
Phil Andreozzi with the Invasive Species Council said, "It's something that DoD has paid for to proactively look at all the invasive species problems and damages that could come into Guam and could come into the entire region because of the buildup and to do something about it now and do something about it now, to figure out how we can best address the situation now before the buildup starts," he said.
The study has picked up steam in the last several months as the region welcomed about 30 federal scientists to study local environmental concerns. While the military buildup will take place on Guam, the Micronesian Bio-Security Plan recognizes that prevention and mitigation efforts will have to spread throughout our region. "This kind of study has never been done anywhere on the planet before, not only just the United States, but nowhere on the planet have they looked at everything coming into an area and not only on the land but in the water as well so this is both terrestrial, marine, and freshwater," said Andreozzi.
When the study is complete, the hope is that it can be applied to the local agencies as soon as possible to avoid the kind of havoc wreaked by the brown tree snake and protect our fragile ecosystem.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
DEIS outlines training procedures on Tiyan
DEIS outlines training procedures on Tiyan
Monday, 28 December 2009 04:27
by Jude Lizama | Variety News Staff
THE proposed Tinian-based U.S. Marines training facilities cited in the draft environmental statement impact cites certain priorities for proper use and management focused on the areas including personnel, environmental and civilian safety.
According to the impact statement, the military would schedule any training activities one week in advance, and would also engage in public notification initiatives through the media.
Additionally, the draft study states that “biosecurity training would be coordinated through informal consultations,” with the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Wildlife Services, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources through regional training authority one-week prior to training events.
Environmental briefings, including brown tree snake control, would also be completed prior to departure.
Cultural resource briefing would be completed prior to departure. Authorized USDA inspectors would conduct inspection of supplies and equipment before such shipments bound for Tinian are to be cleared.
The construction of fences, security gates, and range flag poles would be constructed around designated training areas to ensure that necessary portions of the training site are “clear of non-participating personnel during live firing to avoid the potential for injury from ricochet or misdirected shots.”
The draft impact study also assumes that “access to the [military lease area] would be in accordance with Marine Corps safety regulations and would vary depending on the type of training activity that is being conducted. As an example, live-fire activities on proposed ranges would require limited access to the [lease area] on the eastern side of Tinian.”
Limitations to access and various security requirements would be “part of the standard operating procedures for all ranges. The extent of fencing has not been determined, but roads would be gated and range control personnel would survey the area for unauthorized people.
Available monitoring capabilities would be utilized to assure public safety during training events. Training units would have direct communications with range control, and would fly a large red flag when the [training area] is in use,” according to the study.
Monday, 28 December 2009 04:27
by Jude Lizama | Variety News Staff
THE proposed Tinian-based U.S. Marines training facilities cited in the draft environmental statement impact cites certain priorities for proper use and management focused on the areas including personnel, environmental and civilian safety.
According to the impact statement, the military would schedule any training activities one week in advance, and would also engage in public notification initiatives through the media.
Additionally, the draft study states that “biosecurity training would be coordinated through informal consultations,” with the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Wildlife Services, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources through regional training authority one-week prior to training events.
Environmental briefings, including brown tree snake control, would also be completed prior to departure.
Cultural resource briefing would be completed prior to departure. Authorized USDA inspectors would conduct inspection of supplies and equipment before such shipments bound for Tinian are to be cleared.
The construction of fences, security gates, and range flag poles would be constructed around designated training areas to ensure that necessary portions of the training site are “clear of non-participating personnel during live firing to avoid the potential for injury from ricochet or misdirected shots.”
The draft impact study also assumes that “access to the [military lease area] would be in accordance with Marine Corps safety regulations and would vary depending on the type of training activity that is being conducted. As an example, live-fire activities on proposed ranges would require limited access to the [lease area] on the eastern side of Tinian.”
Limitations to access and various security requirements would be “part of the standard operating procedures for all ranges. The extent of fencing has not been determined, but roads would be gated and range control personnel would survey the area for unauthorized people.
Available monitoring capabilities would be utilized to assure public safety during training events. Training units would have direct communications with range control, and would fly a large red flag when the [training area] is in use,” according to the study.
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Regional leaders seek to stop spread of invasive species
Regional leaders seek to stop spread of invasive species
Thursday, 10 December 2009 04:38 by Zita Y. Taitano | Variety News Staff
THE governors of Guam and the CNMI, as well as the presidents of the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau and Marshall Islands have signed a joint communiqué agreeing to initiate programs to ensure that islands in the region will be able to handle the possible influx of invasive species resulting from increased entry of military cargo.
The communiqué was signed during the 12th Micronesia Chief Executives Summit concluded last week. It includes an update by the nine members of the Micronesia Regional Invasive Species Council.
During the summit, the council addressed everything from funding issues, ongoing efforts that would prevent the expansion of the brown tree snake, as well as the development of the Micronesia Biosecurity Plan.
In a letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates, island leaders expressed their concern regarding invasive species especially with the military buildup and strongly requested that DOD along with its fellow U.S. department and agencies begin proactive measures that would prevent any new invasive species from entering the shores of the islands here in the region.
They also expressed their appreciation for the $2.7 million federal funding for the development of the plan.
The chief executives made some recommendations regarding the plan such as identifying who will head the council and designating two representatives to the council from each state and national jurisdiction by the end of this year.
The council must also reaffirm their commitment and hold two workshop style meetings each year between the summits. During those meetings, the council will discuss invasive issues and what actions can be taken or will be prioritized. A minimum of $2,500 from each jurisdiction would be committed to the council to fund its priority projects.
The council must also reaffirm their commitment and provide a full-time invasive species coordinator for each jurisdiction.
Guam has already taken a step in combating invasive species. Last month, the Inter-agency Bio-Security Task Force was formed at the governor’s office in Adelup.
The task force is comprised of the Guam Department of Agriculture, Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Its primary goal is provide information and updates on what and how invasive species can be eradicated from Guam.
The task force also has currently in training three canines who will be able to detect any type of invasive species in construction materials or items coming into the island before those items head out to the rest of Micronesia.
Thursday, 10 December 2009 04:38 by Zita Y. Taitano | Variety News Staff
THE governors of Guam and the CNMI, as well as the presidents of the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau and Marshall Islands have signed a joint communiqué agreeing to initiate programs to ensure that islands in the region will be able to handle the possible influx of invasive species resulting from increased entry of military cargo.
The communiqué was signed during the 12th Micronesia Chief Executives Summit concluded last week. It includes an update by the nine members of the Micronesia Regional Invasive Species Council.
During the summit, the council addressed everything from funding issues, ongoing efforts that would prevent the expansion of the brown tree snake, as well as the development of the Micronesia Biosecurity Plan.
In a letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates, island leaders expressed their concern regarding invasive species especially with the military buildup and strongly requested that DOD along with its fellow U.S. department and agencies begin proactive measures that would prevent any new invasive species from entering the shores of the islands here in the region.
They also expressed their appreciation for the $2.7 million federal funding for the development of the plan.
The chief executives made some recommendations regarding the plan such as identifying who will head the council and designating two representatives to the council from each state and national jurisdiction by the end of this year.
The council must also reaffirm their commitment and hold two workshop style meetings each year between the summits. During those meetings, the council will discuss invasive issues and what actions can be taken or will be prioritized. A minimum of $2,500 from each jurisdiction would be committed to the council to fund its priority projects.
The council must also reaffirm their commitment and provide a full-time invasive species coordinator for each jurisdiction.
Guam has already taken a step in combating invasive species. Last month, the Inter-agency Bio-Security Task Force was formed at the governor’s office in Adelup.
The task force is comprised of the Guam Department of Agriculture, Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Its primary goal is provide information and updates on what and how invasive species can be eradicated from Guam.
The task force also has currently in training three canines who will be able to detect any type of invasive species in construction materials or items coming into the island before those items head out to the rest of Micronesia.
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