‘Guam must develop a self-sustaining economy’

THURSDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER 2011 00:32 BY GERALDINE CASTILLO | VARIETY NEWS STAFF

WITH the impending military buildup and the downturn in countries that have sustained Guam's economy, an economics expert

University of Guam Economics Professor Dr. Roseanne Jones was the guest speaker during the Association of Government Accountants Guam Chapter's monthly membership meeting at the Outrigger Guam Resort. Matt Weiss / Variety

points out this can be the chance for the island to develop its own self-sustaining economy.

University of Guam Economics Professor Dr. Roseanne Jones was the guest speaker during the Association of Government Accountants Guam Chapter's monthly membership meeting at the Outrigger Guam Resort, presenting her lecture on “Guam Economic Development: Trade and Demographic Indicators.”

Jones spoke about the physical manifestations of an improvement of trade and the importance of Guam, citing the developments being made at the A.B. Won Pat International Airport and the Port Authority of Guam.

“There's a new cement company that's coming to the Port area,” said Jones. “You can say, 'Well why is it that we get so excited about cement?' [But] these are the very key fundamental ingredients of economic development. The building going on, the capacity to build – that's what excites me ... regional trade.”

Jones also spoke about the downturn in Japan and the United States.

“Certainly [these are] difficult times for both of those nations, and it is a difficult time for Guam. It’s unprecedented that we have had both major nations that have been trading partners or countries that we've relied on for the two major sectors of our economy – tourism and federal investments in military – both not in the position to be spreading to the West like they used to,” Jones stated.

Opportunity

Despite that downturn, it presents an opportunity for Guam to look within itself to develop the economy instead of relying on the other countries to sustain us.

“For the first time, we may have this door opening where we can really begin to think about how we sustain ourselves,” said Jones.

“We've got the beginnings of domestic demand, we've got the beginnings of a solid infrastructure … but we have a momentum building and we have an opportunity to look to ourselves and say, 'Hey, what do we have and how can we make the most of what we have?’”

Jones pointed out the many things Guam already has in order to develop its self-sustaining economy, from the foundations of infrastructure and the growing educated population to the beginning of a hub of regional trade with island neighbors.

“We know that Japan and the United States will always be there,” said Jones. “But not with the same level and intensity that they once were.”

10 areas of concerns but Tinian Chamber of Commerce supports military buildup

10 areas of concerns but Tinian Chamber of Commerce supports military buildup

Monday, February 15, 2010
By Haidee V. Eugenio

The Tinian Chamber of Commerce has formally expressed its support to the military investment on Tinian in connection with the massive troop buildup in the Marianas, but it has pointed out 10 areas of concerns, including limited economic impact, only a few local jobs to be generated, and periodic limited access to beach sites, other tourism related sites, and cattle grazing land.

In a 12-page position paper and official comments on the draft environmental impact statement for the Guam and CNMI military relocation, the Chamber said its comments are meant to “constructively point out unintentional consequences caused by the military's proposed action” on the draft EIS.

Feb. 17 is the deadline for submitting comments on the draft EIS.

The Chamber, which has over 50 active members on Tinian, also offered “solutions” to meet the expectations of businesses and residents on the island.

Phillip Mendiola-Long, president of the Tinian Chamber of Commerce, said Tinian has endured over 30 years of pent up expectations for the military's use and development of the 18,000 acres of leased land on Tinian.

Some two-thirds of the lands on Tinian are leased by the U.S. military, and battalion level non-live fire training areas already exist and are used on these leased parcels.

Because Guam cannot accommodate all training for the relocating Marines from Okinawa, Japan, the U.S. military looks at Tinian to provide opportunities for training groups of 200 Marines or larger due to greater land availability.

The proposed actions on Tinian include firing ranges for rifle known distance, automated combat pistol, platoon battle course, field firing, and airspace use.

In a Feb. 12 position paper and comments on the draft EIS, the Chamber said it disagrees with the determination of “less than significant” for impacts to the roads and harbors as a result of the proposed action on Tinian.

The Chamber said there are no studies or compaction tests offered to determine if in fact the roads built in 1944 can withstand the additional and heavier loads required for equipment used in the range.

The business group added that the draft EIS failed to identify which specific Tinian roads would be accessed or used when moving personnel and equipment from the airport or the harbor.

It also said there's no real live fire tests offered to measure noise impact, even as the draft EIS said there is no noise impact associated with the proposed action on Tinian.

Recreational resources

The Chamber said the draft EIS omitted significant recreational resources that will be impacted.

They include Unai Dankulu/Long Beach which consists of over 10 beaches spread over a distance of 1.5 kilometers, and Unai Masalok which consists of three beaches spread over a distance of 0.5 kilometers.

“Access would be impeded, recreational opportunities would be reduced, conflicts would be created and physical deterioration would occur. Unai Dankulo is the longest beach on Tinian and is a major tourist and resident recreational spot,” the business group said.

Since the draft EIS identifies additional significant impact on Tinian due to the introduction of hazardous materials and waste, it would seem appropriate that the draft EIS offer as a mitigation measure the hazardous materials cleanup of the Tinian mortar range, it added.

Under the draft EIS, military training activity would be scheduled and notice provided in newspapers and via public service announcements on radio and television at least a week prior to any training event.

But the Chamber said a one-week notice window is not enough time for tourists and residents to address their scheduling of activities for use of the North Field areas.

The Chamber also said that the draft EIS failed to identify what range training area policies are envisioned for potential civilian access and use of the historical and recreational areas located in the RTA.

Limited economic impact

Liberty for training Marines is currently not guaranteed for regular training exercises under the current description of the proposed action.

Liberty may be available to the advanced teams before and after training exercises, though these advanced teams would be much smaller and thus have a lesser economic impact.

The draft EIS said to enhance economic benefits and compensate for economic costs for local businesses, the Marine Corps would consider granting trainees some liberty at the end of every training mission so that they might spend money in local establishments and interact with local residents.

The Chamber recommends that the draft EIS implement liberty time within the proposed training schedule and measure economic impact of allowing 200 to 400 military personnel to have liberty in downtown Tinian.

The business group also recommends mitigation for the loss of Tinian economic tourism activity by requiring the U.S. military to pay for the development of a small museum dedicated to Tinian history.

Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and Tinian Mayor Ramon M. Dela Cruz jointly asked Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to help build a museum or visitor's center that will depict Tinian's role in World War II, even as a “Manhattan Project National Historical Park” system is being created.

Tinian was the staging area for the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki to end the war.

Grazing permits, jobs

The U.S. military would end the grazing rights to build the proposed ranges on Tinian, causing significant adverse economic impact. There are 35 grazing permits to be affected by this.

The Chamber said this is unfair and unacceptable, and recommends that the military offer help in grazing relocation efforts.

The draft EIS also said there is a “possibility” that 12 to 15 Tinian residents could be employed as security guards, grounds keeping crew, and sanitation workers to support the proposed action, a “less than significant impact.”

“One must admit that the proposed military action and the possible environmental consequences is already a 'hard sell' to the people of Tinian, yet not enough thought or concern was given to the people of Tinian in this DEIS,” said the Chamber.

It added that that the draft EIS does not identify high-paying jobs such as range management positions.

The $15- to $20-billion military buildup in Guam and Tinian involves the relocation of some 8,000 Marines to Guam, and this still excludes thousands of family members and workers needed.

Social, economic impacts of Guam buildup are the 'biggest concerns'

Social, economic impacts of Guam buildup are the 'biggest concerns'

Wednesday, February 10, 2010
By Haidee V. Eugenio

Fitial considers islands 'homeport' for Army joint high-speed vessels

Guam Gov. Felix P. Camacho and CNMI Gov. Benigno R. Fitial cited socio-economic impacts as the “biggest” concerns about the massive military buildup in the region, including the lack of funding sources to cushion negative effects to the civilian community worth at least $3 billion in Guam alone and an expected decrease in tourist arrivals on Tinian as a result of increased military presence there.

Guam and the CNMI are racing against time to beat the Feb. 17 deadline for submitting comments on the military buildup's draft environmental impact statement.

The general concern so far is the socio-economic impacts to both Guam and the CNMI, followed by environmental concerns, Camacho and Fitial said.

“We need to be very careful and understand what we are getting into. We don't want to rush into something we don't understand,” Fitial said.

He said the CNMI is “lucky” that it is “learning from Guam's experience.”

'High speed vessels'

Fitial, at the same time, responded to a letter from Guam Sen. Judith Guthertz, who asked whether the CNMI government is interested in having Army joint high speed vessels stationed on Saipan.

“The CNMI will continue to work with and support the territory of Guam in regards to all of the upcoming military realignment in the Pacific region. I will gladly consider having the CNMI as the homeport for stationing and operations of the [joint high speed vessels],” Fitial told Guthertz.

The U.S. Army Environmental Command has opened the public comment period for the preparation of a programmatic environmental impact statement in 2010 for the proposed stationing and operation of up to 12 joint high-speed vessels.

These are strategic transport vessels designed to support the rapid transport of military troops and equipment in the U.S. and abroad.

A copy of the Army's notice of intent is available at www.aec.army.mil.

'Lack of funding sources'

Camacho, who was on Saipan for hours yesterday, said although billions of dollars in construction projects in Guam are promised, “there's no guarantee they will be there tomorrow.”

“There's no funding source to mitigate the impact to our territory,” he said, adding that past experiences resulted in huge debts incurred by Guam that it has come to a point where the island no longer has capability to borrow money.

Camacho said Guam needs a minimum of $3 billion to mitigate the social-impacts of the buildup, but he said no money has been set aside to address these impacts.

He said the buildup cost “should not be something borne by the people,” and that both Japan and the United States should consider the impacts to the host island, including in the area of public health, public safety, schools and housing.

Camacho said another major concern is the environmental impact, including massive dredging of corals at the Apra Harbor.

Guam hired consultants Matrix Design Group to help sift through some 11,000 pages of the draft military buildup EIS for easy understanding.

“No decisions have been made,” Camacho said, adding that comments on the draft EIS will help shape the final EIS to be released later this year.

Tom Linden, the coordinator for the CNMI Military Integration Management Committee, said all comments from mayors have been received and will be finalized this week for submission to the governor. The MIMC seeks to have a unified voice on the planned buildup.

He said there's been no mitigation measure offered so far to address the expected decrease in tourist arrivals to Tinian as a result of limited access to the northern end of the island because of military training.

Tinian Mayor Ramon Dela Cruz said Tinian has been “waiting” for the military buildup on Tinian for “30 years,” and hopes the U.S. military will have a permanent base on the island. He hopes an expected decrease in civilian tourist arrivals to the island will 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.

Dela Cruz also informed Fitial and Camacho yesterday that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency told him that the federal agency will issue the Tinian municipality a citation this month because of a non-compliant landfill. He did not elaborate when asked for more information about EPA's citation.

Camacho formally asked U.S. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus to delay the implementation of the military buildup in Guam beyond 2014 “to protect the integrity of the III Marine Expeditionary Force and ensure that impacts are minimized to our island infrastructure and socioeconomic services.”

As of yesterday, Guam has yet to receive a response to this request from the U.S. Navy.

But Camacho, in an interview with Saipan Tribune, said he will bring up the issue in the upcoming National Governors Association meeting in Washington, D.C.

'Move them to Tinian'

Guthertz also urged federal officials to stretch the timeline for the military buildup to alleviate the adverse impacts expected with the population boom.

Guthertz, who chairs the Committee on the Guam Military Buildup and Homeland Security, recommended that the planned relocation of the 8,000 Marines to Guam be reduced by about 4,000.

She said the First Marine Aircraft Wing aviation command can be shifted to Tinian and the uninhabited island of Agrigan in the CNMI.

This, she said, would allow for the relocation of about half of the 8,652 infantry Marines intended to be transferred to Guam to be sent to the vacated Futenma facilities instead.

Because Guam cannot accommodate all training for the relocating Marines, the military also looks at Tinian to provide opportunities for training groups of 200 Marines or larger due to greater land availability.

GEDA: Buildup Impacts Will Exceed Benefits

GEDA: Buildup Impacts Will Exceed Benefits

Guam - Last week the Guam Economic Development Authority released some of it's findings on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement of the military buildup.



The bottom line according to GEDA is that the economic impacts will exceed the economic benefits unless mitigation measures are identified and included in the Final EIS.

During Governor Bordallo's administration Joseph Bradley was the Chief Economist for GovGuam. Recently he's given presentations to the civilian military task force on the economic portion of the Draft Environmental impact statement. He's come to some of the same conclusions that the Guam Economic Development Agency has reached. For example concerns that the economic impacts will outweigh the economic benefits. Many in the local business community have touted the boost that servicemen and women will have on the economy. The DEIS however states that only 12% of military payroll will be spent in the local economy. Bradley says "I don't think that Tumon is exactly what a sailor on shore leave is looking for anyway." Instead Bradley believes many of the servicemen and women will be craving the forms of food and entertainment that they are used to in the states. While Tumon offers some of this Tumon was developed with the Japanese tourist in mind.

Bradley says one way to mitigate this is for local businessemen to begin creating attractions and entertainment that servicemen will want to go to. Another concern of GEDA's is that according to the DEIS after the population decreases the island of Guam will have an excess or oversupply of housing. Bradley says this could mean abandoned houses and even commercial buildings that is unless we find a way to mitigate these potential negative impacts. Bradley has some of his own ideas for example he says GovGuam could work with the federal governement to develop programs to convert excess housing into affordable or low cost governement housing.

Finally there is the recession like period that will occur according to the DEIS after the buildup ends and the population diminishes. The boom itself will be three times larger than the tourism boom of the 80's. While bradley says that the recession will still be better than Guam's current economy it's how fast and how steep the economy recedes which is what will really cause problems.

Written by :
Clynt Ridgell

Buildup's costs outweigh benefits, says GEDA

Buildup's costs outweigh benefits, says GEDA

Posted: Feb 02, 2010 2:56 PM
Updated: Feb 02, 2010 2:56 PM

by Mindy Aguon

*Letter from GEDA to Sen. Aguon
http://ftpcontent.worldnow.com/kuam/custom/news/geda_aguon_02022009.PDF

Guam - Economic impacts from the impending military buildup will exceed the anticipated economic benefits. That's what the Guam Economic Development Authority anticipates should mitigation measures not be identified and included in the final environmental impact statement.

GEDA Administrator Tony Blaz listed primary concerns with the relocation of U.S. Marines that include demands for infrastructure increasing the pressure for substantial borrowing; money not being spent in the local economy; a recession-like period after 2014; and continued increases in the cost of goods and services. Blaz says government officials must ensure that benefits from the buildup exceed the costs so residents and our economy can obtain short- and long-term benefits if the buildup occurs.

PNC :: Ada Says Feds Need to Pay for Infrastructure

PNC :: Ada Says Feds Need to Pay for Infrastructure

Friday, 29 January 2010

Guam - The Guam Economic Development Authority has issued a list outlining the major economic impacts to Guam as a result of the military buildup.

According to geda the potential economic impacts as outlined in the DEIS will exceed the economic benefits. GEDA does note however that these are potential impacts noted by the Department of Defense. One of the major impacts listed is the fact that Govguam can't afford to make the infrastructural upgrades needed for the military buildup.

Senator Tom Ada is the chairman of the committee on utilities. He says that after this weeks DEIS hearings the Consolidated Commission on Utilities made it clear that they will need money from the feds to make the necessary upgrades to the islands power water and wastewater systems. For example the Guam Power Authority will need at least 110 million dollars for it's upgrades while the Guam Waterworks Authority will need at least $50 million dollars. Senator Ada says that these upgrades are all achievable if the Federal Government provides the money needed to start on the projects.

Ada says that the CCU has worked with the Department of Defense to come up with solutions. Part of the solution is to identify the upgrades that are directly necessary as a result of the buildup and have the U.S. federal government pay for them. Ada says the bottom line is that the federal government will have to fund the improvements to infrastructure needed to support the buildup.

The senator also spoke about the indirect impacts to the island's utilities and how they are much harder to identify. In fact according to Ada DEIS fails to address the indirect impacts to the islands infrastructure.

The senator also wants to make it clear that the current bonds that GWA has secured are meant for upgrades that are needed without the buildup the agency still needs money to fund the upgrades necessary as a result of the buildup.

Forum gives answers to military buildup

Forum gives answers to military buildup

Saipan Tribune
Friday, January 29, 2010

The MIMC public forum held Wednesday at the Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe and broadcast live to Tinian and Rota through sponsors NMC and IT&E provided many answers about the pending military buildup in the Marianas region.

The event drew a larger than anticipated crowd and provided an opportunity for community members to get answers about the Draft Environmental Impact Statement and its effects on the islands.

The advisory consulting team from Guam, Celeste Werner and Mike Hrapla, vice presidents of Matrix Design, were on hand to give a presentation of the realities that the CNMI faces in the U.S. Marines' relocation to Guam and Tinian. It covered details of the live fire range, restricted access areas, training frequency, possible future expansion plans, and economic and environmental impacts. They also provided specific details on how to best submit comments to the Joint Guam Program Office so that local concerns can be heard prior to the Feb. 17, 2010, submission deadline.

Each of the islands had three rounds of question and answer periods in which many questions were asked. The most common concern seemed to be restricted access to the north end of Tinian and the numerous cultural and historic landmarks. While the draft EIS only provides potential impacts, the ACT team was able to shed a better perspective on what to expect.

MIMC coordinator Tom Linden was on hand on Tinian and was highly encouraged by the number of students who took the time to attend and ask questions. “The fact that so many students are concerned and interested in how it will influence the future of our islands and culture was very inspiring,” said Linden.

Gov. Benigno R. Fitial was very pleased with the turnout of the forum and the active participation of the community. “As stakeholders, we must ensure that the concerns of the community are heard,” said Fitial.

Anyone who wants more information on the Draft EIS or the information that was presented at the MIMC Forum can download the information from the Department of Commerce website at www.commerce.gov.mp or contact Tom Linden at cnmi.mimc@commerce.gov.mp. (PR)

PNC :: Economist Discusses Recession After Buildup

PNC :: Economist Discusses Recession After Buildup

Tuesday, 26 January 2010

Guam - The Economic development subcommittee held a public meeting this afternoon on the economic impacts of the military buildup.

Former GovGuam chief economist Joe Bradley provided the subcommittee with an overview of the economic assessment conducted as part of the military's Draft Environmental Impact Statement. While many have touted the economic benefits of the military buildup the DEIS itself states that the boom of the buildup will be followed by a recession. It's referred to in the DEIS as the "boomtown effect."

Bradley says that this recession after the boom may lead to local families again leaving island for better opportunities elsewhere. He says that a similar thing happened after Guam's tourism boom and history has shown on that when this happens it's not the rich or poor that leaves but the middle class.

Written by : Clynt Ridgell

Bice insists buildup good for Guam

Bice insists buildup good for Guam

Monday, 07 December 2009 04:00
by Jude Lizama | Variety News Staff

GUAM and the CNMI will experience economic growth and opportunity as a result of the massive military buildup on Guam, according to Joint Guam Program Office executive director David Bice.

“They will come here from far and wide and see the jewel that you have here,” Bice told island leaders during the 12th Micronesian Chief Executives’ Summit which concluded at Sheraton Laguna Guam Resort Friday.

Despite hints in the draft environmental impact statement that Guam does not have much to expect from the military buildup, Bice maintained the future will be “very bright” for small business as a result of the Marine relocation and buildup.

According to the JGPO director, Marines will take advantage of the regional tourism industry and regional tourism will benefit from allied forces that will frequently come to Guam and the CNMI for training.

Because of a number of factors, the draft impact study indicates the island will not be able to “capture” any significant pools of the billions of dollars that are expected to flow into numerous military projects.

With a plan to use upwards of 30,000 foreign workers who will send most earnings off-island and no recirculation in the local economy and other factors, the low capture rate will mean Guam government coffers, employment and small businesses will be shorted the lion’s share of the billions targeted for preparing for the military’s increasing footprint.

Local turmoil

“Our program is going to maximize the use of workers from Guam and neighboring islands before we seek other labor sources,” Bice said.

The program director, however, weighed that assessment by saying the local labor market will “probably remain in turmoil for the next 10 years or so, if not longer.

He said there will be only 1,700 civilian workers supporting the Marine relocation.

Bice recounted his dialogue with Guam labor director Maria Connelly, and hopes for a collaborative effort to host a symposium geared toward ensuring “NAVFAC, the Guam Department of Labor, and the U.S. Department of Labor are all speaking as one voice.”

Water too

In addition to the economics of the military realignment, Bice sought to assuage concerns over natural resources and utilities.

The retired major general spoke about Guam Waterworks Authority’s lack of capacity to provide sufficiently for the requirements of the projected buildup construction workforce.

“They are operating at near capacity in terms of water production, at this point,” Bice explained on the military’s plan to bring online 22 additional wells to support their needs.

Moreover, Bice believes an interim solution could be achieved to assist in improving the island’s water and wastewater systems. “There is a lot of unaccounted for water loss,” he said.

In the end

Curiously, Bice addressed upgrades at the Port Authority of Guam which he claimed will “not only help the needs of our construction effort,” but will also help to transform the port into a “viable, integral conduit for goods and services.”

The military impact study leaves open the possibility that the Navy may actually repossess the Guam Shipyard facilities and loading equipment Sen. Ben Pangelinan claims to have observed at Navy docks suggest the military will handle off-loading and cargo movement from their own ports.

Without facilities, Guam can’t absorb growth

Without facilities, Guam can’t absorb growth

Monday, 07 December 2009 03:54
by Therese Hart | Variety News Staff

IT IS uncertain if Guam has the capacity to fully absorb and benefit from the sudden injection of large expenditures into its economy during the “boom” period when peak construction overlaps with military arrivals, according to the draft environmental impact statement.

The impact report noted that, theoretically, large expenditures in this period would circulate throughout the economy and create opportunities for spin-off growth in jobs and population.

However, the report noted that if the economy and social infrastructure cannot expand rapidly enough to provide the labor, housing, and other requirements for these jobs to be realized, then much of these expenditures could leak out of Guam’s economy and the potential growth would not all occur before the construction period ends.

Economic models were used to estimate the extent of indirect economic impacts and these models assume it would be easy for business to finance new operations and to find additional workers rapidly.

However, fast-growing economies in general – and a small U.S. territorial islands far from the mainland – can face many challenges in taking advantage of new economic opportunities, the report said.

Because of the size and remoteness of Guam, the available supply of resident workers is limited, and direct jobs from the proposed action would take up much of this labor. The economy of the neighboring CNMI is depressed so some workers may move to Guam. Although they are close, there are limited numbers of skilled workers from the freely associated states.

The U.S. Congress has temporarily lifted the normal limits on H-2B work visas-temporary work permits for foreign labor-for Guam during the construction period. However, foreign workers would not be admitted in large numbers forever, and it would be impractical for many types of employers, especially small businesses, to meet the legal requirements for importing workers and also provide them with housing and health benefits, stated the report

Although U.S. military personnel and foreign workers entering on H-2B work visas would have housing built for them as required by law, other workers moving to Guam to take spin-off jobs would likely rely on housing provided by Guam’s private market. Whether the local market can or would provide such housing in sufficient supply and at affordable prices is uncertain, said the report.

Improve physical, social environment first

Improve physical, social environment first

By Pat Wolff • December 6, 2009



While our island's business leaders at the Chamber of Commerce and Guam Hotel & Restaurant Association are focused on the economic benefits of the military buildup, those of us in the social service trenches are more concerned with the social and cultural impacts.

I am reminded of a recent East West Center headline, "Re-thinking Development: Gross National Happiness vs. Gross National Product." I am not suggesting it must be an either-or choice, but I believe the prioritization of values is essential, and that when push comes to shove, our island's social fabric is more important.

The niche areas which concern me the most fall into two categories:

# Green spaces and environmental safeguards for healthy living and the creation/maintenance of adequate recreational parks, marine resources and fitness facilities -- especially safe walking/biking paths, playgrounds, ballparks and gymnasiums.

# Addressing the anticipated increase in conflict on our island by ensuring:

1. Preventative conflict resolution training in schools, workplaces and on the village level, to reduce, as much as possible, the escalation of disputes into violence, increased litigation and racial tension.

2. Peacemaking interveners, like Inafa' Maolek, are brought into the planning process so that we have the capacity and infrastructure support to intervene in a timely manner, and so that our mediator pool's size and diversity reflect our changing community.

3. Shady businesses, such as prostitution, adult bookstores and gambling are kept out to the fullest extent possible. Recent legislation against alcohol in our public parks is a positive move as well.

What good is it to increase our island's revenues if we have nowhere safe to enjoy it?

Pat Wolff is the founder of Inafa' Maolek.

DEIS States Marines Won't Increase Crime but Micronesian Migrants Will

DEIS States Marines Won't Increase Crime but Micronesian Migrants Will


Guam - Along with the Draft Environmental Impact Statement the military also conducted a stand alone study on the socio-economic impact of the military buildup. A section of the report covers how the buildup will impact crime and how the military believes young local men will test themselves against marines in fights.


The Department of Defense has identified several likely social impacts of the military buildup. According to the Draft EIS socio economic study marines will not have an impact on Guam's overall crime and social order. Instead the report states that other factors related to the buildup may cause this. In fact the report blames in-migrants from the Freely Associated States of Micronesia as the likely cause. Their numbers are expected to increase due to more job opportunities. According to the DEIS these migrants from within Micronesia "have high crime rates associated with adapting to less traditional social structures"


University of Guam instructor Victoria Leon Guerrero says this is a surprising take on the marines impact to crime considering the fact that many Okinawan protests against the marines were fueled by instances of rape and violence. She says that by not taking any responsibility for the possible increase in crime instead blaming Micronesian immigrants the DEIS is “...insulting to our region”.


University of Guam instructor Michael Lujan Bevacua says that the assumption that Micronesians will raise the crime rate rather than the marines even borders on racism. In fact he says “In some places it would be considered racist”. Bevacua adds that this is obviously scapegoating certain populations and that finding a scapegoat is one of the roots of racism.


While the report lays most of the blame of crime on Micronesian migrants in the very next paragraph it admits that there is “...a potential for more prostitution, alcohol or substance abuse and family violence associated with young military populations (including sailors taking shore leave after weeks at sea)”.


As for the potential of violence and fights the Department of Defense attributes most of the blame to the local population. The DEIS states "The particular reputation of marines as fighters could well trigger a transitional period of adjustment in which local young men test themselves against marines in fights" Bevacua says this too is borderline racism adding that he's surprised that they can make these statements with a “..straight face”.


While the DEIS doesn't appear to own up to increased crime and violence it does admit that the expansion of non-chamorro voting populations could affect the proportion of chamorro office-holders and government workers. This could also affect the outcomes of any future votes about Guam's political status. Leon Guerrero says it's simply unjust to allow a transient population that is only here for a couple of years to affect the political status of and island like Guam. She adds that it takes away a human right that is reserved for the native Chamorro people.


Leon Guerrero encourages everyone to read as much of the Draft EIS as possible and then provide comments during the EIS comment period.


Written by :
Clynt Ridgell

Military Buildup to Raise Cost of Living on Guam

Military Buildup to Raise Cost of Living on Guam

Guam - While conducting the Draft Environmental Impact Statement the military also conducted a stand alone study on the socio-economic impact of the military buildup.





This study estimates an increasing cost of living while wages stay low.

In addition to studying the various environmental effects of the proposed military buildup on Guam the military also conducted a study on the various impacts the buildup will have on the economy and the society as a whole.



Tremendous impacts are expected to both the economy and the society due to the drastic increase in population. DOD has estimated that this population boom will reach it's peak in 2014 when over 79 thousand new people will be living on Guam. This increase however won't remain as people will leave when the construction boom winds down. DOD estimates the amount of new people on island to decline to around 30 to 33 thousand. The study reports that this rapid growth and decline in the population construction and the economy will cause what's known as a "boomtown effect".



This according to the report can result in a recession like period when the construction boom ends. One of the biggest impacts however will be the increase to the cost of living on Guam. The D.E.I.S. states that "Guam workers will likely continue to see the cost of goods and services rise faster than their incomes." This is not something new. According to the D.E.I.S. from 2000-2008 guam workers have seen their standard of living or purchasing power decline by 30%. The buildup according to the D.E.I.S. won't reverse this trend. It will however slow the rate of decline in the standard of living by providing for more jobs and an increase in average wages. This increase in wages however is primarily focussed in the areas of construction and civilian military workers. The report states that those with the ability to quickly renegotiate their wages will have a better chance at maintaining or increasing their standard of living.



As for households living on fixed incomes they will have reduced purchasing power and thus a lower standard of living.



Most civilian military jobs would likely go to either the spouses of new active duty personnel or to labor brought in from off-island. Only about 25% of civilian military jobs are expected to be filled by current guam residents.



Overall the cost of living will increase. Only those who are able to get jobs in construction, civilian military positions, and those who are in a position to negotiate their wages should be able to keep up with rising costs. As for the rest they will likely continue to see their purchasing power decline.

Written by :
Clynt Ridgell

Lose some, win some

Lose some, win some

Friday, 27 November 2009 03:33 by Jennifer Naylor Gesick | Variety News Staff

Military activity affect water tourism

THE Navy expects some negative economic impacts on ocean-based tourism as a result of the construction and operation of a new port to berth an aircraft carrier at Polaris Point, according to the environmental impact statement for the military buildup.

“However, these economic impacts on tourism would be somewhat mitigated or compensated for by increased tourism from military personnel,” the study says.

Apra Harbor is the single most popular site for recreational divers and commercial diving operations.

Economic impacts on ocean-based tourism within Apra Harbor correlate to degradation of the environment, according to the impact study.

"Siltation from dredging already affects visibility and has diving business operators concerned about possible permanent coral loss,” the study states.

Even though 25 acres of coral is expected to be completely removed, the impact report states that disturbance from construction activities would be short-term and localized. Long-term operational effects on tourism would include force protection restrictions during carrier arrival and departure, hence restricting diving and tourist operations.

Despite the impact on water tourism, a survey of hoteliers concluded that they welcome the prospect of more carrier operations, because past carrier visits have always contributed positively to their occupancy levels. The study also states that historically there have been positive impacts on ocean based tourism because dive companies fly instructors out to carriers to initiate basic instruction for open-water certifications. Positive effects on ocean-based tourism volume would be countered by the prospect of increased congestion in the Apra Harbor area, the study says.

“Guam’s two major dive companies, as well as many of the smaller ones, launch their boats out of Apra Harbor and dock at Port Authority of Guam small boat basin. Military and tourist operations have conflicted in the past. Increases in military operations may increase this conflict,” states the impact report.

Guthertz - November 19, 2009

Guthertz - November 19, 2009

BREAKING NEWS: 11:20 a.m. - Proposed buildup roadmap outlines how Guam will change

BREAKING NEWS: 11:20 a.m. - Proposed buildup roadmap outlines how Guam will change

Pacific Daily News • November 20, 2009


The Draft Environmental Impact statement, which contains thousands of pages that spell out the proposed military buildup on Guam is now available for public review.

The document outlines proposals, including to:

• Have 30,190 military personnel and their dependents on Guam, of whom 25 percent will live on military base facilities, the rest will live off-base
Related

* V1: 1. Purpose Of and Need for Action
* V1: 2. Overview of Proposed Actions and Alternatives
* V1: 3. Summary of Alternatives
* V1: 4. References
* V2: 1. Purpose Of and Need for Action
* V2: 2. Proposed Actions and Alternatives
* V2: 3. Geological and Soil Resources
* V2: 4. Water Resources
* V2: 5. Air Quality
* V2: 6. Noise
* V2: 7. Airspace
* V2: 8. Land and Submerged Land Use
* V2: 9. Recreational Resources
* V2: 10. Terrestrial Biological Resources
* Executive Summary
* Reader's Guide
* V2: 11. Marine Biological Resources
* V2: 12. Cultural Resources
* V2: 13. Visual Resources
* V2: 14. Marine Transportation
* V2: 15. Utilities
* V2: 16. Socioeconomics and General Services
* V2: 17. Hazardous Materials and Waste
* V2: 18. Public Health and Safety
* V2: 19. Environmental Justice and the Protection of Children
* V2: 20. References
* V3: 1. Purpose Of and Need for Action
* V3: 2. Proposed Action and Alternatives
* Download a map of the proposed buildup plans by clicking here.

• Realign Route 15

• Co-locate the Marine Corps base with the Army administration office in the Finegayan area

This story is developing.
DOWNLOAD

Download the draft EIS documents by clicking here:

http://www.guambuildupeis.us/documents

Activists to protest DEIS

Activists to protest DEIS

Friday, 20 November 2009 03:59 by Therese Hart | Variety News Staff

EVEN with the draft environmental impact statement scheduled for release and public comment by tomorrow, the Guahan Coalition for Peace and Justice is staging a rally at the ITC intersection from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. today in protest of the impact study.

The draft study is expected to report the impact the proposed military buildup and
population boom on Guam.

According to Victoria Leon Guerrero, spokesperson for the coalition, the study was not conducted in a manner that demonstrated a true assessment of the social, cultural and political implications of increased military presence on island.

“Local residents and their elected officials were largely excluded from the process of gathering information and making recommendations for this study,” said Leon Guerrero.

The 10-volume, 1,000-page document is huge and the community will have 90 days to
respond.

Leon Guerrero said even with the extension, this does not provide a sufficient opportunity for local residents to thoroughly investigate its findings and voice their concerns.

The Department of Defense is already finalizing their plans for the build-up, without first taking into consideration the comments and concerns from local residents and leaders, she said.

Meanwhile, Sen. Ben Pangelinan suggested the mayor’s offices, libraries and commercial centers as possible sites to hold public hearings and review of the impact study.

“I am happy to provide this information to [the Joint Guam Program Office],” the senator said. “I am also somewhat perplexed that during all the planning and discussions on the [study] for the past several months which, in my opinion were an important component to the process, we were never asked for any input. But for simple solutions as to location sites, our suggestions and ideas are valued.”

DHS interim rule deficient for many reasons-Willens

DHS interim rule deficient for many reasons-Willens

Friday, November 20, 2009
By Ferdie de la Torre
Reporter

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security should not implement the interim rule on the CNMI-Transitional Worker Classification on Nov. 28, 2009, as it is deficient for many reasons, according to Gov. Benigno R. Fitial's special legal counsel, Howard P. Willens.

In the CNMI's comments on the interim rule, Willens said the rule fails to implement the statutory requirement that the DHS Secretary establish and enforce a transitional work permit system in the CNMI that provides for allocation and a reduction in the number of foreign workers to zero by Dec. 31, 2014.

Willens said DHS failed to conduct an economic impact analysis of the proposed regulations, as required by Executive Order 12866 and the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980.

He added that the rule fails to implement the statutory goals of minimizing harm to the CNMI, protecting and increasing job opportunities for U.S. citizens; and fostering the expansion of tourism and economic development.

“We believe that DHS has an obligation under the Administrative Procedure Act to review all the comments submitted in this rule-making proceeding and amend its proposed regulations so that they comply with the requirements of Public Law 110-229 (federalization law) and will not cause the serious injury to the Commonwealth people and economy that will otherwise result,” he said.

Willens said the rule describes no system for how the permits are to be divided among employers.

“In view of the law's mandated reduction in the number of permits to zero within five years, there can be no question but that DHS will be required to confront the need to allocate permits among CNMI employers whose collective demand for foreign workers is greater than the available number of permits during the next year,” he said.

The proposed regulations, he noted, do not even identify the criteria that might be used in making critical distinctions among employers competing for foreign workers.

Second, Willens said, the proposed rules do not identify any procedure for reducing the number of the permits to zero by the end of the transition period.

Based on data supplied by the Commonwealth in August 2008, Willens said, the rule indicates that 19,083 foreign workers are in the CNMI and concludes that about 14,543 of these workers (13,543 in-status and 1,000 out-of-status) “will be granted CW status in 2009.”

“With these figures at hand, DHS certainly had sufficient data to consider the alternative means of reducing the number of foreign workers during the transition period as required by the law,” he said.

The counsel said DHS' failure to comply with the law imposes additional burdens and uncertainty on CNMI citizens.

He said the CNMI economy is composed almost entirely of small businesses, many with less than five employees and only a handful with more than 50 employees.

“Without some clear indication of DHS' intentions with respect to the allocation and reduction of the available permits for foreign workers, all participants in the economy suffer,” Willens said.

He said the proposed rule will also hurt the Commonwealth's “very successful efforts” to stop human trafficking under its 2007 labor reform law.

“The federal rule lacks safeguards to ensure that women coming to the Commonwealth possess the necessary skills in their intended occupation; it has no procedures for checking credentials or an orientation at the airport before entry; and provides no available employment history records that could flag likely abuses and previous infractions by employers before a permit is granted,” he said.

Conference details Guam's military buildup

Conference details Guam's military buildup

Posted: Nov 18, 2009 11:13 PM PST
by Nick Delgado

The 2009 Island Conference on Public Administration: The Military Buildup and Beyond kicked off at the Guam Legislature today with key officials providing their input on how they feel the relocation of U.S. Marines will impact the island. It's a conference that drew hundreds of both on- and off-island guests in hopes to find a true understanding of what this buildup really means for those both inside and outside the gate.

Hinasson Taotao Guahan ("The Guam perspective") started with a key address by Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy Roger Natsuhara, who announced, "I encourage all of us to be creative in our thinking. Listen to each other and be ready to work together in order to be successful in our One Guam approach. This would require cooperation from agencies across the federal government."

Natsuhara says the Department of Defense is working hard in the nation's capitol to help bring great results to this buildup. Chairperson of the Committee on the Military Buildup Senator Judi Guthertz (D) says this conference differs from the previous military forums, as it does not focus on economic or contractual opportunities.

She told KUAM News, "This conference is focusing on those subjects that are of interests to the civilian community here, in terms of the lives they lead and how the build up may change their lives."

Guthertz says this conference shines light on public safety and health issues. Guthertz also hopes to identify what the public's major concerns so that Guam's unique identity she says does not drastically change.

Local businessman Leo Macaraeg says the forum was very informative, noting, "The question is: are we ready for that? To receive this additional population that will be staying permanently on this island."

Then there's the group who attended today's conference but are not in favor of the buildup, such as local resident Tony Artero. "I hope that when I do turn in my comments, someone would reckon that we are going and doing the wrong thing. We're going about it wrong and we're heading into a worst possible scenario for Guam. That's the way I see it," he shared.

However, Natsuhara says he will continue to work with both local and federal leaders as they remain committed to doing whatever it takes to make the realignment a success. "By working with you and your leaders and partnership with the federal government," the official stated, "I know we can continue to make Guam a great place to live for all of its residents."

The conference continues tomorrow in the Legislature's Session Hall in Hagatna.

EIS Process Worthy of Protest - Nov. 20th

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20TH
4:00PM to
7:00 PM
at the ITC Intersection

For Immediate Release
from the Guåhan Coalition for Peace and Justice
November 18, 2009

EIS Process Worthy of Protest
Community to Respond this Friday
The Guåhan Coalition for Peace and Justice will lead the community in a response to the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) scheduled for release this Friday, November 20.

The EIS is expected to report the impacts the proposed military build-up and population boom will have on Guam’s environment. However, it was not conducted in a manner that demonstrated a true assessment of the social, cultural and political implications an increased military presence will have on the island’s people. Local residents and their elected officials were largely excluded from the process of gathering information and making recommendations for this study.

The EIS is an 11,000-page document, and the community will have 90 days to respond. This does not provide a sufficient opportunity for local residents to thoroughly investigate its findings and voice their concerns. The Department of Defense is already finalizing their plans for the build-up, without first taking into consideration the comments and concerns from local residents and leaders. An 11,000-page visual will be presented at Friday’s event to represent the enormity of the EIS.

The Coalition, which is made up of grassroots organizations and individuals advocating for the political, cultural, social, environmental and human rights for the people of Guam, will gather at 4 p.m. Friday at the ITC intersection in Tamuning to express these and other concerns about the EIS.

When: Friday, November 20, 2009, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Where: ITC Intersection
What: A Community Action Response to the Release of the EIS
Who: Guåhan Coaltion for Peace and Justice
For More Information: Call Victoria-Lola Leon Guerrero at 735-2747 or email reclaimguahan@gmail.com