Tiyan residents infuriated at FAA
Dec 20, 2009
by Mindy Aguon
Guam - Tiyan residents have launched a letter campaign outraged by the Federal Aviation Administration's efforts to completely shut down public access through Tiyan. The airport is currently collaborating with the Guam Department of Public Works, the Federal Highway Administration and the FAA to find a win-win solution.
Dozens of Tiyan landowners put pen to paper, expressing their frustration in letters to Guam International Airport Authority Executive Manager Carlos Salas. The landowners are particularly upset about the FAA's insistence that the public be denied access to the new road. The feds have threatened to cut off federal funds unless the access road is closed.
The FAA also warned that GIAA cannot use airport revenues or property for the Tiyan parkway that is supposed to be built and completed by April 2012. The Tiyan Neighborhood Association contends there is no practical reason or basis to prohibit the public from using the new road, saying it's apparent that the "FAA wants to take the airport back and restrict access to locals as though it was still military property."
The Airport's executive manager couldn't detail what plans are in the works for the stalled Tiyan parkway project, but he confirms officials are in discussions to resolve the matter and make it a win-win for everyone. Said Salas, "We want to help and make sure there's public access as well. Our latest collaboration with Public Works and Federal Highway is that the airport is favorably looking at maybe even providing more land to make that possible."
At this point DPW, the FHA, the FAA, and the airport are working on the road alignment and determine where the parkway would be situated. While the FAA previously indicated that GIAA could not use any of its property for the access road, Salas says the airport may end up giving twenty-four acres of land. "Not a change of heart, but look at the parameters that you have to work within," he continued.
"And the parameters are this, that the airport property is strictly for airport use and there are other properties that are available or could be attainable for purposes of the roadway. So let's work with that and see what the airport can do on a give and take situation."
Salas says while discussions are ongoing, he expects the Tiyan parkway will run along East Sunset Boulevard and eventually connect to Route 8 further from south of its current location. He's hopeful an agreement will be reached before the end of the year or by January.
Showing posts with label Federales. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Federales. Show all posts
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Ann Wright Visits Guam
Ex-envoy warns against US plan for Guam
Wednesday, 22 July 2009 00:51 by Jude Lizama
Marianas Variety News Staff
A FORMER U.S. diplomat turned peace activist advised Guam residents to be
wary of the American government’s military buildup plan for the
island.Retired U.S. Army Colonel Ann Wright speaks against war and
militarization during a presentation held Monday at the University of Guam.
“We need to be looking very carefully at what our federal government does
to us,” said Ann Wright, a retired U.S. Army colonel who spoke to a small
crowd on the implications of the relocation of 8,000 U.S. Marines from
Okinawa to Guam during a presentation held Monday night at the University of
Guam.
“While we all want to be safe and secure in the world, sometimes our federal
government uses this issue of national security to do things to us that we
normally wouldn’t put up with,” she added.
Wright accompanied members of the Code Pink Japan, a peace activist group,
who visited Guam to discuss the impact of the military buildup with local
activists. The group left Guam yesterday.
“Our delegation is here in solidarity with the people of Guam in terms of
the movement of 8,000 marines from Okinawa. The people of Japan,
particularly the people on Okinawa, have been working very hard to remove
some of the extensive military forces. Now, they seem to be coming to your
lovely island,” said Wright, a native of Arkansas.
“The [Okinawans] certainly understand that whenever the U.S. military lands
somewhere, it leaves a very large footprint. You all know it very well,
because much of your land is already occupied by the U.S. military,” the
former U.S. envoy told the audience.
Anti-war
Wright is a former U.S. deputy ambassador who was assigned in Sierra Leone,
Afghanistan, Mongolia and Micronesia. She joined the military at the time
when the U.S. military was invading Vietnam.
On March 19, 2003, the eve of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, Wright cabled a
letter of resignation to Secretary of State Colin Powell, stating that
without the authorization of the UN Security Council, the invasion and
occupation of a Muslim, Arab, oil-rich country would be a isaster. Since
then, she has been writing and speaking out for peace and is now a resident
of Honolulu.
“It has been deeply emotional for all of us. Here we are in war again. The
United States has started wars in Afghanistan and Iraq,” she said. “When you
look at the number of civilians who have been killed in Iraq, Afghanistan,
and Guam, it brings home to us all what we should be working on.”
“The history of the United States is not a peaceful history,” said Wright,
who added that the U.S. has, “a history of invading other countries.”
Land grabbing
With regard to the local military buildup, Wright told the audience that,
“You have been seeing your own lands being taken from you,” adding that,
“The federal government builds without your agreement. They build enormous
facilities that have disastrous effects on your environment.”
The retired colonel suggested that people weigh the importance of their own
lands, and whether or not it is worth it to lose those lands for an increase
in short term values such as trade and business.
“Once the federal government gets its hands into something it never
gets it out. With the Obama administration I certainly hope that we will all
join together to throw out many of the provisions of the Patriot Act that
are really curtailing our own civil liberties,” she said.
Threatened
Japanese parliamentarian and Code Pink member Sumi Fujita said that because
of the long military presence and all of the rape cases in Okinawa, “women
[there] now feel threatened.”
“All of the military promises to help the Okinawan economy have been a big
lie,” Fujita said, through interpreter Hisae Ogawa.
As for the rape issue, Wright said, “This is a failure in leadership that is
coming to you, that will allow this to continue.”
“Sometimes being an activist leads to things that you’d never thought you’d
be doing,” said Wright.
The former U.S. diplomat also stated that we should all be aware of the
“isms” created by policy makers. “Our government has been very good, meaning
very bad, in using the ‘isms’ like communism, terrorism, and fascism to
frighten and scare the American public so that they can do things that
normally we would protest,” she said. “It something we should always be very
wary of, when there’s another ‘ism’ coming up.”
Wednesday, 22 July 2009 00:51 by Jude Lizama
Marianas Variety News Staff
A FORMER U.S. diplomat turned peace activist advised Guam residents to be
wary of the American government’s military buildup plan for the
island.Retired U.S. Army Colonel Ann Wright speaks against war and
militarization during a presentation held Monday at the University of Guam.
“We need to be looking very carefully at what our federal government does
to us,” said Ann Wright, a retired U.S. Army colonel who spoke to a small
crowd on the implications of the relocation of 8,000 U.S. Marines from
Okinawa to Guam during a presentation held Monday night at the University of
Guam.
“While we all want to be safe and secure in the world, sometimes our federal
government uses this issue of national security to do things to us that we
normally wouldn’t put up with,” she added.
Wright accompanied members of the Code Pink Japan, a peace activist group,
who visited Guam to discuss the impact of the military buildup with local
activists. The group left Guam yesterday.
“Our delegation is here in solidarity with the people of Guam in terms of
the movement of 8,000 marines from Okinawa. The people of Japan,
particularly the people on Okinawa, have been working very hard to remove
some of the extensive military forces. Now, they seem to be coming to your
lovely island,” said Wright, a native of Arkansas.
“The [Okinawans] certainly understand that whenever the U.S. military lands
somewhere, it leaves a very large footprint. You all know it very well,
because much of your land is already occupied by the U.S. military,” the
former U.S. envoy told the audience.
Anti-war
Wright is a former U.S. deputy ambassador who was assigned in Sierra Leone,
Afghanistan, Mongolia and Micronesia. She joined the military at the time
when the U.S. military was invading Vietnam.
On March 19, 2003, the eve of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, Wright cabled a
letter of resignation to Secretary of State Colin Powell, stating that
without the authorization of the UN Security Council, the invasion and
occupation of a Muslim, Arab, oil-rich country would be a isaster. Since
then, she has been writing and speaking out for peace and is now a resident
of Honolulu.
“It has been deeply emotional for all of us. Here we are in war again. The
United States has started wars in Afghanistan and Iraq,” she said. “When you
look at the number of civilians who have been killed in Iraq, Afghanistan,
and Guam, it brings home to us all what we should be working on.”
“The history of the United States is not a peaceful history,” said Wright,
who added that the U.S. has, “a history of invading other countries.”
Land grabbing
With regard to the local military buildup, Wright told the audience that,
“You have been seeing your own lands being taken from you,” adding that,
“The federal government builds without your agreement. They build enormous
facilities that have disastrous effects on your environment.”
The retired colonel suggested that people weigh the importance of their own
lands, and whether or not it is worth it to lose those lands for an increase
in short term values such as trade and business.
“Once the federal government gets its hands into something it never
gets it out. With the Obama administration I certainly hope that we will all
join together to throw out many of the provisions of the Patriot Act that
are really curtailing our own civil liberties,” she said.
Threatened
Japanese parliamentarian and Code Pink member Sumi Fujita said that because
of the long military presence and all of the rape cases in Okinawa, “women
[there] now feel threatened.”
“All of the military promises to help the Okinawan economy have been a big
lie,” Fujita said, through interpreter Hisae Ogawa.
As for the rape issue, Wright said, “This is a failure in leadership that is
coming to you, that will allow this to continue.”
“Sometimes being an activist leads to things that you’d never thought you’d
be doing,” said Wright.
The former U.S. diplomat also stated that we should all be aware of the
“isms” created by policy makers. “Our government has been very good, meaning
very bad, in using the ‘isms’ like communism, terrorism, and fascism to
frighten and scare the American public so that they can do things that
normally we would protest,” she said. “It something we should always be very
wary of, when there’s another ‘ism’ coming up.”
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Reclaim Guahan Rally Gathers Strength
"Reclaim Guahan Rally" Gathers Strength
By Jude Lizama
Marianas Variety
May 11th, 2009
THE Guåhan Youth, an umbrella group for the island’s youth and grassroots organizations, will hold a rally that will amplify their collective voice that has been muffled amid rapid changes resulting from the ongoing military buildup and what some people consider “federal interference.” The rally, billed “Reclaim Guåhan: Chule' Tatte Guåhan,” will be a venue for education, expression and empowerment, featuring honored speakers, poetry, art, film showings and local music among others.
The overall goal to teach those in attendance about the island’s critical issues and the ability to express various opinions will be highlighted throughout.
The rally is scheduled to be held from 2 to 8 p.m. on May 23 at Skinner’s Plaza in Hagåtña.
“It stems from the $1 million a week put forth by Judge [Frances] Tydingco-Gatewood, which we saw as federal interference on local governance,” stated primary event coordinator Victoria-Lola Leon Guerrero.
She cited such factors as the military buildup, land grabbing and lack of self determination as central reasons that prompted the Guåhan Youth to initiate a rally that centralizes on indigenous people’s self determination and other fundamental freedoms.
“It’s amazing that a lot of it is coming from the youth. People shouldn’t have to resign to hopelessness. The rally is intended to empower future generations to take leadership,” said Leon Guerrero, adding that the Guåhan Youth will show what they are “capable of as a community.”
“It’s frustrating to know that no one has spoken out,” said Leon Guerrero. “We need to focus on our language and culture in order to help stop all of this, and keep it as the land of the Chamorros. We don’t have power as a nation, but it is something that we are entitled to.”
I Nasion Chamoru’s Maga’ Håga, Debbie Quinata, said I Nasion Chamoru is a supporter and that in no way should I Nasion Chamoru take any credit for the upcoming Chule' Tatte Guåhan rally, which has been materialized and bolstered by the island’s youth movement.
“It’s important for young people to take responsibility for what will be their future. I will not take credit for this ingenious movement,” Quinata said. “It’s a great way to get information out to the community.”
By Jude Lizama
Marianas Variety
May 11th, 2009
THE Guåhan Youth, an umbrella group for the island’s youth and grassroots organizations, will hold a rally that will amplify their collective voice that has been muffled amid rapid changes resulting from the ongoing military buildup and what some people consider “federal interference.” The rally, billed “Reclaim Guåhan: Chule' Tatte Guåhan,” will be a venue for education, expression and empowerment, featuring honored speakers, poetry, art, film showings and local music among others.
The overall goal to teach those in attendance about the island’s critical issues and the ability to express various opinions will be highlighted throughout.
The rally is scheduled to be held from 2 to 8 p.m. on May 23 at Skinner’s Plaza in Hagåtña.
“It stems from the $1 million a week put forth by Judge [Frances] Tydingco-Gatewood, which we saw as federal interference on local governance,” stated primary event coordinator Victoria-Lola Leon Guerrero.
She cited such factors as the military buildup, land grabbing and lack of self determination as central reasons that prompted the Guåhan Youth to initiate a rally that centralizes on indigenous people’s self determination and other fundamental freedoms.
“It’s amazing that a lot of it is coming from the youth. People shouldn’t have to resign to hopelessness. The rally is intended to empower future generations to take leadership,” said Leon Guerrero, adding that the Guåhan Youth will show what they are “capable of as a community.”
“It’s frustrating to know that no one has spoken out,” said Leon Guerrero. “We need to focus on our language and culture in order to help stop all of this, and keep it as the land of the Chamorros. We don’t have power as a nation, but it is something that we are entitled to.”
I Nasion Chamoru’s Maga’ Håga, Debbie Quinata, said I Nasion Chamoru is a supporter and that in no way should I Nasion Chamoru take any credit for the upcoming Chule' Tatte Guåhan rally, which has been materialized and bolstered by the island’s youth movement.
“It’s important for young people to take responsibility for what will be their future. I will not take credit for this ingenious movement,” Quinata said. “It’s a great way to get information out to the community.”
Monday, March 30, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
Friday, November 21, 2008
Bill seeks legal action against feds on COFA
Friday, 21 November 2008
by Therese Hart
Marinas Variety News Staff
SENATOR Frank Blas Jr. has introduced a bill appropriating $200,000 to the Office of the Attorney General for its representation of the govSen. Frank Blas Jr.
ernment of Guam in a legal action to claim more than $400 million in Compact Impact funds from the U.S. government. “We need to take this conversation to the next level. For many years, there continues to be that acknowledgement by the federal government that they owe us money,” Blas said.
Blas said the federal government owes Guam over $400 million in reimbursement costs for hosting Freely Associated States citizens who are using public services.
“And they think that what they’ve been giving us annually--$14.2 million--that it would suffice for the total cost of what we actually spend, and it’s not,” Blas said.
Bill 385 identifies fiscal year 2009 Guam Highway Fund revenues as the funding source for the legal expenses.
The AGO can hire personnel, procure professional services and incur other costs necessary to successfully pursue the case.
The bill also exempts AGO from the restriction on the hiring of limited term appointments and unclassified employees.
Blas has written to Guam Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo regarding this issue but he said the congresswoman has done nothing to look into the matter.
“It’s like, we should be thankful we’re getting $14.2 million. I’m sorry, but no. We no longer should stand being treated this way-- that we’re going to continue to provide these services and not get paid properly,” Blas said.
The issue was raised this year during the Association of Pacific Island Legislators, hosted by Guam lawmakers and a resolution was passed and sent to the president and members of Congress. Another Resolution 141 passed by the 29th Guam Legislature dealing with the same issue was also transmitted to Washington.
“We’ve asked and we’ve pleaded for proper reimbursement for the cost of those services that we provide on their behalf. The message is, we’re not going to be taken lightly anymore. We need this money and (the federal government) owes it to us,” Blas said.
“And they are in violation of being able to reimburse us. This is the basis for us to say, this is your law, you say you’re going to reimburse us and now this lawsuit is being initiated so that we can get that reimbursement,” said Blas.
He said Guam us in the middle of a situation in which the community has to “debate among ourselves” as to where to find money to meet certain federal mandates.”
Friday, 21 November 2008
by Therese Hart
Marinas Variety News Staff
SENATOR Frank Blas Jr. has introduced a bill appropriating $200,000 to the Office of the Attorney General for its representation of the govSen. Frank Blas Jr.
ernment of Guam in a legal action to claim more than $400 million in Compact Impact funds from the U.S. government. “We need to take this conversation to the next level. For many years, there continues to be that acknowledgement by the federal government that they owe us money,” Blas said.
Blas said the federal government owes Guam over $400 million in reimbursement costs for hosting Freely Associated States citizens who are using public services.
“And they think that what they’ve been giving us annually--$14.2 million--that it would suffice for the total cost of what we actually spend, and it’s not,” Blas said.
Bill 385 identifies fiscal year 2009 Guam Highway Fund revenues as the funding source for the legal expenses.
The AGO can hire personnel, procure professional services and incur other costs necessary to successfully pursue the case.
The bill also exempts AGO from the restriction on the hiring of limited term appointments and unclassified employees.
Blas has written to Guam Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo regarding this issue but he said the congresswoman has done nothing to look into the matter.
“It’s like, we should be thankful we’re getting $14.2 million. I’m sorry, but no. We no longer should stand being treated this way-- that we’re going to continue to provide these services and not get paid properly,” Blas said.
The issue was raised this year during the Association of Pacific Island Legislators, hosted by Guam lawmakers and a resolution was passed and sent to the president and members of Congress. Another Resolution 141 passed by the 29th Guam Legislature dealing with the same issue was also transmitted to Washington.
“We’ve asked and we’ve pleaded for proper reimbursement for the cost of those services that we provide on their behalf. The message is, we’re not going to be taken lightly anymore. We need this money and (the federal government) owes it to us,” Blas said.
“And they are in violation of being able to reimburse us. This is the basis for us to say, this is your law, you say you’re going to reimburse us and now this lawsuit is being initiated so that we can get that reimbursement,” said Blas.
He said Guam us in the middle of a situation in which the community has to “debate among ourselves” as to where to find money to meet certain federal mandates.”
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
First Our Land, Now Our Ocean
ben's Pen: First our land, now our ocean
28 October 2008
by Sen. Ben Pangelinan
Guam Variety News
First they liberated us from the Japanese. It was a brutal occupation where lives were lost and the people suffered tremendously at the hands of the oppressors and occupiers.
For this the people were eternally grateful and when they said they needed our lands to ensure that such an occupation would never occur again in our lifetime, willingly, a grateful generation surrendered up the lands.
For most of that grateful generation, time is now eternal. They have passed from this earth and are now in a place of eternal rest.
Those remaining behind have seen the truth, no longer colored with gratefulness. The treatment and injustices have erased the goodwill of liberation.
And now they come for more. This time, they want our ocean and deny us of its bounty, which have supported our lives and our families through thousands of years. They want to preserve and conserve, but we have done this for centuries. The only reason they can make such a case today is because we have successfully done so for hundreds of years. But they want to dictate once again on their terms.
But this time, we are not hampered by gratefulness. Among us are vigilant citizens and responsible stewards of our resources.
Mr. Manny Duenas of the Fisherman's Co-op and the other members of the fishing community of Guam who took the initiative to learn about and spread the information regarding President Bush's proposed establishment of a Conservation Area surrounding the Marianas Trench are such.
Ever watchful, the recent meeting was not called by any federal or local government office or elected official, but was organized solely by the community-minded efforts of Manny and others.
Manny and others printed colored maps of the areas potentially affected, comment forms, the August memorandum from President Bush initiating the process, and other relevant information so that we on Guam could quickly educate ourselves and comment before the deadline which was only days away.
His direct efforts resulted in the attendance of NOOA officials, a representative of the federal Council for Environmental Quality, Congresswoman Bordallo, and many of our local fishermen and community members.
The information Manny presented at the meeting, and in particular the President's memorandum, immediately confirmed that restrictions resulting from the establishment of a conservation area of such great scale and without little input on the eve of the largest increase in military activity and equipment in US history affecting the same land and ocean area would "not limit the Department of Defense from carrying out the mission of the various branches of the military stationed or operating within the Pacific."
I object to any further restriction of the local people, especially Guam fishermen, from access to these areas while the military and other international or US commercial access continues.
A matter with tremendous significance for not only the fishermen but for ALL of the people of Guam should have been brought to us and our input solicited by government representatives with more resources for public education purposes, and especially by the federal agencies purporting to work with Guam on matters regarding our oceans, our environment, and our economic viability.
I am proud of and commend these private citizens who despite the odds against the people of Guam having an impact on federal action by the President in this case, are not only brave enough and love Guam enough to stand up for themselves but to also make the great effort to invite and assist all of us on Guam to speak up for ourselves.
They are truly public servants and public leaders.
ben pangelinan is a Senator in the 29th Guam Legislature and a former Speaker now serving his seventh term in the Guam Legislature. E-mail comments or suggestions to senbenp@guam.net.
28 October 2008
by Sen. Ben Pangelinan
Guam Variety News
First they liberated us from the Japanese. It was a brutal occupation where lives were lost and the people suffered tremendously at the hands of the oppressors and occupiers.
For this the people were eternally grateful and when they said they needed our lands to ensure that such an occupation would never occur again in our lifetime, willingly, a grateful generation surrendered up the lands.
For most of that grateful generation, time is now eternal. They have passed from this earth and are now in a place of eternal rest.
Those remaining behind have seen the truth, no longer colored with gratefulness. The treatment and injustices have erased the goodwill of liberation.
And now they come for more. This time, they want our ocean and deny us of its bounty, which have supported our lives and our families through thousands of years. They want to preserve and conserve, but we have done this for centuries. The only reason they can make such a case today is because we have successfully done so for hundreds of years. But they want to dictate once again on their terms.
But this time, we are not hampered by gratefulness. Among us are vigilant citizens and responsible stewards of our resources.
Mr. Manny Duenas of the Fisherman's Co-op and the other members of the fishing community of Guam who took the initiative to learn about and spread the information regarding President Bush's proposed establishment of a Conservation Area surrounding the Marianas Trench are such.
Ever watchful, the recent meeting was not called by any federal or local government office or elected official, but was organized solely by the community-minded efforts of Manny and others.
Manny and others printed colored maps of the areas potentially affected, comment forms, the August memorandum from President Bush initiating the process, and other relevant information so that we on Guam could quickly educate ourselves and comment before the deadline which was only days away.
His direct efforts resulted in the attendance of NOOA officials, a representative of the federal Council for Environmental Quality, Congresswoman Bordallo, and many of our local fishermen and community members.
The information Manny presented at the meeting, and in particular the President's memorandum, immediately confirmed that restrictions resulting from the establishment of a conservation area of such great scale and without little input on the eve of the largest increase in military activity and equipment in US history affecting the same land and ocean area would "not limit the Department of Defense from carrying out the mission of the various branches of the military stationed or operating within the Pacific."
I object to any further restriction of the local people, especially Guam fishermen, from access to these areas while the military and other international or US commercial access continues.
A matter with tremendous significance for not only the fishermen but for ALL of the people of Guam should have been brought to us and our input solicited by government representatives with more resources for public education purposes, and especially by the federal agencies purporting to work with Guam on matters regarding our oceans, our environment, and our economic viability.
I am proud of and commend these private citizens who despite the odds against the people of Guam having an impact on federal action by the President in this case, are not only brave enough and love Guam enough to stand up for themselves but to also make the great effort to invite and assist all of us on Guam to speak up for ourselves.
They are truly public servants and public leaders.
ben pangelinan is a Senator in the 29th Guam Legislature and a former Speaker now serving his seventh term in the Guam Legislature. E-mail comments or suggestions to senbenp@guam.net.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Guam's Haul Roads
Feds on island discussing haul roads
by Clynt Ridgell, KUAM News
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
A delegation of federal officials are on island working on the massive plan to overhaul Guam's roads in preparation for the military buildup. The amount of money it's going to take to get Guam's transportation infrastructure on the road to recovery is taking some very drastic twists and turns.
DPW Director Larry Perez says that his agency continues to meet weekly with federal officials about beefing up the haul road system in preparation for Guam's military buildup. This week key federal officials from organizations like the Joint Guam Program Office, Naval Facilities, Defense Access Roads, and the Federal Highway Administration are on Guam meeting with DPW engineers and their consultants from Parsons Brinkerhoff to discuss the improvement to Guam's roads, better known as haul roads, that are needed to handle the military buildup.
DPW director Larry Perez said the feds are out here to basically see if they agree with Guam's estimates. Originally the Governor's Office pegged these costs at $945 million then estimates were increased several times until they reached an estimate of roughly $4.5 billion, a figure produced with help from Parsons Brinckerhoff, Parsons Transportation Group, the Federal Highway Administration, the University of Phoenix, Arizona, central federal lands and others. Today Perez says that $4.5 billion figure has been cut in half.
"A lot of assumptions were clarified with these key officials and now we have a tally of roughly just under $2 billion that we're working on," Perez said. He says this drastic decrease is due to the fact that they now have a better understanding of the specifics of the haul roads projects after having met with more federal officials. This, despite the fact, that back in May, Perez returned from a trip to Washington DC with this to say.
"Bottom line at the end of the day it was not disputed the $4.5 billion is a requirement that was done by experts in the field," he stated. As KUAM has reported DoD was originally planning on building a brand new defense access road to run from the Naval base in the southern end of the island to Andersen Air Force Base in the northern end of the island at a cost of about $1 billion.
This idea was then changed to instead beef up existing roads because a brand new one would take too long to construct due to the environmental impact studies required by federal law.
Now the plan is to beef up an existing road that connects the Port Authority to NCTAMs which is currently the preferred but not necessarily the only potential site for basing the 8,000 Marines from Okinawa who will be transferred to Guam. The projected route to transfer constructions materials and other supplies will run from the Port Authority Road onto Rt. 1 or Marine Corps Drive then from Marine Corps Drive on to Rt. 8 or the road that passes through Mongmong Toto Maite alongside Tiyan past the tri-intersection in Barrigada to Rt. 16 or the road that passes by the Barrigada Post Office and down the overpass where it connects back to Marine Corps Drive and then on to NCTAMs road.
This was to be completed through a sort of step by step process in which federal funding would be given year by year beginning with $50 million for 2010. That figure too has changed. Perez said, "Right now they've identified something to the tune of $41 million that they can give up front they've given us half a million already for some NEPA studies."
With the figures constantly changing and no decision yet on what federal entity or combination of entities will fund the haul road buildup the only thing clear is that the feds will pay something.
"Bottom line, it's a federal statement the federal government is going to pay for these things and the local funds that we have will be earmarked for other areas that have been neglected for decades past," he said.
Once done with inspections they will submit their figures for a projected operations administration and maintenance budget for the years 2010 through 2014.
by Clynt Ridgell, KUAM News
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
A delegation of federal officials are on island working on the massive plan to overhaul Guam's roads in preparation for the military buildup. The amount of money it's going to take to get Guam's transportation infrastructure on the road to recovery is taking some very drastic twists and turns.
DPW Director Larry Perez says that his agency continues to meet weekly with federal officials about beefing up the haul road system in preparation for Guam's military buildup. This week key federal officials from organizations like the Joint Guam Program Office, Naval Facilities, Defense Access Roads, and the Federal Highway Administration are on Guam meeting with DPW engineers and their consultants from Parsons Brinkerhoff to discuss the improvement to Guam's roads, better known as haul roads, that are needed to handle the military buildup.
DPW director Larry Perez said the feds are out here to basically see if they agree with Guam's estimates. Originally the Governor's Office pegged these costs at $945 million then estimates were increased several times until they reached an estimate of roughly $4.5 billion, a figure produced with help from Parsons Brinckerhoff, Parsons Transportation Group, the Federal Highway Administration, the University of Phoenix, Arizona, central federal lands and others. Today Perez says that $4.5 billion figure has been cut in half.
"A lot of assumptions were clarified with these key officials and now we have a tally of roughly just under $2 billion that we're working on," Perez said. He says this drastic decrease is due to the fact that they now have a better understanding of the specifics of the haul roads projects after having met with more federal officials. This, despite the fact, that back in May, Perez returned from a trip to Washington DC with this to say.
"Bottom line at the end of the day it was not disputed the $4.5 billion is a requirement that was done by experts in the field," he stated. As KUAM has reported DoD was originally planning on building a brand new defense access road to run from the Naval base in the southern end of the island to Andersen Air Force Base in the northern end of the island at a cost of about $1 billion.
This idea was then changed to instead beef up existing roads because a brand new one would take too long to construct due to the environmental impact studies required by federal law.
Now the plan is to beef up an existing road that connects the Port Authority to NCTAMs which is currently the preferred but not necessarily the only potential site for basing the 8,000 Marines from Okinawa who will be transferred to Guam. The projected route to transfer constructions materials and other supplies will run from the Port Authority Road onto Rt. 1 or Marine Corps Drive then from Marine Corps Drive on to Rt. 8 or the road that passes through Mongmong Toto Maite alongside Tiyan past the tri-intersection in Barrigada to Rt. 16 or the road that passes by the Barrigada Post Office and down the overpass where it connects back to Marine Corps Drive and then on to NCTAMs road.
This was to be completed through a sort of step by step process in which federal funding would be given year by year beginning with $50 million for 2010. That figure too has changed. Perez said, "Right now they've identified something to the tune of $41 million that they can give up front they've given us half a million already for some NEPA studies."
With the figures constantly changing and no decision yet on what federal entity or combination of entities will fund the haul road buildup the only thing clear is that the feds will pay something.
"Bottom line, it's a federal statement the federal government is going to pay for these things and the local funds that we have will be earmarked for other areas that have been neglected for decades past," he said.
Once done with inspections they will submit their figures for a projected operations administration and maintenance budget for the years 2010 through 2014.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
US DOE Witholding Funds
U.S. DOE withholding funds:
Feds want AG's opinion on who governs GPSS
By Beau Hodai
Pacific Daily News
September 8, 2008
The Guam Public School System won't receive any of the nearly $40 million in federal funds it expects to receive until it's clear who governs the school system.
GPSS Superintendent Nerissa Bretania-Shafer yesterday said she had been contacted by U.S. DOE Risk Management Services Director Philip Maestri on Saturday. He informed her U.S. DOE wouldn't provide any federal funding for fiscal year 2009, which begins Oct. 1, unless Guam's Office of the Attorney General provides an opinion as to who has authority over the school system.
"Even though the funds may be delayed a few days, these are issues that need to be clarified," Bretania-Shafer said, noting that Maestri has repeatedly praised the progress the school system has made in meeting its corrective action plan.
The school system will maintain its high-risk grantee status unless it completes the corrective action plan requirements, which includes improving financial accountability and correcting procurement shortfalls.
Bretania-Shafer said a conference call has been scheduled for 7 a.m. Tuesday between Attorney General Alicia Limtiaco, Maestri and other members of U.S. DOE. The superintendent said she is optimistic that the AG's office will respond quickly.
Bretania-Shafer said this latest concern from federal education officials came on the heels of a letter she and the Guam Education Policy Board sent to Maestri in late August. She said the primary issue was related to protocol in dealing with the handling of federal funds.
"I have purview over federal funds. The (Guam Education Policy Board) has purview over me, but not over federal funds," said Bretania-Shafer. "How could (the board) hold me fully accountable when dealing with something that they are prohibited from dealing with?"
She also said DOE officials were unclear over what role the governor has in regards to the oversight and governance of GPSS.
The school system receives about $40 million in federal funds each year. With fiscal 2008 ending Sept. 30, money for federally funded programs will soon run out.
Some GPSS programs that stand to lose funding include special education, the Reading First program, the English as a Second Language program, Direct Instruction and Success for All, among others.
Bretania-Shafer said school officials have been considering alternatives if the federal funding is withheld indefinitely.
"We're going to have to appeal to the local government to help us carry the load that was carried by the federal government," Bretania-Shafer said. "Of the utmost concern to me are the funds for students with disabilities."
She said that she plans to meet with Gov. Felix Camacho soon and inform the Legislature of the situation once GPSS has assessed its financial situation internally.
"The governor wants to get this problem solved as quickly as possible, because we will continue funding these programs with local funding," said George Bamba, Camacho's chief of staff. "But, that will have a rippling effect throughout the government and other programs will suffer. We need to have this resolved by the end of the week."
School board Chairman Joe San Agustin expressed frustration last night with what he said is a lack of formal notification.
"We're waiting for this in writing, so we can respond to it accordingly," San Agustin said.
Feds want AG's opinion on who governs GPSS
By Beau Hodai
Pacific Daily News
September 8, 2008
The Guam Public School System won't receive any of the nearly $40 million in federal funds it expects to receive until it's clear who governs the school system.
GPSS Superintendent Nerissa Bretania-Shafer yesterday said she had been contacted by U.S. DOE Risk Management Services Director Philip Maestri on Saturday. He informed her U.S. DOE wouldn't provide any federal funding for fiscal year 2009, which begins Oct. 1, unless Guam's Office of the Attorney General provides an opinion as to who has authority over the school system.
"Even though the funds may be delayed a few days, these are issues that need to be clarified," Bretania-Shafer said, noting that Maestri has repeatedly praised the progress the school system has made in meeting its corrective action plan.
The school system will maintain its high-risk grantee status unless it completes the corrective action plan requirements, which includes improving financial accountability and correcting procurement shortfalls.
Bretania-Shafer said a conference call has been scheduled for 7 a.m. Tuesday between Attorney General Alicia Limtiaco, Maestri and other members of U.S. DOE. The superintendent said she is optimistic that the AG's office will respond quickly.
Bretania-Shafer said this latest concern from federal education officials came on the heels of a letter she and the Guam Education Policy Board sent to Maestri in late August. She said the primary issue was related to protocol in dealing with the handling of federal funds.
"I have purview over federal funds. The (Guam Education Policy Board) has purview over me, but not over federal funds," said Bretania-Shafer. "How could (the board) hold me fully accountable when dealing with something that they are prohibited from dealing with?"
She also said DOE officials were unclear over what role the governor has in regards to the oversight and governance of GPSS.
The school system receives about $40 million in federal funds each year. With fiscal 2008 ending Sept. 30, money for federally funded programs will soon run out.
Some GPSS programs that stand to lose funding include special education, the Reading First program, the English as a Second Language program, Direct Instruction and Success for All, among others.
Bretania-Shafer said school officials have been considering alternatives if the federal funding is withheld indefinitely.
"We're going to have to appeal to the local government to help us carry the load that was carried by the federal government," Bretania-Shafer said. "Of the utmost concern to me are the funds for students with disabilities."
She said that she plans to meet with Gov. Felix Camacho soon and inform the Legislature of the situation once GPSS has assessed its financial situation internally.
"The governor wants to get this problem solved as quickly as possible, because we will continue funding these programs with local funding," said George Bamba, Camacho's chief of staff. "But, that will have a rippling effect throughout the government and other programs will suffer. We need to have this resolved by the end of the week."
School board Chairman Joe San Agustin expressed frustration last night with what he said is a lack of formal notification.
"We're waiting for this in writing, so we can respond to it accordingly," San Agustin said.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Clinton Promises Special Guam Representative
Clinton Promises Special Guam Representative
Pacific Magazine
May 1, 2008
U.S. presidential candidate Hilary Clinton says she'll appointment a special representative from Guam to the Defense Department to represent the territory's interests in the huge military buildup on the island, the Pacific Daily News reports.
"This would raise the visibility and priority of the territory's perspectives to the highest policy levels at the Department of Defense, at other federal agencies and at the White House," the Clinton campaign said in a statement.
Clinton's promise is the latest effort to woo support in Guam's Democratic Party caucus this Saturday. She and Sen. Barack Obama are competing vigorously for the territory's nine delegates to the party's convention in August.
Clinton also promised to order the U.S. Small Business Administration to establish a "Procurement and Technical Assistance Center" on Guam to help local firms bid on military contracts.
Pacific Magazine
May 1, 2008
U.S. presidential candidate Hilary Clinton says she'll appointment a special representative from Guam to the Defense Department to represent the territory's interests in the huge military buildup on the island, the Pacific Daily News reports.
"This would raise the visibility and priority of the territory's perspectives to the highest policy levels at the Department of Defense, at other federal agencies and at the White House," the Clinton campaign said in a statement.
Clinton's promise is the latest effort to woo support in Guam's Democratic Party caucus this Saturday. She and Sen. Barack Obama are competing vigorously for the territory's nine delegates to the party's convention in August.
Clinton also promised to order the U.S. Small Business Administration to establish a "Procurement and Technical Assistance Center" on Guam to help local firms bid on military contracts.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Hawai'i Settlement is Unlawful
Settlement is unlawful sell-out
By J. Kehaulani Kauanui ⋅ February 12, 2008
http://www.hawaiistandard.com
Although the Honolulu dailies have been touting the recent settlement agreement between Governor Linda Lingle and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs as a “land and cash deal worth over $200 million dollars,” let’s be clear: this is no victory for the Hawaiian people. Because the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) and state had been in dispute over what the payments should be, and over which lands and what revenues are covered, OHA filed a lawsuit against the state that reached the Hawai’i Supreme Court. The state court instructed the state government to negotiate with the state agency of OHA. If the state legislation passes, the state government would continue to pay OHA about $15.1 million annually and transfer some lands from one arm of state to the other.
The whole thing is a charade! This recent maneuvering within the state is simply an attempt by OHA to collect as much from the state legislature in anticipation of the Akaka bill passing, so that the Office of Hawaiian Affairs portfolio will be worth more when transferred to the proposed Native Hawaiian Governing Entity. This is the sell-out deal that would follow in the immediate wake of the passage of the Akaka bill, if it makes it out of the US Senate. OHA is working in unison with the federal representatives; they have sold us out time and time again, and now reps are trying to work their way into becoming US recognized leaders of a Native Hawaiian Governing Entity under US domestic law. Or worse, it also works as a “plan B” scheme for OHA to work their way towards a global settlement with the state in case the federal bill fails again. OHA says it wants the “return” of the lands or compensation for the loss of the lands as a result of the overthrow and annexation. Unlawful sell-out!
Given that former Governor Ben Cayetano refused to allot the revenues according to the court ordered formula in the past, we have to ask why Governor Lingle is so willing now. Don’t forget that Lingle’s State Attorney General relentlessly continues to get the Hawai`i courts to affirm that the state has the right to sell our national lands. The Hawai`i Supreme Court’s order for an injunction to bar the sale of the land until claims are resolved has people focused on the stalled Akaka bill in Congress, which could create “a third party” to resolve claims on the ceded lands—but we already know who would constitute this so-called third party: the trustees of OHA.
Whenever any state government supports federal recognition of the indigenous peoples residing without the boundaries asserted by the state, we must ask why. What will the state government of Hawaii gain from passage of the Akaka bill? And why does the state support federal recognition in this case, when states almost always oppose the federal acknowledgement of Native Nations? It’s simple: because the state has a lot to gain—the 1.8 million acres of land to which the Hawaiian people and other descendants of citizens of the Hawaiian Kingdom still hold collective title. Even the US Apology Resolution passed by Congress in 1993 affirms that these are our national lands: “the indigenous Hawaiian people never directly relinquished their claims to their inherent sovereignty as a people or over their national lands to the United States, either through their monarchy or through a plebiscite or referendum.”
As everyone knows, and yet so many still want to deny, the Hawaiian Kingdom never ceded these lands to the provisional government, nor the so-called Republic of Hawai`i, nor to the US government. The new Republic seized these lands then ceded them to the US in 1898. The Hawaii Admission Act transferred them from federal to state control, then the Hawaii State Constitution asserted that the lands shall be: “held by the State as a public trust for native Hawaiians and the general public” (Article 7, Section 4). Different branches of the state can swap, scheme, and swindle, but those of us who hold true to our history of resistance to the US “annexation,” and our unabiding claim to nationhood under international law will hold fast and hold firm; we will not settle.
By J. Kehaulani Kauanui ⋅ February 12, 2008
http://www.hawaiistandard.com
Although the Honolulu dailies have been touting the recent settlement agreement between Governor Linda Lingle and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs as a “land and cash deal worth over $200 million dollars,” let’s be clear: this is no victory for the Hawaiian people. Because the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) and state had been in dispute over what the payments should be, and over which lands and what revenues are covered, OHA filed a lawsuit against the state that reached the Hawai’i Supreme Court. The state court instructed the state government to negotiate with the state agency of OHA. If the state legislation passes, the state government would continue to pay OHA about $15.1 million annually and transfer some lands from one arm of state to the other.
The whole thing is a charade! This recent maneuvering within the state is simply an attempt by OHA to collect as much from the state legislature in anticipation of the Akaka bill passing, so that the Office of Hawaiian Affairs portfolio will be worth more when transferred to the proposed Native Hawaiian Governing Entity. This is the sell-out deal that would follow in the immediate wake of the passage of the Akaka bill, if it makes it out of the US Senate. OHA is working in unison with the federal representatives; they have sold us out time and time again, and now reps are trying to work their way into becoming US recognized leaders of a Native Hawaiian Governing Entity under US domestic law. Or worse, it also works as a “plan B” scheme for OHA to work their way towards a global settlement with the state in case the federal bill fails again. OHA says it wants the “return” of the lands or compensation for the loss of the lands as a result of the overthrow and annexation. Unlawful sell-out!
Given that former Governor Ben Cayetano refused to allot the revenues according to the court ordered formula in the past, we have to ask why Governor Lingle is so willing now. Don’t forget that Lingle’s State Attorney General relentlessly continues to get the Hawai`i courts to affirm that the state has the right to sell our national lands. The Hawai`i Supreme Court’s order for an injunction to bar the sale of the land until claims are resolved has people focused on the stalled Akaka bill in Congress, which could create “a third party” to resolve claims on the ceded lands—but we already know who would constitute this so-called third party: the trustees of OHA.
Whenever any state government supports federal recognition of the indigenous peoples residing without the boundaries asserted by the state, we must ask why. What will the state government of Hawaii gain from passage of the Akaka bill? And why does the state support federal recognition in this case, when states almost always oppose the federal acknowledgement of Native Nations? It’s simple: because the state has a lot to gain—the 1.8 million acres of land to which the Hawaiian people and other descendants of citizens of the Hawaiian Kingdom still hold collective title. Even the US Apology Resolution passed by Congress in 1993 affirms that these are our national lands: “the indigenous Hawaiian people never directly relinquished their claims to their inherent sovereignty as a people or over their national lands to the United States, either through their monarchy or through a plebiscite or referendum.”
As everyone knows, and yet so many still want to deny, the Hawaiian Kingdom never ceded these lands to the provisional government, nor the so-called Republic of Hawai`i, nor to the US government. The new Republic seized these lands then ceded them to the US in 1898. The Hawaii Admission Act transferred them from federal to state control, then the Hawaii State Constitution asserted that the lands shall be: “held by the State as a public trust for native Hawaiians and the general public” (Article 7, Section 4). Different branches of the state can swap, scheme, and swindle, but those of us who hold true to our history of resistance to the US “annexation,” and our unabiding claim to nationhood under international law will hold fast and hold firm; we will not settle.
Friday, February 08, 2008
Federal Takeover Inevitable
Federal takeover inevitable
Guam Variety
Friday February 8, 2008
During the last two weeks, several historic milestones have evolved.
First, we witnessed the failed attempts of the Democratic eight majorities to wrest the Legislature's control by the six minorities.
Secondly, our delegate from Washington delivers her message on the "need for partnership with the federal government."
Thirdly, today's Variety Article (Feb. 7, 2008) "Guam left out of the loop on military buildup planning."
Perhaps, the three items appear unrelated to each other. The relevancy, however, is the matter of "timing." The clock is ticking loud, and no solution appears to be resolved.
The Legislative leadership's resolution does not appear on the horizon, and our delegate from Washington urged local-federal partnership, while the Feds work on the basis of the "need to know" --- negating the need for real partnership with the military buildup.
Having worked for the military as a civilian planner for several years, I learned that the military's mission function on Guam rest on the island's geographic location to serve our nation's defense interest.
This mission would be accomplished with or without the consent of the local population. And if, by circumstance, this benefits the locals, all is well, but not necessarily a contingent requirement.
Our delegate has repeatedly demonstrated this fact, through the several visitations of congressional delegations to Guam to primarily evaluate the capacity of the local military establishment, including the "scrapping of the CNMI Covenant with the U.S. Government" by the passage of the federalization law in CNMI, as part of the total military planning within our Asia-Pacific region.
The next apparent federal "targets" would be the FSM, Republic of Palau and Marshals. The eventual federal takeover is a matter of timing - it may not be in our time, but it will happen.
Joe T. San Agustin
Dededo, Guam
Guam Variety
Friday February 8, 2008
During the last two weeks, several historic milestones have evolved.
First, we witnessed the failed attempts of the Democratic eight majorities to wrest the Legislature's control by the six minorities.
Secondly, our delegate from Washington delivers her message on the "need for partnership with the federal government."
Thirdly, today's Variety Article (Feb. 7, 2008) "Guam left out of the loop on military buildup planning."
Perhaps, the three items appear unrelated to each other. The relevancy, however, is the matter of "timing." The clock is ticking loud, and no solution appears to be resolved.
The Legislative leadership's resolution does not appear on the horizon, and our delegate from Washington urged local-federal partnership, while the Feds work on the basis of the "need to know" --- negating the need for real partnership with the military buildup.
Having worked for the military as a civilian planner for several years, I learned that the military's mission function on Guam rest on the island's geographic location to serve our nation's defense interest.
This mission would be accomplished with or without the consent of the local population. And if, by circumstance, this benefits the locals, all is well, but not necessarily a contingent requirement.
Our delegate has repeatedly demonstrated this fact, through the several visitations of congressional delegations to Guam to primarily evaluate the capacity of the local military establishment, including the "scrapping of the CNMI Covenant with the U.S. Government" by the passage of the federalization law in CNMI, as part of the total military planning within our Asia-Pacific region.
The next apparent federal "targets" would be the FSM, Republic of Palau and Marshals. The eventual federal takeover is a matter of timing - it may not be in our time, but it will happen.
Joe T. San Agustin
Dededo, Guam
Monday, February 04, 2008
Feds Wants Dandan Work to Start Now
Feds want Dandan work to start now
by Mindy Aguon,
KUAM NewsMonday, February 04, 2008
Start work on the Dandan landfill immediately - that's the latest message from the feds to the local government. Urging the expediting of construction of the first cell at the Dandan site, the feds also expressed the need for the Department of Public Works to acquire a project engineer to finalize the designs for construction of the landfill and closure of the dump which they maintain could be completed within three months.The feds are also pushing for the construction of access roads at Dandan as well as the start of the procurement for the design/build/finance agreement with a contractor to have selection by July 1. The Government of Guam will file a reply by February 21.
by Mindy Aguon,
KUAM NewsMonday, February 04, 2008
Start work on the Dandan landfill immediately - that's the latest message from the feds to the local government. Urging the expediting of construction of the first cell at the Dandan site, the feds also expressed the need for the Department of Public Works to acquire a project engineer to finalize the designs for construction of the landfill and closure of the dump which they maintain could be completed within three months.The feds are also pushing for the construction of access roads at Dandan as well as the start of the procurement for the design/build/finance agreement with a contractor to have selection by July 1. The Government of Guam will file a reply by February 21.
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