New Political Status Options

FRIDAY, 01 OCTOBER 2010 04:23 BY THERESE HART | VARIETY NEWS

A bill funding an education program to enable Guam to explore other political status options is now headed to the president’s desk after the U.S. Congress passed the amended version of H.R. 3940 that Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo sponsored.

Guam has been an unincorporated territory of the United States since 1950.

The U.S. House and the Senate passed on Tuesday the bill which had since been transmitted to President Barack Obama.

Bordallo said the Obama administration supports her bill. So did other federal and local officials, including cause-oriented groups and decolonization and indigenous rights advocates on island.

“I look forward to President Obama signing the bill into law. As soon as it becomes law I will request Assistant Secretary Tony Babauta to follow Congressional intent and provide federal funds to Guam for a political status education program,” she said in a statement.

Bordallo introduced the bill on Oct. 27, 2009 and originally passed the full House of Representatives on Dec. 7, 2009 by voice vote.

On Tuesday, the House passed the amended version by a vote of 386 ayes to 5 noes. The Senate passed the amended measure by unanimous consent late Tuesday.

"The passage of this bill by the Senate and the House recognizes the importance of political self-determination for the people of Guam. The bill makes it clear that the Secretary of the Interior has the authority and should provide federal funding for political status education for a future self-determination vote,” said Bordallo.

Speaker Judi Won Pat said she’s happy to learn that the bill passed Congress but raised concern on funding issue.

“Of course, we're very happy. My concern here is the funding. I believe that $300,000 to fund this education program was identified at one time. However, according to the Commission on Decolonization, they said it would cost at least $500,000 and so, if we get $300,000, it's shy of what we're going to need,” she told the Variety.

With the military buildup progressing, the speaker said: “It’s important that we do a thorough, extensive education program on self determination on the different choices that we have. We really need to do a good job on this one.”

Firing Range

In related news, Bordallo also questioned Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn on the proposed firing range location on Guam during a House Armed Services Committee hearing.

“I urged Secretary Lynn and the Department of Defense to strongly consider proposed alternatives to Marine training requirements like moving the proposed firing range to Tinian or using existing DoD lands on Guam,” the congresswoman said.

The House Armed Services Committee held two hearings in September and another will be held on Oct. 1, Washington time, on H.R. 5136 or the National Defense Authorization Act which will appropriate funds for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for the fiscal year and for other purposes.

The bill mentioned Guam and the Committee’s commitment to the international agreement between Japan and the United States, including the movement of Marine Corps forces to Guam.

“This bill includes several key provisions to assist in a smooth implementation of this strategic realignment, including allowing the administration to spend up to $500 million to provide community infrastructure on Guam to support this move and a process to unify the utility systems on the island,” according to the bill.

Bordallo expressed her belief that acquiring additional land on Guam for a firing range is unlikely and that, in order to get the military build-up done right, all other options be considered.

Lynn stated that the DoD will examine alternatives to the proposed firing range location, including a location on Tinian, and agreed that a resolution beneficial to the civilian and military community must be reached.

“I appreciate the DoD's willingness to seriously consider other alternatives for the proposed firing range location and I will continue to work with my colleagues and stakeholders on this important issue,” added Bordallo.

Bordallo addresses people of Guam

Bordallo addresses people of Guam

Posted: Feb 16, 2010 7:27 PM
Updated: Feb 17, 2010 9:05 AM

by Sabrina Salas Matanane

*Madeleine Bordallo's Congressional Address
http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/gu00_bordallo/congressional_address.html

Guam - Serving her fourth term in office, Guam Delegate Madeleine Bordallo delivered her annual Congressional Report on issues she has been working on over the last year as well as projects she is currently working on or will work on in the future. Here is a summary of the issues she touched on in her address before the Guam Legislature Tuesday evening:

* Bordallo discussed the issue of War Reparations and how she is pushing for its inclusion in this year's National Defense Bill.
* She plans to request increase funding for Compact Impact
* She will assist DOE in getting help from USDOE to resolve its funding crisis

The biggest chunk of her address was dedicated to the military buildup and the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Bordallo listed off six areas of concern:

1. The Navy's Plans to acquire more land for the buildup: Bordallo said she will challenge the Navy to conduct the buildup within its existing footprint

2. Proposed Firing Ranges in Pagat and Sasayan: Bordallo said she is opposed to eminent domain and will ask the navy to re-evaluate the use of Naval Magazine as well as training ranges in Tinian as an alternative.

3. Air Craft Carrier Berthing: Bordallo plans to challenge the Navy to identify other alternatives that will minimize coral damage and take advantage are Kilo or Delta Wharves.

4. Lack of Financial Commitment from the Federal Government to fund civilian infrastructure projects: Bordallo is calling on the Navy to address this issue in a serious manner.

5. Lack of comprehensive housing for guest workers and providing healthcare needs in a manner that does not further overwhelm the island's infrastructure and healthcare system.

6. Socio-Economic Impact: Bordallo said the DEIS portion must be completely re-written in order to truly address the socio-economic impacts of the buildup.

The Congresswoman, meanwhile, said she supports the Governor's efforts to extend the construction timeline for the buildup. She said that in her comments she will submit on the Draft EIS she will request the Navy to provide a more realistic timeline and adjust the EIS analysis to reflect a realistic construction phase of eight to ten years.

In closing Bordallo mentioned President Barack Obama's upcoming visit next month which will give him an opportunity to hear the island's concerns. She ended by thanking the people of Guam and also recognized the men and women from Guam who are currently serving in harm's way in the Middle East.

Senators to meet with Webb

Senators to meet with Webb

Wednesday, 17 February 2010 03:29
by Therese Hart | Variety News Staff

SENATOR Jim Webb from Virginia, who is on a weeklong tour of Japan and Guam, will meet with Guam lawmakers on Thursday.

In Japan, Webb said he was open to hearing options on how to resolve the dispute over the relocation of the Futenma Marine air base in Okinawa.

The situation has become a contentious issue with the U.S. government and the new Japanese government, which has put a hold on plans to move Futenma air base on Nago, the southern island of Okinawa.

Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has said he will make a decision on Futenma by May.

Speaker Judi Won Pat said lawmakers will share with Webb their concerns regarding the draft environmental impact statement, as well as the U.S. not providing any funding to assist Guam in preparing for the military buildup which includes strengthening its infrastructure, the building of new schools to mitigate the already overcrowded facilities, the U.S. proposed firing range, the dredging of Apra Harbor, eminent domain, and the true overall sentiments of the people regarding the buildup.

Won Pat said with the recent fact-finding mission by a Japanese delegation to Guam, Japanese officials now have a clear picture of the reality of the buildup and the financial burden the government of Guam must carry. Won Pat said she was assured by Diet members that the information gathered will be carried back to Japan and told.

Won Pat said she hopes Webb will be open to lawmakers’ concerns and that he too will bring back these issues to his colleagues in Washington.

Webb has traveled to Okinawa in the last 40 years, first as a Marine during the Vietnam War and later as a U.S. defense planner and government official. He is a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee.

Governor's Final State of the Island Address Filled With Surprises

Governor's Final State of the Island Address Filled With Surprises

Monday, 15 February 2010

Guam - After nearly completing eight years in office Governor Felix Camacho gave his last state of the island address Monday morning..

While he looked back on his past accomplishments Camacho also looked to the future as he spoke about the military buildup and how it would affect the lives of everyone on Guam. Governor Felix Camacho began his last state of the island address with a reflection on the past recalling how he first took the oath of office by candelight.

Camacho took the reigns of GovGuam almost immediately after typhoon Pongsona ripped through the island. He dealt with the economic recession in Asia and the aftermath of 9/11. It was not a time of prosperity. This is why the governor spoke proudly of how his administration and his family helped him turn tragedy into triumph.

He listed off the many accomplishments of his administration saying "Through municipal leasing we build Okkodo High, Astumbo Middle, Liguan and Adacao Elementary schools when people said we couldn'." He also spoke of the millions of dollars worth of construction his administration has undertaken to improve roads expand airport runways and improve water and wastewater. He said "Today our water is the cleanest and safest it's been in decades."

The Govenor also dropped a few bombshells talking about issues that would've seemed unlikely to come out of his mouth during his first term as governor. For example he spoke about the reunification of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands. He also spoke candidly about the military buildup saying it was imperative that it be done properly. He said "First the federal government must commit to fund the government of Guam's buildup needs" He also said that the buildup timeline must be extended beyond 2014 and called upon the Department of Defense to re-evaluate their plans and placement of the firing range and proposed dredging of Apra Harbor. He said "I will not support the condemnation of our Ancestral or Chamorro Land Trust Properties."

Finally, he spoke about something that if done could grant him a solid spot in the anals of Guam history. Before dropping this final bom he said "Okay here we go, this is Legacy time". The governor was referring to his propossal to change the name of Guam to Guahan. Guahan is a name many believe to be the original name of Guam.

Written by : Clynt Ridgell

Holiday cleanup shows Pagat some love

Holiday cleanup shows Pagat some love

By Amritha Alladi • Pacific Daily News • February 15, 2010

They could have been at home enjoying breakfast in bed with their sweethearts.

Instead, they came bearing trash bags to show some love for their island.
The Guam Boonie Stompers Association and We Are Guåhan arranged a hike and cleanup of the trail to Pagat Caves yesterday.

According to the two groups, the hike was more than just an opportunity to inform the public on how the area will be affected as a result of the military buildup. It also was a demonstration of the different groups of people who care about their island.

"One of the things I do know is growing up here, every weekend there are a lot of formal hikes organized and which are led, and usually a very specific demographic goes on those," said Desiree Ventura of We Are Guåhan.

"With me and my friends and family, I know that sometimes we just roll down in groups of ones or twos or threes and we don't really get to see the other groups of people who enjoy it," she said. "So there's a big misconception about who's using it, and I thought this was a great opportunity to show that we all value it, and we can all take care of it and work together."

The Pagat caves once were a source of fresh water to ancient Chamorro villages and are now one of the few places on island where residents and tourists may view ancient pottery, lusongs and latte stones dating back over 3,500 years, according to the two organizations.

But access to the caves may soon be limited if the Defense Department places a firing range on part of it -- one of the options outlined in the department's draft Environmental Impact Statement on the military buildup.

That's one of the reasons 45-year-old Roy Geary of Tamuning was out cleaning the trail on his way down to the caves yesterday. He hadn't visited them before but had always wanted to, he said.

"This is kind of like payment for the hike," said Geary, as he stacked wood strewn across the trail into a pickup truck.

Sonny Cruz, 41, of Sinajana said it was his first trip to the caves as well. He hadn't been to the Pagat caves before and wanted to explore them with his kids while he still had a chance.

In response to those who may have said it's too late to be cleaning up the trail now -- just as access is on the cusp of being restricted -- Cruz said he feels the cleanup hike actually demonstrates local residents' desire to keep their natural sites clean and that they do care about it.

"I guess they want to do this to try and clean it up and show that we're trying to take care of this area so that they can keep doing their boonie stomps," he said.
Plus, according to Dave Lotz, a hiker with the Guam Boonie Stompers, this isn't the first time his group has orchestrated a beautification project like this.

"The Guam Boonie Stompers has had an interest in the Pagat Cave area for some time and has been doing regular cleanups on the island," he said.

"We've cleaned up the area, trying to concentrate on the trash in the cave area and also in (the) Chamorro village, but with increased usage and with illegal dumping, we feel we need to make a major community effort to cleaning up the area that goes through one of our major cultural assets on the island," Lotz said. "(It's) certainly received increased attention with the possibility that this could be closed due to the military buildup, and we just want to show that there's community support for this, which is what we're seeing right now on a Sunday morning."

In the meantime, the Guam Preservation Trust is trying to get Pagat on a list of the the country's Most Endangered Historic Properties, a designation program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which could possibly prevent the Defense Department from constructing the firing range there.

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.

We Are Guahan leading Pagat cleanup

We Are Guahan leading Pagat cleanup

Posted: Feb 12, 2010 6:18 PM PST
by Michele Catahay

Guam - The We Are Guahan Coalition is inviting the public to take part in a cleanup for Valentines Day tomorrow at the Pagat Caves in Mangilao. Coalition member Victoria "Lola" Leon Guerrero says because it's a day to celebrate love, the group decided to show to others how much they love their land and that cleaning it up will benefit the people of Guam.

The organization is partnering up with the Guam Boonie Stompers. "We really are doing this in direct response to a quote from a JGPO official that says if they put a firing range there, that they will actually clean up the site and we want to show them that we can clean up our own land and that we don't want Pagat to turn into a firing range and we want to appreciate the ancient Chamorro villages, the fresh water caves and that's also what we'll be doing tomorrow as well. After the clean up, everyone that shows up we'll go down to the caves and swim and just enjoy the beauty of the area and pay tribute to the historic significance of it."

The group is scheduled to meet at the trail at the back road to Andersen AFB at around 9am tomorrow morning.

Students sound off on DEIS

Students sound off on DEIS

Posted: Feb 10, 2010 2:23 PM
Updated: Feb 10, 2010 6:49 PM

by Michele Catahay

Guam - Guam has until next Wednesday to comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Students plan to voice their concerns about a number of issues that will affect them come 2014.

Several Okkodo High School students recently participated in a "Youth Speak" event where experts spoke about the potential impacts of the move of 8,000 U.S. Marines from Okinawa to Guam. Today, these students spoke before their peers about their own concerns.

Jeremy Denusta says he's most worried about the Department of Defense's plans to dredge at Apra Harbor to make way for a transient aircraft carrier berthing. He says because Apra Harbor is home to many forms of marine life, he isn't in support of it. "I really care about all of those stuff. Marine life is precious, so we're removing all of the coral there. It's like you're taking away the homes all of the fish. So they can't do that. I wouldn't want them to do that," he said.

Students also raised concerns about the military's plans to use lands in Umatac, Marbo Cave and Pagat to build training stations and firing ranges. Megan Borja says she would hate to have these pristine areas taken away from the people, telling KUAM News, "When they said they were going to use Marbo Cave as a firing range, that was like an insult because they're just going to be blowing all their bullets in there, you know?"

Christina Vasquez told her fellow students that they need to get involved since most of the decisions made will affect them and their families, saying, "Who plans to live here? and build their houses and raise their children? You will be dealing with every single issue that we speak about. The dredging, the landfill, the wastewater, the sewage, the animals. We won't have fish," she said.

Guam Coastal Management Program Outreach Coordinator Tammy Jo Taft says her presentations have allowed students to speak about these impacts in hopes for the youth to comment on the Draft EIS. "The point is to encourage students to comment because students are the generation that will inherit the decisions in the Draft EIS. The point is to help them find a voice and to help them comment on this process," she said.

The island has until next week to comment on the EIS. Taft says while many adults have attended public testimonies and submitted responses, she says the youth need to do so, too. "Most of the students that are in high school, by the time the buildup takes place they're going to be the young adults out in out community looking for jobs, starting families and these are the people that are going to be impacted the most because they have the longest time to spend on this island and deal with the changes that are happening," she said.

DEIS gives rise to a new breed of local advocates

DEIS gives rise to a new breed of local advocates

Wednesday, 10 February 2010 04:03
by Zita Y. Taitano | Variety News Staff


A new voice to reckon with

THE draft environmental impact statement, released to the public in November, sparked a wide array of concerns and serious inquiries from residents and activists. It also gave rise to a new group of advocates for local issues who have immediately made their mark in the community.

Known as We Are Guahan, the coalition is comprised of individuals from various ethnic backgrounds. They are people who were either born and raised on Guam or those who now call the island their home.

But group members Melvin Won Pat Borja and Victoria Leon Guerrero said they don’t want the group to be portrayed as “activists.”

“That’s admirable but to say We Are Guahan is an activist group is inaccurate; we stray away from activism. Our goal is to inform; our goal is to unite,” said Leon Guerrero.

Borja said their intention is simply to be educated on the document, read it and then comment on it. “I think that if we see what the plan is really about, the more informed we are,” he said.

Genesis

Borja said the group actually started out with a bunch of friends who wanted to dissect the draft environmental impact statement in order to understand what is really being said in the 11,000-page document.

From there, the group set up at various venues to promote residents to learn more about the draft study. That was the goal of the Guam Music Festival held last December at the Paseo Stadium.

Information campaign

Leon Guerrero and other members including Monaeka De Oro informed individuals they met about the document and passed out flyers on the effects the buildup would have on Guam.

When the hearings began, the group took a few steps further and spoke out against the buildup. They set up tables and posters pinpointing sections of the draft study. Among the posters that were on displayed was the name of the coalition.

“We felt the community really needed to be informed. We couldn’t be voiceless,” Leon Guerrero said.

They organized a hike to Pagat, where the military plans to build a firing range.

“We kind of switched gears and became more active in speaking out on these issues,” Leon Guerrero said.

From there, We Are Guahan was born.

Diverse group

Kara Flores Mays speaks before a crowd on board the Atlantis Submarine prior to Sunday’s snorkeling trip to Apra Harbor’s Western Shoals, where the military plans dredging activities to accommodate more military vessels.

Leon Guerrero said the group, which has about 5,000 members, started with members aged between 20s and 30s. The group membership has since expanded to a wider spectrum.

“It’s really a diverse group,” Leon Guerrero said.

The group also includes biologists, educators and social workers, who are helping in the dissection of the huge draft report.

“That’s what’s cool about We are Guahan. We are all inclusive,” Leon Guerrero said. “We welcome all perspectives and for people who are part of this island, who have been part on this island and want to be part of this island in the future.”

Veteran activists

We Are Guahan has received high praises from veteran activists including Josephine Jackson, Danny “Pagat” Jackson, Hope Cristobal and Trini Torres.

“I give them kudos. I’m very proud of what they’re doing,” said Josephine Jackson, a member of the Taotaomona Rights Group and Nasion Chamoru. “We want our youth to go out. I’m so glad that they did this that they came out to speak out on the draft impact report.”

She explained that the younger activists made it easier for manamkos such as herself to understand the draft study.

For more information about We Are Guahan, residents can log onto their website at www.weareguahan.com.

Hikers to mark love day in Pagat Caves

Hikers to mark love day in Pagat Caves

Tuesday, 09 February 2010 03:34
Variety News Staff

(GBM/WAG) -- The Guam Boonie Stompers and the We are Guahan organization are leading the public in a free-of-charge Valentines Day hike and effort to beautify Pagat Caves on Feb. 14.

On the popular holiday associated with romance, the coordinating organizations are encouraging residents to show love to their island and enjoy the diverse collection of individuals in support of efforts in the island's best interest.

Located on Guam's eastern coast, Pagat caves is one of Guam's most significant historical sites. The caves once provided fresh water to ancient Chamorro villages and is one of the few places on island where residents and tourists may view ancient pottery, lusongs and lattes dating back over 3,500 years.

While organized hikes are often led to the caves, local families and individuals also frequent the site in less formal groups to enjoy the water and take part in one of the many activities that make life on Guam unique. The joint effort to organize the clean-up seeks to provide an opportunity for education, constructive action and friendship.

The draft environmental impact statement plans identify the recreation spot and cultural site as an area needed to accommodate a Marine firing range, which would restrict both civilian and non-civilian access to the site.

Currently, the Guam Preservation Trust is advocating to have Pagat included on the list of the country's most endangered places. Many worry that the presence of a firing range will damage the ancient artifacts, injure efforts to preserve and share Chamorro culture with locals and visitors and will further limit options for outdoor recreation.

Those interested in attending the clean-up are asked to meet at 9 o'clock am, in front of the trail entrance on Route 15 (immediately North of the Anderson South gate).

Hikers and volunteers should bring their own cleaning materials, such as trash bags, gloves or tools. Clean-up organizers welcome volunteers capable of providing trucks, backhoes or equipment that could assist volunteers in removing larger materials.

Those who would like to provide trucks or backhoes in order to remove larger pieces of debris are asked to contact Dave Lotz of the Guam Boonie Stomper's association for additional details. All attending are asked to bring water, appropriate shoes, gloves, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a snack and swimming attire.

Hike seeks to beautify Pagat Caves

Hike seeks to beautify Pagat Caves

Posted: Feb 08, 2010 3:31 PM
Updated: Feb 08, 2010 3:31 PM

by Heather Hauswirth

Guam - Guam Boonie Stompers and We Are Guahan will be holding a Valentines Day hike and effort to beautify Pagat Caves on Sunday, February 14. According to organizers, the event is an effort to provide education, constructive action and friendship.

Pagat Caves is a beloved recreation spot and cultural site that could potentially be used to accommodate a firing range. The Guam Preservation Trust is attempting to have Pagat included on the list of the nation's most endangered places.

The cleanup will be held on Sunday at 9 in the morning in front of trail entrance on Route 15.

Southern residents testify about DEIS

Southern residents testify about DEIS

Posted: Jan 31, 2010 4:24 PM
Updated: Jan 31, 2010 4:24 PM

by Michele Catahay

Guam - Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo hosted a couple of town hall meetings this afternoon to receive public testimony on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Southern residents testified at the Agat Community Center about issues ranging from traffic congestion, the lack of schools and hospitals needed for the buildup, as well as the socioeconomic issues that could potentially impact the island.

Santa Rita resident Tom Barcinas says while the United States needs the island and Guam needs the U.S., there are still issues. He says Chamorros currently make up 46% of the population, and that number is expected to decrease to 31%. In addition, lands could also be acquired by the military.

"The federal government owns about one-third of the island with requirements for more space for construction of a firing range, and trail up Mount Lam Lam for other purposes," said Barcinas. "It's sad to think that the people of Guam will be a minority in their own land."

Chamber opposes land condemnation

Chamber opposes land condemnation

By Dionesis Tamondong • Pacific Daily News • January 28, 2010

The Guam Chamber of Commerce is opposed to the U.S. military condemning land it needs for its military expansion around the island, the group's board chairman said during its meeting yesterday.

David John, president of ASC Trust Corp., said he wanted to clear misconceptions in the community that the business organization supported everything about the buildup, including the possibility for land condemnations.

The Department of Defense plans to build a new Marine Corps base in Dededo and transfer about 8,000 Marines and their 9,000 dependents from Okinawa to Guam.

The military also plans to acquire land in Yigo and Mangilao to build a firing range there, and to obtain other properties around the island.

John said the Chamber has assembled a committee to review each volume of the draft Environmental Impact Statement, which explains the military's buildup proposals and how they will affect the island.

He said the Chamber plans to submit comments by the Feb. 18 deadline, Guam time.

Draft EIS on military buildup made easier to understand

Draft EIS on military buildup made easier to understand

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Residents have only a few days left to submit comments on the draft Environmental Impact Statement by the Feb. 17 deadline. But the public forum held yesterday by the Military Integration Management Committee helped residents and agencies understand more the $15- to $20-billion military buildup in Guam and Tinian, to make it easier for them to comment on the draft EIS.

Gary Kuwabara and Rick Solander from the Office of Economic Adjustment, along with members of the Guam Advisory Consulting Team, including Matrix Design vice presidents Celeste Werner and Gary Hrapla, and Loretta Lujan of M2D2, made a presentation yesterday about the highlights of the military buildup.

The group also answered questions from some of the 45 people that showed up at the Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe yesterday morning.

The group was able to break down the estimated 11,000 pages of draft EIS to hundreds of pages of documents for CNMI and Guam residents.

Brochures containing summaries and highlights of the buildup were also distributed at the forum.

“You could get a very good overview inside, into the draft EIS. Basically you'd be able to take away what's being proposed what are the alternatives considered by the military, and what are perceived to be the major impacts associated with those preferred actions, and what they've identified that need to be mitigated, what types of mitigation measures they might propose to reduce the impacts,” said Hrapla.

Hrapla encouraged residents to visit the Web site, www.one.guam.gov for more information about the buildup.

Residents can also access the draft EIS at www.guambuildupeis.us.

The CNMI government, through MIMC, has been working on consolidating government agency comments on the draft EIS.

An internal MIMC deadline for these draft comments is set for Feb. 9.

As with the public hearings held by the U.S. military earlier this month, residents yesterday voiced their concerns with the buildup, as well as their support or opposition to the massive project. Residents have been weighing the pros and cons of the U.S. Department of Defense project, which includes military training ranges on Tinian.

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

Tinian is only about 100 miles or 160 kilometers away from Guam.

The northern two-thirds of Tinian are leased to the U.S. Department of Defense. Company and battalion level non-live fire training areas already exist and are used on these lease parcels.

“The land, however, could be developed to accommodate live fire ranges,” the draft EIS/OES stated.

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

The relocation of Marines from Okinawa to Guam will start in the next couple of years and estimates currently show Guam’s population to increase by 35,000 people. This realignment will substantially impact the community and infrastructure on Guam as well as provide economic opportunities throughout the region. (Saipan Tribune)

Agriculture groups have DEIS briefing

Agriculture groups have DEIS briefing

Posted: Jan 27, 2010 2:08 PM
Updated: Jan 27, 2010 2:08 PM

by Michele Catahay

Guam - A Draft Environmental Impact Statement briefing was held this morning with the Legislative Natural Resources Committee. The hearing provided an opportunity for officials with the Guam Fishermen's Co-Op, the Guam Organization of Saltwater and Anglers, the Guam Farmer's Co-Op and the Department of Agriculture to voice the concerns they have with the plans in the DEIS.

Fisherman's Co-Op President Manny Duenas expressed his disappointment with the military's plans to use the eastern side of the island for their firing range. "How you going to tell fishermen to keep out of that zone when fishermen go to the eastern side of the island, that's a safety issue. So that means that zone either has to be constantly closed and prohibited access or somebody's going to have to stand out there with a military boat to tell the fishermen you can't pass through or you can't fish in this zone, we're operating," he said.

Legislature's public hearings on DEIS start today

Legislature's public hearings on DEIS start today

By Laura Matthews • Pacific Daily News • January 25, 2010

The first of the Legislature's weeklong public hearings on the draft Environmental Impact Statement begins today from 4 to 9 p.m.

All the hearings will be held at the Legislature building in Hagåtña.

These hearings will give residents another opportunity to learn about the military buildup and submit their comments before the Feb. 17 deadline.

All comments on the document will be taken into consideration and could affect what actions the military conducts on the island in order to prepare for the arrival of the 8,000 Marines and their dependents.

The draft EIS was released on Nov. 20 for public viewing and has vital information on how every aspect of life on Guam will change during the military buildup.

The Department of the Navy is preparing the draft to assess the potential environmental effects associated with the proposed military activities. The Navy is the lead agency for preparation of the draft EIS.

The Defense Department -- in preparing for the relocation of the Marines from Okinawa to Guam -- will need to provide them with a firing range for practice. Additionally, with an increase in aircraft activities, there will be more noise on the island.

The proposed actions are complex, multiservice projects involving components of the U.S. Marine Corps, Navy and Army, according to the Department of Defense. Each volume in the nine-volume draft EIS evaluates a discrete portion of the proposed actions.

"Don't be afraid to come because you're not familiar with the 11,000 pages. Just come and tell us what your thinking is, and we'll translate it into the proper format," Sen. Judith Guthertz advised residents last week.

Guthertz is the chairwoman of the legislative Committee on the Guam Military Buildup.

Since the start of the year, numerous public buildup hearings have been held by both the Defense Department and local bodies.

Gov. Felix Camacho held two presentations last week where his Advisory Consultant Team broke down the thousands of pages in the draft EIS into simple language for residents within the two-hour periods.

Residents were taught how to write "action" comments that will generate a response from the Defense Department.

The team also highlighted the major developments proposed by the military that will forever change the shape of Guam. The approximately 80,000 off-islanders to come to Guam by 2014 to occupy the jobs from the buildup, will affect all of Guam's sectors such as utilities, public safety and health services.

Firing range key to buildup: Raceway may not need to move

Firing range key to buildup: Raceway may not need to move

By Brett Kelman • Pacific Daily News • January 23, 2010

A plan to build a small-arms firing range on Guam's northeast coast has been one of the most commonly protested components of the coming military buildup, but it is also one of the most essential.

There is no buildup without a firing range, retired Marine Corps Col. John Jackson, director of the Joint Guam Program Office, said yesterday.

None of the existing ranges on Guam could be expanded to handle 8,500 Marines and the military's original plan to put a firing range on military property by Double Reef was shot down by the public, he said.

But Marines who transfer to Guam in the next few years will need a place to maintain their skill and certification with weapons, Jackson said. The Pagat area is the only suitable place left, according to the draft Environmental Impact Statement.
Regardless, some of the loudest voices against the buildup during the last two months have been opposed to the military's plans for this land.

Some of these conflicts -- including the relocation of the Guam International Raceway -- may be resolved, Jackson said. Others, such as concerns about access to Pagat Cave, are misunderstandings, he said.

Raceway

When racers arrived at the raceway last night, buildup protesters were waiting for them.

GovGuam has invested about $7.3 million in the Guam International Raceway since it was built on Chamorro Land Trust land in 2001, but the draft EIS states that the raceway must be relocated.

Joe Naputi Jr., who has been volunteering his time as track manager for about four years, said many volunteers have worked hard to detour illegal drag racing onto the legal track.

"We spent a lot of money already to build this racetrack and we don't know if we have enough money to go and build another one elsewhere," he said.

Even if the military offers to pay for a replacement track of equal value somewhere else, it won't be the same place volunteers have poured their lives into, Naputi said.

Although the military's original plan for the firing range does require the raceway to move, this might change, Jackson said.

He said the Department of Defense is looking for a way to reorganize the gunfire trajectories and safety zones in the firing range so the raceway can stay put without Marines endangering each other.

It is possible the range and the raceway will become neighbors, he said.
Last night, Naputi said this possibility was a step in the right direction, but he wonders if racers would be safe next door to a firing range.

He also said the Department of Defense's indecisiveness didn't inspire a lot of confidence, and asked if it was that easy to change the plan, what is to stop them from changing it back?

"Which one is it?" Naputi said. "They are changing things left and right and we want to know the real truth. It's kind of senseless to tell us you are going to move us out of the way and then later on (say) we are neighbors. That's two different stories."

Opportunity

If the firing range is an essential part of the buildup, then protesters must realize they are objecting to a lot of new jobs, tax dollars and opportunity. Guam can't have one without the other, Carl Peterson said yesterday.

Peterson is a member of the Guam Chamber of Commerce board of directors who has high hopes for the buildup. He said many of the "emotional" protests to the firing range aren't worth jeopardizing the economic boom of the buildup.

Guam needs this, he said.

"We are in debt up to our ears and this income is going to help us (pay off) that debt," he said.

Peterson said the simplest benefit from the buildup will be additional tax dollars, which will help improve the troubled state of Guam's schools, health care and roads.
If the buildup brings $15 billion in spending to the island, GovGuam will make $600,000 from the gross receipts tax alone, he said.

After that, the federal government will dump tax dollars from the mainland into Guam's civilian roadways and infrastructure. And if GovGuam and the military share the island's new landfill, trash service will cost less for everyone.

These are just some of the benefits the buildup could bring, he said.

If there were no buildup, Guam would have to rely on a fading tourism industry and the future will be dark, he said. Japan's aging population is traveling less and competition from cheaper destinations -- such as Singapore and Bangkok -- is strong.

"In the long term, without additional investment of capital from the buildup, it can only mean our standard of living goes down," Peterson said.

Conflicts

If the Guam International Raceway doesn't have to move, some of the civilians who object to the firing range will be satisfied.

But there are still more conflicts out there.

•Cultural activists, such as Joe Quinata of the Guam Preservation Trust, have taken steps to draw national attention to the plight of the Pagat area, where the remains of an ancient Chamorro village are buried;

•Landowners such as Gloria Nelson have said they want to keep their land and the military should not be confident it can be bought; and

•Hikers such as Dave Lotz have said the public deserves access to natural beauties such as Pagat Cave.

Yesterday, Jackson said anyone who wants access to Pagat Cave will be able to during the 13 weeks a year when the firing range is not in use, and that it might be open to the public some weekends too.

This is "not very well articulated" in the draft EIS, he said.

The document suggests Pagat Cave will be off limits all the time, but this was never the plan, Jackson said.

Limited access may actually help protect the cave and the cultural remains, he said.

"There won't be any of the destructive activity going on down there that takes place today. I don't know if you've been down there, but there is a lot of trash down there," Jackson said. "... We would have people that would go down there to make sure it is kept clean."

PNC :: DEIS "Comment Drive" At Yigo Raceway Friday Night

PNC :: DEIS "Comment Drive" At Yigo Raceway Friday Night

Wednesday, January 20, 2010


Guam - The "We Are Guam" Coalition is sponsoring what they're calling a "Comment Drive" at the Yigo Raceway Park this Friday evening.

In a release, they point out that in "the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), the Department of Defense plans to use the Yigo Raceway Park for a Marine firing range. If this were to occur, the island will lose a tremendous recreational and community resource."

In opposition to the possibility, "We Are Guahan", The Drag Racing Association and the Guam Racing Federation have launched a campaign called “Don’t Shoot Our Race Track” to educate the community about the park and empower them to prevent its condemnation.

Their so called "DEIS comment drive" happens this Friday at the Yigo Raceway Park starting at 7 pm and lasting until midnight.

They state: "The Yigo Raceway Park has been an important recreational space for the people of Guåhan. Not only has it kept our highways safe by providing a track for racers who would have otherwise turned to illegal (and dangerous) drag racing, it has also given youth and young adults a place to go on a Friday night. Most Friday nights, the Park attracts 1,000 to 2,500 people."

The groups say their aim is to show the community the wonderful activities and entertainment provided at the park, and to solicit comments on the DEIS.

For More Information: Call George Lujan at 969-5443, email action@weareguahan.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , visit www.weareguahan.com

Written by : Kevin Kerrigan

Latest DEIS hearing in Yigo

Latest DEIS hearing in Yigo

Posted: Jan 11, 2010 10:52 PM PST
by Nick Delgado

Guam - As the military begins to wrap up their public hearings on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, residents it seems are just getting started raising their voices against the proposed military buildup.

"Do you see what they are doing? This is exactly like recruiting," said Jason Ray Tedtaotao. "They use forums and persuasion, we see benefits and temptation, but the thought of our future should cause us hesitation, it should make us ask questions. Like why are the people who call this land home, the same people up here giving reasons for you not to take it."

Tempers were high for most who provided input on the DEIS, specifically on the military's plans to acquire more land for the Marine relocation. Residents expressed disappointment, saying the military should rather build inside the existing base. That was the argument presented by Sasayan Valley landowner Gloria Nelson.

She said, "There is only my decision that you will find another place that you already own to have your firing range, throw grenades and dump your toxic waste on. There is no compromise because this is not about money. There is no market value for something that is not on the market."

Nelson says she will continue to say no when it comes to the military asking for land to accommodate the buildup. She also argues the one Guam slogan as she feels that the DEIS is not a unified document. While some use the words "a dumb deal" when describing the DEIS, Senator Ben Pangelinan says the federal government from the beginning has purposely given wrong and misdirected information on the buildup.

"If General [David] Bice says we decided to move the firing range from Finegayan because you told us you don't want us shooting at you tourists and at your fishermen, and we're listening to you. Well, listen to me General Bice: I don't want you desecrating those ancestral burial grounds, I don't want you bombing and shooting spirits of ancestors that rest in Pagat. Listen, listen, listen," he said.

But out of the bunch who testified against the buildup, resident Mark Sablan says he is in favor of the Marines relocation as the island is in need of more skilled and educated workers. "Let's go ahead and raise the opportunity and give a chance to see if this military buildup can provide jobs," he said.

A total of 66 participants signed up to voice their concerns, some even giving up their spot and allowing others to use their time. Although the hearing went late into the night, some residents tell KUAM News that they were in fact turned away from providing comment on the document. The problem they say is that there is just not enough time during these hearings to do so.

Participants are being given three minutes to provide comment. Another public hearing gets underway at seven o'clock this evening.

Pagat land to be nominated in national list

Pagat land to be nominated in national list

By Brett Kelman • Pacific Daily News • January 12, 2010

An effort to get a portion of the Pagat area listed among the most endangered historical places in America intends to disrupt the military's plan to use the area for a proposed firing range, said Joe Quinata of the Guam Preservation Trust.

Quinata is one of among those working to get the Pagat area listed in America's 11 Most Endangered Places, an annual project that has drawn the spotlight to threatened national treasures since 1988.

Every year, the National Trust for Historical Preservation, a private nonprofit corporation, publishes a list of noteworthy landmarks that may be damaged, destroyed, neglected or forgotten.

The Pagat land currently falls under the Chamorro Land Trust. It was unclear yesterday what impact the endangered historical places designation would have on the Land Trust property.

"We believe that if at least the nation is aware of what is happening here on Guam, and this program is powerful enough to make that happen, we could make changes," Quinata said. "If it doesn't change (the military's) plans, at least you have all these (watchdogs) that are monitoring the Pagat area."

Application paperwork for the project is finished and filed, Quinata said, but the Guam Preservation Trust still has until Friday to collect photographs from the public. The selected places will be named May 19.

The remains of the ancient Pagat village may be affected by the coming military buildup because the Department of Defense plans to build a firing range nearby. Quinata said he fears that military activity might destroy or trample the artifacts that remain. Although Pagat village is no more, local history is layered into the area, he said.

Grinding stones called "lusongs" and latte stone pillars are easy to find in the jungle in the area. Beneath the soil, 3,500-year-old artifacts tell a story of how ancient Chamorros lived and survived. Pagat Cave, which was once a source of fresh water for the village, is now popular hiking destination and tourist attraction.

If the buildup moves forward as planned, public access to the area will be restricted.

The public has until Feb. 17 to submit comments about the buildup plan, including Pagat Cave. Quinata said the same information provided in the application to the national trust will be submitted as a comment to the buildup.

The list

If Pagat is chosen for the list of most endangered places, it will be an unusual -- but not unprecedented -- pick.

According to the national trust's Web site, most of the places selected are historical structures that are still standing, but are threatened by urban development or poor maintenance. Schools, stadiums, hotels and bridges that are historic, but not ancient, dominate the list.

The natural places that make the list are generally quite grand, like a 12,000 foot mountain that is threatened by uranium mining, or California's under-funded park system.

The most recently selected place that closely compares to the Pagat village is Pinon Canyon, Colo., which was selected in 2007.

The canyon was threatened by expansion by the U.S. Army facility that would have condemned private lands, damaged the historic Santa Fe Trail -- an American highway that predates automobiles -- and destroyed some undisturbed prehistoric archeological sites.

Since Pinon Canyon was selected by the National Trust for Historical Preservation, Congress and the Army have moved funding to other projects and started expanding a different facility in Louisiana, according to the national trust's Web site and the Denver Post.

Quinata said the Pagat site carries value unlike any other.

"We will be one of a kind and that's what we are looking for," Quinata said.