DEIS comment period expires tomorrow
Wednesday, 17 February 2010 03:33
by Zita Y. Taitano | Variety News Staff
GUAM residents have until 3 p.m. tomorrow to submit their comments on the draft environmental impact statement, upon expiration of the 90-day public review and comment that officially started on Nov. 21 last year.
The Record of Decision is expected to be issued in August.
Senator Ben Pangelinan wants to see the final draft of the document to see if changes are made to include public input. “Then we would submit comments on the final draft for the final copy,” he said.
There were two ways for residents to submit their comments, whether it was to submit on line on the impact study’s website www.guambuildupeis.us or to do download the comment form the site and mail it to the Joint Guam Program Office courtesy of the Naval Facilities headquarters in Hawaii.
The latter of which must be postmarked on Feb. 17 in order for the comment document to be included with the thousands of other comments on the study.
The original time frame for the comment period was 45 days, but was extended to 90 days after concerns were raised that the allotted time was not enough for residents to fully digest the 11,000-page document and express their thoughts.
Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo has requested the Department of Navy to extend the comment period further, but the congresswoman received no response.
Senator Judi Guthertz, chairman of the military buildup committee at the legislature, yesterday sent another installment of comment paper, in which she emphasized the billions of dollars that Guam needs in order to adequately prepare itself for the military buildup.
“Only minimal assistance has been forthcoming from the federal government, which has placed this unfunded mandate upon 178,000 American citizens living on a tiny island of only 212 square miles,” said Guthertz.
Once all the comments have been received at the NAVFAC Pacific, they will be reviewed and put together for the final draft copy.
Residents who would like to send their comments via regular mail can send them to the following address JGPO c/o NAVFAC Pacific, 258 Makalapa Drive, Suite 100, Pearl Harbor, HI 96860-3134 ATTENTION: GMPO. Again, all comments mailed out by Wednesday should have it postmarked Feb. 17.
Showing posts with label Pangelinan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pangelinan. Show all posts
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Governor reaches common ground with legislature
Governor reaches common ground with legislature
Tuesday, 16 February 2010 00:55
by Therese Hart | Variety News Staff
SENATORS were generally pleased with Gov. Felix Camacho’s last state of the island address.
“I liked some of the stuff I heard,” said Sen. Ben Pangelinan. “I think some of it was a little late. I think that we needed to have this kind of conviction and strength in the military buildup when we were doing the scoping meetings three/four years ago, but I liked what I heard today. In that respect, I’m finally glad he woke up to that issue.
Speaker Judi Won Pat was glad the governor included the elements contained in Resolution 275. “More importantly,” Won Pat said, “he acknowledged that we don’t want the dredging of Apra Harbor; the impact to our environment; the issues regarding the firing range and his stance on land taking was good.”
Senator Tina Muna Barnes welcomed the governor’s statement about the federal government’s fiscal obligation to Guam. “What’s important is that we’re not asking for that aid, we’re demanding and the federal government must fund the buildup if it wants the community of Guam to work harmoniously together,” she said.
“There was one component that he did not touch on and that is working closely with the mayors and the empowerment of these village level leaders because they continue to be the heartbeat of the community; he forgot to mention them,” Barnes added.
Senator Telo Taitague said she was touched by the emotions that came with Camacho’s reference to his family. “He did a great job. The fact that his family was right behind him encouraging him to do things for our people all these years; it was very touching. That moment of thankfulness to his family; it was a good thing.”
However, the comment about the military buildup left much to be desired, she said. “What are we going to do at this point? When he mentioned that he wanted to delay the buildup. I don’t think delay was what we were looking for from him and I’m a bit concerned about that.”
Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo supports the governor’s proposal to revert the island’s name to Guahan.
Supreme Court of Guam Chief Justice Robert Torres said of the governor’s speech was “very well delivered.”
“There were two points I think were important that people can’t overlook,” Torre said. “One very obvious one is the return of the traditional name of Guahan which is being more customarily used anyways. I don’t think it’s going to be too much of a leap to get there.”
“The other important topic was the reunification with the Northern Marianas. I’ve had discussions with constitutional scholars about a reunification plan that would preserve local governance in the respective jurisdictions; I think there are ways that can be accomplished and I think it’s something that we as a people need to look at because I think that our political relationship with the United States should be evaluated and looked at as one Marianas,” said Torres.
Tuesday, 16 February 2010 00:55
by Therese Hart | Variety News Staff
SENATORS were generally pleased with Gov. Felix Camacho’s last state of the island address.
“I liked some of the stuff I heard,” said Sen. Ben Pangelinan. “I think some of it was a little late. I think that we needed to have this kind of conviction and strength in the military buildup when we were doing the scoping meetings three/four years ago, but I liked what I heard today. In that respect, I’m finally glad he woke up to that issue.
Speaker Judi Won Pat was glad the governor included the elements contained in Resolution 275. “More importantly,” Won Pat said, “he acknowledged that we don’t want the dredging of Apra Harbor; the impact to our environment; the issues regarding the firing range and his stance on land taking was good.”
Senator Tina Muna Barnes welcomed the governor’s statement about the federal government’s fiscal obligation to Guam. “What’s important is that we’re not asking for that aid, we’re demanding and the federal government must fund the buildup if it wants the community of Guam to work harmoniously together,” she said.
“There was one component that he did not touch on and that is working closely with the mayors and the empowerment of these village level leaders because they continue to be the heartbeat of the community; he forgot to mention them,” Barnes added.
Senator Telo Taitague said she was touched by the emotions that came with Camacho’s reference to his family. “He did a great job. The fact that his family was right behind him encouraging him to do things for our people all these years; it was very touching. That moment of thankfulness to his family; it was a good thing.”
However, the comment about the military buildup left much to be desired, she said. “What are we going to do at this point? When he mentioned that he wanted to delay the buildup. I don’t think delay was what we were looking for from him and I’m a bit concerned about that.”
Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo supports the governor’s proposal to revert the island’s name to Guahan.
Supreme Court of Guam Chief Justice Robert Torres said of the governor’s speech was “very well delivered.”
“There were two points I think were important that people can’t overlook,” Torre said. “One very obvious one is the return of the traditional name of Guahan which is being more customarily used anyways. I don’t think it’s going to be too much of a leap to get there.”
“The other important topic was the reunification with the Northern Marianas. I’ve had discussions with constitutional scholars about a reunification plan that would preserve local governance in the respective jurisdictions; I think there are ways that can be accomplished and I think it’s something that we as a people need to look at because I think that our political relationship with the United States should be evaluated and looked at as one Marianas,” said Torres.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Pangelinan says DEIS math is faulty
Pangelinan says DEIS math is faulty
Wednesday, 03 February 2010 01:38
by Zita Y. Taitano | Variety News Staff
SENATOR Ben Pangelinan claimed yesterday a section of the draft environmental impact statement on local government revenues is flawed.
The chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, Taxation, Banking, Insurance, Retirement and Land and the Office of Finance and Budget said the government of Guam collects 10 percent of every dollar that is pumped into the coffers.
In his findings, Pangelinan noted that the DEIS analysis used calculations based on collections between 42 and 49 percent of the estimated gross island product.
“There is something in their financial model that is causing a wide variance in the ratio, but because the methodology and actual model were not disclosed in the DEIS, there is no way for us to even scrutinize the estimates,” Pangelinan said.
And while he agrees that increasing the island’s economy is an important asset, however, he believes that GovGuam should balance that growth with “the protection of the environment, culture, and quality of life of island residents.”
He has already sent out letters to various organizations in the private sector on the matter as well as the University of Guam, all govGuam agencies, the Government Accountability Office and the Department of Defense requesting for a review of the estimates to confirm his committee’s findings.
“The core questions that must be answered with some degree of comfort before we get to the table are the cost and future revenue collections that will result from this buildup,” he concluded.
Wednesday, 03 February 2010 01:38
by Zita Y. Taitano | Variety News Staff
SENATOR Ben Pangelinan claimed yesterday a section of the draft environmental impact statement on local government revenues is flawed.
The chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, Taxation, Banking, Insurance, Retirement and Land and the Office of Finance and Budget said the government of Guam collects 10 percent of every dollar that is pumped into the coffers.
In his findings, Pangelinan noted that the DEIS analysis used calculations based on collections between 42 and 49 percent of the estimated gross island product.
“There is something in their financial model that is causing a wide variance in the ratio, but because the methodology and actual model were not disclosed in the DEIS, there is no way for us to even scrutinize the estimates,” Pangelinan said.
And while he agrees that increasing the island’s economy is an important asset, however, he believes that GovGuam should balance that growth with “the protection of the environment, culture, and quality of life of island residents.”
He has already sent out letters to various organizations in the private sector on the matter as well as the University of Guam, all govGuam agencies, the Government Accountability Office and the Department of Defense requesting for a review of the estimates to confirm his committee’s findings.
“The core questions that must be answered with some degree of comfort before we get to the table are the cost and future revenue collections that will result from this buildup,” he concluded.
Senator Pangelinan Says Military's Estimates of GovGuam's Revenues During Buildup are Flawed
Senator Pangelinan Says Military's Estimates of GovGuam's Revenues During Buildup are Flawed
Guam - Senator Ben Pangelinan has issued a release saying the military's estimates of GovGuam's revenues during the military buildup are flawed.
According to Pangelinan government economists and bureacrates use a simple financial ratio of general tax revenue to gross island product. The rule of thumb is GovGuam collects 10% of every new dollar invested into the economy after it multiplies through. According to the Draft Environmental Impact Statement Govguam will collect between 42% to 49% of the estimated Gross Island Product during the buildup. Because of this the senator has sent leters to several experts in the private sector, UOG, GovGuam, the Government Accountability Office and the Department of Defense asking them to provide an analysis of the revenue estimates in the DEIS.
Written by :
Clynt Ridgell
Guam - Senator Ben Pangelinan has issued a release saying the military's estimates of GovGuam's revenues during the military buildup are flawed.
According to Pangelinan government economists and bureacrates use a simple financial ratio of general tax revenue to gross island product. The rule of thumb is GovGuam collects 10% of every new dollar invested into the economy after it multiplies through. According to the Draft Environmental Impact Statement Govguam will collect between 42% to 49% of the estimated Gross Island Product during the buildup. Because of this the senator has sent leters to several experts in the private sector, UOG, GovGuam, the Government Accountability Office and the Department of Defense asking them to provide an analysis of the revenue estimates in the DEIS.
Written by :
Clynt Ridgell
Senator Pangelinan Agrees that Budget Appears Conservative
Senator Pangelinan Agrees that Budget Appears Conservative
Guam - Senator Ben Pangelinan says he's looked at the proposed fiscal year 2011 budget that the administration released just yesterday and compared it to current revenue projections.
He is still hopeful that they will hit their target for this fiscal year. The senator says he will remain cautious when counting potential revenues that could result from military construction and spending. Pangelinan says that the budget seems conservative and "Is not a pie in the sky budget" The senator says they will continue looking at the budget over the days and weeks to come and will pay special attention to developments with the military buildup and how they might affect revenues.
Written by :
Clynt Ridgell
Guam - Senator Ben Pangelinan says he's looked at the proposed fiscal year 2011 budget that the administration released just yesterday and compared it to current revenue projections.
He is still hopeful that they will hit their target for this fiscal year. The senator says he will remain cautious when counting potential revenues that could result from military construction and spending. Pangelinan says that the budget seems conservative and "Is not a pie in the sky budget" The senator says they will continue looking at the budget over the days and weeks to come and will pay special attention to developments with the military buildup and how they might affect revenues.
Written by :
Clynt Ridgell
Pangelinan Finds Flaws In DEIS Estimate of GovGuam Revenues
Pangelinan Finds Flaws In DEIS Estimate of GovGuam Revenues
Guam - The Legislature's Appropriations Committee Chairman, Senator Ben Pangelinan, says he has already found flaws in the DEIS projections of Local Government Revenues [Section 4.3.3].
In a release, Senator Pangelinan explained, “We used a simple financial ratio of General Tax Revenue to Gross Island Product that has served the government economists and bureaucrats well over the years when assessing new investment into our economy. The rule of thumb is that the government of Guam collects 10% of every new dollar invested into our economy after it multiplies through.”
General Tax Revenue in the more conservative constrained DEIS analysis show collections that are between 42 to 49% of estimated additional Gross Island Product related to the buildup. “There is something in their financial model that is causing a wide variance in the ratio but because the methodology and actual model were not disclosed in the DEIS there is no way for us to even scrutinize the estimates,” according to Pangelinan.
Local business organizations continue to lobby support for the buildup as positive because of the economic growth that will occur as a result of the Marine relocation from Okinawa. Senator pangelinan agrees that growing the economy is important but that the government of Guam must balance economic growth and protection of the environment, culture and quality of life of island residents.
Senator Pangelinan concluded “Last week I sent letters to several experts in the private sector, the University of Guam, GOVGUAM, the Government Accountability Office and the Department of Defense asking them to provide analysis of the revenue estimates to confirm our findings. The core questions that must be answered with some degree of comfort before we get to the table are the cost and future revenue collections that will result from this buildup.”
For further information, please contact the Offices of Senator ben pangelinan at 473-4236 or email at senbenp@guam.net
Written by :
News Release
Guam - The Legislature's Appropriations Committee Chairman, Senator Ben Pangelinan, says he has already found flaws in the DEIS projections of Local Government Revenues [Section 4.3.3].
In a release, Senator Pangelinan explained, “We used a simple financial ratio of General Tax Revenue to Gross Island Product that has served the government economists and bureaucrats well over the years when assessing new investment into our economy. The rule of thumb is that the government of Guam collects 10% of every new dollar invested into our economy after it multiplies through.”
General Tax Revenue in the more conservative constrained DEIS analysis show collections that are between 42 to 49% of estimated additional Gross Island Product related to the buildup. “There is something in their financial model that is causing a wide variance in the ratio but because the methodology and actual model were not disclosed in the DEIS there is no way for us to even scrutinize the estimates,” according to Pangelinan.
Local business organizations continue to lobby support for the buildup as positive because of the economic growth that will occur as a result of the Marine relocation from Okinawa. Senator pangelinan agrees that growing the economy is important but that the government of Guam must balance economic growth and protection of the environment, culture and quality of life of island residents.
Senator Pangelinan concluded “Last week I sent letters to several experts in the private sector, the University of Guam, GOVGUAM, the Government Accountability Office and the Department of Defense asking them to provide analysis of the revenue estimates to confirm our findings. The core questions that must be answered with some degree of comfort before we get to the table are the cost and future revenue collections that will result from this buildup.”
For further information, please contact the Offices of Senator ben pangelinan at 473-4236 or email at senbenp@guam.net
Written by :
News Release
Pangelinan finds revenue flaw in DEIS
Pangelinan finds revenue flaw in DEIS
Posted: Feb 02, 2010 4:37 PM
Updated: Feb 02, 2010 4:37 PM
by Nick Delgado
Guam - Committee Chair on Finance Senator Ben Pangelinan has discovered that the estimates in Volume 9, Section 4.3.3 in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement that deals with estimated local government revenues appears to be flawed. Pangelinan states the rule of thumb is that GovGuam collects 10% of every new dollar invested into our economy after it multiplies through.
He adds that the general tax revenue in the more conservative constrained DEIS analysis show collections that are between 42 to 49% of estimated additional gross island product related to the buildup.
In a news release Pangelinan states, "There is something in their financial model that is causing a wide variance in the ratio, but because the methodology and actual model were not disclosed in the DEIS there is no way for us to even scrutinize the estimates." While Pangelinan agrees with that growing the economy is important, he states that GovGuam must balance economic growth and protection of the environment, culture and quality of life for island residents.
He also sent letters to several experts in the private sector, the University of Guam, GovGuam, the Government Accountability Office and the Department of Defense, asking them to provide analysis of the revenue estimates to confirm his findings.
Posted: Feb 02, 2010 4:37 PM
Updated: Feb 02, 2010 4:37 PM
by Nick Delgado
Guam - Committee Chair on Finance Senator Ben Pangelinan has discovered that the estimates in Volume 9, Section 4.3.3 in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement that deals with estimated local government revenues appears to be flawed. Pangelinan states the rule of thumb is that GovGuam collects 10% of every new dollar invested into our economy after it multiplies through.
He adds that the general tax revenue in the more conservative constrained DEIS analysis show collections that are between 42 to 49% of estimated additional gross island product related to the buildup.
In a news release Pangelinan states, "There is something in their financial model that is causing a wide variance in the ratio, but because the methodology and actual model were not disclosed in the DEIS there is no way for us to even scrutinize the estimates." While Pangelinan agrees with that growing the economy is important, he states that GovGuam must balance economic growth and protection of the environment, culture and quality of life for island residents.
He also sent letters to several experts in the private sector, the University of Guam, GovGuam, the Government Accountability Office and the Department of Defense, asking them to provide analysis of the revenue estimates to confirm his findings.
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Senator says delay won't defer negative impacts
Senator says delay won't defer negative impacts
Posted: Jan 29, 2010 6:13 PM PST
by Michele Catahay
Guam - Although he credits Governor Felix Camacho for sending a request to the feds to postpone the military buildup, Senator Ben Pangelinan says even if the troop migration happens later, Guam will still see negative impacts to the environment. "The problem is that all the destruction to the environment is going to happen on the front-end," said the senator.
He continued, "So whether the Marines come in 2016 or 2014, the way the buildup is planned under this Draft Environmental Impact Statement still says we need to destroy all these things. Still doesn't provide us for the mitigations, still doesn't provide us with the support for our side. So whether they come now or later under this plan, we still are not able to deal with this and the cost will still outweigh the benefits."
Pangelinan says he wants to ensure the people of Guam are able to provide comments even after the final EIS comes out and before a record of decision is signed.
Posted: Jan 29, 2010 6:13 PM PST
by Michele Catahay
Guam - Although he credits Governor Felix Camacho for sending a request to the feds to postpone the military buildup, Senator Ben Pangelinan says even if the troop migration happens later, Guam will still see negative impacts to the environment. "The problem is that all the destruction to the environment is going to happen on the front-end," said the senator.
He continued, "So whether the Marines come in 2016 or 2014, the way the buildup is planned under this Draft Environmental Impact Statement still says we need to destroy all these things. Still doesn't provide us for the mitigations, still doesn't provide us with the support for our side. So whether they come now or later under this plan, we still are not able to deal with this and the cost will still outweigh the benefits."
Pangelinan says he wants to ensure the people of Guam are able to provide comments even after the final EIS comes out and before a record of decision is signed.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
PNC :: Sen Ben Pangelinan with Ray Gibson
PNC :: Sen Ben Pangelinan with Ray Gibson
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Interview between Ray Gibson and Senator Ben Pangelinan about the 30th Guam Legislature's hearings on the Draft EIS for the military buildup. They then talked about the CLTC and the possibility of the military leasing some CLTC controlled lands. They then talked about the Letter of Intent between GBB and the military for the military to become a user of the Layon landfill.
If the player does not work click here to download the entire podcast.
http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/images/stories/k57podcasts/jan10/100126_091913.mp3
Written by : Bob Gaeth
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Interview between Ray Gibson and Senator Ben Pangelinan about the 30th Guam Legislature's hearings on the Draft EIS for the military buildup. They then talked about the CLTC and the possibility of the military leasing some CLTC controlled lands. They then talked about the Letter of Intent between GBB and the military for the military to become a user of the Layon landfill.
If the player does not work click here to download the entire podcast.
http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/images/stories/k57podcasts/jan10/100126_091913.mp3
Written by : Bob Gaeth
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Pangelinan critical of compatibility study
Pangelinan critical of compatibility study
Posted: Jan 18, 2010 4:39 PM
by Heather Hauswirth
Guam - The Governor's Village Workshops will be led by the Matrix Design Group, a Colorado-based company hired by Government of Guam to provide a comprehensive compatibility study of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. The work the company has been tasked to do however is drawing criticism from Senator Ben Pangelinan, who believes their focus should have been on the technical impacts of the military buildup.
Governor Felix Camacho told KUAM News, "It's one thing to feel and say don't come or Yankee go home, but what good does that do if it doesn't force them to take any action? We are trying to take a more logical approach in understanding the process, explaining it to the people, and having them actually come and officially make a comment that would force action."
For $2.9 million the Matrix Design Group was tasked with conducting a formal review of the massive DEIS, and now they must make sure the comments made last week at the public hearings were more than just an outpouring of emotion, but backed up with research. Senator Pangelinan however believes organization's review of the DEIS is short-sighted, as its contract with GovGuam confines it to looking at the planning, environmental and fiscal components and not the technical aspects.
"We need some experts on the GovGuam side that will give us the status and stature to challenge the Defense Department experts, but they are saying they are prohibited from doing that and so what we are paying them hundreds of thousands of dollars if not millions for a public relations campaign, we don't need a public relations campaign, we need technical experts to help us evaluate the plans and the DEIS," he said.
But Governor Camacho dismissed the lawmaker's concerns, saying, "Criticisms about Matrix and resources and how they are spent and how the Legislature is not able to access that federal pool of money - these are issues they need to work out, but we continue to work at hand."
Earlier today the governor said he is confident that the matrix consultants ensure the people of Guam have their voices heard and that last week's emotional public hearings were not in vain. "How to properly respond so the passion and emotion and the comments they make count and count for something that would force the Department of Defense to react to and respond to what the people of Guam are saying," said Camacho.
Posted: Jan 18, 2010 4:39 PM
by Heather Hauswirth
Guam - The Governor's Village Workshops will be led by the Matrix Design Group, a Colorado-based company hired by Government of Guam to provide a comprehensive compatibility study of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. The work the company has been tasked to do however is drawing criticism from Senator Ben Pangelinan, who believes their focus should have been on the technical impacts of the military buildup.
Governor Felix Camacho told KUAM News, "It's one thing to feel and say don't come or Yankee go home, but what good does that do if it doesn't force them to take any action? We are trying to take a more logical approach in understanding the process, explaining it to the people, and having them actually come and officially make a comment that would force action."
For $2.9 million the Matrix Design Group was tasked with conducting a formal review of the massive DEIS, and now they must make sure the comments made last week at the public hearings were more than just an outpouring of emotion, but backed up with research. Senator Pangelinan however believes organization's review of the DEIS is short-sighted, as its contract with GovGuam confines it to looking at the planning, environmental and fiscal components and not the technical aspects.
"We need some experts on the GovGuam side that will give us the status and stature to challenge the Defense Department experts, but they are saying they are prohibited from doing that and so what we are paying them hundreds of thousands of dollars if not millions for a public relations campaign, we don't need a public relations campaign, we need technical experts to help us evaluate the plans and the DEIS," he said.
But Governor Camacho dismissed the lawmaker's concerns, saying, "Criticisms about Matrix and resources and how they are spent and how the Legislature is not able to access that federal pool of money - these are issues they need to work out, but we continue to work at hand."
Earlier today the governor said he is confident that the matrix consultants ensure the people of Guam have their voices heard and that last week's emotional public hearings were not in vain. "How to properly respond so the passion and emotion and the comments they make count and count for something that would force the Department of Defense to react to and respond to what the people of Guam are saying," said Camacho.
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