Head of Guam EPA shows at oversight hearing
Posted: May 21, 2010 4:44 PM
KUAM NEWS
by Nick Delgado
Guam - Lawmakers spent the afternoon questioning budget officials as well as village mayors before grilling Guam Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lorilee Crisostomo about how she's been operating her agency.
"Alarm bells are now sounding in Guam, and they are sounding because of the state of the Guam Environmental Protection Agency. The concerns are being presented by a broad cross-section of the community, ranging from grassroots people to business leaders and most especially by the Environmental Protection Agency," said oversight chairman Senator Rory Respicio (D).
Respicio called for today's oversight hearing on the Guam EPA after a scathing financial mismanagement report surfaced from the environmental agencies federal counterparts. Respicio during today's hearing said the oversight is necessary so that they can prevent an environmental disaster from occurring, something the senator says is possible with the way things are currently operating at the Guam EPA. The federal report stated a lack of communication with the USEPA and the Bureau of Budget Management & Research.
BBMR Director Bertha Duenas says however she has said from the beginning that she anticipates financial troubles for the Guam EPA. "We knew that the payroll alone was over $2 million and the next award wasn't until April, then it's pretty easy to see without too much math that we're going to run out of money soon in October."
BBMR is now working out the issues stated in the USEPA report.
But after about two-and-a-half hours of not being given the opportunity to speak, senators flooded Crisostomo with criticism and questions, as lawmakers feel the agency may be on the brink of federal receivership. It's an issue Respicio called Crisostomo out on, as he anticipates the problems at the agency will only get worse with the impending military buildup.
Respicio said, "What concerns me is it took USEPA to call out the DoD to say that the Draft Environmental Impact Statement gave it the worst grade ever, you were pretty silent throughout that whole process." Crisostomo replied, "We are just one of the government agencies, we are not the cooperative agency for the NEPA process our voice is just as much as your voice in the NEPA process, but we do an extensive review."
Although Crisostomo has called the federal report "inaccurate", the agency is reviewing the recommendations in the report to determine if it's possible for them to comply with.
When asked about the illegal dump fire in Yigo and the Notice of Violation issued against the property owner, Joseph Taitano, she said although it happened before her time. She followed-up and the matter, she reassured, is sitting with the AG's Office for further action.
Meanwhile, Senator Respicio said it seemed as though Crisostomo had an excuse for everything and added that today's hearing was not a witch hunt.
Showing posts with label Public Hearing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Public Hearing. Show all posts
Friday, May 21, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Public Hearing Split on Changing Guam to Guahan
Hearing split on island name
By Dionesis Tamondong
Pacific Daily News
March 13, 2010
More than half a dozen people who testified in support of changing Guam's name to Guåhan said it would go far in preserving the island's indigenous culture
Others said Bill 331 was a waste of time, and the changes would unnecessarily cost the government of Guam and local businesses too much effort and money.
Some people suggested nixing the measure and letting voters decide in a referendum, complete with a thorough education campaign.
Educators, business owners, local activists and veterans were among those who spoke during yesterday's public hearing on Gov. Felix Camacho's proposal. The governor last month issued an executive order calling for agencies to refer to the island as Guåhan in order "to reclaim our indigenous name" and "reaffirm our identity as a people."
Camacho also has asked Guam's congressional delegate, Madeleine Bordallo, to initiate the change at the federal level. Until federal law makes the island's name change official, GovGuam will have to stick to Guam when it comes to formal communication.
Those who spoke for Bill 331, most testifying in Chamorro, said the name change would mark an important step in the island's self-determination and highlight the indigenous language and culture.
But some questioned whether Guåhan is truly the island's indigenous name, citing a University of Guam study.
"I would support this bill if, in fact, the name Guåhan is the indigenous name for the island of the Chamorros," Eloy Hara said. "But I also believe that something of this magnitude should be put in a referendum."
Ivan Carbullido said while the intent of the bill is admirable, efforts to change the name -- from government communications to business names -- would be quite expensive.
Sean Larkin said Guam's visitor industry and many companies have spent much time and effort branding the island, and those efforts could be diminished if the change were to take effect.
Larkin said instead of forcing a legal name change, which would be costly and distract from other more important issues, the island can use both Guam and Guåhan references as some local agencies and other countries currently do.
"There's no reason we couldn't use both names together," Larkin said.
For example, while Palau is the official name for the island nation, the traditional name, Belau, is regularly accepted for official and common references, said Hara, citing officials he spoke with during a recent trip to Palau.
Supporters and opponents of the measure received applause from their respective sides, but David Sablan, who called Bill 331 a waste of time, garnered applause from the entire audience after he spoke at the hearing.
The Dededo resident said he felt the bill was just a means for the governor to mark his legacy rather than a sincere step toward self-determination.
"We shouldn't even be discussing this bill right now. We should be discussing our political status," said Sablan, a local artist, Chamorro activist and Vietnam War veteran. "We have the right to change our name, but we don't have the right to govern ourselves."
When significant milestones are made toward the island's political self-determination, Sablan said he would be the first to support changing the island's name to Guåhan.
"Instead of Guam, maybe we should name the island Going ... because our governor, he keeps going and going," Sablan said, prompting applause and laughter from the audience.
Camacho is scheduled to be back on island this weekend.
By Dionesis Tamondong
Pacific Daily News
March 13, 2010
More than half a dozen people who testified in support of changing Guam's name to Guåhan said it would go far in preserving the island's indigenous culture
Others said Bill 331 was a waste of time, and the changes would unnecessarily cost the government of Guam and local businesses too much effort and money.
Some people suggested nixing the measure and letting voters decide in a referendum, complete with a thorough education campaign.
Educators, business owners, local activists and veterans were among those who spoke during yesterday's public hearing on Gov. Felix Camacho's proposal. The governor last month issued an executive order calling for agencies to refer to the island as Guåhan in order "to reclaim our indigenous name" and "reaffirm our identity as a people."
Camacho also has asked Guam's congressional delegate, Madeleine Bordallo, to initiate the change at the federal level. Until federal law makes the island's name change official, GovGuam will have to stick to Guam when it comes to formal communication.
Those who spoke for Bill 331, most testifying in Chamorro, said the name change would mark an important step in the island's self-determination and highlight the indigenous language and culture.
But some questioned whether Guåhan is truly the island's indigenous name, citing a University of Guam study.
"I would support this bill if, in fact, the name Guåhan is the indigenous name for the island of the Chamorros," Eloy Hara said. "But I also believe that something of this magnitude should be put in a referendum."
Ivan Carbullido said while the intent of the bill is admirable, efforts to change the name -- from government communications to business names -- would be quite expensive.
Sean Larkin said Guam's visitor industry and many companies have spent much time and effort branding the island, and those efforts could be diminished if the change were to take effect.
Larkin said instead of forcing a legal name change, which would be costly and distract from other more important issues, the island can use both Guam and Guåhan references as some local agencies and other countries currently do.
"There's no reason we couldn't use both names together," Larkin said.
For example, while Palau is the official name for the island nation, the traditional name, Belau, is regularly accepted for official and common references, said Hara, citing officials he spoke with during a recent trip to Palau.
Supporters and opponents of the measure received applause from their respective sides, but David Sablan, who called Bill 331 a waste of time, garnered applause from the entire audience after he spoke at the hearing.
The Dededo resident said he felt the bill was just a means for the governor to mark his legacy rather than a sincere step toward self-determination.
"We shouldn't even be discussing this bill right now. We should be discussing our political status," said Sablan, a local artist, Chamorro activist and Vietnam War veteran. "We have the right to change our name, but we don't have the right to govern ourselves."
When significant milestones are made toward the island's political self-determination, Sablan said he would be the first to support changing the island's name to Guåhan.
"Instead of Guam, maybe we should name the island Going ... because our governor, he keeps going and going," Sablan said, prompting applause and laughter from the audience.
Camacho is scheduled to be back on island this weekend.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Opinion :: One voice
Opinion :: One voice
Wednesday, 03 February 2010 01:19
Editorial
GOVERNOR Felix P. Camacho’s recent initiatives to hold public hearings to listen to the people’s sentiments on the military buildup and his new efforts to hold workshops on the draft environmental impact statement may have come a little later than expected, but, as the hackneyed saying goes, better late than never.
The workshop presentations were designed to provide an overview of key issues identified in the draft study and to help residents better understand the implications of the military buildup. This drive, according to a press release from the governor’s office, is part of the Governor Camacho’s “One Island, One Vision, One Future” concept.
It’s a fancy-sounding slogan, rendered vague by its abstractness and a lack of cohesiveness in the community. Sure we are one island, gearing up for a future filled with hopes for progress and promises of a better life. But our visions are scattered all over the place.
Some officials are detached from the sentiments of the community. The community feels alienated from their elected officials. The community is divided between the pro and anti military. Sitting on the periphery are the uninterested lot. The bickering among our elected officials indicates the lack of a collective strategy to advance a common goal.
President Obama is coming to Guam in March. Guam may be a significant aspect of the national defense plan. But we can’t be too optimistic that the president will spend a lot of time on island and sit separately with individual groups or individual branches of the government.
Instead of bashing Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo and accusing her of being a federal mouthpiece, her fellow Democrats must reconcile their differences with her. The governor and the legislators must patch things up.
As speaker Judi Won Pat and Sen. Ben Pangelinan suggested, the community needs to find a common ground.
We have found at least one area where reaching a common ground is a possibility. For example, Governor Camacho’s request for the Department of Navy to postpone the Marines’ relocation beyond 2014 and Sen. Judi Guthertz’s “stretch out, spread out” strategy must be worked out and reconciled into a better thought-out official proposal.
But there is one key observation that clearly every one agrees on: At this point, Guam is not ready for the military buildup.
Wednesday, 03 February 2010 01:19
Editorial
GOVERNOR Felix P. Camacho’s recent initiatives to hold public hearings to listen to the people’s sentiments on the military buildup and his new efforts to hold workshops on the draft environmental impact statement may have come a little later than expected, but, as the hackneyed saying goes, better late than never.
The workshop presentations were designed to provide an overview of key issues identified in the draft study and to help residents better understand the implications of the military buildup. This drive, according to a press release from the governor’s office, is part of the Governor Camacho’s “One Island, One Vision, One Future” concept.
It’s a fancy-sounding slogan, rendered vague by its abstractness and a lack of cohesiveness in the community. Sure we are one island, gearing up for a future filled with hopes for progress and promises of a better life. But our visions are scattered all over the place.
Some officials are detached from the sentiments of the community. The community feels alienated from their elected officials. The community is divided between the pro and anti military. Sitting on the periphery are the uninterested lot. The bickering among our elected officials indicates the lack of a collective strategy to advance a common goal.
President Obama is coming to Guam in March. Guam may be a significant aspect of the national defense plan. But we can’t be too optimistic that the president will spend a lot of time on island and sit separately with individual groups or individual branches of the government.
Instead of bashing Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo and accusing her of being a federal mouthpiece, her fellow Democrats must reconcile their differences with her. The governor and the legislators must patch things up.
As speaker Judi Won Pat and Sen. Ben Pangelinan suggested, the community needs to find a common ground.
We have found at least one area where reaching a common ground is a possibility. For example, Governor Camacho’s request for the Department of Navy to postpone the Marines’ relocation beyond 2014 and Sen. Judi Guthertz’s “stretch out, spread out” strategy must be worked out and reconciled into a better thought-out official proposal.
But there is one key observation that clearly every one agrees on: At this point, Guam is not ready for the military buildup.
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Bordallo: Timeline 'ambitious': Residents speak out on buildup at town hall meetings
Bordallo: Timeline 'ambitious': Residents speak out on buildup at town hall meetings
By Laura Matthews • Pacific Sunday News • January 31, 2010
Guam Delegate Madeleine Bordallo yesterday said she believes the military buildup will have to be extended beyond its current 2014 deadline.
"We feel this is big," Bordallo said. "And we got delays along the way, and so we never thought -- even from the beginning -- that it would ever conclude by 2014."
The congresswoman echoed the sentiments of Gov. Felix Camacho at a town hall meeting yesterday at the University of Guam, where she held the first of five public hearings on the buildup.
These town hall meetings are another opportunity for residents to comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement before the Feb. 17 deadline.
"The Congress and the governor control the breaks and spending for this buildup," Bordallo said. "And the timeline, we feel, will ultimately have to be pushed back. I mean it is very ambitious."
Camacho wrote Navy Secretary Ray Mabus on Thursday asking him to delay the arrival of 8,000 Marines and their 9,000 dependents.
Additionally, Guam's population is about to surge by approximately 80,000 in 2014 -- an increase of almost half the current population. This increase means that the island will get 20 years of growth in five years.
The buildup will create 33,000 new jobs for civilian workers by 2014, which is expected to generate a tax revenue of $325 million for the GovGuam that year alone, according to the draft EIS report. That is a 60 percent increase in GovGuam's current annual tax revenue.
Guam residents will take up about 2,000 direct on-site construction jobs for the Marine Corps facilities between 2013 and 2014. Furthermore, excluding on-site construction jobs, locals will only benefit from 2,566 jobs during the 2014 construction boom. The related jobs "include civilian military jobs, direct from purchases jobs and indirect or induced jobs," the draft EIS said.
Camacho said the delay will help more residents qualify themselves for the jobs.
"There are shortages all throughout the skilled areas and that is evident by the number of people we have to bring in," Camacho said. "What this means is that we can better prepare our kids and they can train up. Rather our kids can get into these industries."
But Bordallo said the number of workers coming on the island can be controlled by the governor himself.
"The governor can control the guest worker numbers because he signs certification," she said.
Whether or not the number of workers certified to come to Guam for the buildup is lessened, there are still other issues that must be dealt with.
The island will have to drill more wells to accommodate the additional population, and expand the commercial port to handle incoming construction material.
Moreover, the Department of Defense plans to widen an existing shipping channel to fit one of its carriers, and make a turning basin near the wharf that will dredge about 2.3 million square feet of sea floor. Nearly 35 percent of that area is covered in coral reef that will be permanently destroyed, the draft EIS stated.
This doesn't sit well with Sen. Benjamin Cruz, the chairman for the Committee on Tourism, who on Friday said he appropriated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Guam Environmental Planning Agency to determine if radioactive material is present in the area.
However, the agency has yet to give him an answer, and yesterday he pressed the congresswoman to look into the dredging plans on island.
"Your deafening silence in not speaking out about the dredging of the coral, it's not only disturbing, it is unconscionable," he said. "And you won an award last year for this. You probably need to return the award."
Bordallo assured Cruz that she has many professionals looking into the issue.
But this isn't enough for some residents. In fact, they just want the military to just get out.
At a rally yesterday in Anigua for the "Freedom To Make Our Own Decisions", Trini Torres, a leader for the Taotaomona Native Rights and Chamorro Nation, said residents must unite to protect the island from the buildup.
The group was dedicating the new Plasan Maga' Lahi Hurao beach park, which is across the street from Pigo Cemetery, to Hurao, the leader of the Chamorro people during the Chamorro Spanish War, which began in 1671. Torres said Hurao fought for the freedom of the Chamorros, which the group is now asking from the United States.
"We don't want to be a colony anymore," she said.
Torres said the group wants the island's people to unite to protect the island from the buildup.
"This buildup, we are afraid of it," she said. "How can we survive when we lose our island? The U.S. needs to just get out."
Other residents like Will Calori, 29, of Mangilao believes that the draft EIS contains inaccurate information, which makes them unable to make valid comments.
Clutching his 2-year-old son in his arms, the businessman said if he only cared about making money today, then he probably wouldn't give the issue as much thought as he is now.
"We're not getting the accurate information and we aren't able to make a thorough decision on what is going to happen," he said. "I think (children) are the reason we are here. I want his kids to enjoy this island after it's all done."
The draft EIS provides a detailed account of how Guam's community will be affected through changes caused by the buildup. JGPO and a team of socioeconomic experts collected feedback from the Guam and CNMI governors, the Chambers of Commerce, other island resources and community experts in its assessment of what kind of impact the relocation of Marines to Guam will have on the island's education, health care services, employment opportunities, property values, crime, cost of living and other socioeconomic issues.
By Laura Matthews • Pacific Sunday News • January 31, 2010
Guam Delegate Madeleine Bordallo yesterday said she believes the military buildup will have to be extended beyond its current 2014 deadline.
"We feel this is big," Bordallo said. "And we got delays along the way, and so we never thought -- even from the beginning -- that it would ever conclude by 2014."
The congresswoman echoed the sentiments of Gov. Felix Camacho at a town hall meeting yesterday at the University of Guam, where she held the first of five public hearings on the buildup.
These town hall meetings are another opportunity for residents to comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement before the Feb. 17 deadline.
"The Congress and the governor control the breaks and spending for this buildup," Bordallo said. "And the timeline, we feel, will ultimately have to be pushed back. I mean it is very ambitious."
Camacho wrote Navy Secretary Ray Mabus on Thursday asking him to delay the arrival of 8,000 Marines and their 9,000 dependents.
Additionally, Guam's population is about to surge by approximately 80,000 in 2014 -- an increase of almost half the current population. This increase means that the island will get 20 years of growth in five years.
The buildup will create 33,000 new jobs for civilian workers by 2014, which is expected to generate a tax revenue of $325 million for the GovGuam that year alone, according to the draft EIS report. That is a 60 percent increase in GovGuam's current annual tax revenue.
Guam residents will take up about 2,000 direct on-site construction jobs for the Marine Corps facilities between 2013 and 2014. Furthermore, excluding on-site construction jobs, locals will only benefit from 2,566 jobs during the 2014 construction boom. The related jobs "include civilian military jobs, direct from purchases jobs and indirect or induced jobs," the draft EIS said.
Camacho said the delay will help more residents qualify themselves for the jobs.
"There are shortages all throughout the skilled areas and that is evident by the number of people we have to bring in," Camacho said. "What this means is that we can better prepare our kids and they can train up. Rather our kids can get into these industries."
But Bordallo said the number of workers coming on the island can be controlled by the governor himself.
"The governor can control the guest worker numbers because he signs certification," she said.
Whether or not the number of workers certified to come to Guam for the buildup is lessened, there are still other issues that must be dealt with.
The island will have to drill more wells to accommodate the additional population, and expand the commercial port to handle incoming construction material.
Moreover, the Department of Defense plans to widen an existing shipping channel to fit one of its carriers, and make a turning basin near the wharf that will dredge about 2.3 million square feet of sea floor. Nearly 35 percent of that area is covered in coral reef that will be permanently destroyed, the draft EIS stated.
This doesn't sit well with Sen. Benjamin Cruz, the chairman for the Committee on Tourism, who on Friday said he appropriated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Guam Environmental Planning Agency to determine if radioactive material is present in the area.
However, the agency has yet to give him an answer, and yesterday he pressed the congresswoman to look into the dredging plans on island.
"Your deafening silence in not speaking out about the dredging of the coral, it's not only disturbing, it is unconscionable," he said. "And you won an award last year for this. You probably need to return the award."
Bordallo assured Cruz that she has many professionals looking into the issue.
But this isn't enough for some residents. In fact, they just want the military to just get out.
At a rally yesterday in Anigua for the "Freedom To Make Our Own Decisions", Trini Torres, a leader for the Taotaomona Native Rights and Chamorro Nation, said residents must unite to protect the island from the buildup.
The group was dedicating the new Plasan Maga' Lahi Hurao beach park, which is across the street from Pigo Cemetery, to Hurao, the leader of the Chamorro people during the Chamorro Spanish War, which began in 1671. Torres said Hurao fought for the freedom of the Chamorros, which the group is now asking from the United States.
"We don't want to be a colony anymore," she said.
Torres said the group wants the island's people to unite to protect the island from the buildup.
"This buildup, we are afraid of it," she said. "How can we survive when we lose our island? The U.S. needs to just get out."
Other residents like Will Calori, 29, of Mangilao believes that the draft EIS contains inaccurate information, which makes them unable to make valid comments.
Clutching his 2-year-old son in his arms, the businessman said if he only cared about making money today, then he probably wouldn't give the issue as much thought as he is now.
"We're not getting the accurate information and we aren't able to make a thorough decision on what is going to happen," he said. "I think (children) are the reason we are here. I want his kids to enjoy this island after it's all done."
The draft EIS provides a detailed account of how Guam's community will be affected through changes caused by the buildup. JGPO and a team of socioeconomic experts collected feedback from the Guam and CNMI governors, the Chambers of Commerce, other island resources and community experts in its assessment of what kind of impact the relocation of Marines to Guam will have on the island's education, health care services, employment opportunities, property values, crime, cost of living and other socioeconomic issues.
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
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)
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)
Saturday, January 30, 2010
PNC :: We Are Guahan Urges Public to Attend Legislature's DEIS Hearings
PNC :: We Are Guahan Urges Public to Attend Legislature's DEIS Hearings
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Guam - We are Guahan member Victoria Leon Guerrero says that last nights DEIS hearings held by the legislature were much different than the hearings held by the Joint Guam Program Office and the hearings held by the Governor's office.
According to Leon Guerrero the legislature's hearings provided the public with both an opportunity to speak as long as they wanted and the ability to ask questions from a panel of GovGuam officials. Leon Guerrero says last night DOE Superintendant Nerissa Bretania Underwood and GCC president Mary Okada were both on hand to answer questions about the impacts the military buildup will have on education.
Leon Guerrero says that the public was able to learn about the educations needs as a result of the buildup for example the need for about a thousand new teachers.
She adds that the legislature made a great effort of responding to what the community felt was lacking from previous hearings. She encourages everyone to show up to the hearings which will last until the end of the week.
Written by : Clynt Ridgell
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Guam - We are Guahan member Victoria Leon Guerrero says that last nights DEIS hearings held by the legislature were much different than the hearings held by the Joint Guam Program Office and the hearings held by the Governor's office.
According to Leon Guerrero the legislature's hearings provided the public with both an opportunity to speak as long as they wanted and the ability to ask questions from a panel of GovGuam officials. Leon Guerrero says last night DOE Superintendant Nerissa Bretania Underwood and GCC president Mary Okada were both on hand to answer questions about the impacts the military buildup will have on education.
Leon Guerrero says that the public was able to learn about the educations needs as a result of the buildup for example the need for about a thousand new teachers.
She adds that the legislature made a great effort of responding to what the community felt was lacking from previous hearings. She encourages everyone to show up to the hearings which will last until the end of the week.
Written by : Clynt Ridgell
PNC :: Senator Respicio Comments on Day 1 of Legislative DEIS Hearings
PNC :: Senator Respicio Comments on Day 1 of Legislative DEIS Hearings
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Guam - Following the first of five nights of hearings scheduled at the Legislature on the military buildup’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Senator Rory Respicio said that the public’s negative sentiment toward the buildup is warranted.
Day one of the legislative hearings on the DEIS and the military buildup in general provided a forum for people to finally speak directly to several of their government leaders. Monday’s hearings were attended by the various education-related agencies who gave brief presentations of their work so far in reviewing the DEIS and made themselves available to answer questions from the public.
The panel of senators also answered as many questions as possible, but there is still an overwhelming sense of frustration because of the lack of information afforded to the general public.
“We were successful at creating an environment in which the people were able to engage their government whether through voicing their concerns or asking questions,” said Respicio. This is a massive military buildup which will change Guam and our island community forever.
Senator Respicio said that the military’s approach is wrong. “The DEIS should also address how the local community will be assisted, but it does not. If the military looks only to secure their needs inside the military base, is this really fair for our people?”
He continued, “We want our people to take advantage of this opportunity to engage their government, but to do so respectfully. As frustrated and passionate as we all may be, we are all trying to find the best way to handle this situation.
Written by : News Release
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Guam - Following the first of five nights of hearings scheduled at the Legislature on the military buildup’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Senator Rory Respicio said that the public’s negative sentiment toward the buildup is warranted.
Day one of the legislative hearings on the DEIS and the military buildup in general provided a forum for people to finally speak directly to several of their government leaders. Monday’s hearings were attended by the various education-related agencies who gave brief presentations of their work so far in reviewing the DEIS and made themselves available to answer questions from the public.
The panel of senators also answered as many questions as possible, but there is still an overwhelming sense of frustration because of the lack of information afforded to the general public.
“We were successful at creating an environment in which the people were able to engage their government whether through voicing their concerns or asking questions,” said Respicio. This is a massive military buildup which will change Guam and our island community forever.
Senator Respicio said that the military’s approach is wrong. “The DEIS should also address how the local community will be assisted, but it does not. If the military looks only to secure their needs inside the military base, is this really fair for our people?”
He continued, “We want our people to take advantage of this opportunity to engage their government, but to do so respectfully. As frustrated and passionate as we all may be, we are all trying to find the best way to handle this situation.
Written by : News Release
Panel to take Guam concerns to D.C.
Panel to take Guam concerns to D.C.
Tuesday, 26 January 2010 05:15
by Therese Hart | Variety News Staff
SPEAKER Judi Won Pat will head a Guam delegation to Washington D.C. to bring the local community’s perspectives on the military buildup to members of Congress.
The delegation will include members of the legislature.
Won Pat said she wants to know if public comments will make a difference in the final draft of the environmental impact statement and if the people of Guam be given the opportunity to review and comment on the final report.
The traveling time is crucial, said Won Pat. “We want to leave in February because Congress is still in session and will recess on the 12th and we want to be there before that because if we wait, it'll be too late. There won't be anybody to present our case to,” she said.
Won Pat said she and her colleagues who attended the public hearings on the draft environmental impact statement were deeply troubled by the overwhelmingly negative comments from those who had testified.
Another question lawmakers will ask Congress is whether the people of Guam will have the opportunity to present testimonies after the public comment period ends Feb. 18 on the final draft study. “And nobody can answer that question for us. Not the Matrix Group, not the Joint Guam Program Office,” Won Pat said.
“We we're going to put these oral testimonies on DVD, because we want them to hear and feel the sentiments of the people. They need to understand how frustrating it is to our people,” she added.
The other goal is to present a legislative resolution that will reveal the major concerns and the local community’s sentiments about the buildup, Won Pat said.
Won Pat said she intends to call a one-day session to discuss Resolution 275, which identifies specific elements of great concern that were expressed during the public hearings hosted by Joint Guam Program Office and Gov. Felix Camacho.
The delegation will also present to Congress Resolution 160, which expresses opposition to the possible exercise of eminent domain power for acquisition of public lands.
The speaker's open invitation to her colleagues has garnered interest of Vice Speaker BJ Cruz, Senators Rory Respicio, Judi Guthertz, Frank Blas Jr., who have committed to travel to the nation’s capital as part of the legislative delegation.
Won Pat said she hopes that a majority of her colleagues will join her because now is the time to send out a big message to Congress that “we're not going to take this sitting down. Whatever we can do, we'll do. We must,” said the Speaker. “The governor talks about One vision. One future. One Guam. Let us make it so.”
Tuesday, 26 January 2010 05:15
by Therese Hart | Variety News Staff
SPEAKER Judi Won Pat will head a Guam delegation to Washington D.C. to bring the local community’s perspectives on the military buildup to members of Congress.
The delegation will include members of the legislature.
Won Pat said she wants to know if public comments will make a difference in the final draft of the environmental impact statement and if the people of Guam be given the opportunity to review and comment on the final report.
The traveling time is crucial, said Won Pat. “We want to leave in February because Congress is still in session and will recess on the 12th and we want to be there before that because if we wait, it'll be too late. There won't be anybody to present our case to,” she said.
Won Pat said she and her colleagues who attended the public hearings on the draft environmental impact statement were deeply troubled by the overwhelmingly negative comments from those who had testified.
Another question lawmakers will ask Congress is whether the people of Guam will have the opportunity to present testimonies after the public comment period ends Feb. 18 on the final draft study. “And nobody can answer that question for us. Not the Matrix Group, not the Joint Guam Program Office,” Won Pat said.
“We we're going to put these oral testimonies on DVD, because we want them to hear and feel the sentiments of the people. They need to understand how frustrating it is to our people,” she added.
The other goal is to present a legislative resolution that will reveal the major concerns and the local community’s sentiments about the buildup, Won Pat said.
Won Pat said she intends to call a one-day session to discuss Resolution 275, which identifies specific elements of great concern that were expressed during the public hearings hosted by Joint Guam Program Office and Gov. Felix Camacho.
The delegation will also present to Congress Resolution 160, which expresses opposition to the possible exercise of eminent domain power for acquisition of public lands.
The speaker's open invitation to her colleagues has garnered interest of Vice Speaker BJ Cruz, Senators Rory Respicio, Judi Guthertz, Frank Blas Jr., who have committed to travel to the nation’s capital as part of the legislative delegation.
Won Pat said she hopes that a majority of her colleagues will join her because now is the time to send out a big message to Congress that “we're not going to take this sitting down. Whatever we can do, we'll do. We must,” said the Speaker. “The governor talks about One vision. One future. One Guam. Let us make it so.”
Rage over DEIS continues
Rage over DEIS continues
Tuesday, 26 January 2010 05:13
by Therese Hart | Variety News Staff
DEBATES on the draft environmental impact statement have not abated as indicated by attendance at last night’s the public hearing hosted by the legislature.
Over 80 participants gathered to reaffirm their opposition to the U.S. military’s plans outlined in the impact statement, expressing doubts the federal government is looking out for the interests of the people of Guam.
Speaker Judi Won Pat said that it didn't matter if people had already spoken at other public hearings sponsored by the Joint Guam Program Office and the Office of the Governor.
Won Pat said all testimonies were recorded and will be presented to members of Congress when a Guam delegation that she will lead heads out to Washington D.C. next month. (See related story)
Won Pat said the legislature's hearings gathered input for possible inclusion in legislation regarding the buildup.
Last night’s hearing focused on the impact of the troop buildup on the Guam Community College and the University of Guam.
This week's hearings were set up as an "interactive town hall" in which participants are given a chance to make a comment, or ask a question to the senators, the agency directors, chairmen of the Civilian-Military Task Force subcommittees, or anyone with expertise on a related topic.
Discussion will not be limited but the topics and agencies indicated will be the focus of that day's hearing, as those directors have confirmed to be in attendance.
Tuesday, 26 January 2010 05:13
by Therese Hart | Variety News Staff
DEBATES on the draft environmental impact statement have not abated as indicated by attendance at last night’s the public hearing hosted by the legislature.
Over 80 participants gathered to reaffirm their opposition to the U.S. military’s plans outlined in the impact statement, expressing doubts the federal government is looking out for the interests of the people of Guam.
Speaker Judi Won Pat said that it didn't matter if people had already spoken at other public hearings sponsored by the Joint Guam Program Office and the Office of the Governor.
Won Pat said all testimonies were recorded and will be presented to members of Congress when a Guam delegation that she will lead heads out to Washington D.C. next month. (See related story)
Won Pat said the legislature's hearings gathered input for possible inclusion in legislation regarding the buildup.
Last night’s hearing focused on the impact of the troop buildup on the Guam Community College and the University of Guam.
This week's hearings were set up as an "interactive town hall" in which participants are given a chance to make a comment, or ask a question to the senators, the agency directors, chairmen of the Civilian-Military Task Force subcommittees, or anyone with expertise on a related topic.
Discussion will not be limited but the topics and agencies indicated will be the focus of that day's hearing, as those directors have confirmed to be in attendance.
PNC :: Legislature Holding Its DEIS Hearings This Week
PNC :: Legislature Holding Its DEIS Hearings This Week
Monday, 25 January 2010
Guam - Talks of the military buildup and the draft environmental impact statement continued Monday as the Guam legislature started the first of its 5 public hearing on the Draft EIS on the military buildup. The legislature will hold these public hearings everyday for the rest of this week.
So far the JGPO and the governor's office have both held public hearings on the draft environmental impact statement of the military buildup. Today the legislature begins it's series of public hearings on the DEIS. So what's the difference with these public hearings? One of it's co-organizers Senator Judi Guthertz explains that unlike previous public hearings the legislature will help people submit their comments in the proper format or in the format that the military will accept.
During the governor's workshops that were facilitated by Matrix Design Group participants were told that their comments would have to be written and submitted in the proper format or else the military would simply disregard them. In order to include comments as a part of their EIS the military is requiring that they reference specific areas of the DEIS document.
Senator Respicio says this is why he hopes that the public will come out in full force as they did at the previous hearings. Respicio hopes their hearings will generate comments that can and will be used as part of the Final EIS.
After the legislature finishes it's series of public hearings on the DEIS Speaker Judi Wonpat says that they plan to take the information and testimonies they gather directly to Washington D.C.. the speaker says they hope that the U.S. congress will be able to help answer the many questions the people of Guam have regarding the military buildup.
The Speaker says they are looking at going to Washington on the second week of February between the seventh on the tenth. While she has invited all of her colleagues the Speaker says that so far Vice-Speaker Cruz, Senator Respicio, Senator Guthertz, Senator Pangelinan, and Senator Frank Blas Jr have all expressed interest in joining the delegation.
Written by : Clynt Ridgell
Monday, 25 January 2010
Guam - Talks of the military buildup and the draft environmental impact statement continued Monday as the Guam legislature started the first of its 5 public hearing on the Draft EIS on the military buildup. The legislature will hold these public hearings everyday for the rest of this week.
So far the JGPO and the governor's office have both held public hearings on the draft environmental impact statement of the military buildup. Today the legislature begins it's series of public hearings on the DEIS. So what's the difference with these public hearings? One of it's co-organizers Senator Judi Guthertz explains that unlike previous public hearings the legislature will help people submit their comments in the proper format or in the format that the military will accept.
During the governor's workshops that were facilitated by Matrix Design Group participants were told that their comments would have to be written and submitted in the proper format or else the military would simply disregard them. In order to include comments as a part of their EIS the military is requiring that they reference specific areas of the DEIS document.
Senator Respicio says this is why he hopes that the public will come out in full force as they did at the previous hearings. Respicio hopes their hearings will generate comments that can and will be used as part of the Final EIS.
After the legislature finishes it's series of public hearings on the DEIS Speaker Judi Wonpat says that they plan to take the information and testimonies they gather directly to Washington D.C.. the speaker says they hope that the U.S. congress will be able to help answer the many questions the people of Guam have regarding the military buildup.
The Speaker says they are looking at going to Washington on the second week of February between the seventh on the tenth. While she has invited all of her colleagues the Speaker says that so far Vice-Speaker Cruz, Senator Respicio, Senator Guthertz, Senator Pangelinan, and Senator Frank Blas Jr have all expressed interest in joining the delegation.
Written by : Clynt Ridgell
PNC :: Senator Respicio Critical of Governor/Congresswoman's Stance on Military Buildup
PNC :: Senator Respicio Critical of Governor/Congresswoman's Stance on Military Buildup
Monday, 25 January 2010
Guam - Today on k-57's breakfast show Senator's Rory Respicio, Judy Wonpat and Judy Guthertz spoke about the legislative public hearings they will hold on the Draft EIS of the military buildup.
During these discussions Senator Respicio was critical of both the governor and congresswoman's representation of guam's position on the military buildup. Senator Respicio says that these public hearings are being held in order to gather comments and better represent the feelings of the people of Guam towards the DEIS and the military buildup.
Written by : Clynt Ridgell
Monday, 25 January 2010
Guam - Today on k-57's breakfast show Senator's Rory Respicio, Judy Wonpat and Judy Guthertz spoke about the legislative public hearings they will hold on the Draft EIS of the military buildup.
During these discussions Senator Respicio was critical of both the governor and congresswoman's representation of guam's position on the military buildup. Senator Respicio says that these public hearings are being held in order to gather comments and better represent the feelings of the people of Guam towards the DEIS and the military buildup.
Written by : Clynt Ridgell
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Senators to hear DEIS concerns
Senators to hear DEIS concerns
Monday, 25 January 2010 01:30
Variety News Staff
(Legislature) — The weeklong public hearing to discuss the community’s concerns with the draft environmental impact statement start tonight at the legislature.
The public hearing will continue until Friday.
Last week, a majority of lawmakers expressed support for Resolution 258 that expresses opposition to the use of condemnation of private land in association with the military buildup.
"All this insensitivity incenses me," vice speaker BJ Cruz told his colleagues. "They've got to take eminent domain off the table. I'm saying enough - you have sufficient land within your bases."
Sen. Eddie Calvo said, “"Not only am I against eminent domain, I'm against any further taking of any properties from the federal government - not one square inch.
Monday, 25 January 2010 01:30
Variety News Staff
(Legislature) — The weeklong public hearing to discuss the community’s concerns with the draft environmental impact statement start tonight at the legislature.
The public hearing will continue until Friday.
Last week, a majority of lawmakers expressed support for Resolution 258 that expresses opposition to the use of condemnation of private land in association with the military buildup.
"All this insensitivity incenses me," vice speaker BJ Cruz told his colleagues. "They've got to take eminent domain off the table. I'm saying enough - you have sufficient land within your bases."
Sen. Eddie Calvo said, “"Not only am I against eminent domain, I'm against any further taking of any properties from the federal government - not one square inch.
Senators plan DEIS meetings
Senators plan DEIS meetings
Posted: Jan 24, 2010 2:33 PM
by Michele Catahay
Guam - The Guam Legislature will be hosting several public hearings this week on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Marines relocation from Okinawa to Guam. The first will be held tomorrow and Tuesday from 4-9pm. Another will be held on Wednesday from 6-9 with the CCU, GWA and GPA.
Then on Thursday, another hearing will also be held from 6 to 9 with the Department of Public Works. The last will be held on Friday from 4 to 9. All hearings will take place at the Legislature in Hagatna.
Posted: Jan 24, 2010 2:33 PM
by Michele Catahay
Guam - The Guam Legislature will be hosting several public hearings this week on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Marines relocation from Okinawa to Guam. The first will be held tomorrow and Tuesday from 4-9pm. Another will be held on Wednesday from 6-9 with the CCU, GWA and GPA.
Then on Thursday, another hearing will also be held from 6 to 9 with the Department of Public Works. The last will be held on Friday from 4 to 9. All hearings will take place at the Legislature in Hagatna.
PNC :: Legislature's Schedule for Draft EIS Hearings
PNC :: Legislature's Schedule for Draft EIS Hearings
Friday, 22 January 2010
Guam - Below is the Legislature's schedule of Public Hearings for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement on the Military Buildup.
All Hearings will be held at the Legislatures Hearing Room in Agana.
MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2010
4:00 - 9:00 PM
Southern High School Cafeteria, Santa Rita
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2010
4:00 - 9:00 PM
Location: TBA
FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2010
4:00 - 9:00 PM
Sinajana Senior Center
Written by : News Release
Friday, 22 January 2010
Guam - Below is the Legislature's schedule of Public Hearings for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement on the Military Buildup.
All Hearings will be held at the Legislatures Hearing Room in Agana.
MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2010
4:00 - 9:00 PM
Southern High School Cafeteria, Santa Rita
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2010
4:00 - 9:00 PM
Location: TBA
FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2010
4:00 - 9:00 PM
Sinajana Senior Center
Written by : News Release
Legislature holds buildup hearings
Legislature holds buildup hearings
By Dionesis Tamondong • Pacific Daily News • January 22, 2010
The Legislature is holding public hearings all next week to allow more opportunities for the public to learn about and comment on the military buildup.
Residents have until Feb. 17 to submit comments on the draft Environmental Impact Statement. Their comments on the document could affect the actions the military carries out on the island.
"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," said Sen. Judith Guthertz, chairwoman of the legislative Committee on the Guam Military Buildup.
Guthertz yesterday sent her Comment Paper on Land Issues to President Obama and other federal officials that calls on them to, among other things, modify the draft EIS to locate all the military's needs and activities on existing federal land on Guam, as the preferred alternative.
"The welcome mat could be eliminated over those months if no justice is provided," Guthertz said in the letter.
The Committee on Federal Affairs, Committee on the Military Buildup, and the Committee on Education have scheduled the following hearings:
•Jan. 25, at the Southern High School cafeteria in Santa Rita;
•Jan. 26, at the Yigo Senior Center; and
•Jan. 29, at the Sinajana Senior Center.
These meetings are scheduled from 4 to 9 p.m.
The Committee on Utilities, Transportation and Public Works has scheduled a couple of hearings in the Legislature's public hearing room.
The Jan. 27 hearing will focus on the buildup's impact to Guam's water, sewer and power utilities, while the Jan. 28 hearing will focus on the impact to road and solid waste capacities.
The hearings are scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m.
By Dionesis Tamondong • Pacific Daily News • January 22, 2010
The Legislature is holding public hearings all next week to allow more opportunities for the public to learn about and comment on the military buildup.
Residents have until Feb. 17 to submit comments on the draft Environmental Impact Statement. Their comments on the document could affect the actions the military carries out on the island.
"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," said Sen. Judith Guthertz, chairwoman of the legislative Committee on the Guam Military Buildup.
Guthertz yesterday sent her Comment Paper on Land Issues to President Obama and other federal officials that calls on them to, among other things, modify the draft EIS to locate all the military's needs and activities on existing federal land on Guam, as the preferred alternative.
"The welcome mat could be eliminated over those months if no justice is provided," Guthertz said in the letter.
The Committee on Federal Affairs, Committee on the Military Buildup, and the Committee on Education have scheduled the following hearings:
•Jan. 25, at the Southern High School cafeteria in Santa Rita;
•Jan. 26, at the Yigo Senior Center; and
•Jan. 29, at the Sinajana Senior Center.
These meetings are scheduled from 4 to 9 p.m.
The Committee on Utilities, Transportation and Public Works has scheduled a couple of hearings in the Legislature's public hearing room.
The Jan. 27 hearing will focus on the buildup's impact to Guam's water, sewer and power utilities, while the Jan. 28 hearing will focus on the impact to road and solid waste capacities.
The hearings are scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Buildup team urges more questions
Buildup team urges more questions
By Laura Matthews • Pacific Daily News • January 21, 2010
The last round of Gov. Felix Camacho's presentations on the draft Environmental Impact Statement attracted a number of young people seeking to learn more about the changes to affect the island.
Thousands of pages from the draft EIS were summarized by the governor's Advisory Consultant Team in just a few hours yesterday at the Mangilao Senior Citizens Center.
Residents have until Feb. 17 to submit comments on the draft EIS, which will reshape Guam in the coming years. Their comments on the document could affect the actions the military carries out on the island, as public comments will be taken into consideration as the Defense Department moves forward.
"I think it is good for young people to come so that we can be a little more informed," said Tiara San Augustin, 19.
The Agana Heights resident said she decided to show up after her friends told her about a history class they took at the University of Guam. She said the teacher invited her friends to pay attention to these hearings and listen for the consequences of the military moving to the island.
"I don't see the big picture, and that is why I am here," San Augustin said.
Tamuning resident Gina De Guzman, 20, also wants to see the big picture.
"I don't know much about what's going on," she said. "I feel like the culture might change a lot. It is different from America and a lot of people coming here will change the localized things."
The coming military buildup will bring approximately 80,000 people to Guam by 2014. The influx of people would affect every sector on Guam ranging from public safety to utilities.
Celeste Werner, the program manager for the governor's Advisory Consultant Team, reminded residents who have questions on the draft EIS to provide an effective comment that generates action. Comments should be specific -- residents should explain how the proposed action would affect them and should provide solutions, she said.
The draft EIS was released Nov. 20 for public viewing and contains 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 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.
Residents have until Feb. 17 to comment, but Guam's delegate and the legislative vice speaker say Guam needs more time to provide input.
Vice Speaker Benjamin Cruz and Delegate Madeleine Bordallo both have written letters in support of extending the amount of time residents can comment. Bordallo sent a letter to Navy Secretary Ray Mabus asking for a 45-day extension. The Navy has yet to respond to the request.
Generally, federal rules provide the public 45 days to review a draft EIS before a final statement is published as a Record of Decision in the Federal Register. However, the Navy department, at the request of Guam officials, extended the public comment period for the Guam draft EIS an additional 45 days.
By Laura Matthews • Pacific Daily News • January 21, 2010
The last round of Gov. Felix Camacho's presentations on the draft Environmental Impact Statement attracted a number of young people seeking to learn more about the changes to affect the island.
Thousands of pages from the draft EIS were summarized by the governor's Advisory Consultant Team in just a few hours yesterday at the Mangilao Senior Citizens Center.
Residents have until Feb. 17 to submit comments on the draft EIS, which will reshape Guam in the coming years. Their comments on the document could affect the actions the military carries out on the island, as public comments will be taken into consideration as the Defense Department moves forward.
"I think it is good for young people to come so that we can be a little more informed," said Tiara San Augustin, 19.
The Agana Heights resident said she decided to show up after her friends told her about a history class they took at the University of Guam. She said the teacher invited her friends to pay attention to these hearings and listen for the consequences of the military moving to the island.
"I don't see the big picture, and that is why I am here," San Augustin said.
Tamuning resident Gina De Guzman, 20, also wants to see the big picture.
"I don't know much about what's going on," she said. "I feel like the culture might change a lot. It is different from America and a lot of people coming here will change the localized things."
The coming military buildup will bring approximately 80,000 people to Guam by 2014. The influx of people would affect every sector on Guam ranging from public safety to utilities.
Celeste Werner, the program manager for the governor's Advisory Consultant Team, reminded residents who have questions on the draft EIS to provide an effective comment that generates action. Comments should be specific -- residents should explain how the proposed action would affect them and should provide solutions, she said.
The draft EIS was released Nov. 20 for public viewing and contains 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 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.
Residents have until Feb. 17 to comment, but Guam's delegate and the legislative vice speaker say Guam needs more time to provide input.
Vice Speaker Benjamin Cruz and Delegate Madeleine Bordallo both have written letters in support of extending the amount of time residents can comment. Bordallo sent a letter to Navy Secretary Ray Mabus asking for a 45-day extension. The Navy has yet to respond to the request.
Generally, federal rules provide the public 45 days to review a draft EIS before a final statement is published as a Record of Decision in the Federal Register. However, the Navy department, at the request of Guam officials, extended the public comment period for the Guam draft EIS an additional 45 days.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
PNC :: Gov Felix Camacho, George Bamba and Celeste Warner with Ray Gibson
PNC :: Gov Felix Camacho, George Bamba and Celeste Warner with Ray Gibson
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Interview between Ray Gibson, Governor Felix Camacho, Celeste Warner (Matrix/M2D2) and George Bamba about the public hearings they will be conducting for the Draft EIS.
If player does not work click here to download entire podcast.
http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/images/stories/k57podcasts/jan10/100119_081541.mp3
Written by : Bob Gaeth
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Interview between Ray Gibson, Governor Felix Camacho, Celeste Warner (Matrix/M2D2) and George Bamba about the public hearings they will be conducting for the Draft EIS.
If player does not work click here to download entire podcast.
http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/images/stories/k57podcasts/jan10/100119_081541.mp3
Written by : Bob Gaeth
DEIS perspectives: It’s a Catch-22
DEIS perspectives: It’s a Catch-22
Tuesday, 19 January 2010 05:40
by Leevin Taitano Camacho
DEIS Perspectives
THE public hearings have come to an end and most people agree that Guam will see an increase in economic activity as a result of the buildup. Some have taken it further and suggested that the additional tax revenues GovGuam is expected to receive will improve GovGuam services and the standard of living for most of us. They reason that GovGuam will be able to fix the Guam Department of Education, Guam Memorial Hospital and other public agencies with the additional $327 million collected in taxes in 2014 and $96 million collected in 2017 and onward. This logic, however, is oversimplified because it fails to take into account any costs associated with the anticipated population explosion.
According to the draft environmental impact statement, Guam is expected to receive an increase of $327 million in 2014 and a population increase of 79,178 people. This averages out to an additional $4,130 in taxes per person. By 2017 and onward, the additional tax revenue will decrease to $96 million with an increase of 33,431 people. This averages out to $2,890 in additional taxes per person, which is lower than the current amount of taxes GovGuam collects per person. In the long term, GovGuam will receive 25 percent in additional tax revenues, but will also experience a 17 percent increase in population.
To get an idea of specific costs associated with the increase in population, one need look no further than the draft impact report which predicts that agencies such as DOE, Guam Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse other public safety agencies will have to increase their staffing by 44 percent in 2014 and 17 percent in 2017 and beyond. DOE will have to hire 420 additional teachers in 2014 to maintain the current teacher to student ratio after the influx of 6,200 students.
The response is that GovGuam will be able to pay for the increase in demand for public services with the increase in tax revenue. This begs the question as GovGuam can only tax people when they get to Guam. In contrast to GPA and GWA, which both can raise rates now to pay for improvements, DOE and other agencies rely primarily on the general fund for their budget. If GovGuam does not have enough revenue to prepare for the population boom, GovGuam will either have to take on more debt, or our public schools, hospital and other public services will be even more overburdened than they are today.
GovGuam’s financial inability to properly prepare for the population explosion is even more concerning when viewed along with the draft impact report’s explicit finding that the standard of living on Guam, or purchasing power, will most likely decrease for people on fixed incomes because of the rising costs of goods caused by the buildup. Putting two and two together, the same people who use GMH and send their children to public schools will have to endure even more overcrowding at our schools and hospital and have a lower standard of living.
The draft study predicts that Guam will see an increase in economic activity and GovGuam will see an increase in tax revenue. But the idea that GovGuam will be able to fix GovGuam agencies such as DOE and GMH or that the standard of living for most people on Guam will improve is not rooted in the text of the draft environmental impact statement.
(Leevin Taitano Camacho, a resident of Yigo, is lawyer).
Tuesday, 19 January 2010 05:40
by Leevin Taitano Camacho
DEIS Perspectives
THE public hearings have come to an end and most people agree that Guam will see an increase in economic activity as a result of the buildup. Some have taken it further and suggested that the additional tax revenues GovGuam is expected to receive will improve GovGuam services and the standard of living for most of us. They reason that GovGuam will be able to fix the Guam Department of Education, Guam Memorial Hospital and other public agencies with the additional $327 million collected in taxes in 2014 and $96 million collected in 2017 and onward. This logic, however, is oversimplified because it fails to take into account any costs associated with the anticipated population explosion.
According to the draft environmental impact statement, Guam is expected to receive an increase of $327 million in 2014 and a population increase of 79,178 people. This averages out to an additional $4,130 in taxes per person. By 2017 and onward, the additional tax revenue will decrease to $96 million with an increase of 33,431 people. This averages out to $2,890 in additional taxes per person, which is lower than the current amount of taxes GovGuam collects per person. In the long term, GovGuam will receive 25 percent in additional tax revenues, but will also experience a 17 percent increase in population.
To get an idea of specific costs associated with the increase in population, one need look no further than the draft impact report which predicts that agencies such as DOE, Guam Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse other public safety agencies will have to increase their staffing by 44 percent in 2014 and 17 percent in 2017 and beyond. DOE will have to hire 420 additional teachers in 2014 to maintain the current teacher to student ratio after the influx of 6,200 students.
The response is that GovGuam will be able to pay for the increase in demand for public services with the increase in tax revenue. This begs the question as GovGuam can only tax people when they get to Guam. In contrast to GPA and GWA, which both can raise rates now to pay for improvements, DOE and other agencies rely primarily on the general fund for their budget. If GovGuam does not have enough revenue to prepare for the population boom, GovGuam will either have to take on more debt, or our public schools, hospital and other public services will be even more overburdened than they are today.
GovGuam’s financial inability to properly prepare for the population explosion is even more concerning when viewed along with the draft impact report’s explicit finding that the standard of living on Guam, or purchasing power, will most likely decrease for people on fixed incomes because of the rising costs of goods caused by the buildup. Putting two and two together, the same people who use GMH and send their children to public schools will have to endure even more overcrowding at our schools and hospital and have a lower standard of living.
The draft study predicts that Guam will see an increase in economic activity and GovGuam will see an increase in tax revenue. But the idea that GovGuam will be able to fix GovGuam agencies such as DOE and GMH or that the standard of living for most people on Guam will improve is not rooted in the text of the draft environmental impact statement.
(Leevin Taitano Camacho, a resident of Yigo, is lawyer).
Military buildup hearing receives mixed reaction
Military buildup hearing receives mixed reaction
Monday, January 18, 2010
By Haidee V. Eugenio, Reporter
Residents weighed the pros and cons of the $15- to $20-billion military buildup in Guam and Tinian during Friday night's public hearing on Saipan, with some individuals expressing support to the multi-year project due to economic benefits and national security issues, while others oppose the project altogether for its ill social, environmental, and cultural impacts.
“Our economy is drying up. The local people are leaving because of lack of jobs here. We need the military, but we need to work together,” said former Rep. Manny Tenorio.
Martin Manglona, for his part, said there's no reason to be scared about military training ranges on Tinian.
“All plans on Tinian are for small ranges, nothing else. We have it in Kannat Tabla, so there's no problem,” said Manglona, adding that local people could get jobs and could find other business opportunities such as supplying fresh produce to the military.
Victoria-Lola Leon Guerrero of the Guam-based We Are Guahan which is opposed to the military buildup, said the buildup intends to carry out U.S. Department of Defense plans, and “does not intend to help residents.”
She said that CNMI residents should never forget the environmental problems caused by the U.S. military in Tanapag, referring to the polychlorinated biphenyl contamination of soil and land crabs on Saipan's northern village.
Leon Guerrero also urged people to visit their website, www.WeAreGuahan.com, to know more about the group's strong opposition to the buildup.
Among other things, the group said the majority of the 18,000 jobs coming through the buildup will go to off-island workers and not local residents, and the buildup's draft Environmental Impact Statement does not mention military commitment to give Guam the money necessary to develop infrastructure to support a huge population influx.
They were among the estimated 30 members of the community, and another 30-plus Navy personnel and military contractors at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe on Friday night for the Joint Guam Program Office's public hearing on the buildup's draft Environmental Impact Statement.
The number of people who showed up in both the public hearings on Tinian and Saipan were far below the numbers on Guam wherein the hearings drew 200 to 400 people.
Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (D-MP) said there are issues not related to the military buildup that the people of Tinian also want to be addressed, including the needed repair of the outer seawall and piers.
“It would be great (if the military funds it) but they won't because it's not a military wharf. That has to be a Commonwealth project or funded from a separate funding because it's not a military harbor; it's commercial. And I've also been telling people that this is a military buildup in Guam. Tinian is only ancillary of the buildup and if people think that someone is going to get rich from the Tinian portion of the buildup, I would like to know how because I haven't seen it,” Sablan told Saipan Tribune.
'No more comment period extension'
Sixto Igisomar, speaking as a member of the public, asked for more time to review and comment on the draft environment impact statement on the military buildup.
There are some 11,000 pages of documents on the draft EIS/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement on the military buildup.
The draft EIS/OES can be accessed online at www.guambuildupeis.us.
Retired Maj. Gen. David Bice, executive director of the Joint Guam Program Office, said JGPO believes that the 90-day comment period ending on Feb. 17 is sufficient.
“We've had well over 1,600 people come out to our public hearings where they asked questions and got their questions answered by experts. We've also gotten a lot of comments online as well as during the hearings,” Bice told Saipan Tribune.
Bice said there had been enough public outreach programs on the project, including public scoping in 2007, as well as partnership sessions with the local government and the regulators like the Environmental Protection Agency.
“We believe that our effort has been really unprecedented because this is a pretty large realignment and we had an unprecedented approach in terms of reaching out to the public and the regulators to ensure that our document is complete,” he said.
Bice said “every comment is important,” and every comment will be evaluated. The comments will also be recorded in Volume 10 of the final EIS.
“I can tell you that we are going to make adjustments to the EIS. We've heard comments made by people as we go along. I would make a mental note (when I hear) a solid comment that we need to take a look at either the plan or the phraseology that's in the EIS that may not be as clear as it should have been. So I can tell you that we are going to make adjustments to the EIS based upon the comments we received,” he added.
Townhall meetings
Despite the end of the six public hearings held in Guam, Tinian, and Saipan, there are still opportunities for residents to know more about the draft EIS/OES.
Tom Linden, coordinator for the CNMI Military Integration Management Committee, said MIMC, in partnership with the Office of Economic Adjustment and the Guam Advisory Consulting Team, will be hosting a public forum on Jan. 27, Wednesday, at the Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe.
He said representatives of the OEA and ACT will break down the 11,000-page EIS and be willing to answer any questions regarding the military buildup. The public is encouraged to submit questions ahead of time to the MIMC coordinator by sending e-mails to cnmi.mimc@commerce.gov.mp.
MIMC, created in June 2009, serves as the planning and policy making entity for all activities related to the expansion of military training and other defense transformation initiatives in the CNMI and Guam. It is the official entity through which the CNMI will interface with the U.S. Department of the Navy, the U.S. Marine Corps, JGPO, the Department of Defense, and all other military representatives regarding the military buildup.
The Tinian plan
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.
Comments on the draft EIS/OES can be submitted online, or during the public hearings set by the U.S. Navy in Guam and the CNMI.
Monday, January 18, 2010
By Haidee V. Eugenio, Reporter
Residents weighed the pros and cons of the $15- to $20-billion military buildup in Guam and Tinian during Friday night's public hearing on Saipan, with some individuals expressing support to the multi-year project due to economic benefits and national security issues, while others oppose the project altogether for its ill social, environmental, and cultural impacts.
“Our economy is drying up. The local people are leaving because of lack of jobs here. We need the military, but we need to work together,” said former Rep. Manny Tenorio.
Martin Manglona, for his part, said there's no reason to be scared about military training ranges on Tinian.
“All plans on Tinian are for small ranges, nothing else. We have it in Kannat Tabla, so there's no problem,” said Manglona, adding that local people could get jobs and could find other business opportunities such as supplying fresh produce to the military.
Victoria-Lola Leon Guerrero of the Guam-based We Are Guahan which is opposed to the military buildup, said the buildup intends to carry out U.S. Department of Defense plans, and “does not intend to help residents.”
She said that CNMI residents should never forget the environmental problems caused by the U.S. military in Tanapag, referring to the polychlorinated biphenyl contamination of soil and land crabs on Saipan's northern village.
Leon Guerrero also urged people to visit their website, www.WeAreGuahan.com, to know more about the group's strong opposition to the buildup.
Among other things, the group said the majority of the 18,000 jobs coming through the buildup will go to off-island workers and not local residents, and the buildup's draft Environmental Impact Statement does not mention military commitment to give Guam the money necessary to develop infrastructure to support a huge population influx.
They were among the estimated 30 members of the community, and another 30-plus Navy personnel and military contractors at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe on Friday night for the Joint Guam Program Office's public hearing on the buildup's draft Environmental Impact Statement.
The number of people who showed up in both the public hearings on Tinian and Saipan were far below the numbers on Guam wherein the hearings drew 200 to 400 people.
Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (D-MP) said there are issues not related to the military buildup that the people of Tinian also want to be addressed, including the needed repair of the outer seawall and piers.
“It would be great (if the military funds it) but they won't because it's not a military wharf. That has to be a Commonwealth project or funded from a separate funding because it's not a military harbor; it's commercial. And I've also been telling people that this is a military buildup in Guam. Tinian is only ancillary of the buildup and if people think that someone is going to get rich from the Tinian portion of the buildup, I would like to know how because I haven't seen it,” Sablan told Saipan Tribune.
'No more comment period extension'
Sixto Igisomar, speaking as a member of the public, asked for more time to review and comment on the draft environment impact statement on the military buildup.
There are some 11,000 pages of documents on the draft EIS/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement on the military buildup.
The draft EIS/OES can be accessed online at www.guambuildupeis.us.
Retired Maj. Gen. David Bice, executive director of the Joint Guam Program Office, said JGPO believes that the 90-day comment period ending on Feb. 17 is sufficient.
“We've had well over 1,600 people come out to our public hearings where they asked questions and got their questions answered by experts. We've also gotten a lot of comments online as well as during the hearings,” Bice told Saipan Tribune.
Bice said there had been enough public outreach programs on the project, including public scoping in 2007, as well as partnership sessions with the local government and the regulators like the Environmental Protection Agency.
“We believe that our effort has been really unprecedented because this is a pretty large realignment and we had an unprecedented approach in terms of reaching out to the public and the regulators to ensure that our document is complete,” he said.
Bice said “every comment is important,” and every comment will be evaluated. The comments will also be recorded in Volume 10 of the final EIS.
“I can tell you that we are going to make adjustments to the EIS. We've heard comments made by people as we go along. I would make a mental note (when I hear) a solid comment that we need to take a look at either the plan or the phraseology that's in the EIS that may not be as clear as it should have been. So I can tell you that we are going to make adjustments to the EIS based upon the comments we received,” he added.
Townhall meetings
Despite the end of the six public hearings held in Guam, Tinian, and Saipan, there are still opportunities for residents to know more about the draft EIS/OES.
Tom Linden, coordinator for the CNMI Military Integration Management Committee, said MIMC, in partnership with the Office of Economic Adjustment and the Guam Advisory Consulting Team, will be hosting a public forum on Jan. 27, Wednesday, at the Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe.
He said representatives of the OEA and ACT will break down the 11,000-page EIS and be willing to answer any questions regarding the military buildup. The public is encouraged to submit questions ahead of time to the MIMC coordinator by sending e-mails to cnmi.mimc@commerce.gov.mp.
MIMC, created in June 2009, serves as the planning and policy making entity for all activities related to the expansion of military training and other defense transformation initiatives in the CNMI and Guam. It is the official entity through which the CNMI will interface with the U.S. Department of the Navy, the U.S. Marine Corps, JGPO, the Department of Defense, and all other military representatives regarding the military buildup.
The Tinian plan
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.
Comments on the draft EIS/OES can be submitted online, or during the public hearings set by the U.S. Navy in Guam and the CNMI.
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