Showing posts with label Cultural Resource. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cultural Resource. Show all posts
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
‘Military buildup to hurt Guam’s cultural resources’
‘Military buildup to hurt Guam’s cultural resources’
Friday, 29 January 2010 00:32
by Tiffany Sukola | Variety News Staff
GOVERNMENT officials say the push from tourism experts to change the way Guam sells itself to visitors is easier said than done, especially as military plans outlined in the draft environmental impact statement could compromise some if the island’s historical landmarks.
Earlier this week, tourism industry expert Jim Beighley, of the DFS group, urged the island to branch out and consider creating a more cultural experience for visitors.
He said tourists traveling to Guam now want to immerse themselves in the island’s culture rather than stay in Tumon and shop.
Beighley said it would be challenging however because currently, Guam is putting all of its resources into the Pleasure Island district in Tumon.
However, during yesterday’s Tourism Educational Council youth summit, vice speaker BJ Cruz pointed out that creating a more cultural experience for Guam visitors may not be possible with some of the plans laid out by the military in the DEIS.
Cruz read from a list of concerns published by the Governor’s office, and encouraged the students gathered to start thinking about the effect of an increased military presence on Guam’s cultural landmarks.
“We’re not here to debate whether or not the buildup should happen,” said Cruz. “I just want people to start thinking about where tourism is headed.”
Shut off
Cruz pointed out that the draft study will limit public access to certain cultural landmarks such as Mount Lam Lam. He added that the military also plans on restricting civilian access to land in Pagat, Mangilao to 104 days a year.
The senator also noted that the handling of cultural artifacts during the construction period was not addressed in the draft report.
In addition, the impact study says that nearly 40 acres of coral reef will be cleared and destroyed as part of the dredging project in Apra Harbor. Cruz said that the department of defense’s solution is to build an artificial reef however, that option is not supported by local law.
Cruz said that Guam’s visitors, who come from densely populated areas like Japan, China and Korea, are looking at Guam as an escape from city life.
Just a matter of time
But with Guam needing to build more roads, housing developments and commercial buildings, it won’t be long before the island loses its abundance of green space, Cruz said.
So he asked the students to imagine themselves in these areas, trying to promote Guam.
“How would you like to describe Guam,” he asked. “Do you want to describe it as like being just like another city in Japan or China, or do you want to describe it as an escape with lots of green space.”
Cruz added that the focus shouldn’t be on whether or not the military should continue with plans to move thousands of Marines and their families to Guam. Island residents instead should be looking at protecting Guam’s cultural landmarks and green spaces.
“If these tourists find somewhere else to go, they aren’t coming back,” said Cruz.
Friday, 29 January 2010 00:32
by Tiffany Sukola | Variety News Staff
GOVERNMENT officials say the push from tourism experts to change the way Guam sells itself to visitors is easier said than done, especially as military plans outlined in the draft environmental impact statement could compromise some if the island’s historical landmarks.
Earlier this week, tourism industry expert Jim Beighley, of the DFS group, urged the island to branch out and consider creating a more cultural experience for visitors.
He said tourists traveling to Guam now want to immerse themselves in the island’s culture rather than stay in Tumon and shop.
Beighley said it would be challenging however because currently, Guam is putting all of its resources into the Pleasure Island district in Tumon.
However, during yesterday’s Tourism Educational Council youth summit, vice speaker BJ Cruz pointed out that creating a more cultural experience for Guam visitors may not be possible with some of the plans laid out by the military in the DEIS.
Cruz read from a list of concerns published by the Governor’s office, and encouraged the students gathered to start thinking about the effect of an increased military presence on Guam’s cultural landmarks.
“We’re not here to debate whether or not the buildup should happen,” said Cruz. “I just want people to start thinking about where tourism is headed.”
Shut off
Cruz pointed out that the draft study will limit public access to certain cultural landmarks such as Mount Lam Lam. He added that the military also plans on restricting civilian access to land in Pagat, Mangilao to 104 days a year.
The senator also noted that the handling of cultural artifacts during the construction period was not addressed in the draft report.
In addition, the impact study says that nearly 40 acres of coral reef will be cleared and destroyed as part of the dredging project in Apra Harbor. Cruz said that the department of defense’s solution is to build an artificial reef however, that option is not supported by local law.
Cruz said that Guam’s visitors, who come from densely populated areas like Japan, China and Korea, are looking at Guam as an escape from city life.
Just a matter of time
But with Guam needing to build more roads, housing developments and commercial buildings, it won’t be long before the island loses its abundance of green space, Cruz said.
So he asked the students to imagine themselves in these areas, trying to promote Guam.
“How would you like to describe Guam,” he asked. “Do you want to describe it as like being just like another city in Japan or China, or do you want to describe it as an escape with lots of green space.”
Cruz added that the focus shouldn’t be on whether or not the military should continue with plans to move thousands of Marines and their families to Guam. Island residents instead should be looking at protecting Guam’s cultural landmarks and green spaces.
“If these tourists find somewhere else to go, they aren’t coming back,” said Cruz.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Huge crowd at Resolution 258's public hearing
Huge crowd at Resolution 258's public hearing
Posted: Dec 28, 2009 10:55 PM PST
by Nick Delgado
Guam - It was a packed house at the Guam Legislature's Public Hearing Room this morning as dozens of people came out to testify in support of Resolution 258 that opposes the use of condemnation for the purpose of obtaining Guam lands for the military buildup.
While the Department of Defense currently possesses nearly 30% of land on the island, it was apparent by the emotional testimony provided today that there are many island residents who aren't just concerned about the impacts the Marines' relocation will have on our community, but to their livelihoods and land.
Emotions ran high during today's public hearing as residents expressed their frustration with the possibility of land condemnation, as well as their support for the resolution that would prevent the feds from taking their land. "I the landowners say I'm sorry, my land is not for sale, you need to respect that. If the government says the land is not available because it's committed for something else, they need to respect that. But they have to work together to find alternatives, too," said Senator Judi Guthertz.
She is the author of Resolution 258 and chaired today's hearing. The senator pointed out the areas the military plans to use for its main base as stated in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Those areas which are currently non-DoD property include 680 acres of the former FAA housing area, 326 more acres in what's called the Harmon Annex, and the biggest piece of 921 acres of land along Route 15. All which are under private or GovGuam owners today.
"These plans are in the best interest of Americans in the states. When will our best interests be considered? You must consider our best interests now!" proclaimed GovGuam retiree Gloria Nelson.
She argued island leaders are not doing enough, and that due to its lack of unity it seems like leaders are willing to give away the future of our children to the highest bidder. "We cannot stand by idly as our cultural resources, our homes and the futures of our children are trampled upon, given away or sold to those who do not truly value it. We have the right to control our lands and our destinies for the sake of our children," she added.
Superior Court Judge Steven Unpingco objecting to the possibility of land condemnation spoke on his personal capacity as a landowner of the Sasayan Valley. Unpingco saying there is no need for the military to acquire non-Department of Defense land as he believes the military has sufficient land to accommodate the buildup. "DoD owns approximately 40,000 acres comprised of 27% of Guam's total land mass...there are serious public concerns on the proposed activity to conduct live fire training facility in the Sasayan Valley."
Vice-Speaker BJ Cruz, meanwhile, wants more in the community to voice their concerns with the buildup, especially any and all concerns they have with his measure which would have left the option of the Marines relocation up to the people of Guam. "All of you need to get up and tell them no! I am diametrically opposed to the buildup. It's not an issue of whether or not I want to deny any of you but Bill 66 is only as it relates to the CLTC and the ancestral lands that's the only thing we have control of."
General Manager of the Guam Racing Federation Henry Simpson who also testified is still waiting to find out when, and if military will condemn the land at the entire Guam International Raceway Park for a single shooting range. The park is CLTC property, and Simpson recalls the military telling him that the land would just be convenient.
He said, "I don't think they've done a very good job at looking at all their options. I think it should be a lot ore inconvenient they could live with the property they've got they could fulfill their mission with the property they've got and they could it and do it safely it may cost them more money it may not be as convenient for them but they could do it."
But there was one person, local businessman James Adkins, who showed more support for the military buildup. "I don't think anyone has come up with an alternative to the military coming here. If you have, I would love to hear it, because we have looked everywhere to find other businesses and industries to come here," he said.
But right after, residents expressed their disagreement with Adkins, as well as challenged the senators to act on the plans the military has moving forward.
Posted: Dec 28, 2009 10:55 PM PST
by Nick Delgado
Guam - It was a packed house at the Guam Legislature's Public Hearing Room this morning as dozens of people came out to testify in support of Resolution 258 that opposes the use of condemnation for the purpose of obtaining Guam lands for the military buildup.
While the Department of Defense currently possesses nearly 30% of land on the island, it was apparent by the emotional testimony provided today that there are many island residents who aren't just concerned about the impacts the Marines' relocation will have on our community, but to their livelihoods and land.
Emotions ran high during today's public hearing as residents expressed their frustration with the possibility of land condemnation, as well as their support for the resolution that would prevent the feds from taking their land. "I the landowners say I'm sorry, my land is not for sale, you need to respect that. If the government says the land is not available because it's committed for something else, they need to respect that. But they have to work together to find alternatives, too," said Senator Judi Guthertz.
She is the author of Resolution 258 and chaired today's hearing. The senator pointed out the areas the military plans to use for its main base as stated in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Those areas which are currently non-DoD property include 680 acres of the former FAA housing area, 326 more acres in what's called the Harmon Annex, and the biggest piece of 921 acres of land along Route 15. All which are under private or GovGuam owners today.
"These plans are in the best interest of Americans in the states. When will our best interests be considered? You must consider our best interests now!" proclaimed GovGuam retiree Gloria Nelson.
She argued island leaders are not doing enough, and that due to its lack of unity it seems like leaders are willing to give away the future of our children to the highest bidder. "We cannot stand by idly as our cultural resources, our homes and the futures of our children are trampled upon, given away or sold to those who do not truly value it. We have the right to control our lands and our destinies for the sake of our children," she added.
Superior Court Judge Steven Unpingco objecting to the possibility of land condemnation spoke on his personal capacity as a landowner of the Sasayan Valley. Unpingco saying there is no need for the military to acquire non-Department of Defense land as he believes the military has sufficient land to accommodate the buildup. "DoD owns approximately 40,000 acres comprised of 27% of Guam's total land mass...there are serious public concerns on the proposed activity to conduct live fire training facility in the Sasayan Valley."
Vice-Speaker BJ Cruz, meanwhile, wants more in the community to voice their concerns with the buildup, especially any and all concerns they have with his measure which would have left the option of the Marines relocation up to the people of Guam. "All of you need to get up and tell them no! I am diametrically opposed to the buildup. It's not an issue of whether or not I want to deny any of you but Bill 66 is only as it relates to the CLTC and the ancestral lands that's the only thing we have control of."
General Manager of the Guam Racing Federation Henry Simpson who also testified is still waiting to find out when, and if military will condemn the land at the entire Guam International Raceway Park for a single shooting range. The park is CLTC property, and Simpson recalls the military telling him that the land would just be convenient.
He said, "I don't think they've done a very good job at looking at all their options. I think it should be a lot ore inconvenient they could live with the property they've got they could fulfill their mission with the property they've got and they could it and do it safely it may cost them more money it may not be as convenient for them but they could do it."
But there was one person, local businessman James Adkins, who showed more support for the military buildup. "I don't think anyone has come up with an alternative to the military coming here. If you have, I would love to hear it, because we have looked everywhere to find other businesses and industries to come here," he said.
But right after, residents expressed their disagreement with Adkins, as well as challenged the senators to act on the plans the military has moving forward.
DEIS outlines training procedures on Tiyan
DEIS outlines training procedures on Tiyan
Monday, 28 December 2009 04:27
by Jude Lizama | Variety News Staff
THE proposed Tinian-based U.S. Marines training facilities cited in the draft environmental statement impact cites certain priorities for proper use and management focused on the areas including personnel, environmental and civilian safety.
According to the impact statement, the military would schedule any training activities one week in advance, and would also engage in public notification initiatives through the media.
Additionally, the draft study states that “biosecurity training would be coordinated through informal consultations,” with the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Wildlife Services, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources through regional training authority one-week prior to training events.
Environmental briefings, including brown tree snake control, would also be completed prior to departure.
Cultural resource briefing would be completed prior to departure. Authorized USDA inspectors would conduct inspection of supplies and equipment before such shipments bound for Tinian are to be cleared.
The construction of fences, security gates, and range flag poles would be constructed around designated training areas to ensure that necessary portions of the training site are “clear of non-participating personnel during live firing to avoid the potential for injury from ricochet or misdirected shots.”
The draft impact study also assumes that “access to the [military lease area] would be in accordance with Marine Corps safety regulations and would vary depending on the type of training activity that is being conducted. As an example, live-fire activities on proposed ranges would require limited access to the [lease area] on the eastern side of Tinian.”
Limitations to access and various security requirements would be “part of the standard operating procedures for all ranges. The extent of fencing has not been determined, but roads would be gated and range control personnel would survey the area for unauthorized people.
Available monitoring capabilities would be utilized to assure public safety during training events. Training units would have direct communications with range control, and would fly a large red flag when the [training area] is in use,” according to the study.
Monday, 28 December 2009 04:27
by Jude Lizama | Variety News Staff
THE proposed Tinian-based U.S. Marines training facilities cited in the draft environmental statement impact cites certain priorities for proper use and management focused on the areas including personnel, environmental and civilian safety.
According to the impact statement, the military would schedule any training activities one week in advance, and would also engage in public notification initiatives through the media.
Additionally, the draft study states that “biosecurity training would be coordinated through informal consultations,” with the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Wildlife Services, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources through regional training authority one-week prior to training events.
Environmental briefings, including brown tree snake control, would also be completed prior to departure.
Cultural resource briefing would be completed prior to departure. Authorized USDA inspectors would conduct inspection of supplies and equipment before such shipments bound for Tinian are to be cleared.
The construction of fences, security gates, and range flag poles would be constructed around designated training areas to ensure that necessary portions of the training site are “clear of non-participating personnel during live firing to avoid the potential for injury from ricochet or misdirected shots.”
The draft impact study also assumes that “access to the [military lease area] would be in accordance with Marine Corps safety regulations and would vary depending on the type of training activity that is being conducted. As an example, live-fire activities on proposed ranges would require limited access to the [lease area] on the eastern side of Tinian.”
Limitations to access and various security requirements would be “part of the standard operating procedures for all ranges. The extent of fencing has not been determined, but roads would be gated and range control personnel would survey the area for unauthorized people.
Available monitoring capabilities would be utilized to assure public safety during training events. Training units would have direct communications with range control, and would fly a large red flag when the [training area] is in use,” according to the study.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Team Andersen Ensures Preservation Of Guam Cultural Resources
Written by Staff Sgt. Jamie Lessard, 36th Wing Public Affairs
Anderson Air Force Base, Guam: With all the construction planned here for the upcoming year, people may ask whether we are doing our part to conserve the cultural resources on Guam.
According to Dave Lotz, the environmental impact assessment programmer for the 36th Civil Engineering Squadron, the sites that include Sirena (Tarague) Beach, The Habitat Management Unit, and the field training exercise areas at Northwest Field all must be surveyed for possible cultural resources before any construction can take place.
"Tarague Beach has a whole range of cultural resourses including Japanese fortifications, Chamorro culture and remnants of the Atkins -Kroll Plantation from the 1920's." Mr. Lotz said.
According to the Historic American Engineering Record, Northwest Field is significant under criteria A at a national level for events during World War II that aided in the defeat of Japan and the ending of the war.
The property's significance is tied to its dedicated use for night missions against the Japanese oil industry, for its having the only bombers especially equipped with the AN/APQ-7 "Eagle" radar, for the 315th Bomb Wing's development of the "compressibility" procedure and for its planes flying the last bombing mission against Japan.
In keeping with Air Force Instruction 32-7065, Cultural Resource Management and the National Historic Preservation Act, Andersen is taking the necessary steps to ensure there is no destruction to the cultural resources on base property.
According to Patrick Lujan, Deputy State Historic Preservation officer, the following steps should be followed before any construction ensues: identify the cultural resources, access the adverse effects of building, and resolving the adverse effects.
"Andersen is taking steps in the right direction," Mr. Lujan said. "Since the National Historic Act of 1966, this time is the most crucial for Andersen and its property because of all the build-up. There is so much Chamorro history that needs to be protected."
Anderson Air Force Base, Guam: With all the construction planned here for the upcoming year, people may ask whether we are doing our part to conserve the cultural resources on Guam.
According to Dave Lotz, the environmental impact assessment programmer for the 36th Civil Engineering Squadron, the sites that include Sirena (Tarague) Beach, The Habitat Management Unit, and the field training exercise areas at Northwest Field all must be surveyed for possible cultural resources before any construction can take place.
"Tarague Beach has a whole range of cultural resourses including Japanese fortifications, Chamorro culture and remnants of the Atkins -Kroll Plantation from the 1920's." Mr. Lotz said.
According to the Historic American Engineering Record, Northwest Field is significant under criteria A at a national level for events during World War II that aided in the defeat of Japan and the ending of the war.
The property's significance is tied to its dedicated use for night missions against the Japanese oil industry, for its having the only bombers especially equipped with the AN/APQ-7 "Eagle" radar, for the 315th Bomb Wing's development of the "compressibility" procedure and for its planes flying the last bombing mission against Japan.
In keeping with Air Force Instruction 32-7065, Cultural Resource Management and the National Historic Preservation Act, Andersen is taking the necessary steps to ensure there is no destruction to the cultural resources on base property.
According to Patrick Lujan, Deputy State Historic Preservation officer, the following steps should be followed before any construction ensues: identify the cultural resources, access the adverse effects of building, and resolving the adverse effects.
"Andersen is taking steps in the right direction," Mr. Lujan said. "Since the National Historic Act of 1966, this time is the most crucial for Andersen and its property because of all the build-up. There is so much Chamorro history that needs to be protected."
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