Waiting for approval: Obama asks Pelosi's authority to shift $50M for Port
By Dionesis Tamondong
Pacific Daily News
April 9, 2010
Obama this week sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, asking for the authority to shift up to $50 million in his administration's budget request next fiscal year for critical improvements to the Port Authority of Guam.
"Modernization of the port is a critical prerequisite for the military construction program supporting the realignment of U.S. Marine Corps forces from Japan to Guam, a part of the overall U.S. strategy for military forces in the Pacific region," Obama said in the April 5 letter.
If approved, the Department of Defense will transfer funds to the Department of Transportation to finance the port improvements.
The letter from Obama, who has scheduled a Guam visit in June, was made after Guam officials questioned the federal government's intent to help GovGuam pay for the cost of hosting a much larger military presence.
The port had applied for an economic stimulus grant of almost $50 million through the Transportation Department, but that wasn't approved.
The port has plans for about $200 million worth of upgrades, with a large bulk of the funding from federal grants and loans.
Without those facility improvements, the port can become a chokepoint in the delivery of construction materials and commercial cargo throughout the region.
Showing posts with label DOD. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DOD. Show all posts
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Leaders respond to Bordallo's address
Leaders respond to Bordallo's address
Posted: Feb 17, 2010 3:17 PM
Updated: Feb 17, 2010 7:06 PM
by Sabrina Salas Matanane
Guam - The reviews are out for Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo's annual congressional address delivered last night in Hagatna, and from even her toughest critics her address seems to have been a big hit. Escorted into session hall by local attorney Mike Phillips, Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo's address Tuesday night covered an array of issues, including a pledge to help the Department of Education Superintendent Dr Nerissa Underwood, who said, "When she found out we were really in a tight spot, she actually made a lot of effort in ensuring that USDOE knows that she is on top of it, so I appreciate it."
Bordallo also pledged to work to get an increase in Compact impact funding and to continue her relentless efforts to get war reparations, but the bulk of her speech last night dealt with the military buildup and the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Bordallo listed off six areas of concern regarding the buildup, ranging from land issues which she opposed the use of condemnation, even so far as challenging the military use land within their existing footprint.
She also said the Department of Defense must seriously consider and find ways to fund the infrastructure improvements needed outside the fence to support the buildup. Governor Felix Camacho, who delivered his address just the day before, said it was a "excellent speech" and that he will continue to work with the congresswoman, especially as he heads to the nation's capital in the coming weeks.
"There are series of meetings with federal officials that will be had regarding the buildup in other matters related to Guam, and I look forward to working on many of these issues," he noted.
Committee Chair on the Guam Military Buildup Senator Judi Guthertz, who has not shied away in expressing her disdain with the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, was pleased with Bordallo's speech, calling it "terrific". She said, "It's clear to me now that the Legislature, our congresswoman and our governor are all thinking the same way on the Draft EIS, so we have a commonality speaking with one voice now on the Draft EIS.
"I'm hopeful now that our military friends and Washington leadership will pay attention to the concerns that have been brought forth by our congresswoman, legislature and by our governor and to redo the Draft EIS and address the issues that need to be addressed."
Speaking of military, 36th Wing Commander at Andersen Air Force Base Brigadier General Phil Rhulman attended Monday's night's address. He said, "It was an excellent speech a good speech by Congresswoman Bordallo and the best thing about it was emphasizing the fact that we're all work together with this military buildup."
It's this coming together, so to speak, that District Court of Guam Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood liked most about Bordallo's address, saying, "I just think the most important thing I felt being here as a federal public official as well as a judge is just the positive outlook she has and the call she has for everyone to come together, I think that was really the important thing for me."
What was important for Ted Nelson was to hear Bordallo's position on land and her clearly stating that she was not in support of eminent domain. He was also happy to hear that she plans to propose to the navy to either use property in Naval Magazine or Tinian as an alternative for the Marines training ranges, instead of his property in the eastern part of Guam. He said, "We are very pleased that she has recognized our rights and that she will go beyond work with the Navy, military and everybody else to ensure that no land will be taken or be condemned, so we thank her, God bless Guam and Madeleine Bordallo."
Meanwhile, surprisingly Vice-Speaker B.J. Cruz, who as of late has been critical of the congresswoman on the military buildup, was satisfied for the most part with her address. He said, "My only disappointment is that she didn't expand on the medical and mental health needs, but otherwise the rest of the speech addressed most everything that I was concerned about. The condemnation issue, the dredging, it wasn't as strong as I wanted but at least now she recognizes this just cannot happen.
"I was very proud of the speech that she gave last night, I was very happy.
Posted: Feb 17, 2010 3:17 PM
Updated: Feb 17, 2010 7:06 PM
by Sabrina Salas Matanane
Guam - The reviews are out for Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo's annual congressional address delivered last night in Hagatna, and from even her toughest critics her address seems to have been a big hit. Escorted into session hall by local attorney Mike Phillips, Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo's address Tuesday night covered an array of issues, including a pledge to help the Department of Education Superintendent Dr Nerissa Underwood, who said, "When she found out we were really in a tight spot, she actually made a lot of effort in ensuring that USDOE knows that she is on top of it, so I appreciate it."
Bordallo also pledged to work to get an increase in Compact impact funding and to continue her relentless efforts to get war reparations, but the bulk of her speech last night dealt with the military buildup and the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Bordallo listed off six areas of concern regarding the buildup, ranging from land issues which she opposed the use of condemnation, even so far as challenging the military use land within their existing footprint.
She also said the Department of Defense must seriously consider and find ways to fund the infrastructure improvements needed outside the fence to support the buildup. Governor Felix Camacho, who delivered his address just the day before, said it was a "excellent speech" and that he will continue to work with the congresswoman, especially as he heads to the nation's capital in the coming weeks.
"There are series of meetings with federal officials that will be had regarding the buildup in other matters related to Guam, and I look forward to working on many of these issues," he noted.
Committee Chair on the Guam Military Buildup Senator Judi Guthertz, who has not shied away in expressing her disdain with the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, was pleased with Bordallo's speech, calling it "terrific". She said, "It's clear to me now that the Legislature, our congresswoman and our governor are all thinking the same way on the Draft EIS, so we have a commonality speaking with one voice now on the Draft EIS.
"I'm hopeful now that our military friends and Washington leadership will pay attention to the concerns that have been brought forth by our congresswoman, legislature and by our governor and to redo the Draft EIS and address the issues that need to be addressed."
Speaking of military, 36th Wing Commander at Andersen Air Force Base Brigadier General Phil Rhulman attended Monday's night's address. He said, "It was an excellent speech a good speech by Congresswoman Bordallo and the best thing about it was emphasizing the fact that we're all work together with this military buildup."
It's this coming together, so to speak, that District Court of Guam Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood liked most about Bordallo's address, saying, "I just think the most important thing I felt being here as a federal public official as well as a judge is just the positive outlook she has and the call she has for everyone to come together, I think that was really the important thing for me."
What was important for Ted Nelson was to hear Bordallo's position on land and her clearly stating that she was not in support of eminent domain. He was also happy to hear that she plans to propose to the navy to either use property in Naval Magazine or Tinian as an alternative for the Marines training ranges, instead of his property in the eastern part of Guam. He said, "We are very pleased that she has recognized our rights and that she will go beyond work with the Navy, military and everybody else to ensure that no land will be taken or be condemned, so we thank her, God bless Guam and Madeleine Bordallo."
Meanwhile, surprisingly Vice-Speaker B.J. Cruz, who as of late has been critical of the congresswoman on the military buildup, was satisfied for the most part with her address. He said, "My only disappointment is that she didn't expand on the medical and mental health needs, but otherwise the rest of the speech addressed most everything that I was concerned about. The condemnation issue, the dredging, it wasn't as strong as I wanted but at least now she recognizes this just cannot happen.
"I was very proud of the speech that she gave last night, I was very happy.
Comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement EIS/OE
Comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement EIS/OE
Joint Guam Program Office (JGPO)
C/O NAVFAC Pacific
258 Makalapa Drive, Suite 100
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii 96860-3134
Attention: GPMO
Reference: Comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement (EIS/OEIS), Guam and CNMI Military Relocation:
Relocating Marines from Okinawa, Visiting Aircraft Carrier Berthing, and Army Air and Missile Defense Task Force
Hafa Adai! Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on the referenced Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). The military buildup proposed for the island of Guahan unprecedented in sheer size and magnitude that it will undoubtedly significantly impact and change the culture, environment, quality of life, and future of the island. Guahan's ability to effectively integrate the military expansion will determine the success of the island's growth and development for decades to come.
This cover letter summarizes our technical and policy concerns about the DEIS, and are detailed in the attached comment spreadsheets prepared by the staff and technical experts of the Government of Guahan instrumentalities. We are submitting these comments as the "affected official local government" in accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEP A). Please enter this letter and all the attachments submitted with it into the comment record.
Our purpose in submitting detailed comments is to ensure that the Department of Defense (DOD) has a full understanding of Guahan's concerns about the proposed military buildup and the DEIS. We believe that the DEIS is lacking in a number of areas.
Click here to view this posting in it's entirety. (pdf format - file size 44mb)
http://guamgovernor.net/GOV%20FINAL%20COMPILATION.pdf
Joint Guam Program Office (JGPO)
C/O NAVFAC Pacific
258 Makalapa Drive, Suite 100
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii 96860-3134
Attention: GPMO
Reference: Comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement (EIS/OEIS), Guam and CNMI Military Relocation:
Relocating Marines from Okinawa, Visiting Aircraft Carrier Berthing, and Army Air and Missile Defense Task Force
Hafa Adai! Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on the referenced Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). The military buildup proposed for the island of Guahan unprecedented in sheer size and magnitude that it will undoubtedly significantly impact and change the culture, environment, quality of life, and future of the island. Guahan's ability to effectively integrate the military expansion will determine the success of the island's growth and development for decades to come.
This cover letter summarizes our technical and policy concerns about the DEIS, and are detailed in the attached comment spreadsheets prepared by the staff and technical experts of the Government of Guahan instrumentalities. We are submitting these comments as the "affected official local government" in accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEP A). Please enter this letter and all the attachments submitted with it into the comment record.
Our purpose in submitting detailed comments is to ensure that the Department of Defense (DOD) has a full understanding of Guahan's concerns about the proposed military buildup and the DEIS. We believe that the DEIS is lacking in a number of areas.
Click here to view this posting in it's entirety. (pdf format - file size 44mb)
http://guamgovernor.net/GOV%20FINAL%20COMPILATION.pdf
Relocation of US troops to NMI not done deal
Relocation of US troops to NMI not done deal
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
By Haidee V. Eugenio
Reporter
Kitazawa Japan's Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa on Friday downplayed the idea of relocating up to 4,000 U.S. troops from the Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa to Tinian, even as Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and the CNMI Military Integration Management Committee said yesterday that the Commonwealth welcomes such relocation consideration “only if such plan is supported and approved by the U.S. federal government and the Department of Defense.”
Tinian is one of the major islands in the U.S. territory of the CNMI.
“We are by no means trying to entice the Japanese government to push for the relocation of a base in the CNMI as this is solely a decision that will be made by the U.S. government. The administration and the MIMC will respect and support any such decisions that are made,” the Fitial administration said in a statement when asked for comment on the Futenma relocation issue.
Press Secretary Angel Demapan said Fitial and the MIMC will be open to any dialogue that the U.S. Department of Defense may want to engage in.
“However, any such dialogue would have to be at the request of the federal government,” he said.
International media quoted Japan's Kitazawa as saying that Futenma's relocation to the CNMI could be considered as a “long-term issue.”
He said, however, the views of the U.S. military on the relocation issue are important and that discussions are expected to take place on whether the necessary deterrence can be maintained in the Asia-Pacific region if all the Marine functions in Okinawa are transferred to Tinian.
Two-thirds of Tinian's land is leased to the U.S. military.
Three Japanese lawmakers who visited Saipan briefly on Feb. 10 told CNMI officials that they are considering the CNMI as one of relocation sites for 2,000 to 4,000 U.S. troops at Futenma.
In interviews with international media, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirofumi Hirano, who leads a government task force on the matter, also expressed little enthusiasm for the idea of relocating Futenma to Tinian. He said the task force has never discussed it before.
Japan had said it will reach a final conclusion by the end of May on where it wants to see the Futenma facility relocated, and a government committee has been exploring possible candidate sites, while Washington, D.C. maintains that a plan agreed upon by Japan and the United States in 2006 to move the Futenma base to a less densely populated part of Okinawa is the best option.
The three Japanese lawmakers who visited Saipan last week-Mikio Shimoji, Tomoko Abe, and Ryoichi Hattori-met with Fitial, Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos, House Speaker Froilan C. Tenorio (Cov-Saipan), and Senate President Paul A. Manglona (R-Saipan).
The three lawmakers were part of a 23-member Japanese government delegation who arrived in Guam for a “fact-finding” visit, particularly to see if there's suitable place on Guam for more U.S. troops to be relocated off Okinawa.
The up to 4,000 considered to be relocated to Tinian is in addition to the estimated 8,000 Marines and their 9,000 dependents who are expected to be relocated by 2014, although Guam Gov. Felix P. Camacho asked for the military buildup to be delayed until after 2014.
Fitial and other CNMI officials last week said they welcome the relocation of U.S. troops to the Commonwealth provided the U.S. government consents to such move. This statement was repeated yesterday by the administration and the MIMC.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
By Haidee V. Eugenio
Reporter
Kitazawa Japan's Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa on Friday downplayed the idea of relocating up to 4,000 U.S. troops from the Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa to Tinian, even as Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and the CNMI Military Integration Management Committee said yesterday that the Commonwealth welcomes such relocation consideration “only if such plan is supported and approved by the U.S. federal government and the Department of Defense.”
Tinian is one of the major islands in the U.S. territory of the CNMI.
“We are by no means trying to entice the Japanese government to push for the relocation of a base in the CNMI as this is solely a decision that will be made by the U.S. government. The administration and the MIMC will respect and support any such decisions that are made,” the Fitial administration said in a statement when asked for comment on the Futenma relocation issue.
Press Secretary Angel Demapan said Fitial and the MIMC will be open to any dialogue that the U.S. Department of Defense may want to engage in.
“However, any such dialogue would have to be at the request of the federal government,” he said.
International media quoted Japan's Kitazawa as saying that Futenma's relocation to the CNMI could be considered as a “long-term issue.”
He said, however, the views of the U.S. military on the relocation issue are important and that discussions are expected to take place on whether the necessary deterrence can be maintained in the Asia-Pacific region if all the Marine functions in Okinawa are transferred to Tinian.
Two-thirds of Tinian's land is leased to the U.S. military.
Three Japanese lawmakers who visited Saipan briefly on Feb. 10 told CNMI officials that they are considering the CNMI as one of relocation sites for 2,000 to 4,000 U.S. troops at Futenma.
In interviews with international media, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirofumi Hirano, who leads a government task force on the matter, also expressed little enthusiasm for the idea of relocating Futenma to Tinian. He said the task force has never discussed it before.
Japan had said it will reach a final conclusion by the end of May on where it wants to see the Futenma facility relocated, and a government committee has been exploring possible candidate sites, while Washington, D.C. maintains that a plan agreed upon by Japan and the United States in 2006 to move the Futenma base to a less densely populated part of Okinawa is the best option.
The three Japanese lawmakers who visited Saipan last week-Mikio Shimoji, Tomoko Abe, and Ryoichi Hattori-met with Fitial, Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos, House Speaker Froilan C. Tenorio (Cov-Saipan), and Senate President Paul A. Manglona (R-Saipan).
The three lawmakers were part of a 23-member Japanese government delegation who arrived in Guam for a “fact-finding” visit, particularly to see if there's suitable place on Guam for more U.S. troops to be relocated off Okinawa.
The up to 4,000 considered to be relocated to Tinian is in addition to the estimated 8,000 Marines and their 9,000 dependents who are expected to be relocated by 2014, although Guam Gov. Felix P. Camacho asked for the military buildup to be delayed until after 2014.
Fitial and other CNMI officials last week said they welcome the relocation of U.S. troops to the Commonwealth provided the U.S. government consents to such move. This statement was repeated yesterday by the administration and the MIMC.
Bordallo challenges DEIS
Bordallo challenges DEIS
Wednesday, 17 February 2010 03:37
by Therese Hart | Variety News Staff
Congressional report lists flaws of the draft study
THE military buildup must be delayed, Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo said last night, acknowledging that the draft environmental impact statement has serious deficiencies that need to be addressed.
In her congressional report to the people, Bordallo identified six areas of concern regarding the draft study, including and the Navy’s desire to acquire additional private and public lands.
“We will challenge the Navy to conduct the military buildup on their existing land. The Navy should better utilize its land and consider moving housing and some support facilities for the Marine aviation unit to Andersen Air Force Base,” Bordallo said.
Secondly, an area of concern is the proposed firing range at Pagat and Sasayan. “If private property owners choose not to lease or sell their land I will support them and oppose any effort by the Department of Defense to use eminent domain to acquire that land. I recognize the input of private landowners and the organization ‘We Are Guahan’ on this issue.
A third area of concern is the proposed alternative for an aircraft carrier transient berth in Apra Harbor. “The plans for the carrier berth in Apra Harbor will result in a significant loss of coral. I will challenge the Navy to identify other alternatives that will minimize coral damage and that will take advantage of currently dredged areas such as Kilo or Delta wharves among others. I thank Senator Guthertz for her input,” said the congresswoman.
Fourth, she noted the need for federal assistance for improving civilian infrastructure on Guam to support the military buildup.
“While the DEIS draft report recognizes the need to improve civilian infrastructure it does not provide a clear strategy that details how the federal government will assist Guam,” Bordallo said as she opposed the Navy’s plan to drill 22 new wells in the north “until an independent assessment is made about the capacity of the northern aquifer.”
The fifth area of concern is the lack of a comprehensive plan for the housing of guest workers and providing for their health care needs in a manner that does not further overwhelm Guam’s local infrastructure and health care system.
“Let me be clear about this issue – we must do all that we can to train our local workforce and hire them before we utilize guest workers. Any proposal to house guest workers outside the gates must address their impact on civilian infrastructure such as water, wastewater and power. We cannot allow guest worker housing off-base to cause the faucets to run dry or power outages in our homes.”
Socioeconomic
Finally, Bordallo said, the socioeconomic portion of the draft study must be completely rewritten “in order to truly address the socioeconomic impacts of the military buildup.”
She said she will encourage the Navy to work closely with the University of Guam, the Guam Community College and the Department of Chamorro Affairs to develop a better understanding of the cultural issues and to formulate a comprehensive plan to support programs which preserve and promote Chamorro culture and language and I thank Fuetsan Famaloan for this input.”
On the issue of war claims, Bordallo said that she has made significant progress and that “we are closer than ever to passing this bill and we will continue to build on our progress.”
Bordallo spoke strongly on Guam’s quest for self-determination saying that Guam must refocus on the process to achieve decolonization and improve its political status with the U.S.
Projects
Bordallo also said she was concerned about the one of the assumption in the draft impact report that all projects will be completed by 2014.
“It would not be an exaggeration to say that this draft EIS has done more harm than good. The DEIS has not accurately identified the impacts on Guam and it has exaggerated some impacts based on a false assumption that all projects will be completed by 2014,” said the congresswoman.
“This flawed assumption has drawn consequences and conclusions that are not sustainable and not supported by anyone. Nobody wants 80,000 additional people on Guam in 2014,” Bordallo said. “We will do everything that we can, federally and locally, to stop that from happening. As I said before, we have our foot on the brakes. I will not support appropriations and authorizations that will result in a construction pace that brings 80,000 people to Guam in 2014.”
Wednesday, 17 February 2010 03:37
by Therese Hart | Variety News Staff
Congressional report lists flaws of the draft study
THE military buildup must be delayed, Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo said last night, acknowledging that the draft environmental impact statement has serious deficiencies that need to be addressed.
In her congressional report to the people, Bordallo identified six areas of concern regarding the draft study, including and the Navy’s desire to acquire additional private and public lands.
“We will challenge the Navy to conduct the military buildup on their existing land. The Navy should better utilize its land and consider moving housing and some support facilities for the Marine aviation unit to Andersen Air Force Base,” Bordallo said.
Secondly, an area of concern is the proposed firing range at Pagat and Sasayan. “If private property owners choose not to lease or sell their land I will support them and oppose any effort by the Department of Defense to use eminent domain to acquire that land. I recognize the input of private landowners and the organization ‘We Are Guahan’ on this issue.
A third area of concern is the proposed alternative for an aircraft carrier transient berth in Apra Harbor. “The plans for the carrier berth in Apra Harbor will result in a significant loss of coral. I will challenge the Navy to identify other alternatives that will minimize coral damage and that will take advantage of currently dredged areas such as Kilo or Delta wharves among others. I thank Senator Guthertz for her input,” said the congresswoman.
Fourth, she noted the need for federal assistance for improving civilian infrastructure on Guam to support the military buildup.
“While the DEIS draft report recognizes the need to improve civilian infrastructure it does not provide a clear strategy that details how the federal government will assist Guam,” Bordallo said as she opposed the Navy’s plan to drill 22 new wells in the north “until an independent assessment is made about the capacity of the northern aquifer.”
The fifth area of concern is the lack of a comprehensive plan for the housing of guest workers and providing for their health care needs in a manner that does not further overwhelm Guam’s local infrastructure and health care system.
“Let me be clear about this issue – we must do all that we can to train our local workforce and hire them before we utilize guest workers. Any proposal to house guest workers outside the gates must address their impact on civilian infrastructure such as water, wastewater and power. We cannot allow guest worker housing off-base to cause the faucets to run dry or power outages in our homes.”
Socioeconomic
Finally, Bordallo said, the socioeconomic portion of the draft study must be completely rewritten “in order to truly address the socioeconomic impacts of the military buildup.”
She said she will encourage the Navy to work closely with the University of Guam, the Guam Community College and the Department of Chamorro Affairs to develop a better understanding of the cultural issues and to formulate a comprehensive plan to support programs which preserve and promote Chamorro culture and language and I thank Fuetsan Famaloan for this input.”
On the issue of war claims, Bordallo said that she has made significant progress and that “we are closer than ever to passing this bill and we will continue to build on our progress.”
Bordallo spoke strongly on Guam’s quest for self-determination saying that Guam must refocus on the process to achieve decolonization and improve its political status with the U.S.
Projects
Bordallo also said she was concerned about the one of the assumption in the draft impact report that all projects will be completed by 2014.
“It would not be an exaggeration to say that this draft EIS has done more harm than good. The DEIS has not accurately identified the impacts on Guam and it has exaggerated some impacts based on a false assumption that all projects will be completed by 2014,” said the congresswoman.
“This flawed assumption has drawn consequences and conclusions that are not sustainable and not supported by anyone. Nobody wants 80,000 additional people on Guam in 2014,” Bordallo said. “We will do everything that we can, federally and locally, to stop that from happening. As I said before, we have our foot on the brakes. I will not support appropriations and authorizations that will result in a construction pace that brings 80,000 people to Guam in 2014.”
First DoD civilian convicted on Guam
First DoD civilian convicted on Guam
Wednesday, 17 February 2010 03:34
by Romeo Carlos | Variety News Staff
AHEAD of the military’s plan to heavily militarize Guam over the next few years and growing concerns by local residents over the social impact of thousands of Marines coming to Guam, U.S. Attorney Lenny Rapadas has announced the conviction of a military civilian employee brought to Guam to face charges of sexual abuse of a minor while employed at a military base on Okinawa.
Bruce Carey Wood, 56, was sentenced yesterday in the District Court of Guam by Judge Francis Tydingco-Gatewood to 10 years of prison time, becoming the first Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act case tried on Guam.
Wood had been living and working on Okinawa as a chef at the U.S. Camp Shield Naval Base, where he was arrested last July for sexual abuse of a boy since 2000, according to court documents.
On the first count of aggravated sexual abuse, sexual contact allegedly occurred between 2000 and 2004, when the boy was less than 12 years old, court documents state. He was charged with a second count of alleged sexual abuse of a minor between 2005 and 2008.
“This is proof that no one is beyond the law,” Rapadas said, adding that the long arm jurisdiction “allows us to reach out and prosecute U.S. citizens who commit crimes outside the United States.”
Closed loopholes
MEJA was a bill passed in 2000 to close legal loopholes that allowed civilians or military personnel to escape justice for crimes they might commit while employed by or accompanying armed forces overseas.
The law covers civilian employees of the Department of Defense as well as its contractors and their employees, including subcontractors who could face prosecution for any offense otherwise punishable by imprisonment for more than one year if committed within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States.
A series of incidents in Okinawa over the years has led to considerable public uproar over crimes linked to U.S. troops in Japan, including a long history of individual and gang rapes, robberies and murder by military personnel linked to the Okinawa bases.
Wednesday, 17 February 2010 03:34
by Romeo Carlos | Variety News Staff
AHEAD of the military’s plan to heavily militarize Guam over the next few years and growing concerns by local residents over the social impact of thousands of Marines coming to Guam, U.S. Attorney Lenny Rapadas has announced the conviction of a military civilian employee brought to Guam to face charges of sexual abuse of a minor while employed at a military base on Okinawa.
Bruce Carey Wood, 56, was sentenced yesterday in the District Court of Guam by Judge Francis Tydingco-Gatewood to 10 years of prison time, becoming the first Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act case tried on Guam.
Wood had been living and working on Okinawa as a chef at the U.S. Camp Shield Naval Base, where he was arrested last July for sexual abuse of a boy since 2000, according to court documents.
On the first count of aggravated sexual abuse, sexual contact allegedly occurred between 2000 and 2004, when the boy was less than 12 years old, court documents state. He was charged with a second count of alleged sexual abuse of a minor between 2005 and 2008.
“This is proof that no one is beyond the law,” Rapadas said, adding that the long arm jurisdiction “allows us to reach out and prosecute U.S. citizens who commit crimes outside the United States.”
Closed loopholes
MEJA was a bill passed in 2000 to close legal loopholes that allowed civilians or military personnel to escape justice for crimes they might commit while employed by or accompanying armed forces overseas.
The law covers civilian employees of the Department of Defense as well as its contractors and their employees, including subcontractors who could face prosecution for any offense otherwise punishable by imprisonment for more than one year if committed within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States.
A series of incidents in Okinawa over the years has led to considerable public uproar over crimes linked to U.S. troops in Japan, including a long history of individual and gang rapes, robberies and murder by military personnel linked to the Okinawa bases.
Friday, February 19, 2010
PNC :: Congressional Report: Bordallo Details Her Objections To The Buildup
PNC :: Congressional Report: Bordallo Details Her Objections To The Buildup
Monday, 15 February 2010
Guam - Guam Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo detailed her objections to the military buildup in her annual Congressional Report before the Guam Legislature Tuesday night.
Speaking for just over a half hour, Bordallo reiterated her opposition to any attempt by the military to use eminent domain to gain access to additional island lands and she challenged DoD to complete the buildup within its current footprint.
The Congresswoman also raised objections to the Navy's plans to dredge acres of coral in Apra Harbor to make way for a new berth for a nuclear powered Aircraft carrier. Instead she suggested that there are alternatives like berthing any visiting carriers at Kilo Warf.
She also criticised the federal governmnet for not recognizing the severe strain the buildup will put on the island's civilian infrastructure and called on Washington to share the burden.
And Bordallo said she supports the Governor's efforts to delay the buildup to allow more time for the island to prepare for the impact.
Written by : Kevin Kerrigan
Monday, 15 February 2010
Guam - Guam Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo detailed her objections to the military buildup in her annual Congressional Report before the Guam Legislature Tuesday night.
Speaking for just over a half hour, Bordallo reiterated her opposition to any attempt by the military to use eminent domain to gain access to additional island lands and she challenged DoD to complete the buildup within its current footprint.
The Congresswoman also raised objections to the Navy's plans to dredge acres of coral in Apra Harbor to make way for a new berth for a nuclear powered Aircraft carrier. Instead she suggested that there are alternatives like berthing any visiting carriers at Kilo Warf.
She also criticised the federal governmnet for not recognizing the severe strain the buildup will put on the island's civilian infrastructure and called on Washington to share the burden.
And Bordallo said she supports the Governor's efforts to delay the buildup to allow more time for the island to prepare for the impact.
Written by : Kevin Kerrigan
‘We will finish strong’
‘We will finish strong’
Tuesday, 16 February 2010 01:00
by Therese Hart | Variety News Staff
Camacho seeks one Marianas
GUAM should once again seek the reunification of the Marianas Islands, as the combined strength of the islands and her people on matters of mutual interests and benefit, Gov. Felix Camacho said yesterday during his last state of the island address, in which he promised to “finish strong.”
“Over the last seven years, our ties to our brothers and sisters in the neighboring islands of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands have become closer than ever,” Camacho said.
“Keep an open mind about the possibility of reunification,” he said. “I have faith in the Northern Marianas…and this is the right time to realize our expectations—expect the very best vision of reunification.”
The CNMI is a part of the military buildup plan as outlined in the draft environmental impact statement.
Camacho recently met with CNMI Gov. Benigno Fitial during a Japanese Diet delegation on a fact finding mission and both were in agreement that Guam cannot support more troops than the anticipated 8,000 Marines and their 9,000 dependents.
Fitial welcomes the additional 4,000 troops from Futenma Airbase in Okinawa and has proposed that Tinian be used for the overflow.
Military buildup
During his speech, Camacho said the years ahead “will be challenging but prosperous for all of us.”
“I have seen in our people the desire to turn willingness into action, vision into reality and passion into responsible and positive change.”
Camacho made a strong bid for the federal government to fund the cost of the military buildup on Guam, and expressed his strong stand about the Marines’ relocation plan.
A successful buildup cannot happen without the proper funding, said Camacho.
“The people of Guam do not have the financial capacity to fund what is required for our nation’s defense. Without the financial commitment from the federal government to put plans into action, this buildup will not benefit the people of Guam,” he said.
Camacho said that the buildup must benefit “the American patriot inside the fence and the American patriot outside the fence- the people of Guam.”
Building upon the many comments regarding the draft environmental impact statement, Camacho had three recommendations.
What feds must do
First, the federal government must commit to fund the government of Guam’s buildup needs.
Secondly, the buildup timeline must be extended beyond 2014, said Camacho.
And finally, Camacho recommended that the Department of Defense must reevaluate their plans and placement of the firing range and proposed dredging of Apra Harbor.
Camacho also stated that he will not support the condemnation of the Ancestral or Chamorro Land Trust properties; that the trust was established to bring justice to families of Chamorro descent who were displaced or left landless by the federal government.
Reunification
As for his desire to see Guam and the CNMI reunited, Camacho said, “We can only succeed if we begin to forgive and let’s not look behind but let’s look forward.”
“As one Marianas, with greater representation and inclusion as American citizens, we will only strengthen our people and our communities,” Camacho said, adding that the reunification can only be realized once the people of Guam begin the healing process.
Camacho shared this same sentiment at the 2009 Economic Restoration Summit in Saipan, and even proposed that regional economic task forces be created so that islands can work together and benefit from the military buildup.
History of bitterness
Guam rejected the proposed Marianas unification was Nov. 4, 1969.
Some believed the rejection was some sort of “payback” to the Northern Marianas Chamorros for their perceived assistance to the Japanese forces during the occupation of Guam. During World War II, the NMI was a Japanese possession. Others argued that the reunification issue lost its significance on Guam which was preparing to hold its first gubernatorial election in the following year.
Camacho has been a strong proponent for the reunification of Guam and the CNMI.
In May, 2008, during the Attorney General’s Cup speech in Saipan, Camacho asked forgiveness from the CNMI for Guam’s rejection of the proposed reunification.
Camacho believes that 40 long years “is enough to end all bitterness and isolation among” the Chamorros of Guam and the NMI.
“You must tear down the walls. Learn to forgive because it’s a choice, not an option,” he said in 2008.
Camacho’s father was the last appointed governor of Guam and became its first elected chief executive in 1970.
“He told me… ‘son, this was what happened, ” Camacho said, adding that Guam and the NMI inherited what their former leaders have left behind.
In his 2008 speech, Camacho said “it is time to focus on a vision and plan for unity —we cannot allow others to break that hope.”
Emotional
Camacho’s 30-minute speech turned emotional at some point. He broke down in tears as he acknowledged how difficult it was for his family to share the burden he was given when he became governor and what they’ve had to endure in their lives.
Turning to acknowledge his mother and First Lady Joann and his family who were seated behind him, Camacho thanked them for their love, encouragement and inspiration which have kept him going.
Tuesday, 16 February 2010 01:00
by Therese Hart | Variety News Staff
Camacho seeks one Marianas
GUAM should once again seek the reunification of the Marianas Islands, as the combined strength of the islands and her people on matters of mutual interests and benefit, Gov. Felix Camacho said yesterday during his last state of the island address, in which he promised to “finish strong.”
“Over the last seven years, our ties to our brothers and sisters in the neighboring islands of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands have become closer than ever,” Camacho said.
“Keep an open mind about the possibility of reunification,” he said. “I have faith in the Northern Marianas…and this is the right time to realize our expectations—expect the very best vision of reunification.”
The CNMI is a part of the military buildup plan as outlined in the draft environmental impact statement.
Camacho recently met with CNMI Gov. Benigno Fitial during a Japanese Diet delegation on a fact finding mission and both were in agreement that Guam cannot support more troops than the anticipated 8,000 Marines and their 9,000 dependents.
Fitial welcomes the additional 4,000 troops from Futenma Airbase in Okinawa and has proposed that Tinian be used for the overflow.
Military buildup
During his speech, Camacho said the years ahead “will be challenging but prosperous for all of us.”
“I have seen in our people the desire to turn willingness into action, vision into reality and passion into responsible and positive change.”
Camacho made a strong bid for the federal government to fund the cost of the military buildup on Guam, and expressed his strong stand about the Marines’ relocation plan.
A successful buildup cannot happen without the proper funding, said Camacho.
“The people of Guam do not have the financial capacity to fund what is required for our nation’s defense. Without the financial commitment from the federal government to put plans into action, this buildup will not benefit the people of Guam,” he said.
Camacho said that the buildup must benefit “the American patriot inside the fence and the American patriot outside the fence- the people of Guam.”
Building upon the many comments regarding the draft environmental impact statement, Camacho had three recommendations.
What feds must do
First, the federal government must commit to fund the government of Guam’s buildup needs.
Secondly, the buildup timeline must be extended beyond 2014, said Camacho.
And finally, Camacho recommended that the Department of Defense must reevaluate their plans and placement of the firing range and proposed dredging of Apra Harbor.
Camacho also stated that he will not support the condemnation of the Ancestral or Chamorro Land Trust properties; that the trust was established to bring justice to families of Chamorro descent who were displaced or left landless by the federal government.
Reunification
As for his desire to see Guam and the CNMI reunited, Camacho said, “We can only succeed if we begin to forgive and let’s not look behind but let’s look forward.”
“As one Marianas, with greater representation and inclusion as American citizens, we will only strengthen our people and our communities,” Camacho said, adding that the reunification can only be realized once the people of Guam begin the healing process.
Camacho shared this same sentiment at the 2009 Economic Restoration Summit in Saipan, and even proposed that regional economic task forces be created so that islands can work together and benefit from the military buildup.
History of bitterness
Guam rejected the proposed Marianas unification was Nov. 4, 1969.
Some believed the rejection was some sort of “payback” to the Northern Marianas Chamorros for their perceived assistance to the Japanese forces during the occupation of Guam. During World War II, the NMI was a Japanese possession. Others argued that the reunification issue lost its significance on Guam which was preparing to hold its first gubernatorial election in the following year.
Camacho has been a strong proponent for the reunification of Guam and the CNMI.
In May, 2008, during the Attorney General’s Cup speech in Saipan, Camacho asked forgiveness from the CNMI for Guam’s rejection of the proposed reunification.
Camacho believes that 40 long years “is enough to end all bitterness and isolation among” the Chamorros of Guam and the NMI.
“You must tear down the walls. Learn to forgive because it’s a choice, not an option,” he said in 2008.
Camacho’s father was the last appointed governor of Guam and became its first elected chief executive in 1970.
“He told me… ‘son, this was what happened, ” Camacho said, adding that Guam and the NMI inherited what their former leaders have left behind.
In his 2008 speech, Camacho said “it is time to focus on a vision and plan for unity —we cannot allow others to break that hope.”
Emotional
Camacho’s 30-minute speech turned emotional at some point. He broke down in tears as he acknowledged how difficult it was for his family to share the burden he was given when he became governor and what they’ve had to endure in their lives.
Turning to acknowledge his mother and First Lady Joann and his family who were seated behind him, Camacho thanked them for their love, encouragement and inspiration which have kept him going.
Governor's Final State of the Island Address Filled With Surprises
Governor's Final State of the Island Address Filled With Surprises
Monday, 15 February 2010
Guam - After nearly completing eight years in office Governor Felix Camacho gave his last state of the island address Monday morning..
While he looked back on his past accomplishments Camacho also looked to the future as he spoke about the military buildup and how it would affect the lives of everyone on Guam. Governor Felix Camacho began his last state of the island address with a reflection on the past recalling how he first took the oath of office by candelight.
Camacho took the reigns of GovGuam almost immediately after typhoon Pongsona ripped through the island. He dealt with the economic recession in Asia and the aftermath of 9/11. It was not a time of prosperity. This is why the governor spoke proudly of how his administration and his family helped him turn tragedy into triumph.
He listed off the many accomplishments of his administration saying "Through municipal leasing we build Okkodo High, Astumbo Middle, Liguan and Adacao Elementary schools when people said we couldn'." He also spoke of the millions of dollars worth of construction his administration has undertaken to improve roads expand airport runways and improve water and wastewater. He said "Today our water is the cleanest and safest it's been in decades."
The Govenor also dropped a few bombshells talking about issues that would've seemed unlikely to come out of his mouth during his first term as governor. For example he spoke about the reunification of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands. He also spoke candidly about the military buildup saying it was imperative that it be done properly. He said "First the federal government must commit to fund the government of Guam's buildup needs" He also said that the buildup timeline must be extended beyond 2014 and called upon the Department of Defense to re-evaluate their plans and placement of the firing range and proposed dredging of Apra Harbor. He said "I will not support the condemnation of our Ancestral or Chamorro Land Trust Properties."
Finally, he spoke about something that if done could grant him a solid spot in the anals of Guam history. Before dropping this final bom he said "Okay here we go, this is Legacy time". The governor was referring to his propossal to change the name of Guam to Guahan. Guahan is a name many believe to be the original name of Guam.
Written by : Clynt Ridgell
Monday, 15 February 2010
Guam - After nearly completing eight years in office Governor Felix Camacho gave his last state of the island address Monday morning..
While he looked back on his past accomplishments Camacho also looked to the future as he spoke about the military buildup and how it would affect the lives of everyone on Guam. Governor Felix Camacho began his last state of the island address with a reflection on the past recalling how he first took the oath of office by candelight.
Camacho took the reigns of GovGuam almost immediately after typhoon Pongsona ripped through the island. He dealt with the economic recession in Asia and the aftermath of 9/11. It was not a time of prosperity. This is why the governor spoke proudly of how his administration and his family helped him turn tragedy into triumph.
He listed off the many accomplishments of his administration saying "Through municipal leasing we build Okkodo High, Astumbo Middle, Liguan and Adacao Elementary schools when people said we couldn'." He also spoke of the millions of dollars worth of construction his administration has undertaken to improve roads expand airport runways and improve water and wastewater. He said "Today our water is the cleanest and safest it's been in decades."
The Govenor also dropped a few bombshells talking about issues that would've seemed unlikely to come out of his mouth during his first term as governor. For example he spoke about the reunification of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands. He also spoke candidly about the military buildup saying it was imperative that it be done properly. He said "First the federal government must commit to fund the government of Guam's buildup needs" He also said that the buildup timeline must be extended beyond 2014 and called upon the Department of Defense to re-evaluate their plans and placement of the firing range and proposed dredging of Apra Harbor. He said "I will not support the condemnation of our Ancestral or Chamorro Land Trust Properties."
Finally, he spoke about something that if done could grant him a solid spot in the anals of Guam history. Before dropping this final bom he said "Okay here we go, this is Legacy time". The governor was referring to his propossal to change the name of Guam to Guahan. Guahan is a name many believe to be the original name of Guam.
Written by : Clynt Ridgell
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Deadline looms for comments
Deadline looms for comments
By Laura Matthews • Pacific Daily News • February 15, 2010
The 90-day period for the public to comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement is coming to a close.
Residents now have three days left to submit their comments and recommendations on the draft EIS for consideration by the Department of Defense regarding the transfer of Marines from Okinawa to Guam.
The comment period ends at midnight Feb. 17 in the U.S. mainland time, or 3 p.m. Feb. 18 on Guam.
About 8,000 Marines and their 9,000 dependents will be moving from Okinawa to the island by 2015. To prepare for their arrival, numerous construction projects must be completed. The buildup is expected to increase Guam's population by about 80,000, mostly from construction workers and others in jobs related to the buildup.
About 33,000 jobs will be created, the draft EIS said.
The draft EIS gives a detailed account of how Guam's community will change because of the buildup. The Joint Guam Program Office and a team of socioeconomic experts collected feedback from the Guam and CNMI governors, the Chambers of Commerce, other island resources and community experts to assess the impact of the relocation of Marines will have on the island's education, health-care services, employment opportunities, property values, crime, cost of living and other socioeconomic issues.
Hearings on the draft EIS have resulted in many comments from Guam residents about the buildup, including many expressing concern over possible changes.
But still there are some residents who haven't submitted a comment to the Department of Defense and don't intend to.
"The voice of the people here on Guam doesn't matter," said Agana Heights resident Victor Mendiola, 40. "Without the United States monitoring Guam, we would be in chaos."
Mendiola said because Guam has no factories and exports, the military is needed.
"Guam can survive without the buildup, but it can't survive without the military," Mendiola said. "The buildup will do something for us here."
Though he doesn't plan to submit comments on the military's proposed buildup, he has some concerns. Mendiola said the buildup will both benefit Guam and adversely affect it.
"What concerns me is the number of people coming here and the planning of the government," Mendiola said. "They don't plan for the next 10 years, you see. Guam doesn't have the infrastructure to sustain us even now. ... But as for bringing the military here, just consider them tourists -- they switch in and out, and they bring money."
Santa Rita resident Doris Mead, 52, said that's money that could stir Guam's economy. She doesn't plan to submit comments on the buildup either, but said she does support the buildup.
"That's more jobs and stuff like that and it helps out the island, more or less," Mead said. "The only concerns I have are water problems and power. Where I live, water pressure is very low now."
Recently, southern residents were asked to conserve water for six weeks as the Guam Waterworks Authority upgrades its Ugum treatment plant. The agency needs to close half of the plant while contractors install a new membrane filtration system.
'Big adjustment'
For Anabel Takai, a 47-year-old from Yigo, what worries her is what will happen in the job market. As a rooms manager at one of Guam's hotels, she believes new jobs associated with the buildup will snatch away good laborers.
"It's going to be a big adjustment," she said. "(The buildup) will start job openings and it will have an effect on wages. ... The minimum-wage workers will leave for the better-paying jobs."
Takai said she will submit her comments on the buildup before the deadline.
By Laura Matthews • Pacific Daily News • February 15, 2010
The 90-day period for the public to comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement is coming to a close.
Residents now have three days left to submit their comments and recommendations on the draft EIS for consideration by the Department of Defense regarding the transfer of Marines from Okinawa to Guam.
The comment period ends at midnight Feb. 17 in the U.S. mainland time, or 3 p.m. Feb. 18 on Guam.
About 8,000 Marines and their 9,000 dependents will be moving from Okinawa to the island by 2015. To prepare for their arrival, numerous construction projects must be completed. The buildup is expected to increase Guam's population by about 80,000, mostly from construction workers and others in jobs related to the buildup.
About 33,000 jobs will be created, the draft EIS said.
The draft EIS gives a detailed account of how Guam's community will change because of the buildup. The Joint Guam Program Office and a team of socioeconomic experts collected feedback from the Guam and CNMI governors, the Chambers of Commerce, other island resources and community experts to assess the impact of the relocation of Marines will have on the island's education, health-care services, employment opportunities, property values, crime, cost of living and other socioeconomic issues.
Hearings on the draft EIS have resulted in many comments from Guam residents about the buildup, including many expressing concern over possible changes.
But still there are some residents who haven't submitted a comment to the Department of Defense and don't intend to.
"The voice of the people here on Guam doesn't matter," said Agana Heights resident Victor Mendiola, 40. "Without the United States monitoring Guam, we would be in chaos."
Mendiola said because Guam has no factories and exports, the military is needed.
"Guam can survive without the buildup, but it can't survive without the military," Mendiola said. "The buildup will do something for us here."
Though he doesn't plan to submit comments on the military's proposed buildup, he has some concerns. Mendiola said the buildup will both benefit Guam and adversely affect it.
"What concerns me is the number of people coming here and the planning of the government," Mendiola said. "They don't plan for the next 10 years, you see. Guam doesn't have the infrastructure to sustain us even now. ... But as for bringing the military here, just consider them tourists -- they switch in and out, and they bring money."
Santa Rita resident Doris Mead, 52, said that's money that could stir Guam's economy. She doesn't plan to submit comments on the buildup either, but said she does support the buildup.
"That's more jobs and stuff like that and it helps out the island, more or less," Mead said. "The only concerns I have are water problems and power. Where I live, water pressure is very low now."
Recently, southern residents were asked to conserve water for six weeks as the Guam Waterworks Authority upgrades its Ugum treatment plant. The agency needs to close half of the plant while contractors install a new membrane filtration system.
'Big adjustment'
For Anabel Takai, a 47-year-old from Yigo, what worries her is what will happen in the job market. As a rooms manager at one of Guam's hotels, she believes new jobs associated with the buildup will snatch away good laborers.
"It's going to be a big adjustment," she said. "(The buildup) will start job openings and it will have an effect on wages. ... The minimum-wage workers will leave for the better-paying jobs."
Takai said she will submit her comments on the buildup before the deadline.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
DRT targeting taxes from military contracts
DRT targeting taxes from military contracts
Monday, 15 February 2010 05:15
by Therese Hart | Variety News Staff
THE Department of Revenue and Taxation has laws and regulations in place for companies doing business on Guam and those contracted on U.S. military installations and it is the department’s responsibility to make sure that all these companies are paying their taxes on island, tax director Art Ilagan said.
Contractors who do business on Guam are required to register with the Guam Contractor’s License Board and they must obtain clearances from DRT which would include the Collections Branch to make sure they do not have any unpaid taxes, said Ilagan in a letter to Speaker Judi Won Pat.
Ilagan said companies will not get clearance until all taxes are paid in full or they have entered into a payment installment agreement.
In a Jan. 20 memorandum, President Barack Obama directed the Internal Revenue Service to conduct a review of certifications of non-delinquency in taxes that companies bidding for federal contracts are required to submit pursuant to a 2008 amendment to the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
No info
The memo noted that too often federal contracting officials do not have the most basic information they need to make informed judgments about whether a company trying to win a federal contract is delinquent in paying its taxes.
Obama indicated that the federal government pays more than half a trillion dollars a year to contractors, yet reports by the Government Accountability Office state that federal contracts are awarded to tens of thousands of companies with serious tax delinquencies.
The total amount in unpaid taxes owed by these contracting companies is estimated to be more than $5 billion.
Ilagan said the federal government will go after off-island prime contractors. However, DRT foresees a problem of tracking subcontractors who do business on base.
Subcontracts
“Once they get the federal contract, they then subcontract out here on Guam to local contractors. We just have to control it here when the subcontractors get the contracts from the prime contractors. We have to track the subcontractors and even that is kinda hard to track. How do we know these subcontractors aren’t doing business on base?” said Ilagan.
Contractors who transact business solely on U.S. military installations on Guam are required to obtain a service license. They also are also require to obtain the necessary clearances with DRT which would include clearance from Collections Branch.
Ilagan said the Collections Branch is hard at work investigating these off-island companies with a service license to do business on military installations to make sure they are in compliance with the business privilege tax laws on Guam.
Daunting task
“It is a daunting task considering that for fiscal years 2008 and 2009, there were 649 and 644 contractors, respectively, listed on the federal government spending website for Guam alone,” Ilagan stated in a letter to Won Pat.
This list is a combination of local and off-island companies who either have a business license, contractor’s license or service license, Ilagan said.
Vice speaker B.J. Cruz is also concerned about Guam not being able to capture all local taxes owed by companies who will do business on Guam because of the military buildup.
Cruz has asked Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo to include language in the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act which would require that each construction contract to designate Guam as the originating site and that all associated income be designated possession source income without any special exemption.
Cruz also asked that the Department of Defense be specifically required to cooperate with tax officials on Guam.
Bordallo responded that she would consider Cruz’s request.
Monday, 15 February 2010 05:15
by Therese Hart | Variety News Staff
THE Department of Revenue and Taxation has laws and regulations in place for companies doing business on Guam and those contracted on U.S. military installations and it is the department’s responsibility to make sure that all these companies are paying their taxes on island, tax director Art Ilagan said.
Contractors who do business on Guam are required to register with the Guam Contractor’s License Board and they must obtain clearances from DRT which would include the Collections Branch to make sure they do not have any unpaid taxes, said Ilagan in a letter to Speaker Judi Won Pat.
Ilagan said companies will not get clearance until all taxes are paid in full or they have entered into a payment installment agreement.
In a Jan. 20 memorandum, President Barack Obama directed the Internal Revenue Service to conduct a review of certifications of non-delinquency in taxes that companies bidding for federal contracts are required to submit pursuant to a 2008 amendment to the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
No info
The memo noted that too often federal contracting officials do not have the most basic information they need to make informed judgments about whether a company trying to win a federal contract is delinquent in paying its taxes.
Obama indicated that the federal government pays more than half a trillion dollars a year to contractors, yet reports by the Government Accountability Office state that federal contracts are awarded to tens of thousands of companies with serious tax delinquencies.
The total amount in unpaid taxes owed by these contracting companies is estimated to be more than $5 billion.
Ilagan said the federal government will go after off-island prime contractors. However, DRT foresees a problem of tracking subcontractors who do business on base.
Subcontracts
“Once they get the federal contract, they then subcontract out here on Guam to local contractors. We just have to control it here when the subcontractors get the contracts from the prime contractors. We have to track the subcontractors and even that is kinda hard to track. How do we know these subcontractors aren’t doing business on base?” said Ilagan.
Contractors who transact business solely on U.S. military installations on Guam are required to obtain a service license. They also are also require to obtain the necessary clearances with DRT which would include clearance from Collections Branch.
Ilagan said the Collections Branch is hard at work investigating these off-island companies with a service license to do business on military installations to make sure they are in compliance with the business privilege tax laws on Guam.
Daunting task
“It is a daunting task considering that for fiscal years 2008 and 2009, there were 649 and 644 contractors, respectively, listed on the federal government spending website for Guam alone,” Ilagan stated in a letter to Won Pat.
This list is a combination of local and off-island companies who either have a business license, contractor’s license or service license, Ilagan said.
Vice speaker B.J. Cruz is also concerned about Guam not being able to capture all local taxes owed by companies who will do business on Guam because of the military buildup.
Cruz has asked Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo to include language in the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act which would require that each construction contract to designate Guam as the originating site and that all associated income be designated possession source income without any special exemption.
Cruz also asked that the Department of Defense be specifically required to cooperate with tax officials on Guam.
Bordallo responded that she would consider Cruz’s request.
Get your DEIS comments in!
Get your DEIS comments in!
Posted: Feb 14, 2010 2:22 PM
Updated: Feb 14, 2010 4:41 PM
by Michele Catahay
Guam - Island residents have until this Thursday to comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Marines' relocation from Okinawa to Guam. Back in 2006 an agreement was signed between Japan and the United States to move a portion of the U.S. Marine Corps Station in Okinawa to Guam. The plan would essentially transform the island in the Western Pacific into a giant arm of the Department of Defense.
According to the DoD's DEIS, by 2014 the island is anticipated to see its population of roughly 150,000 people increase significantly to 230,000 at its peak. That's an increase of 80,000 people within four years. The EIS outlines alternatives to develops and construct facilities and infrastructure to support the move. It also evaluates the impact of a new deep draft wharf to support a transient nuclear powered aircraft carrier.
The EIS also explores the impact of plans by the Army to develop facilities and infrastructure to operate a missile defense system. This would include relocating approximately 600 military personnel and their 900 dependents to Guam. While the island has until this Thursday to comment, the Guam Boonie Stompers along with the We Are Guahan Coalition hosted a clean up in Pagat, which happens to be one of the areas proposed to build a firing range for training.
Guam Boonie Stompers president David Lotz said his organization, "has a petition drive to submit to the buildup DEIS to keep these trails open, and I feel that's important for the community and even for the military to work towards preserving the island's heritage...if you look at the Quadrennial Defense Review, it actually says it's going to transform the island into a military base and it has to be very seriously looked at. Who is really going to control the future of the island? Is it the military or the people of guam?"
Yona resident Ulysses Story says negative impacts outweigh the positive ones for the island, saying, "To me, I think its traffic and another thing is racism. I mean, people, I think Chamorro people like to preserve their culture and bringing in people that are trying to assimilate them but they don't want to so I think it'll cause some conflict on racism."
Chalan Pago resident Ida San Nicolas says she's in support of the buildup, saying the military has a strong ability to help boast the local economy. "My child is 16 and it is his generation that it affects. My son has confronted me about it, and he has some issues with it but for me, we should let them speak also not just us and just saying what we think. All the jobs are for them and that's what I like is to be able to have some jobs," said San Nicolas.
Mangilao resident Aphea Imperial says while there may be some environmental impacts noted in the DEIS, she says the buildup will provide more opportunities for the island community, noting, "There are a lot of opportunities for the community like there are going to be a lot of jobs but there are also bad sides to it like our ecosystems, and it's just going to be overpopulated and guam is so small and i think it's good. i see military people and they help out a lot."
Again, you have until this Thursday to comment on the Draft EIS. To view the voluminous document, log on to GuamBuildupEIS.us.
Posted: Feb 14, 2010 2:22 PM
Updated: Feb 14, 2010 4:41 PM
by Michele Catahay
Guam - Island residents have until this Thursday to comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Marines' relocation from Okinawa to Guam. Back in 2006 an agreement was signed between Japan and the United States to move a portion of the U.S. Marine Corps Station in Okinawa to Guam. The plan would essentially transform the island in the Western Pacific into a giant arm of the Department of Defense.
According to the DoD's DEIS, by 2014 the island is anticipated to see its population of roughly 150,000 people increase significantly to 230,000 at its peak. That's an increase of 80,000 people within four years. The EIS outlines alternatives to develops and construct facilities and infrastructure to support the move. It also evaluates the impact of a new deep draft wharf to support a transient nuclear powered aircraft carrier.
The EIS also explores the impact of plans by the Army to develop facilities and infrastructure to operate a missile defense system. This would include relocating approximately 600 military personnel and their 900 dependents to Guam. While the island has until this Thursday to comment, the Guam Boonie Stompers along with the We Are Guahan Coalition hosted a clean up in Pagat, which happens to be one of the areas proposed to build a firing range for training.
Guam Boonie Stompers president David Lotz said his organization, "has a petition drive to submit to the buildup DEIS to keep these trails open, and I feel that's important for the community and even for the military to work towards preserving the island's heritage...if you look at the Quadrennial Defense Review, it actually says it's going to transform the island into a military base and it has to be very seriously looked at. Who is really going to control the future of the island? Is it the military or the people of guam?"
Yona resident Ulysses Story says negative impacts outweigh the positive ones for the island, saying, "To me, I think its traffic and another thing is racism. I mean, people, I think Chamorro people like to preserve their culture and bringing in people that are trying to assimilate them but they don't want to so I think it'll cause some conflict on racism."
Chalan Pago resident Ida San Nicolas says she's in support of the buildup, saying the military has a strong ability to help boast the local economy. "My child is 16 and it is his generation that it affects. My son has confronted me about it, and he has some issues with it but for me, we should let them speak also not just us and just saying what we think. All the jobs are for them and that's what I like is to be able to have some jobs," said San Nicolas.
Mangilao resident Aphea Imperial says while there may be some environmental impacts noted in the DEIS, she says the buildup will provide more opportunities for the island community, noting, "There are a lot of opportunities for the community like there are going to be a lot of jobs but there are also bad sides to it like our ecosystems, and it's just going to be overpopulated and guam is so small and i think it's good. i see military people and they help out a lot."
Again, you have until this Thursday to comment on the Draft EIS. To view the voluminous document, log on to GuamBuildupEIS.us.
Invasive species from buildup worry experts
Invasive species from buildup worry experts
Posted: Feb 10, 2010 2:27 PM
Updated: Feb 10, 2010 6:50 PM
by Janjeera Hail
Guam - There's been a lot of talk about what's in store for Guam with the military buildup. But it's more than the human population increase we've got to worry about.
Invasive species are defined as species that are not native to an area and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. And while Guam may be a small island, miles away from different ecosystems, we are not immune to foreign pests.
USDA Assistant State Director Dan Vice knows this all too well. His work focuses on eradicating the brown tree snake, a species that first arrived on Guam after World War II, on ships from its native South Pacific. "Anytime you have a substantial increase in traffic whether it's airplanes or boats or cargo you increase the risk of invasive species moving around so the challenge with the buildup or any sort of activity like that is to try and forecast to address what kinds of needs you have to address that increased risk," he said.
And the fear is that history may repeat itself as Guam prepares for an increase in traffic from the military buildup. Fortunately, an intensive study called the Micronesian bio-security plan is already underway so that prevention efforts can be implemented before the buildup is in full swing.
Phil Andreozzi with the Invasive Species Council said, "It's something that DoD has paid for to proactively look at all the invasive species problems and damages that could come into Guam and could come into the entire region because of the buildup and to do something about it now and do something about it now, to figure out how we can best address the situation now before the buildup starts," he said.
The study has picked up steam in the last several months as the region welcomed about 30 federal scientists to study local environmental concerns. While the military buildup will take place on Guam, the Micronesian Bio-Security Plan recognizes that prevention and mitigation efforts will have to spread throughout our region. "This kind of study has never been done anywhere on the planet before, not only just the United States, but nowhere on the planet have they looked at everything coming into an area and not only on the land but in the water as well so this is both terrestrial, marine, and freshwater," said Andreozzi.
When the study is complete, the hope is that it can be applied to the local agencies as soon as possible to avoid the kind of havoc wreaked by the brown tree snake and protect our fragile ecosystem.
Posted: Feb 10, 2010 2:27 PM
Updated: Feb 10, 2010 6:50 PM
by Janjeera Hail
Guam - There's been a lot of talk about what's in store for Guam with the military buildup. But it's more than the human population increase we've got to worry about.
Invasive species are defined as species that are not native to an area and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. And while Guam may be a small island, miles away from different ecosystems, we are not immune to foreign pests.
USDA Assistant State Director Dan Vice knows this all too well. His work focuses on eradicating the brown tree snake, a species that first arrived on Guam after World War II, on ships from its native South Pacific. "Anytime you have a substantial increase in traffic whether it's airplanes or boats or cargo you increase the risk of invasive species moving around so the challenge with the buildup or any sort of activity like that is to try and forecast to address what kinds of needs you have to address that increased risk," he said.
And the fear is that history may repeat itself as Guam prepares for an increase in traffic from the military buildup. Fortunately, an intensive study called the Micronesian bio-security plan is already underway so that prevention efforts can be implemented before the buildup is in full swing.
Phil Andreozzi with the Invasive Species Council said, "It's something that DoD has paid for to proactively look at all the invasive species problems and damages that could come into Guam and could come into the entire region because of the buildup and to do something about it now and do something about it now, to figure out how we can best address the situation now before the buildup starts," he said.
The study has picked up steam in the last several months as the region welcomed about 30 federal scientists to study local environmental concerns. While the military buildup will take place on Guam, the Micronesian Bio-Security Plan recognizes that prevention and mitigation efforts will have to spread throughout our region. "This kind of study has never been done anywhere on the planet before, not only just the United States, but nowhere on the planet have they looked at everything coming into an area and not only on the land but in the water as well so this is both terrestrial, marine, and freshwater," said Andreozzi.
When the study is complete, the hope is that it can be applied to the local agencies as soon as possible to avoid the kind of havoc wreaked by the brown tree snake and protect our fragile ecosystem.
Students sound off on DEIS
Students sound off on DEIS
Posted: Feb 10, 2010 2:23 PM
Updated: Feb 10, 2010 6:49 PM
by Michele Catahay
Guam - Guam has until next Wednesday to comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Students plan to voice their concerns about a number of issues that will affect them come 2014.
Several Okkodo High School students recently participated in a "Youth Speak" event where experts spoke about the potential impacts of the move of 8,000 U.S. Marines from Okinawa to Guam. Today, these students spoke before their peers about their own concerns.
Jeremy Denusta says he's most worried about the Department of Defense's plans to dredge at Apra Harbor to make way for a transient aircraft carrier berthing. He says because Apra Harbor is home to many forms of marine life, he isn't in support of it. "I really care about all of those stuff. Marine life is precious, so we're removing all of the coral there. It's like you're taking away the homes all of the fish. So they can't do that. I wouldn't want them to do that," he said.
Students also raised concerns about the military's plans to use lands in Umatac, Marbo Cave and Pagat to build training stations and firing ranges. Megan Borja says she would hate to have these pristine areas taken away from the people, telling KUAM News, "When they said they were going to use Marbo Cave as a firing range, that was like an insult because they're just going to be blowing all their bullets in there, you know?"
Christina Vasquez told her fellow students that they need to get involved since most of the decisions made will affect them and their families, saying, "Who plans to live here? and build their houses and raise their children? You will be dealing with every single issue that we speak about. The dredging, the landfill, the wastewater, the sewage, the animals. We won't have fish," she said.
Guam Coastal Management Program Outreach Coordinator Tammy Jo Taft says her presentations have allowed students to speak about these impacts in hopes for the youth to comment on the Draft EIS. "The point is to encourage students to comment because students are the generation that will inherit the decisions in the Draft EIS. The point is to help them find a voice and to help them comment on this process," she said.
The island has until next week to comment on the EIS. Taft says while many adults have attended public testimonies and submitted responses, she says the youth need to do so, too. "Most of the students that are in high school, by the time the buildup takes place they're going to be the young adults out in out community looking for jobs, starting families and these are the people that are going to be impacted the most because they have the longest time to spend on this island and deal with the changes that are happening," she said.
Posted: Feb 10, 2010 2:23 PM
Updated: Feb 10, 2010 6:49 PM
by Michele Catahay
Guam - Guam has until next Wednesday to comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Students plan to voice their concerns about a number of issues that will affect them come 2014.
Several Okkodo High School students recently participated in a "Youth Speak" event where experts spoke about the potential impacts of the move of 8,000 U.S. Marines from Okinawa to Guam. Today, these students spoke before their peers about their own concerns.
Jeremy Denusta says he's most worried about the Department of Defense's plans to dredge at Apra Harbor to make way for a transient aircraft carrier berthing. He says because Apra Harbor is home to many forms of marine life, he isn't in support of it. "I really care about all of those stuff. Marine life is precious, so we're removing all of the coral there. It's like you're taking away the homes all of the fish. So they can't do that. I wouldn't want them to do that," he said.
Students also raised concerns about the military's plans to use lands in Umatac, Marbo Cave and Pagat to build training stations and firing ranges. Megan Borja says she would hate to have these pristine areas taken away from the people, telling KUAM News, "When they said they were going to use Marbo Cave as a firing range, that was like an insult because they're just going to be blowing all their bullets in there, you know?"
Christina Vasquez told her fellow students that they need to get involved since most of the decisions made will affect them and their families, saying, "Who plans to live here? and build their houses and raise their children? You will be dealing with every single issue that we speak about. The dredging, the landfill, the wastewater, the sewage, the animals. We won't have fish," she said.
Guam Coastal Management Program Outreach Coordinator Tammy Jo Taft says her presentations have allowed students to speak about these impacts in hopes for the youth to comment on the Draft EIS. "The point is to encourage students to comment because students are the generation that will inherit the decisions in the Draft EIS. The point is to help them find a voice and to help them comment on this process," she said.
The island has until next week to comment on the EIS. Taft says while many adults have attended public testimonies and submitted responses, she says the youth need to do so, too. "Most of the students that are in high school, by the time the buildup takes place they're going to be the young adults out in out community looking for jobs, starting families and these are the people that are going to be impacted the most because they have the longest time to spend on this island and deal with the changes that are happening," she said.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Cruz calls upon Bordallo for more involvement
Cruz calls upon Bordallo for more involvement
Posted: Feb 09, 2010 2:58 PM
Updated: Feb 09, 2010 5:50 PM
by Nick Delgado
Guam - Vice-Speaker B.J. Cruz says he would like to see Guam Delegate Madeleine Bordallo do more when it comes to insisting Department of Defense contractors pay their fair share of taxes when performing work on Guam for the buildup. The senator says a response he received from Bordallo assuring him that provisions are already in place in the National Defense Authorization Act aren't good enough.
Cruz said the provisions only require DOD to report the steps it is taking to ensure contractors are complying with local tax and licensing requirements.
He said, "I want everybody's salaries in the $15 billion paid out of here and funneled through our banks. I don't want it through banks in the States; I want everything sitting in Guam."
Cruz says it does not require the DOD to cooperate with local officials nor to actually pay taxes locally.
Posted: Feb 09, 2010 2:58 PM
Updated: Feb 09, 2010 5:50 PM
by Nick Delgado
Guam - Vice-Speaker B.J. Cruz says he would like to see Guam Delegate Madeleine Bordallo do more when it comes to insisting Department of Defense contractors pay their fair share of taxes when performing work on Guam for the buildup. The senator says a response he received from Bordallo assuring him that provisions are already in place in the National Defense Authorization Act aren't good enough.
Cruz said the provisions only require DOD to report the steps it is taking to ensure contractors are complying with local tax and licensing requirements.
He said, "I want everybody's salaries in the $15 billion paid out of here and funneled through our banks. I don't want it through banks in the States; I want everything sitting in Guam."
Cruz says it does not require the DOD to cooperate with local officials nor to actually pay taxes locally.
Cruz: DoD Not Doing Enough To Ensure Contractors Pay Guam Taxes
Cruz: DoD Not Doing Enough To Ensure Contractors Pay Guam Taxes
Monday, 08 February 2010
Guam - Vice Speaker B.J. Cruz says a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act to assist Guam in Buildup tax collections is not enough.
In a release, Cruz says he is responding to Guam Delegate Madeleine Bordallo’s assurances that the provision will provide the help needed to GovGuam.
The release states that the Speaker received a letter from Bordallo assuring him that the Department of Defense is required to report on the steps that the Department of Defense is taking to ensure that contractors performing work on Guam comply with local tax and licensing requirements.
The Vice Speaker's release states that Bordallo was responding to Cruz’s request that she act on the matter.
However Cruz's response to Bordallo is:
“The report does not require the Department of Defense to cooperate with local officials nor to adhere to any specific federal requirement to ensure its contractors are paying Guam’s federally mirrored income taxes.”
The Vice SPeaker also states: “In my letter, I specifically asked that you secure language requiring each construction contract to designate Guam as the situs and that all associated income be designated possession source income, without any special exemption. Additionally, I asked that DoD be specifically required to cooperate with tax officials on Guam."
Written by : News Release
Monday, 08 February 2010
Guam - Vice Speaker B.J. Cruz says a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act to assist Guam in Buildup tax collections is not enough.
In a release, Cruz says he is responding to Guam Delegate Madeleine Bordallo’s assurances that the provision will provide the help needed to GovGuam.
The release states that the Speaker received a letter from Bordallo assuring him that the Department of Defense is required to report on the steps that the Department of Defense is taking to ensure that contractors performing work on Guam comply with local tax and licensing requirements.
The Vice Speaker's release states that Bordallo was responding to Cruz’s request that she act on the matter.
However Cruz's response to Bordallo is:
“The report does not require the Department of Defense to cooperate with local officials nor to adhere to any specific federal requirement to ensure its contractors are paying Guam’s federally mirrored income taxes.”
The Vice SPeaker also states: “In my letter, I specifically asked that you secure language requiring each construction contract to designate Guam as the situs and that all associated income be designated possession source income, without any special exemption. Additionally, I asked that DoD be specifically required to cooperate with tax officials on Guam."
Written by : News Release
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Guam prepares for increase in construction
Guam prepares for increase in construction
Posted: Feb 07, 2010 12:20 PM
Updated: Feb 07, 2010 2:54 PM
by Michele Catahay
Guam - While Governor Felix Camacho has requested for the Department of Defense to extend the buildup altogether, the Department of Labor and the Guam Contractors Association are working diligently to ensure the workforce is prepared. DOL Director Maria Connelly says while the governor has the desire to extend the buildup past 2014, she says the work will still be there but more time will be given to plan.
"We have been preparing ourselves even prior to the buildup. When I say 'preparing ourselves', it's really engaging and getting the federal officials and the local government officials and all the stakeholders involved because this isn't only the Department of Labor's responsibility, it is all our responsibility," she said.
For the last five years, DOL has been looking at its internal systems and building relationships with federal officials. To prepare for the buildup, Connelly says her agency has been offering annual workshops for employers and bringing in experts from the mainland to provide capacity building and discuss the laws. In addition, she says DOLA has been working with the Department of Education and the Guam Community College when it comes to encouraging individuals to take up apprenticeship programs.
"All those are evolving and as we continue to train our local people at the same time we also continue to make sure the processes are in place for employers to have assisted them with these temporary foreign hires to ensure those are in place," she said.
The Department of Labor is also tasked with working on compliance and accounting for and monitoring activity while workers are here.
In the meantime, Guam Contractors Association President James Martinez says they remain prepared for the buildup even if it happens in 2014. "We'll probably say that a little more time would be helpful but I think we've had ample time on the contractors side to prepare themselves for this buildup. We're already anxious to begin this buildup. I don't know what additional preparation could be put in place as a result of this delay, but I think for the most part, a lot of our contractors have all their ducks lined up, so to speak," he said.
Martinez says the GCA has been partnering with large construction companies from the mainland to help with projects outside the military bases. He said, "They may have the financial backing and the bonding capacity for some of these larger projects, but they're going to depend on our local companies for subcontracting work who have the local expertise who know how to deal with businesses here on Guam. It's a little different than doing business in the states then out in the middle of the Western Pacific, we have some logistical issues with shipping."
Martinez says the GCA offers safety trainings to prepare contractors for the massive buildup. In the meantime, he says he hopes construction work will continue beyond 2014.
Posted: Feb 07, 2010 12:20 PM
Updated: Feb 07, 2010 2:54 PM
by Michele Catahay
Guam - While Governor Felix Camacho has requested for the Department of Defense to extend the buildup altogether, the Department of Labor and the Guam Contractors Association are working diligently to ensure the workforce is prepared. DOL Director Maria Connelly says while the governor has the desire to extend the buildup past 2014, she says the work will still be there but more time will be given to plan.
"We have been preparing ourselves even prior to the buildup. When I say 'preparing ourselves', it's really engaging and getting the federal officials and the local government officials and all the stakeholders involved because this isn't only the Department of Labor's responsibility, it is all our responsibility," she said.
For the last five years, DOL has been looking at its internal systems and building relationships with federal officials. To prepare for the buildup, Connelly says her agency has been offering annual workshops for employers and bringing in experts from the mainland to provide capacity building and discuss the laws. In addition, she says DOLA has been working with the Department of Education and the Guam Community College when it comes to encouraging individuals to take up apprenticeship programs.
"All those are evolving and as we continue to train our local people at the same time we also continue to make sure the processes are in place for employers to have assisted them with these temporary foreign hires to ensure those are in place," she said.
The Department of Labor is also tasked with working on compliance and accounting for and monitoring activity while workers are here.
In the meantime, Guam Contractors Association President James Martinez says they remain prepared for the buildup even if it happens in 2014. "We'll probably say that a little more time would be helpful but I think we've had ample time on the contractors side to prepare themselves for this buildup. We're already anxious to begin this buildup. I don't know what additional preparation could be put in place as a result of this delay, but I think for the most part, a lot of our contractors have all their ducks lined up, so to speak," he said.
Martinez says the GCA has been partnering with large construction companies from the mainland to help with projects outside the military bases. He said, "They may have the financial backing and the bonding capacity for some of these larger projects, but they're going to depend on our local companies for subcontracting work who have the local expertise who know how to deal with businesses here on Guam. It's a little different than doing business in the states then out in the middle of the Western Pacific, we have some logistical issues with shipping."
Martinez says the GCA offers safety trainings to prepare contractors for the massive buildup. In the meantime, he says he hopes construction work will continue beyond 2014.
PNC :: Cruz and Perez Debate Viability of Road To Finegayan
PNC :: Cruz and Perez Debate Viability of Road To Finegayan
Friday, 5 February 2010
Guam - Vice-Speaker Senator BJ Cruz is still concerned about a proposed road that will run from Marine Drive to South Finegayan.
The senator has been critical of the plan to build this road that is shown on some maps as a miltary only road. While Cruz initially thought that the road was not present in the military's Draft EIS he has found that it is. What is of more concern to him however is that the road will run directly through prime real estate that local landowners have been trying to develop for tourism. The senator says that as the chairman of tourism he is trying to protect some expensive land in the Dos Amantes or Two Lover's point area that is ideal for developing resorts.
Cruz is concerned that the road will cut right through the most desireable part of the land. Department of Public Works Director Larry Perez however says that the road will work within the land use plan of the Dos Amantes or two lovers point area. He says that the road they will build will actually help landwoners by providing access to their properties.
Perez also stresses that this is still just a proposed option of DOD and many changes can happen to it between now and it's actual construction. In addition to this Perez says that because it will be paid for by federal dollars it must be accessible to the local community as per federal guidelines. As for the map that lists it as a military road, Perez says the map is only reffering to a part of the road that runs through military property.
Written by : Clynt Ridgell
Friday, 5 February 2010
Guam - Vice-Speaker Senator BJ Cruz is still concerned about a proposed road that will run from Marine Drive to South Finegayan.
The senator has been critical of the plan to build this road that is shown on some maps as a miltary only road. While Cruz initially thought that the road was not present in the military's Draft EIS he has found that it is. What is of more concern to him however is that the road will run directly through prime real estate that local landowners have been trying to develop for tourism. The senator says that as the chairman of tourism he is trying to protect some expensive land in the Dos Amantes or Two Lover's point area that is ideal for developing resorts.
Cruz is concerned that the road will cut right through the most desireable part of the land. Department of Public Works Director Larry Perez however says that the road will work within the land use plan of the Dos Amantes or two lovers point area. He says that the road they will build will actually help landwoners by providing access to their properties.
Perez also stresses that this is still just a proposed option of DOD and many changes can happen to it between now and it's actual construction. In addition to this Perez says that because it will be paid for by federal dollars it must be accessible to the local community as per federal guidelines. As for the map that lists it as a military road, Perez says the map is only reffering to a part of the road that runs through military property.
Written by : Clynt Ridgell
Gates vows to listen to Guam
Gates vows to listen to Guam
Friday, 05 February 2010 00:58
Variety News Staff
(Office of the Guam Delegate) -- Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo yesterday addressed Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Admiral Michael Mullen, Chairman of the Join Chiefs of Staff, during a House Armed Services Committee hearing in Washington, D.C. on the fiscal year 2011 defense budget.
Bordallo shared concerns raised by members of the community at recent town hall meetings regarding the draft environmental impact statement.
Gates stated that his department will work with Guam stakeholders to “have transparency and for [the Department of Defense] to take into account the views of the people of Guam.”
Bordallo expressed her continued opposition to the use of eminent domain by the Department of Defense for land acquisition and suggested that the DoD should look into building within their existing footprint on Guam.
Bordallo also expressed concerns regarding the aircraft carrier berthing and the potential damage to coral reefs during the dredging process.
Mullen further stated that these “are major moves that we want to get right.”
“I along with Chairman Skelton and others have repeatedly stated that we need to get this military build-up done right,” Bordallo said.
“The draft environmental impact statement released by the Department of Defense, in its current form, insufficiently addresses concerns raised by our local government, our community, and stakeholders on Guam,” Bordallo said.
“I took this opportunity today to share some of these concerns with Secretary Gates and Admiral Mullen during a House Armed Services Committee hearing.
Both Secretary Gates and Admiral Mullen agreed that this military buildup must be done right, and most importantly, that the concerns of our community must be taken into account before we get to a final environmental impact statement
Friday, 05 February 2010 00:58
Variety News Staff
(Office of the Guam Delegate) -- Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo yesterday addressed Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Admiral Michael Mullen, Chairman of the Join Chiefs of Staff, during a House Armed Services Committee hearing in Washington, D.C. on the fiscal year 2011 defense budget.
Bordallo shared concerns raised by members of the community at recent town hall meetings regarding the draft environmental impact statement.
Gates stated that his department will work with Guam stakeholders to “have transparency and for [the Department of Defense] to take into account the views of the people of Guam.”
Bordallo expressed her continued opposition to the use of eminent domain by the Department of Defense for land acquisition and suggested that the DoD should look into building within their existing footprint on Guam.
Bordallo also expressed concerns regarding the aircraft carrier berthing and the potential damage to coral reefs during the dredging process.
Mullen further stated that these “are major moves that we want to get right.”
“I along with Chairman Skelton and others have repeatedly stated that we need to get this military build-up done right,” Bordallo said.
“The draft environmental impact statement released by the Department of Defense, in its current form, insufficiently addresses concerns raised by our local government, our community, and stakeholders on Guam,” Bordallo said.
“I took this opportunity today to share some of these concerns with Secretary Gates and Admiral Mullen during a House Armed Services Committee hearing.
Both Secretary Gates and Admiral Mullen agreed that this military buildup must be done right, and most importantly, that the concerns of our community must be taken into account before we get to a final environmental impact statement
120-day stretch for DEIS review period sought
120-day stretch for DEIS review period sought
Friday, 05 February 2010 00:51
by Mar-Vic Cagurangan | Variety News Staff
THE new activist group called “We Are Guahan” has launched an online petition asking the Department of Defense to extend the review and comment period for the draft environmental impact statement by 120 days.
The Guam community was given 90 days to review and respond to the 11,000-page draft study releases in November. Under the current schedule, the comment period expires on Feb. 17.
The official request for extension was made earlier by Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo to Department of Navy Secretary Ray Mabus. The Navy official has yet to respond to the request.
“As evident in recent [draft environmental impact statement] hearings, concerns about land acquisition among other critical issues have emerged. Given this 90 day commenting period, the people of Guam have not been given adequate time and resources to comment on the Department of Defense's plans to increase its land inventory, especially when the Land Acquisition Impact,” states the petition, which has 394 signatures so far.
The petitioners are targeting 1,000 signatures for the petition.
“One of the many issues local Guam residents are concerned about is the measures the military will take to acquire the additional lands they seek to complete their mission,” the petition said.
We Are Guahan noted that the draft study uses “vague language, making it unclear to private landowners whether or not the military would seek to negotiate with landowners instead of resorting to the use of eminent domain and/or land condemnation.”
This petition “calls for the military to reveal to the public their plans to acquire land and to extend the period of time residents have to review and respond to said plan.”
To sign up or view the petition stats online go to: www.thepetitionsite.com/1/call-for-transparency-and-extension-of-deis-commenting-period.
Friday, 05 February 2010 00:51
by Mar-Vic Cagurangan | Variety News Staff
THE new activist group called “We Are Guahan” has launched an online petition asking the Department of Defense to extend the review and comment period for the draft environmental impact statement by 120 days.
The Guam community was given 90 days to review and respond to the 11,000-page draft study releases in November. Under the current schedule, the comment period expires on Feb. 17.
The official request for extension was made earlier by Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo to Department of Navy Secretary Ray Mabus. The Navy official has yet to respond to the request.
“As evident in recent [draft environmental impact statement] hearings, concerns about land acquisition among other critical issues have emerged. Given this 90 day commenting period, the people of Guam have not been given adequate time and resources to comment on the Department of Defense's plans to increase its land inventory, especially when the Land Acquisition Impact,” states the petition, which has 394 signatures so far.
The petitioners are targeting 1,000 signatures for the petition.
“One of the many issues local Guam residents are concerned about is the measures the military will take to acquire the additional lands they seek to complete their mission,” the petition said.
We Are Guahan noted that the draft study uses “vague language, making it unclear to private landowners whether or not the military would seek to negotiate with landowners instead of resorting to the use of eminent domain and/or land condemnation.”
This petition “calls for the military to reveal to the public their plans to acquire land and to extend the period of time residents have to review and respond to said plan.”
To sign up or view the petition stats online go to: www.thepetitionsite.com/1/call-for-transparency-and-extension-of-deis-commenting-period.
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