Final EIS out by summer
Thursday, 25 March 2010 04:55
by Zita Y. Taitano
Marianas Variety News Staff
THE final version of the environmental impact statement for the military buildup could be ready by late June or early July, Joint Guam Program Office director John Jackson said yesterday.
Jackson made the announcement before the Mayors Council during yesterday’s special meeting.
He said JGPO has received a total of 8,600 comments on the draft report.
He said the comments came from different places including Guam, Japan, the Philippines, and Hawaii, among others.
“Those comments range from ‘We’re glad to see the Marines coming’ to ‘Yankee go home,’” Jackson said.
The documents received will be reviewed by a team in Hawaii and then put in 45 categories for the final version.
And while he didn’t go into what those categories were, Jackson said that they would be included in the final version and be referred to as actionable comments. Other comments that do not have any direct impact on the final study will be omitted.
“Once the final study is put out on the street, there will be a 30-day period from the time it is published to the time that the record of decision can be made in August,” Jackson said.
Jackson explained that the record of decision will be comprised of multiple alternatives and preferred alternatives by the Secretary of the Navy.
“The Secretary of the Navy may say he concurs with the preferred alternative at Finegayan for the Marine Corps Base or he may say I like that part, but I also want you to modify it to do the following things so the record of decision basically takes the recommendations from the final EIS and the decision signs off on it with yes or no,” said Jackson.
As for the failing grade that the draft report has received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Jackson said when the study was drafted last September, it was based on the input from the scoping meetings, and that several issues brought up had already been addressed.
He said Nancy Sutley, chairwoman of the Environmental Quality Council, told him the issues and concerns were already taken care of.
Jackson, however, didn’t specify the issues that he said have been addressed.
Showing posts with label JGPO. Show all posts
Showing posts with label JGPO. Show all posts
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
DEIS comment period expires tomorrow
DEIS comment period expires tomorrow
Wednesday, 17 February 2010 03:33
by Zita Y. Taitano | Variety News Staff
GUAM residents have until 3 p.m. tomorrow to submit their comments on the draft environmental impact statement, upon expiration of the 90-day public review and comment that officially started on Nov. 21 last year.
The Record of Decision is expected to be issued in August.
Senator Ben Pangelinan wants to see the final draft of the document to see if changes are made to include public input. “Then we would submit comments on the final draft for the final copy,” he said.
There were two ways for residents to submit their comments, whether it was to submit on line on the impact study’s website www.guambuildupeis.us or to do download the comment form the site and mail it to the Joint Guam Program Office courtesy of the Naval Facilities headquarters in Hawaii.
The latter of which must be postmarked on Feb. 17 in order for the comment document to be included with the thousands of other comments on the study.
The original time frame for the comment period was 45 days, but was extended to 90 days after concerns were raised that the allotted time was not enough for residents to fully digest the 11,000-page document and express their thoughts.
Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo has requested the Department of Navy to extend the comment period further, but the congresswoman received no response.
Senator Judi Guthertz, chairman of the military buildup committee at the legislature, yesterday sent another installment of comment paper, in which she emphasized the billions of dollars that Guam needs in order to adequately prepare itself for the military buildup.
“Only minimal assistance has been forthcoming from the federal government, which has placed this unfunded mandate upon 178,000 American citizens living on a tiny island of only 212 square miles,” said Guthertz.
Once all the comments have been received at the NAVFAC Pacific, they will be reviewed and put together for the final draft copy.
Residents who would like to send their comments via regular mail can send them to the following address JGPO c/o NAVFAC Pacific, 258 Makalapa Drive, Suite 100, Pearl Harbor, HI 96860-3134 ATTENTION: GMPO. Again, all comments mailed out by Wednesday should have it postmarked Feb. 17.
Wednesday, 17 February 2010 03:33
by Zita Y. Taitano | Variety News Staff
GUAM residents have until 3 p.m. tomorrow to submit their comments on the draft environmental impact statement, upon expiration of the 90-day public review and comment that officially started on Nov. 21 last year.
The Record of Decision is expected to be issued in August.
Senator Ben Pangelinan wants to see the final draft of the document to see if changes are made to include public input. “Then we would submit comments on the final draft for the final copy,” he said.
There were two ways for residents to submit their comments, whether it was to submit on line on the impact study’s website www.guambuildupeis.us or to do download the comment form the site and mail it to the Joint Guam Program Office courtesy of the Naval Facilities headquarters in Hawaii.
The latter of which must be postmarked on Feb. 17 in order for the comment document to be included with the thousands of other comments on the study.
The original time frame for the comment period was 45 days, but was extended to 90 days after concerns were raised that the allotted time was not enough for residents to fully digest the 11,000-page document and express their thoughts.
Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo has requested the Department of Navy to extend the comment period further, but the congresswoman received no response.
Senator Judi Guthertz, chairman of the military buildup committee at the legislature, yesterday sent another installment of comment paper, in which she emphasized the billions of dollars that Guam needs in order to adequately prepare itself for the military buildup.
“Only minimal assistance has been forthcoming from the federal government, which has placed this unfunded mandate upon 178,000 American citizens living on a tiny island of only 212 square miles,” said Guthertz.
Once all the comments have been received at the NAVFAC Pacific, they will be reviewed and put together for the final draft copy.
Residents who would like to send their comments via regular mail can send them to the following address JGPO c/o NAVFAC Pacific, 258 Makalapa Drive, Suite 100, Pearl Harbor, HI 96860-3134 ATTENTION: GMPO. Again, all comments mailed out by Wednesday should have it postmarked Feb. 17.
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
We Are Guahan leading Pagat cleanup
We Are Guahan leading Pagat cleanup
Posted: Feb 12, 2010 6:18 PM PST
by Michele Catahay
Guam - The We Are Guahan Coalition is inviting the public to take part in a cleanup for Valentines Day tomorrow at the Pagat Caves in Mangilao. Coalition member Victoria "Lola" Leon Guerrero says because it's a day to celebrate love, the group decided to show to others how much they love their land and that cleaning it up will benefit the people of Guam.
The organization is partnering up with the Guam Boonie Stompers. "We really are doing this in direct response to a quote from a JGPO official that says if they put a firing range there, that they will actually clean up the site and we want to show them that we can clean up our own land and that we don't want Pagat to turn into a firing range and we want to appreciate the ancient Chamorro villages, the fresh water caves and that's also what we'll be doing tomorrow as well. After the clean up, everyone that shows up we'll go down to the caves and swim and just enjoy the beauty of the area and pay tribute to the historic significance of it."
The group is scheduled to meet at the trail at the back road to Andersen AFB at around 9am tomorrow morning.
Posted: Feb 12, 2010 6:18 PM PST
by Michele Catahay
Guam - The We Are Guahan Coalition is inviting the public to take part in a cleanup for Valentines Day tomorrow at the Pagat Caves in Mangilao. Coalition member Victoria "Lola" Leon Guerrero says because it's a day to celebrate love, the group decided to show to others how much they love their land and that cleaning it up will benefit the people of Guam.
The organization is partnering up with the Guam Boonie Stompers. "We really are doing this in direct response to a quote from a JGPO official that says if they put a firing range there, that they will actually clean up the site and we want to show them that we can clean up our own land and that we don't want Pagat to turn into a firing range and we want to appreciate the ancient Chamorro villages, the fresh water caves and that's also what we'll be doing tomorrow as well. After the clean up, everyone that shows up we'll go down to the caves and swim and just enjoy the beauty of the area and pay tribute to the historic significance of it."
The group is scheduled to meet at the trail at the back road to Andersen AFB at around 9am tomorrow morning.
Guam legislature adopts resolution on military buildup plan
Guam legislature adopts resolution on military buildup plan
Feb 11 02:38 AM US/Eastern
HAGATNA, Guam, Feb. 11 (AP) - (Kyodo) — The Guam legislature unanimously adopted a resolution Thursday urging the U.S. military and other relevant authorities to drastically amend the current military buildup plan for the island, citing many "flaws" including the impact on the environment and the threat to islanders' property.
The resolution also called for more information on the relocation of U.S. military personnel from Japan's Okinawa Prefecture and for a "town hall" meeting with President Barack Obama on the issue when he visits the Pacific island next month.
According to Assembly Speaker Judith Won Pat, the legislature's main areas of concern in the detailed buildup plan, called the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, include the possibility of land seizure, large-scale dredging of coral reefs and the lack of thought given to the social impact of the buildup.
Most islanders came face to face with these issues for the first time when the Joint Guam Program Office, a U.S. military task force handling the Guam buildup, released the statement in November, Won Pat said. She has complained to the JGPO about the fact that only three months have been allowed for public comment.
The resolution was nonbinding but will be sent to Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, Obama and U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, among others.
Meanwhile, the legislators handed a draft resolution to members of a Japanese government fact-finding delegation during their visit to the legislature in Hagatna the same day.
Feb 11 02:38 AM US/Eastern
HAGATNA, Guam, Feb. 11 (AP) - (Kyodo) — The Guam legislature unanimously adopted a resolution Thursday urging the U.S. military and other relevant authorities to drastically amend the current military buildup plan for the island, citing many "flaws" including the impact on the environment and the threat to islanders' property.
The resolution also called for more information on the relocation of U.S. military personnel from Japan's Okinawa Prefecture and for a "town hall" meeting with President Barack Obama on the issue when he visits the Pacific island next month.
According to Assembly Speaker Judith Won Pat, the legislature's main areas of concern in the detailed buildup plan, called the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, include the possibility of land seizure, large-scale dredging of coral reefs and the lack of thought given to the social impact of the buildup.
Most islanders came face to face with these issues for the first time when the Joint Guam Program Office, a U.S. military task force handling the Guam buildup, released the statement in November, Won Pat said. She has complained to the JGPO about the fact that only three months have been allowed for public comment.
The resolution was nonbinding but will be sent to Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, Obama and U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, among others.
Meanwhile, the legislators handed a draft resolution to members of a Japanese government fact-finding delegation during their visit to the legislature in Hagatna the same day.
Relocation of up to 4,000 US troops to CNMI mulled
Relocation of up to 4,000 US troops to CNMI mulled
hursday, February 11, 2010
By Haidee V. Eugenio
JAPANESE LAWMAKERS STOP OVER SAIPAN
Visiting Japanese lawmakers said yesterday they may recommend the relocation of 2,000 to 4,000 U.S. troops from the aviation units at Futenma in Japan to the CNMI, on top of the 8,000 Marines to be relocated from Okinawa to Guam, said Senate Pres. Paul A. Manglona (R-Rota).
National Diet or Japan Legislature members Mikio Shimoji, Tomoko Abe, and Ryoichi Hattori met with Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos, House Speaker Froilan C. Tenorio (Cov-Saipan), and Manglona at the Saipan airport yesterday afternoon, on their way to Guam.
Shimoji, Abe, and Hattori are part of the 23-member Japanese government delegation arriving on Guam for what Fitial described as a “fact-finding” visit, particularly to see if there's suitable place on Guam for more U.S. troops to be relocated off Okinawa.
This 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 were one in saying they welcome the relocation of U.S. troops to the Commonwealth provided the U.S. government consents to such move.
“We're not offering them anything. We're just telling them we welcome them, provided that the U.S. government consents or concurs,” the governor said.
Manglona and Fitial clarified that there is no definite plan to move U.S. troops to the CNMI, but it's one of the options being looked at.
“Shimoji said they will recommend moving troops to the CNMI. He gave the range. It could be 2,000 or 3,000 or 4,000,” he said.
Guam trip
Fitial will travel to Guam to attend today's meeting between Guam officials and the visiting Japanese delegation led by Yorihisa Matsuno, deputy chief Cabinet secretary of the Japan Diet.
The three Japanese lawmakers who made a stopover on Saipan were major players in the relocation talks. Shimoji is the policy chief of the People's New Party, one of the tripartite ruling coalitions in Japan, while Abe is the policy chief of the Social Democratic Party. Hattori is also with the Social Democratic Party.
“They're looking at all options, including Guam and the CNMI. I will be listening to what Guam has to say. As I said, I welcome them provided that the U.S. government concurs,” Fitial said.
Manglona said Tinian has been waiting for decades to welcome military presence on the island.
“It seems they have been listening to the people, as they prepare to meet with the U.S. government. We made it clear to the Japanese lawmakers that the CNMI is open, but we defer making decisions to the U.S. government,” Manglona said.
Fitial said as with all other existing relocation plans, any cost to move troops to the CNMI should not be borne by the CNMI.
Both the CNMI and Guam governors had said that socio-economic impacts are the major concerns when it comes to the massive military buildup on Guam, and Fitial said this is also true with any plan to relocate U.S. troops to the CNMI.
Fitial said Japanese lawmakers wanted to visit the CNMI again to see for themselves any room for U.S. troops to be relocated.
Sen. Jude U. Hofschneider (R-Tinian) said Tinian welcomes any plan to relocate U.S. troops to the island, two-thirds of which is leased by the U.S. Department of Defense.
“The lease makes it easier for them to come here. We certainly welcome the plan or the option of choosing the CNMI as a site for relocating U.S. troops from Japan,” said Hofschneider, who is the chairman of the Tinian Legislative Delegation.
Tinian Mayor Ramon Dela Cruz earlier said that an expected decrease in civilian tourist arrivals to the island as a result of he massive buildup should be mitigated by an increase in military personnel and their families' visit to Tinian for rest and recreation.
Dela Cruz also said the military should ensure an effective quarantine system to prevent brown tree snakes, rhinoceros beetles, and other invasive species from entering Tinian.
'Stretch out and spread out'
Sen. Judith Guthertz of Guam, in a Jan. 28 letter to Joint Guam Program Office executive director David Bice, recommended stretching out and spreading out the relocation of U.S. troops from Okinawa to Guam.
She said the U.S. military should consider relocating the First Marine Aircraft Wing aviation command from Futenma to Tinian and Agrigan or the Goat Island in the CNMI.
“This command numbers about 4,000. The mayor of Tinian and Agrigan has already asked the U.S. military to consider these islands for the buildup. Agrigan is uninhabited and the federal government already has a long-term lease for the northern two-thirds of Tinian,” she told Bice.
Guthertz, who chairs the Committee on the Guam Military Buildup and Homeland Security, said the Marines' movement should be spread over eight years instead of only two years from 2014.
Lastly, she suggested the reduction in size of the movement to Guam by 50 percent-for about 4,000 active duty Marines.
“This would still provide a greater than 100 percent jump in footprint, but provide a greater welcome mat for our Marines,” she told Bice.
The Futenma issue has become a sticking point in the military realignment talks.
The recent election of an anti-base mayor in Nago made it more difficult to move Marine air operations and led to a growing sentiment among Okinawans to move Futenma operations outside Okinawa and outside Japan.
hursday, February 11, 2010
By Haidee V. Eugenio
JAPANESE LAWMAKERS STOP OVER SAIPAN
Visiting Japanese lawmakers said yesterday they may recommend the relocation of 2,000 to 4,000 U.S. troops from the aviation units at Futenma in Japan to the CNMI, on top of the 8,000 Marines to be relocated from Okinawa to Guam, said Senate Pres. Paul A. Manglona (R-Rota).
National Diet or Japan Legislature members Mikio Shimoji, Tomoko Abe, and Ryoichi Hattori met with Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos, House Speaker Froilan C. Tenorio (Cov-Saipan), and Manglona at the Saipan airport yesterday afternoon, on their way to Guam.
Shimoji, Abe, and Hattori are part of the 23-member Japanese government delegation arriving on Guam for what Fitial described as a “fact-finding” visit, particularly to see if there's suitable place on Guam for more U.S. troops to be relocated off Okinawa.
This 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 were one in saying they welcome the relocation of U.S. troops to the Commonwealth provided the U.S. government consents to such move.
“We're not offering them anything. We're just telling them we welcome them, provided that the U.S. government consents or concurs,” the governor said.
Manglona and Fitial clarified that there is no definite plan to move U.S. troops to the CNMI, but it's one of the options being looked at.
“Shimoji said they will recommend moving troops to the CNMI. He gave the range. It could be 2,000 or 3,000 or 4,000,” he said.
Guam trip
Fitial will travel to Guam to attend today's meeting between Guam officials and the visiting Japanese delegation led by Yorihisa Matsuno, deputy chief Cabinet secretary of the Japan Diet.
The three Japanese lawmakers who made a stopover on Saipan were major players in the relocation talks. Shimoji is the policy chief of the People's New Party, one of the tripartite ruling coalitions in Japan, while Abe is the policy chief of the Social Democratic Party. Hattori is also with the Social Democratic Party.
“They're looking at all options, including Guam and the CNMI. I will be listening to what Guam has to say. As I said, I welcome them provided that the U.S. government concurs,” Fitial said.
Manglona said Tinian has been waiting for decades to welcome military presence on the island.
“It seems they have been listening to the people, as they prepare to meet with the U.S. government. We made it clear to the Japanese lawmakers that the CNMI is open, but we defer making decisions to the U.S. government,” Manglona said.
Fitial said as with all other existing relocation plans, any cost to move troops to the CNMI should not be borne by the CNMI.
Both the CNMI and Guam governors had said that socio-economic impacts are the major concerns when it comes to the massive military buildup on Guam, and Fitial said this is also true with any plan to relocate U.S. troops to the CNMI.
Fitial said Japanese lawmakers wanted to visit the CNMI again to see for themselves any room for U.S. troops to be relocated.
Sen. Jude U. Hofschneider (R-Tinian) said Tinian welcomes any plan to relocate U.S. troops to the island, two-thirds of which is leased by the U.S. Department of Defense.
“The lease makes it easier for them to come here. We certainly welcome the plan or the option of choosing the CNMI as a site for relocating U.S. troops from Japan,” said Hofschneider, who is the chairman of the Tinian Legislative Delegation.
Tinian Mayor Ramon Dela Cruz earlier said that an expected decrease in civilian tourist arrivals to the island as a result of he massive buildup should be mitigated by an increase in military personnel and their families' visit to Tinian for rest and recreation.
Dela Cruz also said the military should ensure an effective quarantine system to prevent brown tree snakes, rhinoceros beetles, and other invasive species from entering Tinian.
'Stretch out and spread out'
Sen. Judith Guthertz of Guam, in a Jan. 28 letter to Joint Guam Program Office executive director David Bice, recommended stretching out and spreading out the relocation of U.S. troops from Okinawa to Guam.
She said the U.S. military should consider relocating the First Marine Aircraft Wing aviation command from Futenma to Tinian and Agrigan or the Goat Island in the CNMI.
“This command numbers about 4,000. The mayor of Tinian and Agrigan has already asked the U.S. military to consider these islands for the buildup. Agrigan is uninhabited and the federal government already has a long-term lease for the northern two-thirds of Tinian,” she told Bice.
Guthertz, who chairs the Committee on the Guam Military Buildup and Homeland Security, said the Marines' movement should be spread over eight years instead of only two years from 2014.
Lastly, she suggested the reduction in size of the movement to Guam by 50 percent-for about 4,000 active duty Marines.
“This would still provide a greater than 100 percent jump in footprint, but provide a greater welcome mat for our Marines,” she told Bice.
The Futenma issue has become a sticking point in the military realignment talks.
The recent election of an anti-base mayor in Nago made it more difficult to move Marine air operations and led to a growing sentiment among Okinawans to move Futenma operations outside Okinawa and outside Japan.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Big trouble in little Guåhan
Big trouble in little Guåhan
Thursday, 28 January 2010 04:22
by Sen. Judith Guthertz
AS MUCH as I hate to sound like a broken record, recent developments continue to demonstrate that there are huge flaws in the military buildup’s draft environmental impact statement. I know, you’ve heard this before.
Those who date from the iPod era may not know that pre-recorded music once came from flat vinyl discs called records, which had grooves on both sides. A needle and stylus played music from the grooves as the record rotated on a turntable. Dirt or a scratch in the grooves could result in a skip, causing a note or phrase to repeat itself, sometimes endlessly. I guess this translates into a kind of nagging.
But it’s hardly nagging when the Guam Legislature finds land takings in the DEIS completely unacceptable. And emphasizes the point with a unanimous vote. Nor is it nagging when it’s necessary for the legislature to go over the heads of the Joint Guam Program Office to communicate to President Obama, his Cabinet and Congress our burning dissatisfaction with the DEIS. The officials on the front lines of local issues, the Guam Mayors' Council, have backed up our position with Resolution 10-01.
Simply stated, the present circumstances and the callous manner in which the plan is being rammed down our throats, absent military concessions, is a threat to the buildup’s success. And that’s without considering the various problems that are surfacing in Okinawa.
Meanwhile, incredibly, an official says that the testimony of 246 people, of the 1,977 who attended public hearings, is not significant because some parties testified at more than one hearing. JGPO may choose to ignore the obvious fact that their hearings increasingly reflected overwhelming community opposition to elements of the DEIS, especially land takings, but the legislature is paying attention.
JGPO has yet to propose any possible changes to the DEIS, or to discuss publicly any of the ideas for changes put forth by myself and others. It’s time to take this issue to their leaders in Washington who will make the final call. We’re aware that the hard and fast requirements demanded by the military will change very fast if they are so instructed.
I am a realist, and to crank up that broken record again, I continue to support a military buildup that is a “win-win” proposition for the military and Guam. Here’s my precise bottom line as delivered in the session hall during discussion of the resolution:
“Should the military require additional property in the areas as outlined in the DEIS alternative plans, then landowners should have the final say as to whether they would be willing to part with their properties via lease, land exchange or outright purchase. Moreover, should individual property owners decline to sell or give up their properties, that too should be honored without threat of condemnation.”
At the start of the buildup, along with other senators, I pointed out the sensitivity of the land issue in Guam to JGPO and other officials.
The contents of the DEIS have been an unpleasant surprise, and we’ve spent a lot of time figuring out alternatives. It’s our opinion that the original promise to confine the buildup to the one-third of the island owned by DoD is achievable. We’ll continue to press for this.
We’re also going to frequently repeat promises such as this from Assistant Navy Secretary Roger Natsuhara: “[W]e are committed to a one Guam whole government approach…By working together across the federal and local governments, you can be assured that it will be.”
Even if it starts sounding like a broken record.
Senator Judith Paulette Guthertz, DPA, chairs the 30th Guam Legislature’s Committee on the Guam Military Buildup and Homeland Security. Send feedback to senatorjudiguthertz@gmail.com Let’s Fix It: By Judith P. Guthertz
Thursday, 28 January 2010 04:22
by Sen. Judith Guthertz
AS MUCH as I hate to sound like a broken record, recent developments continue to demonstrate that there are huge flaws in the military buildup’s draft environmental impact statement. I know, you’ve heard this before.
Those who date from the iPod era may not know that pre-recorded music once came from flat vinyl discs called records, which had grooves on both sides. A needle and stylus played music from the grooves as the record rotated on a turntable. Dirt or a scratch in the grooves could result in a skip, causing a note or phrase to repeat itself, sometimes endlessly. I guess this translates into a kind of nagging.
But it’s hardly nagging when the Guam Legislature finds land takings in the DEIS completely unacceptable. And emphasizes the point with a unanimous vote. Nor is it nagging when it’s necessary for the legislature to go over the heads of the Joint Guam Program Office to communicate to President Obama, his Cabinet and Congress our burning dissatisfaction with the DEIS. The officials on the front lines of local issues, the Guam Mayors' Council, have backed up our position with Resolution 10-01.
Simply stated, the present circumstances and the callous manner in which the plan is being rammed down our throats, absent military concessions, is a threat to the buildup’s success. And that’s without considering the various problems that are surfacing in Okinawa.
Meanwhile, incredibly, an official says that the testimony of 246 people, of the 1,977 who attended public hearings, is not significant because some parties testified at more than one hearing. JGPO may choose to ignore the obvious fact that their hearings increasingly reflected overwhelming community opposition to elements of the DEIS, especially land takings, but the legislature is paying attention.
JGPO has yet to propose any possible changes to the DEIS, or to discuss publicly any of the ideas for changes put forth by myself and others. It’s time to take this issue to their leaders in Washington who will make the final call. We’re aware that the hard and fast requirements demanded by the military will change very fast if they are so instructed.
I am a realist, and to crank up that broken record again, I continue to support a military buildup that is a “win-win” proposition for the military and Guam. Here’s my precise bottom line as delivered in the session hall during discussion of the resolution:
“Should the military require additional property in the areas as outlined in the DEIS alternative plans, then landowners should have the final say as to whether they would be willing to part with their properties via lease, land exchange or outright purchase. Moreover, should individual property owners decline to sell or give up their properties, that too should be honored without threat of condemnation.”
At the start of the buildup, along with other senators, I pointed out the sensitivity of the land issue in Guam to JGPO and other officials.
The contents of the DEIS have been an unpleasant surprise, and we’ve spent a lot of time figuring out alternatives. It’s our opinion that the original promise to confine the buildup to the one-third of the island owned by DoD is achievable. We’ll continue to press for this.
We’re also going to frequently repeat promises such as this from Assistant Navy Secretary Roger Natsuhara: “[W]e are committed to a one Guam whole government approach…By working together across the federal and local governments, you can be assured that it will be.”
Even if it starts sounding like a broken record.
Senator Judith Paulette Guthertz, DPA, chairs the 30th Guam Legislature’s Committee on the Guam Military Buildup and Homeland Security. Send feedback to senatorjudiguthertz@gmail.com Let’s Fix It: By Judith P. Guthertz
Friday, February 12, 2010
Vice-speaker calls for DEIS rewrite
Vice-speaker calls for DEIS rewrite
Posted: Feb 09, 2010 4:16 PM
Updated: Feb 09, 2010 4:16 PM
by Janjeera Hail
Guam - Vice-Speaker B.J. Cruz would like to see the Draft Environmental Impact Statement rewritten to include a more comprehensive analysis on how the Department of Mental Health and the Guam Memorial Hospital will be affected by the military buildup. Such was the sentiment of letters he sent to Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo and Joint Guam Program Office Executive Director David Bice.
At Friday's healthcare roundtable, Mental Health Clinical Administrator Dr. Andrea Leitheiser said that the military makes up 20% of consumers, a number Cruz feels justifies his request for a closer look. "If we're going to have 8,000 more Marines, that 20% is going to be even higher - so we've got to address that. We're already in trouble with Mental Health. We need more professionals both there and at the hospitals."
Cruz originally raised his concerns at the congresswoman's town hall meetings and meetings with the military.
Posted: Feb 09, 2010 4:16 PM
Updated: Feb 09, 2010 4:16 PM
by Janjeera Hail
Guam - Vice-Speaker B.J. Cruz would like to see the Draft Environmental Impact Statement rewritten to include a more comprehensive analysis on how the Department of Mental Health and the Guam Memorial Hospital will be affected by the military buildup. Such was the sentiment of letters he sent to Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo and Joint Guam Program Office Executive Director David Bice.
At Friday's healthcare roundtable, Mental Health Clinical Administrator Dr. Andrea Leitheiser said that the military makes up 20% of consumers, a number Cruz feels justifies his request for a closer look. "If we're going to have 8,000 more Marines, that 20% is going to be even higher - so we've got to address that. We're already in trouble with Mental Health. We need more professionals both there and at the hospitals."
Cruz originally raised his concerns at the congresswoman's town hall meetings and meetings with the military.
Cruz to Bice: Get to grips with local issues
Cruz to Bice: Get to grips with local issues
Tuesday, 09 February 2010 04:03
by Jennifer Naylor Gesick |
Variety News Staff
VICE speaker BJ Cruz sent the Joint Guam Program Office a letter and two DVD copies of Thursday’s roundtable discussions on the military buildup’s impact on Guam healthcare at the legislature.
“You will see from the DVDs the degree of uncertainty that the heads of Guam’s health care agencies and their staff have regarding the impact that the buildup will have on their ability to provide needed services,” Cruz stated in his letter sent Friday to Major Gen. David Bice, executive director of JGPO. “I submit that the same is true government wide.”
Cruz specifically identified the Guam Memorial Hospital and the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse as among the healthcare agencies that will need assistance in preparation for the troop buildup.
Cruz urged Bice to watch the DVDs “to get a clearer picture of the current state of Guam’s health care system and the impact that the buildup would have on Guam’s capacity to provide services in the various health care disciplines.”
“You have no doubt heard it said that the [draft environmental impact statement] raises more questions than what it answers,” wrote Cruz. “This is indicative of the deficiency of the [draft study] in addressing important buildup issues.”
The vice speaker asked Bice to note that 20 percent of DMHSA’s clients are military personnel and their families as reported by Dr. Andrea Leithheiser, psychologist and clinical administrator of DMHSA, during the roundtable discussion.
Cruz pointed out that the projected increase in Guam’s population will strain DMHSA’s ability to provide services.
He also warned the mental health department will be “crippled” if its staff is not adequately augmented to possibly treat Marines who have served one or more war zone tours.
“Whether or not DMHSA will receive the help it would need to support the buildup remains a big question. The [draft impact report] does not address it,” Cruz concluded.
Tuesday, 09 February 2010 04:03
by Jennifer Naylor Gesick |
Variety News Staff
VICE speaker BJ Cruz sent the Joint Guam Program Office a letter and two DVD copies of Thursday’s roundtable discussions on the military buildup’s impact on Guam healthcare at the legislature.
“You will see from the DVDs the degree of uncertainty that the heads of Guam’s health care agencies and their staff have regarding the impact that the buildup will have on their ability to provide needed services,” Cruz stated in his letter sent Friday to Major Gen. David Bice, executive director of JGPO. “I submit that the same is true government wide.”
Cruz specifically identified the Guam Memorial Hospital and the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse as among the healthcare agencies that will need assistance in preparation for the troop buildup.
Cruz urged Bice to watch the DVDs “to get a clearer picture of the current state of Guam’s health care system and the impact that the buildup would have on Guam’s capacity to provide services in the various health care disciplines.”
“You have no doubt heard it said that the [draft environmental impact statement] raises more questions than what it answers,” wrote Cruz. “This is indicative of the deficiency of the [draft study] in addressing important buildup issues.”
The vice speaker asked Bice to note that 20 percent of DMHSA’s clients are military personnel and their families as reported by Dr. Andrea Leithheiser, psychologist and clinical administrator of DMHSA, during the roundtable discussion.
Cruz pointed out that the projected increase in Guam’s population will strain DMHSA’s ability to provide services.
He also warned the mental health department will be “crippled” if its staff is not adequately augmented to possibly treat Marines who have served one or more war zone tours.
“Whether or not DMHSA will receive the help it would need to support the buildup remains a big question. The [draft impact report] does not address it,” Cruz concluded.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Compromise deal on carrier berthing problems proposed
Compromise deal on carrier berthing problems proposed
Monday, 08 February 2010 04:25
by Therese Hart | Variety News Staff
NOTING the community’s concern over the aircraft carrier berthing plan, Sen. Judi Guthertz said the solution is to moor the ammunition ship at one of the deep draft buoys in outer Apra Harbor where the Maritime preposition ships moor, whenever there is an overlap in their schedules in Kilo Wharf.
In a detailed comment paper submitted to the Joint Guam Program Office, Guthertz said this alternative was not studied in the draft environmental impact statement.
“The DEIS states that the current scheduling overlaps are manageable, but fears that with enhanced carrier port visits and increased ammunition ship visits that the situation will become more difficult. I assert that this cannot be proven,” said Guthertz, chair of the committee on the Guam military buildup and homeland security.
Guthertz said her suggestion is a “feasible fall back option to the DEIS’ preferred option,” which is to use Apra Harbor.
The location for the ammunition ship would only be needed for those days when the air craft carrier is moored to Kilo Wharf, she said.
The air craft carriers would still be able to visit Guam at an “enhanced frequency and duration compared to now,” said the lawmaker.
No dredging of coral will be required, said Guthertz. Extensive dredging has been done around Kilo Wharf, primarily to clear rock and coral under and next to the extension itself.
The draft study proposes the dredging of about 36 acres of coral in Apra Harbor to accommodate a new pier for berthing nuclear aircraft carriers.
The impact report claims that if aircraft carrier visits are extended to total 63 visit days a year, that the munitions mission will suffer if the current Kilo Wharf is continued to be used for the aircraft carriers.
Kilo Wharf, located near the tip of Orote Point, near Gab Gab Beach, is currently used for aircraft carrier visits while its primary purpose is to moor ammunition ships, said Guthertz.
Guthertz’s paper states that the assertion that the situation will become too difficult is not proven. It’s a matter of having a scheduling challenge.
Guthertz asserts that the draft study’s position to destroy 36 acres of coral reflects a viewpoint of maximizing the satisfaction of the military needs.
“I believe that a firestorm within the civilian community has begun over the coral destruction issue,” she said. “A compromise is needed that provides for the core-interests of both sides being protected. My solution does that.”
Monday, 08 February 2010 04:25
by Therese Hart | Variety News Staff
NOTING the community’s concern over the aircraft carrier berthing plan, Sen. Judi Guthertz said the solution is to moor the ammunition ship at one of the deep draft buoys in outer Apra Harbor where the Maritime preposition ships moor, whenever there is an overlap in their schedules in Kilo Wharf.
In a detailed comment paper submitted to the Joint Guam Program Office, Guthertz said this alternative was not studied in the draft environmental impact statement.
“The DEIS states that the current scheduling overlaps are manageable, but fears that with enhanced carrier port visits and increased ammunition ship visits that the situation will become more difficult. I assert that this cannot be proven,” said Guthertz, chair of the committee on the Guam military buildup and homeland security.
Guthertz said her suggestion is a “feasible fall back option to the DEIS’ preferred option,” which is to use Apra Harbor.
The location for the ammunition ship would only be needed for those days when the air craft carrier is moored to Kilo Wharf, she said.
The air craft carriers would still be able to visit Guam at an “enhanced frequency and duration compared to now,” said the lawmaker.
No dredging of coral will be required, said Guthertz. Extensive dredging has been done around Kilo Wharf, primarily to clear rock and coral under and next to the extension itself.
The draft study proposes the dredging of about 36 acres of coral in Apra Harbor to accommodate a new pier for berthing nuclear aircraft carriers.
The impact report claims that if aircraft carrier visits are extended to total 63 visit days a year, that the munitions mission will suffer if the current Kilo Wharf is continued to be used for the aircraft carriers.
Kilo Wharf, located near the tip of Orote Point, near Gab Gab Beach, is currently used for aircraft carrier visits while its primary purpose is to moor ammunition ships, said Guthertz.
Guthertz’s paper states that the assertion that the situation will become too difficult is not proven. It’s a matter of having a scheduling challenge.
Guthertz asserts that the draft study’s position to destroy 36 acres of coral reflects a viewpoint of maximizing the satisfaction of the military needs.
“I believe that a firestorm within the civilian community has begun over the coral destruction issue,” she said. “A compromise is needed that provides for the core-interests of both sides being protected. My solution does that.”
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Guthertz: DEIS fails to address social problems
Guthertz: DEIS fails to address social problems
Thursday, 04 February 2010 02:41
MVG Reporter
(LEGISLATURE)--Senator Judith P. Guthertz said the draft environmental impact statement contains no mechanism to deal with the inevitable social problems that will arise with the arrival of 10,000 or more Marines and their dependents.
“As a former Director of Public Safety and acting chief of police, I am well aware of the situation we will be facing. Like all young men of their age, Marines will be trying to attract young civilian women,” Guthertz stated in a comment paper directed to Major General David Bice, USMC, executive director of the Joint Guam Program Office.
“Combine that with drinking around a pool table with cue sticks and hard billiard balls readily available, and the situation can become very volatile,” she added.
Guthertz is looking to the CNMI for a potential solution. A provision of the CNMI’s Covenant with Washington provides for a council to address the military-civilian relationship.
“The [CNMI‟s] Civil-Military Advisory Council has been a regular mechanism over several of the years for consultation and coordination between the military and the CNMI Government, meeting with an agenda, action items assigned, and joint deadlines established,” Guthertz said.
Guthertz says the right organization on Guam to handle this would be the Guam First Commission, which was created by law in 2008 over Gov. Felix Camacho’s veto.
The governor has since refused to implement the law. Earlier, the governor created a Civilian-Military Task Force Council to deal with buildup problems, but that body’s last meeting was in October 2008.
Potential problems that such an organization would deal with are already being discussed on island, such as the 18-year-old drinking age in the Guam civilian community as opposed to the 21-year-old age on base.
“Issues are certain to arise regarding DUIs, as the young servicemen attempt to get back to their base safely after having fun downtown. The DEIS does not address this disparity between drinking ages,” Guthertz said.
The sex industry is also an issue, with reports that these businesses are already planning to set up shop on Route 3, just across from the main Marine cantonment.
“The Marine Corps, of course, is opposed to this and does not want local zoning to permit it just outside the family-oriented base. This would be an issue for discussion and coordination between the military and civilian leadership in Guam,” Guthertz said.
Thursday, 04 February 2010 02:41
MVG Reporter
(LEGISLATURE)--Senator Judith P. Guthertz said the draft environmental impact statement contains no mechanism to deal with the inevitable social problems that will arise with the arrival of 10,000 or more Marines and their dependents.
“As a former Director of Public Safety and acting chief of police, I am well aware of the situation we will be facing. Like all young men of their age, Marines will be trying to attract young civilian women,” Guthertz stated in a comment paper directed to Major General David Bice, USMC, executive director of the Joint Guam Program Office.
“Combine that with drinking around a pool table with cue sticks and hard billiard balls readily available, and the situation can become very volatile,” she added.
Guthertz is looking to the CNMI for a potential solution. A provision of the CNMI’s Covenant with Washington provides for a council to address the military-civilian relationship.
“The [CNMI‟s] Civil-Military Advisory Council has been a regular mechanism over several of the years for consultation and coordination between the military and the CNMI Government, meeting with an agenda, action items assigned, and joint deadlines established,” Guthertz said.
Guthertz says the right organization on Guam to handle this would be the Guam First Commission, which was created by law in 2008 over Gov. Felix Camacho’s veto.
The governor has since refused to implement the law. Earlier, the governor created a Civilian-Military Task Force Council to deal with buildup problems, but that body’s last meeting was in October 2008.
Potential problems that such an organization would deal with are already being discussed on island, such as the 18-year-old drinking age in the Guam civilian community as opposed to the 21-year-old age on base.
“Issues are certain to arise regarding DUIs, as the young servicemen attempt to get back to their base safely after having fun downtown. The DEIS does not address this disparity between drinking ages,” Guthertz said.
The sex industry is also an issue, with reports that these businesses are already planning to set up shop on Route 3, just across from the main Marine cantonment.
“The Marine Corps, of course, is opposed to this and does not want local zoning to permit it just outside the family-oriented base. This would be an issue for discussion and coordination between the military and civilian leadership in Guam,” Guthertz said.
Guthertz Proposes Civ-Mil Advisory Council For Buildup
Guthertz Proposes Civ-Mil Advisory Council For Buildup
Guam - Buildup Committee Chairwoman Senator Judi Guthertz says that the draft Environmental Impact Statement on the military buildup makes no provision for managing the relationship between service members and the civilian community.
In a ‘comment paper’ directed to Major General David Bice, USMC (Ret.), Executive Director of the Joint Guam Program Office (JGPO), Senator Guthertz proposes a civilian-military advisory council to deal with the issues that will arise between the military and the civilian community during and after the buildup.
The Advisory Council would be established by the U.S. Secretary of Defense and the Governor of Guam and be a part of the Guam First Commission.
Senator Guthertz says the right organization on Guam to handle this would be the Guam First Commission, which was created by law in 2008 over Governor Felix Camacho‟s veto. The governor has since refused to implement the law. Earlier, the governor created a Civilian-Military Task Force Council to deal with buildup problems, but that body‟s last meeting was in October, 2008.
Senator Guthertz urged that the proposal be incorporated in the EIS and that the Secretary of the Navy, in coordination with the Governor take immediate action to implement it.
Written by :
News Release
Guam - Buildup Committee Chairwoman Senator Judi Guthertz says that the draft Environmental Impact Statement on the military buildup makes no provision for managing the relationship between service members and the civilian community.
In a ‘comment paper’ directed to Major General David Bice, USMC (Ret.), Executive Director of the Joint Guam Program Office (JGPO), Senator Guthertz proposes a civilian-military advisory council to deal with the issues that will arise between the military and the civilian community during and after the buildup.
The Advisory Council would be established by the U.S. Secretary of Defense and the Governor of Guam and be a part of the Guam First Commission.
Senator Guthertz says the right organization on Guam to handle this would be the Guam First Commission, which was created by law in 2008 over Governor Felix Camacho‟s veto. The governor has since refused to implement the law. Earlier, the governor created a Civilian-Military Task Force Council to deal with buildup problems, but that body‟s last meeting was in October, 2008.
Senator Guthertz urged that the proposal be incorporated in the EIS and that the Secretary of the Navy, in coordination with the Governor take immediate action to implement it.
Written by :
News Release
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Draft Environmental Impact Statement not the final say, Bordallo says
Draft Environmental Impact Statement not the final say, Bordallo says
By Laura Matthews • Pacific Daily News • February 1, 2010
Southern residents submitted recommendations to Delegate Madeleine Bordallo yesterday on how they said the military could lessen the adverse impact of the buildup on Guam.
From impact on culture to health care, environment and water, residents who attended the town hall meeting at the Agat Community Center covered areas of the draft Environmental Impact Statement some of them believe should be improved for a successful buildup.
The community has until Feb. 17 to respond to the draft EIS before it is finalized.
Santa Rita resident and war survivor Tom Barcinas told Bordallo that if all the major players in the buildup demonstrate efforts to work on the people's concerns, then residents and the additional population can "coexist and live harmoniously" on Guam.
"America needs Guam and Guam needs America -- this we all agree," Barcinas said.
About 8,000 Marines and their 9,000 dependents will be transferred from Okinawa in Japan to Guam. In order to prepare for their arrival, construction and other buildup jobs will attract a civilian population of nearly 80,000 in 2014, which is half of the island's current population.
The Joint Guam Program Office, along with 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 the relocation of Marines to Guam will have on the island's education, health care services, employment opportunities, property values, crime, cost of living and other socioeconomic issues.
Barcinas said the buildup will definitely impact the culture, values and customs, even the language.
"This is indeed a very high price to pay," he said. "The Chamorros are once again called upon to endure the burden of patriotism as a loyalty to America."
He proposed that the federal government consider that all non-military, buildup-related personnel should utilize the Naval Hospital since Guam Memorial Hospital can't accommodate them.
Barcinas added that the military should pay for each gallon of water taken from the new wells to be installed.
Consolidated Commission on Utilities Chairman Simon Sanchez has said the Defense Department already is a customer of Guam Waterworks Authority and will continue to be for wastewater treatment services, Pacific Daily News files state. According to Sanchez, the Defense Department is willing to cover all costs associated with the direct impact of its actions, but the improvements to GWA facilities will help improve the quality and help reduce the cost of utilities for Guam's civilians as well.
The military could install as many as 22 wells on the island, on existing military property over the northern aquifer, the draft EIS states.
"The military will pay 10 cents, 5 cents -- I don't care -- per gallon for water from any additional water wells," Barcinas said. "Pay for all upgrades of the island's infrastructure related to the buildup -- power, water, sewer and so on. Toxic contamination on Guam, clean them all up ASAP. No land excavation, dredging that will alter ... the ecosystem of the island."
Should anyone get sick as a result of the military's dredging, he said, they should be compensated.
Agat Mayor Carol Tayama said her main concern as the buildup period inches closer is the availability of water.
"We are always in trouble with water," she said. "And I do want the people to talk about it. Are we going to have adequate supply in the buildup?"
On Friday, southern residents were asked to conserve water for six weeks while the Guam Waterworks Authority upgrades its Ugum treatment plant. For the upgrade, the agency needs to close half of the plant while the contractors install a new membrane filtration system.
While that upgrade will affect residents in Talofofo, Inarajan, Merizo and Umatac, those in Santa Rita, Agat and Nimitz Hill have problems of their own, as the latter gets their water from the Fena Lake treatment plant.
That plant is owned and privately operated by the Navy and GWA buys water from the Navy to provide for the water needs of residents in Santa Rita, Agat and Nimitz Hill, according to Pacific Daily News files.
"There are some days -- and it goes into two weeks -- where some areas have low water pressure to no water pressure," Tayama said. "Or they have to shut it off at a certain time as the lake gets dry and they don't have enough to feed us or where they have to make sure it's clean water coming to us."
Noting that she hears all the issues, Bordallo said residents should know that the draft EIS is not the final say. She told residents that their comments will be used to have a final EIS that addresses all their issues.
Final EIS to have comment period
Residents will get 30 days to look at the final EIS.
"This draft document is a starting point, not an ending point to the process," Bordallo said. "We are out here trying to get the reading from the people of Guam as to the buildup ... and that's why we are here to take your sentiments back to Washington, D.C."
By Laura Matthews • Pacific Daily News • February 1, 2010
Southern residents submitted recommendations to Delegate Madeleine Bordallo yesterday on how they said the military could lessen the adverse impact of the buildup on Guam.
From impact on culture to health care, environment and water, residents who attended the town hall meeting at the Agat Community Center covered areas of the draft Environmental Impact Statement some of them believe should be improved for a successful buildup.
The community has until Feb. 17 to respond to the draft EIS before it is finalized.
Santa Rita resident and war survivor Tom Barcinas told Bordallo that if all the major players in the buildup demonstrate efforts to work on the people's concerns, then residents and the additional population can "coexist and live harmoniously" on Guam.
"America needs Guam and Guam needs America -- this we all agree," Barcinas said.
About 8,000 Marines and their 9,000 dependents will be transferred from Okinawa in Japan to Guam. In order to prepare for their arrival, construction and other buildup jobs will attract a civilian population of nearly 80,000 in 2014, which is half of the island's current population.
The Joint Guam Program Office, along with 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 the relocation of Marines to Guam will have on the island's education, health care services, employment opportunities, property values, crime, cost of living and other socioeconomic issues.
Barcinas said the buildup will definitely impact the culture, values and customs, even the language.
"This is indeed a very high price to pay," he said. "The Chamorros are once again called upon to endure the burden of patriotism as a loyalty to America."
He proposed that the federal government consider that all non-military, buildup-related personnel should utilize the Naval Hospital since Guam Memorial Hospital can't accommodate them.
Barcinas added that the military should pay for each gallon of water taken from the new wells to be installed.
Consolidated Commission on Utilities Chairman Simon Sanchez has said the Defense Department already is a customer of Guam Waterworks Authority and will continue to be for wastewater treatment services, Pacific Daily News files state. According to Sanchez, the Defense Department is willing to cover all costs associated with the direct impact of its actions, but the improvements to GWA facilities will help improve the quality and help reduce the cost of utilities for Guam's civilians as well.
The military could install as many as 22 wells on the island, on existing military property over the northern aquifer, the draft EIS states.
"The military will pay 10 cents, 5 cents -- I don't care -- per gallon for water from any additional water wells," Barcinas said. "Pay for all upgrades of the island's infrastructure related to the buildup -- power, water, sewer and so on. Toxic contamination on Guam, clean them all up ASAP. No land excavation, dredging that will alter ... the ecosystem of the island."
Should anyone get sick as a result of the military's dredging, he said, they should be compensated.
Agat Mayor Carol Tayama said her main concern as the buildup period inches closer is the availability of water.
"We are always in trouble with water," she said. "And I do want the people to talk about it. Are we going to have adequate supply in the buildup?"
On Friday, southern residents were asked to conserve water for six weeks while the Guam Waterworks Authority upgrades its Ugum treatment plant. For the upgrade, the agency needs to close half of the plant while the contractors install a new membrane filtration system.
While that upgrade will affect residents in Talofofo, Inarajan, Merizo and Umatac, those in Santa Rita, Agat and Nimitz Hill have problems of their own, as the latter gets their water from the Fena Lake treatment plant.
That plant is owned and privately operated by the Navy and GWA buys water from the Navy to provide for the water needs of residents in Santa Rita, Agat and Nimitz Hill, according to Pacific Daily News files.
"There are some days -- and it goes into two weeks -- where some areas have low water pressure to no water pressure," Tayama said. "Or they have to shut it off at a certain time as the lake gets dry and they don't have enough to feed us or where they have to make sure it's clean water coming to us."
Noting that she hears all the issues, Bordallo said residents should know that the draft EIS is not the final say. She told residents that their comments will be used to have a final EIS that addresses all their issues.
Final EIS to have comment period
Residents will get 30 days to look at the final EIS.
"This draft document is a starting point, not an ending point to the process," Bordallo said. "We are out here trying to get the reading from the people of Guam as to the buildup ... and that's why we are here to take your sentiments back to Washington, D.C."
Obama to visit Guam?
Obama to visit Guam?
Monday, 01 February 2010 03:43
by Therese Hart | Variety News Staff
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will be visiting Guam sometime in March, a confidential source told Variety.
It is still unclear what’s on the president’s agenda, but sources say his presence could provide a big boost to the planned military expansion and diminish opposition to the buildup.
Criticism of the buildup has surfaced following the various community and townhall meetings held by the Joint Guam Program Office, the Office of the Governor, the Guam Legislature and Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo’s office.
While on Guam, Obama is also expected to speak on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Variety sources said.
Bordallo could not be reached for comment yesterday.
But an advance team of secret service agents is expected to arrive on Guam to work with federal and local law enforcement officials to coordinate and implement the necessary security measures for the protection of the president and the first lady.
Final approval and execution of protection protocol would be the sole responsibility of the United States Secret Service.
“We’ve been asking President Obama to come to Guam for some time now. He’ll get a first hand look at how special our island is and what this massive military buildup will do to our island community,” said Senator Rory Respicio.
“If he does come here, we have a great opportunity to express our community’s hopes and fears with what this military buildup will bring to our community. And I’m sure we will come out in full force and give him the Chamorro hospitality,” he added.
The president recently addressed Congress in his first State of the Union speech since taking office on Jan. 20, 2009.
Bordallo, who attended the congressional address, said Obama touched on many important issues affecting the nation.
“In the speech, the President outlined the success of initiatives to jumpstart the weakening economy including H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. In our community alone, this bill has provided over $220 million in financial assistance as well as $60 million in tax credits paid in full by the U.S. Treasury, and created or saved over 500 jobs on Guam,” said Bordallo.
“I will continue to work with the President and my colleagues in Congress to continue promoting job creation through investments in small businesses, green jobs, clean energy, and improvements to infrastructure. I remain confident in President Obama, his administration, and his focus on revitalizing the American economy,” Bordallo said.
For his part, Respicio said Obama has big goals to change America, just as Guam is on the brink of big change.
“As one of the most pro-military communities, as measured by enlistment numbers, we join the rest of America in uniting in our commitment to protection and security. Strengthening the U.S. presence in the Pacific Region, however, cannot come at the cost of destroying our culture, our environment and our way of life,” Respicio said.
Monday, 01 February 2010 03:43
by Therese Hart | Variety News Staff
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will be visiting Guam sometime in March, a confidential source told Variety.
It is still unclear what’s on the president’s agenda, but sources say his presence could provide a big boost to the planned military expansion and diminish opposition to the buildup.
Criticism of the buildup has surfaced following the various community and townhall meetings held by the Joint Guam Program Office, the Office of the Governor, the Guam Legislature and Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo’s office.
While on Guam, Obama is also expected to speak on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Variety sources said.
Bordallo could not be reached for comment yesterday.
But an advance team of secret service agents is expected to arrive on Guam to work with federal and local law enforcement officials to coordinate and implement the necessary security measures for the protection of the president and the first lady.
Final approval and execution of protection protocol would be the sole responsibility of the United States Secret Service.
“We’ve been asking President Obama to come to Guam for some time now. He’ll get a first hand look at how special our island is and what this massive military buildup will do to our island community,” said Senator Rory Respicio.
“If he does come here, we have a great opportunity to express our community’s hopes and fears with what this military buildup will bring to our community. And I’m sure we will come out in full force and give him the Chamorro hospitality,” he added.
The president recently addressed Congress in his first State of the Union speech since taking office on Jan. 20, 2009.
Bordallo, who attended the congressional address, said Obama touched on many important issues affecting the nation.
“In the speech, the President outlined the success of initiatives to jumpstart the weakening economy including H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. In our community alone, this bill has provided over $220 million in financial assistance as well as $60 million in tax credits paid in full by the U.S. Treasury, and created or saved over 500 jobs on Guam,” said Bordallo.
“I will continue to work with the President and my colleagues in Congress to continue promoting job creation through investments in small businesses, green jobs, clean energy, and improvements to infrastructure. I remain confident in President Obama, his administration, and his focus on revitalizing the American economy,” Bordallo said.
For his part, Respicio said Obama has big goals to change America, just as Guam is on the brink of big change.
“As one of the most pro-military communities, as measured by enlistment numbers, we join the rest of America in uniting in our commitment to protection and security. Strengthening the U.S. presence in the Pacific Region, however, cannot come at the cost of destroying our culture, our environment and our way of life,” Respicio said.
Cruz critical of Bordallo's role in buildup
Cruz critical of Bordallo's role in buildup
Posted: Jan 30, 2010 6:15 PM
by Michele Catahay
Guam - Things heated up during a town hall meeting hosted by Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo this morning. Vice-Speaker B.J. Cruz questioned Bordallo's role in fighting for the people as it pertains to the military buildup.
Cruz says he isn't quite satisfied with the way Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo has been handling the issues pertaining to the movement of U.S. Marines from Okinawa to Guam. During the hearing today, Cruz suggested to Bordallo to go back to the federal government to find out if the Draft environmental Impact Statement could be revised and resubmitted before it becomes a permanent document.
He said, "I said that since this DEIS is much larger than the original scope that was originally discussed, and I think it's fair. And I asked her if she could spearhead the move to ask the Secretary of Defense to change the NEPA process that is currently being discussed and take this as an initial Draft EIS, have them revise it and resubmit it to us again as a draft."
Cruz says he remains critical of Bordallo, saying not enough has been done on her part to protect the island's coral reefs. Bordallo is the chairperson of the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs and Oceans and Wildlife. Cruz says he finds it disheartening that Bordallo received an award for the protection of the reefs and corals last year, but isn't speaking out against the dredging in Apra Harbor.
"Her silence in not speaking out against the fact they were going to dredge out 39 acres of coral in Apra Harbor was deafening," he continued. "And in being literate and polite, I said it was deafening and when pointing and trying to find the next word, she said 'unconscionable', and that probably is the best word."
Bordallo is on Guam hosting her own town hall meetings to gather input from stakeholders on the relocation. She says she will be submitting her own comments to the Joint Guam Program Office. Although there are many issues in line with the buildup, Bordallo says one thing for sure is that she does not support the use of eminent domain to acquire property for the military.
Said the delegate, "If a private landowner wants to lease or sell their property, that is their right because it's their property and if they choose not to, that is also their right, and I will not support the military using eminent domain to acquire the property if the landowner is opposed to doing so."
As for the use of government lands, Bordallo says the governor and Legislature are the only ones who can decide whether to lease or sell government property.
In the meantime, Barrigada resident Juan Unpingco says he has been living on Guam all his life and would hate to see his family's land be taken away by the military, saying, "I'm in support of the military buildup, provided there is no land condemnation. I'm in favor of rescinding land of equitable value of leasing property to meet the needs of the military buildup."
Dededo resident Janet Aguon says it's unfair how Guam has no say in this buildup. She says although she fought for the county in two wars, Aguon believes the buildup is not in the best interest of the people of Guam. "I'm truly sick and tired of the United States of America and the Department of Defense treating the people of Guam as if they were trash. So my message to President (Barack) Obama, the DoD, the Secretary of the Navy: take the military and put them in your own country and not on our tiny little island."
Two more hearings are scheduled tomorrow. One will be held at the Agat Community Center from 2-4pm. The other will be held at the Our Lady of Assumption Church Social Hall in Piti from 5-7pm.
Posted: Jan 30, 2010 6:15 PM
by Michele Catahay
Guam - Things heated up during a town hall meeting hosted by Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo this morning. Vice-Speaker B.J. Cruz questioned Bordallo's role in fighting for the people as it pertains to the military buildup.
Cruz says he isn't quite satisfied with the way Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo has been handling the issues pertaining to the movement of U.S. Marines from Okinawa to Guam. During the hearing today, Cruz suggested to Bordallo to go back to the federal government to find out if the Draft environmental Impact Statement could be revised and resubmitted before it becomes a permanent document.
He said, "I said that since this DEIS is much larger than the original scope that was originally discussed, and I think it's fair. And I asked her if she could spearhead the move to ask the Secretary of Defense to change the NEPA process that is currently being discussed and take this as an initial Draft EIS, have them revise it and resubmit it to us again as a draft."
Cruz says he remains critical of Bordallo, saying not enough has been done on her part to protect the island's coral reefs. Bordallo is the chairperson of the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs and Oceans and Wildlife. Cruz says he finds it disheartening that Bordallo received an award for the protection of the reefs and corals last year, but isn't speaking out against the dredging in Apra Harbor.
"Her silence in not speaking out against the fact they were going to dredge out 39 acres of coral in Apra Harbor was deafening," he continued. "And in being literate and polite, I said it was deafening and when pointing and trying to find the next word, she said 'unconscionable', and that probably is the best word."
Bordallo is on Guam hosting her own town hall meetings to gather input from stakeholders on the relocation. She says she will be submitting her own comments to the Joint Guam Program Office. Although there are many issues in line with the buildup, Bordallo says one thing for sure is that she does not support the use of eminent domain to acquire property for the military.
Said the delegate, "If a private landowner wants to lease or sell their property, that is their right because it's their property and if they choose not to, that is also their right, and I will not support the military using eminent domain to acquire the property if the landowner is opposed to doing so."
As for the use of government lands, Bordallo says the governor and Legislature are the only ones who can decide whether to lease or sell government property.
In the meantime, Barrigada resident Juan Unpingco says he has been living on Guam all his life and would hate to see his family's land be taken away by the military, saying, "I'm in support of the military buildup, provided there is no land condemnation. I'm in favor of rescinding land of equitable value of leasing property to meet the needs of the military buildup."
Dededo resident Janet Aguon says it's unfair how Guam has no say in this buildup. She says although she fought for the county in two wars, Aguon believes the buildup is not in the best interest of the people of Guam. "I'm truly sick and tired of the United States of America and the Department of Defense treating the people of Guam as if they were trash. So my message to President (Barack) Obama, the DoD, the Secretary of the Navy: take the military and put them in your own country and not on our tiny little island."
Two more hearings are scheduled tomorrow. One will be held at the Agat Community Center from 2-4pm. The other will be held at the Our Lady of Assumption Church Social Hall in Piti from 5-7pm.
Camacho asks Defense to slow buildup
Camacho asks Defense to slow buildup
By Gaynor Dumat-ol Daleno • gdumat-ol@guampdn.com • January 30, 2010
Saying Guam simply can't absorb the shock of a population surge in four years, Gov. Felix Camacho is asking the Defense Department to relocate about 8,000 Marines and their 9,000 dependents to Guam in eight years instead of four.
Rather than completing the Marines' relocation from Okinawa to Guam by 2014, Camacho is requesting the Defense Department for a phase-in time extending through 2018.
"I believe that a request for an extension would help lessen the impact of the military buildup on Guam. In fact, during our village workshop on Jan. 20, I expressed my intention to ask the United States to consider extending their deadline for the buildup," according to Camacho.
"The extension will greatly impact every area of public concern. It will lessen the pressure currently being placed on our people to accommodate a significant influx in our population," the governor added.
Camacho on Thursday wrote to Navy Secretary Ray Mabus requesting the delay.
Guam's population is expected to soar -- with 79,178 additional people in 2014, an increase of almost half the current population. And as the population increases, the military buildup is expected to create 33,000 new jobs by 2014, according to the military's draft Environmental Impact Statement. In 2014 alone, the government of Guam would see $325 million in additional revenue -- an increase of about 60 percent of its current annual budget, according to the impact statement.
Island residents have until mid-February to comment on the draft EIS.
The proposed delay in the completion of the Marines' move, according to the governor, "will lessen the impact on our territory, to give us more time to make preparations, and that affects everything from the number of wells that need to be drilled, the number of workers that need to be here at a certain time."
The island also needs more time to expand the island's only commercial port of entry for construction materials for the military buildup, according to the governor.
"I don't have a set date, but I think that moving it beyond 2014 to even 2018, a four-year push, would be better for us. It is a more sustained growth. There's no peak and a bust," Camacho said in an interview yesterday.
There will be no post-buildup recession as predicted in the draft impact statement, he added.
David Leddy, president of the Guam Chamber of Commerce, said the governor's request is consistent with the Defense Department's revisions to the buildup timetable.
"We think a delay is good for the island as it will afford us more time to assimilate the changes that are coming forth and for more of our local businesses to participate," Leddy said.
Gerry Perez, a member of the initial group of Guam Chamber officials who started knocking on doors in Washington, D.C., almost a decade ago to invite the military to expand its presence on Guam as the island faced an economic downturn starting with the economic crisis, said yesterday Guam also needs to consider America's national security interests.
Voicing his personal opinion, Perez, who also is the Guam Visitors Bureau general manager, said: "I can say that our original objective of attracting a larger military footprint to expand our economic base, provide local employment, and stimulate other economic activity was a success."
"The key question now before the island's leadership is how best to negotiate and harness this military buildup opportunity in a manner that benefits the local community while satisfying our national security interests," Perez said.
"Quite frankly, it is the reality of funding, capacity constraints, and the timely resolution of differences in the magnitude and dispersal of this (military expansion footprint) that will ultimately determine the buildup schedule, whether in 2014 or beyond," Perez said.
The relocation of Marines from Okinawa to Guam is part of a Japan-United States pact to reduce the presence of U.S. troops in Okinawa.
Japan has agreed to pay $6 billion of the $10.2 billion relocation cost under an agreement that was finalized last year -- before a new set of Japanese elected leaders came into office.
Later last year, however, some of the newly elected leaders in Japan began to suggest they want all U.S. troops out of Okinawa completely. In recent weeks, Japan officials hinted they may ask for the bilateral agreement to be renegotiated.
The relocation of Marines to Guam is part of a broader military expansion plan on Guam, which includes building an Army missile defense facility, and accommodations and wharf facilities for recurring visits of an aircraft carrier or two, according to preliminary military plans.
Vice Speaker Benjamin Cruz and Delegate Madeleine Bordallo both have written letters in support of extending the amount of time residents can comment on the buildup's draft impact statement.
Without the granting of the 45-day extension request, Guam residents have until Feb. 18, Guam time, to comment. The deadline to comment is Feb. 17, Washington time.
Bordallo was unavailable for comment yesterday. The Defense Department's Joint Guam Program Office, which coordinates buildup issues, did not have an immediate comment.
Sen. Judith Guthertz also has called for the Marines' move to be stretched "over a period of eight years instead of only two years."
The island would have to accommodate not only the Marines and their dependents, but also workers from off island who will contribute to the population boom.
"We reported on the availability of workforce housing and all of the Guam Land Use Commission's approval of all those properties in terms of the needs of the H2 workforce," said Department of Land Management Director Chris Duenas.
He said the agency presented more than 130 comments on the draft EIS to the governor's office.
The department also visited JGPO officials and requested a discussion between JGPO, the governor's office and the Legislature.
"The military and JGPO should go to the governor's office and the Legislature to discuss the possibilities of what they would do in terms of land exchange and what that would mean for the people of Guam."
The department has been working with the Chamorro Land Trust and the Ancestral Land Commissions to ensure they all have the correct inventory on the properties on Guam, Duenas said.
By Gaynor Dumat-ol Daleno • gdumat-ol@guampdn.com • January 30, 2010
Saying Guam simply can't absorb the shock of a population surge in four years, Gov. Felix Camacho is asking the Defense Department to relocate about 8,000 Marines and their 9,000 dependents to Guam in eight years instead of four.
Rather than completing the Marines' relocation from Okinawa to Guam by 2014, Camacho is requesting the Defense Department for a phase-in time extending through 2018.
"I believe that a request for an extension would help lessen the impact of the military buildup on Guam. In fact, during our village workshop on Jan. 20, I expressed my intention to ask the United States to consider extending their deadline for the buildup," according to Camacho.
"The extension will greatly impact every area of public concern. It will lessen the pressure currently being placed on our people to accommodate a significant influx in our population," the governor added.
Camacho on Thursday wrote to Navy Secretary Ray Mabus requesting the delay.
Guam's population is expected to soar -- with 79,178 additional people in 2014, an increase of almost half the current population. And as the population increases, the military buildup is expected to create 33,000 new jobs by 2014, according to the military's draft Environmental Impact Statement. In 2014 alone, the government of Guam would see $325 million in additional revenue -- an increase of about 60 percent of its current annual budget, according to the impact statement.
Island residents have until mid-February to comment on the draft EIS.
The proposed delay in the completion of the Marines' move, according to the governor, "will lessen the impact on our territory, to give us more time to make preparations, and that affects everything from the number of wells that need to be drilled, the number of workers that need to be here at a certain time."
The island also needs more time to expand the island's only commercial port of entry for construction materials for the military buildup, according to the governor.
"I don't have a set date, but I think that moving it beyond 2014 to even 2018, a four-year push, would be better for us. It is a more sustained growth. There's no peak and a bust," Camacho said in an interview yesterday.
There will be no post-buildup recession as predicted in the draft impact statement, he added.
David Leddy, president of the Guam Chamber of Commerce, said the governor's request is consistent with the Defense Department's revisions to the buildup timetable.
"We think a delay is good for the island as it will afford us more time to assimilate the changes that are coming forth and for more of our local businesses to participate," Leddy said.
Gerry Perez, a member of the initial group of Guam Chamber officials who started knocking on doors in Washington, D.C., almost a decade ago to invite the military to expand its presence on Guam as the island faced an economic downturn starting with the economic crisis, said yesterday Guam also needs to consider America's national security interests.
Voicing his personal opinion, Perez, who also is the Guam Visitors Bureau general manager, said: "I can say that our original objective of attracting a larger military footprint to expand our economic base, provide local employment, and stimulate other economic activity was a success."
"The key question now before the island's leadership is how best to negotiate and harness this military buildup opportunity in a manner that benefits the local community while satisfying our national security interests," Perez said.
"Quite frankly, it is the reality of funding, capacity constraints, and the timely resolution of differences in the magnitude and dispersal of this (military expansion footprint) that will ultimately determine the buildup schedule, whether in 2014 or beyond," Perez said.
The relocation of Marines from Okinawa to Guam is part of a Japan-United States pact to reduce the presence of U.S. troops in Okinawa.
Japan has agreed to pay $6 billion of the $10.2 billion relocation cost under an agreement that was finalized last year -- before a new set of Japanese elected leaders came into office.
Later last year, however, some of the newly elected leaders in Japan began to suggest they want all U.S. troops out of Okinawa completely. In recent weeks, Japan officials hinted they may ask for the bilateral agreement to be renegotiated.
The relocation of Marines to Guam is part of a broader military expansion plan on Guam, which includes building an Army missile defense facility, and accommodations and wharf facilities for recurring visits of an aircraft carrier or two, according to preliminary military plans.
Vice Speaker Benjamin Cruz and Delegate Madeleine Bordallo both have written letters in support of extending the amount of time residents can comment on the buildup's draft impact statement.
Without the granting of the 45-day extension request, Guam residents have until Feb. 18, Guam time, to comment. The deadline to comment is Feb. 17, Washington time.
Bordallo was unavailable for comment yesterday. The Defense Department's Joint Guam Program Office, which coordinates buildup issues, did not have an immediate comment.
Sen. Judith Guthertz also has called for the Marines' move to be stretched "over a period of eight years instead of only two years."
The island would have to accommodate not only the Marines and their dependents, but also workers from off island who will contribute to the population boom.
"We reported on the availability of workforce housing and all of the Guam Land Use Commission's approval of all those properties in terms of the needs of the H2 workforce," said Department of Land Management Director Chris Duenas.
He said the agency presented more than 130 comments on the draft EIS to the governor's office.
The department also visited JGPO officials and requested a discussion between JGPO, the governor's office and the Legislature.
"The military and JGPO should go to the governor's office and the Legislature to discuss the possibilities of what they would do in terms of land exchange and what that would mean for the people of Guam."
The department has been working with the Chamorro Land Trust and the Ancestral Land Commissions to ensure they all have the correct inventory on the properties on Guam, Duenas said.
Forum gives answers to military buildup
Forum gives answers to military buildup
Saipan Tribune
Friday, January 29, 2010
The MIMC public forum held Wednesday at the Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe and broadcast live to Tinian and Rota through sponsors NMC and IT&E provided many answers about the pending military buildup in the Marianas region.
The event drew a larger than anticipated crowd and provided an opportunity for community members to get answers about the Draft Environmental Impact Statement and its effects on the islands.
The advisory consulting team from Guam, Celeste Werner and Mike Hrapla, vice presidents of Matrix Design, were on hand to give a presentation of the realities that the CNMI faces in the U.S. Marines' relocation to Guam and Tinian. It covered details of the live fire range, restricted access areas, training frequency, possible future expansion plans, and economic and environmental impacts. They also provided specific details on how to best submit comments to the Joint Guam Program Office so that local concerns can be heard prior to the Feb. 17, 2010, submission deadline.
Each of the islands had three rounds of question and answer periods in which many questions were asked. The most common concern seemed to be restricted access to the north end of Tinian and the numerous cultural and historic landmarks. While the draft EIS only provides potential impacts, the ACT team was able to shed a better perspective on what to expect.
MIMC coordinator Tom Linden was on hand on Tinian and was highly encouraged by the number of students who took the time to attend and ask questions. “The fact that so many students are concerned and interested in how it will influence the future of our islands and culture was very inspiring,” said Linden.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial was very pleased with the turnout of the forum and the active participation of the community. “As stakeholders, we must ensure that the concerns of the community are heard,” said Fitial.
Anyone who wants more information on the Draft EIS or the information that was presented at the MIMC Forum can download the information from the Department of Commerce website at www.commerce.gov.mp or contact Tom Linden at cnmi.mimc@commerce.gov.mp. (PR)
Saipan Tribune
Friday, January 29, 2010
The MIMC public forum held Wednesday at the Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe and broadcast live to Tinian and Rota through sponsors NMC and IT&E provided many answers about the pending military buildup in the Marianas region.
The event drew a larger than anticipated crowd and provided an opportunity for community members to get answers about the Draft Environmental Impact Statement and its effects on the islands.
The advisory consulting team from Guam, Celeste Werner and Mike Hrapla, vice presidents of Matrix Design, were on hand to give a presentation of the realities that the CNMI faces in the U.S. Marines' relocation to Guam and Tinian. It covered details of the live fire range, restricted access areas, training frequency, possible future expansion plans, and economic and environmental impacts. They also provided specific details on how to best submit comments to the Joint Guam Program Office so that local concerns can be heard prior to the Feb. 17, 2010, submission deadline.
Each of the islands had three rounds of question and answer periods in which many questions were asked. The most common concern seemed to be restricted access to the north end of Tinian and the numerous cultural and historic landmarks. While the draft EIS only provides potential impacts, the ACT team was able to shed a better perspective on what to expect.
MIMC coordinator Tom Linden was on hand on Tinian and was highly encouraged by the number of students who took the time to attend and ask questions. “The fact that so many students are concerned and interested in how it will influence the future of our islands and culture was very inspiring,” said Linden.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial was very pleased with the turnout of the forum and the active participation of the community. “As stakeholders, we must ensure that the concerns of the community are heard,” said Fitial.
Anyone who wants more information on the Draft EIS or the information that was presented at the MIMC Forum can download the information from the Department of Commerce website at www.commerce.gov.mp or contact Tom Linden at cnmi.mimc@commerce.gov.mp. (PR)
Stretch out, spread out
Stretch out, spread out
Friday, 29 January 2010 00:52
by Mar-Vic Cagurangan | Variety News Staff
Guthertz wants troop number cut by 50%
CUT the size of troop movement by 50 percent. Send some of the Marine aviation command to Tinian. And stretch out the process over eight years.
These sum up the “stretch out and spread out” strategy proposed by Sen. Judi Guthertz as an alternative to the existing plan that reveals complications and draws objections from the community.
Guthertz, chairman of the legislative committee on military buildup, described her proposed plan as “a win-win practical solution to various issues that exists.”
Under the agreement between the United States and Japan, over 8,000 Marines would be relocated from Okinawa to Guam, a plan on which the draft environmental impact statement is premised.
The plan, however, is in limbo because of Japan’s unpredictable mood.
“It is becoming more and more apparent among the people of Guam that the proposed buildup is far too many and far too soon and is coming too quickly,” Guthertz said. “We all need to think out of the box to accommodate the core interests of the parties involved.”
In her official comment on the draft impact report, Guthertz proposes that the number of Marines to be relocated to Guam be reduced to 4,000. The relocation process must be completed over eight years instead of two.
“In this case,” Guthertz said, “the solution would be a three-way win for America, for Japan and for Guam.”
She also proposes that the First Marine Aircraft Wing Aviation Command from Futenma be sent to Tinian and Aguigian, which were both offered by Tinian mayor Ramon dela Cruz as alterative sites for the troops.
Aguigian, also known as Goat Island, is an uninhabited isle 5 miles west of Tinian, which used to host a Japanese garrison during World War II.
Guthertz said the existing relocation plan is not consistent with a 1980 policy decision made the Commander Pacific Command, which capped the military expansion on Guam at 10 percent, acknowledging that the local infrastructure could not absorb anything beyond that set limit.
“This new footprint is not even 10 percent; it’s not event 50 percent. It is a whooping 321 percent increase, more than three times the current number,” Guthertz stated in the official comment submitted to Major General David Bice, executive director of the Joint Guam Program office.
“In considering this plan and in any discussions concerning the buildup,” Guthertz said, “the people of Guam must have a voice at the table.”
The growing activism in Japan that rolls over to elected public offices seems to pose a barrier to the implementation of the 2006 agreement.
On Tuesday, however, a top U.S. military commander in the Pacific expressed confidence that election of a mayor, who opposes the relocation of U.S. air field to Nago City, won’t pose a setback to bilateral agreement to relocate the base.
On Sunday, voters in the town of Nago on Okinawa elected base opponent Susumu Inamine as mayor over incumbent Yoshikazu Shimabukuro. Inamine had campaigned against any expansion of U.S. military presence in the area and won with 52.3 percent of the vote.
Friday, 29 January 2010 00:52
by Mar-Vic Cagurangan | Variety News Staff
Guthertz wants troop number cut by 50%
CUT the size of troop movement by 50 percent. Send some of the Marine aviation command to Tinian. And stretch out the process over eight years.
These sum up the “stretch out and spread out” strategy proposed by Sen. Judi Guthertz as an alternative to the existing plan that reveals complications and draws objections from the community.
Guthertz, chairman of the legislative committee on military buildup, described her proposed plan as “a win-win practical solution to various issues that exists.”
Under the agreement between the United States and Japan, over 8,000 Marines would be relocated from Okinawa to Guam, a plan on which the draft environmental impact statement is premised.
The plan, however, is in limbo because of Japan’s unpredictable mood.
“It is becoming more and more apparent among the people of Guam that the proposed buildup is far too many and far too soon and is coming too quickly,” Guthertz said. “We all need to think out of the box to accommodate the core interests of the parties involved.”
In her official comment on the draft impact report, Guthertz proposes that the number of Marines to be relocated to Guam be reduced to 4,000. The relocation process must be completed over eight years instead of two.
“In this case,” Guthertz said, “the solution would be a three-way win for America, for Japan and for Guam.”
She also proposes that the First Marine Aircraft Wing Aviation Command from Futenma be sent to Tinian and Aguigian, which were both offered by Tinian mayor Ramon dela Cruz as alterative sites for the troops.
Aguigian, also known as Goat Island, is an uninhabited isle 5 miles west of Tinian, which used to host a Japanese garrison during World War II.
Guthertz said the existing relocation plan is not consistent with a 1980 policy decision made the Commander Pacific Command, which capped the military expansion on Guam at 10 percent, acknowledging that the local infrastructure could not absorb anything beyond that set limit.
“This new footprint is not even 10 percent; it’s not event 50 percent. It is a whooping 321 percent increase, more than three times the current number,” Guthertz stated in the official comment submitted to Major General David Bice, executive director of the Joint Guam Program office.
“In considering this plan and in any discussions concerning the buildup,” Guthertz said, “the people of Guam must have a voice at the table.”
The growing activism in Japan that rolls over to elected public offices seems to pose a barrier to the implementation of the 2006 agreement.
On Tuesday, however, a top U.S. military commander in the Pacific expressed confidence that election of a mayor, who opposes the relocation of U.S. air field to Nago City, won’t pose a setback to bilateral agreement to relocate the base.
On Sunday, voters in the town of Nago on Okinawa elected base opponent Susumu Inamine as mayor over incumbent Yoshikazu Shimabukuro. Inamine had campaigned against any expansion of U.S. military presence in the area and won with 52.3 percent of the vote.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
DOD: Buildup projects proceed: Japan prepares to pay $500M share of cost
DOD: Buildup projects proceed: Japan prepares to pay $500M share of cost
By Dionesis Tamondong • Pacific Daily News • January 27, 2010
The U.S. military is on track to award hundreds of millions of dollars in contracts for military construction projects on Guam, despite Japan's prime minister announcing plans to re-examine its deal with Washington.
"There is no change to our program," said John Jackson, director of the Joint Guam Program Office in charge of coordinating the military buildup on island. "We are planning to award construction contracts for both U.S. and Government of Japan funded projects as soon as the Record of Decision is signed later this year."
Jackson was responding to statements by Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama on Monday that Japan might nix its accord with the U.S., and may wait until May to reach a conclusion on an agreement to relocate Marine troops in Okinawa.
The Obama administration already has expressed frustrations with Tokyo's delays in finalizing the relocation of the Futenma base, saying it is delaying a sweeping realignment plan for U.S. military in the region, including Guam.
But Jackson noted the Japan government has already deposited $336 million for projects on Guam, and officials are preparing to submit a $500 million budget for more projects here as part of Japan's fiscal 2010 budget.
He said the Department of Defense has started to use some of the $336 million funding with the awarding of design contracts.
While the delays may allow the island more time to prepare for the population boom expected with the buildup, it doesn't bode well for those investing or planning to invest in projects expected to profit from the buildup.
Nick Captain, president of the Captain Real Estate Group, said many local investors expected and planned for some delays in the aggressive buildup timeline initially provided.
Local, smaller companies would appreciate a longer-term approach to the buildup, he added.
"The shorter the time period that the buildup occurs in, the less likely it is that any local, small companies will significantly benefit from that buildup," he said.
But for foreign investors, the uncertainties caused by delays likely will result in them being less interested in investing.
"It may also probably lead to a slowdown in the willingness of lenders to close major transactions that perhaps were primarily geared toward the benefits associated with the military buildup," Captain said.
Delays and uncertainties over the buildup don't bode well especially for those who are deep into their investment projects.
"It's a very difficult situation to be in if you already have major projects under way," Captain said.
Kenneth Lujan, branch manager for the Small Business Administration on Guam, said his office has seen an increase in the number of loan applications from small construction companies.
Many are trying to obtain capital or fortify their inventory as they plan to pursue contracts and subcontracts for military construction or service projects. President Obama has approved more than $700 million in military construction projects on Guam this fiscal year.
But if the buildup hits a snag or significant delays, these companies may have to scale down their operations and will have difficulty paying back their loans, Lujan noted.
"They will have to regroup and take a look at their resources," Lujan said, adding his office is prepared to provide technical assistance to applicants who need it.
Guam Chamber of Commerce President David Leddy said the Chamber will "continue to be a voice for our local businesses and an advocate for our community, regardless of the buildup plans."
Defense Secretary Robert Gates in October had said changing the terms of the Futenma relocation is not negotiable. Without the Futenma realignment, there will be no relocation to Guam, he has said.
Regional experts have said Japan's demands are part of its strategic posturing expected with the government talks.
As top-level U.S. and Japan officials continue to work on their disagreements, Sen. Judith Guthertz said she wants Guam to be included in discussions between the two governments regarding plans to relocate Marines to Guam because the island will have to deal with the impact of the population influx.
Guam should no longer be ignored, said Guthertz, chairwoman of the legislative Committee on the Guam Military Buildup.
By Dionesis Tamondong • Pacific Daily News • January 27, 2010
The U.S. military is on track to award hundreds of millions of dollars in contracts for military construction projects on Guam, despite Japan's prime minister announcing plans to re-examine its deal with Washington.
"There is no change to our program," said John Jackson, director of the Joint Guam Program Office in charge of coordinating the military buildup on island. "We are planning to award construction contracts for both U.S. and Government of Japan funded projects as soon as the Record of Decision is signed later this year."
Jackson was responding to statements by Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama on Monday that Japan might nix its accord with the U.S., and may wait until May to reach a conclusion on an agreement to relocate Marine troops in Okinawa.
The Obama administration already has expressed frustrations with Tokyo's delays in finalizing the relocation of the Futenma base, saying it is delaying a sweeping realignment plan for U.S. military in the region, including Guam.
But Jackson noted the Japan government has already deposited $336 million for projects on Guam, and officials are preparing to submit a $500 million budget for more projects here as part of Japan's fiscal 2010 budget.
He said the Department of Defense has started to use some of the $336 million funding with the awarding of design contracts.
While the delays may allow the island more time to prepare for the population boom expected with the buildup, it doesn't bode well for those investing or planning to invest in projects expected to profit from the buildup.
Nick Captain, president of the Captain Real Estate Group, said many local investors expected and planned for some delays in the aggressive buildup timeline initially provided.
Local, smaller companies would appreciate a longer-term approach to the buildup, he added.
"The shorter the time period that the buildup occurs in, the less likely it is that any local, small companies will significantly benefit from that buildup," he said.
But for foreign investors, the uncertainties caused by delays likely will result in them being less interested in investing.
"It may also probably lead to a slowdown in the willingness of lenders to close major transactions that perhaps were primarily geared toward the benefits associated with the military buildup," Captain said.
Delays and uncertainties over the buildup don't bode well especially for those who are deep into their investment projects.
"It's a very difficult situation to be in if you already have major projects under way," Captain said.
Kenneth Lujan, branch manager for the Small Business Administration on Guam, said his office has seen an increase in the number of loan applications from small construction companies.
Many are trying to obtain capital or fortify their inventory as they plan to pursue contracts and subcontracts for military construction or service projects. President Obama has approved more than $700 million in military construction projects on Guam this fiscal year.
But if the buildup hits a snag or significant delays, these companies may have to scale down their operations and will have difficulty paying back their loans, Lujan noted.
"They will have to regroup and take a look at their resources," Lujan said, adding his office is prepared to provide technical assistance to applicants who need it.
Guam Chamber of Commerce President David Leddy said the Chamber will "continue to be a voice for our local businesses and an advocate for our community, regardless of the buildup plans."
Defense Secretary Robert Gates in October had said changing the terms of the Futenma relocation is not negotiable. Without the Futenma realignment, there will be no relocation to Guam, he has said.
Regional experts have said Japan's demands are part of its strategic posturing expected with the government talks.
As top-level U.S. and Japan officials continue to work on their disagreements, Sen. Judith Guthertz said she wants Guam to be included in discussions between the two governments regarding plans to relocate Marines to Guam because the island will have to deal with the impact of the population influx.
Guam should no longer be ignored, said Guthertz, chairwoman of the legislative Committee on the Guam Military Buildup.
PNC :: We Are Guahan Urges Public to Attend Legislature's DEIS Hearings
PNC :: We Are Guahan Urges Public to Attend Legislature's DEIS Hearings
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Guam - We are Guahan member Victoria Leon Guerrero says that last nights DEIS hearings held by the legislature were much different than the hearings held by the Joint Guam Program Office and the hearings held by the Governor's office.
According to Leon Guerrero the legislature's hearings provided the public with both an opportunity to speak as long as they wanted and the ability to ask questions from a panel of GovGuam officials. Leon Guerrero says last night DOE Superintendant Nerissa Bretania Underwood and GCC president Mary Okada were both on hand to answer questions about the impacts the military buildup will have on education.
Leon Guerrero says that the public was able to learn about the educations needs as a result of the buildup for example the need for about a thousand new teachers.
She adds that the legislature made a great effort of responding to what the community felt was lacking from previous hearings. She encourages everyone to show up to the hearings which will last until the end of the week.
Written by : Clynt Ridgell
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Guam - We are Guahan member Victoria Leon Guerrero says that last nights DEIS hearings held by the legislature were much different than the hearings held by the Joint Guam Program Office and the hearings held by the Governor's office.
According to Leon Guerrero the legislature's hearings provided the public with both an opportunity to speak as long as they wanted and the ability to ask questions from a panel of GovGuam officials. Leon Guerrero says last night DOE Superintendant Nerissa Bretania Underwood and GCC president Mary Okada were both on hand to answer questions about the impacts the military buildup will have on education.
Leon Guerrero says that the public was able to learn about the educations needs as a result of the buildup for example the need for about a thousand new teachers.
She adds that the legislature made a great effort of responding to what the community felt was lacking from previous hearings. She encourages everyone to show up to the hearings which will last until the end of the week.
Written by : Clynt Ridgell
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