Army mulls high-speed water transports
By Audrey McAvoy, The Associated Press
Mideast edition, Thursday, February 11, 2010
HONOLULU — The Army said Monday it’s considering purchasing up to a dozen high-speed vessels similar to the one used by the now-defunct Hawaii Superferry interisland ferry service.
Environmentalists opposed the Hawaii Superferry, alleging the high-speed ships used to operate the state’s first interisland car and passenger service would strike whales and spread invasive species. Activists say the Army’s version of the vessel raises the same issues.
“Some of the same concerns exist — obviously we’re talking about the same type of technology,” said Robert Harris, director of the Sierra Club’s Hawaii chapter. “So just as we were pushing the Superferry to look at those risks, I think we’d be looking to the military to look at them as well.”
In addition to Pearl Harbor, bases in Virginia, San Diego, Seattle-Tacoma, Wash., and Guam also are under consideration for the ships. The Army didn’t say how many vessels were being suggested for each location, only that it is proposing to have up to three ships at a spot and up to 12 overall.
The Army said it’s seeking public input for an environmental impact statement on its proposal.
The ships are designed to “support the rapid transport of military troops and equipment in the U.S. and abroad,” an Army statement said.
Not every proposed location will host the vessels, and other sites could still be considered, the Army said, adding it would decide after the environmental study.
The ships, built by Austal USA in Mobile, Ala., can reach speeds of up to 35 to 45 knots.
Both the Army and Superferry versions are diesel-fueled aluminum catamarans that use water jet propulsion instead of propellers.
The military’s version has a helicopter flight deck and machine gun stations. It’s also about 13 feet shorter and wider than its civilian counterpart.
Harris said there’s a risk the high-speed vessels could strike whales, noting the state is host to the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary where whales migrate to every winter to breed and calve.
“The concern when you’re traveling at that high a speed is that the whale or the boat is not going to have an opportunity to stop, move or get out of the way,” Harris said.
The ships may become a conduit for invasive species if they sneak aboard vehicles the vessels are transporting from island to island.
“Unless you have a vigorous system set up for inspecting the vehicles and monitoring them, you’ve created a new pathway for invasive species to spread,” Harris said.
Invasive species are among the biggest threats to the environment in Hawaii, where they compete for habitat with native, endangered species.
Hawaii is home to more than 300 endangered species — more than any other state.
The Hawaii Superferry began regularly scheduled high-speed interisland service in December 2007. But it stopped operating and declared bankruptcy in early 2009 after the state Supreme Court ruled an environmental impact statement needed to be conducted for it to operate.
The company had hoped to stay in business while the state completed the environmental study, but the court said the study had to be completed first.
Showing posts with label invasive species. Show all posts
Showing posts with label invasive species. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
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.
Invasive species from buildup worry experts
Invasive species from buildup worry experts
Posted: Feb 10, 2010 2:27 PM
Updated: Feb 10, 2010 6:50 PM
by Janjeera Hail
Guam - There's been a lot of talk about what's in store for Guam with the military buildup. But it's more than the human population increase we've got to worry about.
Invasive species are defined as species that are not native to an area and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. And while Guam may be a small island, miles away from different ecosystems, we are not immune to foreign pests.
USDA Assistant State Director Dan Vice knows this all too well. His work focuses on eradicating the brown tree snake, a species that first arrived on Guam after World War II, on ships from its native South Pacific. "Anytime you have a substantial increase in traffic whether it's airplanes or boats or cargo you increase the risk of invasive species moving around so the challenge with the buildup or any sort of activity like that is to try and forecast to address what kinds of needs you have to address that increased risk," he said.
And the fear is that history may repeat itself as Guam prepares for an increase in traffic from the military buildup. Fortunately, an intensive study called the Micronesian bio-security plan is already underway so that prevention efforts can be implemented before the buildup is in full swing.
Phil Andreozzi with the Invasive Species Council said, "It's something that DoD has paid for to proactively look at all the invasive species problems and damages that could come into Guam and could come into the entire region because of the buildup and to do something about it now and do something about it now, to figure out how we can best address the situation now before the buildup starts," he said.
The study has picked up steam in the last several months as the region welcomed about 30 federal scientists to study local environmental concerns. While the military buildup will take place on Guam, the Micronesian Bio-Security Plan recognizes that prevention and mitigation efforts will have to spread throughout our region. "This kind of study has never been done anywhere on the planet before, not only just the United States, but nowhere on the planet have they looked at everything coming into an area and not only on the land but in the water as well so this is both terrestrial, marine, and freshwater," said Andreozzi.
When the study is complete, the hope is that it can be applied to the local agencies as soon as possible to avoid the kind of havoc wreaked by the brown tree snake and protect our fragile ecosystem.
Posted: Feb 10, 2010 2:27 PM
Updated: Feb 10, 2010 6:50 PM
by Janjeera Hail
Guam - There's been a lot of talk about what's in store for Guam with the military buildup. But it's more than the human population increase we've got to worry about.
Invasive species are defined as species that are not native to an area and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. And while Guam may be a small island, miles away from different ecosystems, we are not immune to foreign pests.
USDA Assistant State Director Dan Vice knows this all too well. His work focuses on eradicating the brown tree snake, a species that first arrived on Guam after World War II, on ships from its native South Pacific. "Anytime you have a substantial increase in traffic whether it's airplanes or boats or cargo you increase the risk of invasive species moving around so the challenge with the buildup or any sort of activity like that is to try and forecast to address what kinds of needs you have to address that increased risk," he said.
And the fear is that history may repeat itself as Guam prepares for an increase in traffic from the military buildup. Fortunately, an intensive study called the Micronesian bio-security plan is already underway so that prevention efforts can be implemented before the buildup is in full swing.
Phil Andreozzi with the Invasive Species Council said, "It's something that DoD has paid for to proactively look at all the invasive species problems and damages that could come into Guam and could come into the entire region because of the buildup and to do something about it now and do something about it now, to figure out how we can best address the situation now before the buildup starts," he said.
The study has picked up steam in the last several months as the region welcomed about 30 federal scientists to study local environmental concerns. While the military buildup will take place on Guam, the Micronesian Bio-Security Plan recognizes that prevention and mitigation efforts will have to spread throughout our region. "This kind of study has never been done anywhere on the planet before, not only just the United States, but nowhere on the planet have they looked at everything coming into an area and not only on the land but in the water as well so this is both terrestrial, marine, and freshwater," said Andreozzi.
When the study is complete, the hope is that it can be applied to the local agencies as soon as possible to avoid the kind of havoc wreaked by the brown tree snake and protect our fragile ecosystem.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Rhino Beetle May Have Spread to Saipan
Rhino Beetle May Have Spread to Saipan
Guam - The coconut rhinocerous beetle is on the move and may have spread to the Northern Marianas.
In addition to this it's now attacking expensive ornamental palm trees.
Coconut Rhinocerous Beetle Eradication Ream leader Roland Quitugua says that they have received some credible information indicating the presence of the rhino beetle on Saipan. Quitugua says they are working with authorities on Saipan to rhino beetles have made it to the northern mariana island. In the meantime here on Guam it's become apparent that the coconut rhino beetle is spreading to other palm trees. Quitugua says they've attacked both the palma brava palm tree which is a skinny palm tree that locals often cut down and use as decoration during party's and the expesive and highly popular foxtail palm.
According to Quitugua the palma brava trees were attacked in the Nimitz Hill area while the affected foxtail palm was hit in the Oka point area. Although the beetle has proven that it can feed on other palm trees Quitugua says that at least for now they are only breeding in dead coconut trees. Quitugua believes that the eradication program is still working and still limiting the population of rhino beetles on Guam. He says that with the use of a rhino beetle specific virus, beetle traps, sanitation efforts and the recently implemented rhino sniffing dogs Guam still has a fighting chance against this new invasive species.
Written by :
Clynt Ridgell
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Agencies comment on proposed buildup plans
Agencies comment on proposed buildup plans
Posted: Dec 12, 2009 1:55 PM
Updated: Dec 12, 2009 1:58 PM
by Michele Catahay
Guam - It's clear that various government agencies continue to review the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. In fact, the Natural Resources Subcommittee of the Governor's Civilian Military Task Force conducted a Natural Resources Expo today at the Guam Premier Outlets.
A Natural Resources Expo highlighted issues and concerns when it comes to the DEIS for Guam. The event is one of several planned as part of an effort to educate the public on the issues related to the impacts of Guam's natural resources as a result of the military buildup. Guam Coastal Management Program Administrator Evangeline Lujan says while they're still in the process of reviewing the Draft EIS, she says it's critical to begin educating the public about it.
"Some of the issues we look at are the coral reefs and the impacts to the ecosystem; we look at our terrestrial ecosystem and the habitat that will be lost. We look at invasive species. There's a myriad of things that we are reviewing," she said.
Biologist at the Division of Aquatics and Wildlife Resources at the Department of Agriculture Brent Tibbats says his greatest concern is the impacts on the marine environment and resources. One particular issue is the proposed dredging at Apra Harbor to accommodate a wharf berthing facility.
He said, "Where the dredging is going to be taking place is in areas where fishing occurs, where recreation activity occurs - banana boating, SCUBA diving and where some research activities are going on. We have some marine research going on as well. Some of these areas are going to be directly impacted and will dredged and removed."
He says in addition, the increase in sedimentation is going to greatly impact our coral reefs not only near Apra Harbor, but also areas in the north. "This is going to be one of the largest dredging projects involving coral reefs anywhere in the U.S. It's unavoidable. It's going to be impact. The hope is for us to minimize the amount of impact and maximize the amount of mitigation that is done to compensate Guam for that," Tibbats added.
He says they will also be looking into the impact of runoff from construction or potential fuel chemical spills that could occur as a result of the buildup.
In the meantime, another Government of Guam agency concerned about the increase in construction around the island is the Guam Historic Preservation Office. Historian Tony Ramirez says with plans for construction around the island, cultural resources may diminish. "Our agency covers a lot of areas because we cover 4,000 years of Guam's history and different timelines and these historical timelines are within the federal jurisdictions and also some of the areas that they're thinking of using for the buildup," she said.
Island residents have until February to submit written testimony on the Draft EIS.
Posted: Dec 12, 2009 1:55 PM
Updated: Dec 12, 2009 1:58 PM
by Michele Catahay
Guam - It's clear that various government agencies continue to review the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. In fact, the Natural Resources Subcommittee of the Governor's Civilian Military Task Force conducted a Natural Resources Expo today at the Guam Premier Outlets.
A Natural Resources Expo highlighted issues and concerns when it comes to the DEIS for Guam. The event is one of several planned as part of an effort to educate the public on the issues related to the impacts of Guam's natural resources as a result of the military buildup. Guam Coastal Management Program Administrator Evangeline Lujan says while they're still in the process of reviewing the Draft EIS, she says it's critical to begin educating the public about it.
"Some of the issues we look at are the coral reefs and the impacts to the ecosystem; we look at our terrestrial ecosystem and the habitat that will be lost. We look at invasive species. There's a myriad of things that we are reviewing," she said.
Biologist at the Division of Aquatics and Wildlife Resources at the Department of Agriculture Brent Tibbats says his greatest concern is the impacts on the marine environment and resources. One particular issue is the proposed dredging at Apra Harbor to accommodate a wharf berthing facility.
He said, "Where the dredging is going to be taking place is in areas where fishing occurs, where recreation activity occurs - banana boating, SCUBA diving and where some research activities are going on. We have some marine research going on as well. Some of these areas are going to be directly impacted and will dredged and removed."
He says in addition, the increase in sedimentation is going to greatly impact our coral reefs not only near Apra Harbor, but also areas in the north. "This is going to be one of the largest dredging projects involving coral reefs anywhere in the U.S. It's unavoidable. It's going to be impact. The hope is for us to minimize the amount of impact and maximize the amount of mitigation that is done to compensate Guam for that," Tibbats added.
He says they will also be looking into the impact of runoff from construction or potential fuel chemical spills that could occur as a result of the buildup.
In the meantime, another Government of Guam agency concerned about the increase in construction around the island is the Guam Historic Preservation Office. Historian Tony Ramirez says with plans for construction around the island, cultural resources may diminish. "Our agency covers a lot of areas because we cover 4,000 years of Guam's history and different timelines and these historical timelines are within the federal jurisdictions and also some of the areas that they're thinking of using for the buildup," she said.
Island residents have until February to submit written testimony on the Draft EIS.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
10:45 a.m. - Natural resources expo tomorrow to highlight buildup's impact
10:45 a.m. - Natural resources expo tomorrow to highlight buildup's impact
Pacific Daily News • December 11, 2009
The public can find out more about the military's buildup's impact on Guam's natural resources at a Natural Resources Expo conducted tomorrow by the The Natural Rescources Subcommittee of the Governor's Civilian Military Task Force, a press release from the Bureau of Statistics and Plans stated.
The expo will highlight the government of Guam's concerns while reviewing the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, the release stated. Topics will include coral reef and terrestrial ecosystems, cultural and archaeological resources, watershed protection, invasive species, endangered and protected species.
Government agencies and non-governmental organizations will have tables and displays to inform the public, according to the release.
The event will take place at the Guam Premier Outlet tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Limited free T-shirts will also be available.
For more information contact Elaina Todd at 475-4468.
Pacific Daily News • December 11, 2009
The public can find out more about the military's buildup's impact on Guam's natural resources at a Natural Resources Expo conducted tomorrow by the The Natural Rescources Subcommittee of the Governor's Civilian Military Task Force, a press release from the Bureau of Statistics and Plans stated.
The expo will highlight the government of Guam's concerns while reviewing the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, the release stated. Topics will include coral reef and terrestrial ecosystems, cultural and archaeological resources, watershed protection, invasive species, endangered and protected species.
Government agencies and non-governmental organizations will have tables and displays to inform the public, according to the release.
The event will take place at the Guam Premier Outlet tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Limited free T-shirts will also be available.
For more information contact Elaina Todd at 475-4468.
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Regional leaders seek to stop spread of invasive species
Regional leaders seek to stop spread of invasive species
Thursday, 10 December 2009 04:38 by Zita Y. Taitano | Variety News Staff
THE governors of Guam and the CNMI, as well as the presidents of the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau and Marshall Islands have signed a joint communiqué agreeing to initiate programs to ensure that islands in the region will be able to handle the possible influx of invasive species resulting from increased entry of military cargo.
The communiqué was signed during the 12th Micronesia Chief Executives Summit concluded last week. It includes an update by the nine members of the Micronesia Regional Invasive Species Council.
During the summit, the council addressed everything from funding issues, ongoing efforts that would prevent the expansion of the brown tree snake, as well as the development of the Micronesia Biosecurity Plan.
In a letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates, island leaders expressed their concern regarding invasive species especially with the military buildup and strongly requested that DOD along with its fellow U.S. department and agencies begin proactive measures that would prevent any new invasive species from entering the shores of the islands here in the region.
They also expressed their appreciation for the $2.7 million federal funding for the development of the plan.
The chief executives made some recommendations regarding the plan such as identifying who will head the council and designating two representatives to the council from each state and national jurisdiction by the end of this year.
The council must also reaffirm their commitment and hold two workshop style meetings each year between the summits. During those meetings, the council will discuss invasive issues and what actions can be taken or will be prioritized. A minimum of $2,500 from each jurisdiction would be committed to the council to fund its priority projects.
The council must also reaffirm their commitment and provide a full-time invasive species coordinator for each jurisdiction.
Guam has already taken a step in combating invasive species. Last month, the Inter-agency Bio-Security Task Force was formed at the governor’s office in Adelup.
The task force is comprised of the Guam Department of Agriculture, Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Its primary goal is provide information and updates on what and how invasive species can be eradicated from Guam.
The task force also has currently in training three canines who will be able to detect any type of invasive species in construction materials or items coming into the island before those items head out to the rest of Micronesia.
Thursday, 10 December 2009 04:38 by Zita Y. Taitano | Variety News Staff
THE governors of Guam and the CNMI, as well as the presidents of the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau and Marshall Islands have signed a joint communiqué agreeing to initiate programs to ensure that islands in the region will be able to handle the possible influx of invasive species resulting from increased entry of military cargo.
The communiqué was signed during the 12th Micronesia Chief Executives Summit concluded last week. It includes an update by the nine members of the Micronesia Regional Invasive Species Council.
During the summit, the council addressed everything from funding issues, ongoing efforts that would prevent the expansion of the brown tree snake, as well as the development of the Micronesia Biosecurity Plan.
In a letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates, island leaders expressed their concern regarding invasive species especially with the military buildup and strongly requested that DOD along with its fellow U.S. department and agencies begin proactive measures that would prevent any new invasive species from entering the shores of the islands here in the region.
They also expressed their appreciation for the $2.7 million federal funding for the development of the plan.
The chief executives made some recommendations regarding the plan such as identifying who will head the council and designating two representatives to the council from each state and national jurisdiction by the end of this year.
The council must also reaffirm their commitment and hold two workshop style meetings each year between the summits. During those meetings, the council will discuss invasive issues and what actions can be taken or will be prioritized. A minimum of $2,500 from each jurisdiction would be committed to the council to fund its priority projects.
The council must also reaffirm their commitment and provide a full-time invasive species coordinator for each jurisdiction.
Guam has already taken a step in combating invasive species. Last month, the Inter-agency Bio-Security Task Force was formed at the governor’s office in Adelup.
The task force is comprised of the Guam Department of Agriculture, Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Its primary goal is provide information and updates on what and how invasive species can be eradicated from Guam.
The task force also has currently in training three canines who will be able to detect any type of invasive species in construction materials or items coming into the island before those items head out to the rest of Micronesia.
Friday, December 04, 2009
Micronesian leaders talk collaboration
Micronesian leaders talk collaboration
By Amritha Alladi • Pacific Daily News • December 4, 2009
Micronesia's leaders discussed ways to streamline federal resources to help boost the region's sustainability, tourism, energy efficiency and work-force development on the first day of the 12th Micronesian Chief Executives' Summit yesterday.
"The initiatives that come out of this are ones that we can implement within our own respective communities, and then also collectively at the region," said Gov. Felix Camacho. "So the key is -- as Micronesian leaders -- how can we come together to collaborate and do things on a regional basis that would benefit all of our people?"
He said one initiative that already has proven successful is the biosecurity plan, through which the local governments, along with the U.S. Department of Defense, work together to protect each of the islands' environments from invasive species or any other hazards that may pose a threat as a result of transporting cargo between the islands.
Additionally, the "Micronesian Challenge" initiative has designated 20 to 30 percent of each jurisdiction's land and ocean resources to be preserved through 2020, he said. The joint plan will present almost $27 million more in funding opportunities for the region.
To promote the region's tourism, Camacho said, the leaders are considering how to bring in other airlines and get more seat capacity. There's also a plan to start cruise lines in Micronesia as an alternative to those in the Caribbean or in Europe.
Ideally, the leaders want to create a tour of Micronesia for tourists from Asia to visit each of the islands, Camacho said. The military buildup will also present more opportunities for growth, he said.
"With more military personnel here they can do R&R and visit throughout Micronesia as they have breaks," Camacho said.
On energy, Camacho said it makes sense for the other islands to join the energy initiatives to pool resources, either in the form of federal funding or in the form of bringing trainers to Micronesia or attracting investors.
Lorilee Crisostomo, administrator of the Guam Environmental Protection Agency, highlighted the steps that have been taken by the islands to establish energy efficiency.
For example, Guam received more than $29 million through federal stimulus funding to retrofit low-income housing, public buildings, parks and highways, as well as install LED lights on highway and provide scholarships for engineers, she said.
About $166,000 in cash was given back to consumers who turned in their old appliances to be properly disposed, she said.
In the Federated States of Micronesia, officials enacted a plan in which they have connected photovoltaic grid systems in Kosrae, the outer islands of Chuuk and Yap, "making these islands the first 100 percent renewable islands in the Pacific," she said.
Work-force development
Recommendations for work-force development were presented to the chief executives by Guam Department of Labor Director Maria Connelley.
Connelley said the two initiatives that have continued to attract interest are:
# An initiative to implement more programs for veterans and people with disabilities, and
# Another initiative to start master-apprenticeship programs in the local arts, such as training young people to become master weavers, carvers and artisans, she said.
There is no challenge in acquiring federal funds for work-force development because Guam has been responsive, transparent and accountable in the way the funds are used, Connelley said.
"Even if we have to go to the national level or even if we have to change the law or create the law, that's not difficult," Connelley said. "You just have to get with the right people to do it."
By Amritha Alladi • Pacific Daily News • December 4, 2009
Micronesia's leaders discussed ways to streamline federal resources to help boost the region's sustainability, tourism, energy efficiency and work-force development on the first day of the 12th Micronesian Chief Executives' Summit yesterday.
"The initiatives that come out of this are ones that we can implement within our own respective communities, and then also collectively at the region," said Gov. Felix Camacho. "So the key is -- as Micronesian leaders -- how can we come together to collaborate and do things on a regional basis that would benefit all of our people?"
He said one initiative that already has proven successful is the biosecurity plan, through which the local governments, along with the U.S. Department of Defense, work together to protect each of the islands' environments from invasive species or any other hazards that may pose a threat as a result of transporting cargo between the islands.
Additionally, the "Micronesian Challenge" initiative has designated 20 to 30 percent of each jurisdiction's land and ocean resources to be preserved through 2020, he said. The joint plan will present almost $27 million more in funding opportunities for the region.
To promote the region's tourism, Camacho said, the leaders are considering how to bring in other airlines and get more seat capacity. There's also a plan to start cruise lines in Micronesia as an alternative to those in the Caribbean or in Europe.
Ideally, the leaders want to create a tour of Micronesia for tourists from Asia to visit each of the islands, Camacho said. The military buildup will also present more opportunities for growth, he said.
"With more military personnel here they can do R&R and visit throughout Micronesia as they have breaks," Camacho said.
On energy, Camacho said it makes sense for the other islands to join the energy initiatives to pool resources, either in the form of federal funding or in the form of bringing trainers to Micronesia or attracting investors.
Lorilee Crisostomo, administrator of the Guam Environmental Protection Agency, highlighted the steps that have been taken by the islands to establish energy efficiency.
For example, Guam received more than $29 million through federal stimulus funding to retrofit low-income housing, public buildings, parks and highways, as well as install LED lights on highway and provide scholarships for engineers, she said.
About $166,000 in cash was given back to consumers who turned in their old appliances to be properly disposed, she said.
In the Federated States of Micronesia, officials enacted a plan in which they have connected photovoltaic grid systems in Kosrae, the outer islands of Chuuk and Yap, "making these islands the first 100 percent renewable islands in the Pacific," she said.
Work-force development
Recommendations for work-force development were presented to the chief executives by Guam Department of Labor Director Maria Connelley.
Connelley said the two initiatives that have continued to attract interest are:
# An initiative to implement more programs for veterans and people with disabilities, and
# Another initiative to start master-apprenticeship programs in the local arts, such as training young people to become master weavers, carvers and artisans, she said.
There is no challenge in acquiring federal funds for work-force development because Guam has been responsive, transparent and accountable in the way the funds are used, Connelley said.
"Even if we have to go to the national level or even if we have to change the law or create the law, that's not difficult," Connelley said. "You just have to get with the right people to do it."
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Micronesia summit today
Micronesia summit today
Dionesis Tamondong • Pacific Daily News • December 3, 2009
Promoting regional tourism, conserving marine resources and discussing the impact of the upcoming military buildup to the entire Micronesia region are some of the topics on the agenda for 12th Micronesian Chief Executives' Summit.
The gathering of Micronesia's leaders takes place today and tomorrow at the Sheraton Laguna Guam Resort.
Since the Summit was established in 2004 by Guam Gov. Felix Camacho and Juan Babauta, who was governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands at the time, biannual meetings have been held to establish closer ties among the islands and promote initiatives beneficial to the entire western Micronesian region.
"As chief executives of the islands in our region, we recognize that maintenance of healthy ecosystems and sustainable resource management are critical to the livelihoods of Pacific people," Camacho said in a news release.
Renewable energy, invasive species and work-force development are among the topics on Summit's agenda today. Tomorrow, participants will get an update on the military buildup and its impact to the region from retired Marine Maj. Gen. David Bice, executive director of the Joint Guam Program Office, and Gary Kuwabara, Western Regional director for the Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment.
Camacho will be joined at the summit by:
# Kenneth Kedi, minister of Transportation and Communication for the Republic of the Marshall Islands, representing RMI President Jurelang Zedkaia;
# CNMI Gov. Benigno Fitial;
# Republic of Palau President Johnson Toribiong;
# Federated States of Micronesia President Emanuel Mori;
# Chuuk Gov. Wesley Simina;
# Yap Gov. Sebastian Anefal;
# Kosrae Gov. Robert Weilbacher; and
# Pohnpei Gov. John Ehsa.
Dionesis Tamondong • Pacific Daily News • December 3, 2009
Promoting regional tourism, conserving marine resources and discussing the impact of the upcoming military buildup to the entire Micronesia region are some of the topics on the agenda for 12th Micronesian Chief Executives' Summit.
The gathering of Micronesia's leaders takes place today and tomorrow at the Sheraton Laguna Guam Resort.
Since the Summit was established in 2004 by Guam Gov. Felix Camacho and Juan Babauta, who was governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands at the time, biannual meetings have been held to establish closer ties among the islands and promote initiatives beneficial to the entire western Micronesian region.
"As chief executives of the islands in our region, we recognize that maintenance of healthy ecosystems and sustainable resource management are critical to the livelihoods of Pacific people," Camacho said in a news release.
Renewable energy, invasive species and work-force development are among the topics on Summit's agenda today. Tomorrow, participants will get an update on the military buildup and its impact to the region from retired Marine Maj. Gen. David Bice, executive director of the Joint Guam Program Office, and Gary Kuwabara, Western Regional director for the Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment.
Camacho will be joined at the summit by:
# Kenneth Kedi, minister of Transportation and Communication for the Republic of the Marshall Islands, representing RMI President Jurelang Zedkaia;
# CNMI Gov. Benigno Fitial;
# Republic of Palau President Johnson Toribiong;
# Federated States of Micronesia President Emanuel Mori;
# Chuuk Gov. Wesley Simina;
# Yap Gov. Sebastian Anefal;
# Kosrae Gov. Robert Weilbacher; and
# Pohnpei Gov. John Ehsa.
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