From Sabina Perez on behalf of We Are Guahan. Contact them for more info by heading to their website WE ARE GUAHAN.
*****************************
Hafa adai,
I am trying to raise money for the nonprofit organization, We Are Guahan, whose focus is educating the public about the impacts of the military buildup that will increase the population 47% in a period of 4 years, in addition, to causing the removal of 71 acres of coral reefs (some of the coral species are endemic to Guam), and jeopardize our water resource, which may result in irreversible damage.
On February 17, 2010, the environmental damage was deemed by the US EPA to be "of sufficient magnitude that EPA believes that the action should not proceed as proposed and improved analyses are necessary to ensure the information in the EIS is adequate to fully inform decision-makers." Please read more at: http://www.epa.gov/region9/nepa/letters/Guam-CNMI-Military-Reloc-DEIS.pdf
We Are Guahan was created in November 2009, upon the release of a 11,000 page draft environmental statement (DEIS), in which the public was required to read and submit comments within 90 days. We Are Guahan was instrumental in educating the public about what the DEIS contained. As a result, over 5,000 comments were submitted by the Februrary 17, 2010 deadline. We are now expecting the final EIS to be released in the July 2010. We need your support to continue our outreach on Guam and abroad at the the 2nd US Social Forum in Detroit.
I am selling $30 raffle tickets for a trip for 2 to either Rota or Saipan. The value is about $500 with a 1/100 chance of winning. Drawing will be held this Friday (Guam time). I have 18 more tickets to sell, if you are interested. If you are abroad, unsure about whether to make the trip and want to support our organization, please consider donating the trip to a local family member.
Please forward to your friends and family and feel free to contact me with any questions.
Si Yu'os Ma'ase,
Sabina
Showing posts with label DEIS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DEIS. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Famoksaiyan on KUAM
Global Guamanian network shares DEIS thoughts
Feb 21, 2010
KUAM
by Janjeera Hail
Guam - The deadline to submit comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement was last week, and it wasn't just local residents who aired their concerns. Michael Lujan Bevacqua is a member of Famoksaiyan, a network of people on Guam and the mainland focused on Chamorro concerns.
Famoksaiyan uses the Internet to share information and encourage Guamanians in the states to participate in the DEIS process. He told KUAM News, "If you're in the States getting an education, or if you're living in the States and planning on retiring and coming back to Guam, the buildup really affects you as well because the buildup will bring jobs, it will bring people who will take those jobs.
"And so those jobs may not go to those people in the states trying to get educated and then later come back."
Feb 21, 2010
KUAM
by Janjeera Hail
Guam - The deadline to submit comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement was last week, and it wasn't just local residents who aired their concerns. Michael Lujan Bevacqua is a member of Famoksaiyan, a network of people on Guam and the mainland focused on Chamorro concerns.
Famoksaiyan uses the Internet to share information and encourage Guamanians in the states to participate in the DEIS process. He told KUAM News, "If you're in the States getting an education, or if you're living in the States and planning on retiring and coming back to Guam, the buildup really affects you as well because the buildup will bring jobs, it will bring people who will take those jobs.
"And so those jobs may not go to those people in the states trying to get educated and then later come back."
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Dissecting the DEIS #1: Be Loud, Be Heard
Dissecting Our Future on 8,000 Pages
by Marie Ada Auyong
The Marianas Variety
January 18, 2010
EIGHT thousand pages. Ninety days. If you started reading the draft environmental impact statement after its Nov. 20 release, you would have to read 90 pages daily to finish by the comments closing period of Feb. 17.
The DEIS lays out dramatic plans that will impact our lives and our island. We owe it to ourselves and future generations to make our voices heard.
Here are some ways to find out what is in the DEIS:
Read the newspaper. Pay attention to critiques by reputable sources. GovGuam agencies, legislative offices, and community groups have been reviewing the DEIS. Use their critiques in your comments.
Choose an issue and focus on it. The ocean, the hospital, immigration, land use. Call the GovGuam agency or senator’s office responsible for overseeing it, and ask how to get more information. Network with those in GovGuam agencies who focus on your issue.
Attend public workshops and hearings hosted by the legislative and governor’s offices. Ask questions and be persistent in getting an answer. If you don’t get an adequate response, put it in your comment.
Ask GovGuam agencies or community groups how you can help them respond to the DEIS. They need your support, too.
If you cannot attend a workshop and can gather together an audience, contact the governor’s office. Politely request that the governor’s Advisory Consulting Team or staffers outreach in those locations.
When writing your comment:
Find out where exactly in the DEIS (the volume and chapter) your issue is addressed and cite it.
Point out where you find misinformation, faulty reasoning, and/or vague statements. Point out where there’s no information. For example, the DEIS (Vol. 2, Chap. 18-16) acknowledges that population increases will negatively affect public service provision. It suggests “assisting GovGuam in funding for health services personnel.”
That key word, “assisting,” can mean many things—from actually giving money
to GovGuam to making a phone call to a federal agent who puts out contract requests. The outcomes from each scenario are very different.
How exactly will these planners “assist in funding”? Will these planners guarantee funds—and if not, what happens if the money does not come through?
If you find that someone else has already expressed the concerns you have about the DEIS, submit a comment again under your name.
When possible, suggest alternative plans or solutions. Or, write that you want “No Action” and why.
Submit your comment online at www.guambuildupeis.us if you can and save a hard copy for yourself. If possible, also submit it to JGPO, c/o NAVFAC Pacific, 258 Makalapa Drive, Suite 100, Pearl Harbor, HI
96860-3134. Attention: GPMO.
Be brave, be loud: we are Guam and we have a voice!
by Marie Ada Auyong
The Marianas Variety
January 18, 2010
EIGHT thousand pages. Ninety days. If you started reading the draft environmental impact statement after its Nov. 20 release, you would have to read 90 pages daily to finish by the comments closing period of Feb. 17.
The DEIS lays out dramatic plans that will impact our lives and our island. We owe it to ourselves and future generations to make our voices heard.
Here are some ways to find out what is in the DEIS:
Read the newspaper. Pay attention to critiques by reputable sources. GovGuam agencies, legislative offices, and community groups have been reviewing the DEIS. Use their critiques in your comments.
Choose an issue and focus on it. The ocean, the hospital, immigration, land use. Call the GovGuam agency or senator’s office responsible for overseeing it, and ask how to get more information. Network with those in GovGuam agencies who focus on your issue.
Attend public workshops and hearings hosted by the legislative and governor’s offices. Ask questions and be persistent in getting an answer. If you don’t get an adequate response, put it in your comment.
Ask GovGuam agencies or community groups how you can help them respond to the DEIS. They need your support, too.
If you cannot attend a workshop and can gather together an audience, contact the governor’s office. Politely request that the governor’s Advisory Consulting Team or staffers outreach in those locations.
When writing your comment:
Find out where exactly in the DEIS (the volume and chapter) your issue is addressed and cite it.
Point out where you find misinformation, faulty reasoning, and/or vague statements. Point out where there’s no information. For example, the DEIS (Vol. 2, Chap. 18-16) acknowledges that population increases will negatively affect public service provision. It suggests “assisting GovGuam in funding for health services personnel.”
That key word, “assisting,” can mean many things—from actually giving money
to GovGuam to making a phone call to a federal agent who puts out contract requests. The outcomes from each scenario are very different.
How exactly will these planners “assist in funding”? Will these planners guarantee funds—and if not, what happens if the money does not come through?
If you find that someone else has already expressed the concerns you have about the DEIS, submit a comment again under your name.
When possible, suggest alternative plans or solutions. Or, write that you want “No Action” and why.
Submit your comment online at www.guambuildupeis.us if you can and save a hard copy for yourself. If possible, also submit it to JGPO, c/o NAVFAC Pacific, 258 Makalapa Drive, Suite 100, Pearl Harbor, HI
96860-3134. Attention: GPMO.
Be brave, be loud: we are Guam and we have a voice!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
We Are Guahan Rally This Saturday at UOG
WeAreGuahan.com
Hafa Adai,
We Are Guahan-- and together we are taking action to preserve our homeland, our people, our past and our future. Please join us at the hearings and comment on the EIS. We will rally at the hearing this Saturday, January 9, at the University of Guam campus, to show the military that we are committed to participating in decisions that affect our future. We will have people present to help fill out the comment forms, and there will be opportunities to get involved.
As the military has prepared for the buildup, they have told Guam residents that the economic boom would make up for negative environmental, cultural and social impacts.
As we have read, the draft EIS has told a different, clearer story.
SOME TRUTHS ABOUT THE BUILDUP ECONOMY
Most contracts will go to large off-island companies, not to local contractors.
Out of almost 18,000 jobs only about 2,500 will go to Guam residents. Currently, there are 17,000 unemployed people on Guam. Most of the jobs that go to Guam residents will be temporary.
There is no discussion on how the DECREASE of 8,000 jobs in 2015, 11,000 jobs in 2016, and 7,000 jobs in 2017 will affect unemployment on Guam.
The military conducted a separate report which revealed that the cost of living will rise, but wages will remain too low to keep up with skyrocketing costs.
The buildup will bring thousands of working-age military dependents, only 1/4th of whom will be employed on base. These folks will be competing in the Guam economy for the few jobs that exist.
This is only a sample of the economic realities revealed in the EIS. It is crucial that Guam residents stand up and speak out at the upcoming EIS hearings.
Come to the Hearing at UoG, or to any of the other hearings!
Thursday, January 7
Santa Rita Hearing
Southern High School
Open House: 5-7
Hearing: 7-9
Saturday, January 9
Field House, University of Guam
Mangilao, Guam
Open House: 1-3
Hearing: 3-5
Monday, January 11
Yigo Hearing
Yigo Auditorium
Open House: 5-7
Hearing: 7-9
Tuesday, January 12
Dededo Hearing
Okkodo High School
Open House: 5-7
Hearing: 7-9
We Are Guahan will be present, helping people comment and getting out information. Join us!
Si yu'us ma'ase,
We Are Guahan
action@weareguahan.com
If you would like to get more involved, please email us! All help is necessary!
Hafa Adai,
We Are Guahan-- and together we are taking action to preserve our homeland, our people, our past and our future. Please join us at the hearings and comment on the EIS. We will rally at the hearing this Saturday, January 9, at the University of Guam campus, to show the military that we are committed to participating in decisions that affect our future. We will have people present to help fill out the comment forms, and there will be opportunities to get involved.
As the military has prepared for the buildup, they have told Guam residents that the economic boom would make up for negative environmental, cultural and social impacts.
As we have read, the draft EIS has told a different, clearer story.
SOME TRUTHS ABOUT THE BUILDUP ECONOMY
Most contracts will go to large off-island companies, not to local contractors.
Out of almost 18,000 jobs only about 2,500 will go to Guam residents. Currently, there are 17,000 unemployed people on Guam. Most of the jobs that go to Guam residents will be temporary.
There is no discussion on how the DECREASE of 8,000 jobs in 2015, 11,000 jobs in 2016, and 7,000 jobs in 2017 will affect unemployment on Guam.
The military conducted a separate report which revealed that the cost of living will rise, but wages will remain too low to keep up with skyrocketing costs.
The buildup will bring thousands of working-age military dependents, only 1/4th of whom will be employed on base. These folks will be competing in the Guam economy for the few jobs that exist.
This is only a sample of the economic realities revealed in the EIS. It is crucial that Guam residents stand up and speak out at the upcoming EIS hearings.
Come to the Hearing at UoG, or to any of the other hearings!
Thursday, January 7
Santa Rita Hearing
Southern High School
Open House: 5-7
Hearing: 7-9
Saturday, January 9
Field House, University of Guam
Mangilao, Guam
Open House: 1-3
Hearing: 3-5
Monday, January 11
Yigo Hearing
Yigo Auditorium
Open House: 5-7
Hearing: 7-9
Tuesday, January 12
Dededo Hearing
Okkodo High School
Open House: 5-7
Hearing: 7-9
We Are Guahan will be present, helping people comment and getting out information. Join us!
Si yu'us ma'ase,
We Are Guahan
action@weareguahan.com
If you would like to get more involved, please email us! All help is necessary!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
More Responses to the DEIS
DEIS States Marines Won't Increase Crime but Micronesian Migrants Will
Guam - Along with the Draft Environmental Impact Statement the military also conducted a stand alone study on the socio-economic impact of the military buildup. A section of the report covers how the buildup will impact crime and how the military believes young local men will test themselves against marines in fights.
The Department of Defense has identified several likely social impacts of the military buildup. According to the Draft EIS socio economic study marines will not have an impact on Guam's overall crime and social order. Instead the report states that other factors related to the buildup may cause this. In fact the report blames in-migrants from the Freely Associated States of Micronesia as the likely cause. Their numbers are expected to increase due to more job opportunities. According to the DEIS these migrants from within Micronesia "have high crime rates associated with adapting to less traditional social structures"
University of Guam instructor Victoria Leon Guerrero says this is a surprising take on the marines impact to crime considering the fact that many Okinawan protests against the marines were fueled by instances of rape and violence. She says that by not taking any responsibility for the possible increase in crime instead blaming Micronesian immigrants the DEIS is “...insulting to our region”.
University of Guam instructor Michael Lujan Bevacqua says that the assumption that Micronesians will raise the crime rate rather than the marines even borders on racism. In fact he says “In some places it would be considered racist”. Bevacua adds that this is obviously scapegoating certain populations and that finding a scapegoat is one of the roots of racism.
While the report lays most of the blame of crime on Micronesian migrants in the very next paragraph it admits that there is “...a potential for more prostitution, alcohol or substance abuse and family violence associated with young military populations (including sailors taking shore leave after weeks at sea)”.
As for the potential of violence and fights the Department of Defense attributes most of the blame to the local population. The DEIS states "The particular reputation of marines as fighters could well trigger a transitional period of adjustment in which local young men test themselves against marines in fights" Bevacqua says this too is borderline racism adding that he's surprised that they can make these statements with a “..straight face”.
While the DEIS doesn't appear to own up to increased crime and violence it does admit that the expansion of non-chamorro voting populations could affect the proportion of chamorro office-holders and government workers. This could also affect the outcomes of any future votes about Guam's political status. Leon Guerrero says it's simply unjust to allow a transient population that is only here for a couple of years to affect the political status of and island like Guam. She adds that it takes away a human right that is reserved for the native Chamorro people.
Leon Guerrero encourages everyone to read as much of the Draft EIS as possible and then provide comments during the EIS comment period.
Written by :
Clynt Ridgell
Pacific News Center
Monday, November 16, 2009
Demonstration on 11/20 at ITC Intersection
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20TH4:00PM to
7:00 PM
at the ITC Intersection
For Immediate Release
from the Guåhan Coalition for Peace and Justice
November 18, 2009
EIS Process Worthy of ProtestCommunity to Respond this Friday
The Guåhan Coalition for Peace and Justice will lead the community in a response to the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) scheduled for release this Friday, November 20.
The EIS is expected to report the impacts the proposed military build-up and population boom will have on Guam’s environment. However, it was not conducted in a manner that demonstrated a true assessment of the social, cultural and political implications an increased military presence will have on the island’s people. Local residents and their elected officials were largely excluded from the process of gathering information and making recommendations for this study.
The EIS is an 11,000-page document, and the community will have 90 days to respond. This does not provide a sufficient opportunity for local residents to thoroughly investigate its findings and voice their concerns. The Department of Defense is already finalizing their plans for the build-up, without first taking into consideration the comments and concerns from local residents and leaders. An 11,000-page visual will be presented at Friday’s event to represent the enormity of the EIS.
The Coalition, which is made up of grassroots organizations and individuals advocating for the political, cultural, social, environmental and human rights for the people of Guam, will gather at 4 p.m. Friday at the ITC intersection in Tamuning to express these and other concerns about the EIS.
When: Friday, November 20, 2009, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Where: ITC Intersection
What: A Community Action Response to the Release of the EIS
Who: Guåhan Coaltion for Peace and Justice
For More Information: Call Victoria-Lola Leon Guerrero at 735-2747 or email reclaimguahan@gmail.com
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