Property for new hospital questioned; Terlaje defends landowners

Editor's note: Kandit ran a series of articles critical of the governor's intention to build a new hospital at Eagles Field in Mangilao. While Kandit fully supports the governor's plan to build a new hospital, we have opposed using Eagles Field because, among other reasons, the land has ancestral claimants. We continue to advocate for the use of the Oka Point property, which the late Frank Perez donated to the government of Guam specifically for the use of a public hospital.

This is the list of the ostensible land claimants at Eagles Field, the property where the governor wants to build a new hospital

The following is a news release from the Office of Speaker Therese Terlaje:

An oversight hearing for the Guam Ancestral Lands Commission has been scheduled for Thursday, April 8 beginning at 3 p.m. utilizing a hybrid meeting format for combined face to face and virtual attendance.

Speaker Therese Terlaje, Legislature Chair for the Committee on Land, will be focusing on the status of the promised but still unfulfilled return of federal excess lands, listed since 2017, and other lots removed from or added to the list in 2020.

“First and foremost, I want to help the Commission to ensure that Ancestral Landowners are informed of the status of property that is not yet returned,” stated the Chairperson.. In addition to the hearings, Landowners should contact the Guam Ancestral Lands Commission to receive updates.

The Speaker added, “It has also come to my attention that the government of Guam may intend to bypass the Ancestral Lands Commission and keep returned properties for local government projects. It is my priority that beneficiaries, especially those waiting since the 2011 Net Negative Strategy was announced by DOD and the 2017 list was first published, are informed as soon as possible if they may be receiving land or will be added to the list of those who the government of Guam will owe monetary compensation in lieu of land. For example, the Governor has announced plans to keep Eagles Field in Mangilao for a hospital.”

The Committee requested a list of the Eagles Field property owners and GALC has provided an unofficial listing which is attached.

Prospective participants can attend the public hearing at the Guam Congress Building within compliance of COVID restrictions or via the Guam Legislature’s virtual platform. Digital participants may register for the hearing by Wednesday, April 7th at 5 pm by emailing senatorterlajeguam@gmail.com.