Underwater World features cameo by Uncle Sam
Another fun event today took place in Tumon at Underwater World. The event featured a special appearance by Uncle Sam in the main tank of the aquarium in honor of the 4th of July. The appearance was followed by the surface shark feed, which provided residents a great show for this holiday.

Adacao Elementary School's campus just about done
Adacao Elementary School is scheduled to open its doors in August.  From the looks of it, the campus is just about done. The walls are fully painted, the parking lot is ready and the sign is up for the school. The collateral equipment is already on island and is being stored for now.  GPSS superintendent Dr. Nerissa Bretania-Shafer says they're just waiting to receive the keys from the contractor.

Airport firefighters waiting on grievance committee
Airport Aircraft Rescue Firefighters are waiting for the airport to assemble a grievance committee.  AARF personnel continue to fight the elimination of their overtime hours every pay period.  As we reported 29 airport firefighters have filed a formal grievance with the airport as they received a nearly 25% pay cut as a result of austerity measures implemented recently. 

GMH fire alarm plan under assessment
The Guam Memorial Hospital's new fire alarm plan is now being reviewed by the hospital's insurance company, and findings that include the hospital needs more fire alarms in certain areas is now being worked out with the hospital's contractor.  While GMH wanted to have the new system up and running by the end of June, administrator Peter John Camacho admits that the process has been stalled since the majority of the devices are scheduled to be installed inside patient care rooms that are constantly being utilized.

TASI granted funds to document Rota voyage
The Guam Preservation Trust recently gave local group Tradition of Seafaring Islands a $5,000 grant award to produce a video documentary of the Sakman's maiden voyage to Rota, which took place back in May. The piece will feature the saina's journey and is expected to be released by the end of August.

12 Guam beaches listed as unsafe this weekend
If you plan to hit the beaches this weekend, keep in mind that the Guam Environmental Protection Agency has deemed the following beaches as polluted. They are Tanguisson Beach, Naton Beach through San Vitores and Dungca's Beach through Sleepy Lagoon, Togcha Beach, Agat Park Beach near Southern Christian Academy, Nimitz Beach, Toguan Bay, Merizo Pier and Inarajan Bay.

Animal rights advocates gather in Tumon
The Guam Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals joined forces today with the 671 Bully Club of Guam's for its annual BBQ Fun Show at Ypao Beach in Tumon. The group also held its first membership drive to assist the new organization in providing much-needed services and tools to educate and provide outreach.

N. Korea missile test aimed at Sea of Japan
North Korea fired two more short-range missiles toward the Sea of Japan. According to a South Korean government official, the missiles were Scud-type missiles estimated to have a range of about 310 miles. While officials have said that Guam will not be impacted, Guam congressional delegate Madeleine Bordallo in the past has said that these acts could heighten tensions in the Asia-Pacific Region and increases the possibility of sanctions against North Korea.

Guam Contractors Association very concerned about National Defense Authorization Act
The Fiscal Year 2010 National Defense Authorization Act is still causing some concern on Guam. As KUAM has reported the measure cleared the House with an overwhelming majority vote and now has to clear the Senate.  Some key organizations on Guam are currently lobbying to change the Senate's version as the measure contains some key provisions that would raise the cost of construction on Guam.