Rev & Tax director Art Ilagan says 3,022 rebate checks totaling $2.4 million will be mailed out today. The rebates are part of the president's Economic Stimulus Plan. The local agency will run rebate checks every week as the rebates are verified and processed.

Protecting our community is our government's most fundamental commitment to the people that we serve, from safety on Guam's roads to securing island villages are a few responsibilities the Guam Police Department carries out everyday. And in recognition of their commitment to serve the people of Guam, Governor Felix Camacho declared May 11-17 "Guam Police Week". Additionally, May 15 has been set aside as "Peace Officers Memorial Day".

Guam's governor says while there may not be money in the General Fund to make the $7.9 million payment by June 1 to cover the local government's streetlights debt, he does say raising the island's Motor Vehicle Registration Fee by $72 through the 'AAA' process would help for the future. "If the senators refuse to increase the amount of funding and keep it at the level it is," said Felix Camacho, "Then we will pay for the amount of streetlights that we can afford and hopefully distribute it evenly among all the villages.

Legislation has been introduced to allow the chief justice of the Supreme Court of Guam to appoint Magistrates and Judicial Hearings Division officers and to provide for the creation of satellite court facilities. The measure, introduced by Senator Jim Espaldon, is inline with a recommendation made by the National Center for State Courts in their assessment of the Judiciary of Guam's capability to meet the current and future demands of the public.

The issue of the government's outstanding village streetlights bill was covered in a report released by the Office of the Public Auditor today. The Consolidated Commission on Utilities will start disconnecting village streetlights because the Government of Guam has failed to do anything to address the $13 million debt, $7 million of which is due by June 1, or else power bills will go up by 6%.

The Central Executive Committee of the Democratic Party of Guam met this evening to make several large and important decisions relative to last weekend's historic caucus. First, they voted to accept the nomination of Senator Ben Pangelinan's as national committeeman. The former speaker of the Guam Legislature had been nominated by outgoing party chairman Tony Charfauros.

The wait for the federal tax rebate by almost 2,000 island residents will finally be over, hopefully before the weekend starts. The Governor's Office has announced that the Guam Department of Revenue & Taxation has prepared 1,949 tax rebate checks for distribution through the mail on Friday. This is the first such batch distribution to be made of President George W. Bush's 2008 Economic Stimulus Act.

Bill 271 was up for public input today. This piece of legislation would restore the ability of issuing promissory notes to creditors of the government, and a single businessman showed up to testify against the measure - Advanced Management president and CEO Monty McDowell. "Your bill is good in the sense that will allow once again the transferability of the promissory note, but it's severely lacking in the sense that it doesn't allow you to do anything with it," said McDowell to senators of the 29th Guam Legislature.

A public hearing was held for Bill 283 this morning. The proposed legislation sponsored by Office of Finance & Budget chairman Senator Eddie Baza Calvo (R) aims to authorize the Government of Guam Retirement Fund's board of trustees to invest retirement assets at cost in exchange traded funds (ETFs). The Retirement Fund, along with investment consultant Terry Dennison, supports the legislation, stating ETFs could provide significant benefits to the Retirement Fund because it would have the same risk and return value whether you invest the funds in the United States or abroad

The Port Authority of Guam has completed the first step toward modernizing its facilities in order to meet the demands of the upcoming military buildup. Governor Felix Camacho is reviewing the plan that details the need to add 15 acres of additional container storage space, 900 feet for a new wharf, refurbish two existing wharfs, reconfigure the terminal area, as well as dredge along the dock side.

It's likely that the debate over whether to shutoff village streetlights will move to the Guam Legislature today. The Committee on Finance & Taxation has scheduled a public hearing on various bills including Bill 274, which transfers $7.9 million from the Guam Public School System to the Department of Public Works to pay for the arrearage.

The Democratic Party of Guam's Central Executive Committee will meet late this afternoon to decide whether to certify or officially recount all the ballots from last Saturday's caucus. An official request for a recount was filed by defeated superdelegate candidate Joe Cameron, who ran for party chairman, but lost to Pilar Lujan.

The recent decision from the Consolidated Commission on Utilities to disconnect streetlights around the island beginning next Monday has residents and mayors concerned about public safety. Mangilao resident Alan Ungacta says his biggest concern is kids waiting for school buses in the morning. "It's going to be dangerous, it might hamper the kids' safety and stuff because of the fact that there is some isolated areas in the back road and certain areas where the streetlight is required for the morning commute," he told KUAM News

It looks like the Government of Guam will be treated like everyday ratepayers. After hearing the options presented by the Guam Power Authority's management during Tuesday's working session, the Consolidated Commission on Utilities made the decision to begin disconnecting public streetlights. CCU chairman Simon Sanchez says the decision was made because the government cannot pay its delinquent streetlight bill.

Port Authority of Guam interim general manager Carlos Salas is back on island after attending an industry conference in the mainland. And now that he's back, management's putting the final touches on the agency's master plan. "So we're hoping that this week officially all these things are transmitted to the governor and all the officials of the Legislature," Salas told KUAM News.

The Consolidated Commission on Utilities spent the early part of Tuesday evening discussing options left on the table regarding payment of the Department of Public Works' streetlight bill. Those options were also discussed during a work session held earlier today.

While the Democratic Party of Guam completed tallying the votes for its presidential primary caucus on Sunday, it appears that the debate over the results wages on. Democratic superdelegate candidate Joseph Cameron has officially requested a recount of the ballots for the presidential and delegate races, citing various reasons including things like spoiled ballots. "There may be some spoiled ballots that made it through to the good ballot side and vice-versa," Cameron pointed out to KUAM News, "And there may be some good ballots were considered spoiled.

What's going to happen if the Government of Guam fails to pay its streetlight bill yet again? According to Consolidated Commission on Utilities chairman Simon Sanchez, a discussion on that very topic will be taking place today. He states that the Guam Power Authority has been asked to come up with what options exist if the bill is left unpaid, some of those options could include turning off streetlights or proposing a surcharge on government agencies.

What's going to happen if the Government of Guam fails to pay its streetlight bill yet again? According to Consolidated Commission on Utilities chairman Simon Sanchez, a discussion on that very topic will be taking place today. He states that the Guam Power Authority has been asked to come up with what options exist if the bill is left unpaid, some of those options could include turning off streetlights or proposing a surcharge on government agencies.

Residents like Devin Cauthen are tired of feeling the pain in their pocketbooks because of the government's failure to meet its obligations. From, gas food, health insurance and rent, everyone is feeling the pinch of the rising cost of living. "The government needs to do their fair share first, the public, we've been burdened by all these increases, power, water everything, you know," Cauthen said.

The month of May has been declared Water Month, and in celebration the Guam Waterworks Authority is trying to get the word out about their slogan "Kick the Bottle". GWA spokesperson Heidi Ballendorf explained, saying, "We want everyone to reduce their dependency on bottled water."

The Port Authority of Guam is just about finished with its Port Master Expansion Plan. The agency is developing it's own strategy for modernization and expansion in preparation of the military buildup and the expected significant increase in port traffic. Interim general manager Carlos Salas told KUAM News, "So we're hoping that this week officially all these things are transmitted to the governor and all the officials of the Legislature."

Registered Democrat Joseph Cameron has filed an official request and for a recount of the Democratic Party of Guam's caucuses held on April 26 in Inarajan and last Saturday. There were more than 500 spoiled ballots from this weekend's election. The final tally between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton separated them by just seven votes. Cameron, who was defeated in his election bid for party chairman, told KUAM News this morning he filed the request on his behalf and no one else.

In the first of several outreach sessions scheduled throughout the month, Guam Waterworks Authority general manager John Benavente addressed the Rotary Club of Northern Guam earlier today. He went over several issues including how the utility agency is planning for the military buildup.

With the recent closure of at least three public schools, work continues at other campuses in order to get the facilities up to standards. Like all other schools, Wettengel Elementary School in Dededo, the Home of the Binadus, suffers from the lack of working air conditioners. Principal Melissa Mafnas says six out of 46 classrooms need to have their A/Cs replaced completely. These rooms aren't the only ones lacking proper ventilation - Mafnas admits that other classrooms may have working units, but some don't meet the 78 degree standard.

The Guam Community College's Criminal Justice Supplemental Academy Cycle held an orientation this morning for 43 students hoping to find a job dealing with public safety. The Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency took part in discussions on recruitment possibilities with the group.

Members of the Guam Education Policy Board will continue interviewing the candidates applying for the superintendent position this afternoon at the GHURA office. Three of the eight were interviewed last night, as Geraldine James, Anthony Leon Guerrero and Manny Cruz were considered for the role made vacant with the termination of Luis Reyes.

Work still needs to be done in order for the Guam Public School System to formally request for a re-inspection of the gymnasiums at the Benavente and Agueda Johnston middle schools. GPSS spokesperson Gerry Cruz says the areas cited for electrical issues at AJMS in Ordot still need to be assessed by the Department of Public Works.

A few weeks ago the Guam Public School System told lawmakers they would have a surplus of $25 million. Today officials were singing a completely different tune, saying that surplus is actually a shortfall.

The Guam Public School System has already spent close to $5 million from the bond money to fix and purchase equipment for the schools - that makes 25% of what was given to them for capitol improvement projects. Agency spokesperson Gerry Cruz broke down what the money was used on, telling KUAM News, "Right now for the year to date, we've spent about $1.2 million for reclassification pay and increments for our employees.

Wondering how the Guam Public School System is spending its bond money? We may have the answer. More than $20 million in bond monies was set aside from this fiscal year's budget to go toward capital improvement projects at GPSS, the largest agency in the cash-strapped Government of Guam. After requesting a breakdown of what GPSS has spent that money on so far, spokesperson Gerry Cruz confirms that $1.2 million has gone to employment reclassification and salary increments - neither of which could be classified as a CIP

The Department of Parks & Recreation's Historic Preservation Office continues its investigation into reported disturbances at historic Toguan Bay. Residents in the area allege ancient Chamorro artifacts were unearthed by a fellow landowner who is making changes to his property.

The Criminal Justice, Public Safety and Youth Committee will get public testimony on a number of measures on Friday. Bills up for debate include a measure that would that would set fines and jail time for those who own, train, promote or purchase dogs to be used for dog fighting. Another, Bill 278, seeks to mandate vehicle safety inspection and registration of all Government of Guam vehicles.

Construction on four new baseball fields could begin soon at the Dededo Sports Complex. That's once the Guam Environmental Protection Agency's Brownsfields Program removes tires left there since 1992. Around 8,000 tires have been left adjacent to the northern athletic facility for the past six years. They were brought there after 2002's Supertyphoon Pongsona, when the area was used as a transition site for debris and waste.

It's said that everyone should have their spine aligned in order for their body to function properly. As some of you may have learned in grade school, your brain controls your body and occasionally, your bones move out of place. Local chiropractor Dr. Dennis Borja from Paradise Chiropractor recommends everyone see a chiropractor to keep his or her brain, body and bones functioning properly.

After a seven-year hiatus Miss Guam Universe will be crowned tonight. The Miss Guam Universe Pageant was first introduced to Guam back in 1964 by the late senators George and Cecillia Bamba. Their daughter Joyce and her husband George then took over the franchise. The pageants were put on hold after George fell ill and much time was spent seeking medical treatment off-island.

$200,000 is how much the American Red Cross hopes to raise from the 8th Annual Red Ball fundraising drive. DFS Pacific managing director Jim Beighley was announced the chairperson of the annual event that raises money for the Guam Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Former Guam International Airport Authority executive manager Jerry Yingling appeared back in court today for a status hearing. He was sentenced to four years behind bars, but all but four months was suspended as the former official was ordered to be on house arrest. He was convicted of unauthorized use of a government credit card and official misconduct.

With the impending movement of thousands of United States troops from Japan to Guam, a voluntary non-partisan advocacy group of concerned citizens, Fuetsan Famalao'an, is hosting a youth forum. The event is intended to motivate the island's youth to come together to discuss their concerns and dialogue about the ongoing efforts to expand military forces locally. The youth forum will feature two separate screenings of the film "Guam: Tip of the Spear".

The Guam Fire Department's Search and Rescue unit launched a search in Yigo after emergency officials received a report of a drowning. Reportedly a group of military sailors were hiking and swimming the area when one of the men nearly drowned.

The deputy director for the Department of Parks & Recreation was arrested early this morning. Hagatna Precinct officers with the Guam Police Department conducted a traffic pullover just after 2 o'clock this morning in Sinajana; while the stop was originally for a traffic violation, the officer found the driver intoxicated.

Students at a middle school in the northern part of the island had quite the scare yesterday. The Guam Police Department has confirmed that F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School was victim to a bomb threat on Tuesday afternoon. GPD spokesperson Officer Allan Guzman says they were able to trace the call as having been made from within the school.

A former Navy sailor who was convicted on several counts of criminal sexual conduct and aggravated assault is appealing his conviction with the Guam Supreme Court. Doyle Lamont Perry sexually assaulted a woman at Adelup back in May of 2007. He is currently behind bars serving a 51-year sentence asking the Supreme Court to review his conviction and sentence.

Another defendant in a drug trafficking conspiracy pleaded guilty to federal charges. Jackie Yong Lee agreed to cooperate with the U.S. Government, pleading guilty to importing, distributing and possessing large quantities of the drug ice. So far Lee's co-defendants, Won Yiel Lee and Richard Ichihara, have pleaded guilty, while Kum Soon Yoo awaits trial.

During a month when the island is supposed to be raising awareness of children's mental health issues, parents and others in the community are concerned that a program solely designed to assist kids with behavioral issues is on the verge of shutting down. "On a day that were trying to proclaim the month or week as Children's Mental Health Awareness Week is a day or time when we're trying to get rid of a children's mental health program that seems to be effective," said clinical psychologist Dr. Juan Rapadas

It was a close call for two patients from Guam receiving medical care in Los Angeles today as ground transportation to get them to the airport coordinated through the Guam Medical Referral Office almost was a no show. Imagine, if you can, that you're ill, maybe with cancer and in the huge city of L.A. to receive treatment. You're awaiting transportation to or from the airport, or maybe you need to get to a medical appointment, but your ride never shows up.

At least four people have been arrested in connection with the burglary of a Barrigada home last month. Danny Epstein, John Anthony Salas, Joshua Jae Fores, and David Overturf were arrested by Criminal Investigation Division agents with the Guam Police Department for their alleged involvement in stealing more than $25,000 worth of items from a Barrigada residence.

Propane may have been used to intentionally set a car on fire at the Pacific Place upper parking lot on Monday night. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were on the scene last night investigating along with the police and fire departments. Officials have said the blaze was intentionally set also causing damage to a nearby car.

A Department of Public Health employee who helped himself to scrap metal from the agency's Dededo facility is behind bars. 43-year-old Ignacio Anthony Sablan of Dededo is accused of stealing brass cabinet knobs and aluminum railings from the center.

A Dededo man was locked up after allegedly performing sexually explicit acts in front of a teenage girl. Gregory Blas Castro, 39, was arrested on criminal sexual conduct and felonious restraint charges.

This week marks Mental Health Awareness Week, and to help children with mental disabilities, the I Famagu'onta organization will be hosting a couple of events. Key family partner coordinator Rowena Torres says since the program was first introduced in 2004 it has helped families deal with challenges. The program has offered services to more than 150 families.

15 beautiful ladies will be competing for the title of Miss Guam Universe 2008 this Friday at the Sheraton Resort in Tamuning. The ladies will be judged on beauty, poise, personality, swimsuit and evening gown. Doors open at 6:30, with the show starting at 7pm.

Guam governor Felix Camacho declared May as Guam Museum Month. Efforts are still underway to construct a facility on island, with the vision being to build a world-class structure that houses our treasured artifacts and historic documents.

The Guam Land Use Commission has reviewed a request for a major development project in Nimitz Hill. JHP Development intends to build 240 total units consisting of condos, townhomes and single family dwelling units. Approval for the project located around 250 feet north of Nimitz Hill as you travel up Route 6 is pending.

The Guam Land Use Commission will be meeting this afternoon to discuss two development projects in the Nimitz Hill area and in Tumon. The last GLUC meeting was an emotional one, as Tumon residents testified against Access Development Incorporated's plans to build twin towers between the Ypao Beach Park and the Pacific Islands Club. Cliffside residents were concerned about losing their picturesque view of Tumon Bay.

Law enforcement authorities are looking for a male individual who entered Annie's Gameroom in Chalan Pago around 2:30 Wednesday afternoon, demanding cash. Guam Police Department Spokesperson Officer Allan Guzman says the man threatened the cashier with a knife and got away with an undetermined amount of cash.

While many on Guan are anticipating receiving their tax rebates, it seems as if just as many are still confused. Some of the questions being thrown out there include things like what is a tax rebate? Who is eligible? And why are some checks being garnished? Rev & Tax director Art Ilagan joined KUAM News today to hopefully clarify the tax rebate issue once and for all.

Up to 3,200 people may receive their rebates by either this Friday or next Monday. However, not everyone will get the full amount they are entitled to and some may even have to wait until next year. According to Guam Department of Revenue & Taxation director Art Ilagan the agency will deduct any taxes owed from taxpayer rebates. In other words, if you owe Rev & Tax $200 and your rebate is for $600, you'll only be getting $400.

The Association of Pacific Island Legislatures has been on Guam for the last few days, touring the island and meeting with various local and military officials as they held a session locally to discuss the military buildup. Chuuk State legislative speaker Florencio Harper says the visit to Guam provides an opportunity to meet with some of his constituents who reside on the island as well as an opportunity to learn more about the military buildup.

Governor Felix Camacho has recently returned from his trip to Washington, DC where he and Congresswoman Madeline Bordallo spoke before the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on the military buildup planned for Guam. The General Accountability Office also reported on the island's migration of troops before the same committee hearing.

Since the Joint Guam Program Office has released its draft master plan for the military buildup on Guam, they are now seeking the input of island residents. JGPO forward director Captain Robert Lee says they'll be holding village meetings to present the draft master plan to the public and take their questions and comments verbally. "What we're going to do is go around to four of the communities and talk to residents about the draft plan," the Navy officer confirmed.

Senator Frank Blas, Jr. has received a response from his letter to Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo requesting her help in the push to get more Compact-impact aid to Guam. The senator says that the letter, received yesterday, does not contain many specifics. He rather stated that the congresswoman continues to work with the governor and her colleagues to push the issue of Compact-impact aid.

In an effort to get the U.S. Department of Defense to show them the money, the Guam Department of Public Works' Division of Highway Safety, along with their consultants, Parsons Brinckerhoff and the Parsons Transportation Group, will be departing for Washington, DC. PTG project manager and management consultant for DPW Jeff Fielder says they have reached a point working with the DoD on a regular basis to help define exact requirements for constructing haul roads and bridges.

Members of the Association of Pacific Island Legislatures are on Guam, meeting with local leaders as well as military officials in order to gain a better understanding of the Guam military buildup and how their member nations can fit in. American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Chuuk State, Kosrae, Pohnpei, Yap, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, the Republic of Palau, the state of Hawaii and Guam make up the APIL's membership.

This past January representatives from the Government Accountability Office were on Guam, essentially to meet with Government of Guam officials to gather information on the Department of Defense's plans to beef up forces here. Prior to their visit, last September the GAO issued a report noting how the DoD had failed to provide specific information that would help Congress identify funding for relocation of U.S. Marines to Guam.

While only seven votes separated Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in Saturday's Guam Democratic Caucus, there were more than 400 spoiled ballots. According to Mark Duarte, vice-chair of the Nomination Committee for the Democratic Party of Guam, no official request or challenge has been filed for a recount - at least not yet.

Reacting to the unofficial results from this past weekend's Guam Caucus that gave him just a seven-vote lead over Hillary Clinton and allowed him to pick up two delegate votes, Barack Obama thanked the people of Guam. "I thank the people of Guam for making their voices heard and standing up for change," the Illinois senator wrote in a press release.