by Michele Catahay

Guam - Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo hosted a couple of town hall meetings this afternoon to receive public testimony on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Southern residents testified at the Agat Community Center about issues ranging from traffic congestion, the lack of schools and hospitals needed for the buildup, as well as the socioeconomic issues that could potentially impact the island.

Santa Rita resident Tom Barcinas says while the United States needs the island and Guam needs the U.S., there are still issues. He says Chamorros currently make up 46% of the population, and that number is expected to decrease to 31%. In addition, lands could also be acquired by the military.

"The federal government owns about one-third of the island with requirements for more space for construction of a firing range, and trail up Mount Lam Lam for other purposes," said Barcinas. "It's sad to think that the people of Guam will be a minority in their own land."