by Lannie Walker

Guam - Guam senators are in agreement that the Final Environmental Impact Statement is still full of holes. Earlier this year they passed a resolution expressing concern over the Draft EIS is and yesterday evening approved a similar resolution on the final document.

The resolution reiterates the senates concerns over several issues including land acquisition by the military, dredging at Apra Harbor, the need for increased health services, infrastructure impotents and environmental impacts of the buildup. Senator Judi Guthertz says many of the needs were not adequately addressed in the Final EIS, saying, "We have no way to know if they will be addressed in the Record of Decision, but we are putting the Department of Defense and the U.S. Government on notice that if these matters are not properly addressed in the Record of Decision, they will continue to be serious issues with the local government and with this legislature."

All 14 senators present voted in favor of the measure. Guthertz says Senator Jim Espaldon was absent during the vote, but also backs the resolution. Senator Frank Blas, Jr. described why the he believes the resolution is necessary, saying, "Every leader on this island basically everyone on this island has been saying as their concerns voicing their concerns on the buildup I for one I tell you am in support of the buildup, but I need to make sure that this buildup as put by the military is as just good for Guam as it is for the military."

The resolution makes it clear if this does not happen the buildup will not be well received stating, "The continued disregard of these vital concerns will inevitably foster an atmosphere that makes the planned expansion an unwanted and unwelcome activity".