by Krystal Paco

Guam - NAVFAC Marianas representatives listened to concerns related to their Public Access Plan to cultural sites. With more than 23 historic properties in Department of Defense-controlled lands, We Are Guahan's Leevin Camacho says they've been difficult to enjoy. "It takes a lot of time we've found, to coordinate a visit to these sites," he explained.

Camacho cited as an example the five months it took to coordinate a hike to Finegayan, saying, "You spend more time organizing the hike than actually going down there." Camacho has also been denied access to a site because he didn't know someone that knew the trail, noting, "We were told that we could only go to Amigossa if we knew someone who knew their way there. And if the general public doesn't have access to Amiggossa Springs or to Fena or to all the sites that are in that area, you basically will be denied access because you don't know how to get there."

Executive director of the Joint Region Marianas defense coordinator officer Roy Tsutsui says the Public Access Plan is a great opportunity for the DOD to collaborate with the community, saying, "I think this is an excellent opportunity in conjunction with the community to build that relationship by providing the access and knowing what to provide access to."

The deadline to comment has been extended to October 31. Visit the state historical preservation offices website at HistoricGuam.org to submit a comment or drop a comment at a collection box located at your village mayor's offices.