Resident irked at beachside shop’s illegal activity

by Nick Delgado

Guam - Park patrol officers are seeing an increase in illegal vendors at the island's parks and beaches. Individuals are cashing in on catering to tourists without having the proper permits to do so.

I spent hours on this beach every day and I can tell you every time someone camps out for a day or two. It's not very long before police kick them out of there and these guys have been there for months and months," described Tumon resident Ray Hackett. He says he's fed up - he's watched as a group of individuals have literally set up shop on Fujita Beach, renting out beach equipment to tourists.

The individuals initially said they don't rent out beach equipment, but later asked which item we wanted to rent.  They changed their tune when they spotted KUAM's camera crew. When they were visited by park patrol officers, their story changed yet again. Park patrol officer Vivian Gogo explained, saying, "When we questioned them they said they just found them (beach equipment) so they were just keeping it for New Year's, so we are having them break down their little home area and remove them."

According to Hackett, the individuals have made themselves right at home - apparently living on the beach and making some cash by selling floaters, fins and paddle boards to tourists. Gogo says the individuals lack a permit from Department of Parks & Recreation to rent or sell on the beach as well as a license from the that agency.

"We were here last month and I did tell them they are not to make this a habitat area for them or safe haven for them," she said.

The individuals were ordered to leave the area and complied. The two men and woman were warned that if they were caught on the beach again, they'd be arrested for operating an illegal business and trespassing. The Guam Visitors Bureau meanwhile says they're investigating several other individuals they believe are operating illegally, as well.