A speedy special session today for a bill that allows the Guam International Airport Authority to extend its retail concessions contract with Lotte Duty Free, a contract that is set to expire in just two months. Senators quickly voted on the measure as attempts for debate or to question airport officials were shot down, raising questions about transparency.

Speaker Frank Blas, Jr. said, "Bill No.1 (7-S) received 10 yays, 2 nays and 3 excused. Bill No.1 (7-S) is duly passed by the body."

During a special session Thursday, senators quickly voting to pass a bill transmitted by the governor that would allow for an up to three-year extension for the airport’s concession contract with Lotte Duty Free. Airport Committee chair Senator Jesse Lujan lays down what’s at stake, saying, "We have to keep the lights on at the airport. The airport is the island’s front door. But it is also a self-sustaining authority that lives or dies by its revenues."

The contract is set to expire on July 20, now just two months away. Negotiations have been underway between the Airport and Lotte for the possible extension as the airport is looking for a new vendor.

As reported, GIAA put out a request for proposal for interested parties to make their bid, but airport officials won’t know if there’s any takers until the May 29 deadline.

During a recent episode of The Interview, GIAA manager John Quinata told KUAM News the bids go through one point of contact to prevent any potential conflict. Senator Joe San Agustin and Senator Tina Muna Barnes, who are running against each other in a three-way race for Adelup under the democratic ticket, quickly pushing for a vote.

"Give the airport the necessary tools it needs to move forward. We have the who, the what, the when, the where, the why," Barnes said. "So let’s vote on it."

San Agustin said, "Motion to call for the vote. Let’s end this. We’re dragging our feet. Time is sensitive." Senator Therese Terlaje then said, "I object to that. We had no public hearing. We had no Committee of the Whole to hear the airport people who are here."

Attempts to have a debate on the governor's bill or enter the Committee of the Whole to hear from airport officials were shot down. Senator Terlaje, who is also running for governor, shared her disappointment, saying, "I just want to briefly extend my disappointment with the Guam Legislature today again for this pretend transparency."

In the meantime, GIAA tells KUAM News the bill does not impact the RFP for a new concession vendor.