Original landowners, heirs plead with governor about Eagles Field property

For several hours on Thursday night the Department of Land Management and the Guam Ancestral Lands Commission appeared before lawmakers for an oversight hearing about excess federal lands. One of the major issues brought up was the land the governor plans to build her $1 billion healthcare complex.

Original landowners and heirs testified during an oversight hearing about their property in the Eagles Field area, they want it back and they want the governor to follow the law.

 "This is what I want to emphasize to the governor, governor give back the original landowner their property especially the ones that are alive," one pleaded.

The property in the Eagles Field area is up for potential transfer from the federal government. It's about 102 acres. The governor in a previous interview said the military will be providing a lease to access the land by the end of this year and next she plans to sign a lease agreement.

Emanuel Tenorio Cruz remembers growing up with his family on the property before it was taken by the military. He said, "Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, please do not try to circumvent Public Law 25-45 by leasing it for, the Navy for 100 years this land, our land, was condemned decades ago if you want to build a new hospital, why not use the Oka Point in Tamuning? That land in Tamuning is available it is ready for construction for a new hospital and will possibly be more cost-effective."

As we reported the governor in January of this year was provided an updated list from DOD of properties that were in the process of being returned to the local government as well as lands that were subject to potential transfer. Although she knew about the status of these excess lands many original landowners didn't until they found out about in the media.

Vincent Flores Cabrera's mother is an original landowner and said, "It is sad and unfortunate that the governor of Guam who has the opportunity to discuss these excess lands with original landowners failed them I ask the Guam Ancestral Lands Commission find these original landowners and follow the law."

As we reported, up to 231 acres of federal land is in the process of being returned to the local government these include 60 acres at the former Seabee base Camp Covington, 15.5 acres at the Piti Power Plant substation, 13.3 acres at Tanguisson Beach Park. 6 acres at the Agana Diesel Power Plant, 5.5 acres at the USO Beach Park, and 5 acres at Marbo Cave.

As for lands subject to potential transfer which includes the Eagles Field area, other parcels include 23 acres at the Tumon Tank Farm, 5 acres west of Route 3, and 2 acres next to the Nimitz Reservoir, among others. Also listed for potential transfer were 6,225 acres of submerged lands from Hilaan, Asan and Tanguisson.

Guam law states that properties returned to the local government from the federal government are to be returned to original land owners. However according to the Guam Ancestral Lands Commission in the event returned lands are kept by GovGuam for "continued public benefit" original landowners or their heirs are to be compensated.