With discussions centered on the 360-degree missile defense system, concerns for Guam’s civilian population seem to be an afterthought. Resolution 7 aims to change that, urging the federal government to fully fund the construction and maintenance of civil defense shelters.

The resolution, introduced by Senator William Parkinson, stresses that civilian safety should be just as important as military defense.

“This resolution is about ensuring that the people of Guam are protected with the same urgency and priority as any other American citizen," he shared. Experts and advocates provided insight on the issue, as Leland Bettis, director of the Pacific Center for Island Security, described this resolution as a historic policy move.

“For all the talk about defending Guam, this is the first policy recognition in either Guam or the U.S. - at least that I'm aware of - that puts security for the civilian population in focus," Bettis proclaimed. He says statements from military commanders reassuring the public that they can sleep well at night without worry are hollow.

“Bases in Guam are not just places that can project U.S. power in conflict, they are also targets. This is a fundamental change in Guam's risk profile in conflict," he said. “If the military plans, as the former head of Indo-PACOM said, will include a fight for Guam, the people of Guam deserve more than incredible claims of defense. Moreover, security must be defined in terms of human security and not just securing military assets.”

Homeland Security Advisor Esther Aguigui’s written testimony stressed the need to determine how these shelters fit into existing shelter-in-place protocols. Policy advocate Ginger Cruz's written testimony offered specific recommendations on how Guam could enhance its civil defense infrastructure.

“This isn’t just policy," Senator Parkinson noted, "it’s about survival."

She recommends stockpiling essential supplies and investing in multi-purpose facilities, such as community centers, gyms, and hospitals that could serve as shelters during emergencies. “Building bomb shelters from scratch is expensive, time-consuming, and very, very hard to sustain…but that does not mean we do nothing.”

The discussion on civil defense infrastructure continues, but advocates say the time to act is now.