Lawmakers are now considering a proposal to help ease Guam’s housing crisis, following a public hearing on Senator Christopher Duenas' Bill 57. it would allow homeowners to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on their properties - creating housing options, while keeping families together.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Guam is in the midst of a housing crisis," Senator Duenas announced earlier this week at the Guam Congress Building in Hagatna. He explained how skyrocketing housing costs have left many families with little to no hope of owning a home on the island, adding, “in order to stop the bleeding of our people leaving island because they have no hope, not even a dream at this time, of experiencing home ownership."

Bill 57 is modeled after successful ADU du programs in Hawai’i and California, with built-in environmental and infrastructure safeguards. Homeowners would need approval from the Guam Waterworks Authority, the Guam Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Public Works to ensure proper infrastructure before building.

Former senator Tony Lamorena says this is long overdue, but warns that construction costs remains a challenge, noting, “Even individuals who are going to reap the benefits of this bill if passed will still bear that burden of paying more per-square footage.”

Others raised questions about the potential impact on property values and mortgages. Department of Land Management director Joe Borja offered, “There might be a concern from the mortgager of the property if it is being mortgaged to do something to the property that may affect its value.”

The Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority supports the bills as well, but its deputy director says the housing crisis is just one part of a bigger problem. “Amongst that population decline over the last 10 years was a 15% decline in the Chamorro population on Guam," stated Fernando Esteves, GHURA's deputy director.

Meanwhile, the guam chamber of commerce sees ADUs as a way to boost the economy and keep families on island. Guam Chamber of Commerce Tae Oh testified, “Homeowners can generate additional income through rental opportunities, which can stimulate our economy and enhance community stability.”

Despite the concerns, Senator Duenas says the measure is a step toward making housing more accessible for Guam’s families.