Saturday, May 19, 2007

Attendees:      Gary Kuwabara, Patrick Bamba, Mayor Savares, Thelma Hechanova, Josephine Reyes

CONCERNS

Aircraft Noise from AAFB

•    Collaborate with the military to simulate aircraft noise at different levels to identify at what height it is adequate to be able to fly.  ACTION – GovOff / CMTF

Chamorro Activists (special interest groups)

•    Somehow necessary to continue to reach out to activists to participate;
•    Perhaps activists are re-thinking the tactics they use to get what they need to say across to everyone;
•    OEA will plan seed with consultant to get more detailed history of the Chamorros – approve by NAVFACPAC to seek monies to do so; ACTION – Gary
•    Community outreach – ‘cultural aspect community workshop’ (how does it play out with military integration?); they channel outcomes to benefit their cause;
•    How do we bring this special interest group into the fold?
•    When special interest groups are together, they are strong and speak the same language, the same voice;
•    When special interest groups are taken individually, they speak differently;
•    Ben Garrido is voice/lead of special interest groups;
•    6,000 registered members of special interest groups; only 10 individuals are actively speaking for all;
•    Governor deployed Jo to interview special interest groups together and individually to gather their thoughts on the military expansion.

Archeological Finds

•    Consultants Mitigation measures in place federally to insure archeological finds are preserved.
•     need to address that there are some archeological sites on bases in Guam;

Perception of Marines being on Guam

•    Strategic review by DoD that threats have changed; agreement in place with Gov of Japan has changed—move Marines out of congested site in Okinawa to a U.S. territory;
•    Needs to be a community outreach strategy in place to change perception

• Can’t label one crime and think all Marines act in a bad way;
• Not about crime but who’s doing it (why?)
• Orientation program for newcomers
  

•    Commanding officer needs to get their Marines out in community to start doing things so whenever anything happens, there’s already goodwill established—they’re part of the community;
•    ‘sister squadrons’ from both AAFB and Navy already established;
•    In past, communities not aware of how much military takes part in community that they miss their community service; civic portion has big impact;
•    Cultural exchange programs between military and local community;

Important to go through proper process to make sure everything we do here is right and not influenced so greatly by Japan’s timelines to DoD.  Gov’s dilemma is to get someone in DoD to work with the our government to make these assurances.  It will also take the military taking a risk to change its mindset to feel comfortable to work with the people of Guam.

Grants

•    Benefit for mayors to apply for fed grants (with justification) – the influx of families moving into the community (i.e. recreational facilities like gymnasiums).  Working with Congresswoman’s Office.  Especially with villages that are impacted/affected/close to bases.
•    OEA recommendation:  integrate grant requirements from territory that have greatest impact to the island.  One clearing house to go to that represents all the inputs.  Sends thought to DoD that we are doing as one body.  Ask for grant as a unified voice.  Don’t want DoD shopping this…..which grant is the lowest $$$.  Gary will talk with Gov and Staff to set up something streamlined in Gov office and ultimately to OEA.  If Gary understands what is being asked for by Gov/community, he can help.  Always best to go to agency first and assure they’re doing right thing rather than going to Congresswoman first.  Resolve at local and regional levels rather than escalating to Washington, D.C.  Better to have OEA as an advocate.  ACTION – Gary / GovOff
Identify one central area to handle grant requests, consolidate, prioritize, initiate on behalf of the territory, and do oversight management. (use SF resource to assist Clearinghouse).

• Collection of statistical data for ongoing programs, Mil buildup, etc. – is it function of Office of Insular Affairs?  ACTION – Gary
• Need FTE to make sure grants are managed.
• Develop good relationship with grantor; bring them to affected areas for potential grants; give them anecdotal stories.