Guam Officials Discuss Land for Police Facility Amid Chamorro Trust Concerns
October 01, 2025 | General Government Operations and Appropriations , Legislative, Guam
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
The Guam Legislature's recent meeting on October 1, 2025, highlighted significant discussions surrounding land use and public safety infrastructure, particularly concerning the Guam Police Department (GPD) and the Chamorro Land Trust. A motion was made to send a letter to Vice Speaker Attock, who chairs the oversight committee, regarding the identification of alternative lots by the Chamorro Land Trust that would meet GPD's needs while adhering to the trust's mandate.
During the session, concerns were raised about the lack of communication from the Chamorro Land Trust regarding potential alternative sites for GPD's proposed facility. It was noted that the current parcel under consideration was initially designated for recreational use in the Barragada Heights area, as recommended by the local mayor, June Blas. However, it was confirmed that no alternatives had been provided by the Chamorro Land Trust, which raised questions about the feasibility of the project without a designated site.
The discussion also touched on funding challenges for the proposed Public Safety Emergency Communications Center. Testimony from the Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA) indicated that current census data does not support the use of HUD Community Development Block Grant funds for this project at this time. Legislators emphasized the need for GPD to secure land before pursuing funding options, mirroring similar situations faced by other departments seeking grants.
Senators expressed concerns about the implications of taking land from the Chamorro Land Trust, emphasizing the importance of providing housing opportunities for the local population. With over 2,000 individuals waiting for land, the discussions underscored the urgency of addressing housing needs while balancing public safety requirements.
The meeting concluded with a call for a conscientious approach to land allocation, stressing that decisions made today will have lasting impacts on the community's ability to provide homes for its residents. As the legislature moves forward, the focus will remain on finding viable solutions that support both public safety and the housing needs of the Chamorro people.
During the session, concerns were raised about the lack of communication from the Chamorro Land Trust regarding potential alternative sites for GPD's proposed facility. It was noted that the current parcel under consideration was initially designated for recreational use in the Barragada Heights area, as recommended by the local mayor, June Blas. However, it was confirmed that no alternatives had been provided by the Chamorro Land Trust, which raised questions about the feasibility of the project without a designated site.
The discussion also touched on funding challenges for the proposed Public Safety Emergency Communications Center. Testimony from the Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA) indicated that current census data does not support the use of HUD Community Development Block Grant funds for this project at this time. Legislators emphasized the need for GPD to secure land before pursuing funding options, mirroring similar situations faced by other departments seeking grants.
Senators expressed concerns about the implications of taking land from the Chamorro Land Trust, emphasizing the importance of providing housing opportunities for the local population. With over 2,000 individuals waiting for land, the discussions underscored the urgency of addressing housing needs while balancing public safety requirements.
The meeting concluded with a call for a conscientious approach to land allocation, stressing that decisions made today will have lasting impacts on the community's ability to provide homes for its residents. As the legislature moves forward, the focus will remain on finding viable solutions that support both public safety and the housing needs of the Chamorro people.
View full meeting
This article is based on a recent meeting—watch the full video and explore the complete transcript for deeper insights into the discussion.
View full meeting