Senator Advocates for Chamorro Land Trust Commission Funding Amid Housing Criticism
October 01, 2025 | General Government Operations and Appropriations , Legislative, Guam
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The 38th Guam Legislature convened on October 1, 2025, to discuss pressing issues surrounding the Chamorro Land Trust Commission (CLTC) and its operational effectiveness. The session highlighted concerns regarding the lack of housing development and infrastructure on CLTC properties.
The meeting began with a focus on the intent of a proposed bill related to the CLTC. A legislator emphasized the need for transparency and truthfulness in discussions, referencing a significant claim made by former CLTC board member David Herrera. According to Herrera, in the 30 years since the CLTC's establishment, no houses have been built, and only two residential leases were issued in the past four years. This assertion raised questions among legislators about the commission's performance and accountability.
During the debate, a senator sought clarification on the source of Herrera's information, indicating the importance of substantiating claims made during legislative discussions. The speaker reiterated the need for respectful debate, allowing all members to express their views without interruption unless personal attacks were made.
The discussion underscored the challenges faced by the CLTC, particularly the absence of essential infrastructure such as power and water lines for lessees on CLTC land. Legislators expressed concerns that despite the availability of thousands of acres of land, the lack of development and support services hindered progress in providing housing solutions.
As the session progressed, the legislators continued to deliberate on the implications of the CLTC's operations and the proposed bill aimed at addressing these longstanding issues. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further examine the effectiveness of the CLTC and explore potential solutions to enhance housing development and infrastructure support for the community.
The meeting began with a focus on the intent of a proposed bill related to the CLTC. A legislator emphasized the need for transparency and truthfulness in discussions, referencing a significant claim made by former CLTC board member David Herrera. According to Herrera, in the 30 years since the CLTC's establishment, no houses have been built, and only two residential leases were issued in the past four years. This assertion raised questions among legislators about the commission's performance and accountability.
During the debate, a senator sought clarification on the source of Herrera's information, indicating the importance of substantiating claims made during legislative discussions. The speaker reiterated the need for respectful debate, allowing all members to express their views without interruption unless personal attacks were made.
The discussion underscored the challenges faced by the CLTC, particularly the absence of essential infrastructure such as power and water lines for lessees on CLTC land. Legislators expressed concerns that despite the availability of thousands of acres of land, the lack of development and support services hindered progress in providing housing solutions.
As the session progressed, the legislators continued to deliberate on the implications of the CLTC's operations and the proposed bill aimed at addressing these longstanding issues. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further examine the effectiveness of the CLTC and explore potential solutions to enhance housing development and infrastructure support for the community.
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