Committee hears bill to let airport offer longer leases, prompting debate over transparency and safeguards

Senator Jesse A. Luhan opened a public hearing on Bill 67‑38, COR, telling the Committee of Transportation, Tourism, Customs, Utilities, and Federal and Foreign Affairs that the measure would amend Article 2, Title 12, Guam Code Annotated to allow the A.B. Won Pat Guam International Airport Authority (GIAA) to adopt policies and procedures for solicitation, selection and award of agreements for airport property and visitor‑related activities. "This bill changes that. It gives the airport the flexibility and the authority to forge strategic partnerships, attract new businesses, and maximize the use of its property," Luhan said.

Nut graf: Bill 67‑38 would expand the GIAA’s ability to enter longer lease and concession agreements—concessions up to 15 years and other leases up to 50 years—and shift authority for policies and procedures to the airport board. Proponents at the hearing said the change would help the airport attract large capital projects (hangars, maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities, cargo/warehousing), diversify revenue beyond aeronautical fees, and support tourism and jobs. Opponents and several senators warned the bill, as written, removes or exempts existing procurement and oversight safeguards and asked for clearer transparency and PUC/legislative checks.

Airport officials and industry supporters repeatedly framed the bill as a tool to attract large, long‑term private investment. Brian Bomba, chair of the GIAA…