Committee hears bill to transfer Oka Point parcels to heirs of Frank D. Perez

The Committee on Rules of the Guam Legislature held a second public hearing June 27, 2020, on Bill 32-38 COR, a measure that would transfer specific parcels of Lot 5173 at Oka Point from government inventory to the heirs of Frank D. Perez. Witnesses for the Perez family and descendants recounted a 1951 sale, a promised transfer of construction equipment that they say never occurred, and historical affidavits meant to support the family’s claim. Opponents and some former trust officials warned the committee that removing the parcels from the Chamorro Land Trust Commission inventory could set a precedent and could deny hundreds of families potential housing and infrastructure benefits.

The bill concerns two specific parcels of Lot 5173 in Tamuning (identified in testimony as portions of Lot 5173-1): the family testimony and supporting documents in the hearing record say the original 1951 conveyance involved a reduced cash price (recorded $51,914.99) and an expected transfer of construction equipment that the Perez family says was not delivered. Supporters called the original transaction “unfulfilled.” John Cameron presented a recorded instrument and read an affidavit from former Governor Carlton Skinner stating the equipment was intended as part of the purchase price. Frankie/Gregory Perez family…