A bill that would have transferred CHamoru Land Trust land in Malesso’ to the Guam National Guard has been put on hold following opposition from residents and a request from the Guard to defer action.
Bill 182-38, introduced earlier this month by Sen. Shawn Gumataotao, was referred to the Legislature’s Committee on Land, Environment, Housing, Agriculture, Parks, and Infrastructure. The measure sought to set aside property in Malesso’ for a Guard training site, but the plan quickly drew concern from the community. At a CHamoru Land Trust Commission hearing last week, Malesso’ Mayor Franklin Champaco and others showed up to express their opposition, but the matter was tabled and the meeting ended without testimony.
On Sept. 15, the Guam National Guard formally asked the committee to defer action on the measure.
National Guard spokesperson Mark Scott confirmed the request has been withdrawn for now, calling it both a pause and a step back. Officials said the initial intent was to keep the property in local hands and explore uses such as farming and fishery projects to support food security.
Gumataotao’s office said the proposal originated from the Guard’s request and that the Guard is now pursuing further consultations. Any legislative action on Bill 182-38 has been deferred at the Guard’s request.
