Building back: typhoon assessments and repairs begin

BY ALTHEA ENGMAN
Journal Staff

Following one of the biggest typhoons to hit Guam in two decades, various businesses were severely damaged by Typhoon Mawar, but recovery efforts are ongoing to bring back what was damaged.

A well-known site on the island, Fish Eye Marine Park, one of the few businesses in the village of Piti, has an estimated total cost of rebuilding and cleaning efforts of around $200,000 to $500,000.

Fish Eye consists of the underwater observatory located in the Piti Marine Preserve and the Visitor Center located across the street that hosts the restaurant and the dinner show theater.

According to Renny Loren, senior manager of Fish Eye, “The visitor center received substantial damage from the heavy rain, which caused flooding and water damage to our show’s sound and lighting equipment.  Most of the rain gutters have been blown apart and our contractor has yet to assess the actual damage to the roof of the visitor center.”

The damage to the underwater observatory occurred mostly on the walk-way bridge where the metal side railings, wooden floor planks, and foot lighting were ripped apart, she said.  The staircase from the bridge leading to the maintenance platform was damaged and is now leaning towards one side. Since electricity has yet to be restored and with the limited availability of technical contractors, full assessment of damages is not complete.

Loren said the plan of action for the site is to hire technical contractors to assess actual damages, proceed with repairs, and to apply for available financial assistance.

Loren added that Fish Eye “strongly supports Vice Speaker Tina Muna Barnes’s request to the federal government to allow COFA migrants to be eligible for recovery aid, since a considerable number of Fish Eye’s employees are from the FSM.”

Valley of the Latte Adventure Park took some hits from the storm, but luckily David Tydingco, managing director and CEO of the park; said the targeted reopening date is June 18, as the staff continue to work on repairs to bring facilities up to acceptable standards.

One of the few amusement parks on Guam, Tagada, located in Tumon had to also close its doors following damage caused by the Typhoon.

A management representative of Hong Soon Im, park CEO and president; said Tagada expects $280,000 of repair costs. “Most of our ride’s main frame were damaged/broken and some of the ride’s engine got wet. Or cashier’s booth was damaged too, including the contents and our stock room was totally wiped-out.”
The park is under reconstruction with repair costs being covered out of Tagada’s own funds, but the representative said he would like to make it clear that the park needs help from the government.

There is no estimated reopening date for Tagada since current funding is not enough to fully restore the park.

The representative said Im assures the community that, “We will do everything to bring back Tagada as we know that this amusement park is one of Tumon’s attractions for locals and tourists.”

The Baldyga Group, also located in the Tumon area, has multiple attractions not only for locals but tourists, to include Anemos restaurant, the Beach Restaurant & Bar, Taotao

Tasi dinner show, the Club ZOH nightclub, and its new multimedia island show titled KARERA at the Sandcastle, never opened due to the typhoon.

Mark S. Baldyga, chairman and CEO of the Baldyga Group; said, “In total the various attractions had close to $2 million in damage and no typhoon insurance. Repairs that impact our ability to generate revenue are being addressed urgently, while all other repairs will be based on future cash flow and importance.”

The Beach Restaurant & Bar damage estimate is about $150,000.

The main structure has no damage, but the decks were damaged and are currently being rebuilt. The banquet deck was destroyed and will not be replaced in the short term. Baldyga said, “The beach is just as good as a floor.”

Taotao Tasi Show damage is estimated at $200,000.

The stage’s main structure had no damage, except the roof connecting the banquet deck to the pavilion, which will be repaired as soon as possible. Cement-board and decorative lattice walls were destroyed, as well as heavy damage to wood floors and railings. “Some sound and lighting equipment were lost, but the focus is on repairing those areas that are needed to open/operate,” Baldyga said. The show is set to reopen on June 15.

SandCastle and KARERA endured severe damage to roofs; parts of the stage roof and air handling ducts blew off as well as major flooding throughout the building. There was also additional damage to brand new theatrical equipment.

Roofs are being examined and the Baldyga group's focus is on repairs needed to reopen with a target gala opening on June 29.

Over $1 million worth of damage was estimated, Baldyga said.

Anemos had no damage and will reopen in late June. mbj