Scoops! Just some of the stories and photos the Journal brought you exclusively or first in 2023.
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Jan. 2 One step forward Permitting and licensing still a work in progress Guam grapples with delays in building permits and business licenses. Herbert Johnston Jr., the task force chairperson, emphasized the need for efficiency. Johnston had shared his concern with Lt. Gov. Joshua F. Tenorio, leading to the creation of the task force. "The way the Government of Guam is treating people who are applying for business licenses is discouraging ... And basically, the message you’re saying, whether you want to or not, is ‘We don’t want to do business with you on Guam ..."
One recommendation is creating an online system aimed to streamline applications. Additionally, self-certification by vetted engineers or architects is proposed, facing mixed reactions. The government seeks improvements for transparency and quicker responses in the permitting process.
Feb. 6 Road signs Route 3 development slow but sure Route 3 in Dededo, the location of the recently constructed Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, is attracting investors and businesses, despite challenges like labor shortages and inflation. The Guam Regional Medical City, opened in 2015, and the adjacent Medical Arts Center are part of this growth. Plans for Northgate Market Place, a shopping center, include 130,000 square feet of rental space, a bank, and restaurants. The U.S. $8.6 billion defense pivot to the Pacific contributes to the area's excitement, including Camp Blaz and the Marines who will be stationed there. "There’s going to be a lot of food and beverage outlets and other businesses. And, of course, those will need apartments, so I foresee more housing developments there,” said Siska S. Hutapea, founder and president of Cornerstone Valuation Guam Inc.
March 6 Tinian’s time The potential of a small island Military and business investments in Tinian are helping to rekindle tourism despite economic challenges faced in 2023.Tinian International Airport’s signage emphasizes the island’s welcome and history. Journal file photo
Robert H. Jones, chairman and CEO of Triple J Enterprises infused $2 million into projects like the Tinian Western Lodge and Bar-K Diner. Jones said the bar and diner wouldn’t have been successful without the military or Black Micro Corp. On Nov. 30, 2021, Black Micro Corp. in the Northern Mariana Islands was awarded a $161.82 million contract to construct an aircraft parking apron and taxiway at Tinian International Airport.
Leonard K. Kaae, senior vice president and general manager for Black Construction Corp. in Guam and Black Micro Corp in the NMI, said Jones’s investments provided critical logistical support. Instead of having to find or build housing for the team, Kaae utilized Jones’s hotel and restaurant for his team.
April 3 Worth the wait UOG solving construction issues After almost a decade of delays, the University of Guam is set to embark on the construction of two long-awaited projects: the School of Engineering building and the Dr. Lucio C. Tan Student Success Center.
Originally estimated at $5.4 million, the School of Engineering's contract with Future World Inc. has now risen to $7.9 million, while the Student Success Center, initially a $15 million venture, has evolved into a $22.9 million project with Reliable Builders Inc. "Because of increased costs of construction, the University needed an additional $9.1 million to fund the difference from the original USDA loan," said Jonas Macapinlac, chief marketing and communications officer at UOG.
Gov. Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero's approval secured $7.1 million, and $2 million came from repurposed UOG American Rescue Plan funds. Anticipated completion dates are August 2024 and December 2024, respectively.
May 8 Islandstyle Sustainability in action James Ellsmoor's passion for island sustainability evolved into the thriving business, Island Innovation. The business connects a virtual community with a shared focus on sustainable development. The platform facilitates knowledge-sharing among islands, recognizing commonalities despite diverse political statuses. Ellsmoor emphasizes a "systems approach" to sustainable development, exploring interconnected areas like energy, tourism, waste management, and conservation.
Island Innovation acts as a matchmaker, fostering collaborations between islands and sectors. "We're not implementing the projects; we're introducing the people and giving them a platform to communicate and talk to each other and hoping that they go off and solve things,” Ellsmoor said. The company hosts virtual events, with recent success in the Island Finance Forum and plans for the 5th Virtual Island Summit. Despite its virtual origin, Island Innovation eyes a global physical presence to drive local change.
June 12 Building back Typhoon assessments and repairs begin Typhoon Mawar brought high winds to Guam causing trees to fall over and damage to cars, This vehicle was found flipped over at the Summer Towers parking lot in Tamuning after the typhoon. Journal file photoSuper Typhoon Mawar dealt significant damage to Guam's businesses and tourism industry — both of which were already suffering from impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fish Eye Marine Park estimated rebuilding costs of $200,000 to $500,000. Renny Loren, senior manager, noted substantial damage to the visitor center, necessitating repairs to show equipment and roofing. Valley of the Latte Adventure Park aims to reopen by June 18 after sustaining hits. Tagada amusement park, faces $280,000 in repair costs, seeking government assistance for restoration. The Baldyga Group, including attractions like Taotao Tasi and SandCastle, suffered close to $2 million in damages. Mark S. Baldyga, CEO of the group; emphasized urgent repairs for revenue-generating areas, with Taotao Tasi Show reopening on June 15. The group targets a June 29 gala reopening for SandCastle and KARERA, its new show.
July 3 Crisis plans help businesses recover Guam businesses, often facing typhoons, require crisis management plans for employee safety and swift operations resumption. Marcos W. Fong, CEO of a group of companies that include Coca-Cola Beverage Co., Foremost Foods and Glimpses of Guam, emphasizes alignment and intentional thought in crisis decision-making. Michael Benito, vice president and general manager of Pay-Less Markets, stresses the need for written guidelines covering factors like employee safety and facility security.
Fong detailed a two-phase crisis plan, focusing on pre-typhoon preparation and recovery assessments. Flexibility and regular reviews ensure adaptability, he said. Benito underlined the continuous need for practice and improvement in storm preparation for Guam's businesses. “Alignment is key and during a crisis, it is unlikely any one individual, even a business owner him/herself, to have all the information to make the critical decisions. Having a plan also leads to more intentional thought behind what backups are in place to ensure continuity of business,” Wong said.
Aug. 7 Building blocks Guam projects delayed Coast360 Federal Credit Union's delayed member center is nearing completion. Gener F. Deliquina, CEO said the 20,000 square foot building is 95% complete.
The Honhui Tumon Bay Hotel, facing municipal opposition, awaits Guam Land Use Commission's decision. Despite challenges, Brent L. Wiese of RIM Architects affirmed the project's continuity. Don Don Donki, initially set for a 2021 opening but delayed by COVID-19, now eyes a 2024 launch and is recruiting 200 staff.
Meanwhile, Pacific Islands Club Guam plans repairs post-Typhoon Mawar. Ben H. Ferguson, PIC general manager, said, “One of the challenges that we all face these days is that contractors are extremely busy because everybody had lots of needs. So, there’s been some delays in actually obtaining quotations. So, once the quotations are done and the contractor is selected, we don’t expect the timeframe to be that lengthy in terms of repairing it.”
Sept. 4 Blockchain summit held in Palau The Palau Blockchain Summit gathered global innovators, including Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, to explore digital residency and blockchain innovation. Buterin praised Palau's digital residency program. He said, "Countries are interested in attracting people to come and create some kind of digital presence." President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. announced 10,000 global participants in the digital residency program, emphasizing its success in a small nation.
The summit covered diverse blockchain applications in finance, governance, healthcare, real estate, and sustainable development. Ripple VP James Wallis and Palau Finance Minister Kaleb Udui discussed the Palau Stablecoin pilot program. Despite success, participants noted the need for more direct flights to enhance Palau's potential as a blockchain hub.
Oct. 2 Building bridges Taiwan keeps partners close Despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations between the United States and Taiwan, the two maintain a robust unofficial relationship, particularly evident in Guam.
Taiwan has made substantial contributions to Guam's well-being, exemplified by donations during the COVID-19 pandemic and support after Typhoon Mawar. The Taiwanese community in Guam, numbering about 2,000, actively engages in various sectors. Educational ties have strengthened through scholarships, student exchanges, and collaborative programs between institutions.
While the tourism sector has faced challenges, there's a concerted effort to revitalize it, targeting the 2024 Chinese New Year. Guam's strong ties with Taiwan underscore the enduring partnership and shared values between the two regions. Gov. Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero emphasized the robust relationship. She said, "Taiwan continues to be a good neighbor and valued friend."
Nov. 6 Jailhouse will rock Upgraded prison to be built on Guam The Guam Department of Public Works has issued a Request for Proposal for the design of a new correctional facility, comprising four phases, estimated to be completed by 2035.
The first phase includes a 480-bed prison cell block, with subsequent phases adding more cell blocks and maximum-security facilities. The RFP emphasized addressing issues of overcrowding, security vulnerabilities, and outdated infrastructure. The RFP report said the new prison design was validated through benchmarking trips to various U.S. jails. The Guam community can anticipate improved facilities, including medical, dental, and behavioral units, rehabilitation training, and housing for the seriously mentally ill.
"The DOC master plan was developed once all the fact-finding efforts were completed, SWOT analysis, population trends and projections, inputs from medical, behavioral health, officers, and various inspections," the RFP said.
Dec. 4 A home away from home Catering to digital nomads Real estate developer RJ Martin, creator of Surfbreak HNL co-living space, is expanding his concept for digital nomads. With a second location underway in Puerto Escondido, Mexico, the team is actively scouting for additional accessible locations that offer cultural experiences and necessary infrastructure. Surfbreak HNL, designed for professionals who work remotely, provides private rooms with office spaces, a sense of community, and amenities like fully stocked kitchens and organized events.
The new Surfbreak PDX in Mexico, with floor plans promoting quiet workspaces, aims to address connectivity challenges with generators, solar panels, fiber, and satellite connections. The global digital nomad community, valued at $787 billion annually, is a target market for the Surfbreak concept.
Places like Palau have begun inviting digital nomads to the country and Saipan is working on a program, according to Glen Hunter, special assistant to the governor of the Northern Mariana Islands for Broadband Policy & Development.
Hunter said the NMI is working to make it easier for visionaries to set their sights on the Northern Mariana Islands. He said the NMI could be an attractive location for digital nomads, touting regular flights from Asia and other Pacific islands. mbj
