

By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero is proposing the return of the Ypao Point property to its donors in an apparent bid to cap off the debate over the location of a new hospital.
The governor’s office today announced it would introduce a legislative measure authorizing the property’s return to the Perez family.
“It is essential to underscore that this property is not federal land but private land originally offered by the generosity of Francisco D. Perez to build a hospital,” Gov. Leon Guerrero said.
According to a press release from Adelup, the proposal came after the completion of private property acquisitions in Mangilao, where the governor wants to build a new hospital.
The previous legislature and the medical community maintain that the new hospital must be built at Ypao Point, also known as Oka Point, which was the site of Guam’s old hospital from 1956 to 1978.
Sen. Chris Barnett, a proponent of the Ypao Point option, lambasted the governor’s new proposal as an attempt to ramrod her plan to build a new hospital in Mangilao by removing the Oka Poit option from the picture.
He also raised ethical concerns about the proposal’s true intentions considering that the governor owns a residential property near Ypao Point.
“If the land were to be returned and developed into luxury homes or condos, it could increase her property value, personally benefitting her and creating a clear conflict of interest,” Barnett said, adding that the governor “should just be honest with the people of Guam.”
“The governor is attempting to disguise her personal interests as public progress, but her proposal isn’t about progress for all—it’s about personal gain at the expense of those who need healthcare and public services the most,” the senator said.
The Ypao Point property became government land administered by the Chamorro Land Trust Commission after the hospital’s closure and has remained dormant for decades.
On June 23, 2015, a claim of interest was made by Francis A. Perez, son of the original registered landowner, Francis D. Perez, who conveyed the property to the government of Guam with a specific understanding that the property would be used as a hospital facility.
“A government hospital was built, serving the community for over 20 years. Its purpose and the commitment of the Perez family have been fulfilled,” the governor said. “With the health facility now secured in Mangilao, it is only right that this property be returned so the Perez family can make the best use of it moving forward.”
"This legislation acknowledges the long-standing stewardship of the Perez family and their contributions to the community while addressing the property’s current state of inactivity," the governor's office said in a press release.
Barnett, however, expressed concern that giving back the property could undermine public trust and resources, especially if it is developed for personal gain.
“Here we are trying to give back what was entrusted to us for the good of our people, while at the same time taking land from people who do not want to give it up,” he said.
“The late Francisco D. Perez was a good man who worked hard to improve our community, giving more to this island than he ever received. However, those who seek to fill their pockets, no matter the expense or the harm to others, must be held accountable to the people of Guam,” he added.
According to the governor’s office, the proposed legislation will have no impact on the cultural center and Naftan properties, which will remain with the government via the CLTC.
“The Ypao Point property holds deep familial significance for the Perez family, serving as an important link to their history and heritage,” said Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio.
“Long before Guam could elect its own governor, the Perez family understood the value a hospital could bring to a community,” Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio said.
“Their generosity contributed greatly to the growth of Tamuning. Now, as we focus on development in other areas like Mangilao, it is fitting that this property be returned to the Perez family,” he added.
However, there are unresolved questions regarding the legality of the eminent domain imposed on the properties.
Pending in federal court is a request for an injunction filed by Attorney General Douglas Moylan seeking to block the Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority’s acquisition of the Mangilao properties.
"The district court has the power to force lawful compliance with federal and local law regardless of what the governor and GHURA may currently be doing," Moylan said. "Whether we see an immediate injunction or not is irrelevant."
Subscribe to
our digital
monthly edition
Tap Road is a great option for anyone seeking dynamic and engaging endless runner gameplay with easy-to-learn controls.