Guam reinforces anti-tagging law amid pressure to spruce up and revitalize tourism

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

Graffiti straddles the line between creative expression and property defacement.

While Guam is dotted with commissioned murals on sanctioned walls, spray-tagged structures and facilities—the most common form of vandalism—are equally ubiquitous around the island.

Tagging is a criminal mischief that can send the offender to jail and Guam is adding teeth to the law.

Pressured to clean up the island amid the struggle to recover pre-Covid tourism levels, Guam is launching a crackdown on graffiti.

Acting Gov. Joshua Tenorio this week signed Bill 167-38 into law, imposing stiffer penalties on individuals who engage in graffiti, particularly repeat offenders.

The bill, now Public Law 38-78, "is a vital step toward preserving the beauty and integrity of Guam,” Tenorio said in a transmittal letter to the 38th Guam Legislature.

The new law raises the fine from $1,000 to $2,000 for first offense, and $4,000 for each subsequent violation, or 180 days in jail at the court’s discretion.

For minors, the parents or legal guardian will be responsible for payment

of all fines. Failure of the parents or legal guardian to make payment will

 result in the filing of a lien on the parents' or legal guardian's property, including the fine and court costs.

“Graffiti is a crime that erodes our people's quality of life and undermines respect for our laws and property,” Tenorio wrote.

“This defacement contributes to urban blight, reduces property values, and creates a negative impression for both residents and visitors. It also imposes significant clean-up costs on government agencies and private property owners,” he added.

Speaker Frank Blas Jr., the bill’s author, said the measure’s enactment comes at a critical time when Guam is seeking to restore its pre-Covid tourism performance.

“Graffiti not only diminishes the appearance of our island, but it also reduces property values and sends the wrong message to visitors and residents alike," Blas said.

He said Public Law 38-78 strengthens Guam’s ability to deter vandalism by imposing stiffer penalties on individuals who engage in graffiti, particularly repeat offenders.

“I fully support legal outlets for murals and other forms of artistic expression,” he added. “However, the government must remain clear and consistent: graffiti is a crime, not an art. Public Law 38-78 reinforces that message and helps protect both our community assets as well as private property.”

While the new law provides stronger enforcement tools, Tenorio acknowledged that the legislation alone cannot erase Guam’s graffiti problem.

“We need increased community involvement, youth education and positive artistic outlets like mural programs and art festivals,” he said. “Together, we can ensure that Guam remains clean, beautiful, and a source of pride for everyone.”

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