by Rachel Seo, for KUAM News

Putting a stop to panhandling  is how Attorney General Doug Moylan decided to start the year. His latest billboard showing a cartoon character putting one hand out, while holding a container that says "Gimme".

And surrounding him - a red no-symbol.

local authorities ramped-up enforcement to immediately take action with a crackdown officially named the PanBusting program. It's an effort to safeguard the island’s reputation as a tourist destination.

Phase 1 of the initiative launched on New Year's Day with an online portal featuring actual images of panhandlers caught in the act. In the coming weeks, Phase 2 will launch with the PanBuster Mobile equipped with livestreaming technology, enabling law enforcement officials to capture panhandlers in action.

The initiative will also allow residents to receive notifications when the portal goes live, streaming the confrontation of panhandlers in realtime.

AG officials and the Guam Police Department will then be expected to ticket these offenders, requiring them to appear in court to pay a fine. 

Back in March 2023, Guam’s attorney general and the GPD announced active enforcement of panhandling laws in response to the growing concerns from the local community. But this was short-lived as panhandlers continue to be a frequent sight at high-traffic intersections. 

Ray Pomaset told KUAM News, “[I] became homeless. I lost my mom and my dad lost the house after he passed away. It’s not really fun being out here. I really want to be in a shelter, or if somebody has a heart to bring me into their house.” Two years ago, Pomaset shared his story of how he ended up on the streets, with panhandling being his last resort for survival despite knowing that it is illegal. 

 “But what can I do? I don’t want to starve," he said. "I want to try going on public assistance, like food stamp and welfare. I know that would help.”

AG Moylan worked with police on panhandling enforcement.  For a short time, officers stopped anyone caught asking for money along public roadways. “I guess they’re doing the right thing," said Pomaset. "They’re trying to stop us from panhandling out here to be safe. Safe than sorry. That’s better than being hit on the road.”

But that effort quickly dissolved and the number of panhandlers at Guam's major intersections have since grown.  The question now: could that change again and for good?

With the PanBusting Program in full swing, officials are hopeful the increased enforcement will make a lasting impact.

The Attorney General’s Office encourages the local community to take strong action against illegal panhandling with the new PanBusting Program. Through your efforts, he says, we can protect our community and welcome tourists.