A land deal between the government and an original landowner left unfulfilled over 70 years later. The Perez family wants the Ypao Point property back as they say they were never fully compensated. But CHamoru Land Trust advocates are against any more land takings, arguing records show a monetary transaction has been made.

Debbie Quinata, Magahaga for Naison CHamoru, said, "The CHamoru Land Trust is not a piggy bank. It’s not a gift box. It is a lifeline." The family wants Ypao Point back, but CLTC advocates arguing against it, leaving senators in a bind.

"I really feel for the Perez family that they have been put by the governor in the middle of politics," stated Senator Therese Terlaje.

Lawmakers heard testimony on the governor’s Bill 32, which seeks to transfer the old Tamuning hospital land from CLTC inventory back to the heirs of original landowner Francisco D. Perez.  But chain of ownership documents revealing the land changed hands a few times for money.

Of note is that Perez purchased the property from Atkins Kroll for $550 in 1933, and that GovGuam purchased it from Perez for $51,914.99 in 1951. 

It’s new information for many who thought the land was gifted. 

Quinata feels that CLTC lands are being “raided and misused", saying, "Let’s stop this stealing land, taking land from the CHamoru Land Trust inventory and giving it away because it’s none of ours to give away, but to live in."

But in written testimony provided to senators, family representative John Perez says part of the deal included receiving construction equipment that was supposed to be transferred over from the U.S. Army.  That deal, he argues, was left unfulfilled. 

The matter has lawmakers split, with Senator Will Parkinson saying, "I’ve always been consistent that whenever we have an opportunity to give land owners their land back, we absolutely should."

Fellow policymakerr Senator Chris Barnett added, "We have to be careful with how we use these words: return, giveback, transfer. That's not accurate. The accurate word is giveaway. So if our governor is willing to giveaway land that our government paid for, what about the people whose lands were taken?"

In the meantime, with more than a handful of bills before the Guam Legislature to transfer land trust property. CLTC land agent Jessica Dayday, who spoke up against the bill in her personal capacity, reminds lawmakers of the commission's mission. 

"These properties can provide residential or agricultural lots to the applicants, generate the needed revenue for the installation for needed infrastructure and assist in surveying and clearing of easements," she said.