VIDEO: Click here for video of the welcome greetings between Guam Governor Calvo and Japan Defense Minister Onodera. You can view this video and others on the Governor’s YouTube account,www.youtube.com/
PICTURES: You can view photos of the greeting between the Governor and the Defense Minister, and their subsequent meeting in the Governor’s Chambers below the news release. You can also view these photos and others on the Governor’s Flickr account, www.flickr.com/
“In order to make progress on the movement, we want to work closely with the government of Guam.” — Japan Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera
“As we move into this new phase, we understand the roles we play in the security of this region. We understand how important this relationship is. We understand the burdens placed on Okinawans. Guam is ready to take these responsibilities.” — Guam Governor Eddie Baza Calvo
Calvo & Onodera Meet
Guam Governor Eddie Baza Calvo and Japan Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera met this morning in the Governor’s Chambers at the Adelup governor’s complex in Guam. The leaders both expressed their desire for the military realignment to happen, and discussed how they can help each other.
Governor Explains Where the Roadblocks Are
The two leaders wasted no time discussing the heart of the matter:
1. The Governor explained his commitment to the buildup, reminding those in the room that within weeks of his inauguration to office, he reached an agreement with the Navy to sign the Programmatic Agreement, which included concessions of the four pillars.
2. The Governor explained he is thankful for the support from the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Defense Department, the Obama Administration, and the U.S. House of Representatives to get the buildup moving forward. He expressed his disappointment in the intransigence of those in the Senate, particularly Sen. John McCain, who have stopped forward movement.
3. The Governor explained the Senate’s refusal to allow spending of Japanese or any other funds on outside-the-fence infrastructure requirements is what threatens the current buildup timelines.
“Though the Marines relocation hasn’t occurred, the strategic pivot has already occurred, with increases in exercises in Guam by the United States, Japan, Australia, and other countries. These forces are making use of the infrastructure that’s already at capacity. This Senate requirement of an advance of need is ludicrous. The money needs to be spent now for the infrastructure upgrades.” — Gov. Calvo to Minister Onodera
Defense Minister Interested in Infrastructure Requirements
The Defense Minister was keen to this discussion, asking specifically what kind of infrastructure should be upgraded. The Governor pointed out ongoing upgrades to the roads, and the modernization of the seaport, however the biggest concern is $1 billion in additional upgrades to the island’s water and wastewater infrastructure.
“Sen. McCain wants us to solve this on our own, even though we wouldn’t need to make upgrades that expensive if it weren’t for unfunded federal mandates. It will take us 15 years or longer to make that kind of investment on our own, and our people will be the ones burdened with paying for it. That is not in line with your timetables, and it’s not in line with ours. It also violates the ‘One Guam’ promise. If things proceed as is, Guam cannot pay on its own at the timetables you will prefer.” — Gov. Calvo to Minister Onodera
Onodera to Raise These Issues in Tokyo with Visiting U.S. Senator
The Defense Minister said their meeting was timely, as tomorrow Minister Onodera will be meeting with a U.S. Senator in Tokyo; he will raise these issues at their meeting.
“As we move into this new phase, we understand the roles we play in the security of this region. We understand how important this relationship is. We understand the burdens placed on Okinawans. Guam is ready to take these responsibilities.” — Guam Governor Eddie Baza Calvo
Calvo & Onodera Meet
Guam Governor Eddie Baza Calvo and Japan Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera met this morning in the Governor’s Chambers at the Adelup governor’s complex in Guam. The leaders both expressed their desire for the military realignment to happen, and discussed how they can help each other.
Governor Explains Where the Roadblocks Are
The two leaders wasted no time discussing the heart of the matter:
1. The Governor explained his commitment to the buildup, reminding those in the room that within weeks of his inauguration to office, he reached an agreement with the Navy to sign the Programmatic Agreement, which included concessions of the four pillars.
2. The Governor explained he is thankful for the support from the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Defense Department, the Obama Administration, and the U.S. House of Representatives to get the buildup moving forward. He expressed his disappointment in the intransigence of those in the Senate, particularly Sen. John McCain, who have stopped forward movement.
3. The Governor explained the Senate’s refusal to allow spending of Japanese or any other funds on outside-the-fence infrastructure requirements is what threatens the current buildup timelines.
“Though the Marines relocation hasn’t occurred, the strategic pivot has already occurred, with increases in exercises in Guam by the United States, Japan, Australia, and other countries. These forces are making use of the infrastructure that’s already at capacity. This Senate requirement of an advance of need is ludicrous. The money needs to be spent now for the infrastructure upgrades.” — Gov. Calvo to Minister Onodera
Defense Minister Interested in Infrastructure Requirements
The Defense Minister was keen to this discussion, asking specifically what kind of infrastructure should be upgraded. The Governor pointed out ongoing upgrades to the roads, and the modernization of the seaport, however the biggest concern is $1 billion in additional upgrades to the island’s water and wastewater infrastructure.
“Sen. McCain wants us to solve this on our own, even though we wouldn’t need to make upgrades that expensive if it weren’t for unfunded federal mandates. It will take us 15 years or longer to make that kind of investment on our own, and our people will be the ones burdened with paying for it. That is not in line with your timetables, and it’s not in line with ours. It also violates the ‘One Guam’ promise. If things proceed as is, Guam cannot pay on its own at the timetables you will prefer.” — Gov. Calvo to Minister Onodera
Onodera to Raise These Issues in Tokyo with Visiting U.S. Senator
The Defense Minister said their meeting was timely, as tomorrow Minister Onodera will be meeting with a U.S. Senator in Tokyo; he will raise these issues at their meeting.
End of Release