By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero is proposing the return of the Ypao Point property to its donor in an apparent bid to take the site out of the lingering debate on the location of a new hospital.
Ypao Point, the site of Guam’s old hospital from 1956 to 1978, was owned by the Perez family.
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.
The governor’s office today announced the pending introduction of a legislative measure authorizing the property’s return to the Perez family.
The proposal followed the recent securing of private land in Mangilao, where the governor wants to build the new hospital amid unresolved questions as to the legality of the eminent domain imposed on the properties.
The 37th Guam Legislature and the medical community maintain that the new hospital be built at Ypao Point, also known as Oka Point.
“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.
“A government hospital was built, serving the community for over 20 years. Its purpose and the commitment of the Perez family have been fulfilled. 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.”
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.
"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.
“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. 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.”
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. Governor Leon Guerrero called on the Guam legislature to support this measure.
Pending in federal court is a request for an injunction filed by Attorney General Douglas Moylan to stop the Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority from seizing private properties in Mangilao.
"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."
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