Legislative purpose for §§ 74116 through 74122 of this

Chapter. The purpose of the enactment of § 74116 through § 74122 of this Chapter is to supplement and further the aims established under Chapter 72 of this Division. The Legislature finds and declares:

(a)That the portion of Route 3 known as the Ritidian Spur, running from Potts Junction to the cliff and shoreline beyond, is a public right-of-way under the jurisdiction of the government of Guam; and

(b)That it is in the public interest to seek from the United States of America adequate remedies for private Guam landowners, and obtain for the government of Guam an accounting of the adverse public impact on Guam and its residents resulting from land takings during and after World War II; and

(c)That it is in the public interest to investigate and pursue on behalf of all landowners, including the government of Guam as an owner of any rights in land including rights-of-way and rights to tidelands, the taking of any initiative reasonably necessary to secure the restoration of title, possession, or other rights in land taken by the Naval Government of Guam or by the United States during and after World War II; and

(d)That it is in the public interest to secure for all landowners proper and just compensation for the use of their lands from the time of taking until the time of its actual return from the federal government; and

(e)That it is in the public interest for landowners who desire to accept a settlement offer from the United States to be able to proceed with the necessary surveys, land valuations, leg work, consultant and support services already rendered or to be rendered in the future which will allow a settlement to take place; and

(f)That it is in the public interest to challenge the designation of lands in Guam as a critical habitat or wildlife refuge, and the transfer of lands in Guam to the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Interior. COL120106 CH. 74 LANDOWNER’S RECOVERY FUND