Mataknga is an informal group made up of various non-profit organizations and government of Guam entities working on projects that promote the Guam culture, language and heritage.
During an informational briefing at the Legislature, Mataknga member Rita Nauta appealed to senators to consider the proposal the group is making, called a “Journey of Healing.”
Nauta said victims of the devastating natural disasters in Japan could be flown to Guam and use the Chamorro cultural traditions of hospitality to help with healing. The focus, she said, would be on elderly victims and families with young children.
The group proposes to transport 8,000 victims from Japan to Guam and CNMI over the course of 180 days.
Guam would accommodate about 60 percent, or 4,800 victims; and CNMI would accommodate 40 percent, or 3,200 victims, Nauta said.
The total anticipated cost, she said, for all 8,000 victims for 45 days on Guam and CNMI is $17.4 million ($2,183 per person).
This amount includes a roundtrip airfare of $150 for each person and a 45-night stay at $70 per night for all 8,000 victims at double occupancy. The amount also covers meals and bus transportation for 45 nights.
Nauta said funding can come from a variety of sources, including $1.8 million from the Electronic System for Travel Authorization program; assistance from the Red Cross to allocate funds from Japan fundraising efforts; as well as in-kind contributions from businesses, governments, civic groups, non-governmental organizations, community groups and private donations.
Guam and Saipan have available housing to provide temporary housing for the displaced victims, Nauta said.
As far as housing is concerned, Nauta said that with the drop in visitor arrivals from Japan, both Guam and Saipan have available hotel room inventory, as well as work-force housing built or being built in anticipation of the military buildup.
