HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — Sen. Dwayne San Nicolas said he voted for Bill 185-37 on Feb. 23 to benefit the people of Guam, and because the island needs a new hospital. The senator issued his statement Monday, following a request for comment.
There were two bills competing to determine the location of a new public hospital or medical complex on Guam.
Bill 185, introduced by Sen. Chris Barnett, ensures that any hospital constructed under the previously enacted Guam 21st Century Healthcare Center Act would be built in Tamuning, specifically at Ypao Point.
Bill 184-37, proposed by the governor, would facilitate the sale or lease of Guam Ancestral Lands Commission property in Barrigada and Mangilao for the purpose of constructing a new medical complex, to include a new public hospital and other medical facilities.
San Nicolas voted in favor of both bills, but in doing so, gave Bill 185 enough votes to pass while Bill 184 remained one vote short of passing.
Both measures failed to pass last month, but at that time, San Nicolas voted against Bill 185.
After the vote on Feb. 23, The Guam Daily Post asked San Nicolas’ office why he decided to vote for Bill 185. The senator issued a statement on Monday.
“My vote on Bill 185-37 was to benefit the people of Guam. We need a new hospital now,” San Nicolas said.
“After the January session concluded, the Office of the Governor of Guam issued a release to the media last month, which stated, ‘The Guam Legislature decided absolutely nothing regarding the location of a new hospital and medical complex for the People of Guam, leaving many to wonder what is next. … Now for the second time, the Legislature has blocked our efforts to build a new medical complex – this time by deciding to do absolutely nothing.’ On Friday, Feb. 23, I voted for both competing bills that would determine the location of a new public hospital for the island. … I voted for Bill 185 because we need a new hospital. I voted for Bill 185 for the people of Guam. I voted for Bill 185 so that we can get the employees of the Guam Memorial Hospital out of the deteriorating Tamuning facility that has many issues. It’s up to the governor now to act on what we the legislators have put before her. Today, we are a step closer to getting this much-needed new hospital than we were last week. We can’t delay the construction of a new hospital any further,” San Nicolas added.
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has been against using Ypao Point, arguing that it would be better to use the Barrigada and Mangilao site for a medical complex. While Bill 185 managed to pass, the governor’s office said it will be vetoed. Ten votes are needed to override a veto.
A section of Guam Memorial Hospital in need of maintenance and repair is seen in Tamuning on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024.
