[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 140 (Thursday, October 8, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1957]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMENDING THE INCORPORATION OF THE SUABE NA TASI FOUNDATION ON GUAM

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 7, 1998

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to the attention of 
my colleagues the recent formation of a particular non-profit 
corporation known as the Suabe Na Tasi Foundation. On August 20, 1998, 
this foundation was officially incorporated on Guam to increase public 
awareness about the waters surrounding our beautiful island and to 
raise the necessary funding to study and implement measures to sustain 
our vibrant economy while protecting our precious ocean resources.
  As many of my colleagues know, Guam's coral reefs as home to the most 
diverse fish populations in the world. Recent increased development 
have heightened the demand placed on our near-shore waters and, as a 
result, our reefs and ocean waters have not only been threatened but 
are becoming adversely impacted. Tumon Bay in particular, Guam's most 
developed shoreline, has produced signs of environmental stress and 
human activity is the leading apparent cause. Recent studies also point 
to an increase in algae growth and beach sands are turning from a pure 
white to an abused gray that gives way to erosion as each day passes.
  In response to these growing signs of rapid development, various 
local governments as well as GovGuam have attempted to take 
constructive action to restore our environment and free it from 
intrusive and negative impact in the future. However, there is a single 
impediment standing in the way of needed progress and that is a 
tremendous lack of funds. The Suabe Na Tasi Foundation has stepped up 
to act as the engine to fund important local initiatives to save our 
environment and help Tumon Bay.
  The people of Guam are especially grateful to Telo Taitague, a local 
and talented vocalist who has committed to release a compact disc to 
facilitate a public awareness campaign and offered all the proceeds in 
support of the Foundation's efforts. Telo, is a true civic leader on 
Guam as she has devoted her singing talent to aid not only the Suabe Na 
Tasi Foundation but in the past helped with the Toys for Tots campaign, 
Rest Homes in North Carolina, the Hawaiian Save the Waters campaign, 
Special Olympics, and Miss Guam Universe. The Foundation has also 
completed plans to hod a benefit concert with Telo and other Guam 
artists and musicians to release money for the restoration of Tumon 
Bay.
  Mr. Speaker, it is also worthwhile to commend the work of several 
individuals, who with their determination and energy, worked to 
incorporate the Suabe Na Tasi Foundation. Mr. Paul Packbier, an 
advocate for protecting the environment who has over twelve years of 
experience in environmental consulting and chairman of the Foundation, 
is to be praised for his efforts in organizing the foundation as well 
as Mr. Sinforoso M. Tolentino, a hgihly respected lawyer and friend of 
the business community on Guam. Mrs. Beth S. Lizama, currently the Vice 
President of Marinas Credit Bureau and a Business Development officer 
for Mari-Net, also deserves recognition and are gratitude for her 
commitment to the Suabe Na Tasi Foundation. Without these three 
individuals, the Suabe Na Tasi Foundation would not have been 
incorporated and Tumon Bay would still be in dire need of our attention 
and care.
  The Suabe Na Tasi Foundation is the first organization of its kind, 
and we on Guam eagerly await its benefits and look forward to proudly 
preserving our environmental resources. Let us continue as an island 
community to share our talents and energy for the betterment of Guam. 
Si Yu'os Ma'ase to the contributors and founders of the Suabe Na Tasi 
Foundation. May your organization and dedication to protecting our 
environment serve as a model for other communities across the United 
States to emulate.

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