Senator Shawn Gumataotao has introduced legislation that would abolish the Office of Civil Defense and move its responsibilities under a new Bureau of Emergency Management within the Guam Fire Department. The measure, Bill 179-38 (COR), was filed Tuesday following a series of oversight findings and corruption cases tied to the Office of Civil Defense.
The proposal comes after two critical audits by the Guam Office of Public Accountability. OPA Report 24-07 revealed that from 2018 to 2023, the agency claimed its operations were federally funded but instead relied on the General Fund without reimbursement due to repeated noncompliance with FEMA regulations. OPA Report 24-12 found overtime costs during the same period were unlawful and led to indictments in Superior Court. A May oversight visit by Gumataotao’s committee also raised concerns about poor readiness and conditions at the Emergency Operations Center in Agana Heights.
“Since 1985, GFD has maintained a modern emergency response infrastructure and 24/7 readiness,” Gumataotao said. “I believe GFD has the vision and leadership to serve as Guam’s lead department responsible for all emergency management coordination now and into the future.” The bill would also establish an Emergency Management Fund to oversee federal and local disaster preparedness and response dollars.
If enacted, the measure would transfer all Office of Civil Defense funding, facilities, equipment, and obligations to GFD. The Fire Chief would reorganize the department to integrate the new bureau and may absorb existing civil defense employees as needed. The legislation also directs the Department of Public Works to take on Guam’s Hazard Mitigation Programs, while the Governor’s Office will retain oversight of disaster recovery efforts. Gumataotao called the move necessary to modernize Guam’s nearly 75-year-old emergency management law and restore accountability in the system.