Living in Guam, I witness the widespread issue of abandoned and pollution of vehicles. Our community depends heavily on personal transportation for essential daily activities such as shopping, working, and emergency situations, especially given the lack of a comprehensive public transportation system or a 24-hour bus service throughout the island. Owning a vehicle is more than a convenience; it is a necessity.

Current legislation, Bill 88-38, imposes an additional fee to notarize vehicle bills of sale for title transfers. This fee serves as a burden on many of our residents who rely heavily on cars for their daily livelihood. Moreover, the fee does little to address the pressing issues of vehicle abandonment and pollution which degrade our beautiful island environment.

We propose an amendment to Bill 88-38 mandating that all notaries on Guam provide vehicle bill of sale notarizations at no cost. Additionally, the DMV should be equipped to offer this service for free, ensuring equitable access for all residents. Making this service free removes unnecessary financial obstacles and discourages practices that add to vehicle abandonment, while holding the trust in our people to do what is just.

To further protect our environment, the amendment should include increased fines for those who pollute or abandon vehicles. These violations could be tracked using VIN numbers and enforced by the DMV and the Guam Police Department. Strengthening enforcement will support efforts to maintain a clean and sustainable environment for our islands.

We need to ensure that vehicle ownership is accessible and not an undue financial burden while simultaneously holding accountable those who neglect vehicle responsibility. Immediate action is needed to correct these issues and prioritize the well-being of our community and environment.

Join me in urging our lawmakers to amend Bill 88-38 to promote fairness, sustainability, and responsibility. Sign this petition to make this crucial change a reality for Guam.