Executive Order No. 414 establishing an ad hoc task force to address issues surrounding the recent return of public lands throughout Palau, including especially those in Koror State

Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr. ~M.&itluw Republic <>f Palau Office o/ tne 'CPresiLJen'I. Executive Order No. 414 P.O. Box 6051, Palau, PW 9694-0 Tel. (6801 767-2403/2828 Fax. (6801767-2424/ 1662 Email: rop.preaident@palaunet.com Establishing an ad hoc task force to address issues surrounding the recent return of public lands throughout Palau, including especially those in Koror State. WHEREAS, Section IO of Article XIII of the Constitution of the Republic of Palau mandates "the return to the original owners or their heirs of any land which became part of the public lands as a result of the acquisition by previous occupying powers or their nationals through force, coercion, fraud, or without just compensation or inadequate consideration;" and WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 10, the process of returning public lands to their original owners has now proceeded for many years, with Palauans working together to achieve the smooth and peaceful transfer of control; and WHEREAS, a recent return oflarge swathes of formerly-public land in Ngerbeched Hamlet, Koror State, has led to the mass displacement of Palauan families, causing significant and extraordinary hardship for those affected; and WHEREAS, the Olbiil Era Kelulau, speaking through House Joint Resolution 10-25-6S, HD 1, has urged the formation of an ad hoc task force to examine issues surrounding the return of these public lands, and to formulate recommendations for addressing the extraordinary hardships created thereby; and WHEREAS, the safety and wellbeing of Palauan citizens is the highest calling of the national government; NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Laws of the Republic of Palau, I hereby order the creation of an ad hoc task force (the "Task Force") to investigate issues created by the recent return of public lands in Ngerbeched Hamlet, Koror, with the following characteristics and responsibilities: Organization: The Task Force shall include the following members: a) The Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs, as Chairperson; b) The Minister of Public Infrastructure, Industries, and Commerce; c) The Chief of Staff, Office of the President; d) Two members appointed by the President; e) Two members of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates; f) Two members of the Senate, appointed by the President of the Senate; g) One member of the Council of Chiefs, appointed by the Rubekul Belau; h) One member of the Association of Governors, appointed by the Chairman; i) The Governor of Koror State, or his designee; j) The Speaker of the Koror State Legislator, or his designee; and k) One member appointed by the Chamber of Commerce. The Task Force may organize working groups or subcommittees on specific topics, as applicable. Governmental Task Force members may involve their respective staffs as appropriate. Term: The Task Force shall convene, at the call of the Chairperson, within fifteen (15) days of the signing of this order. The Task Force shall remain in effect, and shall continue to hold regular meetings, until disbanded by the President. Meetings: Meetings shall be held regularly, upon the call of the Chairperson. Records of meetings, activities, and operations of the Task Force shall be held at the Office of the Secretariat, or at another place as deemed appropriate by the Chairperson. Responsibilities: The Task Force shall be responsible for: a) Investigating issues surrounding the recent return of public lands, including particularly those that have resulted in the displacement of Palauan families; b) Reaching out to affected members of the community; c) Developing a comprehensive report on issues surrounding this return of public lands, to include particularly any hardships created thereby; and d) Submitting written recommendations regarding appropriate courses of action to consider to the President of the Republic of Palau, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Delegates. Cooperation of Executive Branch Agencies: The Task Force shall receive the full cooperation of all appropriate Executive Branch agencies, including particularly the Palau National Development Bank and the Palau Housing Authority, and is encouraged to call upon said agencies for any assistance they may reasonably provide. Initial Report: An initial set of written recommendations shall be provided to the President of the Republic of Palau, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Delegates within sixty (60) days of the signing of this order. , !,Pi1WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal this ~day of April, 2018, in the Republic of Palau. 3