Overview:
Peleliu’s historic Camp Beck and surrounding lands have been sold by the Peleliu State Public Land Authority to the national government for $11.8 million, with documents showing the site will be made available to the U.S. military for indefinite use. The sale, which includes over 182,000 square meters of land, has raised concerns among residents about the lack of transparency and long-term control over the area.
By: L.N. Reklai
KOROR, Palau — The Peleliu State Public Land Authority (PSPLA) has sold Kambek, also known as Camp Beck, and other surrounding lands to the national government for eventual use by the United States military, according to a copy of a conveyance agreement obtained by this publication.
The agreement, which includes 12 lots totaling 182,181 square meters, was reportedly finalized for a one-time payment of $11.8 million (USD 11,841,165). Two of the lots encompass the entire Camp Beck area, an iconic seaport in Peleliu.
The 15th Peleliu State Legislature approved the transaction in September through Resolution No. 15-06-25. During an oversight hearing held Oct. 1, Legislator James Beluong, chairman of the Judicial & Governmental Affairs Committee, questioned PSPLA Chairman Dominic Rekemesik about the deal. Rekemesik confirmed the PSPLA Board had approved the conveyance agreement, though no signed copies were presented at the hearing.
According to the document, “the Republic of Palau has approached the Grantor and requested to obtain title to the Property in order to make the Property available to the USA indefinitely.” It adds that the site will serve as a defense area with both civilian and military functions.
Public awareness of the sale appears limited. One Peleliu resident, who asked not to be named, said, “Most people don’t know what has just happened. During the public hearings for the environmental impact statement on Camp Beck improvements, people were never told that the national government now owned Camp Beck and that it would be turned over to the United States indefinitely.”
The agreement describes the planned “mixed-use facility” designation but provides no assurance that civilian access will remain in the long term. Once conveyed, the land will no longer belong to Peleliu State.
Some residents have expressed concern about the sale and questioned why the state opted for a one-time payment rather than a lease arrangement. “Why do we have to sell our land, our iconic landmark, to the national government? Can’t Peleliu retain ownership and lease it?” Another resident said. “Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands hosts a U.S. Military base but remains owned by the original landowners, and the U.S. Government negotiates a rental agreement with them that is periodically reviewed. Why do we give away such valuable land for a one-time payment?”