Kwajalein Atoll: The Legacy of Faith and Hope

By Jim Philippo

Long before the advent of what became known as The Project, Iroijlaplap Imata Jabro Kabua and I discussed this matter and got our minds together to work the details to this writing. It is indeed a great honor and privilege to have worked alongside a man whom I have not only come to admire and respect but also consider as my Iroijlaplap (paramount king) and a man of the people who deserves to be called a king unto his people.
Throughout all my interactions and travels with Iroijlaplap Jabro, I have seen this man as one who affects the outcome of destiny through his interaction with many of his people or with just about anyone. He could be reserved if he chooses to be, and he could be so direct in his conversation that at certain times, one could see the blush on his or her face. In his dealing with people, he could be your best friend and your worst enemy. Iroijlaplap Jabro likes telling it this way, I dont write things down, but I keep everything up here, pointing his fingers at his head. Intelligent and witty in his own ways and sharp as a razor blade, in dealing with him you know you are in the presence of a man who has had his walks around the block and walks the walk and talks the talk. Most of all, he is fair in his dealings with people. He is the kindly king, who goes out of his way to those who are in need of his services. He has been known to say, I am only good as a servant to my people.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Dec 5, 2016
• ISBN: 9781499062557

Jim Philippo

Jim Philippo was born in the Marshall Islands on Imoroj in Jaluit Atoll. He graduated from National University in San Diego, CA, with a B.B.A. in Banking and Finance. He resides in the Marshall Islands in Ajeltake, Majouro Atoll. This is his first book to be published. He currently holds the post of Assistant Commissioner of Police in the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

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Copyright © 2015 by Jim Philippo.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2014914583

ISBN:      Hardcover      978-1-4990-6254-0

                Softcover        978-1-4990-6253-3

                eBook             978-1-4990-6255-7

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Rev. date: 12/05/2015

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CONTENTS

Acknowledgments

Prologue

Chapter 1: In the Beginning

Chapter 2: Overview and Synopsis of the First Land Use

Agreement for Kwajalein Atoll

Chapter 3: A Brief Historical Chronology: Marshall Islands

Political Evolvement

Chapter 4: The Congress of Micronesia (COM): Politics, Motivations, and Influence

Chapter 5: Kwajalein Island: My Kind of Town

Chapter 6: The LUA and MUORA: The De Facto Format

of the Negotiating Agreement for the Compensation of

Kwajalein Atoll for US Military Use

Chapter 7: The Dissolution of the US Trust Territory

of the Pacific Islands: Causes and Effects

Photo: 1) Iroijlaplap Imata and wife Lejela Hiromi (2) Child Imata with mom Lejla Laan on En-maat Island, Kwaj (3) Kabua Laplap (The Great) (4) Iroijlaplap Jeimata Kabua and Lejla Jejbujen, grandparents of Imata (5) Iroij Manene (Imata’s father), Iroij Lojelan (uncle), and Iroij Kabua II (uncle) (6) Iroij Imata (relaxing) (7) The main road becomes the playground for children of Ebeye (8) Ghetto’s of the Pacific home to many of the Ebeye citizens (9) Standard pic of homes considered as luxury homes for Ebeye citizens (10) Homes using bricks to hold down the roofs (11) The kind of homes you’ll see throughout Ebeye (12) Imata with his prized catch of Day in Largest Lagoon in the World (13) Imata’s yacht anchoring on Kwajalein Dock (14) Imata on one his business venture vessels heading on a trip to Kwajalein Atoll from Majuro Atoll (15) Summer retreat residence on Gujiku Island in Kwajalein Atoll (16) His residence estate home on Majuro Atoll (17) Missile testing on Kwajalein (18) Beautiful homes on Kwajalein Island in contrast to the housing on Ebeye Island (19) Aerial view of Kwajalein Island where the US Military Missile Testing site is located (20) Apartment Housing with beautiful lawns displaying the disparity between housing on Kwajalein and Ebeye Island (21) Single housing on Kwajalein Island with large and spacious yard (22) More apartment complex housing on Kwajalein Island (23) Spacious Parks that is a display of luxury (24) Emon Beach on Kwajalein Island where Imata landed on his 2nd Protest (25) Luxurious Swimming Pool for Personnel on Kwajalein (26) The Famed Chapel where the 99 year leased was signed making the first written agreement for Land Use on Kwajalein (27) Interior of the Chapel where the infamous 99-year leased agreement was signed (28) The actual signing of the 99 year lease agreement with Distad Peter T. Coleman, Iroij Kabua Kabua II, Iroij Lojelan Kabua, US Naval Officer Shoecraft, and Senator-Iroij Amata Kabua (29) Attorney David Lowe who have remained Imata’s attorney since US Trust Territory days (30) Wound that Imata sustained while being clubbed by Military Police during the Kwajalein Protest (31) Jail House were Imata was incarnated with several of his followers (32) President-Iroij Imata Kabua In Washington DC with US Officials and RMI Delegates (33) Also pictured in Washington DC with US Officials and RMI Delegates (34) Pres. Imata with RMI United Nation Ambassador Carl Heine, Minister of Education Tom Kijiner and a Diplomat guest at the RMI Mission in New York (35) Two Former Presidents of RMI having a conversation with Speaker of Parliament Donald Capelle (36) Iroij Imata enjoying one his rare free time over a chess game with one his Alab Jamar of Kwajalein

Chapter 8: His Excellency Iroijlaplap Imata Jabro Kabua

Chapter 9: A New Movement on Kwajalein Atoll: Protest

and Demonstration Lead by Kwajalein Senator-Iroij

Imata Kabua for Justice

Chapter 10: The Formation of the Kwajalein Atoll Corporation and 10/10 Group

Chapter 11: The Dissolution of KAC

(Kwajalein Atoll Corporation)

Chapter 12: The Rise to Become a Senatorial Voice

in the Nitijela (Parliament): A Congressional

Senate Seat To Be Occupied

Chapter 13: A Man of His Time: Being President of

the Republic of the Marshall Islands

Chapter 14: My Life: A Journey of Plentiful Experiences

Chapter 15: The Iroijlaplap Imata Kabua’s Lasting

Legacy of Hope and Faith

Chapter 16: A New LUA Is Signed

Chapter 17: A Mutual Agreement at Last: The MUORA

of 2016 Is History and 2086 Is the March toward

the Future—a Compact II as Amended and Ratified

Epilogue

Glossary of Names and Status

Nuclear Test Sites

This writing is

dedicated to Lejla Hiromi Kabua

and to all the displaced native citizens of Kwajalein Atoll,

in their quest for their legacy of faith and hope for the future

Also

To the People of Bikini, Enewatak, Rongelap and Utrik Atoll in the Marshall Islands whose lives were affected by nuclear radiation fallout from the nuclear bomb tests in the Marshall Islands. Part of your historical journey is being told in the pages of this manuscript

Acknowledgments

Long before the advent of what became known as The Project, Iroijlaplap Imata Jabro Kabua and I discussed this matter and got our minds together to work the details to this writing. It is indeed a great honor and privilege to have worked alongside a man whom I have not only come to admire and respect but also consider as my Iroijlaplap (paramount king) and a man of the people who deserves to be called a king unto his people.

Throughout all my interactions and travels with Iroijlaplap Jabro, I have seen this man as one who affects the outcome of destiny through his interaction with many of his people or with just about anyone. He could be reserved if he chooses to be, and he could be so direct in his conversation that at certain times, one could see the blush on his or her face. In his dealing with people, he could be your best friend and your worst enemy. Iroijlaplap Jabro likes telling it this way, I don’t write things down, but I keep everything up here, pointing his fingers at his head. Intelligent and witty in his own ways and sharp as a razor blade, in dealing with him you know you are in the presence of a man who has had his walks around the block and walks the walk and talks the talk. Most of all, he is fair in his dealings with people. He is the kindly king, who goes out of his way to those who are in need of his services. He has been known to say, I am only good as a servant to my people.

I would like to convey my appreciation to all those who shared bits of information here and there to build the bulk of this writing. To the RMI leaders and political bastions, Kwajalein Senator Tony deBrum, Ailinglaplap Senator Iroij Christopher Loeak, General Consul to Israel and businessman Charles Domnick, former minister Tom Kijiner, UN Ambassador Phillip Muller, Kwajalein Senator Jeban Riklon, Senator Fred Muller, Mejit Senator Dennis Momotaro, savvy businessman and RRE CEO Ramsey Reimers, and political economist and author Ben Graham, and to those whom I have talked with over a lot of kava and cups of coffee, I am deeply grateful. Of course, a special note of mention goes to physician Dr. Wilfred Alik, who has shown his professionalism not only as a doctor on demand but as a fellow human who, in the hour of need where pains become so unbearable, was there to aid and help the Iroijlaplap ease those pains. I truly appreciate your input on the many times spent with the Iroijlaplap and the sharing of your personal knowledge of the Iroijlaplap to help in this writing and the dedicated professionalism you have shown at all times in your line of duty when in attendance with the Iroijlaplap. Thank you, Dr. Wilfred Alik. I would like to give special mention to Pacific Island Olympiad champion and gold medalist Waylon Muller, who not only entertained me at his beautiful home but added much of his knowledge and support to this writing, and to NTA CEO Tony Muller and V7AB radio director Antari Elbon. Also, I extend my sincere appreciation to Kwajalein political legend former senator Ataji Balos for spending twenty minutes standing outside in front of Triple J grocery store in Ebeye with heavy grocery bags hanging on both hands to chitchat with me and share information. I give my salute and appreciation to Kwajalein Alab Jesse Riketa, Alab Melang Zebty. To Mr. Lanninmij Alik, I am especially grateful to you for sharing your perspective on historical knowledge and customary traditions. My deep appreciation for the mayor of Wotho, Melvin Majmeto, for his contribution in providing information that reflects his personal knowledge of the Iroijlaplap and for the use of his laptop from time to time in working on the draft of this writing. I am indebted to Mili former senator Alee Alik for his shared knowledge of the intricate mechanism that initiated the formation of the Republic of the Marshall Islands from its early start to the establishment of the national constitution. To Attorney David Lowe, my extended appreciation for the shared information that enlightened me on the legal side issues of many of the events related to the subjects of this writing as counselor of Iroijlaplap Imata Kabua.

To Nicholas Amram and Jaki Jacklick, thank you both for your dedicated and loyal services to Iroijlaplap Imata Kabua. I am truly fortunate to have spent many precious private moments with you both sharing tales of laughter of good and bad times with the Iroijlaplap, revealing the humanity of the king. To you, Fredley Dribbo, being the accountant of the Iroijlaplap, I can’t begin to count the many good things that I’ve come to learn through association with you in your loyal dedication and services to the Iroijlaplap. I know if anyone would be willing to step up to die in his place, you would be first in line. That was the spirit of attentiveness that I perceived in you in all your actions to Iroijlaplap Imata Kabua. To Kwajalein Alab Fredley Mawilon, it was indeed my privilege to have the opportunity to talk to you from time to time. Thank you for your constant instructive advice and wisdom in the ways of conduct and how to relate and work alongside Iroijlaplap Imata Kabua.

My special thanks to Mr. Paul Patrick who is one of the closest confidants of Iroijlaplap Imata Kabua. He is more than just a friend. In the Marshallese tradition, they call each other Jera. This is with respect and understanding of a relationship in the Marshallese vernacular as being more than just a friend and more than just a brother, but a soul mate. To you, Paul, thanks for the many nights of being the host at your and Aqua’s home. You spoke your mind with care and bravery for having to sometimes say things that most of the Iroijlaplalp’s acquaintances could not even venture to address the Iroijlaplap. You brought topics that were very interesting to the table of conversation to the many, including the Iroijlaplap, who came every night to your home in the two weeks we spent in the State of Hawaii in Honolulu. Thank you, thank you. To Mr. Tony Aiseia, there were many incidents that I encountered that put me up against the wall, and you were there to enlighten me with more information to start up my engine to write, adding considerable materials on the Iroijlaplap on many activities and information that took place that needed verification. You were there to fill in many of the missing gaps, and I couldn’t thank you enough.

To my daughter, Claudia Philippo, with your consistent support and contributions when I needed it most in everything, you were always there to provide. I extend my sincerest appreciation for helping me. I am indebted to every member of my family for all the assistance and for being there for Mom, Mrs. Neimon Philippo, when I could not be there for her. To my niece Donne Ishoda Jetnil, thank you for your constant support and for providing help on this project also.

Again, my special thanks to you Iroijlaplap Imata Kabua for the many wonderful moments in conversations that you spent with me in making this writing become a possibility, which set my path on an incredible journey with you. There were often times when we would just sit next to each other and be silent without a word passing between us. But the panoramic spirit of knowing that I was in the presence of Your Royal Highness instilled in me my subdued respect, and it was always that feeling I felt when in your presence. Above all, I would like to extend my sincerest appreciation to Lejla Hiromi Kabua for having the burden to take me into your confidence and taking your precious time so that progress was made in the process of getting our project done in a timely manner. I extend my many, many thanks to you Lejla Hiromi and to your children and family as well. I thank you with my utmost sincerity.

Mr. Bradford Harrison, I could not ever thank you enough. Your invaluable input working on this manuscript gave the same perspective in your editing and not changing one iota of style, tone, or spirit to any of my line in a sentence or paragraph. I am truly indebted to you. My gratitude would do injustice in a paragraph or two of how you took your time off from your hectic schedules to help shape and make this writing become a living reality. I will always owe my everlasting friendship to you and your family. Thank you, Brad.

Kwajalein Atoll, 2011

Dr. Nikhil Dave your immeasurable contribution to the content editing of this manuscript brought your reservoir of intelligence giving cohesiveness and clarity in many of the chapters in the book. I extend my appreciation to your wife Janet and two daughters, Veronica and Jennesa giving the time for you to work on this manuscript. I extended my deep appreciation to your family for the trust, care and friendship shown to Keiko and Andre Philippo. Your family kinship and kindness will forever leave a mark in my heart. You have been more than just a family to me and I shall always treasure that.

To all those others with whom I talked that gave support to this project but whose names I did not mention, thank you. I assure you that if there was an error or omission it is due none others but my own shortcomings.

Majuro Atoll, 2014

My special thanks to Ms. Gayle Baretta of Xlibris Publication, LLC who gave me encouragement to brave the ‘path of thorns’ of my inexperience as a writer to make this manuscript to be published. Also, to the countless professionals at the Xlibris Publishing Co who helped me and to Xlibris LLC for the publication of this book.

_________________________________________________

Prologue

Herein is the epic tale of Kwajalein Atoll situated in the mid-Pacific Ocean. This is the untold historical saga of the mass evacuation of native citizens to a stricken barren island in the late 1950’s. It is a tale narrated and told by Iroijlaplap Imata Kabua and his sources regarding the US Military Use and Operating Rights Agreements (MUORA) between the US Government and Republic of the Marshall Islands Government (RMI) and the Land Use Agreement (LUA) between the RMI and Kwajalein Landowners. It begins with the United States of America taking the islands after World War II and narrates through the years during which Kwajalein Atoll was selected as the ideal and perfectly located spot for a well-kept secret venue of US Military Operations. This atoll is the place where the US Military Defense was destined to build one of the most sophisticated and technical experimental and development Ballistic Missile research program site ever conducted which has been kept a highly top secret project.

This story will relate also just how the citizens of these islands were forced to evacuate from their homeland to inhospitable locations so the US Military could strategically use this atoll as an ideal missile target zone. It is a tale of the native people, who were evacuated in the interest of a US Military build-up without any due regard and concern for any future consequences that would befall these native citizens. This was all done in the interest of Peace for all mankind-that it may be achieved, as told to the local innocent natives by the US promoting officials. So here begins the drama of this work as related through interviews with Iroijlaplap Imata Jabro Kabua himself, many of his close colleagues, and subjects who took part in the protests and demonstrations that were held when he began his journey: leading and standing at the edge of adventure as an advocate in politics, taking the helm of the nation as the second President of the Republic and as the Paramount Iroijlaplap (King) of the largest land parcels on Kwajalein Atoll and the Atolls of the Kabin Meto, and certain Ralik Chain Islands in the Marshall Island archipelago.

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** The Iroijlaplap titleship is being addressed to the current reigning Paramount Iroij of the Kabin Meto due to the non-existence for two generations of a female siblings as it is the customary tradition to pass on the lineage for the claim of Iroijship (kingship) to their children, if not it will then shift to the paternal side of the family as it is the case of the Kabua namesake today for the Kabin Meto.

*** The name of the ‘joui’ or clan that Iroijlaplap Imata comes from is the ‘Makaulej’ clan which implies as top or the part of head and the highest and (holy) part of the body.

Explainations: The Origination Line branching off to the Kabua Laplap Family up to Iroij Imata’s family

1. Leroij Liwatoinmur: The inevitable matrilineal Leroij (Queen) for which all the Iroijship clans of the Ralik and Kabin Meto are descended from. In the Marshall Islands due to the inter-marriages of different Iroij and Leroij, there is cross line of close blood kinship relation of the different Iroij and Leroij of the Ralik Chain and of the Ratak Chain of Atolls.

2. Iroij Laninni: His mother was Leroij Litereo. He took Leroij Librak Leom (Lijabar) for wife, thereby begetting Litaklan, Lebon, Ledrake, Tobo and (Laukok) who is the father of Libokean who married Leroij Limojwa.

3. Iroij Kaibuke: Having both parents as Iroij and Leroij gave him title to Iroij bieo untainted royal blood. He was a powerful Ralik Iroij in his own right during his reign in the mid 1800’s, is also the uncle of Kabua Laplap I (The Great). His mother was Leroij Limojwa and father was iroij Birak Laukok.

4. Leroij Leom : Also known as Lijabar was daughter of Iroij Lailiju who was the brother of Leroij Litereo who was mother of Laninni who was cousin to Leom (Lijabar) whom he took her for his wife by Laninni. They were cousin to each other.

5. Iroij Laukok: was was married to Leroij Limojwa who begat brother and sister Kaibuke and Libokean, there are other bro and sister but to keep in line with lineage of the people involved in this book which the story is about.

6. Neimokua: First the wife of Iroij Kaibuke and was the daughter of Leroij Birak Litaklan whose father Iroij Laninni and mother Leroij Birak Leom (Lijabar) were also mother and father to Laukok who took to wife Limojwa (Leroij). Who were the parents of Kaibuke and Libokean. Kaibuke was sister to Libokean and Litaklan was their auntie. They were all related by blood connection. Neimokua was cousin to Kaikbuke who took her to his wife. After his Kaibuke’s death, Kabua Laplap his nephew took Neimokua to be his wife who begat Laelan who was the elder half brother of Jeimata whose mother was Liworin and one of Kabua Laplap other wives.

7. Libokean: Begat Iroij Kabua Laplap (The Great), Iroij Leit and Leroij Amina. (Not shown in the Family Chart)

8. Kabua (Lebon) Laplap I (The Great): Originator of the Kabua Iroijship namesake to the present day of which gives us the view of Imata Kabua’s relationship to this leading figure in our traditional history. After the death of his uncle Kaibuke, he took Kaibuke’s wife to be his wife and begat Laelan Kabua, half brother to Jeimata who Imata is descended from.

9. Liworin: One of the wives of Kabua Laplap, she is from the Kabin Meto, Wotho, Ujae, Lae Atolls belief to be from the Rantak Clan of the bwidrak and powerful families (of royal lineage and association from the Kabin Meto)

10. Laelan Kabua: The eldest son of Kauba Laplap and the grandson of Kabua Kabua II of fame Court case Kabua vs Kabua. Uncle to Imata Kabua who was the plaintiff in this led famous court case.

11. LiBatok: The only daughter by another (third wife) of Kabua Laplap who would have carried the line of Iroij ending the Kabua Iroij line namesake because of maternal lineage culture…she had no children to carry on the iroijship and the Iroijship went to the male side of the family namely her brothers children…Laelan and Jeimata.

12. Jeimata Kabua: Second son of Kabua Laplap who is the grandfather of Current Iroijlaplap Imata Kabua

13. Kabua Kabua II: The only son of Laelan Kabua having three older sisters who through customary tradition gave all rights of the Iroij to their youngest brother Kabua being the male in the family.

14. Jejbujen: Of Ebon Atoll was of a commoner rank and wife of Iroijlaplap Jeimata. She is from Ebon and grandmother of Iroijlaplap Imata.

15. Lojelan: Son of Jeimata Kabua and father of Joba and step-father to Amata. He is one of original signer of the 99 year-lease for Kwajalein Military Land Use Agreement on February 4, 1964. Uncle to Iroijlaplap Imata J. Kabua.

16. Mannene Kabua: Father of Iroijlaplap Imata Jabro Kabua who this book is written.

17. Leroij Tarilan of Majuro: Mannene’s first wife who was the mother of his eldest daughter, Leroij Kitlan, half sister to Iroij Imata Kabua. She had no children.

18. Laan: Wife of Mannene had six children, Anjabro, Imata, Mike and youngest daughter Seagull.

19. Amata Kabua: The 1st RMI President, Founder of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, his father was a prominent Businessman from Japan. Amata was raised by his adopted father Iroijlaplap Lojelan son of Jeimata Kabua. His mother was a Leroij of Majuro Atoll…He inherited both Iroijlaplap seat extending him tremendous power in his reign as the first leader of the Republic where the Headquarters and the Capitol of the Republic was situated.

20. Imata Kabua: Long time Senator of Kwajalein who became the 2nd President of the Republic after the passing away of his cousin President Amata Kabua his cousin, he is the current Iroijlaplap of the Jeimata Domain Kingdom and of which this book is written about.

21. Michael Kabua: He is currently Senator of Ebeye and is the reigning crown prince to be Iroijlaplap after his brother Imata Kabua. He is the fourth son of Mannene Kabua.

22. Seagull Kabua James: The youngest sibling and sister of Iroijlaplap Imata Kabua and the reigning crown princess of the Kabin Meto. Who will undoubtedly let her eldest son Killi to take the reigning of her title of Iroijship (traditional mandate) for the Kabin Meto and realms of Jeimata’s Domain.

23. Killi James Kabua: Eldest son of Leroij Seagull and the possible heir to the Iroijlaplap title of the Kabin Meto just as his uncle Iroijlaplap Imata and Iroij Micheal before him. Since Leroij Seagull is the last in line of their generation and being a woman as custom dictates, she would hand-over the title to her eldest son.

Chapter 1

In the Beginning

Like anything in life, there is always a beginning and an ending. Whether it will have an appealing outcome or leave a bitter taste at the aftermath is the salient question. Herein is the dramatic saga of the native citizens of Kwajalein Atoll and their unjust, forced removal from the security and peacefulness of their home island to an inhospitable smaller neighboring island by the US military, so that it could move in and build highly technological and sophisticated, classified, and covert ballistic missile research program sites in the interest of its national security. So begins the epoch of this most ambiguous, secured, and secretive takeover and possession of Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands by the United States Department of Defense. This revealing dramatic undertaking with behind-the-scene deals and no contract agreements has shaped and created a crucial turning point for many of the Iroij (kings) and Alab (landlords) of Kwajalein, as well as the current government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands: to reconsider negotiations regarding the Kwajalein military land use. The various stipulations, provisions, and approaches for many of the unsettling issues regarding land compensation in existing negotiated