Binaw

Binaw (also spelled Binaaw, Binaew, Binau) is a village in Dalipebinaw municipality on Yap, in Yap State, Federated States of Micronesia. It is located on the island of Marbaa'.

Overview

Binaw is classified as a Caste III, Class 7 village (III–7) within the Yapese system of ranked villages associated with Tabinaw.

Its polling place is Gachpar.

Geography

Binaw lies at approximately 9.568016 N latitude and 138.175887 E longitude. It is located within Dalipebinaw municipality on Marbaa'.

Variants and Naming

The village appears in variant forms including: Binaaw, Binaew, Binau.

The municipality name also appears in variant forms, including: Dalibepinau, Dalipebinau.

Demography

In 1966, Binaw was recorded with a population of approximately 11 persons and a land area of approximately 17.46 acres.

Land Tenure

During the TTPI Period (1947-1979), Land Commission determinations identify multiple parcels associated with Binaw, including areas referred to as Gibinaw. Ownership was recorded at the level of individuals, lineages, and clans.

Named holders associated with Binaw land included:

Vincent Pulwog
Raphael Figirag
Carlos Walag
Judas Gilmoon
Rufino Xavier
Simeon Noway
Andrew Gilinug
Peter Bay
John Mangefel

The land area is subdivided into multiple parcels and named locations, including: Fityew, Mal’, Gaangek, Lenem’uw, Tabruy

Cultural Practices

Binaw is documented as participating in wolbuw reciprocal ceremonial exchange with Tenfar, including the exchange of goods and songs.

Individuals from Binaw also engaged in the cultivation and processing of turmeric (reng).

Resource Use and Extraction

During the TTPI Period (1947-1979), land and property records document quarry operations in the Dalipebinaw area. Lease agreements provided for the removal of rock, with compensation made to named individuals. Earlier agreements included payment based on volume extracted and terms governing use and termination.

ETG Proposal and Land Concerns (2011–2013)

In 2011–2012, Binaw was included in areas identified for proposed tourism development under the ETG Proposal for Yap.

Local materials referenced Binaw land in discussions of proposed leasing and development and raised concerns regarding land ownership and land use.

Guidance issued to landholders stated that lease agreements should be negotiated by landholders and that development should not proceed prior to approval of a master plan.

Infrastructure and Land Use (Contemporary)

In 2025, Dalipebinaw municipality was included in environmental review processes associated with planned airport, seaport, and road infrastructure projects proposed by the United States Department of Defense.