Saipan Tribune

Saturday, January 17, 2009

FLASHBACK January 17, 2000-2002

January 17, 2000

Businesmen oppose new water testings

Businesses are up in arms against the planned chemical monitoring of all public water systems because of the huge cost it entails especially at this time when profits are down due to economic slowdown. Establishments in the CNMI may have to pay a minimum of $10,000 for each wellhead covering the three-year period (1999-2001) as part of the monitoring requirements of the Safe Drinking Water program put in place by the Division of Environmental Quality. The cost of analysis for one set of samples is approximately $2,700. But the baseline monitoring requirements are for four consecutive quarters. In a bid to stop DEQ from conducting such tests, businesses said they will form a coalition and collectively question before the court the legality of holding such chemical monitoring. "If they do not listen to our concern, we will file a lawsuit," said Man-Soo Song, president of Western Pacific Ent., Inc., whose company operates several commercial spaces for rent in Garapan.

US lawmaker vows to help NMI vs takeover

A visiting U.S. congressman has pledged his commitment to support efforts by the CNMI government to stave off federal takeover of local immigration, minimum wage and custom standards as he hailed "improved working conditions" on the island. Rep. George Radanovich (R-California), a member of the U.S. House Resources Committee and chairman of the Western Caucus, said the attempt to strip Commonwealth powers over these functions is a result of the fact that issues on the island have been caught up in the larger issue of labor movement in the mainland. This is "unfortunate", he said, but added the CNMI must ensure that reforms implemented in the past two years by the government continue to benefit the islanders.

January 17, 2001

Housing project faces further delay

The Koblerville housing project faces further delay after the Senate insisted on amending a $2.4 million House appropriation to install sewer, power and water as well as road infrastructure to complete the infrastructure project. Northern Marianas Housing Corporation Executive Director Marylou S. Ada lobbied strongly in the leadership meeting to the Senators for them to immediately act on the measure so that the contractors can begin work on the expansion project. In a 6-1 vote, the Senate passed HB 12-301 but inserted a provision which commits $1 million in interest expected to be earned from the $60 million bond flotation of the Commonwealth Development Authority will be divided equally to fund Capital Improvement Projects on Rota and Tinian.

$3.4M loan for Kobler project okayed

The Northern Marianas Housing Corporation yesterday disclosed it will seal a $3.5 million loan agreement with the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank, which will be used as additional funding for the Koblerville expansion project on Saipan. The approved loan will be was closed today at the Commonwealth Development Authority. The loan funds would serve as interim financing for the 45 unit residential housing subdivision located at the southern part of Saipan. The housing project, which has 2-, 3- and 4- bedroom units, including three that are designed for people with disabilities, is anticipated to be completed in April 2001.

January 17, 2002

Prospects bright for Saipan casino

Despite a Constitutional ban on gambling, it will not be necessary to amend the CNMI Constitution to allow the establishment of a casino on Saipan since the language of the charter itself allows for exemptions. Senate legal counsel Tony Cabrera pointed this out, in reaction to a recent report about a consortium of American, Japanese and Korean investors who are eyeing Saipan as a possible location for a proposed casino. “Although Article XXI of the CNMI Constitution expressly prohibits gambling, Section 1 stipulates that an exception may be made as long as it is provided by Commonwealth law or established through initiative in the Commonwealth or in any senatorial district,” Cabrera said.

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