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Littering continues to be a headache for CNMI
Littering continues to be a problem in the CNMI despite the existence of a law that prohibits it.
Littering continues to be a problem in the CNMI despite the existence of a law that prohibits it.
(Joel D. Pinaroc)
The number of apprehensions is also insignificant, despite penalties including stiff fines and hours of community service.
According to Rep. Angel Demapan (R-Saipan), the average number of apprehensions and citations since 1997 is a mere six, despite numerous agencies all having an active participation in the enforcement of the law.
Government data shows that, excluding occasional spikes in the issuance of citations, which occurred in 1998 (nine citations), 2004 (20 citations), 2006 (10 citations), and 2007 (23 citations), the average number of citations issued annually since 1997 has dropped significantly.
There are currently seven agencies—Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality, Saipan Mayor’s Office, and the departments of Public Safety, Commerce, Public Health, Public Works, and Lands and Natural Resources—involved in enforcing the anti-littering law and some 75 apprehending officers trained over the years.
The Commonwealth Litter Control Act of 1989 may have to be amended to make it more effective, the lawmaker said.
“Currently, the minimum fine for violations of the Litter Control Act is $200, plus the possibility of community service not to exceed eight hours for each offense, and the court has no authority to suspend the fines,” Demapan said.
“The unintended consequence of these penalty provisions is that Litter Control Officers are often reluctant to issue citations, preferring instead to educate violators and issue warnings, and prosecuting attorneys are often reluctant to pursue community service orders in addition to the considerable fine that the defendant would have to pay,” the lawmaker said.
Demapan’s proposed House Bill 19-20 seeks to change some key elements in the Litter Control Act.
“The proposed amendments seeks to encourage enforcement of the Litter Control Act by setting a fine range of a minimum of $25 to not more than $5,000 for littering, providing reasonable flexibility to impose community service in addition to, or in lieu of, monetary fines,” he said.
