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HPO rejects zipline project in Marpi
The CNMI Historic Preservation review board voted down a zipline venture in Marpi west of Suicide Cliff over concerns of disturbing the “integrity” of the national landmark. This despite approving an Honest Profit project in another landmark minutes before.
HPO found that the project “does not fit within the character or integrity” of the national historical landmark in Marpi. They recommended the project not proceed forward.
Board member Don Farrell motioned for a vote that accepted HPO’s findings to not move forward with the proposed zipline project.
After five votes, three were in favor following the HPO finding, and two voted against.
The room held its breath as HPO historian Ray Muña paused over the final vote, then said it read “no.”
The votes were cast in secret.
After the tie, Farrell motioned for a re-vote, clarifying that a “no” means that the project goes forward and that a “yes” means it doesn’t.
Farrell said the project could bring some good attention to the historical area, adding that its commercial interest would be beneficial to the CNMI.
The board voted again. This time in favor of HPO findings. Four members voted “yes” and two “no.”
Before rejecting Saipan Adventure Tour’s application, the board had voted in favor of trenching work in Honest Profit International’s site in San Antonio.
This site, according to Dr. Hiro Korishino, was part of the three national historic landmarks that the CNMI was “very fortunate” to have.
They are As Lito/Isley Field, Saipan “landing beaches, and Marpi Point. The hotel’s location is on a landing beach area.
During discussion, Korishino urged Honest Profit consultants present to take into account the maintenance of the site.
One of them, former senator Pete Reyes, said that Honest Profit will make sure the site is maintained, noting it was a “plus-plus” because the area could be “an attraction to clients” from the hotel.
The board voted unanimously for the hotel project.
