CPA board approves permit for Skywalker’s billboards in airport

The Commonwealth Ports Authority board of directors has approved a permit for Skywalker Communications Group to build billboards within its property.

According to CPA executive director MaryAnn Lizama, Skywalker’s request is to erect two advertising billboards in two areas outside of the airport.

These areas have been identified as the parking area entry and exit and the international terminal exit.

The size of the billboards was also determined.

“Specific dimensions have been pinned down because there are height restrictions and if they exceed or get too close to the height restrictions, they have to go through a study and a permit through the Federal Aviation Administration,” Lizama said.

Lizama reported to the board that Skywalker will be responsible for the erecting of billboards and that they will be responsible for their maintenance.

“They will be responsible should we have any typhoons and Mother Nature issues, they will be responsible for taking them down,” Lizama said.

Although the billboards are said to be not to be made of “two by fours and plain materials,” the final type of billboard is still yet to be finalized.

During the discussion at the board meeting last Wednesday, CPA director Kimberly King-Hinds raised her concern on whether or not it will be part of their master concession as well as the type of content that will be advertised in the billboards.

“While I know that this type of activity will generate revenue for CPA, I’m concerned that if we don’t have a specific policy or guideline in place with regards to these types of activities on CPA property, it leads to room for inconsistencies,” Hinds said, “What is it exactly that we as a board should be comfortable with in terms of advertisement? Do we just allow any type of advertisement? Do we just select specific type of advertisement?”

“We need to have a policy with regards to the types of advertisement,” she added.

Lizama assured that the content will be controlled by CPA.

According to Lizama, content restrictions on the billboards can be incorporated in to the agreement.

“They will not proceed with the posting of any type of advertisement without our go-ahead as what is occurring right now with the terminal advertisement,” Lizama said.

Lizama noted that Skywalker’s main interest is promoting events and the hotel and tourism industry.

It was also said at the meeting that that there will be no inappropriate and offensive ads as well as political ads.

Skywalker’s request has been in the works for about 10 months prior to the approval last Wednesday.