‘Shooting resort’ plan worries Teno

In his first public statement on the issue, Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio expressed fear over proposal pending in the Legislature that will seek to establish so-called “shooting resorts” in the Northern Marianas.

“I want to see less guns on the islands,” he said in a brief response to a question from local and Japanese high school students who sought an audience at the Governor’s Office yesterday.

But the local chief executive said he would leave it up to the lawmakers to address the divisive issue whether to lift a ban on high-powered guns in the CNMI to accommodate the needs of these proposed resorts.

Prospective investors, mostly Korean tying up with their local representatives, have been lobbying the Senate to pass the legislation which is designed to allow entry of these weapons strictly for use in shooting ranges built within the resorts.

HB 12-212 has been at the heart of the debate between pro and anti-guns since the House of Representatives passed it last August in a split vote following concerns by some members on public safety.

Offered by House Floor Leader Oscar M. Babauta, the measure will amend the Weapons Control Act to permit patrons and guests of these resorts to carry within their premises handguns, shotguns and rifles as well as ammunition with caliber of 22, 32, 38, 45, 9 mm, 12 gauge, 410 gauge and 5.56 mm.

Mr. Tenorio is concerned of its impact on public safety, even noting the hotel industry has also expressed opposition on the plan by the Legislature.

Early this month, the Marianas Visitors Authority official indicated its opposition to the measure, saying it would only destroy the image of the islands as safe destination for tourists.

In a bid to allay fears, proponents have explained the guns would only be used in the resorts and carrying of these firearms would comply with international regulations ensuring safety use.

They also maintained such action is primarily intended to attract foreign investors and help spur economic growth, citing declining tourist arrivals and almost zero investments in recent years.

Investors have pledged to pump in more than $25 million to the projects once the CNMI government gives them a go-signal to build the resorts on Saipan, Tinian and Rota.

Opponents, however, have argued that while they support the business agenda of the bill, they cannot compromise safety of the community to allow proliferation of deadly weapons in the Commonwealth.

The Senate Committee on Resources, Economic Development and Programs held a series of public hearings on the bill in October, but it has yet to come up with its report whether to endorse the proposal. (Benhur C. Saladores)