‘Shooting resort’ bill heads to Teno

Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio faces a tough decision whether to approve legislation easing gun laws in the CNMI in an effort to lure Korean investors who have proposed to build so-called “shooting resorts” here.

The House of Representatives yesterday accepted Senate amendment to HB 12-212, tossing the controversial bill to the governor’s office for signing into law.

But 15 members who were present during a special session split their votes, with seven approving the amendments while four voted no and four others abstained.

Those who were against were Representatives Heinz S. Hofschneider, Diego T. Benavente, Thomas B. Pangelinan and Stanley T. Torres. Abstaining were Reps. Brigida DLG. Ichihara. Malua T. Peter, Dino M. Jones and William S. Torres.

If it gets rejected by the governor, the CNMI stands to lose at least $50 million in investments from two Korean-owned companies that have expressed interest to build on the three islands the resorts specializing on shooting sports.

URS Corporation, one of the investors, earlier has given the island government until the end of December to act on the measure before it brings the proposed resort development elsewhere.

House Floor Leader Oscar M. Babauta, main sponsor of the bill, expressed hopes the governor would sign it to boost the tourism industry and help revive the local economy after years of stagnant growth.

“This will be a good economic policy for the CNMI, so I am hoping it will become a reality,” he said as he assured those who are opposed to the proposal that safety concerns are paramount in establishing these facilities.

HB 12-212 has come under a barrage of criticisms as opponents fear it could lead to proliferation of hand guns and other high-powered firearms that are banned under the Weapons Control Act.

The Senate, in addressing these concerns, inserted provisions to restrict use of these weapons within the premises of the resorts, including proposed establishment of police substation to account for them.

But the governor told visiting students last week that he wants to see less guns on the islands in response to their questions whether he approves the proposal.

Meanwhile, the House approved other measures in yesterday’s session, including the Alcohol Beverage Control Act and the Rota Agricultural Homestead Act.