HANMI bats for cleaner isles

The Hotel Association is calling on the government to raise environmental awareness levels to ensure that protection of the natural resources and promotion of tourism go hand in hand.

“Tourism is not only about getting people to come over to our islands. It is also about ensuring that our visitors are provided a clean and safe environment,” HANMI President Ronald D. Sablan said.

The hotel industry leader is taking government agencies to task in light of concerns raised by some members of the community about potential health hazards in areas that may be frequented by tourists.

He stressed the importance of maintaining cleanliness and a safe environment if the NMI is to be promoted as a tropical tourist destination.

Mr. Sablan, for instance, noted that there are some portions in Garapan that are “dirty and foul-smelling, with large pieces of debris flowing through storm drains,” thereby causing drainage problems in Saipan’s main tourist district.

He also cited the occasional marine water warnings issued by the Division of Environmental Quality which often signify the presence of fecal coliform in some of the island’s beaches.

“They should look into the drainage filter system, figure out how to prevent human and animal feces from contaminating our marine waters,” said Mr. Sablan.

One possible solution he mentioned was a storm drainage progressive filtering system to minimize direct outflow to the beaches.

HANMI also suggested that capital improvement project funding for the island-wide sewer system be prioritized to minimize damage to ground aquifers from chemicals, raw sewage and other contaminants.

He said concerned government agencies and the community in general should work together towards minimizing any adverse impacts to the environment not only for the benefit of tourists but the residents as well.

He encouraged the Department of Public Health’s Sanitation Service to play a more active role in the effort by doing inspections more often and by demanding higher standards of cleanliness in the village level to keep the islands beautiful.

Mr. Sablan also suggested that a general island cleanup be regularly held, with all sectors of society participating, to include a project led by the Marianas Visitors Authority aimed at establishing a monthly beautification competition from village to village.

“If we consider ourselves as a tourist destination and want to stay competitive in industry, then everyone should chip in and understand that tourism works for us. Not only government and the tourism industry should join in, but the entire community,” said the HANMI president.

Mr. Sablan said public education on the value and benefits of tourism and the need for a clean environment should be ongoing. All business establishments must also constantly be in their best aesthetic appearance and must respect local laws.

“Staff from the Mayor’s Office, Public Works, Parks & Recreation and MVA must emphasize on landscape and beautification projects and take pride in their jobs. Of course, cleanliness must be enforced strongly with stiff penalties against offenders,” said Mr. Sablan.

He likewise urged the planting of trees and tropical flowers to maintain the greenery of the islands.