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PUTC to hold public hearing
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Posted on Aug 30 2000
The House Committee on Public Utilities, Transportation and Communications will conduct a public hearing on a bill that will regulate commercial tour boat traffic within Saipan’s western lagoon.
Scheduled for Sept. 5 at 1:30 p.m. in the House chamber, the town meeting will gather views and recommendations from government agencies as well as business representatives, including tour operators.
HB 12-250, sponsored by Rep. Bobby T. Guerrero, seeks to regulate operations of tour boats within the lagoon as part of the efforts to enhance implementation of the Managaha Marine conservation program in the area.
At presents, vessels are allowed to take on paying passengers at various points of embarkation, such as at Echo Dock, the Sea Plane Ramps at Lower Base and Outer Cove Marina.
“Lagoon traffic and safety would be greatly enhanced by designating exclusive points of embarkation from which such vessels would be allowed to moor and take on passengers,” the bill stated.
If it becomes law, the legislation will restrict point of embarkation at Smiling Cove and Outer Cove Marina. Any violation of this restriction will be an act of misdemeanor with a fine of up to $500 and/or 30-day jail sentence.
The measure has already drawn support by some members of the House, and the public hearing will determine whether it has the backing of the community at large.
