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Gov’t representatives’ poor attendance draws ire of House PUTC chair
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Posted on Sep 08 2000
The chair of the House Committee on Public Utilities, Transportation and Communications yesterday hit some government officials for their failure to attend a recent public hearing he called on a crucial legislative proposal.
Rep. Rosiky F. Camacho expressed disappointment that they did not even notify the committee of their absence during the hearing conducted on Wednesday with boat owners and tour operators to tackle HB 12-250.
The high-profile measure is seeking to restrict use of docking facilities on Saipan for tour boats and commercial passenger ships, other than Smiling Cove and Outer Cove Marina, in a move to regulate traffic in the lagoon.
During the recent hearing, House Speaker Benigno R. Fitial lamented that there were no other government officials to respond to his questions regarding use of existing docks as well as operation of the controversial Outer Cove.
It was only Marianas Visitors Authority Executive Director Perry Tenorio who attended the afternoon hearing. The committee apparently was told that many of the invited officials had gone home after government offices closed in anticipation of the typhoon.
Despite the inclement weather, nearly 30 boat owners, tour operators and their supporters packed the House chamber for the scheduled hearing which was a continuation of Tuesday’s gathering.
Mr. Camacho has called for another hearing next week with the presence of government officials to discuss their views on HB 12-250 as well as to respond to the committee’s questions.
Last Tuesday, Mr. Tenorio, Commonwealth Ports Authority Executive Director Carlos H. Salas and representatives from the Department of Lands and Natural Resources submitted their testimonies opposing the legislation.
The committee wants officials from CPA, DLNR, the Division of Public Lands and Coastal Resources Management to appear in next week’s hearing.
