MVA joins opposition to HB 12-250

Saying it will entail additional cost and inconvenience to tourists, the Marianas Visitors Authority has cautioned the House Committee on Public Utilities Transportation and Communication against passing a proposed legislation that will regulate commercial boat traffic within Saipan’s western lagoon.

The biggest impact of HB 12-250 is on the operation of local entrepreneurs who benefit greatly from convenient and immediate service to the visitors on the beach fronts of the hotels, according to MVA Managing Director Perry John Tenorio.

In a letter to Rep. Rosiky Camacho, chair of the committee, MVA believes that the proposed measure is not in the best interest of the tourism industry.

“To insist that these marine operators embark their passengers at the Smiling Cove or the Outer Cove Marina would result in an additional expense to their operations that they may not be able to shoulder at this time––costs in terms of collecting their clients, shuttling them to the Smiling Cove or Outer Cove, assessing departure tax, just to mention a few. In addition, for our visitors that opt to utilize the beach vendors’ services, this legislation will result in additional cost, time and inconvenience,” he said.

MVA emphasized that requiring commercial boat operators to embark only at the Smiling Cove Marina or the Outer Cove Marina would be forcing them to use the Outer Cove Marina only.

The Smiling Cove is restricted for personal use vessels only and restricts commercial boat operators from embarking paying passengers.
Many boat operators have expressed concern on the safety and cost issues on the Outer Cove Marina claiming that it poses danger to the tourists.

The bill covering operator of all commercial water vessels can also be interpreted to include the operations of jetskis which would further congest the Outer Cove Marina and pose a more dangerous situation for visitors.

“Now, we are requiring inexperienced jetski operators to navigate our ocean channels, alongside larger vessels, en route to their designated jetski course,” Mr. Tenorio said.

Since the bill is very specific that embarkment of paying customers is limited only to the Smiling Cove Marina or the Outer Cove Marina, this will affect visitors to the Managaha Island who will ultimately be restricted from embarking from the Managaha pier which is within three miles of the island of Saipan.

If the Legislature is concerned with the safety of the visitors, MVA recommended to wait for the results of the oversight hearing by the Senate before passing the proposed legislation.