User’s fee proposed for Grotto, Lao Lao Bay

Using the pitch that coral reefs are crucial to the CNMI economy, environmental agencies are proposing several means to raise funds that would go toward ensuring the health and survival of this tourist draw in the Commonwealth.

In a presentation at the House of Representatives yesterday morning, environmental consultant Peter van Beukering offered several alternatives to maintain and protect the coral reefs in the Commonwealth.

Among others, Beukering recommended charging user fees for the world-renowned diving spot, Grotto, and the beaches in Lao Lao Bay. He said the fees would give more value to these scenic places.

He clarified, though, that only tourists should be asked for the fees.

As for the Grotto, only those who would dive should pay for the user’s fees, he added.

The consultant, who is working with the Coastal Resources Management Office, compared the CNMI to Hawaii, saying that user fees here are underutilized. He said Hawaii imposes user fees on tourists and visitors in most of its beaches.

He said the current user fee rate for Managaha is a “bargain” because user fees in other countries are pegged at $25 per visitor. He said the fee should be higher than $5 for tourists.

Tourists should be informed, though, that the fees would be used to maintain these scenic spots and to improve its facilities, he stressed.

Beukering said 62,970 tourists visited Lao Lao Bay last year while 133,987 visitors went to the Grotto during the same period. Managaha Island reportedly welcomed 219,022 visitors last year.

With the user’s fee collection, the facilities and roads at Lao Lao Bay could be paved and the stairs at the Grotto could be improved. He said the stairs in Grotto are considered “unfriendly” to the visitors.

He said these recommendations should be considered carefully so as not to chase away tourists from the islands.

CRM, together with the Division of Environmental Quality and Division of Fish and Wildlife, had just finished conducting a federally granted study to identify the value of coral reefs to the CNMI economy.

The result of the 18-month study showed that the top five reasons why tourists come to the CNMI are the Managaha Island, the water sports activities, scuba diving, snorkeling and island tours.

CRM deputy director Steve Tilley said they have yet to sit down and work out how to implement user fees at the Grotto and Lao Lao, but whatever scheme they may come up with, the agencies would be very transparent to make sure that users are informed where their money would be go if they pay such fees in the future.