ATV applications put on hold

Government officials have put all pending and future applications for all-terrain vehicles and utility-terrain vehicle—often used for tourist businesses—“on hold,” citing an unregulated and growing industry that may be incompatible with the island’s roads.

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres has backed the Zoning Board’s decision. The board made the recommendation to not act on these applications in a hearing last Dec. 29.

Therese Ogumoro, Zoning Office Administrator, had said in a letter to the Zoning Board that it has become “apparent that the carrying capacity of the road system for the number of off-road vehicles has not been evaluated and the compatibility of the number of off-road vehicles with sound planning for responsible development and tourism in the CNMI is in question.”

“Through staff research and consultation with our legal counsel,” Ogumoro said in her letter, “this office has come to the conclusion that the off-road vehicle business is essentially unregulated. Permits are not required from other regulatory agencies.”

Torres, in statement, said he supports the decision. “…What is clear is that we need to adopt the appropriate policies and resolve the important questions concerning our rapid economic development as it relates to the proper use of land, our people, and our limited resources.”

Torres has instructed members of his staff and administration to attend upcoming meetings on this issue and to prepare an appropriate legislative proposal or regulatory position.

“We need to take into account the effects development will have on all sectors of our environment and people,” Torres said. “As we experience unprecedented growth and development, we need to balance our role as stewards of our islands with the requirement of promoting sustainable and healthy economic development that does justice to all who live here and to our future generations.”

Saipan Tribune learned that the Zoning office has requested the presence of the Office of the Governor in a preliminary meeting on the issue next week, to discuss measures to protect properties and the public, mitigate vehicle operations on land and “how we can improve our government’s coordination of these outdoor amusement activities while realizing their increasing popularity with our tourism industry.”