NMI officials welcome US House panel’s approval of two Kilili-authored bills

Lawmakers and the Fitial administration applauded yesterday the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee’s approval of Delegate Gregorio Kilili Sablan’s bill giving the CNMI control over submerged lands 3 miles out from its shores, and another one that authorizes the U.S. Interior secretary to study the suitability and feasibility of establishing a National Park on Rota.

The two bills—HR 670 and HR 1141—still need to pass the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, and approved by the president.

Sablan, in a statement, said this is “a very positive step for both the Rota Park bill and the submerged lands bill” and he looks forward to getting these measures to the House for a vote soon and then on to the Senate for action.

Rep. Teresita Santos (Ind-Rota), when asked for comment yesterday, said if and when HR 1141 becomes law, it will be a “milestone not only for Rota but also the whole CNMI.”

Santos testified in support of a similar bill in Washington, D.C. last year.

Senate President Paul Manglona (Ind-Rota) also applauded Sablan for introducing the submerged lands bill and the Rota National Park study bill.

He cited his written testimony on the bill, saying that Rota is unique in the Marianas as the only primarily inhabited island spared from World War II destruction, which also saved the island’s plant and animal life.

He also said Rota has the most intact and numerous historic sites of any island in the Marianas Archipelago.

Press secretary Angel Demapan, for his part, said the Fitial administration is pleased to learn that both HRs 670 and 1141 cleared the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee.

“We certainly hope that these measures will secure the approval of the full congress and make its way to fruition,” he said.

Demapan said HR 670 will help the CNMI in its efforts to protect and conserve its pristine natural resources.

“Maintaining the health and abundance of the reef and sea is critical to the economy of the CNMI. While the Fitial administration would like to see these rights expanded even more, this is a good starting point in the interim. Meanwhile, H.R. 1141 stands to bring proper recognition to the pristine beauty of the island of Rota. This is surely a much welcomed legislation for the people of the Rota and the Commonwealth as a whole,” he added.

Sablan introduced both bills earlier this year using the same language for both that had passed in the last Congress.

There was no amendment or objection to either bill from anyone on the Committee.

Sablan, in a statement, noted the positive benefits of working in a bipartisan way for the CNMI’s needs. He thanked committee chairman Doc Hastings (R-WA) and ranking member Edward Markey (D-MA) “for deciding to bring the bills before the Committee today for a mark-up.”

“Both leaders agreed that the bills were non-controversial; and Hastings simply asked the Committee for unanimous consent, which was quickly given,” Sablan said, as he also thanked other lawmakers.

Sablan said HR 670, which gives the CNMI control of submerged lands 3 miles out from its shores, “will allow for economic development and other use consistent with principles of sustainability and with the standards of stewardship that are part of our cultural tradition.

HR 1141, meanwhile, authorizes the Interior secretary to study the suitability and feasibility of designating areas of archaeological, historic, and natural value on Rota as a unit of the National Park System.

A National Park Service reconnaissance survey, requested by Rota officials and completed in 2005, found that Rota had areas that were of “national significance” and that the appropriate next step would be a suitability and feasibility study. HR 1141 follows up on that recommendation.