4 CNMI resolutions passed at APIL assembly in Palau

The Association of Pacific Island Legislatures adopted four resolutions sponsored by the CNMI delegation during the APIL’s June 15 to 17 general assembly in Palau.

The CNMI sent 12 lawmakers and Legislative Bureau staffers to Palau for the APIL assembly, where island jurisdictions adopted resolutions sponsored by Rep. Joseph Guerrero (R-Saipan) and Senate floor leader Pete Reyes (R-Saipan).

Guerrero and House minority leader Diego Benavente (R-Saipan), who both attended the APIL meeting, separately said these resolutions include Guerrero’s APIL Resolution 30-GA-12 which supports Delegate Gregorio Kilili Sablan’s HR 670, which conveys 3 miles of submerged lands to the CNMI.

“I’m very happy that my fellow lawmakers supported this resolution,” Guerrero said.

The three other adopted resolutions were authored by Reyes. They include one that asks the U.S. government to honor its commitment to the Compact-Impact by not restricting or limiting the immigration of Compact nations, and one that asks island jurisdictions to increase focus on non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as in reducing tobacco and alcohol use.

Another adopted resolution requests APIL jurisdictions to encourage the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Transportation Security Administration to assist the CNMI and its tourism industry by creating a welcoming atmosphere at all federalized ports of entry in the CNMI.

Benavente, meanwhile, received a “shark defender” award from the Pew Foundation, for introducing a bill that bans shark finning in the CNMI. That bill became a law on Jan. 27, 2011, and inspired Guam and other islands to also pass similar bills or consider introducing legislation.

Benavente made a presentation about the CNMI’s shark fin law at the APIL assembly.

Sharkwater Saipan tells the story of Kathy Pagapular’s sixth grade class at San Vicente Elementary School and how a class project led to the world’s second shark fin ban. The video features interviews with Kathy and the students, as well as Rep. Benavente and Beautify CNMI’s Cinta Kaipat.

“I hope this video inspires kids around the world to help save their sharks,” said filmmaker Rob Stewart. “

A preview of Sharkwater Saipan will play on KSPN 2 on World Ocean’s Day on June 8 during the 6 O’Clock News.

Four resolutions sponsored by members of the CNMI delegation were introduced and passed by the Association of Pacific Island Legislatures’ general assembly

Of the 12 from the CNMI who went to Palau, two are senators, six are House members, and four are from the Legislative Bureau.