FLASHBACK – September 8, 2011

CUC hits back at Rota mayor[/B]

Fending off criticisms over its alleged inaction on pending water and power line projects on Rota efforts, the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. has assured steps have been taken to secure approval from the federal government. Rota Mayor Benjamin T. Manglona urged CUC early this week to expedite the installation of power lines at Sinapalo III in the island municipality following complaints from residents. At the same time, he criticized the government-owned utility firm for delaying the project which has received funding of $175,000 from local legislators on Rota.

The House Committee on Judiciary and Governmental Operations has expressed concern on the effect of the continuous closure of the Koban in Garapan amid the increasing criminality activities. Rep. Dino Jones, chair of the committee, said he will meet with the Department of Public Safety and the Marianas Visitors Authority to discuss ways that could pave the way for the possible reopening of the Koban because of the need to protect the island’s tourism industry. While he recognizes the financial problems besetting DPS has hindered the department from assigning police officers in the Koban, Rep. Jones noted the need to designate DPS personnel in the area to ensure the safety of tourists.

Tinian’s historic road gets a facelift[/B]

TINIAN-Built immediately after World War II by thousands of American Seabees, Broadway is a strip of two parallel roads over 3,000 feet long stretching from the northern to southern tips of Tinian. The over 50-year old historical road is finally getting a repavement, and the Federal Highway Authority is footing the bill as part of infrastructure development. “[On Friday] we assessed the potholes, cracks and other dangerous fissures in the road,” said Ernie Hofschneider, resident director of the Department of Public Works on Tinian. According to Hofschneider, Broadway is the main thoroughfare of the island. “It is critical to road safety to address the Broadway repavement, because to get anywhere on Tinian, one has to drive on Broadway–trucks, buses, and private vehicles all drive on it daily.”

The Department of Labor and Immigration permanently barred a Japanese businessman from hiring nonresident workers in the Commonwealth, following his failure to comply with the terms of an award order in favor of three workers. Labor hearing officer Vicente C. Seman also ordered that Hideki Furuta be barred from holding “a Commonwealth Immigration 706 classification of entry permit,” pursuant to existing immigration rules. This impacts on Furuta’s business plans in the Northern Marianas. Seman also cautioned the departments of commerce and of finance of possible business application by the Japanese, advising the departments to consult with the DOLI on this.

Student appeals case vs NMC, instructor[/B]

Meredith Oden, the student who had filed damage claims against the Northern Marianas College and accused an instructor of sexually harassing and molesting her in 1996, has elevated her legal battle to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Oden’s lawyer, Douglas Cushnie, filed with the CNMI Supreme Court a notice of appeal Thursday, following the local court’s affirmation of the dismissal of her damage claims. The High Court agreed with the Superior Court’s decision to dismiss the case filed by the student on Aug. 16, 2000, on the ground that the filing exceeded the prescribed period.

Gov. Juan N. Babauta will lead off the introductory remarks during the opening ceremonies for the first ever Investment Development Conference for the U.S. Territories that will start tomorrow in Washington D.C. Based on the agenda provided on the conference website, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Interior David Cohen will introduce the four governors of Guam, the CNMI, American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands, where they will deliver brief remarks. Babauta will be introduced first, followed by Guam Gov. Felix Camacho, American Samoa Gov. Togiola Tulafono, and U.S. Virgin Islands Gov. Charles Turnbull. Interior Secretary Gale Norton will then deliver her keynote address.