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House panel wants site change for marine park to just north of Hyatt
The House Natural Resources Committee voted yesterday to relocate the proposed site for Sea Touch Saipan LLC’s $1.125-million shark and stingray marine park project immediately north of the Saipan Hyatt Regency waters instead of by the Fiesta Resort & Spa in Garapan, citing local fishermen’s concerns, among other things.
Committee chair Anthony Benavente (Ind-Saipan) told Saipan Tribune, however, that the panel has yet to finalize its report.
Benavente said the committee recommendation, which will be presented to the full House in the next session, will have the same size of proposed submerged lands to be leased.
But he said the lease amount would depend on the revenue generated, instead of the flat $12,000 lease a year as earlier proposed. Benavente said the recommendation is to have Sea Touch pay 2.5 percent of the revenue generated.
Rep. Ray Tebuteb (Ind-Saipan) told the committee of concerns from community members who use the waters near Fiesta Resort beach to fish and do other marine activities. Besides Tebuteb, the other committee members who voted to move the proposed project were Benavente and Rep. Ralph Yumul (Ind-Saipan). Rep. Richard Seman (R-Saipan) abstained.
“We’re working with [the Department of Lands and Natural Resources] on this,” Benavente added.
It’s not known whether Sea Touch would agree to this proposed relocation of their project site.
Saipan Sea Touch plans to build temporary holding pens for the sharks and stingrays, and a floating walkway on the shallow waters fronting the hotel.
If approved by the Legislature, the lease would be for five years. The lease may be renewed for up to an additional 20 years, with each renewal term of up to five years.
During public hearings, members of the community supported the granting of the submerged land lease, which they believe will enhance tourism by providing a new tourist attraction, create new jobs and provide business opportunities.
