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Inos prefers RFP over sole-sourcing of Tinian land
Gov. Eloy S. Inos said yesterday he prefers that the Department of Public Lands issues a request for proposal rather than enter into a sole-source lease deal with an investor to develop Kastiyu on Tinian. This comes on the heels of Tinian Mayor Ramon Dela Cruz and the Tinian Municipal Council’s request to DPL to negotiate a sole-source lease agreement with Mega Stars Overseas Ltd. to develop the area.
Mega Stars Overseas, which has already been investing in Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino, plans to build a 1,000-room hotel on Kastiyu, a scenic Tinian area atop Carolinas Plateau. The planned investment in the Puntan Kastiyu project alone is estimated at $200 million.
“I don’t have any problem with sole-sourcing it if that proves to be a good deal for Tinian. But it’s not a bad idea to put it up through RFP, not a problem either. It only takes about 30 days, and let’s see what’s out there in the market,” the governor told Saipan Tribune yesterday.
Inos said DPL also issued RFPs for pieces of prime property in Marpi and San Antonio, and was able to review and choose from different proposals from a number of investors.
Tinian officials said Tinian needs more hotel rooms, and Mega Stars has already “proven their worth.”
“Because of their proven commitment, may we suggest that Mega Stars’ request to lease public lands on Kastiyu be given sole source priority. They have made a significant financial investment in the CNMI and deserve our full support for expansion,” the mayor and Tinian Municipal Council officials said in a March 7 letter to DPL Secretary Pete A. Tenorio.
In a statement yesterday, Dela Cruz reiterated the points of their letter to DPL.
“Mega Stars has earned the respect of the people of Tinian. We owe it to them to do our best to support their efforts to develop Tinian and the CNMI as an international gaming destination,” the mayor said.
