Noni company eyes lands around the Saipan airport

Huang She Corp. is looking at lands around the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport to plant noni trees and spoke to the Commonwealth Ports Authority about it last week.

The company is looking for 30.5 hectares, or 3,000 square meters of property.

The company has been operating in the CNMI for more than 12 years. They produce and package the Tinian hot pepper products popular on the islands.

“The fruits that come from the noni trees, we will harvest them and transfer them to the noni factory, which is behind the Nauru Building [Marianas Business Plaza] in Susupe,” said Vincent Torres, who spoke on behalf of the company.

Torres said the company’s main goal is to sell noni products in mainland China and the United States.

Torres said the company has planted over 8,000 noni trees and are looking to transplant them as soon as possible.

He said the company is looking to lease the areas not being used around the airport for 25 years plus a 15-year option to renew.

“One of main purposes of CPA is to generate income, and I believe by using these unused properties, CPA will not only be generating income but helping the economy of the CNMI. Employees will be hired and taxes will be paid out these properties,” said Torres, who added they are also working with the Department of Public Lands for areas feasible for noni trees.

Board director Roman Tudela replied that CPA would have to abide with approach and takeoff zones that prohibit infrastructure near the airport. He asked if buildings would be erected in granting the lease, and asked if they have also looked at private properties.

Torres said the company would comply with Federal Aviation Administration rules and include this in the lease.

CPA executive director Maryann Lizama asked if their interest would be downsized significantly if FAA came back and said no to activities within the “safety zones” near the airport.

Torres said they will lease “whichever area is available and is not being used” and is FAA-approved. Torres, when asked further, said they are willing to lease “piecemeal” portions of property around the airport.

At end of their discussion, the board gave conditional approval to the company’s request, provided the airport facilities committee and CPA staff and legal counsel meet with the company and Torres and incorporate the concerns into a lease agreement for approval at their next board meeting.