NPS: Zipline may have constitutional, other issues

The zipline project that is being proposed in Marpi may have constitutional and other issues, according to National Park Services’ Jim Richardson, superintendent for the Historical Park in Guam and American Memorial Park on Saipan.

In a letter to the Saipan Zoning Office, Richardson said that two constitutional issues are directly applicable to the zipline project.

“First, a land use plan is mandated by Article 11, Section 5 (f) of the CNMI Constitution and Public Law 15-02, Section 105 (f). There is currently no land use plan in place that is required, and approval of a major change in land use without a plan may be in conflict with that article. The NPS will gladly assist the CNMI with participation in a land use plan that would retain the integrity of the NHL, if requested.”

“Second, the CNMI Constitution provides in Article 14, Section 3 that: ‘Places of importance to the culture, traditions, and history of the people of the NMI shall be protected and preserved… artifacts and other things of cultural or historical significance shall be protected, preserved and maintained in the Commonwealth as provided by law.’ The Marpi Point area certainly meets this constitutional description.”

One concern that Richardson also raised is the impact that the zipline project would have on the “many rare, threatened and endangered species that have retreated to this area for living and nesting.”

Richardson pointed out that two endangered species, the Nightingale reed warbler and the Mariana swiflet, and one threatened species, the Mariana fruit bat, live in Marpi. Richardson also cited six other “rare species” that inhabit Marpi.

Historic site

Most importantly, Richardson said, the Marpi Point area is identified as part of the “Landing Beaches” of As Lito/Isley Field and Marpi Point, which is a Saipan Island National Historic Landmark, designated by the U.S Department of the Interior secretary back in 1985.

“NPS is delegated the monitoring and technical assistance responsibilities by Congress to ensure that National Historic Landmarks retain the highest level of integrity. Our responsibilities include review and formal comment on individual proposal that will impact the integrity and character of the Marpi Point area of the historic landmark,” Richardson stated.

Aside from being a “landing beach” during World War II, the area is also considered a historic landmark due to the loss of many Japanese civilians and military who committed suicide at the site.

“These aspects of integrity will be significantly impacted by a zipline and associated noisy activity within the boundary and view-shed of the historic landmark. The area is currently a very significant tourism draw that adds much to the economy of Saipan. If this area is changed from its current character to that of loud commercial amusement, the current tourism draw will be lost,” Richardson stated.

He said that NPS recommends locating the project at a more appropriate location that would not negatively impact a historic landmark.

Last Thursday, Zoning board members approved the Saipan Adventure Tours, LLC project for a conditional use application in operating a zipline in Mapit and the company is now working on its other applications with other regulatory agencies.