Should DPL renew Kan Pacific’s lease or open it up for bid?

Saipan Tribune went to the streets to hear directly from people their opinions on the lease of Kan Pacific for the Mariana Resort and Spa property. All opinions sought for this unofficial and unscientific survey were randomly generated over a period of one month. The Kan Pacific lease is due to expire in 2018. The Department of Public Lands, which has disposition of all public lands in the Commonwealth, has stated that it plans to put up all expiring public land leases for public bidding, instead of negotiating a renewal of the lease with the existing lessor.

“DPL needs to leave Mariana Resort alone. They have been here for decades, invested millions, and have kept the Japanese tourist market alive. Plus they have the best spa in town! I would prefer to see big investors modernize and revitalize dilapidated parts of the island like that abandoned castle-like hotel down by the airport or the old La Fiesta Mall. Diversify the tourist market [and] promote healthy competition between investors. Consider long-term implications as opposed to short-term monetary gain. Leaders should pray and ask God for wisdom lest they press their luck and end up with a whammy!”
—Rosalyn Ajoste
Susupe, Saipan

“I think they should do something to continue their lease…Even though it’s all the way up north, a lot of Japanese tourists and a lot of tourists still go there due to the fact that it is near a lot of tourist sites like Banzai Cliff, Suicide Cliff. I think they should renew the lease and have the opportunity to renew their lease.”
-Jayrald Mercene
Susupe, Saipan

“Mariana Resort has been here for numerous amounts of years. One of the biggest factors that we have to look at is the jobs that would be lost. But personally I think they should have another chance because of the time it would take to rebuild another company.”
—Ann Margaret Norcio
Oleai, Saipan

“I wholeheartedly support renewing the lease for Kan Pacific. How many Japanese companies do we have left [on] Saipan? What message are we sending to Japanese investors and Japanese tourists? We cannot say we want to increase Japanese investments and tourism while simultaneously failing to renew a Japanese company that has been on Saipan for decades, through good times and bad. Yes to the renewal, no to greed! Let’s do the right thing here and rebuild some confidence for our Japanese partners.  Nothing less will do.”
—Rep. Edwin Propst
Dandan, Saipan

“My personal opinion on the topic is that I understand DPL’s position to place the property up for bid. Both parties knew that they had agreed to certain terms for a specific amount of years. However, I think it’s important that DPL consider the contributions Mariana Resort or any other hotel [with an upcoming expiring lease] has made over the years to the islands.”
—May Ayuyu

“Absolutely, as long as it is adjusted to meet the current market value. It is important to maintain our integrity within the Japanese tourism industry.”
—Don Farrell
Marpo Heights Tinian

“It should be up for bidding. The company that bids the highest—that will generate more funds for the CNMI and provide more jobs for people—should get the lease.”
—Russell Saimon
Gualo Rai, Saipan

“I absolutely think that Kan Pacific should be given a chance to renew their lease. I think it is a dangerous precedent to set and is a threat to the greater business community. Kan Pacific employs many of Kagman High [School] alumni and supports our stakeholders in the north. Kan Pacific should be given preference as they have been a long-term investor in our islands and are committed to investing in our economic future and our local community’s future.”
—Leila Staffler
Kagman, Saipan

“They should give priority to the current lease or give the chance to the owner rather than give it away to somebody else. Mariana Resort has been here since before and helped Saipan stand up when the economy was down.”
—Arnel Mitran
Hyatt Regency Saipan

“I support the lease extension of Mariana Resort. That resort has been there for years and has too much of a beautiful scenery to go to something else. So hopefully the business continues to be there for many more years to come.”
—Thia Seman
Chalan Piao, Saipan

“The Constitution is very clear that DPL cannot extend. The only way out is to amend the Constitution. My opinion is I think it’s terrible because it discourages investors but whoever wrote the Constitution did not look beyond….If DPL can [extend], I think they should. [Mariana Resort] has been here for quite a while…give them first priority.”
—Agnes McPhetres
NMTI president

“It will be great if the Mariana Resort lease is extended… as a company, it’s bad after their lease is finished. Hope [the] CNMI law changes…for businesses that help Saipan’s economic growth.”
—Yong Jun Jeon
Garapan, Saipan

“I do support the lease extension. Mariana Resort has been around for so long and has been successful in its business. It’s one of the longest surviving resorts on Saipan and it works, so why not keep it going? I think they should just renew the lease altogether. It offers so much for our tourists with their fun activities they have to offer.”
—Daniel Kaipat
Pagan

“I support the lease extension of Mariana Resort in Marpi. It has long been in business and everyone is familiar with the resort. It won’t be the same if it’s gone and it’ll feel like a part of Saipan will be empty.”
—Gerlyn Libunao
Kagman

“We voted for our government officials to make these decisions for us, to represent us. Whether or not the lease gets extended there will always be those who will disagree with the decision. However, we are an island that prides itself with culture, respect, family, and tradition. Mariana Resort has been here long enough to be part of our family and community and it would be sad to give them up so easily because there may be a bigger offer.”
—Maria Artero
Fina Sisu, Saipan

“Mariana Resort is one of the hotels on island that attracts tourists plus it is near our sightseeing destinations. Marpi is one of our beautiful villages so I think the extension of Mariana Resort is a must! Tourist attractions are an important thing on this island and extending their lease would help a lot too. They are responsible, a good business, and a long-time contributor.”
—Nadia Moses
Kagman, Saipan

“I support the lease extension of Mariana Resort. Mariana Resort has been here for many years and they deserve to keep their lease extension. I hope to see Mariana Resort continue their business on Saipan for many more years.”
—Anuhea Duenas
Fina Sisu, Saipan