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Vinnie re-introduces public hearings bill
Rep. Vinson F. Sablan (Ind-Saipan) has re-introduced his bill that would require three public hearings for any proposed changes in district boundary. House Bill 20-6 was among the 17 measures that were either newly introduced or re-introduced since the House of Representatives held its organizational session two weeks ago.
Sablan first introduced this bill in the 19th Legislature as HB 19-190. “Unfortunately, the bill got held up in [Judicial and Governmental Operations] committee. I am hoping my colleagues in the 20th Legislature and the administration see the importance of this bill,” he said.
“We need to be vigilant with all of our land dealings with the evident increasing development activity. This bill aims to ensure the members of our community have more chances to be informed and included in the discussions through more public hearings,” Sablan added.
The CNMI’s current zoning laws only require one public hearing for the re-zoning of public and private lands.
Sablan said a minimum of three public hearings would give members of the community more chance to participate in the discussions before any action is made.
“I would like to propose a minimum of three public hearings so our citizens have more chances to attend such hearings. I am hopeful that by passing this measure, we will begin to see more attendance at all public hearings,” said Sablan.
According to the bill, residents whose homes are near sites of proposed minor or major development plan are usually uninformed and unaware of projects.
“These residents are exposed to potential hazards via construction, pollution, etc., that will disrupt their health and everyday living. The concerns of the residents must be properly addressed in order to provide the peaceful environment that our residents deserve,” wrote Sablan.
