The Saipan & Northern Islands Municipal Council wants the Leadership Memorial Kiosku honorees, along with their family members, to organize and become registered as a nonprofit organization.
Council chair Ramon B. Camacho said Tuesday that transforming the group into a nonprofit would allow them to avail of grants that would fund improvements and maintenance of the Saipan & Northern Islands Leadership Memorial Kiosku in Chalan Kanoa.
The $551,000 kiosku or roundhouse, which officially opened to the public last Sept. 29, honors some 354 island leaders who have contributed to the political and socio-economic development of Saipan and the Northern Islands.
“Once the honorees become a nonprofit organization, they can elect their own leaders,” said Camacho.
He noted, however, that the council will remain involved in the kiosku by serving in an advisory capacity.
The kiosku is open to the public Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 4:30pm, and on Saturday from 8am to noon or 9am to 1pm.
At present, the kiosku is maintained by council staffer Tony Manglona and Title V employee Tom Pinaula. Nearby business Kevin's Mart has volunteered its security officers to include the kiosku when patrolling at night.
Pinaula said in a separate interview that Japanese, Chinese, and Russian tourists visit the kiosku on weekdays, while local residents comprise majority of their visitors on weekends.
According to Camacho, they are still waiting for another Title V employee to allow them to open the kiosku throughout the weekend.
Meanwhile, Camacho said the council is working with the CNMI Archives, the CNMI Museum, and the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library to have historical mementos exhibited at the kiosku.
Camacho said representatives from each institution have already formed a committee to make this plan a reality to encourage more visitors to stop by the kiosku.
For more information, stop by the Saipan & Northern Islands Municipal Council next to the Chalan Kanoa post office or call 664-2700.
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