Disrupting Tinian’s economy
I’d like to thank Craig Whelden, Marine Corps Forces Pacific executive director, for the last two sentences in his letter of 07/02/2015, to the Saipan Tribune.
It read, “The Department of Defense has an important mission in the Pacific region but we are also committed to being good partners and neighbors. Working together, I’m confident we can achieve both objectives.” I think few would disagree with those remarks.
I ask Mr. Whelden then how the fence he mentioned building, in a different article, across the north end of Tinian, which would keep everyone out, fits in with his good fences make good neighbors policy. Then speaking for NEPA in the 07/02 letter he writes, ” … a product that meets the needs of the military while NOT DISRUPTING THE SAFETY, ECOLOGY, AND ECONOMY OF THE AREA.” (I have put those words of Mr. Whelden in capital letters.)
Would the SAFETY of anyone using the Tinian airport not be in jeopardy with the placement of a munitions dump directly under the flight path of all incoming flights? Would the ECOLOGY of Unai Chulu not receive massive destruction and be totally and permanently ‘disrupted’ with the placement of undersea ramps and subsequent amphibious operations as proposed and shown at the public hearings and in the DEIS? Finally, please have NEPA and/or DOD explain how any and all the proposed changes planned for Tinian would not seriously damage and “disrupt” the ECONOMY of Tinian in both its current and future business endeavors?
Joey “Pepe Batbon” Connolly
San Jose, Tinian
No surprise DOD would construct a fence around the military property, there are very few military installations w/out a security fence. You say you want NEPA or DOD to explain how militarization would not disrupt Tinian’s economy. Everywhere else in the world, communities invite or fight to keep military installations in their communities; specifically due to the economic benefits realized with such facilities.
I have heard arguments that using Saipan Int’l Airport as an alternative landing site would disrupt tourism and scheduled commercial air traffic. Has anyone looked at our terminal and the empty aircraft bays throughout most of the day, I do not think commercial traffic will be affected at all. You also need not look far to see military activities has no adverse affect on tourism; B-52’s & F 15’s fly over Tumon Bay every day without disrupting tourism arrivals or development.
Just my thoughts.
A question would be about the tourist sights that are located within the North Field area.
How they would be handled to allow the tourism to be maintained.
I have no problem with the Military setting up a base. It would be a BIG boost to out economy plu added jobs. (for those that would actually show up)
My problem is with any bombing of Tinian (and Pagan)
There is still areas (beach side) on Tinian that were used before and were fenced in to keep the public out with warnings about UXO’s and have not been cleaned up after all of these years..
Are these same areas going to be reused for small arms and motor fire, OR new areas to be opened up or this purpose to eventually end up in the same state?
As far as military flights you are correct, even in Honolulu they share the very busy international airport runway.