Proposed lease renewal now with 2 committees
In this file photo taken on Dec. 3, 2019, workers are seen doing repair work at the Coral Ocean Resort building in As Gonno.
-FERDIE DE LA TORRE
House of Representatives Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez (Ind-Saipan) said yesterday he will let the committee do its work in reviewing the Department of Public Lands’ proposal to grant a new lease to Suwaso Corp.so it could continue to operate its Coral Ocean Resort for another 40 years, and then act from there.
When asked yesterday about DPL’s proposed lease renewal, Villagomez said he referred the matter to the House’s Natural Resources Committee chaired by Rep. Angelo Camacho (Ind-Saipan).
Senate President Edith E. DeLeon Guerrero (D-Saipan) also said yesterday that the new land lease proposal has been referred to the Resources, Economic Development, Programs & Gaming Committee chaired by Sen. Corina L. Magofna (Ind-Saipan).
Magofna said yesterday she tentatively scheduled a public hearing for April 9, 2024, at 10am in the Senate chamber.
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios generally supports granting a new land lease to Suwaso Corp. He said he trusts DPL and the lawyers that helped craft the proposal.
Under the DPL proposal, which needs the Legislature’s approval, Suwaso is allowed to continue its operation of the Coral Ocean Resort in As Gonno for another 40 years, with an investment of over $30 million. Suwaso will be granted an additional 15-year lease extension if the initial lease is granted by DPL and is approved by the Legislature.
DPL Secretary Teresita A. Santos informed the Legislature in a letter last March 11 that Suwaso has sustained a good relationship with DPL and the company has been compliant with the provisions of the lease and has kept its account current.
Santos attached in her letter a packet of documents for the Legislature’s review and consideration of Suwaso’s request to renew its land lease.
Angelo Camacho
-By Ferdie de la Torre
Reporter
Corina L. Magofna
