Shooting Resort supporters ‘Never say die’

Supporters of the measure easing tough gun control law in the CNMI to lure so-called “shooting resorts” here are still lobbying government leaders to approve the plan despite Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio’s veto.

Since it would be difficult to override the veto in the House of Representatives, they are now considering passing similar legislation — hopefully, this time with the governor’s blessings, according to officials.

Sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said this would likely be “more successful” than putting the scrapped bill into another round of voting to override the veto.

They disclosed proponents are again lobbying Mr. Tenorio to reconsider his decision, saying a definite answer could come as early as next month.

Lawmakers have 60 days or until March 9 to act on HB 12-212 which Mr. Tenorio disapproved on January 8. The move has since courted both favorable support and criticisms — much like the same way when it was considered in both houses.

But Senate President Paul A. Manglona has previously said the bill is “as good as dead” and that the CNMI needs to continue to look for other investment opportunities.

He added they may have to pass similar measure to allow this type of resorts to operate on Rota and Tinian since the Senate overwhelmingly approved it last year.

It would be difficult for an override in the House since it barely passed with only a simple majority, according to members. Both chambers each need two-thirds votes for it to become a law inspite of Mr. Tenorio’s veto.

In opposing the proposed shooting resorts, the local chief executive expressed concerns over safety of the islands to both residents and tourists despite economic benefits seen by supporters of the bill.

He underscored his disagreement with the plan by citing strong opposition raised by various sectors in the island community, noting he does not support any increase in the availability or use of firearms in the CNMI except for law enforcement officers.

The veto came less than three weeks after the bill was amended by the Senate and accepted by the lower house in one of their last sessions before the holiday season.

Introduced by House Floor Leader Oscar M. Babauta, HB 12-212 sought to relax the Weapons Control Act to permit patrons and guests of the proposed resort development to carry within their premises handguns, shotguns and rifles as well as ammunition with caliber 22, 32, 38, 45, 9 mm, 12 gauge, 410 gauge and 5.56 mm.

Since its introduction last August, the legislation has been at the heart of debate between pro and anti-guns advocates, with lawmakers underscoring economic windfall of the proposal to the CNMI.

Two prospective Korean investors enticed the government with promises of $25 million minimum capital to develop “shooting resorts” here as well as international shooting competitions, provided the CNMI gave them the license to bring on those high-caliber guns.