RESTRICTION ON BOAT LAUNCHING Brown asks Senate to override veto
House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Manuel A. Tenorio vowed to lobby support of the Senate to override the governor’s veto on his bill that will exempt subsistence fishermen from a 10-month old law banning launching of boats from the island’s beaches.
But it is not certain whether he can beat the deadline as the measure was vetoed Oct. 1, which is now beyond the 60-day limit required under the Constitution to successfully override disapproval by the governor on any legislation.
The House of Representatives overrode the veto at last Friday’s session, nearly two months after Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio disapproved the bill in fear it would counter provisions of Public Law 11-61 and lead to further destruction of natural resources on the island.
The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Tenorio, had sought the exemption for people relying on fishing as a primary or subsistence source of income who have been burdened by the restriction put in place by the law.
PL 11-61 was signed last February by the governor, who had admitted even then that it would cause some inconveniences to those who have been using the beach to launch their boats or other watercraft.
But this law was necessary, added Gov. Tenorio, to preserve and safeguard the natural beauty of the islands and the environment — findings underscored by the Legislature.
In an interview with Rep. Tenorio, he said he was seeking an amendment to the law he crafted after receiving complaints that it is depriving local fishermen of their livelihood.
He added that since some fishing areas do not have boat launching facilities, these people are forced to use beaches to launch their boats.
Any violation of PL 11-61 carries a fine of $200 and/or one month imprisonment.
Gov. Tenorio has urged lawmakers to work with government agencies, such as the Division of Fish and Wildlife, to expedite construction of launching facilities.
“That solution would avoid beach destruction elaborated by the Legislature’s findings in PL 11-61 and assist our local fishermen,” added the governor.
