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Women’s group opposes proposed restriction at hotel beachfronts
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Posted on Mar 24 2000
The Women’s Affairs Office yesterday asked the House of Representatives not to pass a proposed measure which will establish the Beachfront Lease Act of 2000 because it will limit the community’s access to the island’s beaches where most hotels are located.
“We only have limited beachfronts and our community will be deprived of the right to their surroundings if this measure is passed into law. Let us not give our heritage away even if we are in dire need of additional revenues,” said Ana S. Teregeyo, special assistant for Women’s Affairs.
Keeping the surroundings clean should be the responsibility of everyone in the community and does not need any legislation to make sure that these private properties are maintained, she added.
So far, the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands has been successful in maintaining their facilities as well as their beach front properties.
Various groups, both from the government and private sectors, continue their monthly clean-up programs but a continued educational campaign on the importance of keeping the environment clean at all times be done since the CNMI relies on the tourism industry to sustain its economy.
“Keeping the environment clean at all times is not the sole responsibility of one entity. It is a community effort that should be observed all the time,” Ms. Teregeyo said.
Similarly, the Coastal Resources Management Office has strongly objected to the proposed bill because it will restrict public access to the shoreline and allow hotels to have “exclusive rights” to their beachfront.
All activities within the “beachfront property” zone fall under the jurisdiction of his agency, requiring a permit from the CRMO.
These establishments were required to maintain the shoreline and dispose of trash and refuse everyday. To ensure that tourist sites and beaches are properly maintained, the Marianas Visitors Authority acquired a beach cleaner equipment costing $100,000. (LFR)
