HANMI joins opposition to hotel beachfront restriction

The Hotel Association of Northern Mariana Islands has opposed the passage of a proposed measure which grants the hotels exclusive rights to the beachfront directly located behind their facilities.

Ron D. Sablan, president of HANMI, said the association “does not want to restrict beach access to the community nor do they feel that they need exclusive rights and the liability associated with any additional lease area on the beachfronts.”

While HANMI agrees on the intent of HB 12-098 to encourage proper maintenance of the beaches, Mr. Sablan said giving the hotels exclusive rights on the beachfront may also have a negative impact on the community.

“We would, however, like to see that everyone in our community pitch in and take better care of the beaches,” he added.

For many years, hotel operators have been left with the task of cleaning up the beaches of trash left by foreign and local residents.

Although the areas behind the hotels are well maintained, other beach sites are often in bad condition, giving the CNMI a bad image to visitors who roam around the island.

Mr. Sablan said such problem will be resolved now through the use of a new beach sweeping equipment recently purchased by the Marianas Visitors Authority. He said he has asked MVA Managing Director Perry John Tenorio to utilize the equipment in cleaning all the beaches around the island and not just the beaches behind the hotels.

According to Mr. Sablan, cleanliness of the beaches can be properly maintained by ensuring better enforcement of existing anti-litter laws and more public education to increase the basic understanding of the need to protect the environment.

Earlier, the Coastal Resources Management Office has said it cannot support HB 12-098 since it will restrict public access to the shoreline. In fact, it wants a clarification on the meaning of the term “exclusive rights” which would be included in future public land lease contracts.

CRMO acting Director Peter J. Barlas said all activities within the “beachfront property” zone fall under the jurisdiction of his agency which grants permits to these establishments.
As part of the condition granted to various hotels, Mr. Barlas said they will be required to maintain the shoreline and dispose of trash and refuse everyday.