Easing of gun control sparks debate in House

Legislation aimed at luring resort developments offering shooting practice and target ranges sparked debate yesterday in the House of Representatives after some members balked at the proposal to ease use of handguns in the Northern Marianas.

HB 12-212, sponsored by House Floor Leader Oscar M. Babauta, narrowly passed with six “yes” votes against four “no” votes, while four others abstained. An amendment to the Weapons Control Act, the measure now heads to the Senate for action.

In endorsing the bill, the House Committee on Commerce and Tourism said this is an incentive to attract major developers of so-called “shooting resorts” that will provide to tourists non-traditional activities such as target ranges for rifle competition and skeet shooting with shotguns.

Amending the existing gun control laws in the CNMI is one of the steps that the island government must take if it wants any developer to infuse at least $3 million in fresh investment, said a report prepared by the committee which is chaired by Rep. Florencio T. DL Guerrero.

The bill seeks to permit patrons and guests of the “shooting resorts” within their premises to carry handguns, shotguns and rifles as well as ammunition of these firearms with caliber of 22, 32, 38, 45, 9 mm, 12 gauge, 410 gauge and 5.56 mm.

The debate during yesterday’s session centered around whether the proposal would lead to proliferation of handguns and assault rifles in the community as opponents alleged increasing cases of smuggled weapons into the CNMI.

Rep. Heinz S. Hofschneider claimed an intelligence report provided to the Department of Public Safety disclosing illegal trade of ammunitions and handguns, like Uzis, that have managed to enter the territory.

He told the House that these are being shot test in the middle of the ocean to avoid detection by authorities since carrying of these weapons is prohibited under the current law.

The Saipan representative attempted to insert amendment to HB 12-212 to deny possession of handguns to tourists and patrons of the “shooting resorts,” but the move was junked after a close voting that defeated his proposal.

“If Japan and Korea outlaw handguns… why are we opening our doors for something that is banned in these countries?” Mr. Hofschneider asked during discussion of the bill.

He added that while he supports efforts to revive the economy, “there are things that we can’t compromise.”

Rep. Malua T. Peter, chair of the Health and Welfare Committee, expressed concern of potential impact of the proposal to the community.

“I understand the need for investments, but I also understand the danger of handguns. I want to make sure that we don’t bring anything that will affect the livelihood of the community,” she told the session.

“My conscience and my whole being is telling me that I can’t support such a bill,” added Ms. Peter.

But proponents of the measure underscored the safeguards built within the legislation, including containment of the firearms within the premises of the resorts that will be subject to strict restrictions to be implemented by DPS.

“I can’t understand why we can’t permit shooting galleries to stay on and I can’t understand why we let people use guns,” said Rep. Dino M. Jones as he cited lack of report on damages and casualties to back up impact of gun use in the CNMI.

Noting constitutional rights granted to citizens to bear arms, Speaker Benigno R. Fitial said eliminating handguns for use in the “shooting resorts” eliminates the opportunities for economic benefits to the islands.