Teno says no to Kagman commercial center

Governor Pedro P. Tenorio on Friday blocked the construction of the proposed Kagman Commercial Center by disapproving legislation that would have designated land area for the project.

In refusing to affix his signature to House Local Bill 12-24, Mr. Tenorio said the proposed measure raises several questions and that it contains provisions that needs to be addressed.

This, even as he acknowledged that the concept of establishing a Kagman Commercial Center would contribute to the convenience of all residents in the village and around the area, while also contributing to the village’s aesthetic appearance.

The governor, however, pointed out that the Office of the Public Lands raised problems involving the proposed lots identified in HLB 12-24. The proposed measure identified land parcels 002-G-480 and 002-G459 to be the area where the Kagman Commercial Center will be erected.

Lot No. 002-G-480 does not exist on any map on record and Lot No. 002-G459 is still encumbered to a certain extent by the Division of Youth Services, said Mr. Tenorio in his transmittal letter to the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation.

He explained that while DYS may choose to relocate its detention facility in the future, the Division was given a grant of public domain for the lot.

“A more major concern is in Section 2, which authorizes the Department of Lands and Natural Resources in collaboration with leaders of the Kagman community to come up with the master plan for the KCC,” he added.

Mr. Tenorio said the proposed measure, which gives the “leadership of the Kagman community” the power to develop a private, non-profit corporation to manage the lease of space in the commercial center, runs in conflict with an existing law.

Public Law 12-33 gives the management and disposition of public lands to the Board of Public Lands, said the governor adding that DLNR no longer holds this authority neither does it have the resources nor the manpower to undertake such a project.

“The Board is equipped with the proper resources and manpower necessary to develop a commercial center. Further, it is not clear who comprises the ‘leadership of the Kagman community,” and how it is organized,” he said.

Mr. Tenorio is also concerned whether the Board of Public Lands’ fiduciary duty to manage and dispose of public lands may be delegated to a nonprofit organization.