Review of military land lease on Tinian backed
Senate President Joaquin Adriano yesterday disclosed plans to revisit with the Department of the Interior the U.S. military’s lease over more than 17,999 acres of lands on Tinian that have remained idle since the signing of the Covenant in 1976.
Citing Section 902 of the Covenant, Adriano said the Legislature would be tackling the land lease, hoping that the U.S. Department of Defense would free up the lands for commercial use.
“It is part of the 902 section and it warrants negotiation for both sides on issues relating to its relationship. I am hoping that we would be able to discuss this concern with Deputy Assistant Secretary for Insular Affairs David Cohen,” said the Senate president.
He said the Tinian leadership wants to use the lands for commercial purposes to help the local economy. Based on initial proposals received by the Tinian government, potential investments on the island include golf courses and a senior citizens’ resort.
“We are still waiting for Lt. Gov. Diego Benavente’s decision as to when we are going to meet with Mr. Cohen. I have not received any report yet on that,” said Adriano.
On April 2004, the 14th House of Representatives approved House Joint Resolution 14-17 that encourages the Tinian and Aguiguan mayor to ask the U.S. DOD to consider establishing a military base on the island in compliance with the Covenant signed between the United States and the CNMI.
According to the resolution, investment proposals on Tinian are being hindered due to the lack of sufficient lands, even as the thousand of hectares leased to the U.S. military remain idle.
The House leadership is pushing for the U.S. military to establish a military base on the island or give up its lease so the Tinian government can exploit the property.
According to Rep. Clyde Norita, two investors proposing to construct golf courses and a resort for senior citizens on Tinian are but a few of the developments being explored by the Tinian local municipality but so long as the lease continues, such plans would remain in limbo.
Section 802 of the Covenant provides that 17,799 acres of land on Tinian, 177 acres on Saipan, and 206 acres on Farallon de Medinilla Island would be made available to the U.S. government by lease to enable it to carry out its defense responsibilities.
The lease is for 50 years, with the option given to the U.S. government of renewing the lease for an additional 50 years at the end of the first term. The Covenant was signed in 1976.
The Tinian local government has been pointing out that it gave up prime portions of its island in return for the promise of a fully functional U.S. military installation. This, however, has not happened.
This, despite a July 2000 communiqué from U.S. Pacific Fleet Adm. Thomas B. Fargo reiterating the U.S. military’s need for Tinian. According to Fargo’s letter to the National Park Service, the Department of Defense continues to have long-term strategic need for Tinian North Field and its environs.
Also, Fargo disclosed that the Defense Department is in the process of developing its military posture not only in the Pacific but in other areas where it has a stronghold as well. The official said that the department would confirm its plans soon.
“The House and Senate are requesting the U.S. to immediately begin construction in honor of the Covenant negotiations and to provide adequate defense abilities to the people of the CNMI. The realization of the economic potential of the CNMI is severely hampered by the inability to use the land reserved for a military base and therefore must utilize the property through canceling the lease agreement or requesting the U.S. military to fulfill its responsibilities and promises to the CNMI,” reads part of the joint resolution.
The resolution is now with the Senate for adoption. If passed, the resolution would be forwarded to the Defense Department for action.
