Vandalized sites alarm HPO

The lighthouse on Navy Hill and a historic site in As Lito were recently vandalized, prompting the Historic Preservation Office to call on the public to help in protecting historic sites in the NMI.

HPO historian Genevieve Cabrera said yesterday that the Northern Marianas features many unique and historic sites and efforts to preserve these sites should be shared with the community.

“There was spray paint graffiti and markings on the [lighthouse] walls, and shattered glass at the area,” she said. “Also, just two days ago, someone carved initials at a site in As Lito.” She did not specify the site.

Cabrera said reasons such as these are why the HPO is reaching to the community for assistance.

“HPO is responsible to protect the sites, but all these things belong to us. We are all co-owners of history, and I hope the community could take an active role in play a part in keeping the sites alive. We have to protect what we have for the future generations,” she said.

Cabrera said the HPO has received several complaints on the restrictions on access to several sites; however, she explained that the office has a reason for doing so.

“The HPO is very receptive to open sites for tourists and islanders’ access. However, we’ve experienced in the past that the site would be open, then gets totally wasted,” she said.

Cabrera said most sites, however, are accessible.

Cabrera said the HPO is currently performing education outreach programs through classroom visits and radio and newspaper campaigns in hopes of attracting the assistance of the community.

Cabrera disclosed that a total of 35 locations in the CNMI have been listed and accepted as National Register sites by the National Parks Service.