‘Rota’s domestic airline, shipping issues need serious attention’

Sen. Paul A. Manglona (Ind-Rota) said yesterday that domestic airline and shipping issues on Rota need to be given serious attention.

Manglona, who chairs the Senate Public Utilities, Transportation and Communications Committee, said Rota has many Commonwealth Ports Authority issues affecting residents that need to be resolved.

He said they have been without a representative on the CPA board of directors for more than a year now.

Barrie Toves resigned as a member of the board representing Rota.

Manglona said as one of the elected officials from Rota, he is in support of a letter from Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang to CPA board chair Kimberlyn King-Hinds.

The senator was referring to acting governor Apatang’s letter dated Sept. 25, 2023 to King-Hinds, requesting that the current CPA board refrain from selecting or hiring a CPA executive director, deputy executive director, ports manager, and other vacant lead administrative/supervisory positions.

Manglona said hopefully, their CPA representative can actively participate in the assessment/hiring process for these executive and supervisory positions.

Palacios recently appointed Steve King Mesngon to serve as member of the CPA board, representing Rota.

Palacios also recently appointed Dolores Pangelinan Kiyoshi to serve as a member of the CPA board, representing Tinian and Aguiguan. Kiyoshi will replace King-Hinds, whose term is expiring on October 24, 2023.

Jose C. Ayuyu was likewise recently appointed to serve as a member of the CPA board, representing Saipan and Northern Islands.

The Senate has yet to confirm the appointments of Mesngon, Kiyoshi, and Ayuyu.

Sen. Paul A. Manglona