$100K spent in readying AMP

Despite the short notice, the American Memorial Park is now prepared for next week’s visit by Japan’s Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, with the park spending as much as $100,000 to make sure that the site is ready, according to AMP site manager Chuck Sayon.

He said the money was used to pay the overtime cost of personnel who are working double time to prepare and secure the area. The figure also includes travel expenses for the additional personnel they require for the imperial visit.

Sayon also warned the public that the park has heightened its security for the visit of the imperial couple, which has been scheduled for Tuesday.

He said people would be screened for metals and other hazardous materials and would not be allowed to carry bags such as purses and backpacks inside the viewing sections of the park.

Sayon said the park would be closed on Tuesday from 6am until the actual visit of the couple. He said the park would have a dry run on its security procedures Monday morning. Security guards will be deployed to the park 24 hours within the period of the visit to avoid vandalism and other misconduct inside the park, he added.

As for individuals and groups who want to exercise their 1st Amendment Right next week, Sayon said they must first secure a permit.

Sayon said that permission to hold protests and demonstrations or any other activities at the park must be officially approved through a formal application process, with paperwork submitted for review no later than 48 hours prior to the intended activity.

AMP public information officer Aaron Kaye, through a media release yesterday, said the application forms could be obtained at the AMP headquarters and would be reviewed by park management prior to any approval or issuance of a special use permit.

Kaye said that permits would be granted based on the activity’s meaningful association with the park area and its significance. If the activities do not fall within or comply with the provisions and established parameters, the application would be denied, he added.

Once a permit is granted, Sayon said protesters would still have to restrict themselves to the designated areas where they will be allowed to mount their activities. He said even the media will not be spared from this stringent designation.

“It is the responsibility of the applicant and all involved in any such activity, that they be familiar with the United States Federal Rules and Regulations concerning First Amendment Rights as well as those that govern the management of the American Memorial Park,” he said.

In terms of beautification, Sayon said that, since the park is already beautiful, they are doing minor landscaping improvements.