LB defends presence at HI conference

The Legislative Bureau dismissed criticism it has received for sending four employees to Hawaii, arguing that the investment conference to be held there starting today presents an opportunity for the bureau to learn from Hawaii’s legislative system.

LB deputy director Glenna SP Palacios, before leaving for Hawaii, issued a statement that it was the Office of the Public Auditor’s recommendation that the LB assess Hawaii’s State Legislature “since OPA considers it the best model for the LB to emulate in improving the operations of the CNMI Legislature and the bureau.”

OPA, at the request of the Legislature, is currently auditing the Legislative Bureau.

Reyes said the LB believes that the Conference on Business Opportunities in the Islands is a good opportunity to review Hawaii’s State Legislature, as some lawmakers will also be traveling to Hawaii. The Legislature, she maintained, would by affected by any changes made by the bureau.

She offered justification for each LB employee traveling to Hawaii. She said that Senate legislative assistant Eric Lister would assist Sen. Maria Pangelinan in her presentation. Jose A. Bermudes, legal counsel for the House of Representatives, will provide support to the lawmakers participating in the conference. He is also going as a member of the committee reviewing LB’s policies.

As for LB director Joaquin Omar and herself, Reyes said, “[I]f any change is to occur within the operation of the bureau, those changes will be decided and made by the director, so it is only logical for director Omar to be there. As far as I am concerned, I guess director Omar recognizes the importance of my participation since he has charged me with the responsibility for the overall operations of the Legislative Bureau.”

The bureau officials, together with some lawmakers and OPA, are scheduled to meet with Hawaii’s House of Representatives on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2006, to get an overview of the state’s legislative system. The “actual assessment” will take place on Nov. 16 and 17, she added.

The CNMI government sent about 30 individuals, led by Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez, to the investment conference in Hawaii.

At least two Cabinet officials initially part of the delegation—Finance Secretary Eloy Inos and Public Lands Secretary John S. Del Rosario—have opted out of the trip.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of the Interior, the conference will be held today and tomorrow at the Waikiki Marriott in Honolulu.