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Scoop
a day ago
- Business
- Scoop
Call For CNMI Leaders To Fight Back On High Airfares
Article – RNZ The former representative shared his frustration after attempting to book a four-day roundtrip ticket from Guam to Saipan. Mark Rabago, RNZ Pacific Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas correspondent Former Northern Mariana Islands lawmaker Edwin K. Propst taken to social media to urge leaders to 'go to war' with United Airlines over what he claims are exorbitant airfares between Saipan and Guam. The call to action comes amid renewed efforts to reinstate the Essential Air Service program in the CNMI and push for a cabotage exemption. 'Attention all leaders of the Marianas in the public and private sector, it is time to go to war with this airline,' Propst wrote. The former representative, who now works at the CNMI broadband policy and development office, shared his frustration after attempting to book a four-day roundtrip ticket from Guam to Saipan in June – to find the lowest available fare was US$767. 'For a 25-minute flight?! 'They have just made record-breaking profits and instead of rewarding their customers, they increase their prices.' Propst called the airfares 'devastating' to the local economy and tourism. The CNMI is currently seeking exemption from federal cabotage restrictions, which bar foreign airlines from operating domestic routes between US territories such as Guam and the CNMI. Governor Arnold Palacios mentioned this effort during his State of the Commonwealth Address, saying he had 'actively advocated for potential cabotage waiver [and] essential air services' in recent talks with federal agencies and congressional leaders. Palacios emphasized the importance of improved regional connectivity to support the CNMI's tourism-dependent economy. Senate public utilities, transportation and communications committee chair, Senator Jude Hofschneider called Propst's complaints a 'sad reality of economic times,' adding that United's pricing is 'likely a business decision by the air carrier'. Still, Hofschneider said the moment calls for greater support of Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds' bill introduced in April to requalify CNMI airports for the Essential Air Service (EAS) program. If passed, the measure would allow federal subsidies to fund daily round-trip flights even if commercial carriers withdraw service. A quote from CWM Travel International showed a Saipan-Guam roundtrip departing 8 June 8 and returning 12 June costing $420 – significantly cheaper than Propst's booking but still high for an inter-island flight. The EAS program, created in 1978 and stripped from CNMI eligibility in 2012, was intended to preserve air access for small US communities. King-Hinds' bill seeks to restore eligibility to Saipan, Tinian, and Rota by placing CNMI alongside Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico in exemption status.
Scoop
24-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Northern Mariana Islands: Endangered Mariana Crow Population Rebounds On Rota
The endangered Mariana Crow, known as 'Aga' in Chamorro, is showing strong signs of recovery, with 70 breeding pairs now thriving in the wild on Rota. That figure represents approximately Mark Rabago, RNZ Pacific Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas correspondent The endangered Mariana Crow, known as 'Aga' in Chamorro, is showing strong signs of recovery, with 70 breeding pairs now thriving in the wild on Rota. That figure represents approximately 300 individual birds, a significant milestone toward the species' downlisting and eventual removal from the endangered species list. Rota Avian Behavioral Ecology Program's primary investigator Sarah Faegre told Marianas Press that the conservation effort is in a critical and optimistic phase. 'This is a very exciting time to be here on Rota,' Faegre said. 'We are seeing high rates of reproduction among the captive-reared birds that have been released into the wild.' Since 2017, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and the University of Washington have collaborated to rear and release 90 captive-raised Mariana Crows. These birds now make up 20 percent of the breeding population, and this year alone, they have already produced four fledglings. 'It's significant because it means the birds we rear and release are not only surviving, but they're also displaying normal social behavior-they're pairing and reproducing in the wild, which is exactly what we need them to do,' Faegre said. The Mariana Crow is a long-lived species, and Faegre noted that some of the birds released in 2017 are only now beginning to breed. 'We saw a long delay. For a while, we were concerned about lower rates of reproduction, but even if it takes five or six years, they are breeding now,' she said. 'We're expecting to see the population increase faster going forward.' Back in 2013, there were only 46 known breeding pairs. The recent rise to 70 brings the Rota population within reach of the US Fish and Wildlife Service's criteria for downlisting: 75 stable or increasing breeding pairs on Rota. 'We could reach that 75-pair mark in just a few more years,' Faegre said. However, full delisting requires not only maintaining 75 pairs on Rota, but also establishing a second viable population on another island. That means future conservation efforts may include translocating birds to other locations within the Marianas. While the progress is promising, challenges remain. 'The biggest threat to the Aga is a poorly understood inflammatory syndrome that's killing young birds,' Faegre said. Pathologists have been researching the syndrome since 2011 but have yet to determine its cause. One possibility is an autoimmune response triggered by mosquito-borne pathogens or high mosquito density. Other risks include potential future land-use conflicts with local populations, and the looming danger of the brown tree snake being introduced to Rota-an invasive species that has devastated native bird populations in Guam. Despite these concerns, Faegre said the focus remains on growth and recovery. 'We are on the cusp of something really important,' she said. 'This species has a chance-not just to survive, but to thrive again.' The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance operates a rear-and-release facility on Rota in partnership with the University of Washington. Their joint program continues to play a critical role in the recovery of one of the Marianas' most iconic and culturally significant birds.
Scoop
07-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
‘We're Feeling The Pinch': CNMI Governor Blames Economic Slump On Geopolitical Tensions
Article – RNZ The Northern Marianas Islands needs to diversify its economic base in order to better cope with global tensions, Arnold Palacios says. Mark Rabago, RNZ Pacific Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas correspondent The geopolitical situation in Asia and the Pacific region is one of the reasons for the ongoing disruptions with the Northern Mariana Islands' (CNMI) travel authorisation program, the territory's governor says. The delays in the CNMI Electronic Vitality and Security Travel Authorisation Program (EVS-TAP) approval for tourists from China has resulted in the abrupt suspension of Hong Kong Airlines flights to Saipan. It is also a contributing factor to low visitor arrivals in an island economy that primarily relies on its tourism industry. 'I immediately reached out to Homeland Security, [Customs and Border Patrol], and even the White House when I was made aware of this,' Arnold Palacios said. 'So obviously with the situation, with [the] geopolitical situation in our Asia Pacific area, we are feeling the pinch.' The immediate cost of the tensions between Washington and Beijing is tourist arrivals from its one promising tourist market of mainland China. 'Unfortunately, Hong Kong Airlines could not afford to wait for a solution. They had to make a decision for their business, and that meant suspending service to the CNMI.' The governor's remarks came shortly after the Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA) confirmed that HK Airlines would suspend service between Hong Kong and Saipan from 8 May through 15 June due to ongoing disruptions with the EVS-TAP. In a statement, MVA managing director Jamika Taijeron expressed concern that the temporary suspension could become permanent if EVS-TAP services are not restored quickly. 'The reality is that if EVS-TAP processing is not restored soon, HK Airlines may be forced to permanently cancel its route to Saipan,' Taijeron said. 'With global aircraft availability at an all-time low, regaining lost service-or attracting new carriers-will become increasingly difficult.' He also pointed to the recent conviction of a Chinese national in a high-profile drug and manslaughter case – an overstayer who exploited CNMI's visa system – as one of the reasons for further scrutiny of the EVS-TAP program. 'I mean, that is just the nature of the beast. It does not help our situation when you just had the federal courts sentence an overstayer who was here on a tourist visa and was here since 2016, and now is in jail for 25 years, and the continuing saga of people going from here to Guam, mostly overstayers, whether they were CWs (work visa) or came in on tourist visas. 'So that also becomes an issue when CBP and our immigration, federal immigration, takes a look at the policies that they have to move forward.' Palacios conceded that the CNMI will ultimately just have to wait for updates on the EVS-TAP disruption. 'I do not want to say that that is an issue that is going to be resolved immediately. 'I made those inquiries first week of April, through different channels, I have tried and even to the White House leadership, but they said they are going to get back to us.' Meanwhile, Taijeron noted that MVA has been working closely with Palacios and US Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds to engage the federal agencies responsible for the Electronic Travel Authorisation system under EVS-TAP. She also thanked House Speaker Edmund Villagomez and Reppresentative Julia Ogo for 'advocating transparency and urgency in addressing this matter.' HK Airlines' cancellation is not the first hit to the CNMI's beleaguered visitor industry. Other carriers such as Jeju Air and T'way from Korea have also reduced or suspended flights, citing safety reviews and weak passenger volumes. Its abrupt decision to withdraw service adds to a cascade of economic disruptions, including a shrinking tourism industry, multiple business closures, and continued job losses across the Commonwealth. 'The other issue with Kensington [Hotel] closing down for a month is because of the airlift issue,' Palacios said. 'Both, I think, T-Way and Jeju have cut their daily flights, one daily flight by Jeju. And that's because of the safety issues that they have to deal with..' 'Tourism can't be our only engine' The governor also emphasised that the crisis highlights a larger truth – the CNMI must diversify its economy. 'Tourism can't be our only engine,' he said, adding that the CNMI needs to look at other industries like education, technology, and small business development. 'Guam and Hawaii have federal investments through the military – we need our own pathway to stability.' Palacios said that, despite the challenges, there were bright spots. Programs such as the Small Business Development Center and education investments, like the new Northern Marianas College campus, are laying a foundation for growth. Meanwhile, his administration is continuing to lobby Washington for urgent relief and regulatory clarity to help attract back international carriers. 'That's something that as these things really settle, we need to be very up front with the federal partners and tell them that the Commonwealth is exponentially feeling these impacts a lot more than if you are in the mainland United States.'
RNZ News
05-05-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
CNMI Senate mulls bill to house Guam inmates
CNMI Department of Corrections Photo: RNZ Pacific / Mark Rabago A proposed bill to establish a corrections compact between the Commonwelath of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and Guam is gaining momentum. Officials are emphasising that the agreement would primarily ease overcrowding in Guam's strained correctional facilities, while strengthening regional ties between the two island territories. They say it will also help the CNMI - not only its Department of Corrections (DOC) - financially. Senator Manny Gregory Castro said Senate Bill 24-24 currently is in committee and a public hearing to get the community's sentiments on the measure will be scheduled soon. "My bill is a compact. Which allows for resource sharing, it's not exclusively about housing Guam inmates at DOC," he also clarified. At a Senate hearing last March, DOC commissioner Anthony Torres said SB 24-24 offers a solution for Guam, whose corrections department is currently operating well beyond its intended capacity. "Guam is looking at transferring inmates as far away as Arizona, which is a 14-hour flight away. "Instead, we are only 30 minutes away-and we have the space. Those long flights and then less coordination could be avoided. "We have the opportunity to step in and offer them the help they so desperately need only 30 minutes away. Now, I want to reassure you that we will do this responsibly." Under the compact, non-violent, voluntary inmates from Guam could be housed at the CNMI's DOC facilities, which currently have hundreds of unused beds. The plan would relieve pressure on Guam's overcrowded jails without compromising the safety of the CNMI, Torres said. Strict screening would ensure that only exemplary, low-risk inmates are eligible for transfer, and the CNMI would retain full discretion to refuse any individuals who do not meet established standards. "Currently, our Department of Corrections has empty beds. "This may seem like a small detail, but it represents a significant resource that we can tap into. Many facilities across the region and across the nation are grappling with overcrowding" By partnering with the CNMI, Guam would save significant transportation and operational costs compared to shipping inmates to distant mainland facilities. Additionally, keeping inmates closer to their families would help support rehabilitation and reintegration efforts. "This is about providing a responsible, regional solution that benefits Guam first and foremost," Torres said. "It's better for the inmates, better for their families, and better for public safety." Corrections Capt. Marvin Seman, a veteran correctional officer with nearly 20 years of service, also highlighted the regional benefits. "Guam desperately needs relief," Seman said. "This compact would provide them a closer, safer option instead of sending their people thousands of miles away." While the compact would bring much-needed revenue to the CNMI's DOC to fund officer salaries, training programs, and facility upgrades, speakers at the hearing stressed that Guam's immediate need for housing relief is the driving force behind the proposal. Businessman and former police and Corrections commissioner Clyde Norita praised the plan, noting that Guam's overcrowding problem is already urgent. "They're overcapacity, it's a fact," Norita said. "We have the resources and proximity to help them." Victoria Deleon Guerrero, a DOC employee who initially had reservations about the idea, also voiced support after learning more. "This isn't about bringing problems here," she said. "It's about being good neighbors and providing real solutions for a problem that's hurting both our islands." Ultimately, Torres said the DOC has a lot to gain if Castro's bill is passed by the CNMI Legislature and signed into law. He said the revenue generated from this compact "is a lifeline". "By leveraging and utilising our excess capacity, we can generate revenue that will help us enhance our rehabilitation programs, creating successful paths for inmates to reintegrate into society. "But beyond that, this revenue will also allow us to invest and take care of the very people who make our system function smoothly and care for inmates. "Our dedicated correctional staff, the men and women of the Northern Mariana Islands DOC, all of them behind me, we're here in support. "These dedicated individuals who work under demanding conditions, facing challenges, most of you in here and out in the community can hardly imagine." Torres said CNMI taxpayers provide vital resources for rehabilitation and invest in the people who keep our system running, which ultimately benefits our CNMI residents. "Together, let's seize this opportunity to not just transform our correctional facilities, but to uplift our entire community. "Let us be the leaders who make a lasting impact, who can champion both rehabilitation and respect for those who serve us." If passed, the CNMI-Guam corrections compact would allow the CNMI to assist Guam, while also improving its own corrections system through added resources.
RNZ News
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Lights out at CNMI's only theatre amid economic struggles
Hollywood Theaters Photo: Mark Rabago Movie goers in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands are lamenting the closure of the territoy's only cinema. Regal Cinemas in Saipan is set to roll its final credits at the end of this month. Local residents, who spoke to RNZ Pacific, expressed their disappointment at the prospect of no longer being able to watch movies on the big screen at the at Hollywood Theaters, the official of the multi-screen cinema complex. "As a filmmaker and a cinephile, this is a sad day," Galvin Deleon Guerrero, who himself is guilty of not frequenting the cinemas, said. "There is something truly unifying about the collective experience of enjoying a good story on the big screen with an audience. "I fear we lose that, and a bit of our humanity and empathy, when we resort to the isolated and atomised entertainment on our digital devices." Deleon Guerrero said his most memorable time at the movies would be about his favorite franchise: Star Wars . "I have watched every Star Wars film since Episode II: Attack of the Clones first screened at Hollywood Theaters and have screened many films of my own there. "It will be missed dearly and I hope that all is not lost and that perhaps a new owner will emerge, a 'New Hope', if you will." Another Star Wars fan, Edward Dela Cruz Jr, said, "My fondest memory was the duel between myself and grand master, Dr Deleon Guerrero who will be the first in line prime time for Star Wars movies starting with Force Awakens in 2015. "I defeated him the first year. After that never again. He proved he was the undisputed Star Wars faithful in the CNMI. "If we resume this duel looks like we must take it to Guam. It will be sad because movie theaters are one of the fondest memories when people grow up," he said. Meanwhile, another local resident Kerri Bauer said she and her family have seen lots of movies at the Regal Cinemas. "Two of our kids had their 'first ever' movie experience at that theatre," she said. "Our favorite memories were in the summer when it is too hot to do anything else and the theater had summer $1 kids' movies. "We got to wear sweatshirts, buy a big tub of buttery popcorn, and escape the heat for a few hours. We will definitely miss it." Simon Necesito said the closing of Regal Cinemas means less entertainment options for local residents. "I think it's a shame that the theatre is closing down. It really provided people here an alternative for recreation. And it is bad enough as it is because we lack options for that here on Saipan." Adam Walsh said Regal Cinemas is closing now after surviving all the calamities the CNMI went through. "It is terrible to see such a great business that has weathered super typhoons, a pandemic to then close its doors due to an economic downturn is so unfortunate. "My fondest memories are taking my kids and their friends to see new Disney or Pixar flicks, like Moana and Inside Out . I also enjoyed have a night out to see the John Wick series with my brother-in-lawand friend." Another local Tish Ferrer said it the closure was a big loss to her moviegoing family. "I feel so sad because me and my family have a lot of fun memories especially when my kids were growing up. "That is one of the places we go bonding as a family and enjoy popcorn and slushies. "My kids are sad because every time their friends have birthdays, they usually celebrate it at the movies. It will never be the same without Regal theaters." Regal Cinemas general manager Maybeline Cabrera confirmed on 21 April that Regal Cinemas Saipan will shuttering its doors. "We can only confirm that the last day of operations is Wednesday, 30 April," she via a social media message to RNZ Pacific. The CNMI economy has also suffered since the pandemic. According to the islands' Department of Labour, the Commonwealth lost 71 businesses between 2020 and 2024 - seven closures in 2020, five closures in 2021, 11 closures in 2022, 24 closures in 2023, and 24 closures so far in 2024, including legacy companies like Saipan Tribune and Hyatt Regency Saipan (eventually bought by MB Corp. and soon to become a Sheraton). Asiana Airlines also flew the coop last year. Labour secretary Leila Fleming said in a recent CNMI Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management general membership meeting that not all businesses wrapping up report their demise to the agency. Joining Regal Cinemas Saipan on the sidelines at month's end is DFS Saipan after almost 50 years doing business in the territory.
