By Gemma Q. Casas
Variety News Staff

THERE will be a public hearing tomorrow on Tinian for a casino investor’s request to lease nearly 1.4 million square meters of public land there.
House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Edwin P. Aldan, Covenant-Tinian, and Senate Committee on Resources Economic Development and Programs Chairwoman Maria T. Pangelinan, D-Saipan, will conduct the public hearing on Marianas Resort Development Co. Inc.’s request.
At least 10 witnesses, including Tinian Mayor Jose P. San Nicolas as well as representatives from the Department of Public Works, MRDC, Coastal Resources Management, the Division of Environmental Quality, the Historical Preservation Office and the Division of Fish and Wildlife, were asked to submit testimony on the proposed casino lease agreement and project.
The hearing will be held at 6 p.m. tomorrow in the Tinian courthouse.
Public Lands Secretary John Del Rosario Jr., Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and MRDC chairman and CEO Kang Yun Lee signed a three-page memorandum of understanding last year.
MRDC said it wants to build a 300-room hotel and casino and an 18-hole golf course at an estimated cost of $179 million.