Rep. Fredrick P. Deleon Guerrero, Ind.-Saipan, told the Senate Tax Policy and Enforcement Review Committee on Wednesday that the parking meters in Garapan could be described as “the best decorations” on island.
Senate Vice President Jude U. Hofschneider, R-Tinian and chairman of the ad-hoc committee, said the government might as well activate the devices that have been “standing idle” for many years now.
Hofschneider said the committee will recommend the activation of parking meters but he told Saipan Chamber of Commerce executive director Kyle L. Calabrese to ask business owners in Garapan what they have to say about it.
Press Secretary Angel A. Demapan, in an interview yesterday, said the parking meters along Coral Tree Avenue and Beach Road in Garapan have not been used since the Babauta administration approved their installation.
Although those devices won’t generate that much, Demapan said they may help fund some government programs.
Sen. Ralph DLG. Torres, R-Saipan, said lawmakers should identify what government agency can handle the collection of money from the parking meters.
He said the funds could be used for the improvement of Garapan, the island’s main tourism area.
Torres said it’s better to collect something from the meters instead of “just letting them stand there for nothing.”
