The bill, now Public Law 17-58, authorizes the collection of $15 from each arriving visitor on Saipan with the fees going to the Marianas Visitors Authority.
The governor, during a recent farewell party for 86 cultural exchange students from Japan, said he will continue to support the cultural exchange program.
But Flores said the governor should put his words into action “because if nothing is done I can’t continue this program.”
“How can you support it without funding it?” the mayor asked.
There should be a specific funding source for the cultural exchange program which also helps boost the local tourism industry, Flores said.
He said he will ask the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation to appropriate funds for the program.
Flores’ goal is to bring in more Japanese students each year.
