Kimberlyn King-Hinds
THE Rota Legislative Delegation last week unanimously adopted RLD Resolution 24-4, supporting H.R. 2132, which U.S. Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill would make the CNMI eligible to participate in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Essential Air Service or EAS program.
The resolution was introduced by Senate Floor Leader Donald M. Manglona, and co-sponsored by Senate President Dennis James C. Mendiola, Sen. Ronnie M. Calvo and Rep. Julie Marie A. Ogo.
The resolution described H.R. 2132 as King-Hinds’ effort to foster robust competition in the air service industry while enhancing access to transportation for the CNMI through the EAS program.
The Rota delegation recognizes that the CNMI faces limited and constrained air service options, resulting in higher airfare costs that hinder residents’ access to essential services through inter-island travel and deter potential tourist visits.
“Residents on … Rota and Tinian … shoulder a heavier financial impact due to constrained air services as some consumer goods…pass through … Saipan [firsthand],” the resolution stated.
The resolution added that increased airline competition could provide CNMI residents, businesses, and visitors with more affordable and accessible air travel, thereby strengthening the Commonwealth’s economic and social well-being.
Created by the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978, the EAS program now supports more than 150 communities in the U.S., and has provided government-subsidized air service to a multitude of small and rural communities for decades.
