By Emmanuel T. Erediano
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Variety News Staff
THE Department of Public Lands last week updated the Senate Resources, Economic Development and Workforce Committee on public land leases with major hotels and other tourist destinations, including Managaha and several golf resorts.
In his letter, DPL Secretary Sixto Igisomar provided the committee chair, Senate Vice President Corina L. Magofna, with a list of leases that are still active and those that have expired.
During the committee meeting Tuesday, Igisomar also fielded questions from senators about the status of public land leases with some active hotels, such as the Marianas Beach Resort, and updates on other hotel properties that remain idle.
Hotels and golf resorts with active leases include the Marianas Beach Resort, Coral Ocean Point Resort, Crowne Plaza Resort, Saipan LauLau Bay & Golf Resort, and Kingfisher Golf Links. Those with expired leases are the Kanoa Resort, Mariana Resort & Spa, Rota Resort Hotel, and Saipan Country Club.
Negotiations for the renewal of Pacific Islands Club’s lease are still ongoing, according to DPL records.
Igisomar also informed the committee that a 10-year temporary occupancy agreement or TOA has been granted to Sea, Air and Island Leisure or SAIL, a subsidiary of Tan Holdings Corp. The TOA took effect in December 2025. DPL has given the new concessionaire time to renovate the facilities on Managaha, with full operations expected to begin on Saturday.
Igisomar said SAIL “would actually provide significant benefits” to the CNMI by maintaining Managaha as a first-class tourist destination. The concessionaire is currently carrying out renovations approved by DPL.
Igisomar explained that a TOA, unlike a long-term lease, lasts only 10 years, with rent set at $300,000 annually, payable quarterly. The term was previously five years but was increased to 10 to allow investors sufficient time to earn a return.
He also said the new concessionaire has agreed to provide $25,000 in public benefits to the Carolinian Affairs Office and the Indigenous Affairs Office, split evenly between the two.
Aside from Magofna, committee members present included Senate Floor Leader Donald Manglona, Sen. Paul A. Manglona, and Sen. Ronnie Calvo.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
