KOROR (Palau Horizon) — Pacific island lawmakers met in Palau to discuss “pressing issues” concerning the region’s trade, health, the environment, fisheries industry and homeland security.
During a three-day general assembly and board of directors meeting of the Association of the Pacific Island Legislatures, the delegates adopted several resolutions to address these issues.
Senate Floor Leader Steven Kanai, who represented the Palau delegation, said the resolutions would be seriously taken into consideration by the member-islands.
One of the resolutions urge APIL members to forge close cooperation and share information on immigration, customs, finance and public safety matters.
Measures pertaining to trade and disaster preparedness were also discussed, Kanai said.
The members at the same time agreed to retain the current APIL officers for another term.
The Palau delegation led by Kanai and Del. Okada Techitong introduced seven resolutions.
On homeland security, the lawmakers discussed port and airport security and the update on Continental Micronesia’s operations.
Businessman Allan Seid, a former lawmaker, presented the Rock Island Airlines as a potential new airline for Micronesia.
Akira Nakamae, councilor of Japan’s Fisheries Agency, talked about his country’s conservation and management measures for highly migratory marine species such as tuna and whales.
Edwin Kippenhan, vice president of Habitat for Humanity Micronesia, discussed affordable housing solutions for Micronesians.
