TINIAN’S lawmakers support the plan to establish a “floating” hotel and casino on the island, according to Senate Floor Leader Joaquin G. Adriano.
Adriano, D-Tinian and chairman of the island’s legislative delegation, told the Variety yesterday that he would file a legislative initiative to amend any existing prohibition on the operation of floating casinos.
The Tinian Casino Gaming Control Commission’s legal counsel said local law does not allow a floating casino.
Former Gov. Froilan C. Tenorio, who represents the Japanese investors that want to establish the $9.9 million floating casino, said Adriano’s proposal is a “good move.”
However, an initiative still has to be ratified by Tinian voters in the Nov. 2003 elections.
“The investors are not going to wait that long,” Tenorio said.
What the investors want is a prompt answer from TCGCC, he added. “All they want is an answer now of yes or no,” he said.
According to Tenorio, TCGCC can “technically approve” the license application of the floating casino.
“They can do that. Their legal counsel’s opinion is just an opinion and not the law of Tinian,” Tenorio said.
However, the former governor acknowledged that TCGCC has to address any legal concerns.
Adriano said in his proposed legislative initiative would also reduce the current requirement of a 400-hotel room casino to 100 rooms.
“It has to be downgraded,” Adriano said.
