HAFA Adai Indigenous Affairs Office Resident Executive Ross Manglona!
On behalf of Matua Council for Native Chamorro Advancement, we are submitting herewith a request for your attention regarding the digging situation that is compromising the archaeological integrity of known culturally sensitive sites along Beach Road (Route 33) for the wastewater – flood control project by GPPC, contractor of the CNMI government.
If you are not aware, the stretch of the project includes the Leeward Coast of Sa’ipan from Chalan Piao to San Jose, and from Garapan to San Jose. “This project area is considered to be situated within an area of high historic and archaeological sensitivity; prehistoric stratums, features and human burials have been uncovered within areas located literally in close proximity to the project sites.” (HPO Memorandum, dated January 4, 2023; ref: DCRM Major Siting Nol SMS-2016-X-088).
Additionally, it is imperative that you review the permit dates as you can see that the HPO permit conditions memorandum was dated January 4, 2023, and referencing back a seven-year-old DCRM major siting permit (2016).
Having said that, again, on behalf of Matua Council, we are calling to your attention to immediately look into this matter with the CNMI Historic Preservation Office, Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality Office, Department of Public Works, and contractors GPPC and Applied Archaeology on the status of the excavations at these sensitive sites.
There is a lack of archaeologists and qualified staff to monitor the excavation activities considering the magnitude of the project. And especially, at active diggings using heavy equipment to perform the excavations at these sensitive sites.
It was brought to our attention that CNMI P.L. 3-39 and U.S. DOI Secretarial Order “allegedly” have not been adhered to. Thus, compromising the integrity of our invaluable cultural resources at these sites.
We urge you to immediately act on this serious matter as espoused under your constitutional duties and responsibilities in the CNMI Constitution Article III, Section 23, Subsection (b) 9 that reads specifically as follows:
“(b) Responsibilities of Resident Executive. The duties and responsibilities of the resident executive for indigenous affairs shall include but not limited to:
“serve as an advocate of positions taken by indigenous people on issues brought before them.”
We look forward to hearing from you on this matter and acting on this critical issue as soon as practicable. We cannot afford and will not allow another Anaguan village fiasco in 2015, like that in Garapan’s business district to make way for the construction of Best Sunshine International, LLC., Grand Mariana Casino and Imperial Pacific International LLC., Imperial Pacific Resort.
Sincerely,
LIANA M.S. HOFSCHNEIDER
President
Matua Council for Native Chamorro Advancement
