Allen Tom, the regional director for the U.S. National Marine Sanctuaries Program, was here to get the feedback from the local people regarding the proposal to designate the waters surrounding the three uninhabited northern islands of Maug, Asuncion and Uracas as a marine monument or sanctuary.
Dela Cruz said Tom met with CNMI officials on Sept. 15 to discuss the controversial proposal.
When he asked the federal official about the “economic opportunities” involving the proposal as claimed by the Pew Environment Group, Tom’s answers “didn’t bear any resemblance” to what the monument proponents have been telling the community, Dela Cruz said.
He noted that Pew has told government officials and the residents that the plan will result in $10 million in new spending, $5 million in tax revenues and 400 new jobs.
Dela Cruz said after talking with Tom, Pew’s claims now sound “too good to be true.”
He quoted Tom as telling him that of the $50 million allotted for a similar program in Hawaii, only $7 million to $8 million goes to the monument.
Tom also told Dela Cruz that since in June 2006, only 25 jobs were created because of the marine monument in Hawaii, and only half of them are Hawaiians.
Tom, Dela Cruz said, cannot “take sides” on the issue and was tasked to gather all information from those who support and oppose the proposal.
Tom will then submit these comments to the White House.
Dela Cruz said Tom did not say whether the Pew Environment Group was telling the truth or not.
But Tom disclosed what has happened to Hawaii since its marine monument was established.
Tom stayed on Saipan for one week, Dela Cruz said.
