NORTHERN Islands Mayor Vicente Santos Jr. supports House Local Bill 22-18, which would mandate permitting requirements for aircraft and/or personal landings in the Northern Islands.
Authored by Rep. Sheila Babauta, H.L.B. 22-18 proposes the following restriction:
“No aircraft or personal landings on Northern Islands shall be allowed without first obtaining written permission from the Office of the Mayor of the Northern Islands, and such landings shall be subject to any reasonable and nondiscriminatory condition stated in the permit.”
The local bill would also allow the Northern Islands mayor’s office to promulgate rules and regulations, including but not limited to penalties and fees.
In his letter to the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation chairman, Senate Floor Leader Vinnie Sablan, Mayor Santos said, “It is with great pleasure” that he supports the intent and passage of the measure.
He said the local bill, if enacted, will help the Northern Islands mayor’s office to identify individuals visiting the Northern Islands.
He said the local bill would likewise allow his office to communicate, via VHF radio, to the representatives on each of the islands “to be aware of what activities will be taking place, and assist such individuals.”
Santos said his office will work closely with the Department of Lands and Natural Resources and the Department of Public Lands to ensure that “we follow all guidelines regarding the permitting requirements for aircraft and/or personal landings in the Northern Islands.”
Rep. Sheila Babauta gestures during a recent House Education Committee meeting in the House chamber.
