Kanai signed the final draft on Friday and the signing was witnessed by members of the Airai State Planning Commission headed by Chairman Gillian Johanes.
The Bill would be submitted to the Olbiil Ra Ngerchumelbai for first reading.
Kanai and the members of the Commission are hoping that the Olbiil Ra Ngerchumelbai will pass the Bill and will make it a State law.
“The uniqueness of this plan is that the Commission did it themselves, we did an assessment and did a lot of consultations with the community and some experts from University of Hawaii help us organize the plan and put all things together,” Kanai said adding they looked at the current situation and what resources they have in Airai before they start working with the plan.
Johanes said the Master Plan has the support and the blessing of the entire community.
Gov. Kanai in September of 2006 introduced Ngerchumelbai Bill No. 5-06-2R to establish the Airai State Planning Commission whose task was to develop, prepare and submit the Master Plan for Airai State.
The Bill was passed in May 2007 by the Olbiil Era Ngerchumelbai making it Airai State Public Law.
The Commission headed by Johanes was formally organized in October 4, 2007 and was consisted of 13 members namely Frank Kyota, Patrick Tellei, Leo Ben Teriong, Mark Orrukem, Delegate Noah Secharraimul, Legislators Robert Ngireblekuu, Techur Rengulbai, Donald Dengokl, Edna Raymond, Ivan Rudimch and Mason Whipps.
The primary task of the Commission is to develop a Master Plan for Airai State with particular emphasis on better use of land, both public and private, to provide adequate open spaces, to prevent undue concentration of population, to conserve and protect the natural environment and to assure adequate provision for community utilities and facilities such as water, housing, schools, parks, transportation and thoroughfares and other public requirements.
The Master Plan aims to protect Airai’s natural resources, perpetuation of Palauan cultural heritage, vibrant town centers that mix residential, commercial and recreational uses, residential areas that are comfortable, healthy and conveniently located, promotion of agriculture and provision of the most appropriate infrastructure and land designated to attain sustainable economic growth.
The purpose of the Master Plan is to guide the future development and growth of the State.
The Commission formed four committees-Committee on Land Use, Community Design & Housing, Committee on Transportation, Circulation & Communication, Recreation & Public Facilities, Public Services/Safety & Utilities, Committee on Historic Preservation & Conservation and Committee on Economic and Commercial Development.
After two years of brain storming, meetings and consultations with various communities and traditional leaders, the Commission completed the Plan.
