KOROR (Palau Horizon) – The Koror State Government (KSG) is willing to void the two legislative measures if the States of Aimeliik and Ngarchelong will suspend their Bul or the traditional law.
According to Gov. Yositaka Adachi the KSG will not implement the measures imposing fees to all non-citizens or not registered voters who engaged in fishing and visit to the Rock Island and Jellyfish Lake, if the two States will throw away their bul.
He said that without the Bul of Aimeliik and Ngarchelong, the KSG will not come up with the counter measures.
Adachi, however, said that they are planning to meet with the House of Traditional Leaders (HOTL) of Aimeliik next week to discuss the issue.
“We will tell them that if you suspend the Bul we will throw away these measures. We will terminate the legislative bills as soon as possible.” Adachi said in an interview.
Adachi said that is not in the protocol for the government officials to meet and discuss the Bul with the HOTLs because it is the Chiefs concern. However they will do their part after the Koror HOTLs refused to interfere on the issue.
“It is not a proper protocol for us to discuss the matter with the HOTLs but since the chiefs resisted to do it we will do it.” He added.
The governor said that if the Aimeliik and Ngarchelong HOTLs will agree to suspend their Bul, they will not implement the proposed measures. But if only one of them will agree, the KSG will impose the bills.
He said that the Koror State has the ability, resources and manpower to implement the measures.
Adachi said that he doesn’t want to create a war. But if it this is a war, he and the legislators will die in the war but the people of Koror will win the battle.
Meanwhile, after the four-day public hearing set for all the States pertaining to the two measures, the Koror State Legislatures will be conducting another public hearing for the non-citizens and not registered voters who are residing in Koror State next week.
The aim of the public hearing is to duly informed everyone on the measures.
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