At least four people have pledged $100 each.
David Banes, who initiated the online petition to stop the erection of poles in Marpi, said the hearing for preliminary injunction is scheduled for April 29.
Judge Kenneth Govendo on Friday issued the TRO against the installation of power poles in the historic area.
Banes, a lawyer, said they still have a lot of work to do as the TRO, by law, is just temporary.
The “real battle” is on April 29, he said, and the volunteers now known as Friends of Marpi need more support for that hearing which will determine the outcome of the suit.
Like other volunteers, Banes said he has been spending his own money for the cause, but given the amount of work, he hired another lawyer to help him.
This lawyer has agreed to help and is willing to receive a “heavily discounted hourly fee,” Banes said.
He said he would “like to continue to have the new lawyer help out because he is more experienced in environmental suits.”
Variety learned that the lawyer is Wesley M. Bogdan.
Any contributions to help pay the new lawyer’s fees would be hugely appreciated, Banes said.
Former Rep. Tina Sablan, who is among the Friends of Marpi, said they would also like to let the people know that there is still time to add their names as plaintiffs to the lawsuit.
She said the power poles and wires were going up quickly, “and there just wasn’t enough time to contact everyone who had expressed support for the lawsuit prior to filing.”
Interested individuals or organizations who wish to support the lawsuit, either by making a contribution or signing on as plaintiffs, may contact Friends of Marpi at www.friendsofmarpi.com or friendsofmarpi.blogspot.com or David Banes at davidgbanes@gmail.com or Tina Sablan at 285-3935 or tinasablan@gmail.com .
