By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
GOVERNOR David M. Apatang approved House Local Bill 24-43, imposing up to a $10 fee on participants in fishing derby events at the West and East Docks on Rota, and up to a $100 penalty for violations.
Authored by Rep. Julie Marie Ogo, H.L.B. 24-43 is now Rota Local Law 24-10. It imposes the following docking charges and watercraft fees on visiting derby participants:
• $10 per day per motorized vessel
• $5 per day per jet ski or personal watercraft
• $3 per day per kayak or canoe
Residents of Rota will be charged a one-time $5 per vessel fee, valid for three consecutive days during the derby event.
Rota residents not participating in the derby, as well as those involved in educational, youth, or community programs coordinated through the mayor’s office, are exempt. Government vessels or craft operating for law enforcement and emergency response are also exempt.
R.L.L. 24-10 allocates 70% of fee collections to the Department of Lands and Natural Resources for dock facility maintenance, marine resources conservation, and derby environmental management; 20% to the Office of the Mayor for harbor operations, derby coordination, and public safety services; and 10% to the Rota Municipal Council for oversight, monitoring, and community outreach related to derby and other marine activities on the island.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
