Led by former Rep. Tina Sablan and lawyer David Banes, the group aims to preserve Marpi as the island’s best eco-tourism destination.
The plan involved an immediate action as well as mid-term and long-term plans.
The first meeting was held while the online petition continued to draw more signatures. As of 5 p.m. yesterday, 211, including those from off island, had expressed their opposition to the project.
The group, which plans to form Friends of Marpi to build community support, is also considering legal action.
The advocates have yet to decide whether this will be in a form of a temporary restraining order or a preliminary injunction.
Banes said in filing a TRO, there must be a proof that the power poles will cause an “irreparable” harm to the environment.
Sablan reviewed the Coastal Resources Management regulations.
Brad Ruzsala suggested a bike race that will help educate people about the importance of preserving Marpi.
Ed Propst said their group should try to get the support of the highly respected elders in the community who care about the environment.
“We need to build more support that will snowball,” he said.
Glenn Hunter suggested that they should demand for a public disclosure of what really is the ultimate plan besides just having a public cemetery in the Marpi area.
Bobby Gizzard wonders if the power poles project “is a step forward for more development in Marpi.”
Joe Corella offered to calculate energy needs for the cemetery and to study renewable energy possibilities.
The group’s mid-term plan involves exploration of alternative means of providing power to the cemetery while the long-term plan includes pushing for legislation that will protect Marpi.
