THE Marianas Public Land Trust is urging the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigations to “review the current activities” of the Department of Public Lands with respect to the comprehensive land use plan.
MPLT Chairman Philip Mendiola-Long was responding to EAGI Chairwoman Celina R. Babauta’s request for comment on Senate Bill 23-47, which would clarify the land designation process, and ensure that public land designations are limited to a single purpose.
Mendiola-Long said “there is no reporting by DPL” on any issues or problems with respect to multiple land designations affecting public land use.
“This is not to say that there are no challenges or difficulties, but rather it should be incumbent on DPL to inform the Legislature and community of such challenges and make the appropriate corrections or restrictions in designation as proposed by the legislation,” he said.
The MPLT chairman said it would be easier to amend a plan than amend the law.
He added, “We suggest that your committee invite DPL and its land use planners to inform our community as to its land use plan and how it works or how DPL applies the plan in its actions. Such process would surely be appreciated by our stakeholders and policy makers….”
S.B. 23-47 was introduced by Senate Floor Leader Corina L. Magofna.
