But Ramon B. Camacho, Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council chairman, said the new agreement should stipulate a 40 percent local hiring requirement.
The Department of Public Lands should look into the employment of persons of NMI descent, he added.
The Tinian Municipal Council, for its part, described the proposed land lease extension as a “positive development.”
In their letter to Babauta dated Aug. 2, Council Chairman Patrick A. Manglona, Vice Chairman Estevan P. Cabrera and Secretary Joseph Sn. Cruz Jr. said Jia Tie Liang, one of the new owners of COP, has frequently visited the CNMI including Tinian.
They said Jia has shown sincere interest in investing long-term in the CNMI.
“With these positive developments for our islands, we must take every step to take advantage of any investment offer that will help rejuvenate our local economy,” they said.
Camacho said he does not oppose extending COP’s lease agreement.
But he said the CNMI government should also ensure that COP will maintain its beach area.
“It’s an eyesore if we allow overgrown vegetation there,” he added.
Camacho is urging the inclusion of accessibility and maintenance of the beach area in the new agreement.
Suwaso Corp.’s officers include Tinian’s Philip Mendiola-Long and Japanese businessman Yusuke Fumoto.
DPL Secretary Oscar M. Babauta earlier disclosed that a China-based investor had expressed interest in COP and was willing to invest $6 million in the hotel in addition to paying $10 million for an agreement with the government.
