The Tanapag Beach Pavilion
The inverters and deep-cell battery storage units of the Tanapag Beach Pavilion’s solar panel were stolen.
(Office of Grants Management & State Clearinghouse) — Many in the community have been deeply troubled by recent acts of vandalism targeting solar-powered lighting installations on the island. These incidents have not only caused significant damage to public property but have also disrupted the CNMI’s efforts to enhance safety and sustainability within our community.
Most recently, the Tanapag Beach Pavilion was vandalized: its inverters and deep-cell battery storage units were taken from the pavilion’s rooftop, leaving the site without power and lighting.
Solar lighting plays a crucial role in the community, offering sustainable and energy-efficient solutions that contribute to our environmental goals. Aside from cost-saving measures in utilities; the deliberate malicious targeting of these installations not only sets back efforts to move toward a cleaner environment but it also undermines the safety measures that these photovoltaic-powered lights provide.
These projects were funded through several sources including grant funding made possible by the Office of Insular Affairs, the Office of Grants Management and State Clearinghouse, Division of Energy and the CNMI Energy Task Force.
“This incident is among many unfortunate things we come across frequently,” said Mike A. Cruz, director of the Division of Parks and Recreation. “The vandalism we find comes in many different forms and we never turn a blind eye to them.”
Director Cruz added, “We always notify the respective funding agencies and if we have the resources and capability, we often fix the deficiencies in our scope of duties ourselves. We do notify the representatives of the precinct to spread awareness and efforts to minimize damages in our parks and recreational facilities.”
“We are deeply disappointed by these acts of vandalism. Securing funding and going through the long process of federal permitting is not an easy task. We have several more solar photovoltaic lighting projects across all three islands, but it’s getting difficult to maintain these lights when they get vandalized, especially as additional funds would need to be identified for their repair,” said OGM Administrator Epiphanio E. Cabrera, Jr.
Cabrera further stated, “These coastal pavilions should be lit at night and if they are not, then possible tampering might be the reason. OGM should be contacted if the units are not operational so proper repair can be scheduled. OGM can be reached at (670) 664-9994.”
In a post on social media, House Vice Speaker Joel C. Camacho of Precinct 4 said, “Truly heartbreaking hearing that the batteries for the solar panel at the Tanapag pavilion was recently stolen.” He encouraged the Saipan community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity around solar lighting installations or other public amenities. Cooperation from the community is essential in safeguarding our shared resources and preserving the quality of life on Saipan.
If the community has any information regarding this matter, contact the Department of Public Safety at 911 or OGM at (670) 664-9994.
