TO Sen. Corina Magofna, chairwoman, Committee on Zoning of the Saipan & Northern Islands Legislative Delegation:
Regarding House Local Bill No. 24-11, “To amend the Saipan Zoning Law of 2013, Section 1211 concerning nonconforming auto rental offices with vehicles, for enhanced industry clarity and infrastructure utilization in the Third Senatorial District; and for other purposes.”
Hafa Adai yan Tiroow Chairwoman Magofna!
Thank you for opportunity to submit the following comments on behalf of the Office of the Mayor of Saipan regarding House Local Bill No. 24-11.
At the outset, and with the utmost respect, I must express my grave concerns about the direction and intent of this measure. The proposed deletion of Section 1211 of the Saipan Zoning Law of 2013 directly undermines the original purpose of the provision — to protect public safety, promote a clean and attractive environment, and to ensure orderly business operations within our key tourist district in Garapan.
Section 1211 was enacted to address a clear and well-documented problem: the staging, storage, and servicing or rental vehicles on-site in areas already burdened by congestion due to overdevelopment and vehicular traffic. The Zoning Board and the community recognized these practices as a public nuisance, creating safety hazards, congestion, and visual blight. Through diligent enforcement of Section 1211 and complimentary initiatives such as the Garapan Revitalization Project, Saipan has achieved meaningful and measurable improvements —cleaner streets, more orderly and available parking stalls, safer sidewalks, and a more beautiful and welcoming atmosphere for both our residents and visitors alike.
To repeal this provision entirely would reverse this progress. The justification offered — that additional parking spaces have been developed — does not eliminate the fundamental problem that Section 1211 was designed to prevent in the first place. The Garapan tourist district area remains one of our island’s most important economic and tourism centers. Its visual appeal and accessibility are vital to Saipan’s image and visitor experience.
Furthermore, this bill appears to benefit only a handful, if not less, of specific auto rental operators in the area who have long resisted compliance. At best, this gives the inescapable impression that our laws are unstable and subject to change at the whim of special interest demands; worst, it perpetuates the reputation that our laws are unreliable and cannot be depended on. The Legislature knows better than my office that either of these two have affected our islands’ ability to attract good, solid investments because of the unstable nature of our laws. This bill also diminishes the authority of the Zoning Board and undermines the basic principle of fair and consistent application of our laws to all businesses.
For these reasons, I must respectfully but firmly oppose House Local Bill No. 24-11. The better course is to continue supporting the original intent of Section 1211, encourage compliance of the law, and cultivate and nurture a culture of following the law amongst the businesses on our islands. I’m certain that you and I share the common belief that our focus should remain on maintaining a clean, safe, and aesthetically pleasing environment for our residents and tourists alike.
Again, thank you for the opportunity to comment on this proposed bill. I am confident that the Delegation will consider these concerns carefully and uphold the long-term interest of our people.
RAMON “RB” JOSE BLAS CAMACHO
Mayor, Municipality of Saipan
