Dock Debate

The Northern Marianas' Commonwealth Ports Authority's proposal to dredge and renovate Saipan's historic Sugar Dock pier for an inter-island ferry between Saipan and nearby Tinian has run into a storm of protest with fishermen, landowners and recreational beach users lined up against the project. Sugar Dock was built by the Japanese before World War II to transport sugar cane and associated products from a nearby refinery out to larger vessels waiting outside the reef. It has been for many years a popular site for locals to swim, fish and picnic.

Proponents of the project-the ports authority and an Australian-owned company called Island Transport-say that Sugar Dock is the most convenient place to put a ferry dock as it would cut 20 minutes off traveling time between the two islands, as compared to using Saipan's commercial port, also locally known as "Charley Dock." Furthermore, the proposed site would lessen the operational cost to the ferry company, says Carlos H. Salas, CPA executive director.

Opponents counter that dredging and operating the ferry out of Sugar Dock would not only erode but also pollute some of the last remaining pristine beaches on Saipan. It would also prevent fishermen from utilizing the dock as a launching area for small boats and deny access to the dock and beaches to recreational users. Opponents say that they are in favor of the proposed ferry service, but want a different dock site.

Fisherman and swimmers enjoy Sugar Dock. The Aquarius Beach Tower hotel is nearby.

The proposed ferry is 150 feet long and 55 feet wide. It is designed to carry 35 vehicles and 300 passengers.

The FBI has subpoenaed all documents relating to the project from the CPA. Tony B. Cabrera, Saipan seaport manager, said no reason was given by the FBI as to why the files were subpoenaed. "I personally delivered to the FBI all the files relating to the project," Cabrera said. "We have nothing to hide."

At a public hearing conducted by the commonwealth's Coastal Resources Management office held December 22 at the Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe, more than 100 members of the Save Sugar Dock organization showed up to voice their strong opposition to the proposed site. In response to a question, CRM Administrator Jack Salas said the project "is not a done deal" and that comments from the general public will be taken into consideration during the board's deliberation.

"Leave Sugar Dock alone," shouted Visitación Olopai, a lifelong resident of the area, a mother of four and grandmother of 10. "Where am I going to take my grandchildren swimming?"

A 14-year-old student from Kagman High School, who spoke on behalf of 120 students who signed the petition against the project, said she swims with her family right behind Aquarius Beach Tower hotel beach, which is approximately 250 yards from Sugar Dock. Tatiana T. Guevara said it is a shame that government officials would ruin a beautiful beach for future generations "just to make a buck," drawing loud cheers from the crowd.

Randy Schmidt, an attorney working for the U.S. District Court, said the waters and submerged lands around the Northern Marianas are owned by the federal government according to a decision by the court, which is now under appeal. Security, parking lot and traffic issues have yet to be resolved, he said.

William E. Hunter, manager of Aquarius Beach Tower hotel, said "it breaks my heart to see the beach around this area about to be destroyed," warning that further dredging may cause bigger waves during storms, threatening the hotel and other nearby businesses. "We pay taxes too and contribute to the CNMI economy," Hunter noted.

Bill Concepción, former executive director of Marianas Public Lands Authority, said the master plan for the area calls for the beaches and Sugar Dock as recreational facilities and for use by local fishermen. "Don't do this," he argued. "You spent $50 million to renovate Charley Dock. Use it to its maximum capacity."

Lino Tenorio, a retired deputy commissioner of Public Safety, asked: "Why don't you find a place on Tinian much closer to Saipan and spare Sugar Dock?"

"The (Sugar) dock in its present state is perfect for what it's being used for today," said Marian Aldan-Pierce, president of Duty-Free Shoppers on Saipan, whose family owns the beachside property next to the dock.

Jay Jones, a businessman who was the president of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber wants more information on the project. "But development that damages the environment is not development at all," Jones pointed out.

A national wetlands expert at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notified the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers of its objection to using Sugar Dock, citing possible violations of federal regulations. Both houses of the CNMI Legislature are against the project, urging CPA to use alternate sites.