Community leaders representing local cultural associations urged the House to adopt House Resolution 24-11, which asks the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to ensure equitable involvement of persons of Northern Mariana descent and recognition of indigenous knowledge, stewardship and proprietary rights in ocean research and exploration in the Mariana Trench and adjacent waters.

Carmelita Rebaliman Faizau, identified on the record as president of the Yureli Rafal Wars Association, said the resolution would secure "meaningful and equitable engagement" and access for Northern Mariana communities to data and participation in research protocols. She told the House that indigenous knowledge systems should be integrated with contemporary science and that communities should have a role in co-development of research and benefit-sharing.

Begonia Odisha Camacho, a board member of the Iurali Reformo Association, said the measure affirms the rights of persons of Northern Mariana descent to participate in and benefit from scientific activities. Dr. Benjamin Borasemann, speaking as a member and parent representative of the Urali Rufaloos Association, urged the House to require that scientific data, environmental observations, specimen collections and associated research be shared with the CNMI government and indigenous‑led institutions and not be commercially developed or patented without prior informed consent.

Representative Denita Kaipat Yanktamay introduced House Resolution 24-11 as a committee of the whole. During floor discussion Representative Yanktamay sought a technical change: replacing a reference to former NOAA official "Dr. Richard W. Spinrad" with the current "NOAA administrator Laura Grimm." The change was treated as a technical amendment with no objection recorded.

On voice vote the House adopted House Resolution 24-11. The clerk recorded "the ayes have it" and the motion carried; no roll-call tally was given on the resolution adoption.

Background: The resolution asks NOAA to ensure equitable engagement, formal recognition of traditional knowledge and participation in research and benefit‑sharing frameworks for persons of Northern Mariana descent in NOAA activities across the Mariana Trench and surrounding waters. Speakers repeatedly urged inclusion of CNMI authorities and indigenous representatives in data access, research protocols and any commercialization decisions.

Next steps: The resolution is a formal expression of the House's position and would be transmitted to NOAA and other relevant agencies; the resolution text will guide any requested memoranda of understanding or further legislative action.