Senate committee holds hearing on Sixto Gisomor’s nomination to lead Department of Public Lands

SAN JOSE, Tinian — The Senate Executive Appointments and Government Investigations Committee (EAGI) held a public hearing May 9 on Governor Arnold Palacios’s nomination of Sixto Gisomor to serve as secretary of the Commonwealth Department of Public Lands (DPL).

Gisomor, introduced to the committee by the governor’s representative Vicenta Villagomez, told senators he seeks reappointment to “administer the public land entrusted to the department with transparency, fairness, and accountability,” citing “the core purposes of homestead distribution, land stewardship, and compliance with the mandates set forth in law.” He referenced Article XI of the Commonwealth Constitution and Public Law 15-2 as the legal framework for DPL’s homestead and land duties.

The hearing drew elected officials, DPL staff, municipal leaders and ranchers from Tinian. Bernadita Saint Nicholas, director of the Tinian DPL district office, submitted written testimony and said she “respectfully ask[ed] this committee for full consideration and support in recommending his confirmation.” Mayor Edwin Piaudan of Tinian and members of the public also urged confirmation, citing Gisomor’s prior public service and knowledge of local land issues.

Why it matters: DPL oversees homestead allotments and leases that affect housing and agriculture in the Commonwealth. Committee members and public speakers emphasized that issuing homestead permits without a clear plan for infrastructure (roads, water, power) can leave residents unable to occupy lots or qualify for federal programs.

Discussion highlights

- Infrastructure responsibility and permits: Multiple public commenters and senators pressed who will pay for infrastructure tied to new homestead lots. Public commenter David Mendiola Evangelista Jr. asked, “Who is responsible for infrastructure funding?” Several speakers described the practical effect of that uncertainty: homestead permittees cannot build or qualify for certain aid if infrastructure and regulatory approvals are not aligned.

- Homestead issuance vs. infrastructure: Gisomor said his priority is to complete issuance of homestead permits and to pursue infrastructure coordination. He told the committee he had “initiated conversations” with the Department of Public Works and the Coastal Resources Management (CRM) office and said appointments were set for meetings the following week to clarify what currently blocks issuance of permits.

- Ranchers and federal assistance: Jose M. Dela Cruz, chairman of the Tinian Cattlemen’s Association, and other speakers described efforts to secure joint-use agreements with the Department of Defense so ranchers on military property can access U.S. Department of Agriculture aid. Speakers said the Navy extended help last August, but administrative issues over land control remain a bottleneck.

- Local examples and past projects: Mayor Piaudan and others cited past DPL actions that produced “30-plus” additional homestead lots in Mapo/Marpu Valley and mentioned prior possibilities for water reservoirs and CIP funding that stalled because of NEPA or regulatory objections.

Committee logistics and outcome

- The committee received oral testimony from multiple residents and municipal leaders and recorded two additional written testimonies in support of the nominee from Lucia M. Borra and Marianne de Leon Guerrero Tadella (chairwoman, Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council). No written opposition was reported to the committee at the hearing.

- No committee vote on confirmation was taken at the hearing. The chair said all written and oral testimony would be included in the committee’s recommendation report to the full Senate for further consideration.

- Routine committee action at the start and close: The committee adopted the agenda by voice vote and later adjourned by voice vote.

What senators asked and what comes next

Senators and public speakers repeatedly requested a clearer, interagency plan for infrastructure tied to DPL homestead lots. Gisomor and several senators described plans to convene department directors (DPL, DPW, CRM and others) to align definitions and administrative steps so homestead permit issuance can proceed where appropriate. The committee will forward the hearing record and written testimonies to the full Senate, which will consider confirmation at a later date.

Ending

The public hearing concluded with the chair thanking participants and noting the committee will include all testimony in its report to the full Senate. No confirmation decision was made at the May 9 hearing.