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Representatives discuss business closures, tourism decline and island connectivity as economic challenges
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Summary
Lawmakers and visiting students discussed recent business closures — including department-store and theater operations — the island’s reliance on tourism and ideas to shift toward locally focused retail and improved inter-island transport, including a possible ferry study.
Lawmakers used the student visit to discuss recent local business closures and broader economic challenges facing Saipan and the Northern Mariana Islands.
The Speaker and several representatives noted that Kensington and related operators have planned service suspensions and staff reductions, and that Duty Free and Regal Cinemas have closed locations. Representative Thomas John “TJ” Manglona, chair of the Commerce Committee, suggested reusing vacant retail space with a smaller mall or food-court-style development to serve local shoppers: “I see a mini mall. I see maybe, like, bringing in a Ross or a food court and turning that into a mini mall,” Representative Manglona said.
Representatives and students discussed connectivity between islands. The Speaker said legislators are preparing a study on ferry service and that options include drive-on/drive-off vessels for Saipan–Tinian and longer routes to Rota; the session recorded discussion that a Rota route could be an approximately eight-hour trip one way. Lawmakers said better inter-island transport could support commerce, tourism, and retain residents.
Participants also discussed migration of young people off-island and a shift toward streaming and remote entertainment that has reduced theater attendance. Representatives urged local economic diversification, developing attractions aimed at residents as well as tourists, and improving connectivity and regional partnerships with Guam.
Why this matters: business closures and reduced visitor activity affect employment and household incomes; local retail and transport strategies could influence whether residents stay, commute, or leave the islands.
No formal policy or funding decision was made during the classroom session; lawmakers encouraged students to continue proposing ideas and noted some studies and planning efforts are underway.
