Legislature holds joint hearing on proposed 40-year lease of Marianas Resort; DPL urges further review and community hearings

A joint Senate and House committee held a public hearing on a proposed 40‑year lease, with a possible 15‑year extension, for the former Marianas Resort and Spa on Saipan, during which the Department of Public Lands (DPL) and the prospective lessee answered questions on financial capacity, environmental reviews and community benefits.

The hearing, chaired by Sen. Karina L. McGovna and House Chair Rep. Angela Camacho, drew public commenters from Precinct 4 and lawmakers from both chambers. DPL acting secretary Richard Villegomez told the committee DPL supports approval of the lease but agreed to provide additional financial documents and updated forecasts requested by members.

The discussion centered on three issues: legal status of a pending court challenge to the RFP, the developer’s current financial capacity and the scope of public‑benefit commitments tied to the lease. Resident and former congresswoman Sheila Jack Babauta said the community needs more time and information before approving what she called “the largest land lease in [Saipan]’s history,” and urged additional hearings in northern villages.

DPL and the developer

Acting Secretary Richard Villegomez told the committee that a court case challenging the RFP is currently stayed and that the court permitted DPL and the proposer to continue negotiations. Villegomez said, “If the legislature rejects it, of course, the court would have to—it's currently stayed—so they have to lift the stay, and make a decision,” and that DPL could not predict the court’s next steps in that scenario. He also said DPL remains “in support of the approval of the lease to…