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Senate committee hears support and local housing concerns at Janet U. Maritita confirmation hearing
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Summary
The Senate standing committee on Executive Appointments on Jan. 28 heard support for Janet U. Maritita’s nomination to the Northern Marianas Housing Corporation board and a sustained discussion about affordable housing programs, LIHTC credits, voucher wait lists and requests for HUD extensions.
Janet U. Maritita, nominated by Governor David M. Apatang and Lieutenant Governor Dennis Mendiola to serve on the Northern Marianas Housing Corporation (NMHC) board representing the 3rd Senatorial District and the private sector, appeared Jan. 28 before the Senate standing committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigations for a public hearing.
Jean Paul B. Regis, special assistant to the governor, introduced Maritita and urged the committee’s "expeditious approval," describing her as a public-sector executive and former legislator with "more than 30 years of exemplary service" (Jean Paul B. Regis). Maritita told the committee she believes "safe, affordable, and sustainable housing is essential to the stability and growth of our small island communities" and pledged to "work collaboratively with fellow board members, the staff, and other stakeholders" if confirmed (Janet Uzoa Maritita).
NMHC Board Chair Marcy M. Tomakani and Acting Corporate Director Jesse Palacios testified in support of the nomination. Tomakani cited Maritita’s legislative and executive experience and cultural competence; Palacios highlighted her grants-management background and said it aligns with the NMHC’s fiduciary and compliance duties.
The hearing shifted to substantive program issues raised by senators and members of the public. Palacios described the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) process—developers apply for an allocation of credits from Treasury, sell credits to investors, and use proceeds to build rental properties that serve households at 60% or below area median income. He estimated the CNMI’s LIHTC allocation for 2026 at "about 37 or $39,000,000 in tax credits," said roughly 500 LIHTC units exist since the program’s inception, and noted two projects (about 45 and 48 units) were under construction and expected online in about a year and a half (Jesse Palacios).
Committee members and public commenters pressed NMHC on application processes and prioritization for long wait lists. Multiple speakers said there are "close to 600 people on the waiting list" for housing assistance; Palacios confirmed the broader waiting list is near 600 and that the voucher waiting list is roughly 130. Senators raised concerns that some households transfer tenancy across generations, which can limit access for applicants who have waited years. "We have over 600 people on the wait list," one senator said, urging NMHC to consider ways to "put our people first" while complying with federal rules (Vice President Corina Magoffna).
On program eligibility, Palacios said Treasury-funded LIHTC projects require CNMI residency but that HUD-administered programs have stricter citizenship or green-card requirements. He estimated HUD income limits for a family of four at about $34,000; members asked NMHC to confirm official HUD tables before adopting related policies.
Board and agency officials told the committee the NMHC board has directed staff to request an extension from HUD for certain Community Development Block Grant—Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds (Tomakani said the grant expiration is currently November 2026). Tomakani said management will prepare justification early in the second quarter to avoid returning committed funds and noted the board will ask HUD for calendar relief where projects remain under contract.
Committee members pressed for improved outreach and transparency. Palacios and Tomakani proposed holding town‑hall-style meetings during upcoming board sessions on other islands to help applicants understand programs and application deadlines. Senators also raised the reported VA loan administrative fee (identified in the hearing as about $3,000) and asked whether financial assistance or fee waivers could be pursued.
The committee took public testimony in support of Maritita from Marcy Tomakani, Jesse Palacios, Alice Santos and others. No confirmation vote was taken at the hearing; Chair Francisco Q. Cruz said written testimonies and the hearing record will be included with the committee’s recommendation to the full Senate. The committee adopted its meeting agenda at the start of the hearing and adjourned by voice vote after closing remarks.
The committee will forward its recommendation and the hearing record to the full Senate for consideration of confirmation.
Sources: Committee hearing record, Jan. 28, 2026.
