Nominee Roberto C. Naraha wins broad local support at CNMI Senate confirmation hearing in Tinian

Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraha told the Senate standing committee on executive appointments and government investigation on March 26 that he stands ready to serve as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands if confirmed.

"It is my profound honor to be here today," Naraha said in opening remarks before the committee in Tinian, where family members and municipal leaders attended the public hearing. John Paul B. Regis, special assistant for administration to Governor David M. Apatang, introduced Naraha and described a judicial career "spanning more than 24 years on the superior court bench," highlighting prior service as assistant public defender, assistant attorney general, chief public defender and as a designated judge for the U.S. District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands.

The hearing featured local endorsements. Joseph E. Santos, a member of the Tinian Municipal Council, said Naraha's "extensive experience, leadership, and commitment to fairness and the rule of law make him exceptionally well qualified for this position." The mayor of the Municipality of Tinian offered full support for the nomination and described ongoing collaboration with Naraha on local courthouse needs. Committee staff recorded two written testimonies in support from Representative Julie Marie A. Ogo and Judge David Weisman; the chair said written and oral testimony will be included in the committee's recommendation to the full Senate.

Committee members used the hearing to probe Naraha's views on the CNMI's relationship with the federal government and the judiciary's role in preserving local self‑governance under the covenant. "The covenant is very unique," Naraha said, referencing Article 12 and Section 501 provisions the CNMI uses to determine which U.S. laws apply locally. He acknowledged limits enacted over time — including federal control of immigration and labor — and urged continued advocacy with Washington to protect local authority and resources.

Senator Manny T. Castro framed his questions around addressing root causes of social problems rather than expanding court infrastructure alone. "More money doesn't mean better results," Castro said, urging data‑driven, cross‑agency approaches for issues such as youth substance abuse. Naraha pointed to earlier efforts to establish a drug court and to multidisciplinary task forces, saying such programs can connect juvenile offenders to wraparound services and stakeholders rather than defaulting to adult court for certain juvenile traffic offenses.

On jurisdictional questions, Naraha recommended revisiting statutes that require some juvenile traffic cases to be treated as adult matters. He told the committee that, for certain serious traffic offenses, the court has proposed time standards and that payable traffic matters could be resolved "within a couple months," while serious traffic cases might take "six months to one year." He cautioned that probate and complex civil litigation often require longer timelines because of multi‑generation claims and constitutional issues.

The nominee also said the judiciary is willing to consult with the legislature on process questions such as impeachment. "The door of the Supreme Court is always open," Naraha said, and he cited existing outreach tools and programs the court uses to educate officials and the public about legal processes.

Chairman Senator Francisco Q. Cruz conducted housekeeping, called for a voice vote to adopt the hearing agenda (motion carried), and closed public comment after oral testimonies. The committee recorded that four members were present at roll call; the chair said the committee will forward oral and written testimony in its recommendation packet to the full Senate for consideration of confirmation.

The committee adjourned after adopting a motion to close the hearing. No confirmation vote took place at the March 26 session; the matter will move through the committee process and a recommendation will be forwarded to the full Senate.