An Act to amend 9 CMC Section 5807(b) and to add a new subsection (1f) to prohibit the launching of boats or other watercraft from beaches (P.L. 3-47)

. COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS Caller Box 10007 Saipan, MP 96950 Pedro P. Tenorio Governor Jesus R . Sablan Telephone: (670) Lt. Governor Fax: (670) 664-2211 The Honorable T. Benavente Speaker, House of Representatives Eleventh Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature Saipan, MP 96950 and The Honorable Paul . A. Manglona President of the Senate Eleventh Northern Marianas Saipan, MP 96950 Commonwealth Legislature 3 Dear Mr. Speaker and Mr. President: This is to inform ycu that I have signed into law House Bill No. 1-33, HS entitled, "To amend 9 CMC, Section and to add a new subsection to prohibit the launching of boats or other watercraft from beaches," which was passed by the Eleventh Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature. I realize this measure may cause some inconvenience to those who have been using the beach to launch their boats or other watercraft. However, we must all do our part in preserving and natural beauty of our islands, as well as its environment. This bill becomes Public Law No. 11-61. Copies bearing my signature are forwarded for your reference. Sincerely, Secretary of Safety Administrator, Visitors Authority Assistant for Programs Legislative Review CC: Special Diego 5807(b) Public Marianas P. t.. /I-Gt 664-2200 JAN 1 Z 1999 1 1, (f) & HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ELEVENTH NORTHERN MARIANAS COMMONWEALTH LEGISLATURE FIFTH SPECIAL SESSION, 1998 PUBLIC LAW NO. 11-61 HOUSE'BILL NO. AN ACT To amend 9 CMC Section and to add a new subsection ( f ) to prohibit the launching of boats or other watercraft from beaches . Offered by Representatives: and Melvin L. 0. Faisao Manuel A. Tenorio Date: January 22, 1998 HOUSE ACTION Referred to: Committee on Natural Resources Standing Committee Report No. 11 -14 First and Final Reading: July 6, 1998 SENATE ACTION Referred to: Committee on Resources, Economic Development and Programs Standing Committee Report: None Second and Final Reading: December 17,1998 11-33. HS1 5807(b) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 1 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 21 ELEVENTH NORTHERN MARIANAS COMMONWEA FIRST REGULAR SESSION, LEGISLATURE PUBLIC L A W NO. 11-61 H. B. NO. 11-33, AN ACT To amend 9 CMC Section and to add a new subsection to prohibit the launching of boats or other watercfaft from beaches. BE IT ENACTED THE ELEVENTH NORTHERN MARIANAS COMMONWEALTH LEGISLATURE: Section Findings. The Legislature that due t o the increased use of the beaches of the Commonwealth, the risks of environmental degradation which accompany such have become much greater. Particularly damaging to the beaches is the constant and continued traffic by motor vehicies to launch watercraft and other beach accessories. The tire ruts at the shoreline contribute substantially to erosion, n o t just the beach but the properties adjacent to it. This is i n addition to any other associated sources of pollution, such as improperly disposed of refuse, as well as fuel and oi l spills, as well carbon residue from exhaust; a!l of which can be deadly to life in the inter-tidal zone. Section 2. Amendment. 9 CMC Section is hereby amended follows: "(b) I t is unlawful for any motor vehicle t o enter or g o upon beach area or historic site or tourist site within the Commonwealth. 'Beach Area' those areas of unconsolidated deposits along the shore with their seaward boundary being at the low water mark or reef flat platform level extending i n not less than 150 feet. 'Historic sites or tourist sites' the boundaries of or site so designated by the Marianas Visitors Section 3. Amendment. CMC Section is amended by the addition o f new subsection which shall read as follows: i t is unlawful to launch boats and other watercraft by means of motor vehicle, trailer or any similar device into the ocean from any beach site other a pad specifically designed for violation of which shall be punished by fine o f $200 one month i n ;. 10 19 BY 1. (f) "(t) boat launch a and/or 1998 9 5807(b) finds endangering 5807(b) means Bureau." 5807 such a use: j.1 j J." .TH as (f) as any means a iandwara direction any area HSJ use a a than PUBLIC LAW NO. 11-61 HOUSE BILL NO. 11-33, HSI 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 1 12 13 Section 4. Severability. I f any provision of this Act or the application of any such provision to any person or circumstance should be held invalid by court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this Act or the application of its provisions to persons or circumstances other than those to which it is held invalid shall not be affected thereby. Section 5 . Clause. This Act and any repealer contained herein shall not be construed as affecting any existing right acquired under contract or acquired under statutes repealed or under any rule, regulation or order adopted under the statutes. Repealers contained in this Act shall not affect any proceeding instituted under or pursuant to prior law. The enactment of this Act shall not have the effect of terminating, or in any way modifying, any liability, civil or criminal, which shall be i n existence o n the date this Act becomes effective. Section Effective Date. This Act shall take effect upon its approval by the Governor or upon its becoming law without such approval. CERTIFIED BY: T. BENAVENTE' Speaker House of Representatives ATTESTED BY: Commonwealth of the Northern Page 2 { J DIEG<9 6. Savings a alread) Governor Mariana Islands