THE Commonwealth Ports Authority may implement cost-cutting measures in light of the U.S. House majority’s rejection of U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan's proposal to restore the CNMI's eligibility for the essential air service program.
CPA Board Chairwoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds brought up the matter during the board's regular meeting on Friday, saying the program would have reduced the costs of inter-island air service in the CNMI.
In an interview on Monday, King-Hinds said, "We are looking at every option within our control to bring down [CPA] costs which include reduction in hours, reduction in force, and reduction in operational hours without compromising safety standards, operational requirements and services that we are mandated to provide."
She said according to the Marianas Visitors Authority, visitors are interested in day trips to Tinian and Rota. However, she said the cost of inter-island travel will be an issue.
King-Hinds said CPA has asked the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide supplemental funding "while we all work to figure out how to open new markets."
Increasing airport rates is another option, but it will make the CNMI a more expensive and a less attractive destination, according to local tourism officials.
