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S A I P A N O C E A N \ H E W H - O T E LBEACH ROAD. GARAPA.P. O. BOX 500799SA IPAN , M P Yb950TEX . #: I (670) 23-1-S90 )FAX#: (0)_ 9.+2E-~1 A.ll sovhspn@pticom. com\""EBSITf v \\ S upanho c l.cim

W\\\\ .c nm i-gurde.corn sovh

January 12,2009

Ms. Janet NapolitanoSecretary - appointeeU.S. Department of Homeland SecurityWashington D.C., 20528

Dear Ms. Napolitano,I invested most of my time and my life making Saipan my home during my 33 years on this

island. In 1987, I started a business in the hotel industry. I have been in the hotel business forthe past 22 years and currently own and operate an eighty-seven room hotel in Garapan, Saipan.The island's primary source of revenue comes from tourism. However, arrivals of Japanesetourists have quickly declined as their economy is not doing so well either. What is still keepingus afloat are the arrivals of tourists from Russia and China that have taken up a strong spot intourist arrivals to Saipan.Tourism is the backbone to Saipan's economy. Without tourists from Russia and China, theeconomy of Saipan will be severely hurt. Iarnestly implore you to consider to waiver the visasfor these two countries, as these markets have contributed significantly to the success of mybusiness and to the islands' tourist industry as well.

S1e~IY, I(I.~~1{XAM 1Linda LamSaipan Ocean View Hotel- President

cc. Governor Benigno R. Fitial

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ppjPACIFIC DEVELOPMENT INC.

PO . B OX 50 05 02 S AIP AN,MP 96950-0502 TEL(67 0)322-8770 FAX(67 0)322-8794 Web Site - http: /I www .pdisa ipa n.com

January 13, 2009

Ms. Janet NapolitanoSecretary-AppointeeU.S. Department of Homeland SecurityWashington D.C. 20528Dear Ms. Napolitano;I am writing on behalf of Pacific Development Inc., (PD/). A tour company established i n 1973 and forthe past 36 years we have observed the transformation taken place in the Marianas.I am for home land security and for protection of our U.S. borders, however I am sympathetic over theseislands and if we are not very caution of the steps taken, the CNMI will loose its destination amongtravelers from China and Russia.I believe you are aware of the global economic condition and its adverse effect on the CNMI and with theuncertainty over Federalization; businesses are shutting down, large exodus from the local community( Chamorro / Carolinan ) are moving away.

How much more can the CNMI take, is just a mere question in everyone's mind, some have shared theirthoughts that it is about time, for others we need more time. Whether it is now or sometimes down thepath, the question we must ask ourselves "is the CNMI well of now then years ago" ..I can only share my compassion for the people and of this isles, if I were to leave today due to all theuncertainty I only ask for your heartfelt willingness to help. For whatever the result and the outcome fromthe decision made under the U.S. Interior and U.S. Congress, it must be strategically define for the peopleof the CNMI are suffering today, there are no other industries to depend on and I am only afraid the onlyremaining industry will diminish as well.There has to be some considerations for these islands depend mainly on tourism.

Cc: Honorable Benigno R. Fitial, Governor, CNMIBu siness 1. Tour O peration and Gro un d S ea - T ra ns fe rsAc tivities 2. In bo un d a nd O utb ou nd O pe ra tion s

3. V ario us T ou rs P la nning and Sales4. N ew B usiness D evelopment5. Local T ra ve l R e la te d I nf orma tio n R es ea rch6. Ev en ts Coo rd in a

JAPAN: HOLIDAY TOUR S MICR ONESIA CO., LT D . Tokyo Kin te ts u B ld g. 9 th Floor, 19-2, KandaM ats un ag ac ho C hiyoda-ku , Tokyo, 1 01 -0 02 3 T EL.(03 )3255-5691 FA X.(03 )3255-5706

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~",\t-lL R tsr -1U -L(J "">. "360'.. .s~J''f#~I~''''t"

January 13, 2009

Ms. Janet NapolitanoSecretary - AppointeeU.S. Department of Homeland SecurityWashington, D.C. 20528Dear Ms. Napolitano:I am writing on behalf of Revolving Restaurant 360 located on Saipan, Commonwealth of the NorthernMariana Islands to let you and your colleagues know how important the Russian and Chinese visitormarket is to my business. In these challenging economic times globally, every dollar that is spent in mybusiness is vital.The visitors from Russia and China make up a substantial amount of my visitor customer base andwithout them I am not sure of the fate of my business on Saipan. Should we not have access to thesevisitors and I was forced to either further reduce hours or to close my doors I would simply add to theeconomic burden that already exists in the CNMI. With unemployment numbers at an all time highthroughout the United States, I urge you to give strong consideration to allowing the visitors from Russiaand China to continue to visit the CNMI in the same way they have been able to for the last few years. Isee no reason to add to the already staggering unemployment numbers that are growing exponentiallyevery month.I have the utmost respect for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and know that you will do theright thing when it's time to issue your statement about these two very vital visitor markets for the CNMI.The right thing is to allow them to continue visiting our beautiful islands and to allow our sufferingeconomy an opportunity to rebound without crippling us further.Please feel free to contact me with any additional questions you may have. You may reach me via phoneat 670.483.1324 or via email atandy@360saipan.com .Thanks and regards,

Andy TidwellProprietorcc: Mr. Benigno Fitial- Governor; Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

Revolving Restaurant 360PMB 306 P.O. Box 1 00

Saipan, MP 96950TeL#285-036O/234-3600 234-1610Website: www.360saipan.com

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C l F i ; c c ; o i f ) -($ TONYRo~~ S:iJ:B1lrc RIBS SEAFOOD STEAKSJanuary 13, 2009

Attn: Ms. Janet NapolitanoSecretary - AppointeeU.S. Department of Homeland SecurityWashington D.C. 20528

CC: Mr. Benigno R FitialGovernor of CNMI

From: Akira OnishiGeneral ManagerWDISaipan, Inc.dba Tony Roma' s/Capricciosa

Re: Chinese and Russianbusiness impact on Tony Roma's and Capricciosa Saipan

Dear Ms. Janet Napolitano,

My name is Akira Onishi, General Manager of Tony Roma' sand Capricciosa Saipan. TonyRoma's (TR) is, as you know, one of the most famous 88Q Ribs restaurant in the world, andCapricciosa (CAP) is the most popular casual Italian trattoria in Japan, and both restaurantshave been operated 10 years in Saipan already as the most popular restaurants.

We have. of course, many local guests everyday. on the other hand TR and CAP are the oneof the tourists' destinations. we have also many tourists everyday every night. Japanesetourists usually stay in Saipan 4 days. most of them have lunch or dinner in TR or CAP onceduring their stay in Saipan. However most Russian tourists stay Saipan two week or more. Soonce they like TR or CAP. they keep coming back many times in two weeks. And all of them aregood spenders. so they help our business very much. And also we have lunch meal couponagreements with some Chinese Travel Agencies. so they are sending us many Chinese guestsfor their lunch everyday too. Therefore if we lose both Chinese and Russian tourists fromSaipan. TR and CAP sales must be decline 20-25% from now.

This is the Chinese and Russian business impact of TR and CAP.

Akira Onishi Feneral Manager

WDISaipan, Inc.dba Tony Roma' s / Capricciosa

address: PO.Box 5236, CHRB124. Saipan, MP 96950tel: +1'670'322'7516 / fax: +1'670'322'7517 / e-mail : akira@wdiusa.com

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Belka~rsLicense 14768-0004PMB 458 PPP 10000, Saipan, MP 96950, USA Phone: + 1 (670) 234 6284; Cell: + 1 (670) 483 9616/15/11;Fax:+ 1 (670) 234 6286belkatours@Dticom.com belkasaipan@mail.ru info@saipania.comwww.saipania.com

From: Sasha Co., Ltd.To: Ms. Janet NapolitanoSecretary - AppointeeU.S. Department of Homeland SecurityWashington D.C. 20528Saipan 01/13/09Dear Madam,I would like to bring to your attention my view on Russian tourism and Russian investment sectors inSaipan.The Sasha Co., Ltd. is registered and operates in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.The corporation heavily depends on the Russian market due its specialization on handling Russiantourists on Saipan and other islands of the Mariana archipelago.In our estimation our tourism division Belka Tours has around 15% of the Russian tourism market onSaipan. In 2008 calendar year Belka Tours paid to hotels for customers accommodation, meal andtransfers $950 315. In our experience an accommodation and an on-premises meal expenses consistclose to 40% of spend on Saipan money. What allows us to estimate that our Russian customersspend on Saipan close to $2.4 M.Russian tourists arriving to Saipan mostly belongs to an upper level of middle class and an upperclass of the Russian society. Those people already have established social and economical positions.Those people have demand for high class service and they are able and ready to pay for it. Thismeans that Russian tourists do not like to use cheap or unlicensed services what in its turn means thatmoney brought in by Russian tourist move via legitimate tax paying businesses. Many Saipanoperators approach to us with request provide them with Russian clients who readily pay top money.MVA, Saipan hotels and our corporation are working hard to promote Saipan and CNMI in Russia as atourism destination the major attraction of which are tropical climate in proximity to Russia, acceptabletime difference and easy access.Those factors motivate Russian visitors to look into investment projects related to real estate.In respond to this trade Sasha Co, Ltd. stepped into a few investment projects. This allowed Russianinvestors to invest in Saipan in 2008 via next Sasha Co, Ltd. divisions:1. Pacific Rim International -$913,000.002. Sasha CO.Ltd - $ 1262,000.003. Sasha International Inc. - $ 2788,000.004. Privat Investors - $ 1134,000.00Russian tourists express great interest in the Russian tourism market future in light of the comingfederalization of the CNMI immigration. It would be safe to say that more as 95% respondents saidthat they will not chose CNMI as their vacation destination if itwill require an application for the USAvisa due to very complicated procedures involved.This allow us estimate that after 01 June 2009 Sasha Co., Ltd business will suffer 95% reduction whatwill lead to immanent business shut down. The business close will make 12 people unemployed 6 ofwhich will be US citizen.On top of it I would like to add that Russian investors looking into buying or developing property forrecreational purposes. They do not tend to live on Saipan constantly. They rather would like to havesome retreat which they can attend 30-40 days at one time. The visa free short term access to theproperty would suit them very well. Without such option the attractiveness of Saipan and Marianas willbe greatly reduced. This will be transformed in a gradual Russian investments retraction.

Sincerely,Alexander VekhovPresidentSasha Co., Ltd.

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(~PACIFIC- ISLANDS

CLUB13 January 2009

Ms. Janet NapolitanoSecretary - AppointeeU.S. Department of Homeland SecurityWashington D.C. 20528Dear Ms. Napolitano,Russian tourists, although relatively small by arrival numbers, provides adisproportionate amount of revenue in terms of tourism dollars to the CNMI.Unlike many of the Japanese and Korean tourists who stay only 3 to 4 nights,Russian guests linger at their destination by 1) sight seeing through optionaltours, 2) dining at the local restaurants, 3) shopping at the many stores, 4)renting cars, 5) opting for our higher-end Deluxe, Ocean Front and Suite roomsduring their average two-week holiday, and 6) flying Business Class. We at PIChave developed an extensive loyalty guest program with Russian tourists whoreturn more than twice during the year. This last year, PIC accommodatedover 3500 guests and in November 2008, the hotel celebrated our 10,000thRussian guest!As compared to PIC's Japanese and Korean clientele, our Russian guests are notas easily impacted by the global financial instability. When they learned of thepossible end to the current Visitor Entry Permit system, more of our RepeaterGuests booked rooms so that they could travel to PIC, one of their favoritegetaways. PIC's fiscal year ends in January and we will break all records for theRussian market in terms of room nights (19,500+) and volume ($4 million).They now comprise a substantial 23% of our market mix, even surpassing ourJapanese market.Russian guests are the only ones who can truly take advantage of the "3-island,3-times the fun" motto designed by the Marianas Visitors Authority. Not onlycan they spend a day or two in Tinian, they can also see the natural beauty andcharm of Rota. Since 1996, MVA, along with hotels such as PIC and Hyatt, haveactively marketed to the Russian travel agents, Russian guests and airlines tonot only promote the destination but to lure tourists to the beautiful islands ofthe CNMI. At an estimated cost of $1.2 million and as a result of thesemarketing and promotion efforts, Russian arrivals to the CNMI has grown from atotal of 266 visitors in fiscal year 2005, to more than 6,000 visitors in fiscal U.S.

1

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year 2008. This represents a growth of more than 103 % in just a few years. InFY 2009, visitor arrivals from Russia to the CNMI continue to increase ascompared to last year.PICis a staunch supporter of the Visa Waiver Program for Russiantourists. TheCNMI'seconomy, much like the US's is in a state of shambles and another blowto tourism will undoubtedly crush the fragile economy. More jobs will be lostand more businesseswill shut down, leaving a third-world type environment toa newly USfederalized island-nation.In 2007, PICdecided to build an extensive $3.8 million wellness center / spa tocater primarily to the Russianvisitors. Most recently, the spa project hasbeenhalted and awaits the news of the DHS's Guam/CNMI visa waiver program.Should the Russiantourists be denied to accessthe CNMIwithout a USvisa, PICwill not be able to proceed with this grand-scale investment. The Japaneseand Korean tourists simply do not utilize the spa enough to erect and supportthis type of project.At this time, PICis hopeful that DHSand the CNMIofficials/businesses can workcohesively to unearth an innovative plan so as to not destroy the lucrativeRussianmarket.52 Yo C ?Kieran M. DalyGeneral Manager

Cc: Governor Benigno R. Fitial, Commonwealth of the Northern MarianasPerry J. Tenorio, Managing Director, Marianas Visitors AuthorityKD: vbP.D. BOX 502370SAIPAN, MP 96950TEL: (670) 234 - 7976FAX: (670) 234 - 6592EMAIL: kierand@picsaipan.comwww.pacificisiandsclub.com

2

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a l m s HeJanuary 14,2009Ms. Janet NapolitanoSecretary' AppointeeU.S. Department of Homeland SecurityWashington D.C. 20528

Subject: The impact of Chinese and Russian tourists on the CNMI

Dear Ms.NapolitanoPalms Resort Saipan is a 313-room hotel on the island of Saipan, Commonwealth of theNorthern Mariana Islands (CNMI). The continuously rising number of Russian andChinese tourists here in the CNMI is something that we have been positively lookingforward to. Because of our proximity to China, CNMI is fast becoming a touristdestination for the Chinese. And as for the Russians, they stay in the islands for about 7to 10 days, which contributes a big chunk to our hospitality industry.For the year 2008, our hotel has been host to approximately 6,800 Chinese and Russiantourists. Our forecast for the first three months of year 2009 is even higher than our 2008numbers.With the exclusion for the Russians and the Chinese in the single visa waiver program, theCNMI stands to lose a lot of business and will put more strain on an already strainedeconomy.We hope that the Department of Homeland Security will take into consideration thenegative impact of this to the CNMI.Thank you for your attention.

Sincerely yours,. : ~ I s q L )oGeneral Mana~

Cc: Gov. Benigno R. Fitial

P . O . B O X5 1 5 2 C H R B ,S a ip a n , M P 9 6 9 5 0 P h o n e : ( 6 1 0 ) 3 2 2 - 3 3 1 1 F A X :( 6 1 0 ) 3 2 2 - 3 1 4 4

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January 14,2009

Ms. Janet NapolitanoSecretary - AppointeeU.S. Department ofHomeland SecurityWashington, D.C. 20528

Dear Ms. Napolitano:This letter is on behalf of Pacific Subsea Saipan a USAowned business in Saipan,Northern Marianas Islands describing the concerns we have regarding impendingfederal foreign visitor visa regulations.Please allowme to giveyou a quick brief ofour company;We are a USAowned and managed company operating at Saipan for over twentyyears.Our company is the largest marine tour operator in the Commonwealth, employing31 people offeringmarine tours to our visiting guests.Our tours include the internationally recognized tourist submarine "Deepstar" andseveral other large capacity tour vessels. Over the years we have entertained overone million passengers with safe and reliable tours.Our company, a long time Marianas Visitors Bureau member has been active inpromoting tourism at Saipan. We have participated at international trade shows,fairs and other promotional events. Also an active contributor in the communityby offering school field trips aboard our vessels as well as other special culturalevents.As a pioneer in tourist submarine operations we acted in advisory roles with UnitedStates Coast Guard and American Bureau of Shipping establishing safe operatingprocedures in the specialized field of tourist submersibles and participated ininternational technical society committees.Our business is supported primarily from Asian tourists who find Saipan apleasing tropical destination relatively close to their homes for short term visits.Generally the ethnic compositions of these arriving guests at our business areJapanese, 50%, Chinese 40%, and others mostly Koreans and Russian. Very fewAmerican tourist as the travel distances and cost are too great.

PACIFIC SUBSEA SAlPAN, INC.Lower Base, Mangrove PI,PMB 672 Box 10000, Saipan, MP 96950

Tel. Office (670) 322-7734 Fax (670) 322-7735 Tel. Reservation (670) 322-7746 to 48 Fax (670) 322-4770

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Saipan has very limited local labor resources. We have made attempts to employlocally with on the job training programs in conjunction with USCG producinglicensed mariners who meet the standards for our vessels. We are pleased to saywe have been successful staffing our technical vessels.Our staff is composed of a mixture of US citizens 50% and foreign contractsemployees. Our vessel and crews operate according to Code of Federal Regulationsthrough federal authorities, USCGand ABS.We are most concern about the recent discussions to imposed regulations thatcould slow or halt the flow of tourist from China and Russia and the impact thiscould have on our small business.USAvisa approval is uncertain and time consuming for the average long weekendforeign visitor. We ask you to consider our good history with Chinese and Russianvisitors under local immigration control and develop a mixture of regulations thatsatisfy federal concerns but keep Saipan open to the strong emerging markets inAsia.We simply ask for regulations that allow us to grow our business and provideeconomic support to the local community.Please contact me at jack@saipansubmarine.com. If you have time, please visit oursub and enjoy the tour aboard Deepstar.

s,

cc: Governor Benigno Fitial, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

PACIFIC SUBSEA SAIPAN, INC.Lower Base, Mangrove PI, PMB672 Box 10000, Saipan, MP96950

Tel. Office (670) 322-7734 Fax (670) 322-7735 Tel. Reservation (670) 322-7746 to 48 Fax (670) 322-4770

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-f) Tinian ty n r f e 2 n o Y January 14, 2009

Janet NapolitanoSecretary - AppointeeUs. Department of Homeland SecurityWashington D.C 20528

Dear Secretary Napolitano,

I am writing to you on behalf of our Chairman Michael Kwan ofTinian Dynasty Hotel & Casinolocated on the island of Tinian in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands.The purpose of this letter is to ask for your kind consideration and assistance in the visa waiverprogram for Chinese tourists to visit the Northern Mariana Islands.First, please allow me to present some background information. The residents of Tinian voted toallow casino gaming in 1989 as an added attraction to promote tourism to Tinian. ChairmanKwan was the first investor to take up the challenge of building a world class 5 star resort in1996. His group of investors spent US$140 million in completing the resort hotel in 20 months.Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino opened for business on April 25, 1998.Back in 1995, 1996 and 1997, CNMI's tourism was flourishing with more than 750,000 arrivalseach year. For an investor who was interested in building a hotel in CNMI, it would seemed likea sound investment. No one could have known that the Asian Economic Crisis hit the entireregion of Asia in 1998. CNMI tourist arrival plummeted to less than 500,000 arrivals each year.A decline of more than 33%. Yet the hotel continued to survive under the most difficultcircumstances. We had to find ways to develop new markets to overcome the loss. With thesupport ofCNMI government and Marianas Visitor Authority, we began to develop the Chinamarket which has a tremendous potential to replace the declining Japanese market.

It took 3 years of hard work and planning. Finally the first charter flight from Guangzhou, Chinaarrived on April 19, 2002.Over the past 61/2years, China market represents almost 80% ofTinian Dynasty Hotel &Casino's market share. Chinese average spending per year was $745 per person in hotel roomsfood, shopping, tour activities and other miscellaneous. Based on the average of 35,000 visitorsper year, total contribution to the local economy would be $25,550,000 per year. Casino revenueaccounted for another $10 million per year. Government tax contribution was another$3,751,250 (see attached).Aggressive plans are under way to further increase arrivals from China in 2009 with additionalflights from Shanghai and Guangzhou to double the arrivals to 70,000 visitors a year. These

One Broadway, P.O. Box 468, Tioiao, MP 96952 USATelephone: (I 670)328-2233 Facsimile: (I 670)328-1133

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70,000 visitors will generate $52,150,000 into local economy and contributes $7,555,000 togovernment tax revenue.Over the past 61/2 years, Mariana Visitors Authority and Tinian Dynasty invested millions ofdollars to develop the China market and to promote CNMI as a resort destination. If the Chinesetourists are not able to visit CNMI due to requirement of a US visa, all the investment over thepast 61/2 years would be lost.Without the China market which accounts for 80% of our occupancy and 50% of the revenue,Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino may not survive the losses. When the hotel has no choice but toclose down its operation, it will undoubtedly affect the island of Tinian. We are the only resorthotel on the island since the gaming law went into effect in 1989. We offer the best privatesector employment opportunity for local residents. Our 650 employees will be out of work. IRSand CNMI government will loose their share of FICA tax and local tax collection from theseemployees. And the island of Tinian will be without her only resort hotel to accommodatetourists.The current visitor Entry Permit (VEP) program had proven to be very successful with the localImmigration Department and the Attorney General Office in control of issuing the VEP toqualified visitors. Over the past 61/2 years, more than 200,000 Chinese tourists visited CNMI.As of today, our record indicated only 1 overstay guest has not returned to China. ChairmanKwan sincerely requests your utmost consideration to develop a simplified visa regulation for theChina market to allow CNMI to continue to develop the potentially huge China market.Chairman Kwan looks forward to your favorable response and thank you in advance for yourunderstanding & cooperation.Sincerely yours,

TomLiuHotel General Manager

cc. Honorable Governor Benigno R. FtttalPerry Tenorio, Managing Directo , MVALynne Knight, Chairwoman, HANMI

One Broadway, P.O. Bo" 468, Turin, MP 96951 USATelephoae: (1670) 313-1133 Facsimile: (1670) 318-1133

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Chinese Tourist Average Spending per person per visitIn the past years:FoodRoomMiscellaneousTransferToursShomlli:!g

$180$140$70$15$140$200.00

Total $745.00 * 35,000 person =$26,075,000.00TDHC revenueTotal spendingGovernment Tax Contribution:BGRTAirport Arrival &Departure Fees -Passenger Facilities FeeFerry Passenger FeeTinian Municipality

2009 ForecastGuangzhouShanghaiAsiana/NW /Extra charter

$10,000,000.00$36,075,000.00

$36,075,000 * 5% =$1,803,750.00$11.75 * 35,000 pax = $411,250.00$4.50 * 35,000 pax =$157,500.00$2.25 * 35,000 pax =$78,750$10,000,000.00 * 13% = $1,300,000.00

70,000 person104 flight * 198 pax208 flight * 221 pax 20,59245,968

3.444TotalTDHC revenueTotalGovernment Tax Contribution:BGRTAirport Arrival &Departure Fees -Passenger Facilities FeeFerry Passenger FeeTinian Municipality

$52,150,000.000,000 * $745.00$20,000,000.00$72,150,000.00

$72,150,000 * 5% = $3,607,500.00$11.75 * 70,000 pax = $822,500.00$4.50 * 70,000 pax = $315,000.00$3.00 * 70,000 pax =$210,000.00$20,000,000.00 * 13% = $2,600,000.00

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PRACTICAL SOLUTIONSPMB 112PPP Box 10,000. Saipan, Mp. 96950. (670) 256~2277

January 14,2009

Ms. Janet NapolitanoSecretary - AppointeeU.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITYWashington, DC 20528Reference: Chinese and Russian Tourists in the CNMI Economy

Dear Ms. Napolitano:Please allow me a quick introduction. My name is Laurie Peterka, independent consultant here inthe CNMI since 1998. Prior to becoming an independent consultant, I spent four and half yearsworking directly in the tourism industry here in Saipan. In 1993, I worked at what was then theDiamond Hotel, and then moved to LOMAR CNMI, Inc, which operated several businessesincluding Hertz Rent-A-Car and the gas station on the road heading out to the airport.Between 1993-1998, I was a direct witness to what was a peak in the tourism industry and thebeginning of a slow decline. In fact, I made the decision to change my professional direction,because I could see that the tourism-slide wouldn't stop anytime soon.Here we are 10-years later. Our struggling tourism industry is working hard to continue to diversifyand to stay afloat. The Japanese market is soft and flat due to Japan's own economic struggles andthe continued decline of international outbound tourists. Korea's recent monetary crash has all buthalted any further Korean investment. The CNMI is hardly in a stable financial position to competewith surrounding area destinations with our current budgets.For the last five years, I have become an active member in the community, volunteering my time tothe Marianas Visitor's Authority and their events as well as the Northern Marianas HotelAssociation, Saipan Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club, the Northern Marianas VolleyballAssociation, and Island SK8 Society. In each and every one of these groups, we all in some way oranother do what we can to help tourism. From sitting on committees to making ourselves availableto provide talent and manpower for tourism events within the community.As an independent business consultant and entrepreneur, I am involved in several businessesincluding being a partner in a couple of tourism related businesses. We cannot afford to lose anymore tourists. Most especially, tourists that are willing to stay longer, explore and spend money inour economy.For example, Russian tourists have developed from a few tourists from Vladivostok andKhabarovsk in 1996-1998 to over 7,000 tourists from all over Russian and Kazakhstan, ten years

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PRACTICAL SOLUTIONSPMB 112PPP Box 10,000. Saipan, MP 96950. (670) 256~2277

January 14,2009DEPT OF HOMElAND SECURITYChinese and Russian Tourists in the CNMI EconomyPage 2 of2

later. The number of tourists is actually quite disproportionate to the number of room nights andrevenue they provide the CNMI in terms of straight tourism dollars. Because the Russians typicallystay for two weeks, they have a greater opportunity to visit all the shops, restaurants, optional toursand other islands (Rota, Tinian) at their leisure. Truthfully, they are the greatest spenders and stayat the higher end hotels with their families to thoroughly enjoy the sun, sand and tropical climate.They have become the ideal CNMI tourist. Should the CNMI lose this productive market, theislands' economy will inevitably disintegrate.At this point, I would guess that you get the picture. Not just from my recap above, but from themany other businesspersons here in the CNMI that have undoubtedly also written to you asking tosupport the CNMI's effort and to allow us to remain diversified with our tourism effort.In closing, please facilitate our business community's and MY A's efforts to provide specialprovisions for the Chinese and Russian tourists in the regulations that will govern who is allowed totravel to and from the CNMI. The survival of our economy depends on Homeland Security givingthe CNMI this special provision.If you have any questions or would like to discuss this subject any further, please contact me byphone (670) 483-7499 or by email atlaurie.peterka@saipan.com.Thank you kindly for taking the contents of this letter into consideration as Homeland Securitymakes its final decisions.

aurie PeterkaOwner/Consultant

xc: Governor Benigno R. FitialSaipan Chamber of CommerceHotel Association of the Northern Mariana IslandsMarianas Visitor's Authority

Page 2 of2

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CENTUR~TOURS~A TanHoldings Company

January 14,2009Governor Janet NapolitanoSecretary (Nominee)United States Department ofHomeland SecurityWashington, D.C. 20528Re: Chinese and Russian Tourism inCommonwealth of the Northern Mariana IslandsDear Governor Napolitano:The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands' economy is dependent upon aviable tourism industry. The importance of the tourism industry has been amplifiedby the recent demise of its garment manufacturing industry. The purpose of this letteris to emphasize the importance of the continuation of the CNMI Visa WaiverProgram for both Chinese and Russian tourists.Century Tours began business operations in January, 2004, with an emphasis ondeveloping the Chinese tourism market in the Commonwealth of the NorthernMariana Islands. As part of our business plan, we arranged, with the cooperation ofthe Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands' Government, charter flightsfrom the cities of Shanghai and Beijing to Saipan. As a result of these efforts,Century Tours has brought into the CNMI approximately 40,800 Chinese tourists.These Chinese tourists spend an average of $745.00 per person per trip. In 2006, weprocessed 10,904 Chinese tourists bringing in over $7,450,000.00 in revenue. Weproject that more than 31,778 Chinese tourists will visit Saipan in 2009, withprojected revenues of over $23,674,610.00. An exhibit is attached summarizing thesenumbers.A review of these numbers will show that the CNMI Visa Waiver Program plays avital role in the future success of the CNMI's tourism industry. It is respectfullyrequested that this Program be continued for both Chinese and Russian tourists.Respectfu 1 1y,

Ronald ChanCentury ToursGeneral Managercc: Governor Benigno R. Fitial

Address: SAIPAN GRAND HOTEL P.O. BOX 500369 Saipan, U.S.A Tel: +1-670-234-6601 ext.163 Fax:+1-670-2336084

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Chinese Tourist Average Spending per VisitItem Daily Revenue Total Remark

Hotel $40 180 averaqe stay 4.5 nichtsF&B $40 140 averaqe stay 3.5 daysMiscellaneous $20 70 averaqe stay 3.5 daysShopping $200 200Transfer $15 15Tours $140 140

Total Spending perPersonlTrip 745

Year Total Visitors Total Spending2006 35,000 $25,550,0002009 63,556 $46,395,880

2009 Forecast VisitorsOrigin Flight Numbers Incoming passanger 90% load Total incoming

factor per flight PassanaerGuangzhou 104 178 pax 18512Shanahai 208 200 pax 41600OZJNW/Additional charter flight 3444

63,556

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AkWORLD 7 f " . RESORTSAfPAN

January 14, 2009Ms. Jane NapolitanoSecretary - AppointeeU. S. Department of Homeland SecurityWashington D.C. 20528

Re: Importance of Chinese and Russian Tourist Markets in the CNMIDear Ms. Napolitano:SaipanWorld Resort is a family-oriented resort which offers a wide array of activities fortourist guests and local residents alike. Since the completion of our hotel's roomrenovation in 2006, the Russian market had begun to earn its merits. Each year,SaipanWorld Resort has enjoyed the tremendous increase in this market.Russian market room/night sales

Year RoomNights2006 4192007 2,0982008 5,012

6000

5000

4000

3000

2000

1000 I ' . . . , P" I ..o i ~Year 2006 Year 2007 Year 2006

The Russian market has grown very strong over the last few years as shown above.Only in January 2009, we have sold 1,236 room nights. That makes up about 23.4% ofthe month's room sales. Moreover, they are the longest staying tourist guests of anaverage of 13 room nights. Whilst they are on the island, they continue to spend, thuspumping into the economy.Without a visa waiver program for these markets, tourism in the CNMI would beadversely affected. A sudden drop of arrivals from Russia would not display the imageof a leaning tower. Rather, hotels together with other shopping and leisure outlets ofthe CNMI will suffer the collapse of a market that may also result in downsizing inemployment.

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We hope that the U.S. DHS serious consider the impacts due to the loss of thesemarkets. With garment factories phasing out of the CNMI, our islands need to resort toother resources that we have. Tourism in the CNMI plays a vital role as a traveldestination for many markets because of its tropical weather, close proximity and shorttravel time from most parts of Asia.Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the above issue.Sincerely,

Hong Chul ShinVice-President I General Managercc Benigno R. Fitial, Governor, CNMI

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BRIDGE INVESTMENT GROUP, LLCNEW YORK CIllCAGO PlllLADELPlllA WASHINGTON, DC STPETERSBURG CNMIPO BOX 8 00 TINlAN MP 96952 670 433 1111 /8888 670 433 4FAX

January 14,2009Ms. Janet NapolitanoSecretary - AppointeeU.S. Department of Homeland SecurityWashington D.C. 20528Dear Secretary-Appointee Napolitano:First of all, we would like to thank you for your time to accept written comments on theproposed economic impacts of US Federalization of the CNMI Immigration System. Wehope that you view our comments in the same concern that we do and we stronglyencourage you to personally visit the island of Tinian to see the direct negative impact toour island.Our company is a US company, comprised of 6 US Citizen Investors with the intention ofdeveloping a full scale casino-resort-condominium project on the island of Tinian. Ourestimated investment is $50 million with an estimated 500 employees and to date, wehave already invested nearly $6 million in the pre-construction development of ourproject. We have invested extensive time, effort and financial resources in developingour relationships in China and Russia in order to avail of the unique access the CNMI hadto those markets (Visa Waiver - VEP).The recent federalization of the CNMI's Immigration by the US Government and thesubsequent additional bureaucracy that federalization will place on our access to theRussian and China markets will negatively impact our business and could force ourcompany to reconsider its investment in the CNMI.We would be happy to discuss the unique economic challenges that Tinian has and thefact that currently, China comprises close to 70% of the entire tourism market for theisland. Therefore removal of access to that market would completely annihilate the microeconomy on Tinian.We invite you and your team to Tinian to investigate impacts yourself.

Sincerely,

Phillip Mendiola-LongExecutive Vice PresidentBridge Investment Group, LLC