August 6, 2004

Ms. Gale Norton
Secretary, Department of Interior
Main Interior Building
1849 "C" Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20240

Dear Ms. Norton:

On behalf of the members of the United Northern Mariana Islanders Association (UNMIA), I would like to wish you a warm Hafa Adai and Tirow.

Please allow me this short introduction of our organization. UNMIA is comprised of former residents of the 10 islands north of Saipan, as well as like-mind friends who share our concerns and interests in living in the Northern Islands. The lifestyle that members of our organization used to enjoy was a simple lifestyle that was a lot closer to our island roots. This lifestyle abruptly ended and has been out of our grasps since Mt. Pagan’s eruption in 1981 caused the vast relocation of the Northern Islands population to Saipan. Through the years, we have voiced our our sentiments to return home, but we were often told that safety concerns made our requests virtually impossible. We have a genuine opportunity now with Governor Babauta’s serious commitment and efforts to advance this cause.

Ms. Norton, our Governor will be meeting with you and/or your staff shortly. Governor Babauta carries with him our pleas for your assistance in helping us obtain much-needed funding to immediately install the safety-monitoring devices needed for the Northern Islands. We understand that it would cost about $7 million dollars to install such instruments and about $500,000 annually in maintenance. We strongly believe that safety is and should be of paramount concern. We know that the safety of its citizens is something that our Federal Government shares with our local Government. That is why we appeal to you to please help us secure funding now.

Thank you for this opportunity to address this very important issue.

Sincerely,

Cinta M. Kaipat
President
UNITED NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDERS ASSOCIATION

Cc: The Honorable Governor Juan N. Babauta, CNMI

Mr. Charles G. Groat, Director, U.S. Dept. of Interior, U.S.G.S.

Dr. P. Patrick Leahy, Associate Director for Geology, U.S.G.S.

Dr. James Quick, Program Coordinator, U.S.G.S.