SAIPAN — Day 22 of Sinlaku recovery brought a wave of developments across the Marianas Monday, from a murder arrest in Garapan to extended administrative leave, ongoing fire response, port disruptions and continued community-led relief.
Government
Governor David M. Apatang extended administrative leave for non-essential Executive Branch employees through Friday, May 8, citing 49% Saipan water restoration. Normal austerity hours resume Monday, May 11. Timekeepers are still required to submit timesheets to keep payroll on track.
The CNMI Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management asked residents to separate Sinlaku debris into six categories for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers curbside pickup. Categories include vegetative, construction and demolition, sheet metal, household hazardous waste, electronics and appliances. Household trash continues to follow regular pickup. USACE crews will not pick up household trash.
The CNMI Government detailed the S.T.R.O.N.G. tent program, which provides free emergency housing for residents whose homes were left uninhabitable. Applications are submitted at the Saipan or Tinian Mayor’s Office along with a Right of Entry form.
Public safety
The CNMI Department of Public Safety arrested and charged BinWei Zhang Secharmidal, also known as “Joe Secharmidal,” 33, of Garapan with murder in the death of 45-year-old Sheldon Kaianoa, also of Garapan. The case remains under active investigation. Anyone with information can contact the DPS Criminal Investigation Bureau at 670-664-9000.
The CNMI Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services battled a deep-seated trash fire in Lower Base Saturday, the second of the day. PIO Robert Mojica said the department has hit critical levels for fire and medical response. The S.T.R.O.N.G. tent setup team was pulled to fight the blaze. Mojica’s message to the public: “Please, please, please no burning. Everything is in a very delicate state.”
Ports and infrastructure
The Commonwealth Ports Authority issued Port Update 19. Tinian Airport is again without power after FEMA generator issues and remains open for humanitarian flights only. The Port of Saipan installed a backup generator and is assessing dock lights for night operations. Saipan Airport remains daytime only as FAA assesses navigational aid damage. Rota West Harbor cargo operations are suspended at Berths 1 and 2 by U.S. Coast Guard order. The Port of Tinian is at Port Heavy Weather Condition Whiskey but remains open.
Commonwealth Utilities Corporation crews are repairing water leaks, replacing damaged pipes, pumping wet wells to prevent sanitary overflows, and maintaining wastewater treatment plants. Crews are also cleaning and greasing clarifier mechanisms and clearing lift station bar screens.
Weather
NWS Guam meteorologist Landon Aydlett said new Invests 92W and 93W will not threaten the Marianas, but strong trades and dry conditions are setting up dangerous wildfire conditions through midweek. The strongest winds are expected Wednesday through Thursday. Saipan Airport sustained winds were running 20 to 25 mph east Monday morning.
Health
Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. WIC Clinic phone lines went down Monday afternoon and were later restored. Updated contact numbers are 670-664-4084 and 670-236-8741.
The Lucia Chiang Villagomez Arizapa Health Center was temporarily closed Monday. The emergency room remained open at 670-285-9342.
The Saipan Humane Society announced its weekly vet schedule at Casa Marianas, the former Gold Beach Hotel. Virtual vet visits are available Monday and Tuesday and in-person vet visits are available Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vaccines and flea and tick preventive medication are running low.
Tourism and economy
The Marianas Visitors Authority outlined a three-phase tourism recovery framework. Managing Director Jamika R. Taijeron said many hotels are in restoration and those that are operational are prioritizing emergency responders. The agency will move forward with assessment and stabilization, communication and confidence building, and measured reactivation.
Tinian Ice and Water Bottling Co. limited production of purified ice and water to daytime hours due to increased fuel costs. The company said overall supply available to the community will be reduced until island-wide electricity service is restored on Tinian, which remains 100% without commercial power.
Community
STAR Marianas Air President Shaun Christian shared a Facebook message from Tinian on the weight of recovery and thanked his teams across Tinian, Saipan, Guam and Rota.
The NMI News Service Show Us The Good campaign featured three Saipan stories. Lorraine Ada went “full combat mode” delivering goody bags to families across Saipan. Princess Lani Gafa, a native Samoan based in Portland, organized a relief drive with Dropship Marianas to help stateside families send items to loved ones on Saipan. Lao Market on Saipan offered free public charging to residents during ongoing power outages, with the shopkeeper saying she wants to help the community.
In memoriam
NMI News Service joined family and friends in mourning the passing of Carl James Ogo Hocog, “Kaling,” July 28, 1976 to April 30, 2026. The family announced daily mass schedules at Kristo Rai Parish and San Francisco de Borja Church.
Full coverage
Full stories on each item are available at nminewsservice.com.