Bunitan Tasi Act

Bill: 111-hr-4493
Sponsor: Del. Bordallo, Madeleine Z. [D-GU-At Large]
Introduced: 2010-01-21 in the House
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Advisory bodies
Aquatic ecology
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Government buildings, facilities, and property
Guam
Indian lands and resources rights
Intergovernmental relations
Marine and coastal resources, fisheries
Monuments and memorials
Northern Mariana Islands
Travel and tourism
U.S. territories and protectorates
Wilderness and natural areas, wildlife refuges, wild rivers, habitats
Wildlife conservation and habitat protection

Summary:
action_date: 2010-01-21
text: 
Marianas Trench Marine National Monument Management Enhancement Act of 2010 or Bonitan Tasi - Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and of Commerce to treat the government of Guam as a cooperating agency and as substantially similar to the government of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, including in: (1) the implementation of management plans and management regulations affecting the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument; (2) the identification of indigenous persons for whom traditional access for cultural and religious uses within the National Monument is otherwise required; (3) carrying out a comprehensive program to assess and promote National Monument-related living and non-living natural resource exploration and research, tourism, and recreational and economic opportunities; and (4) the appointment of the members of the Mariana Monument Advisory Council.
 
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) expand and enhance visitor services programs at Guam National Wildlife Refuge; and (2) initiate the comprehensive program. Permits, under the expansion and enhancement of such programs and the comprehensive program, the inclusion of activities for: (1) improvement of the conservation of coral reef ecosystems of Guam; and (2) construction or lease of a facility for a multipurpose center in Guam to facilitate marine and coastal fish and wildlife research and conservation, to facilitate environmental education, and to preserve specified natural and historical artifacts and information. 

action_date: 2010-05-18
text: 
Bunitan Tasi Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce to treat the government of Guam as a cooperating agency with responsibilities and roles similar to the government of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, including with respect to membership on the Mariana Monument Advisory Council. 
 
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) enhance visitor services programs at Guam National Wildlife Refuge; and (2) initiate a comprehensive program to facilitate natural resource exploration and research, as well as encourage tourism, recreation, and economic opportunities to build public awareness and appreciation of the natural resources under the jurisdiction of the Interior and Commerce Departments. 
 
Permits, under the enhancement of such programs and the comprehensive program, the inclusion of activities for: (1) enhanced resource management, research, and visitor services programs for the promotion and interpretation of the fish and wildlife resources of Guam, including activities to improve the conservation of coral reef ecosystems and activities to conserve Guam's marine resources; and (2) the facilitation of environmental education for students on Guam in partnership with the University of Guam, Guam Community College, and the Guam Department of Education. 
 
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to accept and spend donated funds and use donated property or services from private persons and entities or from public entities to carry out this Act.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2010-05-18
text: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 275.
action_date: 2010-05-18
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 111-484.
action_date: 2010-05-18
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 111-484.
action_date: 2010-05-05
text: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
action_date: 2010-05-05
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2010-05-05
text: Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife Discharged.
action_date: 2010-02-25
text: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
action_date: 2010-01-25
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife.
action_date: 2010-01-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
action_date: 2010-01-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2010-01-21
text: Introduced in House