The CNMI's two commuter airliners made their case before senators on why their services are critical to the islands amid ongoing litigation and a terminated federally funded contract.

Acting Secretary of Commerce Joseph Rios said, "Anywhere we can have competing interest between two entities benefits the greater populous." Regional airline issues went under the NMI Senate's microscope Wednesday in a hearing where lawmakers peppered executives, the Commonwealth Ports Authority, and Marianas Visitors Authority with questions about recent turbulence.

Shaun Christian, Star Marianas president, added, "We have had a difficult, I would say, relationship with the ports authority."

Star Marianas offering their side amid ongoing legal challenges related to landing fees and airport rates. The four hour meeting began with a back and forth between Star Marianas and CPA, which declined to respond directly to due to ongoing litigation.

Marianas Southern Airways also is seeking a course correction after their $8 million American Rescue Plan federally funded contract was terminated by Gov. Arnold Palacios due to a lack of funds. They're still waiting to hear from the administration.

William Giles, vice president of Marianas Southern Airways, said, "It is just the complete neglect of a response from anyone...We're ready to talk to anybody lets at least have the dialog."

MSA said the recent termination has painted a gloomy picture for future airline investors and MSA will remain on island if the CNMI wants it here. Rota and Tinian mayors made the need for both airlines clear.

Mayor of Rota Aubry Hocog said, "Our residents have to travel to seek medical care because we do not have the resources or the facilities ot address their medical concerns on Rota." And Tinian mayor Edwin Aldan noted, "Some of these people that work on Tinian now, they do not stay on Tinian, they stay on Saipan and they commute every day."

The contradiction seems to be that the NMI government wants to revive the economy amid a deficit, but inter island airliners are not receiving the support from the government to be a critical economic bridge -- as a result ticket prices have skyrocketed and residents, especially from Rota and Tinian, end up carrying the burden amid potential threats of current business shutting down or no future investments because of the toxic environment.

Lawmakers say they want to help find more funding sources outside of the local budget and lead stakeholders to common ground.

Sen. Edith Deleon Guerrero, the CNMI Senate president, said, "The CNMI can not afford any further litigation on any matter."