Imperial Pacific International (IPI), the beleaguered casino operator in Saipan, is navigating a complex legal landscape as it seeks to dismiss a lawsuit against the Commonwealth Casino Commission (CCC) and CNMI Governor Arnold I. Palacios. Concurrently, negotiations for a settlement are in progress, resulting in the postponement of a critical license revocation hearing.
Lawsuit Dismissal Request:
IPI has approached the federal court seeking the dismissal of a lawsuit it filed against the CCC and Governor Palacios. The complaint alleged a breach of the Casino License Agreement, aiming for exemption from regulatory fees and restitution for past payments. The court has granted IPI’s request to dismiss the complaint without prejudice, indicating an ongoing effort to resolve the issues through settlement talks.
Postponement of License Revocation Hearing:
The license revocation hearing, initially scheduled for January 31, has been postponed for the third time, now rescheduled for February 12. IPI’s failure to meet regulatory fee obligations led to the suspension of its license in 2021, making the impending revocation hearing a critical juncture in the company’s future.
Regulatory Fee Payment Issues:
A central point of contention is IPI’s failure to pay regulatory fees in recent years. This non-compliance prompted the CCC to suspend the casino operator’s license, triggering a series of legal actions. The outcome of the license revocation hearing hinges on IPI’s ability to address and rectify these financial obligations.
Settlement Negotiations:
Amidst the legal battles, settlement negotiations are underway, with CCC Executive Director Andrew Yeom expressing optimism about a meaningful resolution in February. The fact that IPI has taken the initiative to dismiss its civil claims suggests a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue for a potential resolution.
Imperial Pacific International’s ongoing challenges in Saipan reflect the complexities of regulatory compliance and legal disputes within the casino industry. The dismissal of the lawsuit and the postponement of the license revocation hearing underscore the delicate balance between regulatory enforcement and the operator’s efforts to resolve financial obligations. As settlement talks continue, the February timeline becomes crucial in determining the future course for IPI and its operations in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.