The mayor of Tinian in the Northern Marianas says proposed United States military training there would take a toll on tourism and development.
Unai Dankulo beach on the east side of Tinian Island Photo: Kajikawa Yosiaki
Joey San Nicolas said Tinian relies heavily on tourism.
He said the proposed live fire exercises are unlike anything the island has seen before and would completely change the landscape on the northern part of the island.
Mr San Nicolas said concerns about their environmental impact have already been raised by developers.
"I know of at least one of the developers submitting their comments in opposition to the plan," he said.
"But I think any developer that wants to come here wants to make sure that we don't have anything that would really have a negative impact on our environment."