text: sound laws and policies responsive to local needs and conditions fostering economic growth. 66. Construction had begun on the Commonwealth Health Center, which was scheduled to open in 1986. Also, recruitment was under way for key hospital management and medical positions. Expenditures for off-island medical referrals were expected to decrease as a result of enhanced medical services. 67. Inadequate water service continued to plague the Northern Mariana Islands, despite the tapping of additional sources and installation of a 20-million gallon rain water catchment system. To meet United States drinking water standards, the Government was replacing the aging water systems, for which it hoped the Administering Authority would continue providing funds. It also hoped that the United States would assist it in correcting the chronic power outages affecting Saipan and Rota. 68. The Special Representative stated that steps must also be taken to expand and deepen harbours and to rebuild dock facilities and road systems which continued t0 deteriorate because of lack of funds. Although tourism was the major industry of the Northern Mariana Islands many tour ships were reluctant to make Saipan a Port -lO- of call because of the neglected dock facilities. Plans for the construction of a major hotel facility had been announced and several existing hotels were expanding their facilities. The Government of the Northern Mariana Islands was concerned that the proposed developments would strain an already overburdened infrastructure and was therefore encouraging developers to provide back-up utility systems. 69. The Special Representative stated that on 1 January 1985, the United States tax code had been made fully applicable to the Northern Mariana Islands. His Government, which had consistently maintained that locally designed tax laws were better suited to the uniaue circumstances of its small island econqmy, had reached a tentative understanding with the United States on alternative tax treatment to 
analysis: The text discusses the development of the Northern Mariana Islands, focusing on the construction of infrastructure, economic growth, and the improvement of services such as healthcare and water supply. It also touches on the tourism industry and the need for infrastructure development to support it. The text does not explicitly mention education, agriculture, forestry, or fishing, and humanitarian aid and relief. Science and technology are not explicitly mentioned, but the text does discuss the need for alternative tax treatment. Culture is not mentioned at all.