It seems Imperial Pacific International (IPI) continues to be unable to fulfill its legal and financial obligations responsibly. This won’t come as a surprise to anyone who has been following the antics of the company, which has repeatedly shirked its duties and tried to circumvent established laws. The latest twist in the drama that has been underway for the past several years comes via the Department of Public Works (DPW) of the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), which has ordered IPI to halt work at the Imperial Palace “immediately.”

According to Mariana Variety, the DPW issued its notice today. The news follows rumors from a few days ago that the department could bring the Imperial Palace construction to a halt over IPI’s failure to comply with certain building safety code regulations, which IPI stated were nothing more than “administrative” issues. However, with the DPW ordering work to be stopped, it appears that there may be other issues going on, as well.

 The DPW states that IPI is in violation of “Building Safety Code, Public Law 6-45, 2 CMC §7101.” It added, “Pursuant to IBC §§107 & 107.4 and NMIAC §155-10.1-145. Suspend all work from Levels 3-14 until shop drawings and revised plans (i.e. amended set of construction documents) are submitted to and approved by the building safety officer.” Even more disturbing is another remark made by the department, which reads, “Pursuant to IBC §1703. Suspend all welding work until special inspectors are on board and approved by the building safety officers.”

IPI can’t resume construction until the two items are addressed satisfactorily, and any refusal to comply could result in civil penalties or fines. Only the DPW’s Building Safety Division has the authority to rescind the order, according to the DPW statement.