top of page

​Scenic drive and towering cliffs of northern Saipan.

Video courtesy of

Rommel Buenaflor

Statement from the NMI Judiciary on the Passing of Lino M. Olopai

Saipan, CNMI – It is with great sadness that the NMI Judiciary learned of the passing of Lino M. Olopai. Lino lived a life dedicated to cultural education and public service, and his contributions to the Commonwealth will be long remembered.

Mr. Lino M. Olopai (fourth from the left), one of the Fiyóng panelists, is shown with Moderator Catherine R. Perry and fellow panel members Melvin L. O. Faisao, Manuel Mangarero, Ramon A. Tebuteb, and Cecilio Raikiulipy, as well as Supreme Court Justices and Superior Court Judges. (October 6, 2023)
Mr. Lino M. Olopai (fourth from the left), one of the Fiyóng panelists, is shown with Moderator Catherine R. Perry and fellow panel members Melvin L. O. Faisao, Manuel Mangarero, Ramon A. Tebuteb, and Cecilio Raikiulipy, as well as Supreme Court Justices and Superior Court Judges. (October 6, 2023)

 

Throughout his life, Mr. Olopai had a passion for sharing his knowledge of culture and traditions with the community. He served as a panelist at the inaugural Customs, Traditions, and the Law Fiyóng Kombetsasion during the Judiciary’s 3rd Annual Commonwealth Cultural Day in 2023. During that event, Mr. Olopoi shared meaningful insights with students and other attendees on how Refaluwasch customs and traditions intersect with the judicial system.

 

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Lino Olopai,” said Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro. “He was a respected cultural leader whose wisdom and commitment to preserving our traditions enriched our community and strengthened understanding between culture and the law. We honor his life, his dedication to preserving culture, and the meaningful example he set for those who will carry his work forward.”

 

Our sympathy goes out to his family.

As a distinguished panelist, Mr. Lino M. Olopai emphasized the importance of Refaluwasch customs and traditions within the judicial system during the Customs, Traditions, and the Law Fiyóng Kombetsasion at the Judiciary’s 3rd Annual Commonwealth Cultural Day. (October 6, 2023)
As a distinguished panelist, Mr. Lino M. Olopai emphasized the importance of Refaluwasch customs and traditions within the judicial system during the Customs, Traditions, and the Law Fiyóng Kombetsasion at the Judiciary’s 3rd Annual Commonwealth Cultural Day. (October 6, 2023)


2026-PR-05

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 30, 2026


This press release has been prepared by court staff for the convenience of the public. For further information, contact the Supreme Court at Supreme.Court@NMIJudiciary.gov

bottom of page