CTC denied zoning variance to lease government land in Vailoa

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The residents of Vailoa and Leone near Leone High School breathed a collective sigh of relief, after the Zoning Board recently denied Continental Transport Corporation’s (CTC) application for a zoning variance to lease government land in Vailoa, the former site of the old WVUV radio station.

CTC, a locally owned general construction company, had been based in Fogagogo, near the Maliu Mai Beach Resort, for more than a decade. However, its lease at that location recently expired, and the company was not granted an extension.

Apart from general construction services, the company specializes in a wide range of operations including the production, retail, hauling, and storage of cinders, sand, rock aggregates, and other construction materials. It also offers laboratory testing for construction materials, rental of heavy equipment, repair and maintenance of trucks and heavy machinery, and the manufacture of concrete batches.

The proposed site for CTC’s operations is a parcel of land locally referred to as the “Airstrip.”

The name “Airstrip” traces back to the historic World War II-era Leone Airfield, constructed by the U.S. Navy and completed on September 30, 1943. The airfield was abandoned in early 1945 due to turbulent wind conditions and limited use.

Today, the remnants of the old runway form a flat corridor through Leone, encompassing landmarks such as Leone High School, Midkiff Elementary School, and the former WVUV-AM radio station, hence the enduring nickname “Airstrip.”

During the Zoning Board meeting held on Thursday, August 14, 2025, three residents from Leone, Vailoa, and Taputimu voiced strong opposition to CTC’s zoning variance application and its proposed operations in the area.

"I do not agree and I am one hundred percent against a construction company seeking to establish a quarry near a residential area and in close proximity to a local high school attended by many students, including my own son," said one very concerned Taputimu resident.

"Not to mention the Police Substation, District Health Center and the Leone Midkiff Elementary School! The proposal raises significant concerns among residents due to the environmental, health, and safety risks associated with quarry operations, particularly the impacts of dust, noise, heavy machinery traffic, and potential water or land contamination.

"What is especially troubling is that many local residents, including families living near the proposed site, were not properly informed or consulted about this project.

“There appears to have been a lack of transparency and community engagement, leaving the public unaware and without a fair opportunity to ask questions or raise objections before leases were signed or actions taken.

"This lack of public notice undermines trust in the decision-making process and raises serious concerns about how community welfare and environmental impacts are being considered, or overlooked, in favor of private or commercial interests."

Another resident who attended the meeting expressed concern that Zoning Board Chairman Faipule Manumaua Wayne Wilson attempted to exclude him, claiming the session was a closed Zoning Board meeting. The resident wishes to remain anonymous.

However, the resident who is an American citizen, firmly asserted his right to participate. He informed the Chairman that, like the other two residents present, he intended to provide testimony regarding the CTC zoning variance application. He emphasized that as a member of the local community directly impacted by the proposed variance, he was entitled to voice his perspective and share his concerns.

“The Chairman’s demeanor was intimidating and completely unprofessional,” the resident remarked. “Of all people, I expected him to respect the voices of those who would be directly affected by the proposed CTC operations.

He continued, “The government lots that CTC is seeking to lease are positioned right in the heart of a sensitive area, bordered by residential homes on one side, and flanked by two public schools and government offices on the other. Just imagine the constant noise and dust from quarrying activities, not to mention the heavy traffic from trucks and machinery. It’s not just disruptive, it’s dangerous and irresponsible.”

He stated, “It appears the Zoning Board is more focused on facilitating commercial development than protecting the interests of the residents. Their priority should be ensuring that families living near these proposed sites are not exposed to harmful consequences from industrial operations.

“The community deserves transparency, accountability, and a genuine commitment to public welfare, not decisions that favor business interests at the expense of our health and safety.”

He revealed that he would have remained unaware of the CTC variance application had it not been for Zoning Board member Jim McGuire, who personally informed him of the proposal.

McGuire also brought the issue to the attention of Leone High School Principal, Leo’o Dr. Patrick Danielson, prompting the principal to submit a formal letter to the Zoning Board expressing strong opposition to the quarry project.

In an exclusive interview, McGuire, currently serving as Acting Zoning Board Chairman in place of Rep. Manumaua Wayne Wilson, who is off-island, confirmed that he had spoken directly with Dr. Danielson regarding the matter.

This conversation followed after McGuire received notification from Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde, stating that the government would not approve the lease of the land for commercial use unless the Zoning Board granted the requested variance.

Acting Zoning Board Chairman Jim McGuire announced that he will be meeting with the Secretary of Samoan Affairs and the Western District Governor to address growing concerns over the lack of public transparency surrounding commercial lease proposals on government-owned land.

McGuire emphasized the importance of keeping nearby residents informed, particularly those living in close proximity to properties targeted by commercial operators.

“Before any zoning variance application is approved, there needs to be a thorough feasibility study,” he stated. “That’s not just responsible, it’s the right thing to do.”