Fono opens 3rd Regular Session of the 37th Legislature today

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — While American Samoa’s Legislative branch has announced it will be back in session this week, District Court Judge Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde stated that the District Court would follow the same procedures observed under the COVID-19 emergency declaration issued in 2020.

LEGISLATURE

In a Mar. 11 letter to senators and representatives, Senate President Tuaolo M. Fruean and Speaker of the House Savali Talavou Ale commended lawmakers for the hard work they’re doing for their districts.

“During these unprecedented times, we are faced with challenges that have tested our courage and resolve. The pandemic has breached the security of our islands and the uncertainty of how we now live with the virus halted daily activities,” the letter says.

“Unfortunately, our people have proven to be resilient and in the face of these trials, our faith, determination and a high level of cooperation have allowed for a swift return to normalcy.”

In accordance with the Governor’s Memorandum on Mar. 7, Fono leaders agreed to reconvene the 3rd Regular Session of the 37th Legislature on Monday, Mar. 14 at 10 in the morning.

 Meanwhile, COVID-19 confirmed positives recorded at LBJ Medical Center reveal eleven of them are hospital employees, including four physicians, according to Dr. Akapusi Ledua, acting chief of staff, during last Friday’s virtual news conference The infected doctors are from ER, OB/Family Planning, Eye Clinic and Internal Medicine.

Several lawmakers raised concerns with the continuing community spread of the virus.

One lawmaker says that according to the advice of Epidemiologists on island from the US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, the omicron variant had changed the dynamics of COVID vaccinations.

“Now we hear from our local health officials that while test results from Hawaii to determine if the omicron variant is now spreading in the territory are still pending, they strongly suspect it’s omicron and it’s something we all should be aware of,” another lawmaker said.

DISTRICT COURT

District Court Judge, Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde issued an emergency order in response to the Department of Health’s most recent information.

The 2-page order that was issued last Thursday states that the District Court proceedings would follow the same procedures observed under the COVID-19 emergency declaration issued in 2020.

In addition, all cases, which were issued with court appearance scheduled fror Feb. 22, 2022 through Mar. 11, 2022 are subject to the following.

1.         Default judgments shall be entered, except for uniform citations set fourth in paragraph 2 below. Standard published fines shall be assessed plus an additional $10 fee for all litter and traffic citations. All court costs shall be waived. Upon timely request, any such default may be set aside without bond and scheduled for initial appearance on the Court’s next available calendar.

2.         All uniform citations for misdemeanor traffic offenses involving accidents resulting in property damage or personal injury, reckless driving, or leaving the scene of an accident, shall be rescheduled for initial appearance on the Court’s next available calendar.

An updated notice listing the Court’s next available calendar dates for all such uniform citations will be posted outside the High Court and District Court buildings by March 21, 2022.

Except for the procedures set forth herein, all other procedures set forth under previous emergency orders shall remain in full force and effect.