Governor appoints TCF assessment task force

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Governor Pulaali'i N. Pula says recent events at the Tafuna Correctional Facility (TCF) have made clear that action must be taken to improve TCF and in a memorandum issued Friday, August 21, 2025, the governor created the Correctional Facility Assessment Task Force (CFATF) with the following members.

• Chief Prosecutor, Talaimalo Uiagalelei

• Public Defender, Fuimaono Asaua

• Governor's Representative, Earl Mokoma, Legal Policy Advisor

• Representative of the Department of Public Safety (Designated by the Commissioner)

• Representative of the Department of Public Works (Designated by the Director)

• Department of Health (Designated by the Director)

• Criminal Justice Planning Agency, Dr. Celestine Faumuina-Nix

• Department of Corrections (Designated by the Director)

The Governor's Representative is designated as the Chairman of the CATF. The CATF shall research, investigate, and report to the Governor on the following timeline:

• August 28, 2025 - initial data and immediate actions

• September 19, 2025 - result of immediate actions, possible legislative requests, diversion options, and interim corrective action

• October 31, 2025 - final written report with specific recommendations including specific funding requests and source of funds, draft legislation and/or executive orders (if necessary), immigration reforms, collaboration on diversion programs, alternatives to incarceration, and any other recommendations that will create a well-run, sustainable Territorial Correction Facility.