Kite Runner investigation recommends trio be charged

Apia, SAMOA — An investigation by American Samoa's Department of Homeland Security into a cross-border trip by Pago Pago boat Kite Runner to Samoa has recommended the charging of three officials.

The investigation confirmed the certificate of clearance (COC) for the Kite Runner in the territory was on hold at that time, but the boat left for Samoan waters in April this year without proper clearance.

A copy of the report authored by the ASDHS was obtained by the Samoa Observer and revealed there were three people on the boat when it left American Samoa for Samoa, and when it returned to the U.S. territory it took an extra passenger confirming four people returned.

The 45-page report authored by the ASDHS contains interviews with multiple officials in the territory including the captain and crew member of the Kite Runner.

It recommends that two ASG employees who signed after the fact clearances for the vessel be charged. It also recommends that the individual who requested the late clearance for the vessel be prosecuted.

Read more at The Observer