Kite Runner was a "pleasure boat" and therefore did not require inspection by officials, Samoa's Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure says

Apia, SAMOA —  Responding to questions from the Samoa Observer, Samoa's Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure Olo Fiti Vaai said on Friday that his Ministry's involvement in the entry of the American Samoan-registered boat only related to inspections at the Matautu port and whether ministry officials did their work.

This newspaper was initially tipped off by government officials that Minister's office was also involved in getting the paperwork and therefore queried the minister to verify the information. 

Olo said the boat in question, Kite Runner is registered in American Samoa as "a pleasure boat" and therefore there was no need for it to be inspected.

When asked to explain the process of getting clearance or permission for vessels to enter Samoa, Olo said, "Generally, the MWTI only needs to be notified of any incoming vessel beforehand. 

"MWTI does not issue clearance or permits for vessels to be able to dock in Samoa. However, following relevant inspections and checks by all relevant authorities at the port for incoming vessels, it is then the MWTI's responsibility to monitor every vessel’s movement while traveling in Samoan waters.

Read more at The Observer